Megan Walker 2017 Portfolio

Portfolio 2017 Megan Walker Staff Writer

Cover Letter Megan Walker 34707 N Ridgeway Drive Carefree, AZ 85377 (239)-331-6911 Megan.mercedes.walker@gmail.com Dear Mr. Ripert,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the chef at Le Bernardin. I am currently a student at he San Diego Culinary Institute and will be graduating in 2023 with a degree in Culinary and Pastry Arts. I'm very interested in joining your team and applying my creativity and focus to an impressive restaurant like Le Bernardin.

I believe that my academic background and training has prepared me perfectly this position.

While a student at the San Diego Culinary Institute, I had the opportunity to learn a number of valuable skills such as Attention to Detail, since cooking is a science, a chef needs to be very precise. Every ingredient and measurement must be exact. Business Sense, a good chef is also a good businessman or woman. He or she should always be thinking about how to make delicious food while also being costeffective. Cleanliness, chefs need to know how to keep the kitchen sanitary. This is very important in a restaurant, where unsanitary conditions can affect the quality of the food, and can even force a restaurant to shut down. Creativity While Working, the food industry requires creativity, and chefs must be open to the idea of putting new foods into menus, and improving older recipes. Creativity and imagination will keep customers coming back to a restaurant. Culinary Expertise is the most important hard skill, chefs need to have the ability to cook, as well as knowledge of the kitchen. They also need to be skilled at recognizing flavors, and judging the balance of seasonings. Fast-Paced Decision Making, a chef should be able to make decisions quickly and efficiently.The kitchen is a fast-paced environment, and a chef has to make numerous decisions at once. Teamwork Oriented, a chef is part of a team, and must be able to work well with others. The skills that I learned and now posses will undoubtedly contribute to my success in this role.

I look forward to making an impact at Le Bernardin right away. I look forward to hearing from you and further discussing this great opportunity. Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely, Megan Walker

Resume Megan Walker 34707 N Ridgeway Drive Carefree, AZ 85377 (239)-331-6911 Megan.mercedes.walker@gmail.com Objective The skills that need to be possessed in order to be a successful chef are not possessed by most people trying to explore the careers in the culinary world. Through my experiences with cooking and baking I have learned many of the necessary skills that a chef must have. I believe that the unique creativity, focus, and hard work that I posses can bring energy to your restaurant that no other person could bring.

Education Cactus Shadows High School 2015 to Present GPA: 4.3 Achievements Drama Club: 2015 to Present Newspaper Writer: 2016 to Present Chinese Club: 2016 to Present, soon to be Presdient ASU Student Summer Program at the ASU Honors College: Summer of 2014 ASU Chinese Immersion Startalk Program: Summer of 2017 Soon to be inducted into the Spanish Honor Society and Quill and Scroll Honor Society for journalism.

Two languages taken at school (Chinese and Spanish) Volunteer Work/Work Experience Desert Foothills Library: 3 hours every Tuesday 2013 to 2014 Babysitting: 2011 to Present Baseball Concession Stand: 2014 to 2016 at Cactus Shadows High School Dishwasher at the English Rose Tearoom References Mary Phillips: (239)-877-3183 Robin Johnson: (425)-591-9230

Reflection #1

During the semester, I learned a lot about working on things that you are good at rather than stressing and struggling on something you're not good at. When writers were choosing articles to write in April, I tried to choose the sideboard for the paper because I'm much better at researching and converting that information into an info graphic. This can help me with any designs I have to do in the future. I learned that I am good at designing on Canva, I also learned that I needed to work on my organization skills in my writing when I worked on that global warming opinion article.

Another important concept that I learned while taking this class was the importance of time management in order to meet deadlines. I have always struggled with time managing because I am in extreme procrastinator, but this class has taught me how to time manage in a certain way, so I can follow my schedule. For example, well I was organizing the pictures and interviews for the top 10 on the senior pages in the May issue, I had a defined schedule for every picture an interview with only a little to do each day rather than simply trying to get it done as fast as possible in a few days. By keeping myself organized and splitting up work evenly between the days I had I was able to finish the top 10 very easily and in a good amount of time.

In the world of journalism there are relationships between writers and editors and I learned a lot about that teamwork this semester. I gained experience in the field, but also in my communication skills as a team. I think I worked well with my editors and fellow writers this year and working together made putting the paper together much easier, for example when Izzy needed help to get interviews, I helped her find people to talk to and she was able to finish her article on time which helped her editor as well.

“I am really happy that I got to have so much fun this year with my editors and friends.�

I would've liked to know my fellow writers a bit more, so I could work more comfortably with them though. Really getting to know them at the beginning of the year and at the beginning of second semester would've been great. We did a fantastic job this year at respecting each other's opinions and working together to make very well written pro and con opinion articles, but we didn't do a good job at working with different people this year, we kind of all just stuck with our friend group. With the help of more experienced people in the class I learned about journalism ethics. I know that it is very important to stay objective in non-opinion articles, so that people can draw their own conclusions. Also, it is important to stay honest because, just like in any other aspect of life, people need to know the truth and line will only take the image of journalism.

I a ejoyed my time as a writer on the staff this year, I was definitely a dedicated staff member this year because I really try to improve my writing to help the paper and get help for my editors to make sure I wrote in the specific format they needed on their page. Also, I wanted to help my editors in another way, so I brought food that was home cooked for every production day. For example, for each paper the semester I made my drafts for my articles the first priority above all other homework and schoolwork, so that I could stay on top of what I needed to do for the paper.

This semester I learned more than I did last semester, I had a hard time with getting things done, but now I have a better time management skills that I can use in almost every aspect of my life. If I start to procrastinate constantly again I can look back and remember what I did to break that habit in this class.

My greatest weakness the semester was staying levelheaded and not completely on objective when writing an opinion article, and I could always try to use evidence from proven sources rather than saying a strong opinion with nothing to back it up. In the future, I hope to stay levelheaded and a bit objective with my opinions by seeing and trying to understand both sides of an argument or opinion.

Reflection #2 SPORTS

J

By MEGAN WALKER g staff writer

UMPING on the sad-

dle, and pulling on the reins, students show their skills and connection to horses outside of school in the very old exercise filled activity, horseback riding.

HISTORY OF THE HORSE

Scientists discovered that horses were first ridden by people roughly 5,500 years ago and has continued to be used for different reasons as time went on. The initial use for horses was hunting and transportation and that is what they were used for in the majority of history.

Though today, horses are used in shows, competitions, or as just something to do in your free time.

“I rode almost everyday when I was in middle and high school because it was something fun that made me really happy,” said Claudia Hudson, Cactus Shadows parent.

RIDING STYLES

Likewise, different riding types have risen. The most common styles of riding are English and Western. The styles use different equipment, saddles being one of the most prominent differences, as well as different techniques on how the horse is ridden. For example, in Western riding, the weight of the rider is distributed over a

larger area of the horse's’ back.

While in English riding the rider is in closer contact with the horse's back and uses reins to control speed and direction.

One student, Shea Graham, a freshman, first sat on a horse when she was a month old, and now, she rides almost everyday in both English and Western styles of riding.

STUDENT RIDERS

"It runs in my family, both of my parents are professional horsemen...competing just came along with it," said Graham.

Graham rides both English and Western styles and although she enjoys competing, she chooses to continue to ride because of the horses themselves rather than winning. She knows that horses personalities are always different and like to find the quirks in her horse.

According to parelli.com, horses are very similar to humans in the aspect of the brain. Just like people, horses can be introverted, extroverted, left brained, right brained, and even timid or outgoing. When picking a horse that is compatible with a person, the personality of the horse must be taken into account as well.

Another student, Taylor Searles, a senior, has been riding since she could sit on a horse without falling off.

“I have been able to meet many good people and friends,

and riding has given me college opportunities such as going to Auburn University,” said Searles.

Riding horses is not only exercise, but is similar to many other sports because there are benefits to riding. Graham and Searles have gotten many opportunities and benefits from being experienced and passionate horseback riders.

“Riding has benefited me to become a very patient person, and to become more understanding. Also, it helps in academic studies. I have received many full ride scholarships to colleges across the country,” said Graham.

Riding can seem leisurely to many people, but there are constant challenges that riders face.

HORSING AROUND OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL

CHALLENGES

“There are constant challenges in the things you have to overcome in order to keep going, but my favorite part about riding is you can't ever be at your best,” said Graham.

Horseback riding is a sport to be constantly worked at, because there is always something to do. Also, riders can change their focus of riding at anytime. There is the activity of just riding a horse, but there are also additional activities like jumping and another equestrian sport called Dressage.

IN THE ARENA,

Brayden Hunt, a junior, rides his horse, Texas Ranger, a quarter horse.

The pair plans on participating in team roping rodeos. 4ANNALEE BARNETT

Student athletes get ready to beat the heat

I believe that my most significant piece of writing this semester was the article about horseback riding that was published on a sports page in the March issue. I'm very proud of this piece because I really had to work to make it a good article. I was really excited to write about the topic of horseback riding since I am so passionate about it, but I thought it would be far easier than it truly was. Since I know a lot about horseback riding, the topic was very difficult to write about because I had to be in the mindset of writing to an audience that knew nothing about the sport. As an example, in the article, I wrote about styles of riding, unfortunately many people are not familiar with the different types of horseback riding, so I could not simply put English and Western riding. I had to further explain both styles in order to help readers who do not know much about horseback riding understand.

Another aspect of the article that made it one of my most prominent pieces of writing this semester was, the effort I had to put in to find people to interview. I wanted to write the article since I was familiar with the topic, but I did not think of people that I could interview until we had to make interview plans. I asked around to many people that I knew and found two students to talk to. Shea Graham, one of the girls that I interviewed, is in my Chinese class and I had no idea that she rode horses and both of her parents are professional horseback riders. It was really cool to find out a lot of things about people that I have seen around school before and even have seen almost every single day. My second student interview was from a girl named Taylor Searles, she is a senior this year and got a scholarship to Auburn University for horseback riding.

My adult interview was a little bit harder to find. I talked to multiple owners of horse barns, but they never called or emailed me back. It was the last day that we could get interviews and I was at a loss for what to do, so I was telling my lunch table about my situation and one of my best friends, Lauryn Hudson, said that she could help. I learned yet another interesting fact that I didn't know before I wrote the article. My best friend's mother, who I know very well, had ridden horses from ages six to about 22. I was happy I wrote this article because I learned so many new things about people that I was very close to, also it was very interesting to discover people who share the same passion as I do.

Personally, I was very proud of this article because it looked very nice in the paper and I organized it in a better fashion than other articles that I had previously written.

I enjoyed spotlighting students and making them feel noticed, Shea thanked me when the paper came out because many of her friends complimented her on her passion after reading the article. Also, I liked the aspect of the article that gave information about the sport of horseback riding to students, parents, and teachers that didn't quite know about it beforehand.

“What made me most proud about my article was receiving feedback from my friends who read it.�

Many of them told me they had no idea that students could receive scholarships from being a talented horseback rider. Also, I felt especially happy when a girl named Lauren Keeley said that she was going to try horseback riding because the article made it seem like a really fun thing to do that benefits you physically and mentally.

Reflection #3

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“I don’t really think it’s fair to say someone is “smarter” or “faster” than other people in my class. That comparison, in my opinion, is not measurable and there are definitely people who are smarter or faster than me at some things and it’s just important to know that everyone has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, including me. I definitely have worked very diligently to achieve valedictorian, but it is definitely something anyone can accomplish if they establish goals and are driven.”

class of 2017

2017

TOP TEN

The top ten seniors part from Cactus Shadows with advice to the underclassmen

“One bad grade won’t kill you.

There will always be another test or assignment to balance it out, and stressing about what’s passed won’t change anything.

Learn from your mistakes and always seek out selfimprovement, but don’t let a bad test or day get you down.”

“One lesson that I learned throughout high school it that everything always works out! The worst thing you can do is stress about minuscule tests and assignments because in the end, it won’t mean anything.

Doing well in school is important, however it’s also really important to take time for yourself and to go to the gym or hang out with friends. If I could go back to freshman me, I would tell myself to chillax, stop worrying about assignments, and enjoy the time I have left in high school before I leave to college.”

KALI DRAPER “Doing extracurricular activities has definitely helped me learn how to deal with stress as well as cope with many things at once. Without extracurricular activities I don’t think I would be as academically successful.”

OROM IKE NN

OBID

“I tried to focus less on keeping up with everything and more on just learning the information that was being taught.

That way there is less cramming and more of just remembering what the tests are asking.”

LOGAN

SAKER

“Don’t let yourself fall behind. If you’re not 100% confident on a topic that was taught in class, then go home and learn it yourself. Anyone can be at the top of their class as long as they work for it.”

BLAKE LEE

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LADS

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I am very proud of this page because I have never had a full page of my own work before. I had to work around ten different schedules and I managed to get every interview and picture within one week. Even though I am a very shy person, I talked and asked questions to the top ten academic students in the senior class.

“I’m looking forward to college because it’s one step closer to my dream and it will feel more tangible. I will have independence and I will be studying what I love in a completely new environment with so many opportunities to grow academically and as a person.”

“I think the most important thing in high school is being willing to put yourself out there. Both in and outside of school, I’ve found that my best memories and experiences came about because I was willing to step out of my comfort zone and try something new.”

Gold digge

“I think the greatest thing about high school is that it’s a place to grow. I really found myself, and gained the self-assurance I needed to be bold and go forward. As a junior, I stopped caring for others’ expectations as much as I cared for my own expectations for myself.”

Comparing two Cave Cree

GABRIELLE PAYNE

BY OLIVIA STICKEL g food editor NATALIE NABATY

CATCHING THE EYE OF “My goal in high school was to be in the top 10 people in the graduating class, so I’m really glad that I achieved it. It was actually this newspaper edition in freshman year that inspired me to reach for the goal of being in it in my senior year.”

REGAN ANDERSON

4 LOGAN LARKIN THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

MAY 12, 2017 ■ 11

DRESSED IN

I liked this article and the pictures because it was something that I did not know about, but through research and interviews I wrote a very detailed article. I was also offered a job because, after I interviewed the owner of the Tearoom, she said that she really thought that I was a creative and bright person.

OPINION

tudents debate whether global warming is fact or fiction.

OZONE? MORE LIKE OH NO a

Global warming is an extreme threat to the planet, and too many people are ignoring the problem. The planet is heating up at a drastic rate, due to the amount of carbon dioxide produced by humans. Under the Obama administration, the EPA created many policies to help deal with this issue, and now, the current administration is rolling back all of them. This will have dire consequences to our planet.

Since 1950, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has risen far past its average amount. This gas causes heat to get trapped, causing the Earth to heat up at an alarming rate.

Many things made and used by humans release carbon dioxide, like cars, hair dryers, light bulbs, and air conditioners. As time goes on, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases which leads to more heat getting caught warming Earth’s surface.

An example is ice on earth, the constant heat is melting the ice, causing sea levels to rise and hurt the tundra habitat for all of the living things that reside there since their habitat is heating up.

Also, not only the coldest environments on Earth are hurt by the increasing heat, every habitat on this planet is changed because of the temperature change.

The change in Earth’s ecosystems and temperatures are already taking effect. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and cyclones have been happening more frequently because wind speeds have changed, become more powerful, since 1981, and fluctuating temperatures are adding to the severity of the storms.

According to Nature.com, by 2050 rising temperatures could lead to the extinction of more than a million species. This includes the destruction of coral reefs and coral populations.

Along with a rise in water temperatures in the ocean, sea level will rise as the ice caps melt to add water to the sea.

Global warming creates violent swings between floods and droughts, according to NASA. com, and this creates problems for water. There can be shortages of water that lead to crop failure and damage to ecosystems.

Trees and other plants change carbon dioxide into oxygen, but deforestation and chemicals put in crops have demolished the species, which is another reason why the carbon dioxide level is increasing.

People who deny climate change think that global warming is a natural process, and that the earth will, on its own, take care of itself. They argue that scientists are over-reacting, and that evidence shows that a lot of things people have worried about, like Arctic ice disappearing and temperatures going up, have not proved true.

However, there is no denying that the quantity of harmful gases trapped in Earth’s atmosphere increased with new inventions for human convenience, which proves that global warming is being affected by humans.

Serious action is needed to halt global warming. Unfortunately, the government is changing a lot of the requirements so that businesses can continue to pollute and make more carbon dioxide without suffering financial or legal consequences.

There are things we can do to minimize our carbon footprint, such as riding a bike to school, work, or on errands, letting your hair air dry instead of using a dryer, or even turning off the lights when you leave your room. You can plant trees, recycle, and stop using plastic. Do your part to save our planet and make sure to keep informed.

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MEGAN WALKER

Hot weather returns A (16%) B (37%) C (16%) D (31%)

First Fridays on Campus A (28%) B (37%) C (22%) D (13%)

FINERY two English Rose Tea Room patrons sip tea and eat from the three-tier display of Duchess of Bedford’s Formal Afternoon Tea pastries. 4MEGAN WALKER

TEA for TWO

The English Rose Tea Room in Carefree offers an authentic afternoon tea experience

By MEGAN WALKER g staff writer

On Easy street in Carefree, the English Rose Tea Room bakes, brews, and serves British style teas and pastries.

This tea room was opened in 2002 and has been providing a themed experience ever since. One of the popular aspects of the tea room is the style that changes based on what is occurring in many different places.

“We like to keep up with what is happening in the world, but mostly what is happening in England, so we will do a themes for royal weddings, or baby showers,” said Jo Gemmill, owner. Though there are themes that continue every year such as styles for Valentine's and Mother’s Day, people mostly visit and dine for the formal afternoon tea. A few of the foods are very British based, like beans on toast, but there are many different types of British style tea sandwiches, salads, and pastries on the menu. As for the selection of tea, there are herbal, black, fruit, green, semi-green, and decaffeinated teas, some specific teas include the vanilla, Paris, or cinnamon spice specifically blended black teas, and the peppermint or caramel peach herbal teas.

As well as the homemade cookies, miniature cakes, and tea selections, the proper and formal appearance of the tea room tends to draw people in and keep them coming back, but the very crowded

setup with breakable decorations can scare first time guests.

“Many people come in and are very intimidated, but once they sit down they realize that the service is good and the ambiance is lovely, ” said Gemmill.

Inside the extremely decorated room there are life sized cut outs of the Queen of England, different types of china plates and tea pots, and a bin of ornate hats for guests to wear.

“The way I saw the staff showed me that they really liked their jobs, they were all so nice and made sure everyone was having a good time.

Overall, I would rate my experience a ten out of ten,” said Monica Fogelson, a sophomore.

Becky Meils is a senior who has worked at the English Rose Tea Room for seven months. She enjoys going to work and has fun with her fellow employees.

“Since you have to go to work and you can’t really get out of it, it seems like it would be boring, but when I go to work it’s like I’m going into a sorority house. I love the other people who work here because they feel like my sisters,” said Meils.

As guest leave the experience at the English Rose, those who brew tea at home, can purchase many different teas on their way out.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

This was the only opinion article that I wrote this semester. This peice of my work helped me with the organization of my writing, so it is very important to me. I used the tips that I got from editors about this opinion peice on other essays in my english class.

vintage lovers and bargain finders, thrift stores have risen in popularity in the younger generation. Years past are turning into years present, with fashion trends shifting back to the late 1990s. With this, many realize that it is illogical to spend half of their paycheck on clothes that they could be spending spare change on.

In Cave Creek, there are two main thrift stores: Kiwanis Marketplace and Gold Mine thrift shop, so the decision was made to visit these stores to review their clothing selection.

Kiwanis is a large non-profit organization that helps many different causes in over 80 nations worldwide. One of their main pull of funds is from stores just like Cave Creek’s, located on 6535 E. Cave Creek Road, across from the Dairy Queen.

With such short hours—open from just 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.—this store is difficult to visit. The only time a high schooler could find their way into the store would be on half days or Saturdays, since they are closed on Sundays. When able to go, the store has a wide variety of items, from full size furniture to tools to clothes.

“This place is great if you want to spend a couple hours in here since there is so much to choose from,” said Sara Windom, a junior. However, for those just looking for clothes alone, the store shows some pretty high price tags. For example, a nonbrand name black turtleneck, which would cost around $2 compared to other thirft stores, was priced at a steep $12 at Kiwanis.

Also, their clothing supply does not see a lot of change.

“They have a really nice selection of clothes but its one of the thrift stores where you can only come one time every month or two for it to have a new selection.

I feel like every time I go they have the same stuff, but at the same time Ive found some great pieces there,” said Mia Gilling, a junior.

The store does give all of its profits to charity, so at least the money spent there is put to good use.

Overall Rating: 3/5 Most people are thrown off by

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Tear Sheets

By Alex Laggren Senate Bill 1384, introduced by Senator Kimberly Yee, proposes the protection of student journalists by giving them rights equal to that of a US citizen.

The bill states that, “A student journalist may exercise freedom of speech and freedom of the press in schoolsponsored media.” This means that the bill could reduce the ability to censor student publications by school administrators. The bill will affect both college and high school publications.

When Yee was a student journalist, her own newspaper was subject to censorship. “It would be interesting that I’d be sitting in my government class and learning about the First Amendment rights and freedom of speech, and then going to my next class in journalism and seeing I was not able to exercise those rights,” said Yee.

The most vocal of those attending the Senate Education committee meeting were journalism students who wished for their voice to be heard. The staff of the CS Press attended the hearing as part of a field trip planned by adviser Lori Hart.

Two staffers addressed the senate education committee in support of the bill, Annalee Barnett, Sports Editor and Sara Windom, Style Editor.

“This bill is amazing because it is not only taking a step forward in granting freedom of speech and the press in schools, it is also protecting journalists and their advisers,” said Barnett.

Senator Steve Smith of Maricopa voiced many concerns about the bill before the vote was taken. Smith questioned the ability for students to cause embarrassment to others without being illegal or libelous. Yee explains that this is the purpose of the adult adviser in the

classroom, to ensure that students do not.

Melanie Allen, President of the Arizona Interscholastic Press Association, said “my students began to shy away from their journalistic voices, which was very disheartening.”

The vote was unanimous in favor of the bill, it will now be placed before the full senate for a vote.

During the committee hearing, four other bills were heard. SB 1204 involved district review over textbook selections.

SB 1254 involved segregation in regards to school selection and open enrollment.

SB 1314 focused on the protection of student privacy. An Amazon representative appeared to state that they agreed with the bill. SB 1156 set the amount of hours a school requires for a student to earn a credit in a specific class.

February News Page 5 2017 JOURNALISM STUDENT Sara

Windom, speaks before an Arizona Senate committee in favor of a bill to expand first amendment rights for high school jouranalists. 4LORI HART

Club takes on the challenge of treating athletes

W

By MEGAN WALKER g staff writer

ITH bandages, Band-Aids,

and a goal to learn more, students gather in room 603 to learn about treating injuries in the new sports medicine club this semester.

According to explorehealthcareer.org "sports medicine focuses on helping people improve their athletic performance, recover from injury, and prevent future injuries.”

The profession is used in every sport, ranging from swimming to extreme dirt biking. Without sports medicine professionals, athletes could get hurt and have nowhere to go to get their injury specifically looked at and treated.

As well as treating an injury, sports players who want to enhance their results of playing their sports by better exercise programs, go to sports medicine specialists.

They mostly help amateur athletes with this request. There are a variety of different sports medicine careers, so the subject is very flexible to the interests of intrigued students.

“Sports medicine club allows you to gain experience in the field… that knowledge is helpful because almost all of the club members play sports, so it helps if we injure ourselves,” said Olivia Persyn, club treasurer and athlete.

Students looking to the future who want to pursue a career in sports medicine get a real life look at what this possible career could be like and helps students to explore other medical career options.The club has no specific meeting date, but members come any day after school to athletic trainer and club supervisor Joe Harvey’s room, to practice their skills and knowledge in the field.

While teaching students about sports medicine itself, the members of the club THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Students aid from the sidelines

work with the athletes at Cactus Shadows.

“Students come in and help with everyday tasks, like evaluations, re-habbing, stretching, taping, and supply set up. This is crucial because it allows the student athletes to get the best possible treatment,” said Harvey.

With more people helping the athletic director athletes can get more attention towards their injury, and this can lead to faster recovery, because of a personalized recuperation plan.

"It has taught me, as a student, commit-

MEMBER OF THE SPORTS MEDICINE CLUB, GIBSON RHEA helps to

wrap Abby Hagan’s ankle. . 4OLIVIA PERSYN

ment and time management,” said Maxie Livingston, club co president.

The group that made sports medicine club, treats athletes, learns important traits of students, and gains experience in the sports medicine field everyday.

FEBRUARY 10, 2017 ■ 5

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February Features Page 13 SOCIAL MEDIA USE BY AGE As the years go by, the social media wave becomes more and more prominent. Even your grandmothers are posting everyday along with your little siblings and parents.

25% of American adults use social media.

TWITTER

LINKEDIN

Age

Percentage

Age

Percentage

Below 18

14%

Below 18

9%

18-29

36%

18-29

34%

30-49

22%

30-49

31%

50-64

18%

50-64

21%

65+

6%

65+

11%

PINTEREST

INSTAGRAM

Age

Percentage

Age

Percentage

Below 18

18%

Below 18

19%

18-29

36%

18-29

59%

30-49

32%

30-49

31%

50-64

24%

50-64

13%

65+

9%

65+

5%

MYSPACE (2010) Age

Percentage

Below 18

1%

18-29

37%

30-49

49%

50-64

9%

65+

3%

FACEBOOK

SNAPCHAT Age

Percentage

Below 18

23%

18-29

37%

30-49

29%

50-64

10%

65+

1%

Age

Percentage

Below 18

56%

18-29

88%

30-49

79%

50-64

61%

65+

36%

2017

As technology rises, so does depressi the consequences of getting too involv

Screams from the

D

By LOUISE JAGUS g staff writer

EPRESSION

has become an epidemic among teenagers and adolescents as shown by the rise of prescribed antidepressants, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Social media, such as Instagram, Snapchat, Tumblr, and Facebook, have affected the mental health and confidence of users.

“Snapchat or Instagram would probably be the most impactful because everyone is on them, and uses the apps,” said Meghan Albright, a freshman.

Social platforms provide anonymity and an excuse to voice opinions without physical backlash. This impersonal aspect allows a sense of empowerment and actions without consequences.

“It’s always you against the screen,” said Taylor Harvey, a sophomore.

The effect that these actions have can deprive another user of confidence or plant a negative thought in their head.

“It impacts many people in a negative way to where they begin to be depressed. There were 26 social media accounts used just to bully me, it made me lose a lot of friends, and people started giving me a reputation based off of rumors, I felt very alone,” said Albright.

According to Albright, this treatment lead to anxiety and a feeling of abandonment. Bullying on the internet has become more prominent in the millennial generation because of the ease of technological access. By conveying ideas and information through a small touchscreen device, the reaction of the recipient cannot be seen.

“It's easier to say things to a computer than the per-

WMEGAN WALKER

America’s most followed

BY GRACE HAYCRAFTMCKEE g staff writer

big group of friends and family has become a tradition for some. From the beach to the hotels, many people love spending their time across the border.

One can lounge at the pool, walk the beach, or visit cities such as Coba that is home to an ancient pyramid called Nohoch Mul.

“We go to Rocky Point for the entire spring break from Friday to Sunday.

The whole nine days. We have an off roading vehicle that we will take out into the dunes and ride around on the beaches,” said Teresa Hall, a physics teacher.

Going across the border can be

dangerous and one should always be aware of their surroundings.

“When you're driving to Rocky Point and somebody tries to pull you over. Don't pull over unless it's a cop because they're trying to scam you,” said AJ Gallen, a junior.

Staying home in Arizona can be as exciting as traveling to another state or country. Places such as Sedona and Flagstaff are some options to stay in state while still traveling to places with different weather and views than Cave Creek. Many people head north to hike or sight see all the mountains covered with snow.

The Grand Canyon is another option to visit while also staying in state. There are many different areas to stop and view either the north or south rim of the canyon.

“Sometimes my family will go up to Sedona for a day trip. It's a good way to spend time with family and not have to worry about school,” said Katie O’Connor, a junior.

One does not have to travel to stay at a resort.

Places such as the JW Marriott at Desert Ridge and the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess are some places near Cave Creek to relax, sit by the pool, and experience fine dining.

to reconnect with nature.

“I used to Camping can be enjoy- down in Hava able with the right equipment, but dangerous if cerCooking Supplies - $7 tain items, like food, water and some sort of shelter are left behind. It is always important to bring enough food and water to last the entire trip, as well as telling someone about the trip.

Backpack - $300 at REI A tent or hammock is the most Camelbak traditional shelter used by campers, but RVs and trailers have become more popular overtime due down the Gra to the convenience that probably one of comes with it. Backpacking places. But I’ve is one of the most popular ing all over A variations of camping where Russell Delgros all equipment for the trip is teacher. packed into one large backThere are a pack and carried on a hike. locations to ca A backpack full of all the cost less than $ necessary equipment can Many spots o weigh up to 50 or 60 pounds. payment for ca “You don’t have to worry be able to camp about what’s going on in the “It’s importa rest of the world,” said Ryan the outdoors

T March Travel Page 9 2017 his spring break, teachers and students are either staying home in Arizona or traveling to another destination.

Going down to Mexico every spring break with a

W MEGAN WALKER THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Sedona in

9:00 a.m. Depart Cave Creek 9:45a.m. Stop for coffee and a piece of pie at Roc 10:45 a.m. Arrive in Sedona 11:00 a.m.Drive to Devil’s Bridge 11:30 a.m. Arrive at Devil’s Bridge 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.Hike to Devil’s Bridge 1:30-2:00 p.m. Drive back into town 2:00-3:00 p.m. Eat a late lunch at the Hideaway H 3:00-5:00 p.m. Shop around Sedona, check out lo and Crafts Village or Hyatt Pinon Point 5:00 p.m.-6:45 p.m. Drive home

4 KAILI ORCUTT

March Creeker Page 11

2017

Gold diggers

CREEKER

Comparing two Cave Creek thrift shops

BY OLIVIA STICKEL g food editor

CATCHING THE EYE OF

DRESSED IN FINERY two

English Rose Tea Room patrons sip tea and eat from the three-tier display of Duchess of Bedford’s Formal Afternoon Tea pastries. 4MEGAN WALKER

TEA for TWO

The English Rose Tea Room in Carefree offers an authentic afternoon tea experience

By MEGAN WALKER g staff writer

On Easy street in Carefree, the English Rose Tea Room bakes, brews, and serves British style teas and pastries.

This tea room was opened in 2002 and has been providing a themed experience ever since. One of the popular aspects of the tea room is the style that changes based on what is occurring in many different places.

“We like to keep up with what is happening in the world, but mostly what is happening in England, so we will do a themes for royal weddings, or baby showers,” said Jo Gemmill, owner. Though there are themes that continue every year such as styles for Valentine's and Mother’s Day, people mostly visit and dine for the formal afternoon tea. A few of the foods are very British based, like beans on toast, but there are many different types of British style tea sandwiches, salads, and pastries on the menu. As for the selection of tea, there are herbal, black, fruit, green, semi-green, and decaffeinated teas, some specific teas include the vanilla, Paris, or cinnamon spice specifically blended black teas, and the peppermint or caramel peach herbal teas.

As well as the homemade cookies, miniature cakes, and tea selections, the proper and formal appearance of the tea room tends to draw people in and keep them coming back, but the very crowded

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

setup with breakable decorations can scare first time guests.

“Many people come in and are very intimidated, but once they sit down they realize that the service is good and the ambiance is lovely, ” said Gemmill.

Inside the extremely decorated room there are life sized cut outs of the Queen of England, different types of china plates and tea pots, and a bin of ornate hats for guests to wear.

“The way I saw the staff showed me that they really liked their jobs, they were all so nice and made sure everyone was having a good time.

Overall, I would rate my experience a ten out of ten,” said Monica Fogelson, a sophomore.

Becky Meils is a senior who has worked at the English Rose Tea Room for seven months. She enjoys going to work and has fun with her fellow employees.

“Since you have to go to work and you can’t really get out of it, it seems like it would be boring, but when I go to work it’s like I’m going into a sorority house. I love the other people who work here because they feel like my sisters,” said Meils.

As guest leave the experience at the English Rose, those who brew tea at home, can purchase many different teas on their way out.

vintage lovers and bargain finders, thrift stores have risen in popularity in the younger generation. Years past are turning into years present, with fashion trends shifting back to the late 1990s. With this, many realize that it is illogical to spend half of their paycheck on clothes that they could be spending spare change on.

In Cave Creek, there are two main thrift stores: Kiwanis Marketplace and Gold Mine thrift shop, so the decision was made to visit these stores to review their clothing selection.

Kiwanis is a large non-profit organization that helps many different causes in over 80 nations worldwide. One of their main pull of funds is from stores just like Cave Creek’s, located on 6535 E. Cave Creek Road, across from the Dairy Queen.

With such short hours—open from just 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.—this store is difficult to visit. The only time a high schooler could find their way into the store would be on half days or Saturdays, since they are closed on Sundays. When able to go, the store has a wide variety of items, from full size furniture to tools to clothes.

“This place is great if you want to spend a couple hours in here since there is so much to choose from,” said Sara Windom, a junior. However, for those just looking for clothes alone, the store shows some pretty high price tags. For example, a nonbrand name black turtleneck, which would cost around $2 compared to other thirft stores, was priced at a steep $12 at Kiwanis.

Also, their clothing supply does not see a lot of change.

“They have a really nice selection of clothes but its one of the thrift stores where you can only come one time every month or two for it to have a new selection.

I feel like every time I go they have the same stuff, but at the same time Ive found some great pieces there,” said Mia Gilling, a junior.

The store does give all of its profits to charity, so at least the money spent there is put to good use.

Overall Rating: 3/5 Most people are thrown off by

Gold Mine’s location, being that it is hidden away behind the Good Shepherd of the Hill church, but once you see the store it is easy to get into. The store has been in operation for 70 years as of 2017, making it the oldest thrift store in the town. The store has some furniture and household trinkets, but its main draw is clothes.

They color coordinate the clothing section and order those sections from small to large, making

SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT TOP Sara Windom,

a junior, shops at Gold Mine thrift store in Cave Creek. 4MIA GILLING

it rather easy to navigate.

“The best part about the store is that they get a lot of donations, so there is always something new. “The store has a lot of really unique clothes,” said Gilling. The pricing is a little higher than average for a thrift store, but normally nothing goes over $10 as far as clothes, and they have daily deals.

“I have to say, their prices are generally good, but I was looking at a top that I thought would be $5 and it was actually $10,” said Windom. Their hours are better than Kiwanis, but not ideal for high schoolers. They are open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., giving students an hour to shop after school, but only from Wednesday to Saturday.

Overall rating: 4.5/5 Between the two, Gold Mine is the better choice for any high schooler looking for a thrift store to look around in after school. Its prices are lower, selection wider, and hours longer, but Kiwanis Marketplace is still a great option for those shopping on Saturdays.

MARCH 10, 2017 ■ 11

March Sports Page 21 2017 SPORTS

J

By MEGAN WALKER g staff writer

UMPING on the sad-

dle, and pulling on the reins, students show their skills and connection to horses outside of school in the very old exercise filled activity, horseback riding.

HISTORY OF THE HORSE

Scientists discovered that horses were first ridden by people roughly 5,500 years ago and has continued to be used for different reasons as time went on. The initial use for horses was hunting and transportation and that is what they were used for in the majority of history.

Though today, horses are used in shows, competitions, or as just something to do in your free time.

“I rode almost everyday when I was in middle and high school because it was something fun that made me really happy,” said Claudia Hudson, Cactus Shadows parent.

RIDING STYLES

Likewise, different riding types have risen. The most common styles of riding are English and Western. The styles use different equipment, saddles being one of the most prominent differences, as well as different techniques on how the horse is ridden. For example, in Western riding, the weight of the rider is distributed over a

larger area of the horse's’ back.

While in English riding the rider is in closer contact with the horse's back and uses reins to control speed and direction.

One student, Shea Graham, a freshman, first sat on a horse when she was a month old, and now, she rides almost everyday in both English and Western styles of riding.

STUDENT RIDERS

"It runs in my family, both of my parents are professional horsemen...competing just came along with it," said Graham.

Graham rides both English and Western styles and although she enjoys competing, she chooses to continue to ride because of the horses themselves rather than winning. She knows that horses personalities are always different and like to find the quirks in her horse.

According to parelli.com, horses are very similar to humans in the aspect of the brain. Just like people, horses can be introverted, extroverted, left brained, right brained, and even timid or outgoing. When picking a horse that is compatible with a person, the personality of the horse must be taken into account as well.

Another student, Taylor Searles, a senior, has been riding since she could sit on a horse without falling off.

“I have been able to meet many good people and friends,

and riding has given me college opportunities such as going to Auburn University,” said Searles.

Riding horses is not only exercise, but is similar to many other sports because there are benefits to riding. Graham and Searles have gotten many opportunities and benefits from being experienced and passionate horseback riders.

“Riding has benefited me to become a very patient person, and to become more understanding. Also, it helps in academic studies. I have received many full ride scholarships to colleges across the country,” said Graham.

Riding can seem leisurely to many people, but there are constant challenges that riders face.

HORSING AROUND OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL

CHALLENGES

“There are constant challenges in the things you have to overcome in order to keep going, but my favorite part about riding is you can't ever be at your best,” said Graham.

Horseback riding is a sport to be constantly worked at, because there is always something to do. Also, riders can change their focus of riding at anytime. There is the activity of just riding a horse, but there are also additional activities like jumping and another equestrian sport called Dressage.

IN THE ARENA,

Brayden Hunt, a junior, rides his horse, Texas Ranger, a quarter horse.

The pair plans on participating in team roping rodeos. 4ANNALEE BARNETT

Student athletes get ready to beat the heat With summer approaching, student athletes must find ways to stay cool or else risk dangerous side effects that can be caused by the heat. Emma Russello discusses some options to stay safe during the hottest months of the year.

A

S the valley starts to

warm up, many students who play sports struggle to stay cool and to keep themselves hydrated and healthy.

Heatstroke and dehydration are

produce enough sweat to cool their body causing their internal temperature to rise to extremely high levels.

These kinds of symptoms do not only pertain to football, but they are relatable to almost every outdoor sport, and preventable.

they weigh. During a practice, an athlete should drink one cup of cold water every 15 minutes so they do not get dehydrated. After the practice one should drink two to three cups of water for every pound they lost during the exercise.

“I drink about half my body-

Gatorade and Powerade have a lot of electrolytes, as well as certain foods like bagels, leafy vegetables, avocado, bananas, yogurt, peanut butter, and more.

Drinking cold water is one of the most effective and well-preached ways to not become dehydrated.

evaporative material that keeps the cold locked in. One simply gets it wet, with either hot or cold water, and it will stay that temperature for a long time. When it starts to get back to room temperature, just rinse it with more water.

“I drink a lot of cold water, and I

April Opinion Page 7 2017 OPINION

udents debate whether global warming is fact or fiction.

OZONE? MORE LIKE OH NO

a

Global warming is an extreme threat to the planet, and too many people are ignoring the problem. The planet is heating up at a drastic rate, due to the amount of carbon dioxide produced by humans. Under the Obama administration, the EPA created many policies to help deal with this issue, and now, the current administration is rolling back all of them. This will have dire consequences to our planet.

Since 1950, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has risen far past its average amount. This gas causes heat to get trapped, causing the Earth to heat up at an alarming rate.

Many things made and used by humans release carbon dioxide, like cars, hair dryers, light bulbs, and air conditioners. As time goes on, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases which leads to more heat getting caught warming Earth’s surface.

An example is ice on earth, the constant heat is melting the ice, causing sea levels to rise and hurt the tundra habitat for all of the living things that reside there since their habitat is heating up.

Also, not only the coldest environments on Earth are hurt by the increasing heat, every habitat on this planet is changed because of the temperature change.

The change in Earth’s ecosystems and temperatures are already taking effect. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and cyclones have been happening more frequently because wind speeds have changed, become more powerful, since 1981, and fluctuating temperatures are adding to the severity of the storms.

According to Nature.com, by 2050 rising temperatures could lead to the extinction of more than a million species. This includes the destruction of coral reefs and coral populations.

Along with a rise in water temperatures in the ocean, sea level will rise as the ice caps melt to add water to the sea.

Global warming creates violent swings between floods and droughts, according to NASA. com, and this creates problems for water. There can be shortages of water that lead to crop failure and damage to ecosystems.

Trees and other plants change carbon dioxide into oxygen, but deforestation and chemicals put in crops have demolished the species, which is another reason why the carbon dioxide level is increasing.

People who deny climate change think that global warming is a natural process, and that the earth will, on its own, take care of itself. They argue that scientists are over-reacting, and that evidence shows that a lot of things people have worried about, like Arctic ice disappearing and temperatures going up, have not proved true.

However, there is no denying that the quantity of harmful gases trapped in Earth’s atmosphere increased with new inventions for human convenience, which proves that global warming is being affected by humans.

Serious action is needed to halt global warming. Unfortunately, the government is changing a lot of the requirements so that businesses can continue to pollute and make more carbon dioxide without suffering financial or legal consequences.

There are things we can do to minimize our carbon footprint, such as riding a bike to school, work, or on errands, letting your hair air dry instead of using a dryer, or even turning off the lights when you leave your room. You can plant trees, recycle, and stop using plastic. Do your part to save our planet and make sure to keep informed.

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MEGAN WALKER

Hot weather returns A (16%)

First Fridays on Campus A (28%)

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vides handsfree mobility for those in need. According to the website health.net, this is a first, finally allowing people with “non-weight bearing lower leg injuries the ability to have full use of their arms and hands.”

Finally, there is the ono 3D printer

April Features Page 12 2017

oming soon ones. These ake pictures nd. They can ds of miles rge. wWee MiP is hat can walk re a humanWired magatle Segways, onderful litos. You can p or individ(No Android .” The robots Wee and the robotics lab. t a hundred

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` MEGAN WALKER which is the first 3D printer that works with a smartphone. The 3D

adows

April Spotlight Page 18 2017

t nervous for n, but reality is coming er graduation, I will g still for dance and is movie done. It is sturbia High, it is the p Up’ series and will aters in 2018. I’ve of the Jabbawockeez I’ve been doing that e. I’ve been with them nine to ten months. I in that goes here too eachers get confused ve a few tattoos, I eam catcher, which llow your dreams and s. I have ‘Child of God’ Chinese and then I oss that represents dma and Grandpa’s date. ”

R IOVINO, a senior

ng graduation is the of senior year, but n that, absolutely am going into the many reasons: to dillac (the really fancy efore I am 42, tuition e, and to travel. In I am going to be an ce specialist. I got is job because I got nough score on the nd I did not fail my ception test. I also terrogate people. pring Break I went o and slept a lot. I work at the Harkins at e and 101.”

JULIA DEDE, a senior

chill out and I also ng. I cook pizzas at o’s, it’s pretty good. ountainside Fitness like lifting, but yeah hill out, and that’s Right now I’m shuffled , but I’ve been listening s new album, More retty good. During eak, I went on some nt to downtown e and hungout at the didn’t go to Mexico, uld have. Junior year pretty good, kind of cause you have to get r stuff done. It’s the last so may as well chill. ular classes, nothing like to strive higher while. I would just like ’s go Cactus Shadows, more wins. Like wins in ust wins, we are going ning, so let’s get more

UMEGAN WALKER

NIN, a junior

UZOIE LAMBESIS THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

May Senior Page 11 2017 O KAMER

OO NM

RE

“I don’t really think it’s fair to say someone is “smarter” or “faster” than other people in my class. That comparison, in my opinion, is not measurable and there are definitely people who are smarter or faster than me at some things and it’s just important to know that everyone has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, including me. I definitely have worked very diligently to achieve valedictorian, but it is definitely something anyone can accomplish if they establish goals and are driven.”

class of 2017

2017

TOP TEN

The top ten seniors part from Cactus Shadows with advice to the underclassmen

“One bad grade won’t kill you.

There will always be another test or assignment to balance it out, and stressing about what’s passed won’t change anything.

Learn from your mistakes and always seek out selfimprovement, but don’t let a bad test or day get you down.”

“One lesson that I learned throughout high school it that everything always works out! The worst thing you can do is stress about minuscule tests and assignments because in the end, it won’t mean anything.

Doing well in school is important, however it’s also really important to take time for yourself and to go to the gym or hang out with friends. If I could go back to freshman me, I would tell myself to chillax, stop worrying about assignments, and enjoy the time I have left in high school before I leave to college.”

KALI DRAPER

M NORO

EN BIDIK

O

E TON

LADS

NG USTI

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“Doing extracurricular activities has definitely helped me learn how to deal with stress as well as cope with many things at once. Without extracurricular activities I don’t think I would be as academically successful.”

LAILA ELIAS

“I tried to focus less on keeping up with everything and more on just learning the information that was being taught.

That way there is less cramming and more of just remembering what the tests are asking.”

LOGAN

SAKER

“Don’t let yourself fall behind. If you’re not 100% confident on a topic that was taught in class, then go home and learn it yourself. Anyone can be at the top of their class as long as they work for it.”

BLAKE LEE “I’m looking forward to college because it’s one step closer to my dream and it will feel more tangible. I will have independence and I will be studying what I love in a completely new environment with so many opportunities to grow academically and as a person.”

“I think the most important thing in high school is being willing to put yourself out there. Both in and outside of school, I’ve found that my best memories and experiences came about because I was willing to step out of my comfort zone and try something new.”

“I think the greatest thing about high school is that it’s a place to grow. I really found myself, and gained the self-assurance I needed to be bold and go forward. As a junior, I stopped caring for others’ expectations as much as I cared for my own expectations for myself.”

GABRIELLE PAYNE NATALIE NABATY

“My goal in high school was to be in the top 10 people in the graduating class, so I’m really glad that I achieved it. It was actually this newspaper edition in freshman year that inspired me to reach for the goal of being in it in my senior year.”

REGAN ANDERSON

4 LOGAN LARKIN THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

MAY 12, 2017 ■ 11

at Shop, Cowbells are Earth Gallery, t of the essentials need for the next

for a graduation t to take note of what graduates ve to actung ally need.

Most of ught the time, gifts that ll more functional are more NTa CALENDAR useful to or IS g staff teenagers, writer and the Konvenient tend to ESTIVAL ars and never get takes place ems such as poral weekrs, Day coffee makers, driving range flip and shower Manana hat wouldGolf be usets are 12 not dol-go to and will ce and 15 dolof like the care event. gs packthe event baskets because atching live practical things new foods, d,” said Danica ork show in eacher. orial Day. go is the more the Cave Creek ARMERS op, there are all at along with thegoFarmers at are ASU ld under the and a gift that is 1ng Easy Street. e that graduarts at the 9 a.m.

Buying gifts from Cave Creek makes CAREFREE FARMERS the gift more personal, and the perMARKET son receiving it will always have part Every Friday the Farmers of their hometown with them.

Market is held under the Western Delights is another shop Sundial at 101 Easy Street. in Cave Creek that has home decor The market starts at 9 a.m. that most graduates will need. The and typically ends around shop consists of signature paintings 1 p.m.. The event is free to of the Arizona sunset, western style attend, however it is recblankets, vases, pillows, and more. ommended to bring money “The gift doesn’t have to be expento buy some of the goods sive as long as it has some thought showcased. put into it; that's all that matters,” said Rebecca Mejia, a senior.

THE ARIZONA Gifting an experience is a unique BLUES PROJECT graduation gift because it is a way to Taking place at Harold’s spend time with the person you are Corral live music from sevgiving the gift to. This type of gift is eral different genres such thoughtful, and both people in the sitas blues, R&B, classic rock, uation win because they both get to and funk and soul. Every go. Some ideas to consider are conThursday people will have cert tickets, plan a day of exploring a chance to catch a show a national park, plane tickets, and from 8-11 p.m. indoor skydiving.

“It would be really cool to be surFREEDOM prised with a hot air balloon ride for TREASURE FEST a graduation gift,” said Mejia.

The event will have over When in doubt, cash is probably the 70 local artist and vendors number one gift to give to a graduate. sharing their apparel, jewReason being is that most of graduelry, handcrafted goods, ates are moving out and heading and gourmet packaged off to college so with the cash they foods. All ages are welreceive they will be able to afford all comed, and it is completely the college necessities. free to walk around and “I’d say a general amount to give look at all the items at the would be around 50 dollars unless Roadhouse. It is scheduled you are really closeBytoMEGAN them WALKER than you g staff writer to take place Monday July, can give like 80-100 dollars, but 50 3rd from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.. is still a good amount” said Alyssa Chavka, a junior.

BRAIN DANCE & NATURAL BODY MOVEMENT

MENU ITEMS

at Harold’s usic from sevgenres such classic rock, d soul. Every ple will have catch a show

GE-THEMED CANDLE HOLDERS can be purchased

s, a local shop in Frontier Town.

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MENU ITEMS

LOCAL TRUCK SERVES UP KOREAN-MEXICAN FOOD COMBO

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By MEGAN WALKER g staff writer

May Creeker Page 20 2017

ends around ent is free to ver it is recbring money of the goods

ill have over and vendors apparel, jewafted goods, t packaged ges are welis completely around and e items at the is scheduled Monday July, m. to 10 p.m..

UP KOREAN-MEXICAN FOOD COMBO

4 ZOIE LAMBESIS

On Sunday, May 21, from 1-2 p.m. at the Desert Foothills Library, people will have the chance to learn from the Somatic Movement and Brain Head Coach with 20 years of experience of neurobiology. The class is open to all ages, everyone will have the opportunity to learn ways to improve overall health and physical wellness through art of awareness.

THE HIBACHIBOT FOOD TRUCK serves fresh Korean barbecue at Family Night at Black Mountain Elementary School. 4MEGAN WALKER THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

All About Me(gan)

What are Megan’s Favorite Foods?

Mozzarella Sticks

Korean Barbeque Pizza

Megan’s Dogs

You never know what to do in her house with five dogs bouncing around.

Pablo

Moose

Steve and Allie

Coco

All About Me(gan) Story With five dogs always running around adding to the Walker family household, Megan Walker constantly has something to do. Born in 2001, Megan Walker was introduced to an older brother, older sister, mother, and father. As she grew up, family was always the most important thing in her life.

“I know someday I won't be here, so I want to have as much time as I can with my kids. Every Christmas my three kids don't get many presents, but we usually take a trip somewhere and make memories with each other instead,” said Susan Walker, Megan's mother. The holidays are a big part of her family life as well. The entire day is dedicated to staying together as a family in order to have strong senses of trust and love.

A big event in Megan's life was moving from Naples, Florida to Cave Creek, Arizona in 2013. The change from green swamp supposed to rain every day to extremely large Hills address and it was not an easy change. Another big event that came along with moving across the country was leaving her sister behind. Megan's mother thought it was very important to leave Kelly with her friends for her last year of high school, so she was left with Megan's Aunt Mary. Unfortunately, she was away from her family for an entire year before going to college.

“Megan and I was really surprised when we overheard our parents and our older sister talking about moving across the country, but now we both have a great life here with a ton of great people,” said Richard Walker, Megan's older brother. The Arizonian friends that Megan made in her first week at an Arizona school helped her to adjust to her new life.

In addition to having family at home, she has a herd of dogs that sit with her on the couch to watch movies, but also keep her active by always wanting to run around.

“I thought we were going to stop at three dogs, but then Megan used her puppy eyes and got a fourth.

I don't even know how we did it, but we managed to beg even more to get a fifth dog,” said Richard.

Megan expresses her love for her dogs by caring for them every time she can. She takes them on walks, and make sure to put ice cubes that they all like to chew on in their water every time she feels it up.

Megan specifically has her own dog named Alaska, who Megan likes to call Allie or Al. “She was honestly the cutest and happiest dog I have ever seen, I kind of felt bad for my dog because Megan such a good dog owner,” said Izzy Cantwell, Megan's friend and fellow student.

Megan loves to do everything with her dog. She has a passion for cooking, baking, singing, and dancing. She does all of these things with her dog by her side, and Megan even baked a dog from the cake for Allie's first birthday. Although she absolutely loves her other dogs, they did not get such a special gift for their birthdays.

Also flowing in and out of the house, are minor-league San Francisco Giants baseball players.

“When my mom first moved to Arizona she moved before the rest of our family. She got really lonely so she called a family friend who is one of the minor-league San Francisco Giants baseball players. He brought over some friends and my mom became really good friends with them, so now they stay at her house a lot instead of staying in a gross hotel. I'm really happy that they did that, because now they are like family,” said Kelly Walker, Megan's older sister. The house is always full with parents, siblings, baseball players, and dogs so, there is never a dull moment and Megan's life.