Blake's Portfolio

Blake’s Portfolio Year 2018

Self Analysis This year I was able to learn and improve on leadership skills, the production process, production skills, and time management. As the photography editor and an upperclassmen, it was easy to take lead of my team of photographers. It was not hard to get my team to work because they already got their work most of the time, but through the year I had to work on communicating with my photographers to make sure they were getting the right pictures, the way I wanted for the photo essay. For the photo essay I helped my team by always telling them what the photo composition should consist of, what settings they should use, and oftentimes I would be with my photographer and I would tell them the best areas to get pictures. I was a lacking leader when it came to photos on smaller articles because i was biased and wanted the best quality for my own photo essay page, I would only give my photographers ideas for the smaller photos but for my own page I would give them all the resources they needed to get a great picture. If I had to restart from the beginning this year, I would sit down with all my photographers and teach them how to use a camera and adjust the settings for any situation. A valuable lesson I never taught my photographers is how to utilize ISO, shutter speed, and focus. This year I struggled with assigning the right pictures for the right people and inevitably being let down because the pictures do not have a clear CVI or have bad picture quality. This is because everyone has their type of photography that they are best at. As a leader I am not very commanding and I will let my photographers suffer if they do not do their work.

This method works for the most part, my team will usually get their work done if I do not nag them about it but there is always one photographer that will wait to get the picture and will either not get the picture are have something completely unusable.

This year I started out with not knowing anything about how to use about in design, the program publications uses to format the paper. Fast forward four issues and I feel pretty comfortable with in design, I have learned the most about page design and writing captions, Adamson has taught me all I need to know to make the page for the photo essay, such as some of the tools and the flow of the page like the spacing of the pictures and placement of the captions.

A big limiting factor of my production abilities are the deadlines and my time management.

Each month I found myself not busy for the first few days, then for a week I would get pictures and sort through them. After I have I photos selected I am usually rushing to finish my page layout and struggle to finish my captions before the paper goes to the printer.

Being in charge of the photo essay it was easy follow the journalism code of ethics because I was never writing about topics. The biggest lie I could put on my page would be staging a photo or writing a false quote of which I did neither.

My dedication to the newspaper has always been above standard, at least with photography most of the pictures are outside of school so I have to make time to drive to various locations, like the verde river and along an entire parade route. For the creation of the photo essay itself I would only use the best photos and spend unnecessary amounts of time during and after school going through photos are really thinking through captions.

My biggest hardship is brainstorming good ideas for the photo essay and biggest weakness is writing good captions to best explain the photos.

Reflection 1 My most significant contribution to the newspaper has been my reliability to take quality photos and get the photo essay done with little error. I think this is a beneficial trait to the newspaper because it takes a lot of stress off the editor ‘n’ chiefs because they don’t have to worry about my page being a disaster, they only have to look over before we send the paper to the printer. Not only does this help because they don’t have to worry about the photo essay, but all of the editors know they can count on me to go get photos last minute when a plan falls through.

As far as work goes, I am most proud of my october photo essay which was about homecoming week. I believe it was a strong page in the news paper because the photos covered all of the student’s favorites events of homecoming and the pictures tell a story of the most memorable moments of homecoming. The pictures also had a lot of emotion and set a fun celebratory mood with prominent students at the school like our track star Luke McGowen, varsity cheer team, varsity football players, and the unforgettable Jhad who rapped at the homecoming pep rally.

This photo essay also taught me a lot about what students want to see in the newspaper because when I am thinking of photos for the page I think about what students would want to see most.

Reflection 2 I am most proud of these photos not only of the high quality but because of how student can relate to each one. For the first photo of the Verde River, I pride myself on the work it took to get the picture, I had to tread through a muddy river with an expensive camera and them climb up a 40ft cliff to get a crisp photo of the popular hangout spot on such a beautiful day. I believe the photo really expressed how special the river is to students and the amount of good times that can be had there.

For the photo of Mr. Cupo, I glad that I was about to get such a good photo of one of the most beloved teachers at the school. Even more so I was able to get him outside of school doing his favorite hobby, rock climbing because I think students find it interesting when teachers have such a cool hobby, and I was able to capture him in such a cool environment.

Finally, the last photo I am proud of just because of the quality and location of the photo. The photo is not only clear but it holds action and has all of the cheerleaders looking in unison. The location and timing of the photo couldn’t have been better, in the picture the cheerleader are in front of a popular biker bar in Old Town Cave Creek, a party town which matches perfectly with the party mood of the homecoming essay.

September My page Photo Essay

20 ● September 24, 2018

BACK IN BLUE

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

4. seNior’s Nest Class of 2019 shows their spirit for the first football pep-rally of the year. The seniors pack the stands with their blue out attire and loud chants. “I feel like our class has a good amount of camaraderie among us; everyone is always hype at the pep rallys and we have always been a high spirited loud grade,” said Kira Solberg. 4brook bowmAn

Starting off a new school year at Cactus Shadows, students are showing their falcon pride.

1. New HeigHts

Siena McCollum, senior, and Sydney Perry, junior, celebrate their line up for the new volleyball season with a jumping high five. “Since we are all friends on and off the court which help a lot during practice and has helped us stay undefeated; and we don’t get angry at each other on the court which is good cause that could cause a down fall of the team,” said McCollum.

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Gabe Ozaki and Kayla Dobbs, seniors and Drama club presidents, announce their club at Blue Out pep-rally.

With a whole new class of students this year, Dobbs and Ozaki ask the newcomers to expand the club. 4brook

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2 3. Year four Audrey

Coleman and Izzy Cantwell, seniors, spend their last golf season together. “We have both been of the school golf team for a while and we are friends off the team as well, I love audrey,” said Cantwell. This year, the golf team is hoping to win the state championships for the third year in a row.

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5. BeacH patrol This year, Cactus Shadows introduced eight

new nest leaders for the first time. Two of the eight leaders, Nick Ford and Dani Ramos, seniors, cheer on the varsity football team in the spirit beach theme. Ford and Ramos spent their Friday night hyping up the crowd for the game against Williams Field High School. “Our job at the football games are to make sure everyone is involved in the game; like actually cheering on the players,” said Ford. 4logAn mcdAde

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Life Style

October My page 20 ● October 19, 2018

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Lost At Sea Homecoming found at Cactus Shadows with this year’s theme Ship Wrecked. An exciting week full of costumes, dancing, and an excuse to not do homework.

SCAN THE CODE TO WATCH A VIDEO ABOUT HOMECOMING

Spotlight

1. MARCH INTO HOMECOMING Varsity Cheer squad dances their

way down Cave Creek road in the homecoming parade. Caileen Childers, a junior, Alyssa Wong, a senior, and Megan Coleman, a senior, all wore Hawaiian leis to represent the Shipwrecked theme. “It’s tiring but its really fun to show all the judges and all the people that show up your school spirit,” said Wong.

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THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

8. VARSITY DUET

Derek Pederson, a junior, and Delaney Dopp, a junior, show off their moves in a duet dance. Each year, the cheerleaders choreograph a dance to perform with the varsity football players. “It was really fun, we practiced with the football boys on Saturday and they were super rowdy,” said Dopp.

SPOTLIGHT

Get your

Humans of Cactus Shadows

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At this year’s pep rally Nest leaders Jack Magtibay, a senior, and Ty Mead, a senior, get the stands hyped up for the homecoming game. STUCO hosted a neon-themed pep rally this year. “Homecoming is always a fun time and it is a great way to be involved in the assembly; and the energy at the game was awesome, everyone was having fun and it was awesome to be apart of,” said Mead. 4BLAKE DORAME

Makenna French re who wants to be sc “It’s kind of cool because we all have that one little thing in common, we all know what we’re doing just enough to work well together. The class is really fun, and I feel like the most theater I’ve ever learned is just through that class and being with those people because we’re all on the same page rather than just kids trying to get an arts credit.”

7. IN FOR A RIDE

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senior, makes a move and drives past Cedric Brachet, junior, during the 3v3 basketball game. This popular homecoming event pits teams of three against each other. “Steven and I have been playing together for a while now so our chemistry on the court was nice; In the seating we went 2-1 but for the real ranking we lost our first match,” said Brachet.

7 6. CAPTIN’ LUKE

Luke MacGowan, a senior, spots the Trojans across the sea of desert as sand sprays in his face.

MacGowen posed as a pirate on the cross country float during the homecoming parade through Old Town Cave Creek.

“Well, I’ve been doing band since I was 11, and it’s always just been so appealing to me. The people in band have a sort of energy that I can connect with, we’re all each other’s ‘band family.’

School events like football games are always so much fun, it’s our job to get people excited about the game and provide entertainment. I think it’s one of the most underrated positions at school, it’s so fun to get people excited and to do something you really enjoy at the same time.”

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3. FALC EM’ UP Blake Willams,

a junior, wraps up the Paradise Valley quarter back for a tackle. The Falcons won the game 27 to 20. “The game went as expected; it was well coached and we definitely couldn’t have gotten it done with the guys up front,” said Cole Cucitrone, varsity football quarter back. 4BLAKE

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4 5 5. HOT SHOT Ryan

Oswald and Trenton Dianovich, juniors, compete in the homecoming 3v3 basketball tournament. Dianovich pulled a jumper with Oswald guarding close by. 4BLAKE DORAME

K arli Kinsey a junior

2. DRIVE BY Nathan Olari,

6 4. MICS AND LIGHTS Jad Bazzi, a senior,

raps his Falcon spirit song at the homecoming pep rally. “For the Falcon mascot auditions I did a rap; I wanted to show something I really loved; and they said they liked it and wanted me to perform it at homecoming.”

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staff writer

As the spooky season nears to go do something that pu Halloween mood. 13th Floor H is a great way to get scared a time with friends.

The 13th Floor changes i every year. The two themes year are The Possession and In Before the attractions start, pictures of the guests and offe them at the very end.

The Possession, which is th tion, is really creepy. It is very points, and at other points th

Ema Cartin a sophomore “First things first, I’m moving out of Arizona. I can’t stand this place.

There’s nothing much to do, and it’s 115 degrees everyday. My goal is to move to Portland, Oregon, and the goal there is to either go to the University of Portland or Oregon State University for four years.”

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By Makenna French

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Dallas Overfield a senior

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The Riley Report:

16 ● October 19, 2018

By Riley James

SPOTLIGHT

Halloween is just around the corner, so it’s time to talk about some classic horror films.

Horror movies have been around as early as 1896, with Georges Méliès’ Le manoir du diable—also known as The Haunted Castle or The House of the Devil—being the first ever recorded horror film. Horror movies have come such a long way since then.

The 1930s and ’40s brought us Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Wolfman and The Invisible Man, known collectively as the “Godfathers of Horror.” Horror would be nowhere today without these iconic films; they are some of the most inspiring works of art in all cinematic history.

The 1950s, also known as the silver age of horror, popularized science fiction horror and monster movies. For example, Godzilla, The Creature From The Black Lagoon, The Blob, Invaders from Mars, The Thing From Another

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EACHERS are more than just educators who come to school and teach, they are actual people who do fascinating things outside of school.

Fishing in Alaska Russell Del Grosso, a calculus and pre-

lights flashing at a rapid pace, ficult to see which way to go.

At almost every corner, the waiting to jump out and sca dressed in what seemed to ered, dressy types clothes. S

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Life beyond the classroom

World. The 1960s brought us classics like, The Birds and Psycho directed by Alfred Hitchcock, as well as George A. Romero’s Night of The Living Dead. Films such as Rosemary's Baby, and Dracula: Prince of Darkness are some honorable mentions.

The 1970s was a comeback for horror, and had numerous classics such as The Exorcist, The Omen, Jaws, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Teachers’ lives outside Carrie, Phantasm, The Wickerman, Alien, and, of of school consist of course, John Carpenter’s Halloween—the movie more than just grading that started my personal horroratfilm papers. favorite Take a look sub genre: slasher films.some A typical slasher film what of the teachwould consist ofers a group of people in Shada conaround Cactus fined area, with aows killer loose and usudooninthe their spare ally a female leadtime. who is the last person to survive and defeat the killer. These movies dominated the 1980s and brought the world more iconic movie characters such as Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, and Chucky.

Other films worth mentioning are Stanley

ANDREW CUPO makes his way up the wall at AZ on the Rocks, an indoor rock climbing facility with courses for beginner to advanced climbers.

staff writer

around with his chain saw, the clow with guests. 4 ANNIE SOGAARD

Preparing for Halloween: the his

staff writer

By Raven Ramirez

TAKING A BREAK from chasin

said Del Grosso.

He also fishes frequently at Bartlett Lake and spends a lot of time with his family outside of school.

Climbing the Rocks Andrew Cupo, Drama teacher, spends two to three days every week rock climbing.“[I go climbing] usually Tuesday or Thursday or, if I miss a day, I try to go over the week-

to the movies,” said Cupo.

Finding meteors Robert Reisener, a geology and physics teacher, is fascinated by rocks, and has actually found a meteor in Arizona. “It was noteworthy because it was observed falling, and it was only the second one in Arizona in 100 years,” said Reisener.

He has a fascination with outer space,

Kubrick’s The Shining, The Evil Dea best horror film of all time, Evil D Dawn. In the ’90s, slashers were style, that is until Wes Craven’s S released in December of 1996. T intended to “parody” slasher film was revive them.

The Blair Witch Project came ou was the most successful indepen the time. Many movies tried to c footage style, but none were as Freddy vs. Jason was released and box office success. This film prov over movies could work.Crossov where now, especially with supe to Freddy vs. Jason.

Saw was released in 2004 and new genre to light.

Torture movies were quite po out the 2000s, and there were S being released every year from 2 including last year’s Jigsaw.

November My page Photo Essay

24 ● November 20, 2018

Hidden Wonders

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

4, 5, & 6. RIVER MAN Michael Nichols, a junior, scaled the 40 ft needle rock with no climbing gear. The

Verde river flows from the Bartlett dam and provides plenty of water for a forest of trees to grow along side the river in our dry desert.“When ever I go to the Verde river with friends I usually just go swimming or ride dirt bikes;the Tonto forest is just really neat, I like to go mountain biking, hiking, or go backpacking and camp for the weekend; sometimes we’ll do trips out to seven springs,” said Nichols. 4BLAKE DORAME

Exposing the secret locations of Cave Creek, from natural scenery to old ruins.

SPOTLIGHT

0 ● November 16, 2018

Living a Pura Vida

Pura Vida Braceets is an organizaion that keeps on giving; jobs, donaions to charity, and handcrafted ewelry.

y Reece Parfet

uest writer

AS A LONG TIME FAN of

Spotlight THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Humans of Cactus Shadows

Pura Vida, Reece Parfet is an avid collector of their bracelets.1Pura Vida has donated $1.5 million 4to charities around the world, and their bracelets are worn by millions. 4MIA BRITO

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“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.”

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1, 2, & 3. ABANDONED ART GALLERY Jacob Ficcardi, a senior, explores the ruins of an unknown living quarters. The location contains an unusually deep pool, almost completely broken down buildings, a horse stable, and a burnt down house. These ruins provided a blank canvas for graffiti artists. The ruins barely remain hidden just outside of the Cactus Shadow area. “My favorite part was the burnt house; it was the spookiest part and I felt like we really needed teamwork to get in; I think it used to be a horse place because of the stables; but as far as the graffiti there, I think it was a mix between meaningful art and just random paint,” said Ficcardi. 4LOGAN MCDADE

Lexi Horner a sophomore

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OOKING GOOD WHILE HELPING

thers is what Pura Vida racelets are all about. “Pura 7 7&8. SMALL BOY BIG WORLD Alex Severkovski, ida” means “pure a junior, life” takes in the in view on top of Black Mountain on a clear day. Black Mountain is the landmark of Cave panish. A pure life is repCreek. Severkovski climbed the 3,403 ft mountain in minutes and hiked down in 30 minutes. “The hike esented by living 40 to is life quick and easy,the only on a cool day though, and it’s worth the view,” said Sverkovski. 4LOGAN MCDADE ullest, slowing things down nd refusing to take anything or granted. Pura Vida braceets are handcrafted by artists 9 10 round the world.

The company was founded y Griffin Thall and Paul Goodman, two friends from outhern California who visited osta Rica on a college gradution trip in 2010. At that time, hey brought home a small umber of bracelets which old quickly at a local boutique.

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

Helping residents in Costa lets in October of 2017. A friend of mine ica with full time jobs, in posihad one on, and I liked it. I went to their ve work environments, and giving online store and my collection started. ack to charities around the world has I also went shopping at Tilly’s and the lways been a core value of the Puravida Pura Vida stores in California. I have ompany. Some of the over 190 chari90 bracelets now. I have almost every es Pura Vida represents are Colon bracelet online. ancer Awareness, Down Syndrome My friend Brianne bought me a wareness, Save the Dolphins, Surfers bracelet, and when new bracelets or Autism, and the Best Friends Animal come out; I’ll be sure to buy them too. ociety. To date, the company has My goal is to have every bracelet in the onated over $1.5 million to charities collection. round the world.

I know all the names of the braceI 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.”

9&10. DESERT TURNED TO WONDERLAND Kayla Dobbs, a senior, hikes the Spur Cross trail in Cave Creek. The trail starts in the desert and leads through a valley into a creek that has running water after a good rain. The trail is short and requires little climbing, “Spur Cross Trail is special because it is a natural preserve up in Cave Creek; you don’t have to go all the way to Sedona or Flagstaff to witness beautiful nature; Fall is the best time to go because the weather in the evening or early morning is around 70 degrees. It is perfect hiking weather,” said Dobbs.

Spur Cross is around 15 minutes away from Cactus Shadows.

Sean R eagan a senior

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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

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December My page Photo Essay

24 ● December 21, 2018

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Falcon Dancers Visit Magical Oz 3. Brianna Foley,

Gibson Hreha, Sam Schott, seniors, and Katelyn Mizera, junior, return to their original roles in the dance Emerald City, choreographed

by Lori Hart and Liz Lincoln. 4BLAKE DORAME

1. Seniors Brianna Foley and Morgan Muellenmeister follow the Yellow Brick Road in Oz, a dance choreographed by Elissa Ericson, the chair of the dance department. “It’s about having a new approach to the world, maybe even going out of state for college,” said Ericson. 4BLAKE DORAME 2. Baiylee Soltau, senior, Emily Schmit,

junior, and Brianna Foley, senior, make it Back to Kansas in a dance choreographed

by Haley Vago, dance teacher. Vago was insipred by “the red shoes and clicking your heels.” 4BLAKE DORAME

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4. Morgan Muellen-

meister, senior, performs a balancé in the ballet Poppy Fields, choreographed by Elissa Ericson. “It’s about how sometimes people can be influeced by outside negativity,” said Ericson.

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5. Brooke Rozelle and

Jack Skummer execute a lift during Emerald City. “Both Jack and Brooke did an outstanding job preparing for this move,” said Hart.

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8. Abigail Querrey,

junior, is hoisted into the air towards the end of the Emerald City dance. The choreographers focused on the roles of the aristocracy when designing the dance. 4BLAKE

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junior, holds an arabesque in Tin Man, which was choreographed by local artist Ramon Soto.

Soto set the piece on the girls in just four days. 4BLAKE

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7 9. Jack Skummer and Nina Leonard, seniors, perform a duet in the dance, Questioning Authority. Choreographed by Liz Lincoln, the dance included many advanced lifts and partner moves. 4BROOK BOWMAN

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7. Caileen

Childers, junior, strikes a pose in the Tin Man dance, which was inspired by the idea of searching for your heart.

10. Holly Beck, junior,

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leads the way in the dance Scarecrow with some hip hop moves. The dance was created by local choreographer Ricky Malouf, and was a favorite with the dancers.

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