Annie's Portfolio

annie sogaard 2018 winter portfolio

self evaluation

Just as I preface all of the other self analytical evaluations I’ve written, this first semester of Newspaper as an editor and as a senior has been completely different than I expected. However, for the first time since my sophomore year, I mean that in a good way.

When the year began, I was nervous. I was nervous that the new staff members wouldn’t like me or respect me, I was nervous that the limited knowledge I had of InDesign would just have completely left my mind. Most of all, I was nervous to disappoint my peers and my teachers, just like I did last year so many times.

The two months we had off school in the summer really helped me to get my s*** together, and try to be honest with myself. I knew that was the only way that I could take anything seriously, let alone anyone else take me seriously.

Something I made sure to keep in mind going forward this year was having a good relationship with the staff members. A lot of them were my friends anyway, which was great. It’s really easy to find yourself judging someone you barely know so harshly just because of one aspect of their character. For example, I wasn’t the best student last year. I never found that reason enough to treat me like I was literally stupid, to blatantly talk down to me to my face, or to decide that I’m a bad person. I know that feeling so judged and feeling so small made it hard for me to want to work harder, so I try to be really nice and helpful to anyone who is writing something for my page. I text people advice, I tell them little tricks I do to help get my articles or leads started, research tips, and a lot of things in that nature. Now, is my advice actually useful? I don’t know. Maybe not.

But I make sure to try.

I feel like actually being an editor is something I got the hang of really quickly. I kind of enjoy editing things that myself or others have written anyway, for whatever reason, so that was something I was comfortable with right of the bat. The first issue was a bit intimidating, but once I started feeling a little bit more confident with it, it was a lot of fun. Even when I had Creeker and typically was working with two articles, a canva, and a couple photos, I felt so good about working hard and really trying my best to make it look the way I wanted. Actually finishing that first spread of mine felt so good. All the anxiety and hesitation I felt beforehand was completely gone. I was so proud of myself, it was almost stupid. When I ending up getting Spotlight, I was over the moon. Devin and I bought cupcakes to celebrate.

Finally feeling good about what I was doing and feeling like I had something valuable to add to the newspaper also completely flipped my work ethic around. I have had no problem with deadlines, and thinking about everything I need to do doesn’t feel nearly as daunting as it used to. Even outside the classroom, I feel like now that I have at least this that I know I’m mildly good at, I can be more happy with myself. I’m so excited for the second semester, to finish off strong.

REFLECTION ONE:

The work I’ve done so far that I think is my best is my Halle Abadi article. I wrote, photographed, and designed the page for it, and I’m so happy with how it turned out.

Halle and I used to be friends freshman year, and I would always go with her to piano practices and the little contests she’d be in because it just blew me away that someone I knew could sing that way.

I went to her house and sat in her room with her and just talked for two hours before we even started doing anything. I sat on the floor by her piano while she played and sang 3 songs, taking pictures and just listening. Afterwards, we went into the living room for the interview and when her mom got home from work, I just sat with them and talked for another hour or two before I went home.

The design itself is probably what I like about it most. When I was taking the pictures, I had no idea how I’d design it because since her piano was in the corner of the room against a blank wall, there wasn’t much going on in the picture.

Making photos really big and just having one article on the page is something I really like the look of. I think it looks so sleek and so professional, and when I realized that I knew how to do that, I felt pretty accom-

REFLECTION TWO:

This semester, the three things that immediately come to mind in terms of what I’ve done that I’m most proud of are my Halle Abadi article/photo/design, my illustration of the construction worker, and my concert review article.

The reasons why I was so pleased with my Halle Abadi spread are the same as I described in my first reflection. So as not to beat a dead horse, want to emphasize that it isn’t just because I did something that I did think I could, but because I genuinely think it was written well.

My construction worker graphic was really exciting to me because that month I literally had 2 articles, mediocre photos and a side bar to work with. I watched the video Sarah left us of how to do those drawings and taught myself how to do one. I also think it just looks really nice on the page, even with just one article, I’m really glad that I made it work. I’m really glad Adamson made it work, rather.

My concert review article I think I love

so much genuinely because I

came up with the head line, which I think is

hilarious: “You can’t

spell Remo without

Emo.” I got to go see

a punk band, Remo Drive, who I absolutely love for the third time, and I got to get a grade in school for it. I think the type of journalism I’m most interested in is music journalism, so being able to write these album re views and con cert reviews are always fun.

MY STORIES Style

18 ● November 20, 2018

Spotlight

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Singing her way to stardom Halle Abadi is an expert with balancing her passion and her education. She excels in the International Baccalaureate Program, recorded and released her debut single “IWY,” and has another on the way.

W

Annie Sogaard Spotlight editor

ith a small smile and a deep breath, in piano her at sits Abadi Halle her bedroom, framed by two small studio lights on either side, and delicately begins playing “Queen” by Jessie J, a ballad with lyrics as powerfully written as the voice covering it.

Once she begins to sing, the atmosphere flips entirely from a quaint, comfortable bedroom accompanied by soft and melodic piano to a mere four walls built to attempt to contain her raw emotion and her powerful, awe-inducing

voice.

At the end of the song, she takes her hands off the keys and onto her lap, looking up and around so humbly as if nothing had happened at all.

“Feelings that you can’t convey with words can be conveyed through music,” said Abadi. “There’s something about the way that it makes people feel and the way it can be used as a catalyst for certain emotions that makes me want to create music as an outlet for myself.”

Halle has been playing piano and singing for about nine years, working with vocal instructors in the valley and casually participating in local singing competitions.

“I think around eighth grade is when I realized Halle was getting more serious about her music,” said Bahar Abadi, Halle’s mother. “She was writing songs and kept wanting to hit higher notes.”

She began to be approached by label scouts and producers, but to

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

An earful of self-expression

Students share their quirky earrings and the stories behind them.

“I got my ears pierced last year, I think...

It didn’t hurt at all to get them professionally pierced. The first time, my friend and I tried to pierce my ears ourselves,” said Dallas Overfield, a senior. 4MIA BRITO

November 20, 2018 ● 9

no avail.

After her vocal instructor referred her to Christopher Roberts, a music producer and engineer in L.A, it was a perfect fit.

“Right off the bat, he made me feel super comfortable and was really receptive to my ideas, which made it easy to trust him with my music,” she said. The two decided to work on two singles through sending voice memos of her lyrics and the melody and having Skype meetings about any changes or produc-

tion ideas.

“I’m still trying to find my sound and what works best for me; what type of lyrics or style of production that would best match my voice and what I’m trying to say to the world,”

said Abadi.

“Currently, I would describe my two singles as pop singles, although I have songs under my belt I have yet to record that are more of a mix of R&B and pop.”

Halle spent four days over the summer in Los Angeles in the studio, for most days from early in the morning to midnight; the first song, “IWY”, was released on November first, and the second song sometime

in December.

Not only is she remaining focused on her goals in music, but she is also currently a senior in the International Baccalaureate program at Cactus Shadows, planning on moving to Los Angeles and going to college there.

“It’s a lot of work to balance both things. I always have to remind myself that school is a priority, but I make time for my music every chance I get.”

The main driving force behind being successful, in whatever respect, is genuine passion; and

“I got these earrings from my friend for my birthday. I think they are so cool because they are so unique. I’ve always wanted ones like these,” said Holland Loberg, a senior.

4ANNIE SOGAARD

4ANNIE SOGAARD

18 ● October 19, 2018

I

By Annie Sogaard creeker editor

n the United States especially, it is no secret that sports are a big deal.

It is safe to say that the majority of Americans today spend time either playing or watching sports—and if not, they used to play them as kids.

However, something that is rarely addressed so directly is the expenses behind being enrolled in sports.

“I bought them because I found them weird and didn’t think people would like them, so I wore them for myself. As cheesy as it sounds, since then I’ve been more comfortable with expressing myself,” said Nia Sogaard, a freshman. 4ANNIE SOGAARD

3a

To spend or not to spend big bucks on brand names able to choose from,” said Brad Johnson, a junior.

Nike is a successful company based out of Beaverton, Oregon, whose edgy television ads and logos work together to create an image that helps sell their products. The company slogan, Just Do It, is used as an example by many marketing teachers. Their shoes are often associated with the famous athletes, whose edgy television ads and logos work together to create an image that helps sell their products. The company slogan, Just Do It, is used as an example by many marketing teachers. Their shoes are often associated with the famous athletes they sponsor..

because a lot of their stuff is regular things you can find anywhere, but [people pay more because] there is a Supreme logo on it,” said Johnson.

NCan’t Spell Remo without ‘Emo’ You staff writer

ike. Gucci. Vans. All of these companies owe at least some of their success to branding - mean-

16 ● September 28, SPOTLIGHT ing2018 that many people will buy an item simply

Upcoming trends

Supreme is an American skateboarding company that was because it is made by them. Some brands have established in New York in 1994. They have stores all around been around for a long time. Other brands the world including three in the U.S. show up for only a short time, creating a fury “Everybody talks about it, but you rarely see people with of sales, and then they die out and disappear. some of their clothing or accessories that they own personally,” Companies target their brands to different audiences. For said Pederson. the opening guitar riffs toWhen a new popular songs. The band teased the

By Annie Sogaard example, the company that owns the Gap also owns Old Navy. people are shopping, there are some who are looking creeker editor Both of these stores have clothes designed for crowd, different buyers. for a particular Big brand names take stormsong off their upcoming album, set brand they like, and there are others who look by playing a couple notes There are plenty of brandsLounge that targetwas teenagers. for things that other big brandsthis of shoesto are be Vans released and Converse.

These this December.

It are cool. and chords and Two asking, “Wait, HE Rebel “When I’m shopping, I am looking for stuff that looks cool shoes are very popular with teens because they fit with anyhad more of an upbeat, and summery us to play this one?” completely not necessarily a certain brand,” said Johnson.

Favorite brands amongpacked the youthand one? You want thing. like the 3 songs theirBombaci, EP As soon as it started, the whole soldclothing out on September Social Studies teacher, likes to wear Vans “My favorite type room of shoes aresound, white Converse or old school off Jacob “My favorite brand that I wear is American Eagle because they “fit my natural style. Since I am a teacher and Vans because remind shoes that people but would wear out because I like look of the eagle, andan I also like their style of Before Ribbon”, drew the same was jumping. they they exited theme of“Blue 1, atheSaturday night; don’t make a lot of money, I look for stuff that is cheap and twenty years ago,” said Pederson. shirts and designs of them,” said Derek Pederson, a junior. amount of hype from the I dedicated stage, Beach Bunny thanked Phoenix impressive feat for the looks nice instead of looking for a more popular brand because One brand that has been really big over the last year is American Eagle is an American clothing and accessories for giving the “best showisever.” smallbrand Minnesotan punk rock band I wouldn’t be able to afford much of it,” said Bombaci.

Supreme high priced,fans. ranging anywhere from 30 that has one consumer in mind when they design theirthemSupreme.

The crowd jumping and Remo Drive.

This summer tour was The big brands make a lot of money off their sales. For examdollars to 100 thousand dollars.There are many peoplewas who are clothes: teenagers.

Other companies, like Nike, target both Nikewith made 36 million last year and still has a 5-6% annual willing to invest this kind of money, and others whoentire think that and adults. moshing the time,ple, and doneteenagers to commemorate the band’s overrated. favorite brand that I wear is Nike because all of their songs like Blue Ribbongrowth. and Art recent“My signing with Epitaph records, Field MedicSupreme was isalmost polar “I think Supreme is the most overrated brand right now stuff is comfy and they have so many different styles you are

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and the re-release of their debut album, ironically titled Greatest Hits.

Eric and Stephen Paulson, brothers, formed the band in 2013, aiming their music at primarily “older emo kids who listen to Title Fight.”

The tension and anticipation all throughout the crowded venue was nearly palpable waiting for the headliners. However, the two opening bands, Beach Bunny and Field Medic, did a more than good job at keeping it at bay.

Beach Bunny opens Beach Bunny was up to bat first, testing the waters of the Phoenix crowd for their first time. Lead vocalist and guitarist Lili Trifilio made sure the energy was high, using her powerfully punk, but all the same soothing vocals, to make the crowd dance along with her. Call Me Baby, a more somber choice made

by Trifilio, had the entire crowd swaying along with her. In between songs, an audience member shouted to “play Sports,” one of their most

Events Around Town KIDS BOP LIVE! Fri. September 28 at 7 p.m.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

According to a study done by Ohio University, the number of participants in high school sports has been increasing for the past 26 years −and so have the expenses to go along with it. On average, parents in the United States spend over $670 a year on uniforms, lessons, and coaching on top of an additional average fee of $400 just to participate.

Ice hockey is one of the most expensive high school sports—according to Mason Bondurant, a senior hockey player. What makes sports like ice hockey, football, or lacrosse so expensive is all of the protective gear that is required. For hockey, all new equipment alone can add up to about $2,000, on top of another $2,500 to play which includes ice time, gloves, a shell, and jerseys.

“I find the price for equipment not reasonable at all, because people trying to figure out whether they like the sport or not end up spending a lot of money,” said Bondurant, “But for me, the cost of the

Costly high kicks

Field medic finds folk

opposite, but gathered equal, if not more, amount of hype. The oneman-band consists of just Kevin Patrick Sullivan, his folk-style vocals, his acoustic guitar, and most importantly, his giant smile. And mustache.

His music was not exactly what you would expect for the second opener for Remo Drive, being far more relaxing and country. He had the crowd laughing and singing along as he sang cutely about cocaine and strippers, and back to swaying back and forth engulfed in the very emo feelings he intended the crowd to have during uuu, a beautifully written love song. He was visibly delighted and in awe at the crowds response to him, also prompting him to thank the concert goers for the best experience so far on tour.

For such a (self-proclaimed) “small emo-punk band”, Remo Drive gave quite the large performance.

Wasting no time, they were met with applause walking on stage and immediately drowned it out with

School being played back to back, the atmosphere in the venue was kept light but all the same incredibly stimulating.

Remo Drive is often pegged as an “emo-revival band”, a title the members themselves don’t necessarily shy away from, but instead consistently put out music that both perfectly fits the criteria and expands it a bit. All the songs off both Greatest Hits and the Blue Ribbon were played and thoroughly moshed to, and when the lights came on and the band left the stage, the crowd was literally cheering for more.

After the longest five minutes of anyone’s life, Erik Paulson returned to stage holding and acoustic guitar and grinning. “We don’t really have any encore songs prepared,” said Paulson, “but do you guys know a song called ‘Lovesick Blues?’” He quickly, but less than smoothly transitioned into playing the song we all know and love: “The Yodeling Kid’s Song”- the most unexpected but fitting way to close the show.

Pop s

Football is a popula track. There are mo as pommies.

Pom

Chee

Footba

Ice hockey and cheer can cost thousands of dollars

“I got these earrings at Urban Outfitters.

Nice earrings and necklaces always compliment an outfit so well,” said Zyra Lawrence, a senior. 4MIA BRITO

By Grant Richardson

sport would never deter me from playing it, because if it makes me happy and excited, it’s worth the money.”

Cheer is often overlooked in terms of pricey sports to play. Devin Strasser is a junior, and has been a cheerleader for four years. The average price tag for varsity cheer? “Around $4,200 a year. Most of it goes toward traveling to Florida and California for nationals, as well as paying for the competitions and camps,” said Strasser.

Members of the cheer team also buy new shoes every month to keep them white, new uniforms every two years, and food for competitions.

There is a lot to be said about the rising expenses of playing sports in high school. For a lot of families, these figures are financially out of reach. Out of families surveyed by the University of Michigan at the Mott Children’s Hospital, 58 percent of families with kids aged 12-17 had children that did not play sports, and 20 percent of them said it was due to an inability to pay for the sport.

“If it wasn’t something I was passionate about or interested in, I’d definitely think twice about paying for it,” said Strasser, “because why would I waste money and time doing something I’m not committed to?”

While finances remain a sensitive topic, the passion and love for a sport an individual plays is safe to say strong enough.

What are Cactus Shadows’ most expensive sports?

Volleyba

Cross Country

Swim and Dive

Gol

Boys Basketba

Girls Basketba

Girls Socce

Boys Socce

Wrestling

Girls Tenni

Boys Tenni

Track

Softba

Baseba

Number of participa figure represents ab

Kaeper controv continu

By Frida Alvarado staff writer

THE VARSITY cheer team performs stunts in front of the crowd at a home football game. Fliers spend hours with their teams perfecting balance and safety. 4LOGAN MCDADE

STEPHEN PAULSON , bassist of Remo Drive, plucking away at his instrument of choice.

4ANNIE SOGAARD

The Riley Report

Slender Man invades cinemas

For Nike’s 20th anniver Kaepernick became the n Nike, which created a hu versy.

The former San Franc quarterback was announ new face of Nike’s “Just D paign. Nike released a vid new campaign on Septem video came out on Yo Twitter as well as airing NFL season opener.

The ad showed sport r ries from pro to amateu Pro athletes in the vide LeBron James, Serena Lacey Baker, Shaquem and Odell Beckham Jr through the video, K quotes “Believe in somet if it means sacrificing e while looking at an Amer “The commercial's

TEAR

SHEETS

september: 8 ● September 28, 2018

A SLOW NIGHT at Big Earl’s; Aidia Nielson and Noble Rose play makeshift shuffleboard with straws and salt while waiting for their burgers. 4LAURYN STORNELLI

Creeker

CREEKER THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

SMALL TOWN: WHAT IS THERE TO DO AROUND HERE?

By Lauryn Stornelli staff writer

WJO BREESE

Growing up in a small town seems to be a phenomenon that residents want to forget, and what metropolitans crave. Though the simple life of townsfolk is often seen as transparent, there are ins and outs of a small town that are passed down to its citizens from generation to generation.

Cactus Shadows stands alone as the only public high school in Cave Creek, Arizona, consequently forcing a flood of teenagers to accept the bone-dry conditions of the fishbowl that they live in. The small town feel forms a strange sort of bond between the teenagers living in it, ever since the school was founded in 1982.

Cameron Bender, a math teacher and student leadership advisor, attended CCUSD schools from second grade until graduation. In the eighteen years that she’s served at the school, Bender has been fortunate enough to watch Cactus Shadows grow into the exception that it is today.

“When I go to a game, the cheerleaders are doing a lot of the same cheers as I did; when I help StuCo build floats for the homecoming parade, I remember building floats for the class of '92; and when I wear blue and grey on Fridays, I remember wearing the same colors and cheering for the same team when I was in high school,” said Bender.

Much like Bender’s generation, teenagers now are taking part in the same activities and traditions, but with their own modern twist.

“Going to any of the local restaurants like Janey’s, Local Jonny’s, DQ, and Big Earl’s is fun to hangout with your friends," said Hannah Bryant, a senior. “They’re hot spots for the teenagers. Kiwanis and the Gold Mine Thrift Shop are also really fun to shop at.”

Spending every afternoon at Janey’s doing home-

work, shopping for vintage clothes or antique furniture owned by past creekers, and driving up towering mountains every weekend to watch the stars might seem feeble to some, but to locals, it never gets old.

However, with a lack of city noise, the overall social maturity within a small community may be questioned.

“My brothers and I have always talked about how you’re kind of in a shell in a small town, but it’s not always obvious at first.You just don’t really get a lot of exposure to other cultures. ” said Noble Rose, a senior.

When it comes to working in Cave Creek, seemingly half of the employee population is made up of students who have attended Cactus Shadows. Getting a job encourages young adults to find their place and build their character. Many teens see owners and managers as easygoing and usually accomodating to their busy schedules. Many local businesses, such as Janey’s and El Encanto, allow graduated seniors to return to their jobs during vacations home from college. This concept of leaving home to find your own path, but always having a comfortable place to return to, is a valuable one among the younger generation of Cave Creek.

“When you’re out in the country, you work with your hands more. I feel like people in small towns tend to go into professions that require more manual labor, like trades,” said Rose.

It may be a popular option to choose the safer career route, but it is not limited to small town folk. Some are afraid of change and some starving for it, universally depending on the person, rather than the place they came from.

Whether it’s the slow driving snowbirds, leaning over the edge of the library balcony, or fingers pointed at the shooting stars, Cave Creek fits many boxes, but the richer history that the town was built on sets it apart from neighboring communities.

Brain Freeze THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS CREEKER

A new ice cream parlor, The Creek Cookies & Cream has opened and already gathered a storm of busy business and regular customers.

L

By Mia Brito Staff

AVA SCHULTZ reaches on her tip toes, pointing at the flavor of ice cream she wants. 4MIA BRITO

“

I see a customer I know and I say, ‘ice cream coming right up sir!’ They come in so often, I just already know what to get them.”

Taj Nadesan a Cactus Shadows senior and employee at The Creek Cookies and Cream

ocated next to and owned by The Creek Patio and Grill, Cave Creek newest addition is The Creek Cookies and Cream ice cream parlor. Recently opening up this past summer, this 50s themed Ice Cream parlor is not only special for its distinct retro music and 50s decor. But, it also offers a variety of ice cream, cookies, brownies, shakes, etc. for customers to try.

“I love working there because I have a ton of samples throughout the day. By the time I have my fifth sample, I have to tell myself to slow down,” said Taj Nadesan, senior and employee for the ice cream parlor.

Offering flavors like birthday cake, salted caramel, and nutella marshmallow, the options are endless for anyone looking to try out something new in the community.

Additionally, the restaurant offers unique choices like the Dough Cream Sandwich, a hot glazed doughnut sliced in two and fiflled with your favorite ice cream and toppings. Or, the Rice Krispies Cream Sandwich, two slices of fresh rice krispies fiflled with your favorite ice cream and toppings. Customers and employees can’t seem to get enough of the Dole Whip Float, pineapple juice poured on top of a sot serve pineapple ice cream.

Being apart of Cave Creek’s small town vibes, workers have developed an understanding for their customer’s needs.

“I see a customer I know and I say, ‘ice cream coming right up sir!’ They come in so oten, I just already know what to get them,” said Nadesan.

“It’s really fun to to talk to people and get free samples,” said Alanna Hallsted, a senior and employee for the ice cream parlor.

Dressed in relaxed white shirts and black pants, employees seem to love their jobs in the stressfree working environment, making it the new place to be. The pictures on the wall and jukebox style music makes for a laid back work space.

“The owner wanted to open an ice cream shop because the the community needs a cool and fun place to hang out and eat some good desserts,” said Shari Henry, manager of The Creek Cookies and Cream. “I see people of all ages come in and enjoy what we have to offer. The atmosphere of the place and the items it serves, makes it very unique and unlike anything else in the area.”

From the looks of it, the owner’s vision is coming together. With guests from The Creek receiving a discount if they purchase an ice cream the same day, their business strategy is working.

What makes this ice cream shop so unique to Cave Creek is their vegan and dairy free options.

Every day, new ideas are brought up and they hope to open up more locations in the near future to bring this atmosphere to more residents. The Creek Cookies and Cream opens at 2:00 p.m. and closes at 9:00 p.m., which gives customers plenty of time to stop by and grab a cone to go.

4BROOK BOWMAN

September 28, 2018 ● 9

october: 8 ● October 19, 2018

Creeker

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

THE PEAK OF THE CREEK

C

The small town is feeling bigger seemingly every day– but is it?

Devin Dorough breaks down the growth of Cave Creek.

By Devin Dorough staff writer

AVE CREEK is a small western town in Arizona founded by cowboys and miners in the 1800s, and since has been exponentially growing with more businesses, families, and touists coming in.

Now, the schools are more cramped, the streets are more crowded, and business has been busier than ever before.

In Old Town Cave Creek, there are establishments that have been there for decades, as well as businesses that have just moved in.

Businesses like Big Earl’s and El Encanto are examples of some of the veteran businesses that have been in Cave Creek a long time. Big Earl’s was originally Cave Creek’s gas station in the 1930s. Today, it is a 1930s art deco style diner.

`ANNIE SOGAARD

Business is booming El Encanto, another Cave Creek restaurant, has been in town for 27 years. El Encanto is a Mexican-themed restaurant chain, with its three other locations also in Arizona. However, El Encanto Cave Creek is the original, and is a spot tourists visit often.

Businesses such as The City Creamery, downtown Cave Creek’s newest ice cream parlor, to Filiberto’s, a popular fast food chain on the west coast, have been popping up more in Cave Creek. Adding these restaurants are only beginning steps to making Cave Creek even larger of a town.

Smaller businesses such as Big Rock Music Lessons have left and new businesses are buying the buildings; but not without some criticism from long-time citizens.

“I’ve seen a lot of businesses start to grow, like when Burritoholics opened up as well as Local Johnny’s and seeing those restaurants be always packed.” said Sarah Spicer, a senior.

Janey’s Coffeehouse is a restaurant, bar, and cafe in old town Cave Creek that appeals to all ages. Janey’s has a stage where many musicians play while people sit outside on the patio. The building has been in Old Town Cave Creek for forty years, but didn’t become Janey’s until

eight years ago.

“We are a coffee shop, restaurant, bar and music venue,” said Julian Corles, owner of Janey’s Coffeehouse. “What is a great sign is how many of the staff frequent our establishment on their days off so that we know they truly feel at home here.”

Increase in residents There hasn’t only been a growth in businesses, but also in residents. The population is just over 5,600 as of 2018, but has been on a constant incline since 1980. Between 2000 and 2005, the population jumped from 3,200 to 5,000. More people living in Cave Creek means more business for the shops in old town.

“In the past few years, I have noticed a lot more people, especially in Old Town because of tourists and families wanting to go to Old Town for fun,” said Holland Loberg, a senior and employee at Janey’s Coffeehouse.

Crowded schools Teachers and students in the Cave Creek District have seen an increase in classroom size and students attending the school. Each year the school is getting more students and classroom sizes are expanding, sometimes not having enough desks. From 1700 to 1900 in one year Cactus Shadows is bigger than ever.

Because of the expansion, there are other issues like fewer textbooks and teachers and adequate transportation available.

Having only one high school in the area, and a very limited budget for education, it can be hard to keep up when class sizes keep getting bigger.

In schools, there are often times more students than there are desks in a classroom.

“Right now, we are the biggest Cactus Shadows has ever been.” said Jim Swetter, principal. With not enough teachers in the area kids do not get the same education and there is often too much going on in the classroom to learn. Cave Creek is home to many new businesses and there are more to come. In a few years Cave Creek could be a largely populated town with many businesses.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS CREEKER

October 19, 2018 ● 9

Old town treasures

By Maja Peirce In Depth Editor

Capturing the town’s history, The Cave Creek Museum holds the foundation of its treasured past.

“When you think of the local history, it might be a sleepy, backwards, western town now, but Cave Creek had some wild, wild history out here.” said Karrie Porter Brace, museum director.

The museum sprouted out of the Historic First Church of Cave Creek built in 1948. After 17 years, the museum grew out of the church and into a new building built for that purpose on site. The historic church remained one of the main outdoor exhibits, and is frequently still used for weddings.

Cave Creek was home to a successful mining district, consequently, the museum is also home to The Golden Reef fully functioning stamp mill, once used to sift ore during The Creek’s mining days.

“My favorite part of the museum is the map that displays all the mines in the area. I like to go out and find them.” said Ryder Jones, a senior.

Large cities on the east coast of the United States struggled having polluted and smoggy air during the 1920’s. A great deal of the population suffered from a bacterial disease known as Tuberculosis and doctors began to send patients out west in search of dry clean air. A significant amount of the founders of Cave Creek moved to the desert to improve their health. Survivors became familiar with one another and made homes in the area following their treatment. Additional outdoor exhibits include one of the last fully intact tubercular cabins in Arizona.

“Between the outdoor exhibits and inside room dedicated to mining, I came away with a lot more knowledge than I had before, making it a very successful trip.” said Bryce Brown, a junior.

Inside the museum is the Archeology Wing.

This room provides artifacts and information on the many ancient cultures that lived in the area from year zero to the present. The Spur

Cross excavation is highlighted in particular with hundreds of pieces discovered in the Spur Cross area in the 1980’s.

Opposite the Spur Cross Exhibit lies the Pioneer Wing where visitors learn about early Cave Creek’s mining, military, and ranching history.

The museum reopened on October third after setting up their new annual exhibit featuring a local artist. This years “Artist in Residence” is Sharon Brening. According to the Sonoran News, she is a realist painter who paints with layers and glazing. Brening was the first woman to win a gold medal in the Annual Western Artists of America Show in Texas.

Aside from the three main wings inside, there is a small room off to the west side of the art gallery dedicated as the museum’s research library. Photos and documents have been archived there describing the characters that built The Creek into what it is today.

Visitors who visit the museum have the option to have a tour guide or to look around on their own.

The volunteer tour guides at the museum dedicates considerable time and knowledge to the museum on a daily basis and express great enthusiasm about the job.

“It surprised me that I ended up learning not only about R yder Jones mining but about a senior anything and everything Cave Creek. That was pretty cool.” said Brown.

Although closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, the museum is open Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from one in the afternoon to 4:30 pm in the evening. On Fridays they open at 10 am. Admission price for students 12 RYDER JONES, a senior, views the collection of photos at the Cave Creek Museum; many residents and students have never heard of the museum, although it has been opened and over is five dollars each.

“My favorite part of the museum is the map that displays all the mines in the area. I like to go out and find them.”

since 1948. 4MAJA PEIRCE

Cave Creek’s eternal (albeit, uninvited) residents Austin Hagan investigates the paranormal happenings of Cave Creek.

By Austin Hagan in depth editor

It is no secret that Cave Creek is an old town, established years before Arizona had even achieved statehood. With that age comes a few interesting details. Whether ghosts are real is to be determined, but everyone can enjoy a scary story all the same.

There are reported ghost sightings all over the place in Cave Creek, from Oregano’s to Cactus Shadows.Oregano’s supposed haunt’s name is Odette. Tapping with no discernable source, things falling, and children seeing people who are not there-perfect for a local pizza place.

“She only really comes out late at night, when you’re the only one in the area,” said Ben Gerst, a senior who works at Oregano’s.

One evening, Gerst ended up being the

last person at the restaurant. As he sat in his car changing out of his work shoes, he noticed a tapping noise as if someone was tapping their finger on his car. When he looked around, he did not see anything.

Several noises later, Gerst began checking to see if his seat or anything was making the noise. The noise became increasingly fast and louder until he had enough, turned on his car and raced home.

“I actually don’t believe in ghosts. I don’t know how to explain it. But, everyone else says it’s ghosts. So it’s ghosts?” said Gerst.

Cactus Shadows’ cafeteria is another place where people have noticed strange occurances. Most notably Martin Figueroa, a food service worker, has noticed peculiar things in the mornings when he is all alone in the kitchen.

“Things have happened here. Things like opening and closing doors when nobody’s even here,” said Figueroa.

Other spooky locations include the Fine Arts Center.“Cupo told us this story about a little girl with little tap shoes on,” said Hannah Bryant, a student in the theater program.

The most detailed and frightening encounter is best told by Andrew Cupo, the theater instructor here at Cactus Shadows.

While still in college, Cupo had the job of closing up the theater in the evening alone.

“I was locking up the lobby and I turned around, and down the hall at the end of the lobby was like, this little girl, still standing there,” said Cupo. “I asked if she was still waiting for someone, because I thought she was a dancer from the show. Then, she

started walking and went around the corner, and when I got there she was gone.”

Cupo looked backstage as he was turning all the lights out, to make sure nobody was still back there. Walking past windows, he noticed a dark figure striding across the hall behind him in the reflection but, did not see anyone when he looked back. At this point, Cupo, more than slightly jarred, went to the back of the theater to get his stuff.

“As I was coming into the theater, I didn’t notice, but all the theater seats were down, as if someone was sitting in them. As I was going up the rows, all the seats popped up.

Like, each row, one at a time. At which point, I ran, grabbed my stuff, got outside,” said Cupo.

With haunting season upon us, keep an eye out for these spooky suspects.

november: THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Spotlight

November 20, 2018 ● 9

Singing her way to stardom Halle Abadi is an expert with balancing her passion and her education. She excels in the International Baccalaureate Program, recorded and released her debut single “IWY,” and has another on the way.

W

Annie Sogaard Spotlight editor

ith a small smile and a deep breath, Halle Abadi sits at her piano in her bedroom, framed by two small studio lights on either side, and delicately begins playing “Queen” by Jessie J, a ballad with lyrics as powerfully written as the voice covering it.

Once she begins to sing, the atmosphere flips entirely from a quaint, comfortable bedroom accompanied by soft and melodic piano to a mere four walls built to attempt to contain her raw emotion and her powerful, awe-inducing voice.

At the end of the song, she takes her hands off the keys and onto her lap, looking up and around so humbly as if nothing had happened at all.

“Feelings that you can’t convey with words can be conveyed through music,” said Abadi. “There’s something about the way that it makes people feel and the way it can be used as a catalyst for certain emotions that makes me want to create music as an outlet for myself.”

Halle has been playing piano and singing for about nine years, working with vocal instructors in the valley and casually participating in local singing competitions.

“I think around eighth grade is when I realized Halle was getting more serious about her music,” said Bahar Abadi, Halle’s mother. “She was writing songs and kept wanting to hit higher notes.”

She began to be approached by label scouts and producers, but to

no avail.

After her vocal instructor referred her to Christopher Roberts, a music producer and engineer in L.A, it was a perfect fit.

“Right off the bat, he made me feel super comfortable and was really receptive to my ideas, which made it easy to trust him with my music,” she said. The two decided to work on two singles through sending voice memos of her lyrics and the melody and having Skype meetings about any changes or production ideas.

“I’m still trying to find my sound and what works best for me; what type of lyrics or style of production that would best match my voice and what I’m trying to say to the world,” said Abadi.

“Currently, I would describe my two singles as pop singles, although I have songs under my belt I have yet to record that are more of a mix of R&B and pop.”

Halle spent four days over the summer in Los Angeles in the studio, for most days from early in the morning to midnight; the first song, “IWY”, was released on November first, and the second song sometime in December.

Not only is she remaining focused on her goals in music, but she is also currently a senior in the International Baccalaureate program at Cactus Shadows, planning on moving to Los Angeles and going to college there.

“It’s a lot of work to balance both things. I always have to remind myself that school is a priority, but I make time for my music every chance I get.”

The main driving force behind being successful, in whatever respect, is genuine passion; and

10 ● November 16, 2018

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

SPOTLIGHT

Living a Pura Vida

Pura Vida Bracelets is an organization that keeps on giving; jobs, donations to charity, and handcrafted jewelry.

AS A LONG TIME FAN of

Humans of Cactus Shadows

Pura Vida, Reece Parfet is an avid collector of their bracelets. Pura Vida has donated $1.5 million to charities around the world, and their bracelets are worn by millions. 4MIA BRITO

“I’ve always been interested in art.

Outside of class I do shading using dots. It’s called pointillism. When I draw I don’t really have a theme, I just like to draw cool objects.”

Lexi Horner a sophomore

By Reece Parfet Guest writer

LOOKING GOOD WHILE HELPING

others is what Pura Vida Bracelets are all about. “Pura vida” means “pure life” in Spanish. A pure life is represented by living life to the fullest, slowing things down and refusing to take anything for granted. Pura Vida bracelets are handcrafted by artists around the world.

The company was founded

by Griffin Thall and Paul Goodman, two friends from Southern California who visited Costa Rica on a college graduation trip in 2010. At that time, they brought home a small number of bracelets which sold quickly at a local boutique.

Now, the bracelets are worn by millions of people around as a reminder to slow down and enjoy each day as it comes.

Helping residents in Costa Rica with full time jobs, in positive work environments, and giving back to charities around the world has always been a core value of the Puravida Company. Some of the over 190 charities Pura Vida represents are Colon Cancer Awareness, Down Syndrome Awareness, Save the Dolphins, Surfers for Autism, and the Best Friends Animal Society. To date, the company has donated over $1.5 million to charities around the world.

I began collecting Pura Vida brace-

“I took culinary [class] because I wanted to cook and learn more about it. I was making mustard soup, and it’s pretty exciting seeing all the different ways you can make food. Plus, a lot of my friends are in that class.”

Sean R eagan a senior

lets in October of 2017. A friend of mine had one on, and I liked it. I went to their online store and my collection started.

I also went shopping at Tilly’s and the Pura Vida stores in California. I have 90 bracelets now. I have almost every bracelet online.

My friend Brianne bought me a bracelet, and when new bracelets come out; I’ll be sure to buy them too.

My goal is to have every bracelet in the collection.

I know all the names of the brace-

lets. My favorite ones include Poolside, Random Acts of Kindness, and Baja Blast. I collect Pura Vida bracelets, but I also own a Pura Vida wallet, t-shirt, ring, and bags, I like the simplicity of the styles and supporting many different charity organizations.

Many people have supported me along my journey, and this is one way I give back. If you’d like more information about Pura Vida, see me; you’ll find me easily. I’m the guy with all the colorful bracelets on my arms.

“I mostly go fishing a lot. I usually go to golf course and ponds and sometimes you have to sneak into the golf courses. But, most places allow fishers.

My friends and I try to hook largemouth bass.”

John K ries a sophomore

4BLAKE DORAME

The Riley Report:

by Riley James

Jonah Hill debuts his directing career with Mid90s : an instant classic

staff writer

Mid90s is written and directed by comedian Jonah Hill. Hill rose to fame because of his role as “Seth” in 2007’s Superbad. That movie launched his acting career and since then he’s been in numerous films, such as This is the End, 21 Jump Street, Megamind, and even being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in Moneyball and The Wolf of Wall Street.

He most recently starred in Netflix’s MANIAC alongside Emma Stone. Now Jonah Hill has directed his first feature film and it's very impressive. The film is a misleading title, because you'd think it would just rely on

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

90s nostalgia, but it certainly doesn't. This film could take place in any time and still be a relevant story.

Mid90s follows 13 year old Stevie as he begins hanging out with some local skaters at a nearby skate shop in Los Angeles during the mid 1990s and is brought into a new world of fun, excitement and danger. A simple coming of age story, but with more to it.

Most films that take place in past decades will overextend references and nostalgia which makes it extremely cheesy, but Mid90s has subtle nods to the 1990s decade without overdoing it. The same goes for skateboarding movies. They'll always make

it too cheesy, but this movie exceeds and pays tribute to skateboarding and the 1990s decade completely respectably..

I personally think it's a very smart idea that they didn't go too crazy with the nostalgia, because now anyone from any decade can enjoy this movie. The cast does an excellent job, Sunny Suljic plays Stevie, a relatable, awkward young kid trying to fit in. Lucas Hedges plays Stevie's older brother Ian, and definitely sells the “stereotypical mean older brother” character. The supporting cast was the best part of the movie, because they weren't even real actors. Stevie’s skater friends were played by real skaters that

November 20, 2018 ● 11

SPOTLIGHT

AFTER TWO SURGERIES AND A MONTH AND A HALF IN THE HOSPITAL, Geoff Johnson

has returned to Cactus Shadows. His battle with Crohn’s disease is not over, but with overwhelming support from students

4ANNIE SOGAARD

and staff, Johnson is back to his normal life doing what he loves. 4LOGAN MCDADE

Teacher Geoff Johnson returns to the classroom Grant Richardson staff writer

Geoff Johnson is a social studies teacher who is suffering from Crohn's disease, which is a severe type of inflammatory bowel disease. Due to complications from the illness, Johnson was hospitalized and ended up being out of school for over a month.

“I have had Crohn’s disease for six years. It’s an intestinal problem, which doesn’t have a cure. I was experiencing a lot of pain and discomfort and bloating in my stomach,” said Johnson.

Excited for his return Johnson was eager during the surgeries to end all the struggles that he was dealing with. The decision to perform surgery was one that took a long time for the doctors to make.

“I wish they could just figure out the problem and take care of it. Nobody likes the hospital. I was there fourteen days before they even attempted any surgery,” said Johnson.

He had surgery twice: the first time, the surgeons attempted to drain everything, but with no success. The second surgery went fine, but there were times his blood pressure dropped and was very low.

“They moved me to the intensive care unit, and that was pretty scary because, when you drop your blood pressure too far, you are dead,” said Johnson.

The recovery process is going well. Johnson is hoping that his life will be back to normal by next school year and that he won’t have to worry about surgeries and recovery time.

“They are basically going to do the same surgery I had already gotten done, and they are going to do that in May, if everything goes well,” said Johnson.

Jonah Hill offered to be in his movie.

The skaters were played by members of a real-life professional skate team, called Illegal Civilization, which made it feel even more real. The soundtrack was another great part of the film. A lot of classic 90s hip-hop like Wu-Tang Clan and Cypress Hill, but also some 90s rock like The Pixies, Nirvana and the score was composed by 90s legend Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. They shot in 4:3 which gave the film an older look and overall the cinematography was beautiful.

Mid90s is an instant classic.

“A month or a month and a half after that, I think I will be back to normal. Whenever I don’t have a bag attached to my stomach, I think that will be a sign that my life will be back to normal.”

The unexpected success of GoFundMe Hospital stays are expensive and Johnson created a Go Fund Me to help raise money to cover the cost of his surgeries. His current and former students were very supportive. His campaign was trending as number one on the entire website for a couple days.

“Mr. Johnson is a fun and kind teacher and he cares a lot about all of his students,” said Marissa Farhi, a junior.

For Johnson, being away from his students was frustrating.

“It’s incredible, and it was the number one reason why I wanted to get back to school. I got a ton of support from the students, staff and administration letting me know that they were on my side.

It was nice to know that I was being taken care of and that I didn’t have to be worried about losing my job,” said Johnson.

Long time teacher at Cactus Shadows Johnson has been teaching history here for 14 years and he emphasizes building relationships with students by creating a welcoming and safe environment.

“Mr. Johnson is a pretty good and guy and a really good teacher also. He really gets in depth with his lessons and really helps us make sure that we pass his class,” said Nate Lasky, a junior.

Johnson has to constantly battle with his disease. He tries to get better every day so, he can return back to what he loves, which is teaching and interacting with his students.

FIDLAR on the roof (of the Van Buren)

By Jo Breese

technical difficulties, and had to stop midway through a song to get the guiUNK rock fans flocked tar’s sound to work. After finishing to the Van Buren to listheir set and thanking the crowd, they ten and boogie to FIDLAR exited the stage. playing live on October The anticipation for FIDLAR to finally 19. FIDLAR is a skate-punk enter the stage was palpable. After a band from Los Angeles, California. long wait, the old TVs stacked in the Elvis Kuehn and Zac Carper formed back of the stage turned on, displaying FIDLAR in 2008 and started recordthe word “FIDLAR” in various colorful ing songs in the recording studio they designs. Then, FIDLAR walked out on worked at when it was empty. Elvis stage. The crowd went wild and they Kuehn’s brother, Max Kuehn, and started to rip out their single, “Alcohol”, Carper’s friend, Brandon Schwartzel, and the crowd went into a frenzy, later joined the band as well. screaming the song with the band.

FIDLAR’s high energy music attracts The crowd went mad and moshed many interestingly edgy people to their during every song. FIDLAR stopped shows, including a 40-year-old man the show after “West Coast” and who seemed to be enjoying the music invited all the girls into a all-female more than his 12-year-old son was. moshpit for their next song, “5 to The crowd was ready to see FIDLAR as 9.” They ended with crowd favorsoon as they walked in, but the openite “Cheap Beer” and left the stage. ing bands excelled at holding off the The crowd screamed and begged for an the masses and keeping spirits high. encore, which they promptly received.

The Side Eyes, a female-fronted FIDLAR ran back on stage and started hardcore punk band, was the first band playing “Cocaine,” and almost immedito get up on stage and jam in front of ately the entire crowd’s energy peaked the crowd. The punk energy was being and went crazy, making it the perfect pumped throughout the room by the way to end a great show. lead vocalist, Astrid McDonald’s intense yelling and bassist Chris Devine’s nonstop headbanging.

A large 5-man moshpit formed in the middle of the crowd taking up almost the entire room during “Cat Call,” an intense song from their new album, “So Sick.” McDonald sang about being harassed on the sidewalk as Kevin Devine shredded his guitar.

Before The Side Eyes cleared the stage for the next band, they performed a ripping cover of Gorilla Biscuits song, “Big Mouth,” and left the audience even more amped up for what was to come.

The next band up was Dilly Dally, an alternative rock band from Toronto, Canada.

Dilly Dally was a break from the heavy tunes played

by The Side Eyes.

Instead, Dilly Dally played slower, more emotional songs.

During the show, Liz Ball, the guitarist, unfortunately WAUSTIN HAGAN encountered some

P staff writer

december: Spotlight

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

O

December 21, 2018 ● 9

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS SPOTLIGHT

Makenna French

n December 6-7 at 7 p.m, the Falcon Dance Company had their annual show, called Postcards from Oz, at the Fine Arts Center. There was a total of fourteen dances, all inspired by themes from “The Wizard of Oz.” This year’s show included choreography by the two dance teachers, Elissa Ericson and Haley Vago, as well as work by outside choreographers. Two dances were created by alumna from the Dance Department, Brandi Atkins and Morgan Povinelli. The remaining choreographers were Lori Hart, Liz Lincoln, Ramon Soto and Ricky Malouf.

Rehearsals began the second day of school in August, and continued daily throughout the first semester. ”During show week, we have rehearsals Monday through Wednesday and shows are Thursday and Friday,” said Maya Hemingway, a senior company member.

Some of the dances by outside choreographers meant rehearsing after school and on weekends. All of the long rehearsals are meant to prepare the dancers for being on stage.

“I used to [get stage fright] but since we’ve all been dancing and especially all of us together for so long, we kinda just help each other out and none of us get too nervous anymore,” said Morgan Mullenmeister, a senior company member.

Each of the fourteen dances averaged around four minutes in length and there was a fifteen minute intermission split between the show.

“I feel like it’s a culmination of a semester’s long effort from all of the company members and all of the choreographers. It’s just nice to see it finally come alive on stage. There’s definitely limitations when you’re in a dance studio and when you get on stage it's like what you imagined it would be,” said Elissa Ericson, dance teacher.

December 21, 2018 ● 11

App development pays rewards for the dedicated

staff writer

Dancers travel to OZ

A

By Evan Myers Staff Writer

pps have changed the world and have helped to modernize it.

Applications to your phone, computer, whatever it may be, could be fun games, mind teasers, an app to view health or your financial position, social media, and thousands more. However, actually developing and programming these applications can be challenging, and incredibly time consuming.

According to Indeed.com, app development jobs pcan pay almost $85,000 a year, depending on the employee’s skill level. It can take months to completely develop an application, and a multitude of different programs and softwares.

For example, Uber was made by developers and there is money to be made by participating in the app. Uber is an app that allows the user to call a “taxi” or a driver to a location. Uber drivers who get higher ratings get picked more often, and make more money.

Often times, people in this realm of work will begin to be involved with a project or a new app, and that app might just end up blowing up and being an entire company. These are apps like, Chrome, Google, YouTube,

The Falcon Dance Company took a trip to Wonderland at the Fine Arts Center

NINA LEONARD, MADDIE MCDONALD, AND ELISE SCIBELLI strike a

dramatic pose under the colorful lighting of the dance show. 4BLAKE DORAME

Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and more.

“I think for teenagers, apps are awful and play a more negative role than positive. Except for those who recognize the slippery slope of how much time it kills and are able to separate themselves from the “the little screen of death”, said Matthew Scott, business and film teacher.

“I think a good app would be on that causes the phone to shut itself off after 15 minutes of nonstop usage,” said Scott. “People don’t know how to let go of their stupid devices. It’s depressing just thinking about it.” He also says, “There are lots of ways to develop an app. The one I am interested in the most are the non-coding apps. There are companies that have built platforms for a new wave of “non-coding” for apps, such as Thunkable. Meaning, the average Joe who doesn’t code, can create their own app without any coding necessary. I don’t know how long a coding app would take to make. Non coding drag and drop apps take about 1-2 hours to design for your business, depending on the level of info needed.”

Kieran Gershenfeld, a senior at Cactus Shadows, has dived into app developing himself, and has created an app called Smash Dot. “Ios has a software called

XCode, and it’s only available on iphones.”

He was helped by his father who works in the tech sector and Gershenfeld has been working on this app for about a month or two.

Mobile apps have helped us modernize, apps can be useful for anything. App development can be challenging and can take up a lot of time. However this hard work and time can really pay off, apps can make or break our future.

`ANNIE SOGAARD

3 Where did you get that outrageous Christmas sweater?

Creed II, a satisfying successor to first movie

JO BREESE

“So, this is my Santa Claus sweater. It’s green. I got this passed down to me from my grandfather, to my dad, and my dad gave it to me roughly two years ago.” Jimmy Clays, junior.

“My mom, when she was in Oklahoma, called me and asked, ‘Kaleb do you want this?’ I said, ‘Oh yeah mom, I do!’ She got home later that week and gave it to me.” Kaleb Harding, sophomore.

“I bought this at Walmart, because it lights up. That’s about it.” Holly Beck, junior.

“My sweater is Shrek’s face and his mouth is open.

Pretty funny.” Brad Johnson, junior.

“It’s from Target, it’s a dog sweater, it has puffy gold earrings.”

Lauren Burke, senior.

“My sweater is a Santa Claus sweater, and I’m not sure where I got it from.” Haylee Hewitt, senior.

Marsh’s life post-election means more time for teaching

By Max Sotelo video editor

In an extremely close race for a State Senate seat in legislative district 28, English teacher Christine Marsh lost the election to Kate Brophy McGee by only 267 votes.

Her life has now returned to a normal pace, spending the newly found time on her hands chatting with neighbors on walks with her dog, Danny, a mutt she bought after the election. She is also planning a trip she’ll be taking in January to New York City with her sons.

“My neighbors all probably think

I’m rude because I was always in such a rush,” said Christine Marsh, 2018 candidate for Arizona state senate.

On the topic of whether or not she wants to run again–she really doesn’t know. She has a few months to decide, but it was really hard for her to do anything besides campaign and come to work during the midterms.

“If it comes down to the way it did last time, where it was apparent to me and to other people who know more about politics than I do that I’m the best chance at flipping that seat, then I’ll probably run

again,” said Marsh.

Along with the challenge of being on the campaign trail, Marsh also had to find a balance between school work and campaigning.

“She did really well, she was able to keep up with our class the whole time,” said Jack Bishop, a senior student in her AP literature class.

For Marsh, it was a matter of keeping her life compartmentalized. During the election, she couldn’t talk about anything. She wasn’t allowed to legally, and ethically, she felt as though she had to keep school and campaigning separate.

“I didn’t know that the election was even going on right now until she started talking about it more afterwards,” said Lily Ellison, a senior student in her AP literature class.

Marcvh does not plan on going into detail about her political positions, but she may now talk about some of her experiences campaigning, such as speeches she gave, or people she met. While she now has more time to focus on school rather than campaigning, the rest of the year will go as it normally has for her students.

“My goal through being a candi-

date the entire time was to make sure that my students weren’t paying any kind of a price,” said Marsh.

The biggest lesson she learned was that she’s very authentic and transparent with her students, but as a candidate, she had to be far more guarded because people are more likely to attack before knowing the full story.

“My favorite part was meeting and becoming really close to so many very interesting people and knowing that I was part of something bigger than me,” said Marsh.

4LOGAN MCDADE

10 ● December 21, 2018

SPOTLIGHT THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Book Review

Veterans inspire Junger’s latest work

By Ryan Bartholomew Podcast Producer

Dancers travel to OZ

WAUSTIN HAGAN

Game Review

Prequel shows great graphics in Red Dead Redemption 2

By Kassidy Wheeler editor in chief

Ranking popular Western movies like The Good the Bad and the Ugly, Tombstone, Django Unchained, and so many more is difficult to do. There are so many popular Western movies, but when it comes to Western video games, the most popular title that usually comes to mind is the Red Dead Redemption series.

In October of 2018, Red Dead Redemption 2, a prequel to 2010s Red Dead Redemption, was released on Playstation 4 and Xbox. The game follows the fictional Van Der Linde gang as they try to get rich as outlaws in the Wild West.

Players will be able to set out on their new adventure as Arthur Morgan, the gangs lead enforcer, as they venture through fictional settings and towns such as Blackwater, Saint Denis, and Valentine. These locations serve to accurately depict America’s Western Frontier in 1899, the time in which the game takes place. The story of Red Dead Redemption 2 sets up a fantastic connection between the first game in the series released in 2010, and advances character development to make the original game have more meaning.

There is a solid 60 hours of campaign gameplay, plenty of side quests to go along with the main story, and players are now able to play online

with friends. Despite some problems with the rollout of online servers, the game developer, Rockstar Games, has updates planned for the future.

The map is enormous and players will be able to venture through snow, swamps, woodlands, and deserts. Adjusting how the main character is dressed even plays a role on his health. If the player goes into a snowy environment wearing inadequate clothing, it affects his health negatively. The game even features a hair growth system, and there is an option to shave and cut Morgan’s hair as the story continues.

While the story is great, the game certainly continues to impress in graphics and gameplay. Everything in the game is realistic and plays smoothly. In gun battles, players will feel like they are in the Wild West. Players can also hunt animals, craft items from things they find in the world, and factors like eating and sleeping even play a role on Morgan’s stamina and health attributes throughout the game.

This game is by far the best Western game ever created, and receives a 5 out of 5 rating. For those wishing to play, be aware that the game is not for the faint of heart. With a 17+ rating, many will find sequences of the game disturbing, there are frequent scenes of intense violence, profane language, blood, and gore.

Sebastian Junger’s Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging is a departure from the author’s signature style. He does not tell one knockout story as in The Perfect Storm or War, but rather looks at the experiences of veterans coming home from service - he does it well.

Drawing inspiration from history, psychology, and anthropology, Junger shows us just how contested the structure of modern societies stands against our tribal instincts. He states that the difficulties many veterans face upon returning home from war do not entirely come from the trauma they’ve suffered, but also from the individualist societies and cultures they must become accustomed to.

Junger claims that the modern-day versions of those white captives are war veterans who come home longing for the intimate nature of life with their platoon or company — their military tribe in a sense. He says the lack of closeness and sense of purpose in civilian life may be a main causal factor of the extremely high rate of posttraumatic stress disorder after service.

He proposes that many of the issues of modern Western society are due of the loss of tribal sentiments lying deep in our evolutionary past. We remain hunter-gatherers in our souls while our bodies and minds dwell in a culture that, even with all the material items we have, is hurtful to our old tribal virtues. In an article from The Washington Post titled The dangerous drift from our tribal

roots, “cooperation rather than competition, affinity rather than alienation, a spirit of sharing rather than one of rugged individualism.”

Personally, I thought this book was incredibly interesting. Reading the story from the point of view of the veterans returning home was very smart on Junger’s part. It puts the reader into the story and allows readers to sympathize with veterans. However, there are a few sour points.

As a former anthropology major, Junger has an affinity for tribal living. He notes that a large number of American colonists ran away and joined Native American societies, but how the reverse almost never happened. Junger also describes the general structuring of hunter-gatherer groups, as well as the ones that made it into the 20th century.

Unfortunately, these parts of the book are also arguably the most dull and problematic. There is a numbingly familiar quality to much of the social science research he cites. It is not exactly news that nations with large income disparities are less happy than those without them, or that group cooperation increases levels of oxytocin.

Even with the occasionally slow writing, the book is still very interesting. It almost feels like a thought experiment to see how people react knowing how veterans feel coming home. I would give this book 4.5/5 stars, and recommend it to anyone desiring a good read.

There is a numbingly familiar quality to much of the social science research he cites. It is not exactly news that nations with large income disparities are less happy than those without them, or that group cooperation increases levels of oxytocin.

Riley Report:

Creed II, a satisfying successor to first movie

By Riley James staff Writer

Creed is the successor to the original Rocky films, and serves as more of a spin-off rather than a straight sequel. The Creed films follow Apollo Creed's son Adonis as he follows his deceased father's footsteps in becoming the worldwide heavyweight champion in boxing. Creed II picks up 3 years after the first film and Adonis Johnson is now a worldwide super-star. He proposes to his girlfriend and agrees to move to Los Angeles with her.

Although he is hesitant to move away from his mentor, former boxing champion Rocky Balboa. Meanwhile, Ivan Drago, the man who killed Adonis’s father, and also fought Rocky in a boxing match, is training his own son in Moscow, Russia, to fight for the boxing heavyweight championship, and earn back the respect of the world.

Creed reluctantly agrees to fight

Drago’s son, with Rocky by his side once again.

Creed II is the eighth entry in the entirety of the Rocky film franchise. Starting in 1976, directed by John G. Avildsen and starring Sylvester Stallone, Carl Weathers, Talia Shear, Burgess Meredith, and Burt Young.

Rocky won 3 academy awards and was nominated 9 times. It is no-doubtley the most famous boxing film of the genre, and it started one of the most successful movie series of all time and Sylvester Stallone was shot to stardom.

The films in the series definitely got sillier and sillier down the road, but in 2006 Sylvester Stallone revived the Rocky series, with his film Rocky Balboa. This was after a 21 year hiatus, and it brought the Rocky character out of the ’80s and into the 21st century, with a more gritty, realistic look at boxing in the modern age.

This movie would set up how the

rest of the films in the series would be like.

No longer would the Rocky films be campy, predictable underdog stories. Since this film there has been two more entries in the Rocky universe, those being the two Creed films, which I said are more like spinoffs.

In these films, Rocky Balboa is no longer the main character.

Adonis Creed has already been in just two films, but audiences seem to resonate more with this character rather than Rocky.

Michael B. Jordan and the rest of the cast in the Creed films give their best performances and in my opinion, Jordan deserves an oscar. Steven Caple JRs Creed II in my opinion is not as good as its predecessor, but it is definitely an improvement than past ROCKY films. If you are a fan of sports movies, then this is the movie for you. 4 out of 5