Jo Breese Portfolio 2019

JO

B

E E R S portfolio 2019-2020

E

Refection 1 I learned that the ethics in journalism are very important and cannot be ignored. It is important for your reader and editor to know that you can be trusted to write a good, unbiased article.

I was very dedicated to the publication this year. I went to almost every production day, I finished my articles and page on time, and I brought food for breakfast every time I was needed too.

My biggest problem this semester was not giving myself proper time to work on articles and assignments. I made sloppy work that needed to be edited heavily. Next semester I will improve this by making sure I finish articles before deadlines and doing grade packets on time.

This semester I learned how to create graphics for the newspaper. I may not be very good at it yet, but I plan to try creating graphics for the newspaper next semester.

I used to always think of deadlines as suggested finishing times. After this semester, I understand them to be extremely important to my success in the newspaper. In the future I plan to work on articles earlier and make sure I get them finished before any deadlines.

I believe that I worked well this other members of the staff this year, even though I believe I work better alone. My biggest regret is that I talked more than I worked in class and I plan to change that next year.

No (E)CAP: is it worth the time?

OPINION

ECAP should be offered but not required for graduation.

Students who care about it should be able to do it at their own discretion instead of the state requiring it for graduation. The money spent on it could be spent on more useful things like teachers or bathJo Breese rooms. creeker editor ECAP stands for Education and Career Action Plan. It is ECAP takes a system meant to help stuaway time from dents prepare for life after class even if it high school by helping them will not help all create resumes, browse colstudents in the leges, and plan their classes. future.

It is required to graduate in all Arizona high schools, but it is not applicable to all students.

ECAP is meant to help plan for life after high school, but the program mostly only helps people who plan to go to college after high school. For people who plan to go straight into college, it is helpful but does not provide as much for career-focused students. Students who plan on joining the workforce after college should not have to do it.

ECAP takes away from time in class. Some teachers complain about ECAP due to how it takes away teaching time away from them. Teachers have to take their students to the computer lab to work on planning for their futures instead of taking notes on important lectures or presentations.

Another major problem with ECAP is how it expects

“

A

THE

STUDENTS GIVE GO

F

ECAP is required to graduate, but it is not applicable to all students.

D 4%

Jo Breese

students to know what they plan to do after high school.

ECAP forces students to make major choices after put less than an hour's worth of thought into them. Because only an hour is spent on such serious topics, such as creating a resume, students may feel pressured to rush through it and not put much thought into it. If students are not taking it seriously, then the class periods are wasted regardless. Many parents do not even know what choices their kids are planning on making because they are not helping them with it.

The state is wasting money on ECAP when they could be putting the money elsewhere. The program is funded by taxes, however, the money used would be better spent on fixing the bathrooms or hiring teachers.

Defenders of ECAP say that even if it is not for everyone, it still helps students who want to go to college after high school. While this is a fair point, I think that the time and money spent on ECAP could be better used in other places. Helping a few students plan for college is good, but using the money to help all the students is better.

11

23%

C A

Most students l 15% of stude

CLASSES E

D 15%

18% ECAP should be offered but not required for graduation. Students who care about it should be able to do it at their own discretion instead of the state requiring it for graduation. The money spent on it C could be spent on more useful things like teachers or bathrooms.

ECAP stands for Education and Career Action Plan. It is a system meant to help students prepare OPINION for life after high school by helping them create resumes, browse colleges, and plan their classes. It is Over half of th The Halloween and Costume day was able to be spent trick-or-treating, the younger required to graduate in all Arizona schools, butchildren it is not applicable all asstudents. would not have to to be out late.

Associationhigh launched a petitheir Fall B Most children have bedtimes, especially on weekdays. tion to change the date of ECAP is meant to help planHalloween for life after high school, but the program mostly only helps people who to always be on Having a day for celebrating on a Saturday will allow the STUDENTS STRUG plan to go to college after high school.

For straight intoto college, itschool is helpful but kidsplan to stayto upgo later and not have worry about a Saturday. Insteadpeople of com-who the next morning.

The morning after Halloween, kids pletely changing the date of does not provide as much for career-focused students. Students who plan on joining the workforce Halloween, creating a desig- are always exhausted from trick or treating. This would after college should not havenated to do F dayit. for trick-or-treating give them time to rejuvenate energy and do homework Paul Wernes over the weekend. the Saturday before Halloween ECAP takes away from time in class.

Some teachers complain about ECAP due to how it takes away staff writer The purpose of celebrating on Saturday is to promote would make it safer for kids teaching time away from them. have to astakethetheir students to the computer laballtoday. work on holiday and to allow people to celebrate who Teachers are trick-or-treating, Dedicating a instead is more time to get ready for the holiday instead well as give people more timeon There planning for their futures of taking notes important lectures or presentations.

Saturday to to celebrate and prepare for of rushing immediately after school or work.

Another major problem with ECAP is how it expects students to know what they plan to do after high 42% trick-or-treatActually changing the date of Halloween is unrealistic. the holiday. is not put considered a Federal likeworth Thanksgiving, petition major has 75,000 sig- Itafter will relieve school. ECAPingforces students The to make choices less than anholiday hour's of thought natures and counting. It has to therefore, even if the petition gains hundreds of thousome ofonly the an hour into them. Because is spent on such serious topics, such as creating a resume, students get 100,000 signatures in the sands of signatures, the President can not actually do stress parmay feel pressured rush through and not put much thought into If students taking it anything to change theit. date.

Many partiesare are not already span of 30 it days to be reviewed ents facetowhen the People, an organiza- on the weekend before Halloween, so everyone is celHallowen is on periods a by Weare seriously, then the class wasted regardless.

Many parents do not even know what choices tion that will ensure the peti- ebrating on that day anyway. Adding trick-or-treating weekday. their kids are planning on making because they are not helping them with it. would not be much of a change. tion is brought to the attenMany people like to celebrate on October tion of the White House and The state is wasting money on ECAP when they could be putting the moneyHalloween elsewhere.

The program 31 because that is how it has been for years; however, it receives an official response. is funded byThe taxes, however, the money used would be better spent on fixing the bathrooms safety of the kids is the most important part of would make it much easier for everyone to celebrate onor hiring D changing the date. A statistic from the nonprofit orga- Saturday. This does not mean that people cannot celteachers.

Finding a Hallo nization Safe Kids Worldwide states that twice as many ebrate on October 31 still. After school and work, famiDefenderskids of ECAP that evenonifHalloween it is not than for everyone, still helps who to go to col- well for stud stay in and carvestudents pumpkins or watchwant Halloween are killedsay while walking any lies canit movies. would be less stressful for parents other day of theWhile year. Halloween a holiday meant lege after high school. this is ais fair point, I think thatIt the time and money spent and on take ECAP could for kids to have fun while trick-or-treating. Parents the pressure off of kids having to worry as much about be better used in other places. Helping a few students plan for college is good, but using the money to are constantly thinking about their kids' safety, on homework. It would benefit the kids in the best ways Based on a especially.

There are predators roaming the possible. The kids are the ones who trick-or-treat and, help all theHalloween students is better. taken o

Ghosting Halloween on weekdays

streets and cars speeding down the roads. If the whole

moving the date would keep them safer.

Refection 2 I consider this piece to be my most significant work this year. I think that I do a good job of arguing my point and explaining why I am right. I really am proud of how much research I put into this article.

In my first draft there wasn’t lot of research put into the topic, but later in the process I edited it to include a lot more research. I also made a lot of spelling mistakes that were fixed later on. The article was short on content, so I fixed that on my second draft.

The purpose of this article is to argue that ECAP isn’t needed for our school. I think I argue this point well in the article.

I think this article was difficult to get information on but not to write. The sources online all had conflicting facts as did the teachers I talked to in real life. It was very hard to tell what was truth and what was rumor, but eventually I figured it out.

I learned a lot about ECAP and how our school works from this article. I also learned about about researching and how to fact check facts given from other people.

Refection 3 THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

September 20, 2019 ● 15

SPOTLIGHT

I chose this article be-of Humans Shadows cause I thinkCactus it is one of student becomes my better articles I’ve made this year. I think I incorporated quotes into the text very naturally. I’m also proud about how I went about writing about the students and I think I did a good job finding artists to nded Closing earlier feature in the story.

“I’ve been trying to hangout with friends a lot more. Hanging out with a great group of friends is always very fun and makes you feel good. I like to draw a lot, most of the time I’m drawing or playing games. I’ve been drawing for a little under a year, I’m self taught. I just look at a picture and I got it, you just have to keep adjusting.”

Declan Flanagan,

a senior

“I’m from Cornwall, England. I moved here junior year. It’s so much different here, a lot more strict. The people here are a bit clique-y too, it’s like the movies. I like it here September 20, 2019 ● 7 though, I’ve gotten used to it.”

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sed or's or onone nce der ted still

WORKING on one of his drawings, Seth Schneck, a junior, also enjoys making 3-D models. 4Jo Breese

OPINION

The library now closes at 2:15 instead of 3:00 like previous years. Having the library no longer open after school causes difficulties among students. This problem needs to be resolved so students can regain their place to work on homework, group projects, or rent textbooks after school.

Students have obligations such as club meetings and office hours after school, so closing the library at 2:15 causes students to be late to those activities instead of giving them time to go after. Additionally, the campus is big and has many students. Getting across campus to the library after school can take at least five minutes in itself, leaving only five minutes for students to get what they need from the library.

If students wish to stay after school, they must stay in a teacher's classroom during office hours.

This puts a lot of pressure on the teachers because they not only have to help students who are struggling in their class but also give other students a place to stay after school. Additionally, there is the problem of office hours no longer being available on Monday due to teachers having mandatory meetings, which adds another uncertain factor when students should stay after school.

This situation does not just inconvenience the students but the security guards and the staff as well.

Currently, students are scattered all over teachers'

Michael Kaegi staff writer

Changing the unexcused absence policy

allowed two days for lete the missing work, used or not. However, to students only being ed absences, which is o get their work com-

Two lunches versus one

ents will now have a k that was assigned. o review and learn the here will be no incench will, therefore, be because their absence

work, it does not give o go to all their teachat was missed. It would ing of the subjects and d the content if it was

s led to many changes he school year on how rk done and how they missed and are strugomplete the work, the xcel with the subjects ker on tests and quiz-

a senior

“I like to play basketball, I’ve been playing for two years. I’m probably gonna try out for the school team.

I moved here from Guam two years ago. It’s so much better here than Sonoran Trails, the food is better.”

a freshman

4Gianna Cazzalo and Nia Sogaard

stay after. They would have to either have one lunch meeting during each block or just none at all.

One lunch period also keeps friend groups together. Imagine having two lunch periods with students randomly assigned to each one. Students and their groups of friends would be separated into different lunch periods. This would likely cause a lot of students to switch back and forth from each period to try and sit with their friends.

Supporters of two lunch periods would point out that the reason we need two lunches is because of 1 stuhow overcrowded our lunchroom is now,Table with dents sitting on floors to eat because they cannot 11 18 49 get a table and lunch lines being extremely long.

9 This can easily be fixed by adding more tables outside of the cafeteria and all around campus, along with adding more places to buy lunch around the campus, such as opening the snack bar in the gym and supplying it with food.

If you like going anywhere you want during lunch, thank the one block lunch we have now. If we switched to a two-block system, the campus would most likely be closed off for students and we would have to stay in the cafeteria during lunch so students in class aren't distracted by students eating their lunches.

THE REPORT CARD: How d0 you grade your summer and the homecoming theme?

STUDENTS GIVE GOOD GRADES TO SUMMER Most students had a good summer.

Only 9% of sttudents gave their summer an F.

D

C

9% 9% 13%

CLASSES NOT SO SURE ABOUT HOMECOMING

F A

39%

Only 11% of polled students gave the Homecoming theme an A.

D

9% 11% 13% 18%

A

B

C

30%

F

49%

B Based on a poll of 100 students taken on September 12, 2019.

1

1

13

Jo Breese

creeker editor

Students artists tend to fly under the radar and do not recieve much recognition from the public.

“Art is free expression. Just because it’s a way you can just put down your feelings in the way your art is,” said Amanda Eramorado, a junior and a student artist.

Art can really be anything, just as anyone can be an artist. Art can be a painting, a sculpture, or even a video game or a song.

What is art and what is not art very subjective, as one person can say that something is art, while someone else could say it is not art and they both would be correct.

“I just kinda did [art] as a kid, but my dad was really into art so I kinda was into art to,” said Seth Schenck, a junior and an artist.

Seth Schenck’s father, Eddie Schenk, is a professional artist that makes sculptures and 3D art with car parts, paper mache, and just general scrap. Seth Schenk makes mostly 2D cartoon style art but also dabbles in 3D type

art. Eddie Schenk also owns a food truck named Hibachibot that has one of his pieces, a massive red robot, attached to the back of it. “[I get my motivation from] my friends, and making something to either make them laugh or please them in some way, or just for a purpose. Like making art for a purpose, I don’t like just making it just to make it. I don’t get motivated that way,” said Mr. Schenck.

Artists get their motivation from lots of places. Some just like to draw because it's fun, others to fulfill a purpose or need, and some just want to express their emotions. An artist's motivation can come from anything. “[A student artist is] brave, self-directed, hardworking, intelligent, and a problem solver,” said Deborah Wales, an art teacher.

Student artists usually put in a considerable amount of time to draw and express themselves. They usually are self-directed in the sense that they start pieces whenever they want to and finish them when they believe to be done with them.

Claire’s fall Playlist Natural Affair (Single Edit) - The Growlers Birds Don’t Sing - TV Girl Small Talk - Julia Jacklin Freakin’ U Out - Antarctigo Vespucci Art School - Remo Drive Be the One You Love - Sitcom Sunflower - Vampire Weekend Uncanny Reflection - Riley Queer Talking Backwards - Real Estate Swim and Sleep - Unknown Mortal Orchestra

I chose this story because I am proud of how much research I put into this story. I am also proud of my lead and how eye-catching it is. I think I argued my point effectively and shut down the opponents points. I learned a lot about the other side when writing this article and I am proud of it.

Nate Morgan,

OPINION

Two lunches are better than one, right? Wrong. Having two lunches seems like a great idea until it is realized. Even though there is an increase of students at the school this year, having one lunch is easier for teachers and students to communicate, and it also lets students get together for lunch.

Jo Breese Having one lunch allows teachers creeker editor to hold lunch office hours for anyone to visit and get help on their work. If Table 1 there were two lunches, then teachSwitching back ers could only hold lunch office 9hours 39 30 13 to two lunches during their lunch periods, which may not be the could be either the first lunch or best idea second lunch. This would only allow students with the same lunch period to get help on their work, alienating students with different lunch periods who cannot come after school.

Clubs are able to meet during lunch, which would not be the case if there were two lunch blocks. Clubs could only meet after school or before school, which leaves out students who want to join clubs but cannot make it before school or

rades in the long run e up the work and fully missed. With the lack edge and understandable to get credit for d absence can benefit

ake sure no one is tryke up the work, it still nexcused if a student ccurrence like this and their grade would sufpportunity to make up ence, such as those, it e any assignments on all. hat students need to ce is unexcused, is to ill affect the grade in ro. With enough peodo their work, it could th being able to comperformances in class, and final exam scores

Lana Jones,

classrooms and around the campus looking for somewhere to work. When the library was open later, security and staff at least knew where students were.

At present, the woman working in the library is Emma not a certified librarian, so Weaver she is not getting a lunch staff writer break because she needs to stay open for lunch.

Closing the Administration is working library immeon a solution to this probdiately after lem. They are either going school creates to find someone who can problems for stay for the last fortystudents five minutes of school or relieve the current librarian for lunch so she can keep the library open until 3:00.

There is a simple fix to the problem that the administration has yet to consider. One of the security guards on campus can easily watch over kids in the library during lunch or the forty-five minutes the librarian can not work. It is not difficult to watch students quietly work on their homework or projects.

Artists seek motivation

9

3Claire Geare

I chose this picture because I think it is the best picture I’ve taken all year. I had a lot of trouble trying to take this picture in the dark above the town, but I managed to find a way to make it come out good.

I don’t really like how the flash looks at the bottom, but overall I think it looks good.

A R E T EE T S H S

problem needs to be resolved so students can regain their place to work on homework, group projects, or rent textbooks after school.

Students have obligations such as club meetings and office hours after school, so closing the library at 2:15 causes students to be late to those activities instead of giving them time to go after. Additionally, the campus is big and has many students. Getting across campus to the library after school can take at least five minutes in itself, leaving only five minutes for students to get what they need from the library.

If students wish to stay after school, they must stay in a teacher's classroom during office hours.

This puts a lot of pressure on the teachers because they not only have to help students who are struggling in their class but also give other students a place to stay after school. Additionally, there is the problem of office hours no longer being available on Monday due to teachers having mandatory meetings, which adds another uncertain factor when students should stay after school.

This situation does not just inconvenience the students but the security guards and the staff as well.

Currently, students are scattered all over teachers'

Michael Kaegi staff writer

Changing the unexcused absence policy

two days for missing work, not. However, ents only being nces, which is eir work com-

the library was open later, security and staff at least knew where students were.

At present, the woman working in the library is Emma not a certified librarian, so Weaver she is not getting a lunch staff writer break because she needs to stay open for lunch.

Closing the Administration is working library immeon a solution to this probdiately after lem. They are either going school creates to find someone who can problems for stay for the last fortystudents five minutes of school or relieve the current librarian for lunch so she can keep the library open until 3:00.

There is a simple fix to the problem that the administration has yet to consider. One of the security guards on campus can easily watch over kids in the library during lunch or the forty-five minutes the librarian can not work. It is not difficult to watch students quietly work on their homework or projects.

Se

Two lunches versus one

ll now have a was assigned. w and learn the ll be no incen, therefore, be e their absence

OPINION

Two lunches are better than one, right? Wrong. Having two lunches seems like a great idea until it is realized. Even though there is an increase of students at the school this year, having one lunch is easier for teachers and students to communicate, and it also lets students get together for lunch.

Jo Breese Having one lunch allows teachers creeker editor to hold lunch office hours for anyone to visit and get help on their work. If Table 1 there were two lunches, then teachSwitching back ers could only hold lunch office 9hours 39 30 13 to two lunches during their lunch periods, which may not be the could be either the first lunch or best idea second lunch. This would only allow students with the same lunch period to get help on their work, alienating students with different lunch periods who cannot come after school.

Clubs are able to meet during lunch, which would not be the case if there were two lunch blocks. Clubs could only meet after school or before school, which leaves out students who want to join clubs but cannot make it before school or

n the long run work and fully . With the lack d understando get credit for ce can benefit

does not give all their teachmissed. It would he subjects and ontent if it was

e no one is tryhe work, it still ed if a student ce like this and ade would sufity to make up uch as those, it ssignments on

stay after. They would have to either have one lunch meeting during each block or just none at all.

One lunch period also keeps friend groups together. Imagine having two lunch periods with students randomly assigned to each one. Students and their groups of friends would be separated into different lunch periods. This would likely cause a lot of students to switch back and forth from each period to try and sit with their friends.

Supporters of two lunch periods would point out that the reason we need two lunches is because of 1 stuhow overcrowded our lunchroom is now,Table with dents sitting on floors to eat because they cannot 11 18 49 13 get a table and lunch lines being extremely long.

9 This can easily be fixed by adding more tables outside of the cafeteria and all around campus, along with adding more places to buy lunch around the THE CACTUS SHADOWS campus, such as opening the snack bar in the gym PRESS and supplying it with food.

If you like going anywhere you want during lunch, thank the one block lunch we have now. If we switched to a two-block system, the campus would most likely be closed off for students and we would have to stay in the cafeteria during lunch so students in class aren't distracted by students eating their lunches.

Youtuber catches fish in Cave Creek had a good summer.

Only 9% of sttudents gave their summer an F.

many changes ol year on how and how they and are strugthe work, the th the subjects Sharon Goez tests and quiz- staff writer

9% 9%

C

13%

J

ON BARZACCHINI, A famous fisherman in the YouTube community, has gained over 1.1 million subscribers. Barzacchini has returned to Arizona to attempt to catch some Northern Pike, Musky and other fish, in Flagstaff, Lake Pleasant, and Phoenix.

Barzacchini is a dedicated fisherman and loves sport fishing. The header of his channel says “never stop” and he explains in his video Mexico the Movie that this motto is a reminder for him to go and do something new, to never stop exploring, fishing or going to the unknown.

Fishing anywhere for him, challenging or not, is more of an experience to him. “We never know what we’re gonna find,” he said in his video.

“I’ve been watching Jon B for years, I haven’t necessarily learned much from him, I’ve been fishing for as long as I remember but for someone young he's very helpful,” said Phoenix Pichner, a 19-year-old fisher whose has been fishing since he was five.

Barzacchini frequently fishes with Andrew Flair, a bass fisherman who teaches his subscribers

39%

Creeker

of polled students gave the Homecoming theme an A.

30%

staff writer

10TH ANNUAL ARIZONA TACO FESTIVAL Oct. 13, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sept. 21, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Museum Day is an annual celebration of museums across the country hosted by the Smithsonian Magazine. The Cave Creek Museum will provide free entry to anyone with a Museum day ticket, which are available online at www.smithsonianmag.com.

Cave Creek Museum, free tickets available online.

A large variety of different restaurants with entertainment and festivities. People still have to pay for your meals if they decide to purchase from one of the restaurants on show.

WestWorld of Scottsdale, $10 entrance fee

TASTE OF CAVE CREEK Oct. 16 to Oct. 17, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

SONORAN ARTS LEAGUE SCULPTURE SHOW Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pop up show for artists who create all things sculptures. Any artist can enter into the show.

Sonoran Arts League, no entry fee

People get to go around tasting and trying foods from select vendors. The restaurants available are all free to try but attendees will have to pay for actual meals.

Stagecoach Village, $10 and free for children 10 and under, food tickets range from three to five dollar.

er September 20, 2019 ● 15

SPOTLIGHT

A

“I’ve been trying to hangout with friends a lot more. Hanging out with a great group of friends is always very fun and makes THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS you feel good. I like to draw a lot, most of the time I’m drawing or playing games. I’ve been drawing for a little under a year, I’m self taught. I just look at a picture and I got it, you just have to keep adjusting.”

Does Cave Creek fear the dark?

Anti-light pollution act proposed 13%

18%

B

C

49%

“

Dylan Lies

SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE MUSEUM DAY AT THE CAVE CREEK MUSEUM

9

some fishing tips and techniques.

Max Hancock B staff writer Flair is also well-known in the YouTube fishing community.

Based on a poll of 100 students taken on September 12, 2019. A group of Cave Creek residents are attempting to pass the Dark Skies Russell DelGrosso, a math Act in hopes that light pollution can be reduced and the stars can be teacher and avid fisherman, spends seen at night once again. 1 The Dark Skies Act will place regulations on Declan Flanagan, 1 his summers in Alaska on a fishlight emissions of businesses and residential areas of Cavea senior ing boat. While he doesn’t follow Creek.

Barzacchini, he had an opinion “Light pollution restricts people from seeing the beauty about one of the lakes. in this world, stars are important to our solitude and inner “I don’t like Lake Pleasant, you peace,” said Kelley Frazey, a history teacher. can’t get out of the wind there, you The town of Cave Creek takes pride in it’s rural lifegotta really hunt to catch somestyle. According to the Sonoran News recent article, on “I’m from Cornwall, I think the town July 22 more than 150 people showed up to the first Cave England. I moved here thing out there,” said DelGrosso. year. It’s so much Lake Pleasant is a tricky lake to is committed to Creek Dark Skies Initiative. Furthermore, residents wishjunior different here, a lot more fish at if it’s not the right time of to preserve that lifestyle by passing this act. The enforceseeing the stars strict. The people here are year. Lake Pleasant is about 70 feet ment of the Dark Skies act will allow residents of Cave a bit clique-y too, it’s like in the evening deep, During “bed season” when Creek to see the stars at night once again, a change for the movies. I like it here the bass are spawning, it’s crystal citizens. though, I’ve gotten used and that’s why clear waters making it a lot easier According to Dark Sky organization’s website, artifi- to it.” people live in to fish. cial glares from light pollution affects many animals such this area.”

“Lake Pleasant is hit or miss as birds and amphibious creatures. The artificial glares throughout the year, in the sumaffects wildlife’s mating rituals and day cycles.

K elley Fraz ey Lana Jones, mer it’s harder but it’s a good lake,” “Light pollution is an issue because it affects wildlife,” a senior teacher said Casey Sparby, a junior. sophomore Ben Sheps said.

Barzacchini was born in Illinois Seven years ago, one could see the Milky Way from and started documenting fishing in Cave Creek, now it’s a challenge just to point out a few stars in the night 2010, when he was 15. He has gone sky. This drove Bruce Allen, a resident of Cave Creek, to start the Dark fishing all over the world to places Skies Act. On July 22, about 150 people attended the first Dark Skies act like Australia, Mexico, and England. initiative.

His videos mainly focus on showing The movement is gaining traction and making big steps are being techniques and how he catches his made to make it official. There are 22 official “Dark Skies” cities and favorite fish. He vlogs as well. His towns, a quarter of those are in Arizona. One of those towns being a fishing Instagram is called Fishing neighbor to Cave Creek, Fountain Hills. the Midwest where he documents “I think the town is committed to seeing the stars in the evening and “I like to play basketball, his fishing journey and shows clips that’s why people live in this area,” said Frazey. “Preserving the nature of I’ve been playing for two and photos of the fish he catches. this area is of utmost importance.” years. I’m probably gonna Locals are typically there because of their appreciation of the uniquetry out for the school team. nature of the environment. These type of people can easily build a backI moved here from Guam bone in moving the act further down it’s path to being passed. two years ago. It’s so much However, Braden Peters, a freshmen disagrees. “I don’t see a benefit better here than Sonoran Trails, the food is better.” or anything happening from the act.”

What’s happening in Cave Creek?

mb

Humans of Cactus Shadows

dents need to nexcused, is to t the grade in THE REPORT CARD: How d0 you grade your summer and the homecoming theme? h enough peowork, it could CLASSES NOT SO SURE ABOUT HOMECOMING STUDENTS GIVE GOOD GRADES TO SUMMER F F g able to com8 ● September 20, 2019 ances in class, Most D students D al exam scores 9% 11% Only 11% A

Old student becomes

pt e

There are a variety of arguments against the act. One reason is that residents want to feel safe in well lit areas of their homes and local businesses. Light can bring a sense of security and safety to residents.

Adopting new rules and regulations to a well established town can Nate Morgan, be expensive and hard to coordinate for many citizens, and many blame a freshman Phoenix for blocking the night sky with light pollution because of the vast lights that can be seen from miles away.

AN ALMOST STARLESS NIGHT SKY

Very few stars can be seen at night in Cave Creek due to light pollution. 4 Jo Breese

4Gianna Cazzalo and Nia Sogaard

WORKING on one of his drawings, Seth Schneck, a junior, also enjoys making 3-D models. 4Jo Breese

Artists seek motivation Jo Breese

creeker editor

Students artists tend to fly under the radar and do not recieve much recognition from the public.

“Art is free expression. Just because it’s a way you can just put down your feelings in the way your art is,” said Amanda Eramorado, a junior and a student artist.

Art can really be anything, just as anyone can be an artist. Art can be a painting, a sculpture, or even a video game or a song.

What is art and what is not art very subjective, as one person can say that something is art, while someone else could say it is not art and they both would be correct.

“I just kinda did [art] as a kid, but my dad was really into art so I kinda was into art to,” said Seth Schenck, a junior and an artist.

Seth Schenck’s father, Eddie Schenk, is a professional artist that makes sculptures and 3D art with car parts, paper mache, and just general scrap. Seth Schenk makes mostly 2D cartoon style art but also dabbles in 3D type

art. Eddie Schenk also owns a food truck named Hibachibot that has one of his pieces, a massive red robot, attached to the back of it. “[I get my motivation from] my friends, and making something to either make them laugh or please them in some way, or just for a purpose. Like making art for a purpose, I don’t like just making it just to make it. I don’t get motivated that way,” said Mr. Schenck.

Artists get their motivation from lots of places. Some just like to draw because it's fun, others to fulfill a purpose or need, and some just want to express their emotions. An artist's motivation can come from anything. “[A student artist is] brave, self-directed, hardworking, intelligent, and a problem solver,” said Deborah Wales, an art teacher.

Student artists usually put in a considerable amount of time to draw and express themselves. They usually are self-directed in the sense that they start pieces whenever they want to and finish them when they believe to be done with them.

Claire’s fall Playlist Natural Affair (Single Edit) - The Growlers Birds Don’t Sing - TV Girl Small Talk - Julia Jacklin Freakin’ U Out - Antarctigo Vespucci Art School - Remo Drive Be the One You Love - Sitcom Sunflower - Vampire Weekend Uncanny Reflection - Riley Queer Talking Backwards - Real Estate Swim and Sleep - Unknown Mortal Orchestra

3Claire Geare

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS COMMENT

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staff writer

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AYOR ERNIE BUNCH

is a public servant, businessman, and resident of Cave Creek, hoping to improve the town in the interest of the people who live there.

Having lived in Cave Creek for decades, Bunch claims his path to leadership was forged from a deep commitment to the town developed from years of residency. The position of mayor is unpaid, and is an almost an all day hour duty. Bunch has a fulltime job at Bunch Engineering, a family run engineering company, making government a team effort.

“The local government is really a team thing. There’s seven members of the council, counting the mayor, so anything that happens requires a majority vote,” said Bunch.

Bunch’s primary experience is in business, being an engineer for a family company.

He takes pride in his business skills and how they help the town. His proudest accomplishments since joining the town council in 2005 are those that support local businesses.

“For me, the things I’ve supported and been happy with are things that bring revenue to the town,” Bunch said.

Bunch is a self described public servant, and claims to not be a politician. His involvement with politics is as he sees it “need-based.”

“I believe that less government is the best government,” said Bunch.

He says that his rejection of the label “politician” doesn’t mesh well with his career.

“I hate campaigning. I don’t mind serving, but I hate campaigning because I was brought up where you do not go out and talk about how

OPINION

ECAP should be offered but not required for graduation.

Students who care about it should be able to do it at their own discretion instead of the state requiring it for graduation. The money spent on it could be spent on more useful things like teachers or bathJo Breese rooms. creeker editor ECAP stands for Education and Career Action Plan. It is ECAP takes a system meant to help stuaway time from dents prepare for life after class even if it high school by helping them will not help all create resumes, browse colstudents in the leges, and plan their classes. future.

It is required to graduate in all Arizona high schools, but it is not applicable to all students.

ECAP is meant to help plan for life after high school, but the program mostly only helps people who plan to go to college after high school. For people who plan to go straight into college, it is helpful but does not provide as much for career-focused students. Students who plan on joining the workforce after college should not have to do it.

ECAP takes away from time in class. Some teachers complain about ECAP due to how it takes away teaching time away from them. Teachers have to take their students to the computer lab to work on planning for their futures instead of taking notes on important lectures or presentations.

Another major problem with ECAP is how it expects

Creeker

8 ● October 18, 2019

Claire Geare

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No (E)CAP: is it worth the time?

ERNIE BUNCH

tells all

staff writer

THE TOWN OF Cave Creek will see

the opening of a brand-new Dutch Brothers Coffee shop along with several new stores on the Southwest corner of Cave Creek Road and Carefree Highway.

Dutch Brothers Coffee (abbreviated Dutch Bros.) is a privately-

coffee stands in seven states.

The new Dutch Bros. coffee shop will be an addition to the Cave Creek community, especially for coffee-loving teenagers. The closest Dutch Bros. right now is located at the intersection of Grayhawk Road and Scottsdale Road, which is a 20 minute drive away from Cave Creek. Having a Dutch Bros. in Cave Creek will eliminate driving time

students to know what they plan to do after high school.

ECAP forces students to make major choices after put less than an hour's worth of thought into them. Because only an hour is spent on such serious topics, such as creating a resume, students may feel pressured to rush through it and not put much thought into it. If students are not taking it seriously, then the class periods are wasted regardless. Many parents do not even know what choices their kids are planning on making because they are not helping them with it.

The state is wasting money on ECAP when they could be putting the money elsewhere. The program is funded by taxes, however, the money used would be better spent on fixing the bathrooms or hiring teachers.

Defenders of ECAP say that even if it is not for everyone, it still helps students who want to go to college after high school. While this is a fair point, I think that the time and money spent on ECAP could be better used in other places. Helping a few students plan for college is good, but using the money to help all the students is better.

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OPINION The Halloween and Costume Association launched a petition to change the date of Halloween to always be on a Saturday. Instead of completely changing the date of Halloween, creating a designated day for trick-or-treating Paul Wernes the Saturday before Halloween staff writer would make it safer for kids who are trick-or-treating, as Dedicating a well as give people more time Saturday to to celebrate and prepare for trick-or-treatthe holiday.

The petition has 75,000 siging will relieve natures and counting. It has to some of the get 100,000 signatures in the stress parspan of 30 days to be reviewed ents face when Hallowen is on a by We the People, an organization that will ensure the petiweekday. tion is brought to the attention of the White House and receives an official response.

The safety of the kids is the most important part of changing the date. A statistic from the nonprofit organization Safe Kids Worldwide states that twice as many kids are killed while walking on Halloween than any other day of the year. Halloween is a holiday meant for kids to have fun while trick-or-treating. Parents are constantly thinking about their kids' safety, on Halloween especially. There are predators roaming the streets and cars speeding down the roads. If the whole

ON OCT. 19 ERNIE BUNCH HELPED VOTE DOWN THE DARK SKIES ACT Bunch believes that more information is needed before Cave Creek becomes a Dark Sky community. He claims that he wants to know what changes they will make before they accept it 4Claire Geare

owned coffee shop that’s popular amongst teenagers on the West coast. The coffee shop was founded on Feb. 12, 1992 by Travis and Dane Boersma.

The two Dutch descendants carried around pushcarts along the railroad tracks in Grants Pass, Oregon before making it big. Now, the company has blown up in western states, opening over 300 new

Jo Breese

Ghosting Halloween on weekdays

New Dutch Brothers store opening in Cave Creek Hayley Smith

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THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Local mayor

wonderful you are.”

Recently, the town council voted four to three against an initiative to make Cave Creek a “Dark Sky” community. The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) works to reduce excess light pollution, and towns in compliance with the IDA are named “Dark Sky Communities.” This initiative has become popular among Cave Creek residents, so a veto from the council was unexpected. However, Bunch sees it differently.

“We’re already almost a Dark Sky community, and I wanted to know what the details were before we signed up for something,” said Bunch.

The initiative vetoed was merely a promBunch, who has e ise to eventually lived in Cav become a Dark Sky Creek for not s, does Community, a point- decade f as a see himselian less agreement in politic Bunch’s mind. The entire council claims to rather have what changes are needed to comply with IDA laid out, then sign up officially.

“I’ve always said that I will make the best decision that I can for the entire community based on the information that I have.”

Bunch wants to encourage all students to help in the enhancement of the community.

“As far as making an impact in the community, there’s nonprofits in town the food bank, animal rescues, horse rescues you can volunteer and be involved in these things, and they all make a contribution to the betterment of the community, and they’re things that anyone can do,” said Bunch.

Mayor Bunch has been the mayor since 2016, and in those years he claims to have provided guidance and council to the town.

“

ECAP is required to graduate, but it is not applicable to all students.

STUDEN

for Dutch-loving community residents.

Dutch Bros. recently commissioned a hiring party to determine the new location’s employees.

These employees must go through a training process before becoming full employees.

Over the course of two months, Dutch Bros. trainees are required to pass a 90 question test over the

whole menu and make 10 drinks for the store manager.

Employee pay at Dutch Bros. is minimum wage that include tips and benefits include two dollar drinks (excluding the “rebel” energy drink) while on the clock.

The new location is currently wrapping up construction and is set to start serving the Cave Creek community on October 19.

day was able to be spent trick-or-treating, the younger children would not have to be out as late.

Most children have bedtimes, especially on weekdays.

Having a day for celebrating on a Saturday will allow the kids to stay up later and not have to worry about school the next morning. The morning after Halloween, kids are always exhausted from trick or treating. This would give them time to rejuvenate energy and do homework over the weekend.

The purpose of celebrating on Saturday is to promote the holiday and to allow people to celebrate all day.

There is more time to get ready for the holiday instead of rushing immediately after school or work.

Actually changing the date of Halloween is unrealistic.

It is not considered a Federal holiday like Thanksgiving, therefore, even if the petition gains hundreds of thousands of signatures, the President can not actually do anything to change the date. Many parties are already on the weekend before Halloween, so everyone is celebrating on that day anyway. Adding trick-or-treating would not be much of a change.

Many people like to celebrate Halloween on October 31 because that is how it has been for years; however, it would make it much easier for everyone to celebrate on Saturday. This does not mean that people cannot celebrate on October 31 still. After school and work, families can stay in and carve pumpkins or watch Halloween movies. It would be less stressful for parents and take the pressure off of kids having to worry as much about homework. It would benefit the kids in the best ways possible. The kids are the ones who trick-or-treat and, moving the date would keep them safer.

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Creeker

8 ● November 15, 2019

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Shoppers explore thrift stores Devin Dorough food editor

A TREND THAT has started to take off this past

couple of years is thrift shopping. Clothes and accessories are a big thing to help us stand out and express ourselves. Thrift shopping is a fun way people can get more clothing for your style, and stay in a low budget.

In Cave Creek, there are many local thrift shops. The three most popular are Kiwanis Marketplace, Gold Mine Thrift Shop, and Infinite Finds. All these locations are considerably cheaper and have great finds from clothing, to art, to everyday necessities.

Kiwanis Market Place is located in Old Town Cave Creek. Kiwanis’ goal is to enrich the education of the students in their community and they do this by sponsoring smaller projects such as the Boy Scouts and Desert Foothills Key Club. A lot of the money they make at this thrift store goes to these organizations or to Kiwanis to keep expanding. Kiwanis is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:00 to 4:00 They’re ready to greet and help you find the next great find.

Inside Kiwanis it was a smaller sized thrift store. It has a lot of home materials such as things to cook with, and smaller appliances, and also furniture and decorations. The clothing section is pretty big for the women but the men’s section doesn’t have a lot to choose from.

Gold Mine thrift shop is another thrift shop located in Old Town Cave Creek. This one is a little bit smaller in size than Kiwanis, but still has a good collection of stuff. Gold Mine is open 9-3 on Wednesday through

Saturday and states on their website, they want to provide a service and physical merchandise to those in need. It is run through volunteers.

Volunteers that have been serving since the 80s are still there. The shop originated from the Good Shepherd of the Hills church in 1947. In the middle of the community it served to help people with physical and spiritual needs. It’s open all year around except for August which is when they do cleaning and repairs.

Compared to Kiwanis this is a very small thrift store. It had all the same things but a lot less options. There is also not much you can find in there that really catches the eye, or that is considered a good thrift.

Infinite Finds is another thrift store in Cave Creek that is a lot newer than its other competitors as it opened in 2017. The company’s owner, Melissa Bates, formed Infinite Finds due to her love of healthcare. On the website it states that Bates wants people to find their next great find and make them as happy as it made the previous owner. Infinite Finds also does things for the community such as giving free wigs to women who have lost hair due to cancer. They also sell body lotions and oils that have health benefits such as CBD oils. Infinite Finds is more of a women-based store, but there was good stuff in there that many could benefit off of.

Another cool thing about Infinite Finds is they sell things for staying healthy.

These thrift stores are great to check out if you are looking to buy some new clothes. They are a great way to save money and give back to the community in one go.

4Nia Sogaard

Wild West takes over town

Cave Creek’s western heritage was on display during this event Kolton O’Connor staff writer

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ROUND 10,000 PEOPLE celebrated west-

ern culture and style during Wild West Days in Cave Creek November 8 through 10.

“The western heritage and horsemanship that is represented in our community is one of the traditions that makes Cave Creek so special,” said Daniel Piacquadio, co-owner of Harold's Cave Creek Corral, which is a restaurant where many of the Wild West Day’ events took place.

The event began Friday night with Bull Riding and a kick off dance at the Buffalo Chip Saloon.

On Saturday, there were a wide variety of activities, including a horse ride to honor veterans, bike race and even a pig race.

“There’s a bunch of cool stuff over [in Cave Creek] like all the shops and buildings are all western and they have western art,“” said Zach Eastburn, a sophomore.

Cave Creek has a lot of western influence and it plays a major part in Cave Creek’s style and culture. Wild West Days had many events throughout the whole town of Cave Creek.

Many locales and local businesses support the Wild West Days event. Kiwanis hosted a pancake breakfast on Saturday in Carefree. Harold’s hosted a cornhole tournament and the pig races.

“Wild West days has been going on for several years and different groups have helped make the event special, but it really is about some of our local businesses coming together to have different events for our community. Harold’s is proud to be a part of this event,” said Piacquadio.

There was also an area set up for kids in the backyard at Big Earl’s. Awesome Kid Games included a 24 foot chalkboard, a huge Jenga set and more.

“After hearing about what it is, I think it could be fun, but this is the first time I've ever heard about it,” said Danyela D’Angelo, a junior.

The three day event wrapped up Sunday morning with a free breakfast for veterans, and Mutton Bustin, Calf and Steer and Bull Riding in the afternoon at Outlaws Arena on Cave Creek Road.

“I like the western style. It’s a cool aesthetic,” said Eastburn

FINDING TREASURES. Shoppers choose from a variety of items at Glory Bees, one of the larger stores at Frontier Town. One room had clothes, another had knickknacks, and a third room carried themed clothing. 4Paul Wernes

Experience the wild west Frontier Town brings residents into the past

Hayley Smith staff writer

Frontier Town is a popular tourist attraction found in the heart of Cave Creek. The town includes a variety of food and souvenir shops that makes the town unique. The western feel and ghost town vibe is a reason why many tourists visit Frontier Town.

“It feels like you’re going back in time to the western days. It’s really fun to walk around and go into different shops that have different western cultures,” said Isa Goldberg, a sophomore.

While Cave Creek is just a few miles north of Scottsdale, the town is considered a polar opposite from the modern city of Scottsdale. Cave Creek is locallyknown for being a “cowboy town” that resembles the wild west. Frontier Town is considered the heart of this western feel, and one of the oldest features that Cave Creek has to offer.

“It’s a good place to go to get out of the house and spend time with friends.

There’s a lot of food options around,” said Ashley Ramirez, a junior.

Frontier Town has entertainment options to keep its tourists interested.

People can shop in small stores that sell items resembling the wild west. In Frontier Town, you can find soaps, candles, clothing, Native American jewelry, and more. It’s featured eatery is called The Silver Spur Saloon & Restaurant, a barbecue-style restaurant that serves

different western foods.

“We live in a Western area and Frontier Town looks like how Arizona used to look,” said Goldberg.

Buildings in the shopping center age back to the 1930s and it was used by workers to watch over the construction of the Bartlett Dam. According to The Arizona Republic, Frontier Town’s owner Marc Peagler claims that the town is “very haunted”. Several ghost stories about the town are told around the town during its annual Wild West Days, scheduled to take place November 8th to 10th of 2019.

“It’s different; it’s cool to see things you don’t usually see, since everything today is mostly new and modern,” said Ashley Ramirez, a junior. Frontier Town gives its tourist a new perspective on western life and provides insight on how things used to be in the west. The annual Wild West Days has where performers reenacting gun fights and telling ghost stories in Frontier Town.

“It’s a really cool place to go at night.

They have lights hanging off of the stores which creates a cool vibe,” said Fay Smith, a Cave Creek resident.

Nighttime in Frontier Town is one of the many things that makes it different.

Every year, the town hangs Christmas lights that illuminate the town when she sun goes down. These lights add a full glow to the buildings and light up the town with colors.

November

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