Emily Watkins

Emily Watkins

Self-Analytical Evaluation

The first semester was a lot of fun and I learned a great deal on taking photos, writing main stories, creating mods, and overall how to design different tasks for my team spreads. My teachers, editors, and most importantly, my team leader have taught me how to survive the first semester. I have learned many new skills in the short of participating in class such as: production skills, deadlines, teamwork, sales and advertising, journalism ethics, and dedication.

The skill that makes everything possible is my production skills, I am able to work hard, get all my work done, and come up with a new, creative way to put it all together in a certain amount of time. My production skills really show off and are put to the test during late night. During late night I sit down with my leader and we compile our main stories, mods, and pictures to complete a page in the yearbook. I use my productions skills to help get spreads done in time to be produced or submitted in time. This semester my team and I were able to almost completely finish all spreads during late night, minus a couple of captions and photo credits here and there.

In order to get all of my team’s and mine work done and follow our deadline, we all use each other, our teamwork allows for help when in need of something and when we cover for someone. For example, Alyssa, Sam, and I were all have difficulties coming up with mod ideas for deadline two, so I helped them both out and in return they gave me help when I needed it. I went to soccer practices and took pictures and help with interviews for her mod. While Sam needed help coming up with a drama mod idea so we talked on the phone until we came up with something. My teams teamwork really come into play when we have a deadline night, late night for deadline two my team was the last group with our leader until 11 o’clock at night. We were working together to create captions, and photo credits. If we had not worked together the pages would have never been completed in time for deadline two.

In order to begin creating yearbooks we need the money to do so, and that starts with the advertising and sales of our yearbook. At the very beginning of the school year we advertised the yearbook at 75 dollars, allowing students to have a discount before the prices go up. We advertised by hanging up big poster on doors and walls, we also recently created flyers that we passed out and hung on the walls as well. Although the yearbook does get expensive we make most of out money from the senior ads, which we also needed to advertise. This we put on the morning announcements, on Twitter, and contact whomever we can to get the message out. Advertising will help us lead to more students buying the yearbook therefore, increasing sales and allowing us to buy more cameras, computers, and yearbooks for next years.

My journalism ethics are what lead to my dedications to this class. My ethics include: getting the interviews needed, getting the correct pictures, and coming up with creative ways to write mods and main stories. In order for all of these tasks to be completed I need dedication, which I have. I give many hours to this class outside of the classroom. I go to countless events taking pictures, have meet many new people from interviewing, and spent many hours after school for deadline nights. I use my ethics to dedicate me and cause me to work harder and complete my work in a timely manner.

In conclusion, all of these work ethics, skills, dedication and commitment that have lead me to his point and I plan for them to take me far into the future as well. I not only am going to use these skills again in the following classes of yearbook but also later on, after high school. I can use any of these skills to help me find a job and have more creatively thinking mind. I will also have “job” experience that allows me to work with different groups of people for an overall better experience.

Reflection #1

My most significant piece of work is the info graphic for homecoming dressup on pages 30-31; it is a mod that is a poll of student’s favorite dress-up day from homecoming. It was difficult only because this was my first time creating info graphics. I was taught how to create them, but I it was my own experience. The difficult part of the entire mod was creating the boxes that described each dressup day. I had trouble with it because the boxes did not want to move and because I started from scratch on the design I needed to add the boxes on my own and that was difficult.

The creation of the info graphic took a lot time to perfect, it begun with changing the colors to completely taking out parts of the info graphic. It started with a black background, different colors for the graphic and boxes. Once I realized that they needed to match the colors of the page I had to find the color exactly, which took some practice but I got the colors. Then I put it on the spread and realized it was too long, so I went back again and took out the middle box and added the information somewhere else. The process of creating the info graphic took about two days to complete. Started with coming up the design and from there I decided I needed to add a graphic for the poll. From there I continued working on giving a mini description of the each dress-up day. Instead of adding pictures to the info graphic, we decided to surround it with pictures, and that allows better look.

I enjoyed creating my info graphic, it allowed for more creativity, which is why I enjoyed it. I like the overall look of the info graphic, it has all the colors of the yearbook in it and I also like the pictures that are in it and around it. The pictures outside, which surround the info graphic, show lots of the different dress-up days and it then leads the reader to the info graphic. I like the little silhouettes that are next to each dress-up day because it follows that design idea of the portrait pages. I have learned from creating this info graphic that not only that I can make one but I also had experience with InDesign and uploading pictures and info graphic onto a page.

Reflection #2

The mod that created that I like the least is the varsity boy’s basketball mod on pages 30-31 from deadline two. It was my least favorite because it was poorly planned and not much effort when into it. I put effort into my interviews and my ideas, but I did not get pictures in on time, I was rushing to get those on deadline night. I also did not put enough time into the actual mod, it is just a list of things the boys do during tryouts for basketball. Although I did learn a lot from this situation, I had experience with InDesign and that I need to spend more time on every mod and increase the quality. The experience I had with InDesign has really helped me, I now know how to use most of it and I can create different ideas and I can type my mods right into InDesign, making it easier for my team leader.

This mod was very planned out so it needed work. I started by getting interview from students and those were all fine, I got enough information about tryouts I was just having difficulties coming up with a new, creative mod angle. I then began working on the mod and I tried to come up with something and I came up with by the numbers. Later I realized Alyssa was going to the exact same thing for soccer tryouts, so I change to a list. It was so uncreative and I came up with it such short noticed.

I could have improved this mod so easily but I was lazy and now I take it as a learning experience. If had simply started earlier and asked for help with an angle the mod could be much better. I could improve it by using a picture of the court and putting the players and have quotes on what they are doing and how they feel about it. I would also improve the pictures taken, because they were so short notice that they are usable but nothing special. If I could go back I would change my whole idea and started my mod earlier in the deadline.

Reflection #3

I am proud of this picture because it contains all the elements of good composition and it overall just looks like a good picture to me. The elements it has are center of visual interest, leading lines, depth of field, rule of thirds, and emotion are some of the elements the picture contains. The center of visual interest is the football player and the leading lines of the dark space lead you right to him in the photo. The depth of field is showing the space from the dark to him, it similar to leading lines drawing you to him. The dark space also allows for a story to be put there leading to the photo. This photo is also a perfect example of rule of thirds, he is not directly in the middle and he is off-center. The emotion in the photo shows that he stressed and tired from the close scored game he was currently playing.

I like that this photo draws me from the emotion of the player and how the dark space leads directly to him with nothing that distract.

Reflection #4 This semester I learned many things from this class and one thing that really helped with deadline night and getting my work done on time are my abilities with publication. The yearbooks publication is the three deadline nights we have and the couple days after to send them in on time. I have personally helped with publications by attending the late nights and working along my team leader to finish our pages.

At deadline night I stick by team leader doing whatever tasks she asks me to complete. For example, on late night for deadline two I had a mod about boys basketball and we did not have any pictures of them so I checked out a camera. Luck for us they had practice that night so I ran over to the gym and got the pictures we needed. I also did lots of caption writing and running around the classroom looking for who took the pictures we were using.

This is all part of publication because in order to send in the pages, all the work needs to be done on time. I have had hands on experience with publication because I have I worked on the mods, stories, and photographic that’s are going to published for all of Cactus Shadows students and staff to see.

Reflection #5

My problems and hardships during this semester have changed throughout the year.

At first my problem was getting interviews, I mostly was afraid of the actual people and just having to do the interviews. My interviews were suffering because of it and therefore my mods were suffering. This was my problem at first but I learned how to ask better questions and to more out of my interviews. I then realized that there was more problems coming up with mod ideas then creating them. I do get help from my team and editors but I am the one that needs to create the entire mod or story so it is up to me.

If my problems came up again, which they will, I will handle them best I can.

These problems will come up again because they are some of the basic problems that occur in yearbook. I have solved my problems with interviews, but I can always improve my questions and work on my conversations skills. I still need to work on the how I create mods and new ideas for mods and stories.

I handled my situations very well for my first yearbook class; I handled them by using my leader for help, I begun by asking for help coming up with questions and how to continue the conversation to get more information out of people I interview. I have handled my problem with mod ideas the same way, with the help from Corey, Maddie and my team leader. They have all helped me come up ideas and way to make mods and stories better and more creative.

My greatest weakness for publications is pictures, I do not always prepare and I do not always have the enough pictures for my mod or I do not get a quote. I am always missing part of the picture; I also need to work on taking pictures as well. I get photos but not all of them are quality photos, I need to focus on the information about the taking a photo. I need to understand that I have to include the framing, good elements, and taking photos from different angles.

My weakness is something that can easily be fixed; I just need to put in the effort to get more practice with angles, framing, and the other elements of taking phoFLOYD the falcon discusses their tos. I not only take pictures for yearbook, but I also take pictures in my everyday life, experience of being the mascot for two years places I go, and events I go to. If I get the practice in, it will allow for a easier way to and it is the epitome of school LEADING THE minutes before the game. dripping in sweat,” said Brown.

SINCE LAST YEAR, the new GAME, Floyd the get more photos with isbetter quality.

For example, the practice from the beginning spirit,” said Brown.

“Floyd does a goodjust job being The falcon used as a way to Floyd costume has been redone, Brown is leaving after this Falcon runs out with goofy and has good skills that pump students up and be excited and Bailey Brown, a senior, is of the year until now, my photographic skills has increased greatly.

My pictures from the year and is handing down the the football players, entertain people,” said Mrs. ready to hand the costume down. for the event. Not only does she waving the flag. “We role to a new student.

Being pictures Bender, student council advisor. have to drink double her body Since freshman year, Brown has beginning of the year did not have any purpose to them and now I have taken never had a mascot the falcon is an experience only The job of a mascot is to be been the beloved mascot seen at weight in order to be able to before, but now that we that areandusedsweat, as but dominate photos.

I continue practicing my skills learning being in the and suit can give you. more to put on a show for the she has to arrive two If able football games, pep rallies, do it creates a whole students and make sure they are Floyd will be a part of Cactus new experience,” said hours before a game in order to many other events. about photographic, I can take better photos that will benefit others and me next seShadows for years to come. having a good time. set up. On top of that, she does “Being in the suit is super Brown. ”The Falcon is super unique sweaty and hot and you are just not even put on the suit until 20 story by samuel kulliver Photo by Julia Diede mester.

FLY AWAY FLOYD

MATCH ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ characters with their

Reflection #1 Best Mod

WALKING ARM IN ARM, Katie O’Connor and Michael Marchica, both sophomores, dress up as football players.

“My smile is so big because the support for anyone and everyone at our school warms my heart,” said O’Connor. Photo

AS PART OF HER HALLOWEEN COSTUME, Anna Overfield, a junior, dresses up as her own personalized Pokémon character also named Annie. “She is a very strong Pokémon Trainer,” said Overfield.

by Julia Diede

Photo by Mia Gilling

PAJAMA

POSING FOR A PICTURE for the Halloween dress up day for homecoming, Emma Pusateri and Meagan Multz, sophomores, smile in their creative costumes. “She’s the ketchup to my mustard,” said Pusateri.

TODDLER HALLOWEEN TWIN DAY ANIMAL PRINT

DRESSING UP FOR HOMECOMING, Skylar Cardoza, a junior, breaks out her inner toddler on toddler day. “ I wasn’t ashamed of wearing a shirt from justice since there were people wearing diapers,” said Cardoza. Photo by Julia Blankinship

Photo by Mia Gilling

CORINNE QUERREY, a senior, hangs posters for basketball tryouts. “Benjamin Rodenburg was helping me hang flyers informing people about girls basketball,” said Querrey. Graphic by Emily

AS MAGGIE EWENS, a junior, was dressed up as a unicorn in the spirt of being a toddler. “I think that it is a very fun week that brings people together to have fun and be themselves,” said Ewens.

Watkins

Photo by Julia Blankinship

LIVING YOUNG

YOUNGLIFE members discuss their experiences while being in the club.

“The energy at these events is always positive and high spirited. Everyone is always laughing and dancing and having fun,” said Tiana Aliberti, a junior.

“The energy at the events is always positive. Everyone is ready to bond with each other. It has a great vibe,” said Reilly Krawczyk, a sophomore.

“Crazy. Never will you come to a club where it’s calm and peaceful, its always high energy and exciting,” said Delaney Barrett, a junior.

Mod by Samuel Kulliver

GIVE IT YOUR BALL

BASKETBALL players run through

ATTENDING YOUNGLIFE, Reilly Krawczyk, Christina Fankhanel, Dustin Styles, Adam Penzone, Bailey Lerew, and Madison Mercer participate in some games. The students attend Younglife to be with kids who share their beliefs. “Young Life is an opportunity to grow with your faith”.

Photos by Sadie Thompson

about girls basketball,” said Querrey. Graphic by Emily

a very fun week that brings people together to have fun and be themselves,” said Ewens.

Watkins

Photo by Julia Blankinship

Reflection #2 Mod that Needs Work

LIVING YOUNG

YOUNGLIFE members discuss their experiences while being in the club.

“The energy at these events is always positive and high spirited. Everyone is always laughing and dancing and having fun,” said Tiana Aliberti, a junior.

“The energy at the events is always positive. Everyone is ready to bond with each other. It has a great vibe,” said Reilly Krawczyk, a sophomore.

“Crazy. Never will you come to a club where it’s calm and peaceful, its always high energy and exciting,” said Delaney Barrett, a junior.

Mod by Samuel Kulliver

Everything I Worked On

ATTENDING YOUNGLIFE, Reilly Krawczyk, Christina Fankhanel, Dustin Styles, Adam Penzone, Bailey Lerew, and Madison Mercer participate in some games. The students attend Younglife to be with kids who share their beliefs. “Young Life is an opportunity to grow with your faith”.

Photos by Sadie Thompson

E(ART)H

ADVICE FOR LIFE

THREE teachers from these subjects gave advisory grades

NATIONAL Art Honor Society creates projects in the club for themselves and for others FOR ADVISORY, Jennafer Bebee and Tiana Aliberti, both juniors, are talking about the things they are thankful for in their lives. “I’m thankful for my family and all they do for me,” said Aliberti. Photo by Alyssa Grove

Social Studies B+ English B Science B

Fine Arts B Language B Math Mod by Alyssa Grove C

SEPARATED AT BIRTH?

GIVE IT YOUR BALL

DRAMA club students imitate their inspirations.

“JENNIFER LAWRENCE inspires me because she pursued her passion even when she knew it was a long shot,” said Maggie Ewens, a sophomore.

BASKETBALL players run through the drills for this year’s tryouts.

BEING GREAT AT A HOBBY does not lead someone to greatness. Passion is a key element that is needed in order for their to be an outcome. National Art Society is composed of passion and creativity. Each member holds a different level of passion for the specific type of art that they practice. They each bring a new element to the club no matter how long they have been a member.

“This is my second year in National Art Honor Society,” said Elizabeth James, a senior.

“We have a lot of fun. We do a lot of arts and craft and stuff, but we mostly hang out.”

President Riley Roads, a senior, brings a foundation to the society. Each week, there is a new project for the members to work on.

Some have meaning behind them “Its nice to hold responsibility for a club involving art. Art is fun,” said Roads.

However, some members do not just make projects for themselves. Art Honors Society and ceramics classes made bowls for an empty bowl project. Students created bowls that would later be sold to purchase soup for the homeless.

“We love doing it every year. It’s one of my favorite projects,” said Roads.

Story by Kimberly Paoli

12

WATCHING THE COURT, Nicholas Potthoff, a senior, and Dannon Doctor, a junior, get ready to play basketball. They have both been playing on varsity since their freshman year. “The basketball team is all about getting buckets and tryouts is just the first day of the greatest season of the year,” said Potthoff. Photo by Emily Watkins

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SPIRITED 31 Floyd the Falcon, Younglife, Homecoming, Varsity Boys Basketball, The Diary of Anne Frank

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“I am inspired by EMMA WATSON because she’s not afraid to speak her mind, to be herself, and she’s a proud feminist,” said Madelyn Lever, a junior.

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TELLING THE CLASS what he’s thankful for as a part of the advisory lesson, “I enjoy advisory because I have the opportunity to create a better connection with my students,” said Geoff Johnson, a history teacher. Photo by Alyssa Grove

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CREATING A BOWL, Cassidy Sirower, a junior, makes a bowl for the empty bowls project. “Making bowls for the charity really gives you a feeling like you’re contributing to the community while also having fun,” said Sirower. Photo by Emma Kritzstein

“ROBIN WILLIAMS has played so many comedic roles that also have good moral lessons behind his characters,” said Michael Marcin, a junior. Mod By Samuel Kulliver

1

2

LET’S GET PEPPY

2 DOING SOME SERVICE

based event where they give to the homeless, National Art Honor Society makes some clay bowls under the guidance of Deborah Wales. “All the teachers and staff were invited to come join us. It was a great way to bond as a club as well,” said Haley Otero,a junior. Photo

THE StuCo members spent weeks planning for this year’s homecoming assembly.

First. For the assembly, StuCo

3 WORKING ON THE EMPTY

BOWLS PROJECT Gabriella Griffin, a senior, creates a bowl using the drape technique. “I like being a part of Art Honor Society and helping out,” said Griffin. Photo by Emma Kritzstein 3

for the assemblies.

Second. A week before the assembly,

After that. The day of the assemblies, the committee members were excused from first through third block to complete the finishing touches.

Then. The night before, the members

everything down during fourth block, from the gym and all around campus.

members began planning weeks in advance, figuring out what needed to be done.

by Emma Kritzstein

StuCo began painting posters and getting the students pumped.

stayed as late as needed to set the gym

Mod by Emily Watkins

Rosenbaum

INSPIRED

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Art Honors Society, Drama Club, Assemblies, Advisory

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POSING FOR A SELFIE Alyson Babbitt, a sophomore, smiles for a picture on Instagram. “I was really excited to help set up for the assemblies,” said Babbitt. Photo by Kate

Finally. All student leadership kids tore

PASSIONATE

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TYING UP the hula-hoops for the assembly, Leah Witzig, a sophomore, help set up. “I’m really happy with how it turned out,” said Witzig. Photo by Julia Diede

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This spread is pages 12-13 and I did the mod “Let’s Get Peppy” as well as conducting the interviews and taking the photos. I also wrote all the captions for my mod.

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Everything I Worked On Continued

Everything I Worked On Continued WALKING ARM IN ARM, Katie O’Connor and Michael Marchica, both sophomores, dress up as football players.

“My smile is so big because the support for anyone and everyone at our school warms my heart,” said O’Connor. Photo

AS PART OF HER HALLOWEEN COSTUME, Anna Overfield, a junior, dresses up as her own personalized Pokémon character also named Annie. “She is a very strong Pokémon Trainer,” said Overfield.

ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A FRESHMAN? EACH grade level discusses their homework and study habits.

by Julia Diede

Photo by Mia Gilling

Questions:

DRESSING UP FOR HOMECOMING, Skylar Cardoza, a junior, breaks out her inner toddler on toddler day. “ I wasn’t ashamed of wearing a shirt from justice since there were people wearing diapers,” said Cardoza. Photo by Julia Blankinship

PAJAMA

POSING FOR A PICTURE for the Halloween dress up day for homecoming, Emma Pusateri and Meagan Multz, sophomores, smile in their creative costumes. “She’s the ketchup to my mustard,” said Pusateri.

TODDLER HALLOWEEN TWIN DAY ANIMAL PRINT

1. How much homework do you have every night?

2. How much time do you spend studying per test?

3. What is some advice for the freshman?

2

Kiera Solberg, a freshman: 1. About 1 hour

2. About 30 minutes Sophie Hancock, a sophomore:

Photo by Mia Gilling

CORINNE QUERREY, a senior, hangs posters for basketball tryouts. “Benjamin Rodenburg was helping me hang flyers informing people about girls basketball,” said Querrey. Graphic by Emily

AS MAGGIE EWENS, a junior, was dressed up as a unicorn in the spirt of being a toddler. “I think that it is a very fun week that brings people together to have fun and be themselves,” said Ewens.

FLOYD the falcon discusses their experience of being the mascot for two years

dripping in sweat,” said Brown.

The falcon is used as a way to pump students up and be excited for the event. Not only does she have to drink double her body weight in order to be able to sweat, but she has to arrive two hours before a game in order to set up. On top of that, she does not even put on the suit until 20

minutes before the game.

“Floyd does a good job being goofy and has good skills that entertain people,” said Mrs. Bender, student council advisor.

The job of a mascot is to be able to put on a show for the students and make sure they are having a good time. ”The Falcon is super unique

WHO SAID IT?

1. “I know they’re making plans, counting the days til the war is over, but I have to tell you...I feel the end will never come.”

3. “No one’s leaving. We can’t panic. If we panic, we’re lost. We’ve survived here six months together. We’re going on... “ 4. “I want to go on living even after my death!”

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SHOWING THEIR SKILLS, Kameron Moore, Tiffany Stoddard, Emily McAtee, and Hannah Raether do role playing for their characters in the play, ‘The Diary of Anne Frank.’

and it is the epitome of school LEADING THE GAME, Floyd the spirit,” said Brown.

Brown is leaving after this Falcon runs out with year and is handing down the the football players, waving the flag. “We role to a new student. Being never had a mascot the falcon is an experience only before, but now that we being in the suit can give you. do it creates a whole Floyd will be a part of Cactus new experience,” said Shadows for years to come.

Brown. story by samuel kulliver

1. From 2-4 hours 2. About 2 hours

Photo by Julia Diede

“The energy at these events is always positive and high spirited. Everyone is always laughing and dancing and having fun,” said Tiana Aliberti, a junior.

“The energy at the events is always positive. Everyone is ready to bond with each other. It has a great vibe,” said Reilly Krawczyk, a sophomore.

“Crazy. Never will you come to a club where it’s calm and peaceful, its always high energy and exciting,” said Delaney Barrett, a junior.

Mod by Samuel Kulliver

THE soccer team shares what items are involved in tryouts

WATCHING THE COURT, Nicholas Potthoff, a senior, and Dannon Doctor, a junior, get ready to play basketball. They have both been playing on varsity since their freshman year. “The basketball team is all about getting buckets and tryouts is just the first day of the greatest season of the year,” said Potthoff. Photo by Emily Watkins

“It’s exciting to see it come together from when we first got the script until now” said Raether. Photos by Alyssa Grove

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1 SITTING IN THE CAFETERIA, Kali Draper and Cailan Cordwell, both Juniors, check in all the students in for the mock ACT on Saturday, November 14. As part of their community service hours for IB, “Just preppin’ for the ACT which will prep me for college which will prep me for a job which will prep me for death,” said Cordwell. Photo by Alyssa Grove

Sophomore, does her homework at lunch. “Chemistry is my most difficult subject so I like to get it done at lunch” said Hancock. Photo by Alyssa Grove 3 SITTING IN THE LIBRARY, Brianna Goldthwaite, a Junior, is getting her math homework done for AP Calculus. “Even though math is very difficult, I still spend all the necessary time to complete all my homework” said Goldthwaite. Photo by Alyssa Grove 4 TAKING NOTES FOR AMERICAN HISTORY, a Senior Cathleen West prepares herself for the upcoming test. “I felt accomplished that I was getting my homework done so that I could enjoy tv or a book later,” said west. Photo by Alyssa Grove

24 make varsity

17 PAIRS OF NEON COLORED SHOES 17 PAIRS OF NEON COLORED SHOES

1 1/2 gallons of water per day

27 HEADBANDS

Mod by Alyssa Grove

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STANDING DURING WARM UPS, Josie Teegardin, a junior, waits for her turn in warm ups. She shared her favorite quote that keeps her motivated even on the boring practice days.

“The coaches hold practices and push you to best your best,” said Teegardin. Photo by Emily Watkins

2 ANXIOUSLY PREPPING for the mock ACT test Laila Elias, a junior, reviews some information last minute. “I was looking through the scantron and mentally preparing myself for the ACT,” said Elias. Photo by Alyssa Grove 3 REPARING FOR THE MOCK ACT, Ashley Johnson, a Junior, writes her name and heading on some of the test paper. She is simply following the directions and has readied herself to take the test.

“I’m studying to get ready for the act,” said Johnson. Photo by

JUNIORS and seniors discuss the difficulties of studying for the ACT’s and the SAT’s STUDYING FOR THE SATS AND ACTS is a huge time consuming commitment that most juniors and seniors make. These challenging tests come around once a year and evaluate everything students have learned throughout their academic career. Students taking the tests begin preparing as soon as possible.

“I began studying a month before the test and I studied probably an hour every two or three days of the week,” said senior Liza Murray.

Before beginning to study, falcon students go out and buy either an SAT or ACT study book. Just the sight of this thick book scares most students away, but it is a must have for studying for the tests. It is difficult to prepare

for these tests, but either going to Starbucks with some friends or locking the door and studying for hours does not matter, students need to find a way to study.

The amount of stress these tests give students keeps them on their toes by continuing to keep them busy. The tests come right in the middle of school, while all the homework assignments, quizzes, and tests continue so everyone remains even more stressed out.

“I need a quiet place to study so I probably study in my room, alone,” said senior Gregory Burgess.

Story ny Emily Watkins

HOMECOMING IS

(adjective)

SOPHOMORE Kailey McCann explains her time during the homecoming week.

Homecoming is an absolutely and

(adjective)

(adjective)

and

(adjective)

. Although when you are a part of

experience. It is also

(adjective)

(noun)

, it is one of the best things you will

ever experience. Unplugged was a unique experience because (noun)

for bands, and work the

(noun)

got to

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(verb)

and such, but overall it is an

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experience.

Alyssa Grove

Mod by Samuel Kulliver

SPIRITED

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Floyd the Falcon, Younglife, Homecoming, Varsity Boys Basketball, The Diary of Anne Frank

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some shapes for her math homework. “To practice my geometry skills I’m constructing an equilateral triangle”, said Solberg. Photo by Alyssa Grove

1 VARSITY SOCCER TEAM 1 VARSITY SOCCER TEAM

WARMING UP FOR SOCCER tryouts Grace Dutcher, a freshman, is practicing with the hope of gaining a spot on the varsity team.

“Being a freshman in high school soccer opened up a whole new door to physical experience along with an abundance of new friends,” said Dutcher. Photo by Emily Watkins

1ST RUN A MILE 2ND EVALUATING DRILLS 3RDDEFENSIVE AND OFFENSIVE DRILLS 4TH SCRIMMAGE AND STYLE

D. Mrs. Petronella Van Daan

3. Never cram

SOCCER BY THE NUMBERS

BASKETBALL players run through the drills for this year’s tryouts.

C. Mrs. Edith Frank

2. Between 30-45 minutes Mod by Alyssa Grove

GIVE IT YOUR BALL

A. Anne Frank

School Cactus Shadows High School

Includes Spot Color(s)

1. About 1 hour

4

ACT SOON, DON’T SAT AROUND

1 1 SING A COMPASS, Kira Solberg, a Freshmen, draws

2 USING HER TIME WISELY, Sophia Hancock,

3. Don’t procrastinate Cathleen West, a senior:

ATTENDING YOUNGLIFE, Reilly Krawczyk, Christina Fankhanel, Dustin Styles, Adam Penzone, Bailey Lerew, and Madison Mercer participate in some games. The students attend Younglife to be with kids who share their beliefs. “Young Life is an opportunity to grow with your faith”.

Photos by Sadie Thompson

YOUNGLIFE members discuss their experiences while being in the club.

MATCH ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ characters with their most popular lines.

Special Instructions

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3. Flash cards help when studying for tests Brianna Goldthwaite, a junior:

Watkins

LIVING YOUNG

B. Mr. Otto Frank

2. “Oh look, I have a run here.”

30

2. About 1 hour

3

Photo by Julia Blankinship

1.C 2.D 3.B 4.A

FLY AWAY FLOYD

SINCE LAST YEAR, the new Floyd costume has been redone, and Bailey Brown, a senior, is ready to hand the costume down.

Since freshman year, Brown has been the beloved mascot seen at football games, pep rallies, and many other events.

“Being in the suit is super sweaty and hot and you are just

1. About 2 hours

Process 4-Color (CMYK)

This spread is pages 30-31 and I did the mods “Homecoming Dress-Up Days” and “Give it your Ball”. I also took the photos of the basketball mod and one of the homecoming mod. I wrote the captions for all the photos in both of my mods.

STRESSED OUT

HJ

School Cactus Shadows High School

Special Instructions

HJ

Job # 16423

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School Cactus Shadows High School

Template Template Special Instructions WICS551101L ©2010 Herff Jones, Inc., All Rights Reserved

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101

ACT/SAT, Varsity Girls Soccer, Homecoming,Homework

Includes Spot Color(s)

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101

WICS551101R ©2010 Herff Jones, Inc., All Rights Reserved

Black Ink

Includes Spot Color(s)

Process 4-Color (CMYK)

In this spread, the pages are 101-101 and I wrote the main story “ACT soon, don’t SAT around”. I also took the pictures of the soccer players in the mod, “Soccer by the Numbers”, also writing the captions.

Odd Page

Everything I Worked On Continued SIBLINGS BY CHANCE, FRIENDS BY CHOICE

FRIENDSHIPS A WORLD APART

JOSIE Teegardin, a junior, and Drake Teegardin, a freshman, talk about their sibling relationship in school and out.

EXCHANGE students from China students come to Cactus Shadows for a new experience

Josie and Drake Teegardin are incredibly similar. They both love adventures and trying new things. “He’s a daredevil and I am too, but like, he does it to the point of insanity. Like, I would jump off a cliff, but he would go to the highest cliff,” said Josie.

Despite Josie being a junior and Drake being a freshman, they managed to get in Ms. Gum’s fifth hour Speech class.

These siblings were actually quite happy to be in class together. “They sit next to each other, and they chose to sit next to each other, which I thought was really cool. They seem like they’re really close, like, really supportive of each other, and so it’s really nice to see,” said Gum. Not only that, but they enjoy spending time with each other. Drake sees his sister as, “Someone to hang out with...

[We like to play] ping-pong and soccer in the garage.” They also take frequent trips to the lake on their boat where they get the chance to go wake-boarding and wake-surfing together.

Story by Alyssa Grove

Photo by Alyssa Grove

LET’S BECOME UNIFIED Pros

Cons

Photo by Alyssa Grove

Best Buddies

Unified Unified is combined with Best Buddies and sponsored by Special Olympics. “I like it there are a lot of changes and a lot more people are participating,” said Caylie Reese, a sophomore.

Best Buddies was a great program to start with and lead many students to the new program Unified. “It means that we are all coming together to be friends and support a good cause,” said Megan Rose, a sophomore.

Special Olympics allows more students and “athletes” to participate. “It pairs special educational students paired up with students doing a sport and allows them to participate and feel more involved,” said Allison Holt, a sophomore.

Best Buddies could only allow a certain amount of students because not everyone can be paired with another student.

Unified is a new club so the President is not entirely certain of the activities and events planned for this year.

The students and leader were not organized and did not plan any activities.

“I love Best Buddies but there was to much stuff every month and no way to follow and keep up with it,” said Reese Parfet, a junior.

The students are not paired up with another student. This does not allow them to be as comfortable with other students and have that one close friend.

9 48 Even Page

YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME

ashley kritzstein

THE cross country seniors share their best advice to help out the new freshman on the team.

Dear Falcon Freshman,

Since practice makes perfect, Lindsey Murphy has some advice for that. “It sucks sometimes but stick with it. Also, don’t try to do harder workouts than what you can handle.”

Regarding the start of a race, senior Jake Lockett has some helpful hints. He says, “Don’t get trampled. I have been trampled. Don’t get trampled. That’s the best advice I could possibly give. Do not get trampled.”

Last but not least, Erika Richwagen has some excellent advice on an overall attitude that will get you through the season.

Jake Lockett, 12,

“Just to take everything like a grain of salt because, just because you have one bad race doesn’t mean that that’s the way your season or your whole cross country career is gonna go. Everyone has good days and everyone has bad days and if you’re gonna continue on the team, just realize that you will get through, whether you think you will or not.”

Erika Richwagen, 12, Emma Kritzstein

If you follow these, I am sure you will be able to follow in the footsteps of your beloved Seniors and will have a successful season on cross country.

From,

Falcon Seniors

Story by Alyssa Grove

Emma Kritzstein

KIND

Lindsay Murphy, 12,

Emma Kritzstein

FRIENDLY

Unified, Cross Country, Siblings, Chinese Exchange

Job # 16423

HJ

School Cactus Shadows High School

Special Instructions

HJ

Job # 16423

©2010 Herff Jones, Inc., All Rights Reserved

Includes Spot Color(s)

Process 4-Color (CMYK)

49

WICS551101R ©2010 Herff Jones, Inc., All Rights Reserved

Black Ink

49

9

School Cactus Shadows High School

Template Template Special Instructions WICS551101L

Black Ink

for free,” said Lauren Bizzell, a sophomore and host.

Many of the hosts and exchange students had different methods of being able to communicate.

“She wished that her school were as short as mine. We both loved swimming. Also we loved talking about the differences between America and China”, said Seiser.

The overall opinion of the students who hosted said that it was a wonderful experience that allowed them to make new friends and memories. story by samuel kulliver

because I think they thought it would be cool to learn a little bit about their culture while showing them our culture”, said Kalia Flanery, a sophomore and host.

Many students were really excited to show off all of what Arizona has to offer, and the next few days were filled with learning.

It is a once in a lifetime experience to be able to connect and learn more about the lives of people in other parts of the world and be able to talk to them face to face.

“We are staying in touch by Instagram and WhatsApp that lets you text anyone in the world

FRIENDS FROM ACROSS THE SEA, Ella Marencic, a junior, and a student visitor from China, get through school together and with a smile. photo by

Photos by Kate Rosenbaum

48

THE SCHOOL DECIDED to invite Chinese Exchange Students to experience the cultures of Arizona and make lifelong friendships. Within a few weeks of the announcement, the exchange students arrived with their excited hosts awaiting their arrival.

“It was so very exciting and I was so nervous. I didn’t know what she was going to be like, and if she was going to be scared to try new things,” said Julia Seiser, a sophomore and host.

“My parents really encouraged me to host an exchange student

OUT with the old in with the new, Best Buddies was replaced with Unified to involve more students.

In Best Buddies, you are paired with one other student and get to make a new close friends. It helped in the creation of a new and improved club that allows for more students to participate in.

About Me

Includes Spot Color(s)

Process 4-Color (CMYK)

In this spread,, the pages are 48-49 and created the “Let’s Become Unified” mod and I wrote the captions for the pictures for them too.

Odd Page