logan's portfolio

Logans Portfolio

Self Evaluation Newspaper has taught me more than anything else in my life. I’m not over exaggerating when I say that. Before I was lucky enough to be co-editor in chief or even be apart of the staff at all, I was a careless adolescent boy. I didn’t care about my grades or future one bit. All of that changed as soon as I joined the paper my junior year. It was such a productive environment. I quickly learned from it. I learned how to organize large amounts of work to accomplish it over in a short amount of time. I learned how to collaborate with all types of people. The most important thing it taught me was how to write a paper. I had no idea that I didn’t know how to write a good paper until I started the class. I always just wrote papers for English and did ok but once I started newspaper I started doing very well on all my papers. From writing 500 words about some random kid on the football team to a complicated front page story on the Arizona water shortage I’ve really gained so much experience. Not only has what I’ve learned benefited me in school and but also in the outside world. I use the origination skills for everything. I plan my weeks out just because I’m use to having to plan my weeks out to make sure I get all my newspaper work done.

Some actual production skills I learned is how to manage large groups of students and lead. Attempting to lead a big class of teenagers is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done. Coming from a teenager it’s usually hard for another teenager to get my attention in an educational way or for me to listen to any advice they have. I’m usually not even a serious person so having people take me serious was a challenge. Luckily the class is actually very respectful and when I have something to say they will always listen. The problem is that half the time it goes in one ear and out the other. For those kids I’ve had to learn different strategies. Constant checkups and asking if they have it all figured seems to be the most effective way to handle the ones who need an extra push or refuse to listen. I also learned how to use in-design and photoshop this year. I will always use photoshop from making something for fun or flies for my bands concerts.

Deadlines is the most important thing in newspaper. You can’t just release an article about some news that happened six years ago. Deadlines help make sure that articles makes it out on time so that it’s still timely and relevant. In publications deadlines usually tend to be the biggest problem. With those interesting group it actually wasn’t a huge problem except for a select few. The problem was the quality of work. For editors and myself we do need to try to start our pages as early as possibly and plan out better so we can spend less time on deadline and production days stressing out over the large amount of work. I’m defiantly gonna do my best to prepare for deadline days so I spend less time stressing about getting my page done on time.

I think I worked pretty well with everyone this year. I get along with everyone in the class and if anyone ever needs anything from me I will always be there to help them.

Something I learned about journalism ethics this year is how to properly cite a credible source. I use to just use the website I found the information on and call it a day. Now I know that you need to find the actual source that the website used whether it was a study done by someone or some information collected by researchers.

I have dedicated everything I got to this class. I hold this class as my top priority. I don’t consider it a class at all. It’s more of my second life. I spend my whole Saturday once a month and countless days of my staying after school to get work done. Obviously I don’t mind though because I love the paper more than anything else.

One of my problems was trying to help run the class while simultaneously trying to get interviews and my page done. After these four issues I think I’ve really figured out how to balance out all of the responsibilities of being an editor. I’m going to plan out each day making sure I get everything done I’m suppose to do I have less work to do on production days.

Favorite Piece My most significant piece this year was my front page story on the vaping epidemic.

It was a difficult piece to write just because I had no idea where to even start. There was So much I had to discuss in 1000 words and I had to do so much research to back everything up. Compared to the other front page stories I’ve written I did not have to do this much research for them. I did do a good job of keeping all my research organized so I could just plug it into all my points I had laid out. I was especially proud of my time management I used to get this done. While I was writing this I had a huge English 101 paper due at the same time so I really had to divide my time out. I split up my time between the two papers and took turns each night and got them both done on time. I was really pleased to hear I got a B on that English paper. The front page story turned out exactly how I wanted and got good feedback from people that read it. I spent about a week from start to finish. The first thing I did was try to write a lead. After I got a good idea for the lead I wrote it out and I began to research. When I was doing the research I was looking for specific thing that went with my outline. I filled out the outline with the research and then built off of that. I then got my quotes and put them in a good spot that correlated with my research. Once all that was done I just built off it. After I did all that I pretty much was done except for a conclusion.

I struggled with thinking on how to end it for days but I finally figured it out and then revised it. After I revised it I made sure somebody else (you) double checked my mistakes. After it was don’t we put it in and it was ready to go and I still had plenty of time to work on my page.

cs A the

Logan McDade editor in chief

press

the newspaper of Cactus Shadows High School in Scottsdale, Arizona

Just what harm, if any, are you doing to yourself by vaping?

s vaping continues to grow in popularity, more evidence is coming to light on the negative effects. Originally offered as a solution to help smokers quit, this technology has proved to be harmful, and has led to the deaths of over 27 people and severe respiratory illnesses in more than 1000 people according to the Center of Disease Control

Another study by the Centers for Disease Control in 2018 proved that 20.8% (one out of every five) high school students, and almost 4.9% of middle school students reported that they had vaped in the last 30 days.

Vaping among teens grew from 3.6 million in 2018 to five million in 2019.

Because the Federal Government has yet to take any actions, 18 states and Washington D.C have taken the problem into their own hands. They have all raised the minimum age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21.

The Federal Government does have plans to ban all flavored e-cigarettes. According to Alex Azar, the Health and Human Services Secretary, flavored e-cigarettes, including mint and menthol, will be removed from the market. All flavored products would not be allowed to be sold until approval from the FDA is received.

While removing flavored vaping pens from the market may help reduce teen vaping, it may not be enough to stop it entirely. ”You may argue that vapes are better for kids, and in some ways I may even agree with you that it’s better for them than smoking, but there has to be a better alternative than vaping. It’s just another harmful poison,” said Doreen Decker, the school nurse.

Gaspforair.org released a list of 42 chemicals found in vapes. One of the chemicals on that list was Propylene Glycol (vegetable glycerin), which can cause lung irritation, as well as eye and throat irritation. Another chemical found was Diacetyl, which has been linked to lung disease when used in high concentrations in e-cigarettes. Benzene, also on the list, is considered a carcinogen because it is found in vehicle exhausts and emissions from burning oils. Last but not least, Formaldehyde was also on the list, a substance used in building materials and also a carcinogen.

“It’s worrying to not know the full extent of what’s in them. Those [e-cigarettes] are easily accessible and people don’t even know what they are putting in their bodies,” said Andrew Isho, a senior.

An article posted by Cancer.net, a site created by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, stated that some e-cigarette products contain three to four times more nicotine than cigarettes. Because the levels of nicotine are so high in e-cigarettes, they can be considered even more addicting than cigarettes.

“I think vapes are very dangerous and that cigarettes could possibly be safer in the long run just because we know the effects already,” said Joey Rizzo, a senior.

See Vaping Concerns on page 4

VAPING QUESTIONS ARISE. It remains uncertain

how vaping can lead to fatal lung illness, but there is some evidence that the chemicals can cause damage in the lungs.

\ Collage created by John Jeffs uses a public domain skull

image from <a

href=”https://www.desktopbackground.org/wallpaper/smoking-skull-wallpapers-hd-wallpapers-.

INSIDE

the CSPress

October 18, 2019 Volume 11, Number 2

NEW SEASON, NEW COACH

GOT JOKES?

The improv troop kicks off a new year with another Jokers Improv show.

See JOKERS on page 16 21

The girls volleyball program starts the season undefeated. They are hoping for State.

See VOLLEYBALL on page

Proud Pieces 1. I’m proud of this because it was my

first photo essay and I think it turned out pretty well. I was especially proud with the photography on it. It was a lot of fun going to the game and trying to figure out what the perfect strings were for the game. After a little bit of messing around I figured it out and was able to get some decent pictures.

2. This is my favorite photo essay so

far. I think the pictures in it are all really good pictures and just the layout out of it turned out perfectly. Also my favorite thing is to take pictures of dance because it’s so entertaining.

3. As a stand alone this is probably my fa-

vorite picture. The background is beautiful.

The picture is clear and in focus. The colors in it pop. Luckily I was wearing nice clothes or else they wouldn’t let go take pictures of the practice because of the dress code.

1.

24 ● September 20, 2019

Photo Essay

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Friday Night Lights ONE LAST RIDE Jaxen Schneider, a

senior, plays his last high school game ever. Schneider, who was out for the entire season last year due to an injury, re-injured himself during this game and will be out for the rest of the year. “It’s been the best experience of my life and there’s no place I’d rather be than on that field,” said Schneider.

COACHING IT UP Michael Hudnutt, the head coach, and Tony Caputo, the special teams and wide receiver coach, call the shots at the first home game of the year.

4 Blake Dorame

4 Logan McDade

DOING IT ALL Logan Hasher, a senior, celebrates after making a stop on defense. Hasher also plays wide receiver on offense. “Playing both sides of the ball gets really tiring and I had to condition all summer to prepare,” said Hasher 4 Logan McDade

FLYING HIGH

Shannon Rains, a senior, gets lifted by a teammate to help pump up the crowd. “It’s really fun seeing everyone smiling in the crowd,” said Rains.4 Blake Dorame

HELPING OUT

Ethan Thorpe, one of the team’s water boys, brings one of the players water during a time out. All of the water boys are responsible for helping hydrate the team during each break. 4 Logan McDade

FIRST GAME JITTERS Jaden White, a junior, plays his first game at home as quarterback. “I was a little at first but seeing how packed the stands were, kind of hyped me up,” said White. 4 Logan McDade

KNOCK EM’ DOWN Dylan Brown, a junior, makes a tackle. Brown has played on varsity since his sophomore year. 4 Logan McDade

3.

2.

2.

Tear Sheets September

24 ● September 20, 2019

Photo Essay

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Friday Night Lights ONE LAST RIDE Jaxen Schneider, a

senior, plays his last high school game ever. Schneider, who was out for the entire season last year due to an injury, re-injured himself during this game and will be out for the rest of the year. “It’s been the best experience of my life and there’s no place I’d rather be than on that field,” said Schneider.

COACHING IT UP Michael Hudnutt, the head coach, and Tony Caputo, the special teams and wide receiver coach, call the shots at the first home game of the year.

4 Blake Dorame

4 Logan McDade

DOING IT ALL Logan Hasher, a senior, celebrates after making a stop on defense. Hasher also plays wide receiver on offense. “Playing both sides of the ball gets really tiring and I had to condition all summer to prepare,” said Hasher 4 Logan McDade

FLYING HIGH

Shannon Rains, a senior, gets lifted by a teammate to help pump up the crowd. “It’s really fun seeing everyone smiling in the crowd,” said Rains.4 Blake Dorame

HELPING OUT

Ethan Thorpe, one of the team’s water boys, brings one of the players water during a time out. All of the water boys are responsible for helping hydrate the team during each break. 4 Logan McDade

FIRST GAME JITTERS Jaden White, a junior, plays his first game at home as quarterback. “I was a little at first but seeing how packed the stands were, kind of hyped me up,” said White. 4 Logan McDade

KNOCK EM’ DOWN Dylan Brown, a junior, makes a tackle. Brown has played on varsity since his sophomore year. 4 Logan McDade

October

24 ● October 18, 2019

CHEERING IT OUT Allie Thompson, a junior loves cheering at the pep rallies.

“With it being my first year on Varsity, I’ve been a lot more involved this year and it’s been a lot of fun,” said Thompson 4 Miah Thirion

SHOUTING FOR SPIRIT Nest leader Zack Huber, a senior hypes up the crowd “It’s so awesome when we have everybody energized at the assembly’s.

It sometimes even gives me goose bumps.” Said Huber 4 Logan McDade

Photo Essay

Welcome to the Jungle

KING OF THE JUNGLE Jake Howard, a senior gets lifted by teammates during their dance 4 Logan McDade

DANCE OFF Eric Frank and Annalysse Bacon dancing together in the Boy Girl dance with the Varsity cheerleaders and football players.

“Having the opportunity to do it was a lot of fun.” Said Frank 4 Logan McDade

TUG OF WAR Cole

Caruso, a junior battles the seniors in a game tug of war. 4 Blake Dorame

DANCING THROUGH THE VINES Reece Hufford and Kaelen Saker, both seniors dancing to their company retinues during the pep rally. “It’s super fun to be able to dance during the pep rallies,” said Hufford 4 Logan McDade

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

November

Photo Essay

24 ● November 15, 2019

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

NIGHTMARE ON FALCON STREET During the week of October 28 to November 1, students participated in a Spirit Week celebrating Halloween

GREASIN’ UP Wade Sassman, a senior, dresses up as a greaser with his vintage leather jacket and slicked back hair. 4 Blake Dorame

YEEHAW Devin Smith, a senior, wearing his cowboy getup on Halloween. Students wore their costumes on the 31st.

Other themes were Pajama Day, Twin Day and Clown Day.

4 Blake Dorame

JUMPING JACKIE Jackie Kelleher, a security guard, celebrates as she wins the Treat Walk.

The Treat Walk was held during lunch on Monday. 4 Logan McDade

PRESIDENTIAL LOOK

MOVIE TIME Seniors Derek Pederson and Seth Martin enjoying Before I Wake. “The movie was good and the event was overall pretty fun,” said Pederson. 4 Logan McDade

Cole Hrapczak, a senior, dresses as Donald Trump.

4 Blake Dorame COOKING UP SOME-

THING GOOD Seth Martian, a senior, cooking some burgers and hot dogs for Truck or Treat Tailgate Party.

“I love getting the opportunity to cook at these events, it’s nice getting to see everyone have a good time,” said Martin. 4 Logan McDade

HANGING OUT Seniors Ali Cahanes, Abigail Querrey, Lola Draper and Nathan Granger hanging at Truck Or Treat Tailgate Party out before the movie started. “I thought it was really fun, I liked being in the trucks and how movie night was done this year,” said Cahanes. 4 Logan McDade

December

24 ● December 20, 2019

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Photo Essay

Tinsel Town gg DANCING WITH FRIENDS Wyatt Eide

supports Isabel Arnett as she completes a back arch. The juniors paired up in the Seasons of Love dance from the movie Rent, choreographed by Lori Hart and Liz Lincoln.

FLOAT LIKE A BUTTERFLY

Hannah Kress, a senior, performs in a ballet titled Black Swan based off the movie. 4 Logan McDade

4 Logan McDade

MOVING DANCE Brooke

Rozelle, a senior, performs in a serious dance based off Schindler’s List, a movie about the holocaust. 4 Miah Thirion

BETTER TOGETHER Seniors Erik Frank and Caileen Childers dance together in a duet inspired by The Notebook. “I loved learning how to do all the lifts and being able to master them,” said Frank. 4 Logan McDade

STRIKE A POSE Seniors Emily Schmit and Hannah Kress performed a ballet in the dance Black Swan choreographed

by Elissa Erickson. 4 Logan McDade

Good Sports

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Girls hoops are shooting for State The Varsity team continues to blow-out opponents as they rank in the top five in state

December 20, 2019 ● 21

Multi-sport athletes share their story Zachary Valentine staff writer

ARCHING ACT Seniors, Reece Hufford, Jordan Owen and Abigail Querrey perform their senior choreographed dance Purge. “It was a lot of fun choreographing it and I loved my group,” said Hufford. 4 Logan McDade

PLAYING FOR FIRST Sabrina Lazo, a senior, dribbles through defenders on her way to scoring. The Falcons beat Sierra Linda 55-15 on December 3.

4 Logan McDade

Jaden Lea staff writer

T

HE GIRLS VARSITY basketball team

has started their season with six wins and one loss. To continue this winning season, the team will focus on their schedule of daily practices after school.

“I think that the biggest thing to being a

player at the varsity level is to be coachable and having the passion to want to improve your skill set on your own time,“ said Brook Rodgers, a senior who plays point guard.

Practice The team practices after school Monday through Friday for two hours, and do an occasional Saturday practice to get in extra time on the court. Practicing is a big piece of how the team plays and it shows throughout their games.

Preparation before a game is a key factor that can lead to a team’s win or loss. The preparation done before the games can vary for different teams, based on what they feel should be done.

“We prepare for our games by coming in early to watch the younger teams play as well as shooting before the games to get warmed up and ready to play,“ said Hailey Garalczyk, a senior who plays forward.

Coaching

SHOOTING FOR THREE, freshman Sierra Labuwi shoots a three pointer in the win. The team is currently ranked fith in state. 4 Logan McDade

Coaches are very important to the team, and can also have an effect on the number of wins and losses. They are responsible for a lot on the court, and it is important that they keep a

positive mindset when dealing with the team and the players.

“Our coaches really motivate us to come with energy and enthusiasm before every game and every Our coaches really pracmotivate us to come with tice and energy and enthusiasm it tranbefore every game and every sitions practice and it transitions from from them to us which brings them to our success on the court,” us which said Brooke R oders, senior varsity captain brings our success on the court,“ said Rodgers.

“

Leadership Another important element of the team are the captains. They are chosen as players who will help the team and lead them in the right direction.

“They provide a positive direction and leadership for not only the younger players, but for the entire girls basketball program,“ said Richie Willis, the girls varsity basketball coach.

The captains this year are Hailey Garalczyk, Brooke Rodgers, and Ella Schott.

Students athletes who participate in multiple sports often have more interest from college recruiters. However, it can also create significant stress. Athletes who play multiple sports in high school have more options when it comes to scholarships and colleges. USA Today highschool sports research says that athletes in high school that play multiple sports have an advantage for scholarships because that shows that they are very athletic and that they can multitask. Also, if they have good grades it shows that they put sports and school before everything else in life.

“Being a multi sport athlete is very stressful because practices conflict with homework and school,” said Jonathan Wheeling, a freshman football, baseball and basketball player.

If a student has a practice the night they also has a lot of homework, then they will have to choose between finishing their homework, and going to practice. Another negative about playing multiple sports is that a player for one sport can get hurt, and then they are unable to play either sport because of their injury.

There are a lot of negative factors to playing more than one sport, but there are more positives.

“It’s fun playing multiple sports because I make more friends and it takes my mind off of things, but yes it definitely causes some stress when it comes to homework,” said Jayden Bahoura, a sophomore football and baseball player.

According to Berecruited, a company that allows kids to be recruited, research shows that the number of multi sport athletes is a falling trend these days. Mostly because there is not enough time in the day and some coaches tell them they have to choose between sports.

“I feel that college coaches and professional scouts prefer kids to be multi-sport athletes because they are more well-rounded,” said Gaetano Gianni, varsity baseball coach.

Being a multi-sport athlete can also develop a lot of muscles throughout your body. For instance, if an athlete plays soccer and baseball their entire body is getting trained just because of the parts of the body the workouts contain.

Athletes who play more than one sport are usually more well-rounded and flexible.

A college or professional scout is going to be looking for the most potential in a person. For a team or no team, they will always be looking for the best of the best. That’s why being a multisport athlete helps a lot when it comes to scouts because they have the advantage of being stronger and more versatile.

The only things that conflict when being a multi-sport athlete is time and determination.

Over a couple of years, a person might lose interest in a sport, or they just like one over the other, so they often choose a sport to maybe have a career in.