Katelyn Reinhart

katelyn reinhart portfolio 2017

resume 31721 N 139th Place Scottsdale AZ, 85262 480-309-1229 EXPERIENCE: Trending Now editor for the CS Press from 2015-2016. Gained understanding of InDesign, copy editing, and elements of design.

Worked on a team to uphold the monthly publication of the CS Press.

Staff writer for the CS Press, written countless articles from 2015-2017, published in CS Press and Artzbeat magazine.

Written for every section of the CS Press. Knowledge of journalistic styles and writing, capable of writing captivating leads and getting interviews.

Features Editor for CS Press from 2016-2017, gained further knowledge

of designing a spread and InDesign. Edited two pages, learned time management, and helped new editors with InDesign.

Member of Quill and Scroll Honors Society since 2016, maintained a gpa of 3.0 from 20142017 REFERENCES: Available upon request SKILLS: Good writer Fast reader Efficient worker Meets deadlines AWARDS: Inducted Into Quill and Scroll Society LANGUAGES: English, very basic Spanish

To whom it may concern, As someone who has been in the CS Press for two years, I hope to enrich my experience by being the Spotlight Editor in the year of 2017-2018. I have been the editor of both the Trending Now page and Features, and learned a great deal while in both of these positions. I believe that this experience makes me qualified to be the editor of the Spotlight page, and I look forward to extending my experience in the next year. With a new page, I can not only practice new techniques of design, but I can explore further into the journalistic world. By applying for Spotlight Editor, I can bring experience on both journalism and personal notes. As an editor, I already have a leadership role as a part of the CS Press. However, as someone who is in a band and interested in music, I am interested and knowledgeable on a lot of stories that are featured on the Spotlight page, and can provide new ideas and information on the stories of this nature. My personal interest and professional experience make me an excellent candidate for the Spotlight page in a way that I believe that only I can provide. My experience as an editor of the CS Press sets me apart from other people who may want to fill the position, and my personal passion for a lot of the stories covered on the Spotlight page will motivate me to do the very best I can with the page. Another thing that sets me apart from other people who may fill this position is my status as a member of the quill and scroll honors society. I have been a member of Quill and Scroll for the past year, and even inducted other members into the society a few weeks ago. My status as a Quill and Scroll member demonstrates my dedication and experience in journalism, and these are traits that I am planning on using towards the Spotlight page, should I be chosen for the role of Spotlight Editor. With this in mind, I look forward to meeting about this position.

Best wishes, Katelyn Reinhart

Mark your calendars: 2017 is the year that Katelyn Reinhart made actual friends in newspaper. As the year comes to a close, I have continue to learn a great deal about the inner workings and publication of the CS Press.

Something that continues in the world of publications is the constant evolution of people and practice that goes into the CS Press. Overall, I have learned how to work with the people much better than I would have in previous years, especially the editors. I have always felt like the odd one out, especially among a group of editors that were so close knit, but I feel that I have created many new friendships with my fellow editors as staff members in this past semester.

When it comes to actual production skills, I believe that these friendships make the production process much easier and more cohesive. Where I used to rely on my own methods of getting things done, I could suddenly turn to friends who knew what to do and ask their opinions on my design choices. This is something that I have not been able to do in past years, and it made working as a member of the CS Press feel more like a team effort rather than getting my page done on my own with as little communication between other people as possible. While I do tend to rely on myself for most things, it has been nice to turn to a friend and ask advice, whether that advice is on which article to cut for a page or general life advice.

While some elements change with new friendships, others remain the same. By that, I mean the raging hellfire that is deadlines has remained at the same steady smouldering roar that it has maintained the past two years. I still feel that I have done relatively well when it comes to deadlines of articles, but getting the editors packets done has been another story. I

cannot remember turning in a single editor's packet in on time, but then again, it is very possible that I haven't turned them in at all.

TFor some reason, the second the empty pages of the newspaper fill with ink at the printer, my mind reverts back into blank pages and the packet is forgotten. This is something that, above anything else, I want to do better next year. While I do enjoy everything about newspaper, I sometimes forget that yes, this is for a grade. I have maintained a good letter grade in this class, but getting the smaller things done on time would not only help my grade, but help me with time management and deadlines.

When it comes to teamwork, I feel that making friends in this class has helped me greatly.

I have people that I can coordinate with to get a spread done, and I can then coordinate with these same people to go on road trips for an article. For previous years, I have kept to myself for the most part. While I consistently got my work done, I did sacrifice a great deal of teamwork. I have always worked well with others in this class, but actually wanting to work with other people has been a change for me.

With journalism ethics, things have remained relatively stable. Other than a blip last semester, the CS Press has remained relatively unharmed by attacks on the ethics of journalism.

However, with the introduction of a Letter to the Editor, things did shift a bit in tone. A great of journalism is showing both sides of a problem, but even I made a joke about not putting in the letter because of my own opinions of the person who wrote it. This was, of course, a joke, but it does show how easily journalism ethics can be tested.

Even though my opinions aligned much closer with those in the Letter to the Editor, my own opinions of the writer did result in a joke or two.

While journalism ethics was upheld completely with everyone involved, it showed how easily journalism can boil down to personal opinion, especially over frivolous things such as slightly disliking a person.

As I have done in the past, I believe that I have demonstrated dedication to the CS Press. From going out on trips such as the Devils Bridge to get photos to going out with other members of the CS Press to get articles done, I have gone as far as needed to complete a task. Did these road trips serve as excellent excuses to hang out with my boyfriend and friends in this class? Absolutely.

Did great work come out of the articles and photos that resulted from these trips? I sure hope so, because they were super fun. On a more serious note, I have been and editor for the CS Press for two years and I will also be on the paper again next year.

As a self reflection, I believe that this year in journalism has been my favorite. Actually making friends and having people to hang out with both in and out of class has really changed the way I get work done, and I am looking forward to seeing how this evolves next year in this class.

reflection #1

Reflection #1

As the Features Editor, I have completed many spreads for the CS Press. From fumbling around InDesign to fumbling around InDesign with slightly more intent, I have learned a lot and I believe that my design shows this. I am no longer afraid of trying new things design wise, and this leads me to my favorite contribution to the CS Press this semester. The feature that we did on space was not only one of the most interesting topics that we have gone over in the CS Press, but it also taught me the most design wise. When I started off as the Trending Now editor, I had no idea how to get anything done. I would only make the occasional text box and ask other people how to zoom in or out. More comfortable with the program, I began to explore what it could do, which lead me to the design of the space themed Features pages. While the whole “galaxy theme� is slightly overdone, I believe that it created the perfect effect in order to pull of my design.

Not only did I have a good theme to the pages, but the work I received for it was also some of the best that I have seen, especially the photos that were put on the page (all hail Logan Larkin). What makes me really proud of this spread above anything else was my ability to actually try new things. I always see new elements of design that I have no idea how to do, but until that issue, I had never actually tried to recreate

them. I am proud of this spread of the overall design, but most of all, I am proud that I saw something that I liked, such as a picture that was inserted into text, and I took the time to figure out how to do it. This is something that I never thought of doing, as I had managed just fine with putting a text box somewhere or placing stories from google docs on top of a colored box. Something as simple as putting a photo into large text made that spread one of my favorites, and learning new techniques is something that I want to do much more of next year. I focused on improving my design skills a lot this year, and the Galaxy themed spread really jump-started that. While learning how to do one new thing may not seem like a lot, it really changed the layout of the page and tied in a lot of different elements of the spread. From the very first layout that I had in mind to the last, it is obvious that the vision and enthusiasm changed from start to finish. I accomplished this by greatly increasing the font of some text, and then turning that text into an outline. Then I inserted the picture that I needed into the text, hereby turning the picture into the words that I needed. I understand how simple it sounds, but for someone who has managed on the bare minimum for as long as I have been an editor, it was monumental.

reflection #2

tear sheets Class of 2017

may (senior pages that i actually worked on)

You know you’re from the Class of ‘17 if...

“You had Mr. Richards for eighth and ninth grade English.”

What was your favorite year and why?

Gabi Gianni “Rachel’s Challenge was the best unorganized senior ditch day Cactus Shadows has ever seen.”

What is your funniest memory from high school?

Ryan Bobelick

“You have a half-day and still leave early.”

“When someone tried to start a food fight, threw one apple, and got suspended.”

Elizabeth Poulson

“Sophomore, it was easy and I made a lot of friends that year.”

“You are barely a ’90s kid.”

Mackenzie Hagerty

Drew Millane

“Senior year, I have friends in all of my classes, new and old.”

Alex Kinert “When that kid stuck a paperclip in the electrical socket and blew the circut in the library.”

“Senior, because I’m here half as long.”

Alexa Dragone

“You know the realities of the meat-packing industry.”

Daniel Witkop “You graduated with a tall guy that looks like Jesus.”

Casen Johnson “Mr. Delgrosso.”

Dominic Davies “Junior, all of my teachers were amazing.”

Megan Boyd “I had this funny dream where I was forced to wake up earlyand do copious amouts of busywork for four years...oh wait.”

Austin Durham

Daniel Kropman

“Junior Year, I grew up a lot and got my license.”

“You remember the lip dub.”

Maggie Morant

Jorden Wittman

Madison Zumstein “Everything from Stuco and with my friends.”

Sara Patterson

What will you miss most about high school?

“Anything in theater.”

Riann Johnston “When someone threw a rock onto the stage at a performance and the school freaked out.”

“Rojon.”

Ethan Ruditser

Lauren Ketchen “Nothing. Absolutely nothing.”

Jaylin Johnson “Yearbook.”

Do you have any advice for next year’s seniors?

Korie Kerr “Seeing my friends every day.”

Tia Dorfman

“Continue to be involved in school things until the end.”

“Student Council.”

Ashley Wilcox

Alyssa Grove

“Golfing on the Golf Team.”

“Take in every moment one at a time, but don’t cling to it.”

Camden Frisby

Steph Floe

“All of the football games and Homecoming.”

“Make sure you know what it is that you want to study if you go go college and make sure you’re ok with the carreer path you choose.”

“How easy it is compared to the real world.”

Madison McNamara Keirstin Seaback

Machael Bartlett “Don’t procrastinate.”

Ashley Wong “Stay out of drama, it’ll ruin your year.”

Tara Welsh “Make sure you have enough credits so you don’t end up getting put into an online class a month before you graduate.”

Allie Smyth “Don’t put off work.”

april

Adam Penzone “Don’t slack off. Get a half day.”

Kayla Christenson

14 ■ May 12, 2017

THE CaCTUS SHaDOWS PRESS

FEATURES

FEATURES

Inventors craft a better future

A machine rings up a grocery store total.

While on their first date, a couple puts in their order from an electronic menu. Instead of pulling out a broom, a roomba coasts across the floors.

Technology has changed the world tremendously, from the first car to the self-driving car. As more developments are made, people are growing accustomed to...

By IZZY CANTWELL G staff writer

FROM

An Automated World

\DOMINIC DAVIES

OPINION

By MAGGIE MORANT g staff writer

It is a common theme in sci-fi novels and movies to create a futuristic society that is dependent on technology. Usually, most of the technology in these civilizations becomes too intelligent and attacks its creators. In recent years, our own society has started to resemble these disastrous dystopias.

In the past decade alone, there has been a spike in society’s dependence on technology.

With phones that are able to provide access to everything we need, why wouldn’t we be so attached to them? But, having these gadgets that seem to make life easier comes with consequences.

According to thehealthy.com, prolonged uses of technology can lead to various physical, emotional, and mental health issues.

This includes neck and eye pain, shortened attention spans, poor sleep cycles, and isolation.

Face to face contact is a thing of the past. If given a choice between texting or calling, the average person would most likely choose to text. As a result, things that seem ingrained

12 ■ APRIL 17, 2017

in human nature are slowly devolving. An example would be the ability to read body language. Many children and teenagers in this day and age can no longer tell the difference between surprise and anger on a person’s face.

Another social issue is the lack of quality time adults spend without their phones, laptops or other technology. While a job does necessitate a phone, no one says it has to go home with you, and stay glued in your pocket for the rest of the night.

Some mental health issues that become more common as the usage of phones increases are depression, anxiety and stunted imagination. Social media is a huge time consumer, especially when it’s so easily accessible. Unfortunately, not everything on social media is a highlight reel.

There is cyber bullying, vague negative comments and the feeling that what you post is so much more boring than other people. This can lead to bouts of sadness that develop into depression, and anxiety about facing your peers. Seeing someone through a phone screen is much different than in real life.

INSECT

SIZED

drones to apps that will get a smartphone to print, the future is full of surprises.

One of the inventions that will be released within the next few years is the portable laser pen, a laser that can seal wounds by using heat. The laser gets as warm as possible without burning skin. It uses heat and carbon dioxide to mend the skin together, which will make infection and scarring less likely to occur.

“With traditional needle-andthread-surgeries, even in microsurgery techniques, there are chances of infections and scars,” said Sonali Jagadish on his technology blog.

Film and Television teacher Luke Scott is interested in advances in technology, both for his classroom and on a personal level. “I’m excited about the new advancements in robotics,” said Scott.

Another innovation coming soon are insect sized drones. These drones will be able to take pictures and videos on command. They can also travel for hundreds of miles before needing to recharge.

Coming in May, the WowWee MiP is a self balancing robot that can walk and balance as if it were a humanbeing. According to Wired magazine, they are “like little Segways, scootin around like wonderful little freestanding weirdos. You can control them as a group or individually with an iOS app (No Android app yet, which is ironic).” The robots were invented by WowWee and the University of San Diego robotics lab.

They will sell for about a hundred dollars a piece.

Elon Musk, the inventor of Tesla, has created solar roofing panels.

The tiles have the ability to generate power from the sun. The solar panels are hidden within the roofing tile. The tiles will come in four different styles, and will offer aesthetically appealing solar power.

“I am most excited about hidden solar panels, given that both my parents work in that field,” said Austin Drysdale, a sophomore. “The main reason why people don’t want solar panels is because they are so visible on their homes,” said Drysdale. “By hiding them in tiles, the appeal for solar panels will go way up.”

Another recent invention is EMILY (Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard) - the robotic lifeguard that

can save up to eight people at one time. The U.S. Navy funded research on Emily, that saved Syrian refugees from drowning. Tony Mulligan, the inventor, is the CEO of Arizonabased Hydronalix Inc. He is hoping the Navy will put EMILYs on all of their ships.

For anyone who has ever had to use crutches, the iwalkfree crutch will be a welcome invention. This crutch attaches to the leg, and provides handsfree mobility for those in need. According to the website health.net, this is a first, finally allowing people with “non-weight bearing lower leg injuries the ability to have full use of their arms and hands.”

Finally, there is the ono 3D printer

“Hey Siri, give me a headline”

By DOMINIC DAVIES G staff writer

SIRI HAS GAINED POPULARITY

throughout the years, but Siri is not just a robot responding to commands, she is an “intelligent assistant” vocalized by living a human being.

With the impact of Apple products in the technology-driven world of today, Susan Bennett can be heard by many as the original voice of Siri. Bennett is a voice actor who has worked for major companies like McDonald's and Coca Cola.

For her audition, Bennett was unaware of what exactly her voice recordings would be used for. It was not until after the release of the iPhone 4S that Bennett realized that her voice was used as Siri.

“She was probably chosen because she has a very calming and plain voice that mimics a robot,” said Julia Smutny, a junior.

After keeping quiet for years, Bennett broke the silence about being the voice of Siri after a video was released that led some people to think that another voice actress named Allison Duffy was behind the voice.

“I never imagined Siri having the voice of an actual person, I figured it was all done electronically,” said Smutny.

Smutny uses Siri for simple tasks such as quickly looking up a definition or finding out what the weather will be like. Students and adults alike use Siri as a tool to make navigating their phone an easier task.

“I only use Siri to send a text or call someone when I’m driving so I don’t get too distracted,” said Riley Debellis, a junior.

Aside from on the road, Debellis prefers to navigate her phone manually instead of relying on Siri to perfectly understand verbal commands.

While Siri’s voice can be used to complete actions hands-free, Siri can also answer many jokes and give humorous answers to certain responses.

“I don’t use Siri for anything very important, I just use it for fun by asking it ridiculous questions,” said Romy Kitnick, a paraprofessional.

Kitnick does not particularly like the voice of Siri and views the assistant more as a source of entertainment then a necessity to the iPhone.

4 KATELYN REINHART

As people become more reliant on technology, the number of advancements are going nowhere but up. Alex Laggren discusses the upcoming expectations, effects, and doubts about the unexplored possibilities, filled with...

Tiny little robots

CAR MANUFACTURERS, HARD-

` MEGAN WALKER ` MEGAN WALKER which is the first 3D printer that works with a smartphone. The 3D printer will be able to print anything from small cubes to larger shapes and figures.

“I’m excited for the 3D printer that connects to your phone,” said Emily Shimkus, a freshman. “That will save a lot of time for projects.”

ware manufacturers, and Uber: these three groups have one similar characteristic, they are all working towards the automation of their business.

Uber and Google are working towards automated cars that will not require a driver in the future. Currently a human is still behind the wheel to ensure that accidents can be avoided if the tech on top of the vehicle encounters any problems.

This shows that in their current stages these technologies have not yet been able to take the place of the human worker.

A crash occurred in Arizona that ended with the self driving car being flipped, prompting the company to withdraw its autonomous vehicles from the testing phase for a short time before continuing again in San Francisco days later. ¨I think that it's really interesting to see the new technology in the Uber self

driven cars, however it could also be dangerous because who knows how safe they really are,¨ said Maddie Weber, a senior.

Automation has always been thought to take over human jobs, as far back as the industrial revolution. Although the true beginning of modern automation can be traced back to the 1980s.

“It’s a big unknown, it’s happening it has happened. It’s changing the workplace, and the economy,” said Robert Reisener, a science teacher.

According to Michael Morgenstern at The Economist, “automated teller machines might have been expected to spell doom for bank tellers by taking over some of their routine tasks, and indeed in America their average number fell from 20 per branch in 1988

to 13 in 2004.”

Artificial Intelligence is one major automated feature currently being worked on.

“When I was a kid I was told that robots were going to replace humans and that has definitely happened, so obviously it laid off some of the skilled workers but yet it created other skilled workers, like programmers, and obviously mechanical engineers,” said Reisener.

“It’s kind of freaky because even though computers aren’t supposed to make errors, there are underlying moral dilemmas about the choices that the computer will end up making,”

Companies have increased the use of automation due to the faster productions speeds, allowing them to sell more of a product.

Those that replace their workers with assembly lines are more likely to save money due to focusing solely on the maintenance of the machines.

“It’s kind of freaky because even though computers aren’t supposed to make errors, there are underlying moral dilemmas about the choices that the computer will end up making,” said Demi Alexander, a senior.

Smartphone notifications are also considered a form of automation. Utilizing a computer instead of a human being to send alerts.

H&R Block is using the power of Watson, IBM’s supercomputer that houses the basics of AI will now be involved in handling taxes with the employees of the company.

Demi Alexander, a senior

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

APRIL 17, 2017 ■ 13

FEATURES

SOCIAL MEDIA USE BY AGE

From an empty room, someone can talk to dozens of people at once. Social media is a platform for millions, with everyone from a sixth grader to the president of the United States. Whether it’s counting likes or viewing other people’s content, the internet has offered entertainment, jobs, and connection to anyone with a phone. All of which leads us to ask...

are we too connected?

Follow, like, or subscribe

A

By LOGAN LARKIN g photo editor

TTRACTING

billions of users, social media has developed into a platform where individuals have taken advantage of the exposure to millions to create incomes that are competitive with some of the highest paying jobs.

Since Facebook began in 2004, social media users have sensationalized themselves in order to make incomes of up to fifteen million dollars annually, according to Dailymail.

Instagram star Jack Morris, who has a following nearing two million, retired by 24 and is paid to photograph the world while promoting brands. In an interview with Blouin Artinfo, Morris said, “I wasn’t really trying, but as soon as it started to grow [followers] I thought ok I’ll try and make this into something...Two years after that I was making proper money.”

To get started on social media, hav-

ing a prolific style of posting photos/videos is necessary in order to get exposure.

Christina Fankhanel, a senior has helped promote a friend’s blog and social media account.

“I think it takes a lot of posting, and having a common theme, and promoting your blog. A lot of people will be like ‘go check out my blog’ in their captions,” said Fankhanel.

Patience is another key aspect to getting the exposure needed to begin receiving the attention of sponsors and advertisers that want to promote their products through social media, or in order to promote a personal brand. Luke Scott, the digital media and film/tv teacher, believes that it takes time to get subscribers and a following.

“You have to have some sort of niche that makes you popular that people want to keep following what you are doing,” said Scott.

As social media grows, more and more people look to it for a job. As a video gets views, the creator can get paid through advertisements. These ads often generate more money then the video itself. The ads that many viewers skip through on YouTube are typically the reason a content creator will get paid.

“I just got a notice from Google doublechecking my information so I could start getting paid. I have my own channel, and any money I get will come from ads,” said Maxwell Reinhart, a student at Sonoran Trails Middle School.

So far, Reinhart has made twenty dollars from ads off of one video, and plans to make a job for himself of YouTube.

The money generated from advertisements can be anywhere from a couple of quarters to a couple thousand dollars.

As the years go by, the social media wave becomes more and more prominent. Even your grandmothers are posting everyday along with your little siblings and parents.

25% of American adults use social media.

TWITTER

LINKEDIN

Age

Percentage

Age

Percentage

Below 18

14%

Below 18

9%

18-29

36%

18-29

34%

30-49

22%

30-49

31%

50-64

18%

50-64

21%

65+

6%

65+

11%

“In order to get started on social media, having a prolific style of posting photos/videos is necessary in order to get exposure...”

PINTEREST

INSTAGRAM

Age

Percentage

Age

Percentage

Below 18

18%

Below 18

19%

18-29

36%

18-29

59%

30-49

32%

30-49

31%

50-64

24%

50-64

13%

65+

9%

65+

5%

MYSPACE (2010) Age

Percentage

Below 18

1%

18-29

37%

30-49

49%

50-64

9%

65+

3%

SNAPCHAT Age

Percentage

Below 18

23%

18-29

37%

30-49

29%

50-64

10%

65+

1%

Age

Percentage

Below 18

56%

18-29

88%

30-49

79%

FACEBOOK

50-64

61%

65+

FEATURES

As technology rises, so does depression in young adults. Louise Jagus discusses the consequences of getting too involved in the online image.

Screams from the screen

D

By LOUISE JAGUS g staff writer

EPRESSION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

son,” said Albright.

Instagram, for example, has implicated measures to avoid cyberbullying such as blocking and reporting. By pressing one button, a user can be blocked and communication is cut off. This has been generally effective for individuals receiving negative comments from peers.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people are spending less time interacting face to face.

“Many people already struggle with verbal communication and by interacting through a screen rather than with each other, the communication deficit is not improving,” said Amy Jagus, a social worker Megan Albright, a for the Department of freshman.

Developmental Disabilities.

When individuals post pictures on their profiles, their followers or friends subconsciously compare themselves to the picture being viewed.

“You really need to know who you are and what you stand for,” said Harvey. According to Harvey, a support system can make all the difference online.

“Block people trying to bully you, try not to engage, only be friends on social media with people you know or are close with, take breaks from social media.”

36%

WMEGAN WALKER

America’s most followed

S

By SEAN GANNON g travel editor

W FAITH HASHER AND MEGAN WALKER ACCORDING TO A \ DOMINIC DAVIES 12 ■ FEBRUARY 10, 2017

POLL CONDUCTED ON FEBRUARY 1, 2017

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

OCIAL media has changed the way that society views everyone from celebrities to a next door neighbor. It allows people to find details about others personal lives and gives them a glimpse of what is happening in the world.

Some people’s lives have been totally turned upside-down because of social media. Average, everyday people have become stars in the modern world because of the power of social media.

In 2010, Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger launched the world renowned social media app, Instagram. Just under two years later, the app had reached a new high of 100 million users worldwide. Today, the third most popular social media platform in the world has about 600 million users.

Singer and actress, Selena Gomez, is the most popular person on Instagram with 103 million followers. According to usmagazine.com, Gomez also holds the record for the most liked picture on Instagram at 6.3 million likes, beating the previous record holder, Justin Bieber, by 2.6 million likes.

On Twitter, Katy Perry boasts the most followers with about 96 million. Perry’s most liked and most retweeted post was actually a congratulation to the popular boy-band One Direction after they had reached number one on the United States iTunes chart.

Former president of the United States, Barack Obama, is the third most followed person on Twitter. The ex-president used his Twitter account to convey his ideas to the public and see their reaction. Even before his presidency, Obama used this social media platform to advertise his campaign and gain support during the 2008 and 2012 elections.

Snapchat, according to adweek.com, is the fastest growing social media platform with 200 million current users and 400 million snaps being sent per day. Kylie Jenner is currently the most popular user on Snapchat. Although there are no numbers to prove this, Jenner met with executives at Snapchat Headquarters in Venice, California in August 2016 who stated that she was still beating everyone else for the number one spot by a longshot.

SCROLLING THROUGH INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER, teenagers spend hours a

day on social media.

4KATELYN REINHART

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

FEBRUARY 10, 2017 ■ 13

february

FEATURES

A star flies through the sky and people gaze on with wonder. Staring into the darkness of the night, people have always dreamed of...

Your guide to the night sky

iop eia

As the planet rotates, there are thousands of stars to see. Emma Russello discusses the best times to see planets, meteor showers, and other phenomenon. The constellations travel around the world, and oh the places they’ll go.

Ca

ss

Little Dipper

us

rce

Pe Big Dipper

Auriga

Gem

ini

Leo

Can

is M

ino

r

Orion

Canis Major

march 12 ■ MARCH 10, 2017

\ DOMINIC DAVIES

The night sky is constantly changing January 1 through June 6. Another with the Earth’s rotation, and every day planet visible with no telescope is there is something new to see.

Jupiter, which is the brightest from Cave Creek has especially clear vis- March 28 to April 19, and can be seen ibility of the stars and planets due to right before dawn. Saturn and all its the low amount of light pollution, which rings can also be seen in the mornings is artificial light blocking visibility of from January 1 through June 14. the sky. The month of March is also a During the month of March this year, unique month to go out and look at the a full bright moon can be seen from sky because of the spring equinox.

March 11-13, and there will be a new An equinox is when the length of the moon March 27-28. day and night are almost equal, and On March 29, National Geographic marks the first day of astronomical reports that Mercury, Mars and the spring or fall. moon will form a triangle in the western “When I look up into the night sky, part of the sky, which is a rare occurbeing a physics teacher, I think of many rence because Mercury typically gets things like the stars, galaxies and the caught up in the glare from the sun and constellations, but the biggest thing is not seen very well.

I want to tell “The mystermy students ies space holds is is that the sky probably the coolis not the limit est thing about “When I look up into when achievit. We only know the night sky, being a ing your goals,” so little of it and physics teacher, I think said Elzaphan most of it remains Marri, a physics unknown. I like of many things like the teacher. how vast and endstars, galaxies and the For a few less it is, and it’s weeks around really pretty,” said constellations, but the the spring Alexa Hokanson, a biggest thing I want to tell equinox on senior. my students is that the March 20, one There are eight can see really constellations sky is not the limit when bright meteors to be seen in the achieving your goals” called fireballs.

March sky, which According to are Cancer, Canis Elzaphan Marri, a physics earthsky.com, Major, Carina, Lynx, teacher fireball season Puppis, Pyxis, Vela, is the time of and Volans. the year where Sometimes peoreally bright meteors appear in greater ple forget that in the daytime, the sky is numbers than usual, even increasing by constantly changing also.

30%. NASA is not entirely sure why the “I think that the coolest thing about increase is so dramatic in March, but the sky is the beautiful sunsets that they can be seen by the naked eye. happen each day. They are all so differSome planets are also visible to the ent and unique,” said Ryan Heiliger, a naked eye and do not require a tele- senior. scope to see such as Mercury, Venus, For an accurate account of where all Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. the constellations and planets are in the According to space.com, Mercury is sky on a specific date, one can downbrightest in the evenings on March 23 load a free app called “Star Chart” on to April 8, and can be seen in the west- their phone, telling them exactly where ern part of the sky. Venus is always one everything is in the sky. There are also of the brightest planets in the sky, and more advanced apps that cost money can be seen in the evening sky from such as “Sky Guide” and “Night Sky January 1 to March 6.

4”. Many different websites also have This year, Mars is never very bright details about the night sky for a certain but it can be seen in the evening from day or month.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

FEATURES

By CAITY BONINE g staff writer

Arizona State University has been significantly involved in space exploration since the 1970s. According to asunow. asu.edu, the college has assisted in 25 missions to eight different planets, three asteroids, two moons, and the sun.

“The ASU space program interests me a lot because they participate in a lot of important space missions,” said Hallie Wooldridge, a senior.

The School of Earth and Space Exploration was established in 2006, however the space program technically began much earlier. Long before ASU was building spacecraft, their future space program was simply a general geology program. With the help of Ron Greeley, who was one of the founders of planetary geology and worked at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) selecting landing sites on the moon for the Apollo missions, and Phil Christensen, a Regents Professor of geological sciences at ASU. According to asunow.asu.edu, Christensen is the “founder of what the program has become.”

Now, ASU’s space program makes instruments for NASA.

“A lot of people don’t realize how involved ASU has been with NASA. They’ve participated in a lot of significant projects and the work they do is very impressive,” said Chrissy Steele, Cactus Shadows alumni who now attends ASU. ASU has a long history of partnering up with NASA to build spacecraft that would travel to the moon and Mars. But in 2015, the college space program built a 30 pound spacecraft to orbit the moon.

This was a significant project because it was the first one that they were directly in charge of and would be operating.

“ASU’s space program is very impressive. They’ve done a lot of fascinating work with NASA like Mars exploration rovers, for example,” said Rachel Dutcher, senior.

In January, NASA announced that ASU will lead its first deep-space mission, called 16 Psyche, to a distant asteroid. According to azcentral.com, the multi-million dollar mission will launch in 2023. The mission will be unmanned and take four and a half years to arrive at the asteroid. The goal of the mission is to study the metal core of the asteroid in hopes of gaining a better understanding of how planets are formed.

ASU reaches out of this world University takes a leading role in space exploration.

Elon Musk goes rogue

4 LOGAN LARKIN

Sean Gannon dives into the private space exploration company, SpaceX The Martian, Star Wars, Star Trek, Treasure Planet, Guardians of the Galaxy. All of these fictional events could be made possible by private companies investing in space exploration.

Elon Musk, an entrepreneur, inventor, and engineer famous for founding the groundbreaking electric car company, Tesla, has been leading the caravan of private space exploration since 2002 when he founded the fastest growing private spaceflight company on earth, SpaceX.

WHO?

SpaceX has two goals in mind when it comes to space travel: reduce the overall cost of space transportation, and colonize Mars. Making a life on Mars is usually only seen on a television screen, but Musk, the man behind it all, is closer than one would think.

In 2006, Musk decided that to get this new company on it’s feet and operational as soon as possible; he would need money, and lots of it. So Musk invested 100 million dollars of his own money into the company based out of California. This money would be used to build the company’s first inexpensive and reusable rocket.

“I know that they’re looking to eventually commercialize and fully privatize space travel and to make it a norm of society and THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

the human experience,” said Zack Paul, a junior and Elon Musk follower.

After four years of construction, Musk’s first rocket was space-ready. He would name his new rocket the Falcon 9, which only cost 62 million dollars. This is significantly less expensive than anything NASA has ever built, including NASA’s newest rocket, the SLS that costs 500 million dollars per launch.

WHAT?

Attached to the top of Musk’s Falcon 9 rocket is the Dragon. The Dragon is the pressurized capsule that contained both the crew and their cargo.

Records were broken on December 8, 2010, when the Dragon became the first ever privately developed spacecraft to successfully orbit the earth and reenter the atmosphere. After safely crashing into the Pacific Ocean, the unmanned spacecraft was recovered and refurbished for later use.

19 months after the Dragon had successfully orbited and reentered earth’s atmosphere, SpaceX sent it up into space again on a Falcon 9. This time with the intent to make history yet again. May 25, 2012: the Dragon becomes the first commercial space vehicle ever to dock at the International Space Station. Once again proving that Elon Musk’s dreams of making space travel

affordable, were becoming reality.

Having proved they could safely dock one of their spacecraft, NASA hired SpaceX to run supplies to the ISS’s crew 12 times since October 2012. Paying SpaceX 1.6 billion dollars to do so.

“Elon Musk finally landed, I think two rockets now. So he’s getting it down so they can use the same rocket to lower the cost significantly and allow us to travel further and further into space,” said Russell DelGrosso, a math teacher and SpaceX enthusiast.

SpaceX, launching one Falcon 9 rocket with a Dragon capsule attached, costs an average of 57 million dollars. NASA’s equivalent, the Shuttle, costed an average of 1.5 billion dollars per launch. NASA’s launches of supplies and crew members to the ISS costed 26.3 times as much as SpaceX. In NASA’s case, they are saving billions of dollars.

WHY?

In 2014 NASA realized that they could save so much money by hiring SpaceX to build rockets for them and send crews to the ISS. NASA was spending 1.5 billion dollars of taxpayer money to send one Shuttle to the ISS. By hiring SpaceX, for only 2.6 billion dollars, they are saving the federal government billions upon billions of dollars.

In 2016, SpaceX released an official time-

line that illustrates exactly what steps will be taken and when they will be taken, in order to reach Mars and colonize its surface.

AND NOW?

The company claimed they would launch the Red Dragon program, in 2018 although they announced February 21, 2017 that the program would launch in 2020. This program was designed to test every single aspect of the trip.

Flying extremely large payloads over such an enormous distance, identifying resources that crews could use on the surface of Mars, landing rockets safely and mapping other potential landing sites.

“I think that in ten years, we may have a man on the surface of Mars,” said Ryan McQuiston, a sophomore and space fanatic.

Using their newest rocket, the Falcon Heavy, SpaceX claims they can successfully send a crew to Mars. SpaceX now breaks another record with the world’s largest and most powerful rocket ever. The liftoff power is equivalent to 18 Boeing 747 planes at full power. That is 5.13 million pounds of thrust.

Elon Musk and SpaceX plan to send the first flight to Mars by 2023 if all tests go according to plan.On February 27, Musk announced his plan to send two private individuals on a trip around the moon aboard SpaceX’s new Falcon Heavy. Round trip, the two people would spend a week in the Dragon 2 capsule.

MARCH 10, 2017 ■ 13

OPINION Students discuss whether or not the Rachel’s Challenge assembly promotes kindness or pays the bills.

LOUISE JAGUS

KATELYN REINHART

RACHEL’S CREATING KINDNESS Despite the negative publicity Rachel’s Challenge receives around campus, the message of the event outweighs its downfalls. After all, if the challenge is so terrible, why would the school invite them back every year?

The uplifting presentation inspires individuals to watch their words and adjust their actions. Rachel Scott, the first victim in the Columbine shooting and focal point of the presentation, promoted kindness and positivity around her high school. She wrote journals containing messages of Christianity and her goals to bring Jesus into the lives of others. Her career goal was to become either an actress or Christian missionary, but those dreams were killed the day that she was.

To help spread the message of kindness, the Breakaway Leadership Team (BLT) on campus is making their own version of the infamous challenge. The ultimate goal is to bring the campus together and give everyone a voice. They plan to do this by bringing real examples to the campus and show students that Rachel was a real person and what happened to her could happen to any of us.

Rachel’s Challenge teaches empathy to students and brings the community together to promote kindness. Like teenagers “Rachel’s everywhere, students at Cactus Challenge Shadows can be cruel, and none of us are an exception. teaches Subtweets, snapchats, finstas, empathy to and social media bring each students and other down. Teenagers pick out flaws in everyone to make brings the themselves feel better. Everyone community is guilty because even the best people do it subconsciously. It together is human nature to be mean and to promote establish a hierarchy of power. kindness.”

Although it is impossible to change something that is built into human nature, consciously spreading positivity helps to mitigate these negative tendencies.

Critics argue that Rachel’s Challenge is manipulative and religious. It is true that Rachel was not perfect. She wrote diaries filled with pure thoughts and impeccable ideals, but she was also just a teenager. It would be foolish to discount the positive effects of her message just because she may have some faults.

Starting a chain reaction of kindness is not difficult.

Humans are creatures of habit and once they adopt a certain behavior they begin to do it consistently without thinking. Developing positive habits and bringing people up is certainly a positive goal. How hard is it to tell someone that you like their shirt? Does it take more than ten seconds out of your day?

The Golden Rule is golden for a reason. Treat others the way you want to be treated.

Self reflection is a major point of the challenge because students have to look at their own actions and realize what is hurtful and how they can stop. People think that they need to end world hunger or destroy Isis to make a real difference in the world, but the smallest actions around campus can make a difference.

RACHEL’S CHALLENGING MY PATIENCE

THE REPORT CARD Spirit week

As the second year of the Rachel's Challenge program comes to a close, students are becoming more and more disinterested.

Rachel's Challenge is a program with a good message, but a less impressive plan. Rachel Scott was a victim of the Columbine shooting, and while this is indisputably a tragedy, many students feel very disconnected from her. The main point of this challenge is not wrong, as there is value in kindness. However, the presentation took a strange turn when Scott went from someone relatable to an all knowing fortune teller.

The message of Rachel's Challenge is to start a chain reaction of kindness, and while this should be the focus, it isn’t.

Instead, the presenter strays into a strange territory in which Scott is some sort of prophet that predicted the Columbine shooting before it happened. We are told that she knew she was going to die young, and that she even illus“Instead of trated this in a drawing. feeling a drive While this information may or may not be true, it took many stuto reach out dents by surprise. It completely took to others, the meaning away from the presentation and instead put focus into the the Rachel’s supposed mystic powers of Scott.

Challenge Instead of feeling a drive to reach assembly felt out to others, the Rachel’s Challenge assembly felt more like an advermore like an tisement for a new religion. advertisement On top of the strange and spiritual, but the presentation also for a new seemed to have another motive: religion.” money. In 2016, a movie titled I’m Not Ashamed made its debut on the big screen that was about the life and death of Rachel Scott.

Not only was this film in poor taste, but it turned Scott into a religious martyr that also disconnected many people from her admirable story and lifestyle. Making a movie on the Columbine shooting seems slimy enough, but making money off of a victim’s death is just plain malicious. To put it plainly, the people who profited off of I’m Not Ashamed should be just that; ashamed.

One thing the Rachel’s Challenge did well was hold people’s attention. For the most part, students were interested in Scott because really, what happened to her could happen to anyone.

Based off of the presentation, it seems that Scott was a fantastic girl that was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

She went to school just as she would any other day and unfortunately, tragedy struck.

As terrifying as it sounds, that is still a possibility for anyone because Scott is just like us. She was not a fortune teller, she was a student in a high school who had a normal life and a normal family. That thought is horrifying, but it dissipates the second Scott is portrayed as a god. She is no longer you, or your best friend, or your classmate. She has become a prophet, a martyr, an untouchable being that is nothing like yourself, and what happened to her could never happen to you, a normal person.

The Rachel’s Challenge is, at its core, a well meaning presentation. It has a good message about a terrible event, but it focused on the wrong thing. Scott’s life was unlike our own, and her message of kindness should have been the main topic.

Although there was no Hoopcoming to follow the end of spirit week, Stuco had many new ideas they sprung onto the students. Traditions like Mr. Cactus Shadows, and the Pink versus Blue assembly were, as always, a hit among students. This year was also one of the best years for the participation with everyone dressing up to match all the themes.

a Mr. Cactus Shadows Mr. Cactus Shadows is a tradition so it should have ran smoothly. However, the show was too long and it seemed like there was no practice. One thing that made the show better was the talent from the participants. They put on a great show. Students ended up crowning Ryan Clary as the top contestant and Joey Britton coming in with a close second.

b New Lock down Drill It is required by state law to have a minimum of a lockdown once a quarter. There was a new feature that was put into place. This past lockdown happened right after lunch ended which resulted with kids screaming and running across campus. Teachers were opening doors when they were suppose to have already secured their classrooms. If there was an actually emergency, our campus would have not been protected.

F

UFAITH HASHER

march

8 ■ MARCH 10, 2017

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

february Style

breaking stereotypes

By KATELYN REINHART g features editor

A young woman sits in front of her vanity mirror, blinking while she applies mascara to her eyelashes. This scenario is what many people imagine when it comes to the makeup industry, but with James Charles as the new face of the CoverGirl makeup brand, that scenario may be changing.

Charles is a 17 year old makeup artist, and now he is the first ever CoverBoy. Starting off on the internet, James Charles has gained more than a million followers on Instagram with his makeup tutorials and beauty videos. While he does get backlash on many of his posts, his work with makeup is seen with overwhelming support.

Soon after Charles' commercial with CoverGirl aired on television, a mother found herself

tear sheets

FASHION CLUB CLOTHING DRIVE HELP A GOOD CAUSE

in a difficult situation when her six year old son asked why a boy was wearing makeup.

That mother, Nicole Dean, made a blog post lashing out at Charles. According to the post, Dean was unsure how to explain the commercial and chose to tell her homeschooled son that Charles was a girl instead. This post went viral, and while the response had mostly been supportive towards Charles, it brought up a discussion on whether or not the makeup brand made the right decision.

"I don't think it's appropriate. Like do whatever you want in your own home but this is on television for the world to see, and kids shouldn't think that kind of thing is normal," said Bryson Rusynyk, a sophomore.

Because of Charles' internet presence, this debate often takes place in the comments of his own photos and videos. As there are two sides of this argument,

there are also people who support Charles.

"It's good that he can make a job out of something he enjoys and is good at. Not very many people get that, and he's so young. He's probably worked hard for this," says Gina Mure, a Scottsdale resident who buys from the brand.

Charles also has public support from his family and friends. He is the face of the So Lashy! Mascara launched

by CoverGirl, and has been on shows like Ellen to talk about his life, struggles, and success.

Coming out as gay when he was 12, Charles is actually relatively new to the makeup scene. He is the first male face of a makeup brand, but he is not the only guy to wear makeup.

There has been a burst in male beauty gurus over the past few years, with people such as Manny Mua, Jeffree Star, and Bretman Rock taking the spotlight.

"I wouldn't wear makeup, but I don't care if someone else does it. It's just not my thing," said Massimo Garcia, a JAMES CHARLES, new face of CoverGirl with a sophomore. full face of makeup. 4NEW YORK DAILY NEWS This new advancement may change advertising for popular brands and the people who use them.

feeling like a kid again

By OLIVIA STICKEL g food editor

With looks like overalls, scrunchies and clear plastic shoes coming back in style, many of today’s high fashion trends are inspired by none other than kids clothing.

This does not mean that superstar models will be seen wearing five

OPINION

Two editors discuss the past and the possible pros and cons of us involvement in foreign affairs

katelyn reinhart

solace in isolation The ear-ringing blare of gunshots and pained cries cut through the air. A boom echoes as a cannon fires, and limp bodies of Americans lay scattered across foreign soil. Those now-empty faces once held proud smiles formed under the illusion that they were fighting a necessary war. Throughout history, thousands of American citizens have marched into an unnecessary battle and fewer have returned home.

By getting involved with foreign affairs, the United States does nothing but waste resources, whether it be money, time, or actual human lives. A perfect example By getting of this is the Vietnam war, which began in 1955 involved with and lasted twenty years. According to the the Defense Casualty Analysis System, 58,220 United foreign affairs, States military members died as a result, and for the United States what reason? Even now, there is debate over who does nothing but exactly won. Some people believe that the United states lost entirely; others claim that the US milwaste resources, itary won, but politicians involved dropped the whether it be ball.

Whether or not Vietnam was a victory, there money, time, and were still 58,220 people who lost their lives fightactual human ing a war that proved nothing. A war that accomlives. plished nothing. A war that took everything from those who died, with a gun in hand and hazy claims of freedom on their lips. For every one person who died in Vietnam, there were dozens of people who knew them, or loved them, and lost them.

Emotional appeal aside, imagine the cost it takes to make one tank.

Now, think of the amount of tanks whose wheels meet enemy ground.

Not a big enough number? Imagine hundreds of planes dropping hundreds of bombs, the equipment it took to protect US military members, the cost of medicine, etc. According to The Defense Department, the overall cost of the Vietnam war was $173 billion. On top of that, veteran's benefits and interest would add another $250 billion, resulting in a total cost of $423 billion for one war.

The harm that US intervention causes is not only reflected in Vietnam.

With terrorism being a very prevalent issue, many people claim that intervention is the only way. However, intervention does nothing but put more lives at risk. Claiming that war is the only option is similar to toddlers throwing toys at each other because they cannot think of any other way to solve the problem. Terrorism is, and remains to be, a great threat to American people, however, war threatens the American people, resources, and economy.

Recently, President Trump launched 59 missiles at a Syrian airbase, at an estimated cost of at least 47 million dollars. Many have questioned why this action was taken, and if it will affect outcomes in Syria at all.

In cases like Syria, US intervention not only threatens war, but it may be for nothing. Trump was elected because of his “America First” centered campaign, but by intervening in other country’s affairs, America’s need are being put on hold.

This decision may have been made for the protection of Syrian citizens, but the outcome will be the same. As history repeats itself, it shows that United States involvement does no good to anyone but debt collectors and funeral homes.

The RepoRT CaRd

sean gannon

fight back for freedom

PROM THEME

Wars are waged because of three very simple ideas: money, religion, and territory. The United States became involved in Middle Eastern affairs because of all these reasons. We have benefitted from several of these causes.

Oil is an extremely precious and abundant resource in the Middle East that is exported to nearly the entire world. Most of the modern civilized world runs on this oil from this region. Over the past fifteen years, the United States has stationed roughly 35,000 troops in the Middle East, 18,000 of which are split between Kuwait and Bahrain, with four goals. Each of these goals relates back to the main idea of protecting the oil in this region from falling under control of a group that intends to restrict access to oil and to protect the Strait of Hormuz from falling into the wrong hands which, according to nationalinterest.org, exports 30 percent of the world’s seaborne oil.

Religion also tends to dictate the actions of many people in this world.

For instance, a study conducted by pewresearch.org in 2014, discovered that this region has the highest levels of religious conflicts in the world -- over four times the global norm. For several years, while these wars were waged, Islamic extremists groups such as Al-Qaeda were able to gain power through religious sympathy.

Three prominent religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, claim to have originated in this region of the world and each group believes that this is their Holy Land. After World War Two, millions of displaced Jews sought a new country where they could all go and live in peace. Thus, Israel was created on May 14, 1948. This newfound Jewish state led to even more unrest in the Middle East. Muslims in this region did not take fondly to this newly formed Jewish state because they believed that these displaced people had no right in taking their Holy Land away from them.

Recent terror attacks across the globe from the Islamic State, ISIS, and the Syrian government using sarin gas on 80 civilians in Syria, have caught President Trump’s attention. Trump took it upon himself to show ISIS that they cannot go around killing innocent civilians by launching 59 Tomahawk missiles at a Syrian airbase on April 11. Secretary of Defense James Mattis claimed that these strikes had taken out 20% of the Syrian air force.

In 1996, Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, declared war on the United States because we occupied two Islamic holy cities, Mecca and Medina. Bin Laden did not capture the attention of many citizens until the attacks on September 11, 2001. After bin Laden attacked completely innocent United States citizens, the Middle East became a huge concern.

This region of the world is currently one of the most significant areas when it comes to resources.

The Middle East has something that Trump took it upon everyone needs; oil. Without oil, the globe would himself to show ISIS shut down, worldwide trade would cease, your that they cannot car would not move from it’s spot in the driveway. Havoc has spread across this section of go around killing the globe and it needs to be stopped. The United innocent civilians States has banded together with several countries including Australia, the European Union, by launching 59 the United Kingdom, France, Turkey, and the Tomahawk missiles United Arab Emirates to suppress the civil wars at a Syrian airbase in the Middle East, keep the oil industry functioning at full potential, and attempt to keep the on April 11. Secretary rest of the world safe from extremist groups such of Defense James as the Islamic State.

may

A (28%) B (41%) C (19%) D (12%)

senior ditch day

A (45%) B (19%) C (18%) D (18%)

none in april

Mattis claimed that these strikes had taken out 20 percent of the Syrian air force.

AZ MERIT schedule

A (2%) B (6%) C (14%) D (78%)

Based on polls of 100 students via Twitter 8 ■ May 12, 2017

`Dominic Davies

THE CaCTUS SHaDOWS PRESS

first 5 songs that play on spotify shuffle 1) dog days are overflorence+the machine 2) no good-kaleo 3) choke- king charles 4)trip switch- nothing but thieves 5) gooey- glass animals

don’t be shy, date a car guy!

1) easy to maintain 2) road trips 3)will take you to nice places (to see the cars in the parking lot) 4) free tire rotations 5) will drive you anywhere

colors that i didn’t know existed until now 1) filemot 2) phlox 3) pavo 4) smalt 5) ciel

all about me Katelyn Reinhart had been writing for years, but when instructed to write about herself, she hesitated. She could write grand stories of life, death, love (even though love is gross) and heartbreak. But when she was told to tell her own story, she pondered where she would even start.

“Alright, you only need like 400 words. You can do this,” Katelyn thought, staring at the blank google doc before her. And so, she began her story.

“Katelyn Reinhart, born in Minnesota on June 10th, was a student at Cactus Shadows High school. After three years, aliens attacked-” no no, that's not the story that Katelyn Reinhart wanted to tell. Perhaps a thriller would do better. She began again, with more determination.

“Katelyn Reinhart, born in Minnesota on June 10th-” alright, what was that?

“That sound, it's almost as if...it's almost as if there's a small voice in my head reading along with these words,” thought Katelyn.

But, how could that be? That! The voice! It continued on as she typed and tauntingly read her own words back. She could hear it, reading along with her. She typed faster, becoming more frantic. But“Hey! I don't know who you are but get out of my story! Stop copying me! I don't know who you are but stop reading my story!”

The voice pursued relentlessly, as if it were a normal human reaction to have a tiny voice in someone's head that reads along with stories. As if the voice had been there this whole time. Katelyn froze. “Am I going crazy?”

She did not have a history of hysteria in her family. She had never dealt with this before.

Katelyn was a fairly simple person, who enjoyed writing and reading. She was the singer of a band, and she had been in a relationship for a little more than a year. She enjoyed her newspaper class, and had been an editor for the CS Press for the past two years. She continued listing details about

her life, and the voice continued with her.

Suddenly, she was struck with an idea.

“Maybe,” she thought, “maybe if I put in a quote from another person the voice will stop! It can't copy someone else's voice, can it? Maybe if I put in a quote from someone else, it will give up and stop reading my own words back to me” With a newfound sense of determination, Katelyn typed in a quote from her boyfriend, Sean.

“Cars are really cool, and I like them a lot.”

Katelyn's face fell. The voice had continued to read Sean's quote with the same tone, and Katelyn could not quite place where the voice was coming from. Was it her own voice, reading the story back to herself as a strange feat of the brain? Or was it a different voice, reading her words back and making her feel crazy. If only there was a way to see if she were crazy. If only someone else could read this story, and perhaps, have their own little voice read it aloud in the reader's head. This, of course, was impossible. After all, Katelyn Reinhart is just an illusion, and the voice that is reading this very sentence back to you may or may not exist. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome, but how many times have you read this story? Would you even remember if you had read this once, or twice before? How do you know that you can trust yourself? As the voice reads these sentences, it does so without your permission. You do not wish for the voice, and yet it prevails. It does not listen to you, or anyone. It simply exists, and reads. Just as it is doing right now.

“All about me.”

But what if there is no “me,” and there is only the small voice reading this inside your head? Is the voice real? Are you real?

Look around, and you tell me. After all, I am just a piece of paper that you assigned a voice to. I am just the voice in your head. I am Katelyn Reinhart. And now, so are you.