Katelyn Reinhart

K a te lyn R e in ha rt

Se lf Eva lu a t io n In my three years as an editor of the CS Press, I have learned insurmountable lessons about people, time management, and design.

P In a melodic wave of give and take as the CS Press cycles through its monthly publication, I have both struggled and excelled. In my last year as a member of the CS Press, I have earned a great deal about leadership and teamwork, production skills, deadlines, journalism ethics, and dedication.

When it comes to leadership, this year has been, without a doubt, one of the most difficult. With some people writing for my page every issue, I dealt with staff members who either didn’t turn in work or turned it in extremely late For someone who tends to avoid roles of strong leadership, I had to step out of my comfort zone and attempt to keep the repeat staff members on track. This included weekly checkups on the writers, and constant communication with people who had trouble getting their work in. I caught myself putting blame on my own leadership skills for other people not completing their articles. I learned to adapt and alter my expectations of those writers so I could better plan for the um’s and ah’s that followed missing articles. Being a leader is not always about getting other people on your schedule, sometimes it is about adapting and focusing on the articles you do receive.

Some of my most valued lessons in this class have come from the design elements that I have picked up along the way. Newspaper provides a rare opportunity to learn not only from advisers or teachers, but from students as well. I came into newspaper with no skills in design and I had never even heard of programs like InDesign. However, I have grown greatly in both by seeing help from those around me and I have hopefully taught others as they begin their journey. Production skills are something that have developed with me through my entire journalistic

career, and I believe it is something that will always grow. My production skills have allowed me to make four articles fill up three pages without looking barren, it has enhanced the articles that I receive, and it has been my greatest accomplishment.

This year has presented its own array of challenges, but one thing that persists as an issue surprisingly sorted itself out. Deadlines were a welcome element this year, almost every single thing I was assigned was turned in right on time. This came down to better time management behaviors in general and left a positive impact on my work in this class.

For this reason, I have included both dedication and deadlines in the same paragraph; one would not have improved without the other. I found a way to make time for myself and my ability to meet deadlines improved.

I proved my dedication this year by taking on projects that were a bit out of my comfort zone. An example of this was when I took the photos for Kachina’s Place. After the article had been complete for several issues in a row with no photos, I volunteered to take the photos myself.

As an issue in previous years, we were lucky that journalism ethics were not brought into question this semester. While they were not greatly discussed this year, the importance of journalism ethics was personified in every well-rounded opinion piece and every unbiased article that was published.

Looking at my overall performance in this class, I would say that while I have faced some difficult challenges, I have learned the most from this year. I learned that I cannot control outside forces and, have to put my best forward, especially when dealing with other people. My adaptability proved to be one of my best traits, and it allowed me to be the editor of a well organized and put together page, even when I was freaking out about missing articles.

As the year has progressed, I have had some spreads in Spotlight that have given me both headaches

and pride. Different from previ

ous years, none of my pages this semester fell into place the way I originally wanted them to, and this has lead to a lot of thought put into each spread.

Because of this, I had a hard time choosing a favorite spread. However, I have to go with the October Spotlight spread for my most significant work. I picked this spread because despite its own issues, this one had some of the best articles of this semester.

While I was designing this spread, I had a lot of the same issues that I faced throughout this year so far. I was missing articles, photos, and graphics. However, the limited amount of photos and articles that I did have made up for the difficulty in design. Made up of a mix of reviews and regular articles, I felt that the content of this page reflected what a Spotlight page should feature; people, music, movies, events. I struggled with Spotlight in finding a balance of content and this spread was well balanced. As an editor, I believe that a great part of the job is giving the articles a platform that is eye-catching and will encourage people to actually read them. I wanted the design to reflect the content that I had, and I genuinely wanted the articles to get read. While I struggled with missing articles and had to find other ways to fill up space, I am proud of the final spread.

As a page, the final product was changed greatly throughout production day. What started as a bleak attempt to fill up empty

space turned into a thought-out and visually pleasing page. Steady design elements are found throughout the spread and I had vivid colors to liven up the space that I needed to fill. While I absolutely had spreads that I have done better, this one is important to me because it showed that even when I was missing half of what was assigned, I was able to give the well-written articles a place to shine in Spotlight.

Es s a y #1

spotlight

office ours During, before, and after school, front office employees provide information and aid to students who need it. Most students do not know the different functions within the office. By the time kids are done with high school, they are still unaware of what the people in the office did for them. Each person has a specific role in making the school run.

From scheduling bus pickups for athletes to helping kids graduate with all the credentials they need, the staff in the office do it all.

Grace Haycraft-McKee

spotlight

Laurie Umbarger

New music venue opens downtown Since its grand opening in late August, The Van Buren has quickly become one of the most popular live music venues in downtown Phoenix. The first show, which featured the music groups Cold War Kids and Joywave, sold out with 1,700 people.

“It was a really good show,” said Ben Mercer, a senior who was one of the attendees. “One of the members of the opening band actually joked about being the best and worst band to play [at The Van Buren,]” Charlie Levy, the owner of both Crescent Ballroom and now the Van Buren, has been involved with music and concerts since he was a teenager, interning with a popular concert promoting firm called Danny Zelisko’s Evening Star Present. It was eventually sold to Live Nation, with whom he partnered with to open the Van Buren.

“We’ve done shows at Comerica for years, they’ve brought shows to Crescent for years. Now, we’re working on the Van Buren and I’m super excited,” said Levy.

Levy began and continued his tradition of revamping a historic building and turning it into a music venue, just as

“It’s really cool to see all these different people, complete strangers, who come together to see a band they love and to let loose and have fun.”

Lauryn Stornelli, a senior.

he did in 2011 with Crescent Ballroom, which was once the F.L Hart Garage in 1917. The Van Buren is now in the building that once was the Phoenix Motor Company, off of Van Buren and West 4th Street.

Its location is one of the key factors in

Assistant Principal Academics “Probably the biggest thing I do that impacts students is schedule changes. I help train teachers. I work with students and the counseling department, so anything that has to do with counseling. Also, anything that has to do with enrollment or withdrawal and academics, like dual enrollment, early college, all of that kind of stuff.”

its success, according to Levy.

“It’s exciting to be a part of the downtown fabric,” Levy says. “It’s almost starting to become the epicenter of live music and the arts.”

With such close proximity with other venues such as the Valley Bar, Comerica, the Orpheum, the Pressroom, Trunk Space, and plenty more, people are within biking distance of different venues and can see different shows even in just one night.

“I love finding new places to go and things to do Downtown,” said Lauryn Stornelli, a senior. “Especially seeing shows. It’s really cool to see all these different people, complete strangers, who come together to see a band they love and to let loose and have fun.”

Performers such as Banks, Oh Wonder, Azealia Banks, Saint Motel and Hippo Campus are scheduled to perform within the rest of the year. Age restrictions are specified for each event, excluding tickets seated on the balcony area, which are 21+. More information on scheduled bands and ticket information can be found on their website.

Jim Swetter Athletic Director “My job entails being in charge of athletics, clubs, and any other activities on campus. I am also in charge of the resources that include the student budget so I oversee the spending of the money and renting sites on campus.”

6

Debbie Dowd

Jackie Kelleher

Security

Administrative assistant to Assistant Principal of Academics

Security

“Our daily job is to basically watch all of you guys and make sure you’re doing good. We are not out to get anyone, we’re here for you guys and to keep you safe.”

“I work for Mrs. Umbarger. I am in charge of all the testing like Civics, AZ Merit, and AIMS Science. I do all the student awards and the positive rewarding things like straight A pizza parties, and student of the month. “

Mike Sarraino

Candee Jones

Counseling Department

Administrative assistant to Prinicpal

“We as counselors help with the academic, personal/social, and career planning, but it’s mainly about getting kids ready for after high school. Every day, there is a counselor of the day setup. I’m on Mondays, Mrs. Dahne is on Tuesdays, we’re still working on Wednesdays, Thursdays is Mrs. Beverly, and Fridays is Klinefelter. So any day a student can walk in to see someone without an appointment.”

Aaron Pettinato Dean of Students

“I keep Dr. Bebee’s calendar. He has a lot of things on his plate every day and I keep his schedule pretty tight and everything is scheduled through me. I also coordinate all the substitute teachers. So when a teacher’s absent, I make sure they have a sub in the classroom. I do the announcements every day as far as putting them all together.”

“I oversee discipline, behavior, attendance, and school safety.”

Lori Johnson

Kathi Gordon

Assistant to the Athletic Director

Administrative assistant to the Dean of Students

Cheri Wenzel

“Basically, I clear kids for all the athletic sports. Th physical paperwork gets turned into me.

I help with scheduling busses for transportation and working with scheduling games and events for all the different sports.”

Front desk receptionist

“We address the attendance and discipline for our student body and so I work with the dean to make sure that all of our processes are in place and our policies are followed.”

“I take all the calls off the phone for the parents calling to excuse their children who are late or sick. I answer general questions for the students who come up front. Lots of lost and found.”

7

Annie Sogaard

New Kids on the Block

staff writer

of children. Compared to the original adaptation, Skarsgård’s different look is terrifying, adding a more demonic overall look in contrast to Tim Curry’s more common clown costume.

The acting in the movie as a whole deserves two thumbs up— almost every actor playing one of the kids is under the age of 15, and acts as if they have decades of experience. Not only does their acting seem mature, but so does their language. For 12 year old kids, they sure have a wide vocabulary, consisting of vulgar yet light-hearted speech. Even though they do crack quite a few crude jokes and have vocabularies that make the movie R rated, their dialogue provides much needed comic relief in such a dark theme.

On a general note, the film also does a really good job at actually having a plot, unlike many of its genre. The boys each have their own fears, which is what Pennywise feeds off of, and

“My job is to keep the students safe while they are on campus.”

intrigue SEPTEMBER

HUMANS OF CACTUS SHADOWS

Olivia Stickel reviews the newest Stephen King adaptation to see if It is worth the hype.

Stephen King is back again in the Hollywood scene with the new adaptation of his bestselling book, It, released on Sept. 9 under the director Andy Muschietti.

Muschietti is no newbie to horror, having directed 2013 Mama.

This is reflected in It, as it is a film to shape a generation.

Horror is a genre that is hard to grasp in a single movie—some are too full of jumpscares and miss the suspense, while others are so full of intense themes but do not leave the watcher glancing over their shoulder. It is the gem of the thriller world, giving racing heartbeats and eyes covered by hands. I am a huge horror film junkie, and even I could not keep my eyes on the screen for the two hours and 15 minutes.

Although It is a reboot of a 1990 mini-series, the movie is nothing short of fantastically made. Bill Skarsgård plays an evil Pennywise the Dancing Clown, who feeds off of the fear and flesh

Jill Colombo

“The best part of my week?

Waking up in the morning .

Worst part of my week is getting bronchitis, I mean seriously I’m dying a little. Just a little. When I pop the last five pills of the thing, I’ll be over it. It’s actually perscribed, I’m not a druggie.

I love making clothes, I like painting nails and I love cooking.

I make jackets, swimsuits. I really like doing fashion and design, and I love culinary. I also love acting, I do acting on the side.

My most favorite thing that I’ve made is a pillow, I made it in third grade and that’s when I knew I liked making stuff. It has a little panda that I painted on it.”

Muschietti does a fantastic job at bringing along that character development and providing intriguing backstory. By doing so, watchers can feel a sort of sympathy for the “losers club”, or the group of kid antagonists in It. The outside issues of each kid does not feel disconnected or isolated from the movie’s sinister plot, which is a hard thing to do in horror cinematography.

It may not be a good idea for those new to thrillers, but is a must see for anyone looking for a heart-racing good time.

5/5 minus a weird blood pact Olivia’s Opinion: Do not move into a town that has a missing person rate six times higher than the national average. Ever.

NYA CUNNINGHAM , a junior

“This is a very welcome surprise for my wife and I, we were always planning on having a third baby, but we didn’t expect it so soon, and this baby is our best baby yet. She’s the easiest baby and is making up for the first two. Her name is Frankie Elizabeth. My first reaction was, well she had a full head of hair, which kind of took me as surprise because none of my kids came out with that much hair. She’s the tiniest one yet.

Instantly she had me wrapped around her fingers. I think I don’t take things for granted like I did the first two.”

SEPTEMBER intrigue

AARON PETTINATO, Dean of Students

“How I’m gonna graduate is one thing on my mind, and what I’m gonna do after I graduate.

I’m moving to New York, and going to work, and I’m taking a gap year, so that’s it. Hopefully, eventually, I’ll be a radio jock.

Hip-hop, obviously, I’d just be playing hip-hop, R&B. I can see it right now, I’ll be wearing a very nice T-shirt, Versace, and just thriving. I’ll have boxers, I’m a boxers person. No pants.”

LEXY HURT, a senior

New teachers answer questions regarding their use of technology in the classroom, if they are casual or strict, and their favorite subject while they were in school.

By Zachary Shearer staff writer

I am relatively new at using technology in the class, so I don’t have a strong opinion yet. I do love using google classroom, though. I love that all the documents and links are accessible in one location. I want students to feel comfortable. I am, however, firm in my expectations for students.

---Christine Marsh All my homework is submitted online. I also like Kahoot and other technology devices in the classroom.

--Sasha Sypkens

I think using technology in the classroom can make lessons more exciting and engaging for students. I plan to start incorporating more technology into my classroom soon. I’m pretty strict with my students, because I expect the best from them and want them to work hard.

--Kelsey Garner

I like to use power points to show language to my students vividly. I think I am strict about what I am teaching.

---Han Liao

I love the idea of using technology in the classroom and wish I could use it more! I just recently pre-recording a lecture and voiced over it so that I could still teach despite being absent. I would say I learn more on the “casual” side with my students.

---Karson Shipp I think I am strict with what my students do in class.

Strict does not have to mean a teacher is “mean.” My standards for my students are high because I know their potential! A choir/guitar ensemble is like a sport team and it needs all its parts to be in harmony. My favorite subject was definitely choir, but it was tied with math. Algebra, not geometry. ---Karen Dolezal

We use chromebooks in our class and we use the smartboard for power points.

I’m very strict, because the use of phones in the kitchen can be very dangerous.

--Barbara Burt

New teachers not featured: Kimberly MacPhee, Christina Steensen-Bech, Michael Linfor, Bobbi Burt, Joe Harvey, Luis Diaz, Tianshan Zhao, Wu Fang, Paige Russel, Kelsey Garner, Lori Kurtz-Larkin, James Vogt, Adam Hillier.

8

SEPTEMBER intrigue

Se p te m be r

spotlight

Musicians prove their mettle in competition

spotlight Wonderful Wonderful, the first album released by the Killers in nearly five years lives up to its name.

WONDERFUL WONDERFUL KILLS THE CHARTS

Even with the half-decade gap between Wonderful Wonderful and Battle Born (2012), the Killers have managed to pick up right where they left off. Of the same name as the album, the five minute long introductory track immediately got me in the mood of the rest of the album. It was moody and mysterious, a vibration I so often receive from the Killers, but it had a certain groove about it too, with a bassline you cannot resist.

Most all Killers songs feel this way, compiled with synthesiser keyboards, bass lines and lyrical melodies one cannot help but get down to. A lot of this is due to one man in particular, The Man, Brandon Flowers. While one may find him on late night television merely performing vocally, Flowers is actually behind a number of instruments that stick out in tracks. One of the tracks with the most layering to it is the next one up: The Man.

Track By Track

Though releasing earlier as a single, The Man has already taken the band’s number four most played track on Spotify, sitting among classics, When You Were Young, Somebody Told Me, and Mr. Brightside.

There is really no question as to why this song has gained so many listens in such a short amount of time. Whether it is how impressive Flowers’ vocal range is, the catchy lyrics and Bowie reference, it’s hard not to feel good after a listen, and especially hard to sit still during it.

Wonderful Wonderful is a very personal album, and fans are first introduced to that in The Man. The song itself is about Flowers’ trying not to get a big head after the Killers first went big with their breakout album Hot Fuss in 2004. Flowers also first touches on his religious beliefs as a devout Mormon in this track, stating, “Right hand to God, First in command, My testimony, When I take the stand,” in the bridge.

The next tracks including the ballad Rut and Tyson Vs. Douglass deal with other personal topics Flowers has faced recently, including his wife’s ongoing battle with severe PTSD and realizing his childhood hero, Mike Tyson, was defeatable.

It is refreshing to hear of the trying times Flowers has faced, as it is not often one gets to feel like they are going through the same things, that they are on the same level as their idols.

Organization

Apart from the excellent musical and lyrical content of Wonderful Wonderful, the album is also organized outstandingly. Each song is ordered so well. After three upbeat selections, like Run for Cover and Life to Come is slow down, tearjerker Some Kind of Love.

With a riff as big as its message, the final jam on this album is probably the most unexpected. Second to last on the record, The Calling starts out with an excerpt from the New Testament, specifically Matthew 9:11. As previously mentioned, Flowers is a devout Mormon, and he flaunts it under your nose throughout this album.

The scripture itself stands out, but the biblical references do not stop when the gnarly guitar line kicks in. There are so many Latter Day Saints references within this single song that I almost find a new one upon each listen. One may grow tired hearing of the religious beliefs Flowers personally values, however, I like to look at it as a secret he was willing to share with his listeners-- all you have to do is look for it.

SPENCER BYRNE, a sophomore, looks into the crowd as his band plays in the quarter finals of Proof is in the Pudding

4 SEAN GANNON

P

ERFORMING covers,

Christmas, and original music, young adult soloists and bands compete for the chance to perform alongside Alice Cooper in the annual Proof is in the Pudding contest.

Putting on the competition for 13 years is Christian organization Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock, who aims to give troubled teens a place to go while teaching artistic mediums.

“Alice Cooper's teen center offers music, art, dance lessons and other programs to teenagers, all for free. We also offer free live audio and lighting classes, and during Proof many of the teens that take those classes will help with production,” said Randy Spencer, Consultant and Community Partnerships leader.

Overall

Wonderful Wonderful is one of the best albums released in 2017, and really, it is no wonder at all, as it was overseen by Jacknife Lee, the producer of the Cars, R.E.M, U2 and Snow Patrol.

Currently touring the album, the Killers will be visiting Phoenix’s Lost Lake music festival on Oct. 21. Wonderful Wonderful is available for streaming, purchase and download on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Target, Zia Records and countless other websites and storefronts.

4 THE KILLERS

Sara Windom editor in chief

Homestretch performs

Among the participants this year is the familiar face of senior Chance McLaughlin, playing in country band Homestretch.

“I’ve been participating for two years now. The guitarist in my band had convinced me to do it and we sort of made the band last minute,” said McLaughlin.

In his first year of singing and playing guitar for the act, McLaughlin and his bandmates were able to make it to the Semi-Finals, and hope to rank similarly again.

OLIVIA STICKEL REVIEWS

BLADE RUNNER: 2049

6 ■ OCTOBER 20, 2017 OPINION

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

A pair of academy award nominations and 35 years later, the groundbreaking science fiction staple Blade Runner is back with the sequel Blade Runner 2049, directed by academy award nominated Denis Villeneuve.

LENDING A HELPING PAW

4LAUREN HAGGAR

KATELYN REINHART Technicolor photos flow steadily through a phone screen, the reflective screen illuminating a pair of young eyes as they scroll through Instagram. The Digital Citizenship Academy is a program that aims to bring awareness to students about the dangers of social media, but its execution falls flat because of its failure to teach students anything new.

Nearly everyone that is in high school right now will use some form of social media, and they have dealt with both the pros and cons of technology for as long as they have had a smartphone. For many students, the consequences of social media are obvious; once a picture is online, it is nearly impos-

media may seem like a daunting and even alien system. Parents may imagine their child falling victim to dark web predators, sending scandalous pictures of themselves to strangers, and ruining their reputations online.

These fears are valid, and there have certainly been instances of these tragic acts throughout the years. However, the modern teenager has navigated social media and technology their whole life.

On the contrary, to many parents, social media is a relatively new and potentially dangerous addition.

While being aware of risks of social media is important knowledge to have, there is a very limited amount of information a stu-

dent can learn in five advisory lessons, which is the amount of time students will spend on Digital Citizenship Academy through the school year. Even if the information is new to students, it does not offer enough content to leave a lasting impression.

The minority of students who do abuse social media will not learn anything through a handful of lessons, and even if they did, the hypothetical success of this program is impossible to measure.

If the goal of the program was to lessen cyberbullying, it would be easier to determine the success rate of the program. However, the main message of the assembly was an overwhelming plea for students

“My favorite artist is probably Tyler, the Creator because his new album just came out. I’m also going to Camp Flog Gnaw, which is an event almost every year that Tyler, the Creator hosts with a bunch of his favorite artists. I’m really excited to see this artist I like, his name is Rex Orange County.”

WSARA WINDOM

DANCE OR DITCH? Opinion: Kassidy Wheeler discusses the real value of school dances, and whether or not they are a waste of time.

W

HETHER it be homecoming in the fall or prom at the end of the year, students regularly disagree if the dance is worth their time, money, or stress. However, school dances are a good way to meet new people, make memories, and have a good time with friends.

When most people think of a school dance, the first thing that comes to mind is a waste of time and money. It is true that money can be a factor, buying clothes for a theme can really add up. If a dance is formal, then there may be even more expenses for the proper attire. This can be a problem for a lot of people, but if it is not, going to a dance can really help people in branching out of their comfort zone and try new things.

DAVID ZAMORA , a freshman.

Small comments or concerns can be sent to cspress@gmail.com. For letters to the editor or more formal responses, students can write a 300500 word editorial.

When writing a letter to the editor, we ask that it is structured as a formal editorial.

Importance of Participation

With formal requests, please contact the news editor-in-chief, Kiera Riley, at 480-620-0801

“My favorite clothing piece right now is a pair of green corduroy pants. I like to shop everywhere, I just went to Goodwill the other day. I’m excited to wear baggy hoodies and bomber jackets in the fall.”

SYDNEY DAVIS, a sophomore.

not to send sexually explicit photos to each other. While this is a fair request to make, it is impossible for a school to measure whether or not the Digital Citizenship Academy program is lowering the number of inappropriate photos sent between students.

Even if the success rate of the program was measurable, it is extremely unlikely that the students who already engage in such behavior would stop because they saw a speech and sat through five lessons on “maintaining their digital reputations.” While this program may grant a sense of satisfaction to adults, it certainly is not doing anything constructive for students.

“I’ve played guitar for three years, I’m self-taught. I’m a big fan of the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, and a lot of the blues-rock music that came out of the 60s. People say rock is dead, and I think maybe it isn’t having its biggest moment right now, but people need to be willing to take more risks with their music.”

GRADY DEMMIT, a junior.

4 MIA GILLING

8

Oc to be r

editor in chief

HUMANS OF CACTUS SHADOWS

“The minority of students who do abuse social media will not learn anything through a handful of lessons, and even if they did, the hypothetical success of this program is impossible to measure.”

sible to erase completely. This concept is an easy one to grasp, especially because it has been preached to high school students their whole lives by their parents. The horror stories are endless.

Students being harassed online, missing out on job opportunities because of a questionable post on Facebook, colleges rejecting applicants after a quick glance at their social media. Starting off the Digital Citizenship Academy program with an hour long presentation on information that is already known and heeded by the majority of students made the intentions of the program clear: to give adults involved peace of mind.

To older generations, social

Sara Windom

Drama Club presents their annual fall play. The Government Inspector written

by Nikolai Gogol. Shows are in the Fine Arts Center from Oct. 26-28

spotlight

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP ACADEMY OPINION

Past-year runner ups have received everything from the opening slot for international acts like Social Distortion to singing the national anthem and performing a set at Cardinal Stadium. To get to that point, artists must go through a series of different styles of competitions, all determined by a changing panel of judges.

“I don't think it [Homestretch’s musical style] puts us at an advantage or a disadvantage. I think the judges are purely about talent, not the type of music,” said Spencer Byrne, sophomore and drummer of Homestretch.

After making it through the audition process, in which acts can perform any selection they desire,

OCTOBER intrigue

“Although it is a federal crime to pass off a domestic animal as service, it has grown in popularity over the past few years, according to NBC News.”

them on trips to the grocery, and nights out at restaurants, obtaining illegal vests and other means of service dog attire or achieving a service dog license when it is unnecessary simply because a person knows they will not get caught is immoral.

Rather than going to all this trouble bending around or breaking the law altogether, service dogs and their owners should be respected, and the registration process should only be utilized when necessary.

Opportunites open up

bands must perform a cover song.

Once making it through that category, an original song is performed, leading up to an original and a cover. If acts make it through all three of these rounds, they must then prepare a Christmas song of their choice. Judges determine who makes it through based on a few select categories.

“We have categories such as uniqueness, performance, and vocal ability. We have four rounds and each round they get a certain amount of points. The band and solo artist with the highest score receives the main prize. Every year we try to focus on finding the best artists so yes, every year we become more selective on who gets to be a part of the competition,” said Spencer.

Acts that do make it to the final round of the competition professionally record their Christmas songs for the annual Proof is in the Pudding compilation CD. The contest has been ongoing since Sept. 16, and while sign ups for the competition have closed, those who still wish to be involved through volunteering can do so by calling the Solid Rock office at 602522-9200 or visiting www.alicecoopersolidrock.com.

6

and developed for its time. The sequel pays homGosling's counterpart and holographic partner this film is a beast, closing in at a runtime of 164 age to its predecessor, having the same futuristic Joi, played by Ana de Armas, is a crucial part minutes. It is not Lord of The Rings, but feels TO OUR READERS and advanced atmosphere that is created down of the character development of Gosling, and long compared to others. Besides the movie’s 2 to the most minute details, making the watcher although a disposable and unreal character, de hour and 44 minute length, the Wemovie striveistohonestly incorporate a feel as if this place could truly exist in reality. Not Armas makes Joi a loveable and fierce asset to quite confusing. I may have diverse to watchrange it threeof viewpoints in our paper, especially on only was the animation alone beautiful, but the the film. Harrison Ford’s reinstated character times to fully understand what is happening all the opinion page. As a staff, cinematography in general. The crew drove art Agent Deckard is also a hard to love at first but the details of the script. The film is somewhat we aim to publish editorials The film takes place 30 years after the origiinto an action packed science fiction film, which easy to love later as the movie progresses; he is sense-overloading, and unfortunately blurs key that reflect journalism OPINION nal’s place in time, 2019, and follows the charmany titles fail to do. There is never a dull scene, the same old Deckard fans love from the original, concepts the film was tryingethics. to convey.

Finally, it Journalism ethics acter of a new blade runner Agent K, played by whetherWINDOM it be a commuteAND to another setting or aFOWLER only 30 years later. Not to leave out, Jared Leto’s was upsetting how little Fordincorporate was in the movie, facts, logic, and SARA AUDREY a push desireofto Ryan Gosling. In much contrast to the original, 30 second shot of a character eating, every single mysterious Niander Wallace character is equally much my disbelief due to the hisconvince, charac- not isolate ourposter. readers. false humans--replicants--are allowed to live and take brings some sort of creative and interestas malicious as he is genius. Leto, having played ter in trailers and on the official movie He are not illegal. The blade runner’s jobs are no loning aspect into the picture. If there is one thing the infamous Joker in 2016’s Suicide Squad, once was only in about a quarter of film, which was is Wethe realize the world particularly There divisive ger to hunt and killcrucial all replicants, but rather over only the past that would bring watchers to revisit thisUnder title, no the again taps into thatwith creepy and dark side he has are only unfortunate since Service dogs are to everyfew years, according Americans establishment allowed to Ford acteda wonderfully. place with this olderwith models who are and still considdoubt itThis wouldincrease be the colorful and imaginative capable of. and were more marks I had to give, butand honestly I in day look livesfor ofthe those physical to NBC News. could Disabilities Act,proven service dogs ask two questions: ‘Is the service mind, the newspaper ered dangerous.

However, among all of these positives there by the time the film finally finishedpsychiatric impairments, but many be due toworld the this factmovie thatportrays. citizens in their owners have certain rights dog required becauseforgot of athem disabilstaff emphasizes healthy Blade Runner 2049’s extensive 155 million dolNot only was the cinematography well done, are some negatives. The most obvious mark any -smart move Blade Runner 2049. differences in opinions people take advantage. need of service due to any disabilin public places. These rights proity?’ and ‘What work is the animal lar budget is justified by just how much considbut the cast was picked masterfully. Gosling watcher will give this movie is just how long it is.

Olivia’s opinion- flying cars STILL DO without theNOT hatred that These individually trained dogs ity are not required and cannot be tect disabled people, allowing them trained to do?’ eration the crew put into creating the film’s unipushes the emotions of his character into the When I walked out of the theater I felt like it was EXIST. UNACCEPTABLE. comes with partisan issues. know their forced to provide paperwork to and keep dog Instead with them insodas, any Even when verse.

1982’s owners’ Blade Runnerdisabilities was a huge milestone hearts of every watcher asprovhis confused lost their 2049. of buying aspiring film- vests are acquired But, we cannot create and inhow help them in times of modern ing that they are disabled. most scenarios.goers Staffshould of any many abuse the looseness of movietographics and animation, being Agent K slowly tries to piece together his life. loadpublic up on somelegally, coffee because an inclusive and varied need and suffering. The good they the registration process. According environment without the input of the students 7 as canintrigue do isOCTOBER much greater than the to the National Service Animal well. If you are in any way bad, making life easier and safer.

Registry, a letter from a doctor is moved, angered, upset, Service dogs are well trained to not required to claim a service dog, excited, saddened, or help perform life tasks for those and everything from alcoholism to confused about any of the content published in the CS with impairments. They are also anxiety counts as a disability.

Press- we implore you to trained in warning their owner of Although one may wish their reach out to us and share an oncoming situation such as seifurry friend could accompany your thoughts.

zures.

In order for one to be eligible for a service dog, a patient should be unable to perform at least one life activity including eating, drinking and going to the bathroom.

However, it has proven very easy to “fake it.”

A quick click online, and any person is able to purchase a dog vest with SERVICE printed on the sides. Although it is a federal crime to pass off a domestic animal as service, it has grown in popularity

“My goals are to simply have fun and just to see how far we can get.

I'm not as so, ‘in-it to win-it,’ but I definitely would like for us to go far,” said McLaughlin.

Many of the nearly 300 yearly participants hope to get far in the competition, as they find the rewards hard to pass up. Besides the opportunity to open for Cooper, the first prize soloist takes home $500, the top ranking band $1,000. Musicians that do not place will still receive hundreds of prizes, many of which include gigs and attendance to other musical events.

Wasting time should not be a problem because high school is only four years of life. School dances are usually three hours long, and only on two nights of the year.

Therefore, going out to a dance, meeting new people, and having fun can offer a lot of opportunities to have a blast while not wasting as much time as people think.

Many people think that participation in school activities can be seen as uncool or trivial. Contrary to that statement, participating in school activities can actually lead to more success in school. The National Center for Education Statistics said, that participation in extracurricular activities may increase students’ sense of engagement or attachment to their school, and thereby decrease the likelihood of academic failure. This can broaden students social horizons as well, and make classroom environments much more comfortable for a student to speak up or actively participate in.

Making positive memories in high school can also improve people’s attitudes and create a better environment to go to school in. Attending a dance may seem awkward with all the bad moves, or not worthwhile if it does not seem fun.

Learning to assimilate into an uncomfortable environment can help in a professional workplace. Being negative about school dances defeat the purpose of them before even arriving.

Missed Opportunities

Attendance can also save people from regret. Often, people say that they wish they would have gone to prom or attended more school events. Most of the time people have unexpected fun at dances like prom or homecoming, especially if it is their first time. Than, it seems like they have wasted three years and missed out on a lot. It is better to go to something like a school dance instead of taking inaction and regretting it.

Although we are spending four years of our entire lifetime stuck in the same place, learning to enjoy what high school can offer is an important step in understanding what life has to offer.

OCTOBER intrigue

IB a nerd With challenging programs for students, IB has gained popularity and a reputation among students.

Of the many educational programs offered, the International Baccalaureate Diploma program is among the ones that have gained the most notoriety for academic rigor. Their mission statement expresses their central goal to create a better world through education, and aim to develop culturally aware, educated, and critical thinkers.

History and Purpose

International Baccalaureate (IB) itself was founded in 1968 as a non-profit foundation, and within it are four educational programs offered in over 4,775 schools across the globe. The four programs include the Primary Years Program, open to children ages 3-12, the Middle Years Program, for students 11-16, the Diploma Program, which is the one featured at Cactus Shadows for students 16-19, and the newly developed Career Program for the same age group. These programs all separately focus on the development of young children as learners, teaching students to make connections between their lives and their studies, and finally preparing them to apply all their acquired cultural knowledge and critical thinking abilities in universities and eventually in their careers.

“I joined IB because I knew I wanted to fulfill the maximum capacity of my education, and to do the most I could to provide as many opportunities for myself as possible,” said Gabe Ozaki, a junior. “I think an IB diploma opens an incredible amount of doors for you in terms or out-of-state college acceptances and scholarships.”

No ve m be r

Benefits

Because of how widely recognized the program is, its intensive curriculum, and preparation, students who apply to Ivy League schools are anywhere from three to 13 percent more likely to be accepted; the acceptance rate into Yale University for the total population is seven percent, but for IB students that figure increases to 18 percent.

“I believe that universities view IB students as those who strive for excellence and are willing to work hard to achieve it,” said Tamara Ozaki, a parent of two IB graduates.

“They have been given greater scholarship opportunities due to IB, and they have developed better time management skills, which will greatly benefit them throughout college and their careers.”

However, there are more benefits than just the ones available after completing the program.

"It’s not even just academic rigor; we’re meeting so many amazing people and becoming so close and making relationships that we’re going to have for the rest of our lives,” said Danielle Quenzler, a junior and IB student.

DRAMA CLUB: INSPECTED With the arrival of new play, Government Inspector, members of Drama Club put their best lines forward.

F

OLLOWING tradition, Cactus

Shadows drama club put on this year’s fall production, Government Inspector, a satirical play with out of the ordinary characters.

The play is about a town full of humorous personalities that hear the government inspector is coming to their small suburb. Each character thinks that they know who he is, but are incorrect and spend the whole play trying to persuade who they thought to be the inspector, that their town is perfect.

This play was very different than most other school productions drama club has put on in the past years, but it was quite entertaining.

The script was confusing at some times, and it was difficult to remember the names of all the characters, especially because they were so eccentric.

Tara Prager, a senior, played the Governor's wife, Anna Andreyevana, who likes to flirt with all the men in the town whether they are available or not. Her facial expressions and lines were hysterical, and she encompassed her character very well.

“No one really knows this play and it's really funny, witty and satirical, and it's really fun to just get to have fun with such a good script,” said Prager.

The script was very comical, but contained some PG-13 innuendos, but were nothing the

average high school student has not heard before. While some viewers said it was not suited for all audiences, the jokes were so funny that many in the auditorium seats did not even think about it.

Benjamin Gerst, a junior who plays the main character who is thought to be the government inspector, had many lines and repeated them very well throughout the show, looking as if he did not forget a single word. He also presented his lines in an amusing way.

“The cast is all so great, and I feel like we’re all very close and have good chemistry,” said Gerst.

As an audience member looking in, Gerst was correct about the chemistry between the characters. It looked like they all had a lot of fun performing, and seemed comfortable with each other.

The sets were realistic, but there were only a rotation of a couple different settings, making the background a little boring and easily forgettable. The sets were not as good as previous spring musicals and productions, but they did look like the students put a lot of work into them.

Emma Russello

What to Expect

Cactus Shadows students who plan on entering the two year IB Diploma Program begin with taking “Pre-IB” classes, including a mix of honors or AP classes their freshman and sophomore years. These rigorous classes help build a strong academic foundation, but also help future IB students get to know each other and break down any misconceptions about the program.

“Before I went into IB, I was a little scared because I had heard all these horror stories about crazy workloads and having no time to sleep or anything. Truth be told, it’s not as scary as people make it out to be. We have a lot of fun,” said Quenzler.

Students interested in IB can contact Pam Menton, the IB coordinator and a counselor at Cactus Shadows.

spotlight

Things get strange: season 2 Millions of people across the globe have been waiting over a year for the epic sequel of Stranger Things, the hit TV series created by the Duffer Brothers. With questions that remain unanswered, these episodes go off with a bang.

WSARA WINDOM

With returning actors such as academy award winning actress Winona Ryder, the beloved David Harbour, and classic 80s parents also known as Cara Buono and Joe Chrest,the team is back for more action, peril, and soon to be classic one-liners.

Gaining four new characters, Stranger Things fans have met Max, Billy, Bob, and Dr. Owens., played

by Sadie Sink, Dacre Montgomery, Sean Astin, and Paul Reiser. Most of whom are lovable characters with smarts, sass, and wit, but people who watch the show will understand the bitterness some characters possess.

The setting takes place one year after the first season, right in time for Halloween. The boys, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will are back in business,

Annie Sogaard 6

or in other words, getting into trouble, fighting over a girl, and trying to save their hometown of Hawkins, Indiana.

Shortly after their ghostbuster Halloween, Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) finds a creature in his trash can that suspiciously looks like the slug Will threw up the year before. Befriending it immediately and naming it Dart, he shows his friends as soon as possible, and does not want them taking his new friend away.

from the end of season one, and shows how Eleven’s powers have developed even further.

Although, while some fans were excited about the extra episode in this season, episode seven is mostly a filler episode, showing what Eleven does when she finds out the truth about her mom.

With the boys looking out for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ridden Will, and paranoid Joyce back in session, this season is arguably up a new level from the first. Ending with yet another cliffhanger, some fans are left a bit unsatisfied, though not as much as the season prior. With the season three script already in the process, this season of Stranger Things mania is one for the scrapbooks.

Due to the long period of time it took for season two to finally appear, the media 4DUFFER BROTHERS predicts it will take the same In predictable circumstances, Dart amount of time, or longer until the next grows to an immense size and ends up season appears. Another season down, escaping their grasps. As Eleven, played the fans are predicting some major

by Millie Bobby Brown, yearns to see events that they believe will happen in Mike after being kept in captivity by season three. With a solid plot line and Hopper, she gets into some trouble. phenomenal acting from all, this season Relationships develop between the deserves a solid four out of five stars. older and younger groups, and the story plays out nicely. This season finally Morgan Reimer answers the questions fans have been staff writer waiting for, by incorporating flashbacks

THOR: RAGNAROK The newest installment in the Marvel movie franchise, Thor: Ragnarok, continues both the plot of Thor and the Avengers under the direction of actor-turned-director Taika Waititi.

Thor: Ragnarok takes place in between the timeframe of Captain America: Civil War and Spider-Man: Homecoming, although it is unclear exactly what year. A new villain named Hera, played by a dark Cate Blanchett, is not only the goddess of death, but also sister to Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, and is looking to destroy Asgard in the vein of her father Odin. Of course, Thor makes a plan to stop her, but gets lost along the way on a planet ruled by a man solely known as the Grandmaster, played by Jeff Goldblum. There, he runs into Mark Ruffalo’s character, the Hulk, who after a gruesome yet hilarious duel, teams up with him to defeat Hela.

Synopsis aside, the acting in the movie was nothing to be joked with, save the comic relief for the pun’s sake. Waititi did an amazing job with the cast and script; it seems like there is some curse around action movies where directors pay too much attention to the action and not enough to the dialogue itself, however Waititi and his team broke that stigma.

A truly great decision on the production’s part was bring-

intrigue NOVEMBER 2017

ing in Goldblum, who brings about a whole new dynamic of the movie through his dry humor; most of the laughter-inducing jokes throughout the film are straightforward. Not only that, but Blanchett digs deep into her villainous character and is a real competitor. The shining star in the film is undoubtedly Hemsworth himself, who, although playing a main character, does not let the audience get bored and makes watchers really root for him throughout his hardships.

Any Marvel fan can see that one thing lacking from the franchise’s movies are any character progression of Hulk, other than his learning of control and eventual self-exile through his mental instability and depression. Thor: Ragnarok finally closes that gap and gives the watcher an understanding of how the Hulk thinks, not just Bruce Banner. Some may see this as unnecessary, being that the Hulk’s character is subpar to the real identity of Banner, but it is an essential part to visualising the development of the character as a whole since the Hulk exists as equally as Banner.

Among the film are a couple recognizable mistakes that I do have to point out. The most noticeable of them are how much Thor’s vocabulary has changed--somehow his entire ancient diction has evolved into that of a common 21st century teenager.

I know that the scriptwriters did that in order to stay hip and perhaps keep up with Guardians of the Galaxy’s comedic success, but I always remember Thor’s comedic relief as laughing at the fact he did not understand such commonplace. Being that he has been on Earth for quite some time and has been around that language for a few years, I could understand how he could understand the sarcastic humor, but the multitude of trendy jokes he provides seem forced and unnecessary. It also felt as though Hela’s character was not progressed enough. She is a powerful force and had much overlooked potential. However, that may just be me, since I always feel like the villains are swept under the rug, I just wish the minds behind the movie would give us more insight to the evil mindset these characters contain.

No doubt Thor: Ragnarok’s positives outweigh the negative 10 times over. The film is gripping and exciting, and is a must see for any action movie fanatics or all moviegoers alike.

7

staff writer

STANDING AT CENTER STAGE, Drew Johnson (junior) and Tara

Prager (senior) finally perform the Government Inspector after weeks of rehearsals. 4OLIVIA PALMER NOVEMBER 2017 intrigue

De c e m be r

spotlight SUNLAAND MEMBERS Sara Windom and Michael Chmura take the sage at Janey’s. Started in Arizona, sunlaand has been together for two years.

4MIA GILLING

The Arizona music scene is really unique. People don’t really gravitate towards a certain genre, they tend to enjoy music that’s new and innovative, resulting in many different styles of music and a lot of different and unique takes on them.

4 ■ DECEMBER 22, 2017

Saddling up for therapy

U.S. pul Paris Cl

Kachina’s Place offers therapeutic equine opportunities

Michael Chmura, drummer

By KASSIDY WHEELER g s

home grown

The Paris Climate A a deal between 195 to work together to the carbon emissi countries around th in order to limit glob perature rise to 2 celsius.

Earlier this year, Pr Trump announced t U.S. would pull out Accord. However, un terms of the agreem United States cannot pull out until Novem 2020.

“I think the Paris is good for the world makes me very ups the United States pu of it because every c is on board to defend climate change,” sa Kurtz-Larkin, an teacher.

Whether it be the backlit streets of the city or the quiet reassurance of dirt roads, all great things have to start somewhere. Kiera Riley uncovers the big musical names of Arizona.

S

TRETCHING from the back alleyways of downtown Phoenix to the dimly lit venues in Tucson, rock starlets and genre mashing innovators alike draw from the unique energy of the desert.

Arizona harbors a particularly eclectic music scene, and produces quite a few household names.

“The Arizona music scene is really unique. People don't really gravitate towards a certain genre, they tend to enjoy music that's new and innovative, resulting in many different styles of music and a lot of different and unique takes on them,” said Michael Chmura, drummer of sunlaand.

The first genre to really emerge during the early days of the Arizona music scene was “cowboy music.” Western greats such as Billie Maxwell and Rex Allen drew influence from the wild west to pioneer the primitive days of the growing genre.

Another influence that played into Arizona music traveled from across the border. Southwestern music, heavily driven by Mexican folk music, eventually worked its way into the subconscious of every local musician. To this day, many rising bands draw influence from traditional forms of Mexican music.

“My music taste makes me feel very connected to the state of Arizona because of the large latino population.

I listen to a good amount of latino punk bands who not only make me feel connected to here, but my ethnic background as well,” said Nicolette Dorame, a senior.

Native american presence also drove different sounds that eventually melded into the scene. Canyon Records, the oldest Native American recording company, was first founded in Arizona in 1951 and recorded nearly 400 titles.

As far as notable modern musicians, Arizona boasts legends like Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac and Alice Cooper.

Nicks went on to stardom, winning Grammys alongside her band mates and pursuing a successful solo career.

Cooper, the freaky father of shock rock, pushed the envelope with unconventional on stage theatrics. Although Cooper comes across as explicit or controversial, he now asserts himself in Phoenix as a family-friendly and community oriented presence. Solid Rock, a non-profit organization aimed at musically enriching the lives of Arizona youth, is only one of the many outreach programs run by Cooper in Arizona.

“I think it’s a cool thing to kind of help people realize that they can be in a band too. I remember seeing bands at the Marquee and thinking, I couldn’t ever be that person, but things like School of Rock, or Girls Rock, or even places like The Trunk Space are a cool path for people to learn their voice and get comfortable working with other artists.

Everything takes time,” said Robbie Pfeffer of local band Playboy Manbaby.

Besides music greats, Arizona is also home to other musical talents. Jordin Sparks, Jimmy Eat World, The Gin Blossoms, The Meat Puppets, and Nate Ruess of Fun also got their start in the desert.

As far as now, Arizona hosts a variety of rising stars.

Some of the most prominent genres on the scene right now include rap, hip-hop, and variations of punk music.

Punk music is continually seen as a central feature of the Phoenix music scene especially.

Rising stars such as Playboy Manbaby, Diners, and Twin Ponies also call Phoenix home. Injury Reserve, based out of Tempe, is growing across the country as a household hiphop name. There are also a variety of high school and college students pursuing hip-hop, rap, and trap across the valley.

AT AN EARLY SATURDAY MORNING SESSION, ELI NECHTMAN RIDES EQUINE THERAPY HORSE, JASMINE. Necht-

man has been riding for a little over a year and works with trainer Franky. “She [Franky] is glowing with positivity which shines out on the kids during therapeutic riding. We are lucky to have Franky in our lives.

Kachina’s Place is a beyond friendly for everyone from kids to adults,” said Marc Nechtman, Eli’s father. 4 KATELYN REINHART

WSARA WINDOM AND ANNIE SOGAARD

6

DECEMBER 2017 intrigue

Kstaying on pointe

animal is something that really fosters a place of joy in a person's heart and that's really important to carry Cave Creek offers equine in your day to day life,” said Blake therapy for those with Bradshaw, a senior who has been ridphysical and cognitive ing horses since she was three.

By observing patients hanlimitations. Equine therAt Kachina’s, they help kids with dling the horses and building a variety of disorders, from Down apy can help develop relationships a relationship, Equine thera- Syndrome to Attention Deficit and better the lives of people with pists identify behavior patterns Disorder. The discipline the horses disabilities. decide a treatment Kachina’s Place offers therapeutic give riders be great forthe concentraIn dance, weeks of work are compiled and into just a few performances.

Majaplan.

Peirce discusses thecan efforts put into Treatments can include riding, tion and overall communication skills. riding Winter and groundwork.

Miniature dance show.

The Cactus Shadows dance company partnered with the Theatre behind the scenes. There was a stage managing crew, a lights crew, a groundwork, carriage rides and Although horses can be transported to hoshorses follow verbal com5/6 class to produce “Subtitle,” a show connecting dance and literasound and music crew, and people to help dancers change in and out ture, on December 7th and 8th. of costumes. grooming. pitals, group homes and schools for mands, there is also an unspoken lan“It was hard and stressful but it was all worth it in the end when “I don’t think there is anything we could’ve improved. The crew “You should do them intheapeople specific additional off-property therapy. bothgotrider and horse I got to be on stage with I love.” said guage wasbetween amazing and everyone along really well. We worked like a Morgan Pulley, a senior oiled machine,” Devon Witham, a junior who worked backorder. First, you should do dancer. the groundTherapy helps many different aspects that well anyone cansaidcreate with enough With a total of 14 pieces, an hour and a half stage. work, like hanging around the horses of life, such as communication, settime. housed a variety of different genres of dance. The The dancers were all there at pieces all had specific meanings as well as a strong least an hour before the show, “I don’t think like you would do with a friend,” said ting boundaries, overcoming fears, Anwarming integral part of equine therapy there connection to the written word performed beforeup and organizing any cosis anything hand. a junior who owns a tume quick to changes theyfor had during Nina Leonard, and trust and coping with feelings. is learning care horses by doingwe “My favorites would have to be between my the show. could’ve improved. horse.

According to Elements Behavioral barn tasks. duet with Jordan and the last piece of the show- the “In order to be prepared for each Thehere crewand was addiction one,” said Pulley. same skill sure I have every piece in Not everyone starts with Health, when working with horses, “A show lotI make of people come Since the dance company is a class and not a of costumes and that they are orga- amazing and everyset, and, at Kachina’s, they areis limited. willpeople recognize their conscious and they nized cancategories not use pitchfork or scrub club, their time to learn the pieces by theaorder of the onethem, got along “We start learning the choreography at the I also give myself plenty of ing to teach all types of riders, from unconscious patterns of working out ashow. bucket and I think, for in really beginning of the school year. It’s actually crazy. In time before each show to get ready well. Wetasks worked new to experienced. therapy thewith theirand with others. lives, helping achieve order to get 14 The pieces done in three months warm upitsois I don’t hurt myself,” like a well oiled only around 45 minutes a day, we just finished the said Pulley. horses provide can be the first steps “They are able to do things and that they may not have thought they dances a week and a half before the show,” said The readers read a range of machine” Elissa Ericson, adviser dance company with different andGreaves. in building confidence inof the living withat couldwords achieve things that some of them are have done,moods ” said Cactus Shadows. tones. Ashley Shirley read the lyrics a disability. There are an array of choreographers who connot able to do on the ground,” said Another ofandtherapy Kachina’s to “Lose It” type

by Eminem Gabe tributed their work to the show, including Jordan tackles Ozakiisand Maggie Ewens read “BlueThis Monday”

by Diane Wakoski.

“A little boy came in and would not Franky Greaves, an equine therapist carriage riding. therapy Daniels, Lori Hart, Elizabeth Lincoln, Haley Vago, The readers practiced their performance of the written word to put on a helmet and would barely get and stylecapture at Kachina’s Place. Greaves works simulates the of riding Ricky Maalouf, Martin Naugle, Katelyn Aleksa, audience and allowrewards them to understand the hidden meaning Elissa Ericson herself. behind the dance.

4MIAtends GILLING to the horses on one of the minis,” said Greaves. with clients, and without getting on the horse. A two Along with the dancers, readers, and choreographers that proAll the different elements of this production came together to crevidedjust their work for this production, there was boy also a backstage ate a smoothly In a year, this same was crewwheeled every day. cart run is production. pulled by one of their fully confident in his riding, walkThe horses help build confidence in miniature horses. The rider works in ing and trotting on his own without their riders before they even get off harmony with the animal to control a problem. the ground. Working with the horse direction and speed.

“I think having that bond with an before riding is a crucial part of what

By AUDREY FOWLER g staff writer

ACHINA’S Place in

spotlight

HUMANS OF CACTUS SHADOWS “We’ve been in band since fourth grade. Our experience in Cactus Shadows band has been so welcoming; it’s like a big family. We’ve been to a bunch of competitions which is really fun. We get to go to a bunch of different places and see other bands play, which is the best part. Next semester, we have a competition in San Diego which we’re really excited about,”

ALEXANDRA KUPERSMITH AND SARAH SPILSBURY, sophomores

“I find out today if I get into Barrett at ASU. I’m really nervous. I’m excited for college because I’ll be able to focus on what I want to study. I’m majoring in Biology and cell microbiology, and genetics”

ALICIA VAN STONE a senior

“I plan on majoring in Psychology at Barrett at ASU. I’m taking an AP Psychology class right now, and I got really interested in it,”

KATIE NOSAN, a senior

“I love movies. I like to film and make movies with my friends. I love making horror movies. I made one where my dog was this killer dog that murdered all of my friends.

I like to get scared, but sometimes I think it’s funny. I watch a lot of behind the scenes where directors tell how they made their films, which really inspires me. The most important thing to make a horror movie scary is atmosphere, getting the music cues right, building suspense, and gore,”

4 MIA GILLING 8

Bringing in Bill As students enroll and graduate, high schools are full of new, ever-changing faces. Recently, Bill Samuso was welcomed to the security team, and Brook Bowman highlights his experiences as a new security guard.

A

S the hallways fill up after the release bell, Bill Samuso, new security guard,

begins his patrol. Samuso started working for the campus at the beginning of the 2017 school year and has quickly become a campus favorite. He is known for fist bumping, shaking hands, and asking students about their day in the hallway.

By settling his first semester at Cactus Shadows, this experience is a first for Samuso.

However, he claimed, it is not a difficult one.

“This is my first time working as a security guard. But the job isn’t any different from other jobs I’ve had because I am a father. I’ve always been constantly surrounded by children. I raised two twin boys and a daughter. We lived in a house that was frequently attended by all of the neighborhood kids. So, I was used to being in the midst of large groups of teenagers,” said Samuso. “I got to watch their minds grow and I’m so lucky to continue to be apart of that here at Cactus Shadows. Now, my boys are thirty-one years old and I missed being a part of that. So, I started looking for a job where I could be involved and mentor kids again.”

Experiences so far

Currently, Samuso is doing exactly what he set his mind to and started working at Cactus Shadows at the start of this year. This semester has lead to many fun memories he will not forget, revisiting his children’s teenage days.

“I love Cactus Shadows for many reasons. Since day one, everyone has always been very respectful and friendly to me.

There is not a day that doesn’t stand out to me. It’s always very eventful. Everyone is always introducing themselves to me and shaking my hand in the hallways when they pass by.

The student body teaches me something new everyday. It’s SMILING FOR THE CAMERA, very rewarding.”

Bill Samuso patrols the office.

While Samuso is new, he has already become a school 4 SEAN GANNON favorite. This is due to his easy-going attitude and general relateability to students. Making coversation with students as he passes them in the halls, Samuso is one of the few security guards that engages with students aside from backpack searches and ID checks.

“He’s very laid back and quiet. He just seems like a nice guy. I think he knows how to talk and relate to people which makes everyone comfortable around him,” says Blake Dorame, a sophomore.

Although the job has its perks like being a mentor, busting kids, and knowing all the secrets of the school, Samuso did say, “the student body has stood out most for me here.

It’s the best perk of this job. The students are very respectful, intelligent group of young adults that are always a pleasure to be around. A very refreshing environment to work in.

And that’s exactly what drove me to apply for this job. I get to work with and lead the people that are going to be making the decisions for this country in the very near future.”

Student reception

“I think he’s cool. He has a lot of connections with the students at the school and I know that he is very friendly but stern when he has to be. Everyday during passing periods he is always saying hello to everyone and telling them to have a great day. Plus, he’s funny and tells a lot of jokes which is fun to see,”said Sarah Harding, a sophomore.

Every school has a few security guards in order to keep the school in check. Samuso believes that being a security guard at a high school in Cave Creek is different and better from any other job someone could have. Whether he is here for the next month or the next ten years, Cactus Shadows is in good hands with Samuso on the watch.

RILEY JAMES, a sophomore DECEMBER 2017 intrigue

SYRIA JOINS IN

they do at Kachina’s. Participants will do ground work, then discuss their feelings and behaviors with a therapist.

“Based on their challenges, I make a spotlight plan that is achievable,” said Greaves.

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI

The Star Wars story has returned with Disney’s Lucasfilm’s latest addition Star Wars: The Last Jedi by director and writer Rian Johnson.

The film is the eighth installment of the evergrowing series, this time returning to the plot of The Force Awakens, in which the First Order, led by Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren, has tracked down the Resistance as they hurry to escape their base. Meanwhile, Rey, played by Daisy Ridley, attempts to learn the ways of the Jedi under the Guidance of Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker to defeat the First Order.

Addressing criticism

First and foremost, I understand that the new additions to the franchise have been heavily criticized, whether it be because of Disney’s leadership or the absence of George Lucas’s direction; however, I feel as though the public may have too high of standards for what these movies should be. As a born Star Wars fanatic and having binge watched all the movies in both numerical order and release order, I feel as though these new movies have been a fresh, new additive to build upon a legendary storyline. Movies are

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meant to evolve and change, and if it is that difficult to accept then just stick to the originals.

Overall Performances

Apart from that subject, the acting in Star Wars: The Last Jedi is nothing but impeccable. Aside from typical, various cheesy lines the screenwriters just have to include, I was so emotionally gripped by how much growth the actors brought to their characters in the film. In particular, Kylo Ren’s character development by Driver and his delivery of the script adds a much needed depth to such an evil character. Aside from Kylo Ren, I also feel as though Ridley brought so much power into Rey’s character, showing the audience how forceful she really is. Hamill’s developed take on Luke Skywalker provided the audience with a classic character to root for through his new darkness, and helps bridge the gap from the originals to the new films.

The new creative concepts added to the cinematography gave a contemporary view to the classic style of Star Wars. Their filming locations were beautifully chosen, creating a believable, vast universe despite only being filmed in a few countries. There are a few scenes in this movie that felt like I was watching a Blade Runner

type movie, and by that I mean a cinematography driven movie.

The new filming styles that are incorporated into the movie add that much needed dividing factor from past films.

Minor issues

As much as I hate to admit, there is one big thing about the new films that could be the end of the franchise--celebrities. I have never seen so many celebrity cameos, appearances, and even main roles in the new films. The worst thing that could happen to the films would be a lack of experienced, Star Wars movie worthy actors and instead be cast with all Star Wars loving celebrities.

Being a fan does not mean you should have a large role in a movie.

It is ok if they hide behind stormtrooper masks, but I really hope the next Finn isn’t played by Stephen Colbert.

Overall, Star Wars: The Last Jedi is a ‘force’ to be reckoned with.

It is by far the best of the new movies and, quite possibly, my new favorite movie.

Olivia’s Opinion: If I could pick between having a dog, a cat, or a porg I would 100% choose that porg.

7

Recently, Syria ann they are joining the which makes the States and Nicarag only countries not pating. Nicaragua’s for not joining is b they feel the Accor not go far enough to the environment.

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