The Canine Chronicle MBMS December 2014

chr[ [t h e canine ]

mount baker middle school, auburn, washington

]nicle december 2014

volume V, issue 2

inside this issue: Ferguson Verdict

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New Security Cameras

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How to Spend Winter Break

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Holiday Meals

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Season of Giving

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Club Bulletin Board

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Arts & Entertainment

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SPOTLIGHT: Top Holiday Gifts

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What Grinds My Gears

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#MBMSMO Photo Essay

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Lev Wins State Title

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MBMS Sports

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TCC Culture Poll

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Locker Lottery

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Guess Who

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FRONT COVER PHOTO: With the holidays in full swing, many students are wondering if they are on the naughty or nice list.

Our new security cameras at MBMS let administrators play the role of Santa and update their “list.” PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

BY K. KOPCHO

Dear Bulldogs, As we move into the winter months and near the end of the semester, the excitement for the holidays begins to sizzle in the air.

By now, we have gotten back into the grind of middle school and are itching for some time off. Although the rush of the excitement in December may overcome our thoughts, the world and our school still changes around us. Not everything is a snow covered wonderland that we drift off to in our heads. We are still in school, learning and progressing, as much as we hate to believe.

Here at The Canine Chronicle, although we are just as excited for the holidays as you are, we still have to keep our eyes open because news is still occurring.

This edition of The Canine Chronicle will still be full of holiday cheer, but it’s not going to be over-the-top ‘winter wonderland’ or the typical ‘candy cane everything.’ Sure, we might throw in a few holiday articles here and there. but don’t expect this to be your survival guide to the holiday season.

We have learned from our past mistakes and hope to take this edition to great heights, even if we only have a limited time to get your stories out there, because here at The Canine Chronicle we value your opinions.

You are the voices that inspire us to write and tell the story of the over 950 people at our school. In the frigidly cold days of the winter season, people sometimes forget about what they set out to do at the beginning of the year.

We haven’t lost sight of that goal we set in November. We embrace the struggle to achieve greatness, and we will try to get there. If you believe in us, we will believe in you.

Make it a great month, Bulldogs!

Sincerely,

Skylar Erickson Kira Kopcho

BACK COVER PHOTO: There are many fun and exciting things that students do during holiday season. Students and staff members expressed their favorite part of the holiday season.

PHOTOS BY N. ELWELL & H. ALLEMAND

Dylan Grenz Symone Bolden

MT. BAKER MIDDLE SCHOOL 620 37TH STREET SE AUBURN, WASHINGTON 98002

Shewit Alemayehu

mission: The MBMS Journalism 8 class produced this limited-voice Editors

Reporters

Reporters

Technical Support

Shewit Alemayehu Symone Bolden Skylar Erickson Dylan Grenz Kira Kopcho

Hunter Allemand Tyler Braun Noah Elwell Trinity Forristall Francisco Gonzalez-Ramirez Trevor Little Brianna Lloyd Reis MacNeill

Sharon Manivanh Arturo Martinez-Reyes Odom Meas Jennifer Ortiz Connor Pennycook Yuliana Romo-Perez Zech Walker Lanae Wohlmacher

Jay Kemp

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newspaper with intent to ethically report events accurately, without bias.

As a public forum for students, all decisions made on content are made under the guidance of the adviser, with intent to uphold students’ First Amendment rights.

The opinions presented in articles are provided to represent the views and perspectives of students and individuals in our diverse student population, not necessarily the whole of the adviser, faculty, and administrators. Any material that would cause a disruption to the educational process like libel, invasion of privacy, or copyright infringement will not be published.

The Canine Chronicle is produced using Microsoft Publisher. Photographs not taken by students have been utilized through a Creative Commons and Microsoft license. School portraits are licensed though Dorian Photography.

Adviser Peter Warring

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“Be a catalyst” was the message motivational speaker Scott Backovich gave to MBMS students on Nov. 25 .COURTESY OF THELEONID.COM VIA CERATIVE COMMONS LICENSE

Skylar Erickson

Do you know someone that wants to steal a penguin from the San Diego Zoo? Scott Backovich does.

Backovich is a motivational speaker from the sunny state of California, who travels all around the country helping teens in life. Even though we may never know why he has a strange obsession with these small black and white birds, we know one thing—he wants to help us succeed.

After the assembly on Nov. 25, several students received the opportunity to attend a student leadership conference alongside many other student peers.

“We learned ways to make our school more united and make it a place where everyone feels safe”, eighth grader Lexi Allen said. “We never really talked about [leadership], and students taking action.”

During the seminar students learned an abundance of things. Many people these days only do what they think is fun for them and don’t really think of other people likes and dislikes, and a lot people think that they are doing something good but really, but in someone else’s eyes it could be the exact opposite.

“Don’t change your life, change someone else’s,” Backovich said.

These words really got imbedded in students’ minds, because they are so true and real. You don’t need to change your life, so you can help other people. Sure, you might need to work out a few complications, but you don’t need to change YOUR life to help others.

Even if you help someone pick up their books that fell on the ground, that could impact someone in massive ways. You aren’t changing your life to help someone else; you may be changing theirs. Not saying that you have to go around in tights with a cape on to help people in need at our school, but you can just do simple deeds.

It was also very interesting watching people that didn’t know one another, actually interacting with

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each other. It’s hard putting yourself out there in front of all of your peers.

When Backovich told them to ask the person to their left to be their “leadership soul mate,” many of them just stood there not knowing if they should put themselves out there and ask their neighbor. But, once he said that you might look like the odd one out, because you weren’t the one being weird, everything changed. People started acting like ducks and pretending that they were grasshoppers by jumping

around everywhere.

“My goal is to pick five things he shared with leadership and start implementing these ideas,” eighth grade social studies teacher Mrs. Carnahan said. “I think the students really enjoyed his presentation and were very motivating for them.”

Since we want Mount Baker to be a safe environment, make sure to do everything you can to make that possible. Make it a great year Baker.

Students discuss issues about school activities, and how that can find solutions. By taking action, you can make our school a better place for everyone. PHOTO BY S. ALEMAYEHU

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Kira Kopcho

With the security cameras the staff has ‘eyes in the sky.’ Now the cameras can’t possibly be monitored all the time, but at least they might help in preventing something terrible from happening.

But are people just “playing nice” because someone is watching?

The security cameras might have a bigger effect than we first realized. “[The security cameras] have made it, so I myself haven’t acted differ-

ently,” eighth grader Matthew Smeltzer input his opinion on the cameras. “People who might have misbehaved in the past now might act different.”

COURTESY OF S. LEWIS

We’re being watched. Not all the time, but since the installation of the security cameras, there is documented evidence of what we’re doing in the hallways. The security cameras were originally installed for what their name states—security. But these security cameras could possibly have other benefits. These security cameras might just provide enough evidence to stop a kid from fighting or even a threat to the school.

By now most people have heard about the tragic school shootings that have happened close to home.

The last thing we’d want would be a tragedy, like the one that happened at Marysville -Pilchuck or the malicious prank at Auburn-Riverside at our own school.

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Tragedies happen. Sometimes justice can’t be properly served for those who commit such a deed.

But with the installation of the cameras, even if we can’t catch them in the act, it might be easier to find the culprit.

Now at our school, we’ve been fortunate enough not to receive any serious threats, but we can’t say the same for high school. If we see a drop in threats here, would it work in high school too? “[The security cameras] definitely work at high school. In fact, the new Auburn High School has cameras built in,” eighth grade science and robotics teacher Mr. Cowan reported about the cameras.

“I’m not sure how often they are monitored, but it would provide us evidence to some extent.”

From this point on, the security cameras look like a blessing. They do help out a lot and are valuable in many cases.

There are always two sides to a story though.

The cameras can cause some controversy. No one likes being filmed. When somebody has your face forever documented on a memory card, it’s a bit unnerving. The security cameras could possibly violate our privacy.

“I think [having the security cameras] is fair,” eighth grader My Do remarked about the cameras.

“If someone does something on camera and they get caught it’s their own fault.”

It’s an odd coincidence that in recent times, the Auburn community has stopped using the traffic cameras for speeding through red lights.

According to the council, the traffic cameras didn’t prevent accidents from happening.

Do the cameras pose a big enough threat to get people

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to think before they act? ”Honestly I think people who had serious intent of doing something would do it regardless of the cameras or not,” Smeltzer estimated about the security cameras’ effect. “But those people who are on the fence, the risk of that would be lower.”

Like them or loathe them, the cameras are here to stay.

Even if the cameras violate our privacy, they are for the greater good.

A seventh grader, Anna Morisawa had some wise words on the situation, “I think [the security cameras] make MBMS a more secure place. What if the threat on the note was carried out last year? I think it’s in the school’s best interest to protect its students and staff,” she said.

Remember to smile, you’re on camera!

The security cameras in the hallways don’t always have an effect on people but for some people it has changed their daily routine. The new cameras work in preventing kids from misbehaving, because in order to not be caught it is like mission impossible.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY K. KOPCHO

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How to spend your Trinity Forristall & Lanae Wohlmacher Winter break can be boring if you have nothing to do.

Most kids say they will just sleep in, but there are more exciting and fun activities to do over your time off from school. It’s always good to try something new or thrilling.

In the mitts of boredom, you could always go sit around with your family or hang out with a friend. You could play a simple board game or watch a movie together just to pass the time.

“Usually I just hang out with my family. This winter break I’m suppose to hangout with my friend who lives in Maple Valley,” eighth grader Novilee Schwope explained “I’m going to go shopping a lot [at] the mall with my sister,” Iliana Onishencko said.

That is another great way to spend your time; I mean who doesn’t like getting new clothes? You could always buy an ugly Christmas sweater to stay in the holiday spirit or buy your relatives a present. The holidays are a time to treat yourself and others around you.

Another thing to do is try something new like going on an adventure around the neighborhood.

Create a trip with your family to go to the new restaurant in town. This gives you a chance to try new foods and recipes.

Make a gingerbread house and then eat it Christmas day…you could always make your own gingerbread

Over winter break make sure to use your chance of playing in the snow with some friends. COURTESY OF BLOG.HEASDUPDAD.COM VIA CREATIVE COMMONS LICENCE

house ingredients at home so you can be even more creative. Also get some gumdrops and other sweets to decorate your house. Then the best part is eating the entire thing right after opening presents.

Even more treats you could make for the holidays is pie. Look up some recipes online or use a family recipe to create your delicious holiday dessert.

Try making a new flavor of pie such as chocolate, pecan, lemon, or there is even a pie called ‘finger’!

Before you get too grossed out, we will reassure you that this pie is not actually made from fingers. It is only called a ‘finger’ pie because in the old days, bakers would stir this pie with their fingers to keep the crust from breaking.

You can also make some decorations for your house for the holidays.

Some ideas for these decorations is hanging stockings for Santa and making popcorn string. Popcorn string is made by popping popcorn and putting a needle through the popcorn using string to make a strand.

Make sure the popcorn is unflavored or your house may smell like cheap butter for awhile.

Since the New Year is coming, make a New Year’s resolution.

Write down your goals on a piece of paper to remind yourself throughout the year of 2015. Add some changes you want to make so that your coming year will be successful and more enjoyable.

We know most of you have already planned this and have been looking forward to it the most….SLEEP! Most kids love sleep the most about winter break, it gives them a chance to cuddle up in a blanket or two and just relax. If you have a furry friend then you can cuddle up with them too.

“I’m going to sleep and sleep and sleep then sleep,” Bruce Ram stated.

How do you spend late start or snow closures?

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF DORIAN PHOTOGRAPHY LICENSE

Trevor Little

“[I like] sleeping in.”

“[I would] go on the Xbox.”

“I usually sleep in or get extra things done, but I usually like to sleep in the extra hour.”

“[I would be] in bed sleeping or snuggling with my kids.”

LOGAN KANSANBACK

JONATHAN GRAMPS

JONATHAN CANTELLAY

MRS. WALKER

seventh grade

eighth grade

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Brianna Lloyd This feast is a wonderful Christmas dinner waiting to be consumed. This dinner is filled with carbs and calories but if you remove the skin off of the meat, it becomes healthier and you won’t gain as much weight. COURTESY OF THEWIZZER.BLOGSPOT.COM VIA CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE

An average person consumes about 6000 calories over Some are vegetarian, some are gluten free, or dairy free, Christmas Day, and about 28 billion pounds of edible food is which makes every bodies holidays meals abnormal. wasted.

“My step mom makes me a dairy free Almond Roca, beMBMS’s diversity of our school makes holiday meals unique. cause it is really good. We eat it after dinner,” eighth grader, Many people in our school enjoy a nice warm meal on the Arianna Casebeer said. holidays. Many people have different opinions on their favorMost people enjoy the holidays with loved ones. Some ite holiday meal. spend it with close families, immediate family, while others “I like bread rolls because they’re really good. [Also] tofu spend it with friends. But, no matter what holidays is a spe—Kevin Merrikin turkey, it is a substitution for turkey, [because] I’m a vegecial time and should be spent together.

“Avoiding the Dreaded Holiday 5 Pounds ” tarian,” seventh grader Maya Martin said.

“Close family, “eighth grader Arianna Casebeer said about Some families enjoy traditional and nutritional meals. Every who she spends the holidays with. year people wait for a special meal that is only made for the holidays.

Americans eat a lot over the holidays, but there is a lot of ways to stay healthy and “I’m looking forward to my Grandma’s green marshmallow, pineapple, and cream not consume so much junk and calories. cheese Jell-O,” eighth grade math teacher Mr. Carter said.

According to KidSpot.com, people should enjoy any meat they’d like, but just remove Some families just stick with the good old traditional ham for the holidays. Some the skin and make sure it is healthy lean meat. They also recommended a variety of families go out of town and enjoy a meal some place other then home. vegetables, but avoid saturating them in butter and salt. People can enjoy a nice “[I enjoy] ham, and I spend my holidays in Portland, Oregon,” sixth grader Ashley healthy salad for a starter meal and enjoy it with a fat-free dressing.

Winters said.

If you get hungry, just snack on some crackers. If you want to have some dessert All families are different. They spend their holidays different, eating different holi- you may just remember to have only one. day meals and going places different. Being a diverse school makes our holidays all Holidays are important. Spend them with loved ones and enjoy some wonderful different. meals.

Some enjoy ham, while others enjoy a nice thick slice of turkey.

The average human consumes about 17,500 calories over the holidays.

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Lanae Wohlmacher & Trinity Forristall Over the holidays kids receive many gifts from their parents, but have you thought of the kids that don’t get anything?

Many parents don’t have the pleasure of spending money on toys for their kids, along with some kids that don’t have parents to receive gifts from.

There is a hand full of students and staff at Mt. Baker that donate gifts to these children for Christmas. Also, there are a few stores in our area that raise money to buy children toys for the holidays.

Students and their families donate at organizations like the Giving Tree, that’s located mostly in city halls in this area, and in other charities that happen at local stores. These organizations let people donate money and gifts to kids and families in need.

The Giving Tree happens every year and is held in most city halls. At the Giving Tree a Christmas trees are set up with paper ornaments that are for a child that is in need of a gift. You simply pick off an ornaments and read the information. It provides the child’s name and what they want for Christmas. Then people go to purchase the gift and take it to the city hall so they can deliver the gift.

"Me and my mom always pick some of the giving tree tags and give them gifts," eighth grader Sunshine McTernen stated.

Another way to help families is to donate at any store that provides a charity that helps kids receive gifts. At some stores, such as grocery stores or toy stores, they have a bin or table that you can donate money or gifts. From there they transport gifts to families in need.

During the holidays, it is a great time to aid to families that don’t have the money. Kids will be full of joy when they receive a gift from Santa that you help give.

“The people that don’t have enough money to buy their children gifts still get the feeling of magic when believing in Santa,” McTernen added.

In the future, will you ever donate? It is a great way to give and not receive in December.

“I’ve always wanted to donate for charity, but my family never took the time to look into it,” eighth grader Alyssa Williams said. ”I’m very grateful for charities that give gifts to those in need because it would suck not getting any gifts from anyone.”

Giving trees at government building, like this one, collect gifts for those who don’t have any and are in need. COURTESY OF COMMONS.WIKIMADIA.ORG VIA CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE.

What’s the best gift you’ve given or received?

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF DORIAN PHOTOGRAPHY LICENSE

Trevor Little

“I would say [my best gift received was] my little brother, but I would be lying.”

“My phone [was the best gift I have received].”

“Footie Pajamas [were the best gift I have received].”

“The best gift I’ve received are my two adopted children. The best I’ve given is supplying food at the men’s shelter in Seattle.”

BRAYDEN BROWN

FATIMA LUNA-BAUTISTA

ANGELINA GOES

MRS. LINDGREN

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DECEMBER Updates from Clubs Yearbook Club, Robotics Club, and Math Team all were part of breaking news just after our December deadline. These clubs’ activities have been updated below.

Stay tuned for more updates in our next edition.

MATH TEAM The MBMS Mathletes shined at a regional math competition on Dec. 13 against teams from Sammamish, Bellevue, Federal Way, and even several elite prep schools.

Several team members received individual recognition.

“Mt. Baker earned rankings in the top 10 in all categories,” math coach Mr. Carter said.

Zach Botz earned a first place for seventh grade “ciphering” category, and fourth place overall individually in his grade level.

Joining Botz, eighth graders Sol Han (fourth place), Oscar Safsten (fifth place), My Do (eighth place) finished with recognition in the individual overall competition .

The overall team finish at the regional competition was not available at the time this article was published.

ROBOTICS MBMS Robotics club competed in a FIRST LEGO League (FLL) regional event At Auburn-Mountainview High School on Dec. 13.

Club advisor Mr. Cowan was proud of his team.

“Our first time at competition and they scored fifth out of 34 on the robot competition and won an award for their programming,” Cowan said about the results.

The robotics competition was developed for and middle school age students. MBMS club members built and programmed their robots to compete in a variety

Seventh grader Zach Botz finished first in the seventh grade “ciphering” category (left). MBMS Robotics team placed fifth overall at a regional competition on Dec. 13 (right). COURTESY OF J. CARTER & A. COWAN

of challenges.

According to FirstWa.org, the goal of the competition was “to inspire students to take an interest in science and technology and begin considering these fields as a career.”

Cowan was excited about the next challenge, focusing on “simple and reusable code.” “[The team] will be moving on to semi-finals in January,” Cowan said.

YEARBOOK The Yearbook hosted its Glow in the Dark Dance for the second year in a row on Dec. 12.

For more information, contact us at The Canine Chronicle at (253)804-4555 or at pwarring@auburn.wednet.

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Over 100 MBMS students packed the Commons to celebrate the holiday season.

Yearbook offered several fun giveaway items and a photo booth, along with the musical stylings of the Cahd Dowling Productions.

Yearbook adviser Mr. Jacobs thought the event was packed with fun activities for students, despite one particular unplanned surprise.

“The DJ was used to using his fog machine, and it set off the fire alarm,” Jacobs said. “The fire department HAD to come.”

Despite the unplanned drill, Yearbook raised over $500.

MBMS Choir will host a dance in February.

We want to advertise for YOU! Our awardwinning newspaper reaches 950+ families in the Auburn community. Our page options include inexpensive prices for quarter-, half-, and full-page advertising spaces.

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Reis MacNeill

Audiences have packed theaters to watch how the Hunger Games saga end. As of Dec. 14, the film has grossed over $277 million, but audiences will have to wait for the final installment, due out Nov. 2015.

After surviving two Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen is in District 13 where they are under the leadership of President Coin, Katniss becomes the symbol of rebellion against the Capitol to save Peeta and everyone else in Panem.

Katniss and the resistance are trying to get Peeta back because the Capitol is using him as an advantage just like the resistance is using Katniss as a advantage. “[The movie] is a little slow at first but at least there is a little action and it was really fun to watch,” eighth grader Jolie Adams.

The review for Mockingjay Part One was really good with most critics who watched it at least giving it a three star out of six.

“The movie was really good, but I didn’t like how they split it into two movies,” eighth grader Zech Walker said. “[The filmmakers] should keep it at one movie. I also don’t like how they leave cliff hangers.”

Many people do not like cliff hangers or split movies, because then the audience wantsto know what happens in the next one, and people know what’s going to happen. They still go to it because it’s a movie event. Even though they read the book, they think it’s going to be better because it’s a movie and when it’s a movie coming after a good book everybody thinks it’s going to be better. “[The film] was a little boring, but I think the second one will be better because they got all of the boring stuff out of the way,” eighth grader Trinity Forristall said.

“I also liked how they left a cliff hanger at the end of it, so you want to see the next one in theaters. You’re on the edge of your seat and about to fall off then it ends.”

There are people who love that adrenaline in their body wondering what’s going to happen next.

Many critics stated they were on the edge of their seat by the end of the movie wondering what’s going to happen next, and they can’t wait to see the next movie in theaters.

Many people love the movie and how it ended. Audiences are already awaiting the next movie release, so they can watch it.

Many other people, on the other hand, did not like how it ended and wish they had continued with that same movie and not end it like that with no cliff hangers.

Which one are you?

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A S K X L O A B B U K B V M P I I S O S

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B R Q M E Y B M E U L G V T F T I F F U

Y M B N E J S C H C Y Y N E N D C Q B T

H B R U T V W C B Z A O X I W M Q H W N

PRIM SNOW TRACKER JACKER

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L G F P A S K A A I P E J C K K A Y U O

M O D E E R F F M I Q K P Y K N A P S Z

COURTESY OF LIONS GATE ENTERTAINMENT

‘Hunger Games’ Sequel Dominates Box Office

Streaming holiday films Hunter Allemand & Tyler Braun

The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t

What She Wants For Christmas

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AVAILABLE: Netfflix

AVAILABLE: Netfflix

Synopsis: A mean rich landlord bought the North Pole and is now charging Santa Claus rent. The landlord is charging Santa Claus rent because he hates the little kids. Now, Santa is a year behind in his rent. He has to figure out a way to get the rent money, or he has to shut down Christmas. If Santa does have to shut down Christmas, all of the kids will be very disappointed.

SYNOPSIS: The movie What She Wants For Christmas begins when a little girl named Abigail (Brianna Dufrene) writes a letter to Santa Claus asking for a special gift, but instead, Santa Claus does not bring the desired gift, so she takes action and keeps him captive. Abigail’s best friend Moosie (Lily Solange Hewitt) discovers that Santa is being held captive and makes a plan to save him. After all of the timeless escapades, Santa and Abigail start to grow fond of each other. In the end, all is well, and everyone returns to where they are supposed to be.

SO BAD, IT’S GOOD: This movie was made in 1966, so you would probably guess that the special effects of the movie are horrible. You are correct; it was so cheesy you could see the wires that would hold up the reindeer while they are flying with Santa. Also the movie was so cliché; you could guess what was going to happen after 20 minutes of the movie. Personally, it was the worst movie I have seen in my entire life.

SO BAD, IT’S GOOD: What She Wants For Christmas is an amazing movie if you are five years old and do not understand what Christmas really is.

Washed-up actors like David Atwood and Christian Keyes make this movie a timeless classic for all ages six and under. Despite his many movies, director Jason Hewitt has never made a movie rated above six-out-of-ten stars. Also, most users who watched this film rated it below three out of ten stars. I do not suggest you watch this film, as it is poorly casted and poorly directed.

RATING: NO Golden Rings

RATING: 2 cups of hot cocoa out of 37

COURTESY OF DVDTV.COM

COURTESY OF AMAZON.COM

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Yuiliana Romo-Perez & Trevor Little

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about g n i k in are th er their s d i k d days, to see un polled to i l o h wish were g the Durin ents they e classes ost.. Mrs. eadpres Thre ed. m what as tree. they want e Beats H sevs tm e Chris what gifts class cho gift., whil d like a e l d e d decid sixth gra ost wante class wou s eighth ’ s s m Buhr’ as their rs. Roger’ Mr. Cowan 6. s e , M phone raders in rd.. Finally e an iPhon hat w a iv g enth cks Gift C d to rece ons about grade i u te Starb class wan erent opin g on what ay f f in lid grade ts have di t, depend he Top Ho lasses. n t c an Stude ts they w re five of to these a n g prese in. These , accordin e r they’r of the yea Gifts

The Xbox One has been going crazy on the market since it came out. Dominating sales in stores everywhere, many kids want this upgrade of an Xbox more than likely from their old Xbox 360.

Seattle’s Starbucks has been very popular among teens, especially teenage girls. Starbucks is selling holiday drinks and gift cards for a limited time only. These include Peppermint Mocha, Chestnut Praline Latte and Caramel Brulée Latte. Nothing will warm a person’s heart more than a warm cup of Starbucks coffee on Christmas morning.

*Amount spent in 2013 on holiday shopping

(Nov. 1 – Dec. 16)

*Courtesy of StatisticBrain.com

The new iPhone came out this September. It’s the thinnest, tallest, and lightest iPhone yet, measuring 4.7 inches and weighing 4.55 ounces. It includes an updated iOS 8. The camera has improved greatly which teens will look forward to for taking selfies.

An iPhone 6 will cost from $199$849 depending on the gigabytes it can obtain and the phone company it has.

Although an iPad Air 2 was not the most popular among the classes polled, it is still an electronic device that people crave. This iPad will cost from $499-$829. Most tablets are used for movies, TV shows, and reading. Its ten-hour battery life will allow people to use apps for a longer time and surf the internet with faster Wi-Fi.

Several students at Mt. Baker Middle School have been seen wearing Beats Headphones over the past few weeks. These headphones come in a variety of colors and different styles. Whether you want them to mute all sounds and distractions or listen to music, these headphones will produce the highest quality of music.

What All graphics in feature courtesy of MS Clipart

GRINDS My

GEARS Dylan Grenz, Jennifer Ortiz, Skylar Erickson, Brianna Lloyd

Disagree? The segment ‘What Grinds My Gears’ is presented as opinion and does not express the views of all MBMS students or The Canine Chronicle. If you would like to express your opinion, write us a letter, and you may be published in our next edition.

You know what like grinds my gears? Like those people like who use the word like in like every sentence. Like yeah. I like can’t stand it. See how annoying it can be?

Some people are also annoyed by other filler words such as “um,” “yeah, “and “you know,” but like bothers me the most. I’m never sure why people say it, other than the fact that their mouth is moving faster than their brain. In Mrs. Carstens’ classroom the word like has been banned in classroom discussions.

This generation of students doesn’t learn correct grammar usage like past generations have. I am a victim of it as well. It shows in our everyday conversations how uneducated we can be. Just think about it.

Would you write an essay with all those filler words? Or when answering a math question, would you write, “two times seventeen is ummm… like… thirty-four,” on every question?

You wouldn’t say it then, so why say it while really talking?

So take time in your conversations to think about what you are going to say before you say it. Avoiding that dreaded like will make people LIKE being around you more. And that’s what grinds my gears.

-Dylan Grenz

Something that really grinds my gears is when someone is standing right behind me when I’m on the computer.

Not just on the computer, but on any object that’s only meant for one person; like a phone or a book.

It’s fine if I told them to come and look, but when they just come out of nowhere, it’s creepy.

Sometimes I tell them to leave, and sometimes I wait until they leave by just staring at the screen.

Sometimes they don’t get the hint, so I have to tell them to go away.

Why do they have to make everything so complicated?

It makes me self-conscious too, because I don’t know what they’ll start doing, or what they’ll think about what I’m doing; especially if it’s my parents that are over my shoulder.

This never happens at school, because I have nothing to hide. I’m supposed to be working, and I don’t hide my work unless I’m not done.

The point is that you shouldn’t hover over peoples’ shoulder when they’re on the internet.

Do you know what really grinds my gears? Well, it’s when you try to eat a cookie and dip it in a glass of milk, and it doesn’t fit.

Like are you trying to ruin my life right now? And when the cookie breaks and it sinks to the bottom of the glass and gets all soggy and gross.

But when you get the most perfect amount of milk onto the chocolate chip cookie, it’s like heaven in your mouth.

But then when you take a drink of you milk and get a giant piece of soggy cookie in your mouth, it’s honestly like eating a giant slimy slug.

And the most horrible aspect of this is when the cookie is like way to giant to even fit in the glass.

Should you just use a giant bowl and then pour the milk in that?

And also when you drink the rest of the milk from the glass after you finish eating the cookie is probably the best part, but then when you go in for a drink and finds cookie crumbs in your glass, and just ruins the whole thing.

Then the milk just tastes disgusting, and it just ruins all the chocolaty goodness.

And that is what grinds my gears.

What really grinds my gears is when someone tells you not to do something, and then they turn around and do the thing they told you not to do. It is really annoying.

You just wasted your time and my time screaming and shouting at me, and then you turn around and do what you told me not to do.

I remember when I was about ten years old and my little brother was about five.

We had just made stepping stones to put in our garden. I stepped on a stepping stone because it was a “stepping” stone. I didn’t step on any flowers in the garden, and my brother yelled at me to get off. He didn’t want anyone stepping on them, because he thought they were there for design.

When I got off, my little brother hopped on.

Nothing is more annoying than getting told not to do something, and then the person, who told you not to do it, turns around and DOES it.

I’m fine if you tell me not to do something, I really don’t mind, but when you yell at me and then go do it, it’s highly annoying.

And that is what grinds my gears.

—Jennifer Ortiz

-Skylar Erickson

—Brianna Lloyd

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PHOTOS BY TREVOR LITTLE & SHEWIT ALEMAYEHU

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COURTESY OF M.DAVIS

Sharon Manivanh

Dean of students and volleyball coach Chris Leverenz stands a little taller after her team’s state championship. The team finished the year with a record of 36-0. PHOTO BY P. WARRING

Dylan Grenz The Auburn Riverside varsity women’s volleyball ing together for a number of years. team recently won the state 3A volleyball title.

With the team’s success many have been asking the Led by former Mt. Baker students Carson Heilborn same question: will Leverenz coach at Baker this year? and Precious Atafua, the Ravens finished with an as“No, I will not,” Leverenz stated. “I need to take some tounding record of 36-0. time for me and spend some time with my dog. He is The team finished the season winning the state tour- getting old, so I only have a limited amount of time left nament, beating Capital of Olympia. Atafua was later to spend with him.” named the MVP of the tournament, finishing with 16 When hearing the news, many Baker volleyball playkills as well as 16 digs in the final match. Heilborn also ers were disappointed. played well, and plans to “It’s definitely sad,” eighth “This year’s team had succontinue playing at the colgrader Lexi Allen said. “She lege level at the University of cess, because not only were will be missed very much.

New Mexico.

I had taken some of the we talented, but we also had a When The team was coached by Riverside volleyball camps, unique chemistry” Ms. Leverenz, dean of stushe was there, and she dents here at Mount Baker. helped me become a better Leverenz has been involved player.” in volleyball both as a player Allen also had help from and a coach since the sevLeverenz last year when the enth grade. Leverenz enjoyed volleyball at first, but baker seventh grade team practiced with Leverenz and really started to get into it in tenth grade when she the varsity players. Allen said Leverenz really helped played on the same team as her sister under legenher learn how to pass and set more efficiently. dary Auburn High coach Nancy Zehnder.

Eighth grader Rachel Lee also played volleyball last Her love for the sport grew even more as she began year. While she has never had Leverenz as a coach, to coach. she “has heard good things about her.”

Leverenz has coached the Riverside squad since the Lee continued, saying “[Past teams] I’ve been on program started 20 years ago, reaching state nine have worked together really well as a team.” times.

However, Lee believed if Leverenz coached the team However, this year’s team was clearly the most they would have more success in the upcoming seasuccessful, dropping just one set in four tournament son. matches and getting into the top 50 national rankings.

As of now there is no replacement for the varsity “This year’s team had success, because not only team, who begin practices next quarter. were we talented, but we also had a unique chemistry,” While Leverenz remains dean of students at Baker, Leverenz said. she will no longer coach both fast pitch at Riverside The team had many players including all-state setter and volleyball here at Baker, focusing on her own Heilborn and outside hitter Atafua that had been playhealth as well as her state champion volleyball squad.

—Chris Leverenz

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The sixth grade girls gymnastics team have been working hard for their upcoming meets.

These girls compete on many different events, and some even compete on more than one event.

They have won their first meet that took place on Dec. 2., and their final meet was on Dec. 11.

“I think the team did great in the last meet, because we all got pretty good scores and knew our routine,” sixth grader Natasha Bounma stated.

However, sixth grade gymnasts only had two meets in the season while varsity has five. Sixth grade gymnasts also only practiced twice a week, and varsity gymnasts practice everyday.

“I’m okay with having only two meets and practicing less because we’re only in sixth grade and we’re still learning” Bounma stated.

But Coach Davis has a different perspective.

“I am so busy this year that I am fine with it, but for my team’s sake I wish there was at least one more.”

The team still stands strong and is always prepared for any kind of issue that comes their way.

“They are very strong in persistence, but we aren’t very experienced” Coach Davis explained. ” In the events, our team did best on the bars,” Bounma said.

The improvement in these girls increased very much over time and they had enjoyed their first experience of being part of Baker’s gymnastics team.

“We improved a lot over time because at the start of the season, we were all confused and didn’t know our routines. Now, we all know our routines and aren’t as scared anymore,” Bounma explained.

The scores from the last meet went from 5.0 to nearly perfect, and Coach Davis will be expecting a lot more improved and better scores from the next meet. Keep it up gymnasts!

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Jennifer Ortiz The Varsity Gymnastics team members are great at what they do; they have won 10 league titles in a row, and were working towards their eleventh this year. Out of the four meets they have had, they haven’t lost a single one.

It might be because of the talented coaches, or maybe because of the dedicated gymnasts. Whatever the reason, they don’t plan to be beaten.

“[I think] we’ll be undefeated this season,” Varsity Gymnastics member Zareah Barren said.

Mrs. Swanson thought that someone who is a good leader in the team was Makenna Price. Price has been doing gymnastics for seven years, which means that she must really know what she’s doing, and how to help others improve.

According to Mrs. Swanson, one of the most improved

members in the group was Iliana Onishchencko.

On Dec. 4, she scored an 8.2 on the balance beam.

She’s really glad she got such a high score. “[It was] good [to get an 8.2 because] it was my highest score,” Onishchenko said.

Their last meet was a home meet on Dec. 18. Results were not available at the time this article was published.

It was against every school; this meet promised to be exciting, but also a little nerve-racking, for the gymnasts. It was everybody’s last chance to beat all of their previous scores. “[I’m] nervous, because I want to beat my score [of an 8.2],” Onishchenko said.

Other people, however, were confident that they wouldn’t lose, so they had nothing to worry about.

“Everyone’s been working so hard to perfect their routines, so I’m confident we will win this last meet,” Barren said.

This year’s team doesn’t say any negative things about each other, which is good when you’re trying to perform. When mistakes were made, they helped each other out, laugh it off, and try again. “[The team has] good sportsmanship, and there’s no drama,” Price said.

“Everyone is really nice and we cheer everyone on… how everyone helps makes a difference,” Barren said.

Many of the members this year plan on joining gymnastics next year.

“I will join gymnastics next year, because it’s fun,” said Barren.

Overall, this season has helped many girls boost their confidence, and their flexibility skills. Auburn-Riverside High School is going to gain many talented gymnasts next year.

Eighth grader Iliana Onishchenko (left) focuses on the balance beam. One of the most improved members on the team, she scored a high score of an 8.2. This improvement helped the Bulldog gymnasts beat every opponent in league. COURTESY OF MBMS YEARBOOK

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Noah Elwell & Connor Pennycook Varsity Boys Soccer is doing amazing so far this season with a 5-2 record just losing a tight game to Rainier Dec. 4 to have Rainier being in first place. Knowing our outstanding Bulldogs out on the field, this will not stand for long.

“The seasons doing really well, the teams in our league are good. We have one loss from Olympic and we have a really good game today [December 4] against Rainier for a sole first place, [which they lost],” Coach King said. “Poncho [Fransisco] has the most goals as of [Dec. 4] with six goals.”

“Our season is pretty decent. We need to clear up our passing but other than that it’s going really good,” midfielder Jorge Malacon said. “I feel like we’ve been doing better so the end of the season will be better then when we started.”

Malacon’s position has been shifting to help the team everywhere. “I’ve been moving around a lot but I feel like I’ve been doing good at my positions. As long as other people do their jobs, everyone’s positions will be

good.”

Center-defender Arturo Martinez-Reyes has a small difference on Malacon’s answers.

“We are not working as a team, and we need to practice harder, so we can overcome our opponents,” he said. “I like playing with my team.”

Martinez-Reyes thought something happened after the 2-0 win over Rainer in the second game to unite the team.

“When we beat Rainier 2-0, and then we lose. That means we need to work harder and put more effort into soccer,” Martinez-Reyes said.

Our Baker Bulldogs have a fast soccer team, he said.

“Our biggest strength is having a fast defense and offence,” he said.

Our school sport teams are always determined to win, but it’s always about having fun.

“My advice is they need to play united and have good chemistry, but the most important thing is to have fun,” Martinez-Ryes said.

Mt. Baker team played smart and with heart, later winning the game against Cascade. COURTESY OF MBMS YEARBOOK

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“The season’s alright. Things could be a lot better. I wish more guys would of stuck around longer,” leftmidfielder Tyler Braun said. “We are currently 5-2 [Dec. 12].”

Braun was hoping the loss of Martinez-Reyes due to his broken ankle will not affect the team’s last game.

“I think or last game is going to be tough considering we’re only going to have 10 men.”

Due to the massive amount of goals this season, Braun thought his team will score at least 40 goals.

Coaches Proud of FUTURES Soccer Shewitt Alemayehu Our futures soccer team has so far had an amazing season! Coach Decker and Coach Vickers are both very proud of their teams.

Coach Decker and Team One record for the season so far is 4-2 (as of Dec. 12). And the coach for Team Two is a professional soccer player, Cameron Vickers and he plays for the Dayton Dutch Lions. Team Two record for was 2-2.

The boys trained hard at practice and games.

Benjamin Britten loved playing soccer and thought the season went pretty well. “[My favorite part of the season so far is] getting to hang out with my friends and we win a majority of our games,” he said.

One of Britten’s favorite games was when they played against Olympic.

Joshua Morales also thought the season was going well and like Britten his favorite game was against Olympic since they were a tough team to beat.

Fransico Rivera thought the season was going well and his favorite part and game of the season was when they, Team Two, played Rainer. He thought the team did their very best.

One thing Britten thought he improved on was his skills, like crossing and shooting. Rivera also thought he improved on skills, conditioning and passing. .

Coach Decker also thinks they improved on communicating and passing the ball.

And for sixth graders that want to join next year Coach Decker and Coach Vickers are looking for commitment.

Although the season had not ended at publication, the Futures Soccer team is going to be great next year.

“Next year Coach King is going to have a good team.”

Decker said.

Zech Walker & Arturo Martinez-Reyes COURTESY OF MBMS YEARBOOK.

The Varsity Boys Basketball Team started off with an impressive 6-0 record as of Dec. 10 and is looking to finish the season undefeated with an 8-0 record. The 15 players worked hard in class every day and practice even harder so they can defeat their opponents.

With Dan Ramirez, Theo Washington, and Donavan Sanders dominating the court, they are unstoppable.

This team still has tough opponents to defeat, but with teamwork and dedication they can do it.

According to Dan Ramirez, Israel Melaku, and Theo Washington, Donavan Sanders was the most effective player on the team.

“Donavan is the most effective player on the team because he gets rebounds every game, and he can score in the paint every time,” Ramirez said.

Ty Emmons, Dan Ramirez, Israel Melaku, Donavan Sanders, and Theo Washington, usually start off the games but Issac Palmer, Dylan Molina, Noah Elwell, Zach Barto, and Andrey Grishchenko finish them. If they are dominating their opponent, the third string comes in.

Coach Lubash has done a great job not only making them better at basketball but teaching them a life lessons on the way, like “don’t give up with out a fight.”

“Our toughest opponent so far has been North Tapps but we still have Ranier and Cascade to play,” Lubash said.

Even though the team is undefeated, they’re not perfect.

“We need to work on making layups and scoring in the paint when it matters the most,” Melaku said.

This team is like one big family that works together to do their best.

“We’re the best team [in the league], because we have great team chemistry and we space out the

[

court,” Ramirez said.

Surprisingly this team said that they play best not at home but at North Tapps.

“North Tapps has a good court that is so clean your shoes stick to it,” Washington said.

Most of these players have been playing for a while now. During intramurals almost every player on the

team is playing basketball and getting their practice in while they can.

Who knows? Maybe one of these young talented basketball players will make it to the N.B.A. one day, but for now, their high school’s will be privileged to have them.

Seventh Grade Basketball Symone Bolden

The seventh grade basketball team has had a wonderful start so far this year. As of Dec. 11, Mr. Jordan’s Team #1 was 3-0 , and Mr. Vatne’s Team #2 is 1-2.

“I like seventh graders they are coachable and enthused,” seventh grade boys basketball coach Mr. Vatne expressed. “It is a good time to teach the fundamentals [of basketball] and sportsmanship [and makes it] more about getting better.”

Both teams have improved in different ways this season. “[Team #1] has more experience and has been shooting better,” Vatne stated.” [team #2] has tremendously [improved so far] they are becoming better at defense.”

The teams had struggles in their games but they still improved and did well.

Cody Gramps, who plays left wing, has been playing basketball since he was in third grade.

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supposed to do,” Gramps said. ”The first two games [we struggled] because we weren’t passing the ball.”

Team #2 had been struggling making baskets but they improved a lot this year.

Keegan Yorke played forward and wing and had been playing basketball for about five years. “[We have struggled] hitting rebounds and we don’t try hard enough,” Yorke said “[But] we are running the plays better.”

Point guard and wing Sam Erickson, who had been playing basketball since fourth grade, had about the same idea as his teammates.

“At the beginning we didn’t know how to play with each other,” Erickson said.” We could rebound better and commit less turnovers.”

They showed a lot of effort at different times of the game and have a fantastic season. “[We show the most effort] probably when we are not behind by a lot of points.” Gramps stated.

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The Canine Chronicle

Staff Debates Yuliana Romo-Perez & Kira Kopcho

Media Handling Ferguson Verdict

Starbucks Holiday Beverages

If you’ve tuned into any news station you have probably seen plenty of news reports about the Ferguson shooting trials and the damage it has left behind. With the riots not just in the city of Ferguson, this story has plenty of controversy. As the people of Ferguson struggle to rebuild their lives, the news doesn’t get better. Did the media only make the situation worse?

Move over Pumpkin Spice! Starting in November, Starbucks puts out their holiday beverages. These delicious drinks come around only once a year. It’s like we moved from pumpkin spice everything to peppermint everything. Many people in the Seattle area love their coffee and what better way to celebrate the holidays than Starbucks? Will you order a limited edition drink this holiday season?

Catalyst Speaker Motivates Teens

Winter Snow Days

On Nov.25, Scott Backovich visited our school to motivate students to become a catalyst. A catalyst is a person or thing that causes a change. A group of kids that are involved in some sort of leadership class or club were chosen by Principal Brown to spend the rest of the day with Scott. Do you think his speech has impacted the daily lives of students at Mt. Baker?

Winter is almost here and the weather has already started to be a bit harsh due to a small amount of snow and the cold temperatures. The days that school gets cancelled will be recovered in May. Over on the east coast, states have been getting large amounts of snow. One city in New York had reached 88 inches of snow in this November. Do you appreciate snow days or do you have an aversion towards them?

‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1’

Grumpy Cat’s Rise to Fame

Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), survivor of both the seventy fourth and seventy fifth annual Hunger Games must become the rebels’ Mockingjay in District 13 in order to save the districts from the Capitol. The film came out on Nov. 21 and has already made $277million since it was released. All the fans rushed to the theaters on the premiere. Will you go to watch “Mockingjay Part 1’?

What do you think about the Ferguson verdict?

Symone Bolden

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF DORIAN PHOTOGRAPHY LICENSE

What started out as a simple internet meme grew into a global sensation. Tardar Sauce (Grumpy Cat) was born with dwarfism which caused her face to look permanently grumpy. Since the infamous meme rose to fame, the cat and her owner have a mass amount of merchandise available for sale. Despite popular belief, this angry feline isn’t worth $100 million. Are you tired of how excited people are about this memed feline?

‘’I think the cop should be put in jail for life.”

“I feel confused about the subject because on one hand he was caught in stealing but surrendered by raising his hands in which the officer proceeded to fire killing a man who didn’t try to run or fight back.”

“I think its stupid that people are rioting and destroying things off of one decision they made. I think the decision was right to not put the cop in prison.”

“I’m a firm believer in our justice system but, I’m afraid the jury may have been a little biased. It seems it would have been a better choice if they changed the location of trial. I believe in peaceful protesting and do not support burning down buildings to demonstrate their reaction.”

JALEN JACKSON

JANALYN LOPEZ

HALEY LINDOR

MRS. CARNAHAN

sixth grade

eighth grade

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December

The Locker Lottery is an exciting part of our newspaper. We go around and select lockers at random and interview whoever’s locker it belongs to. The lockers selected were for sixth graders Kevin Griffen and Joselyn Garcia, seventh graders Sydnee Chinn and Angela Aganus, eighth graders Spencer Tyson and Jazmin Alvarez.

Locker Lottery Francisco Gonzalez-Ramirez, Connor Pennycook, Odom Meas

Do you think sixth graders should be able to go to the dance?

K.G.: Yes, because everyone should be having fun and going to the dance.

S.T.: No, they don’t know what love is yet.

Valentine’s dance.

A.A: No, because they’re sixth graders.

S.C.: No, they need to earn their spot.

J.A.: Yes, everyone deserves a chance at something fun.

J.G.: Yeah.

What gift do you want for Christmas?

K.G.: I would want an Xbox One with 2K15.

S.T.: For the school to be closed.

A.A.: Jordans.

S.C.: Rosetta Stone.

J.G.: Beats.

What’s the worst Christmas gift you have ever gotten?

K.G.: A car toy.

S.T.: My brother got me girls’ underwear.

A.A.: A towel.

S.C.: I had a creepy cabbage patch doll with red hair.

J.A.: A little box of chocolate I hate.

J.G.: A doll.

S.C.: Snow. Even though I’m going to California, I’ve always wanted a white Christmas.

J.A.: Hot chocolate.

J.G.: I think it’s going to be fun.

Did you read our last edition, what did you think of it?

K.G.: Yes, it was good.

S.T.: Yeah, Mr. Johnson as the guess who guy was cool.

A.A.: Yeah.

J.G.: Yeah, I think it was cool.

What is your favorite football team besides the Seahawks?

K.G.: The Carolina Panthers S.T.: Minnesota Vikings A.A.: Seahawks.

S.C.: Let’s say the Saints.

J.A.: Jets Did you enjoy the speaker Scott Backovich?

K.G.: Yes, because he was funny.

S.T.: Yeah, he’s funny A.A.: Yes, because he was funny and inspirational.

S.C.: Yeah, he was really funny.

J.A.: Yes! He’s like my role model now J.G.: Yeah!

What do you think of the cameras in the halls?

K.G.: They’re pretty cool, but a little weird.

S.T.: They are invading my privacy.

A.A.: It’s pretty weird, because they’re watching you.

S.C.: It’s kind of creepy.

J.A.: I don’t mind them.

J.G.: I think it’s a good idea

PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONBY F. GONZALEZ-RAMIREZ VIA PHO.TO

What is the worst Christmas movie you have ever watched?

K.G.: The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.

S.T.: The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.

A.A.: I don’t really watch Christmas movies.

J.A.: Charlie Brown.

How do you picture your winter break?

K.G.: Snowy.

S.T.: In Bed. A.A: Spending time with family.

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In our previous edition of TCC we provided a picture of a staff member and you had to guess who it was. Mr. Johnson is seen here on the left as a Link The Legend of Zelda. COURTESY OF N. JOHNSON & DORIAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Teacher Feature: Johnson Shewit Alemayehu

In our last edition of The Canine Chronicle we started a new monthly feature called “Guess Who?”.

We provided a picture of a staff member and you had to guess who it was. And now it is time to reveal who the mystery staff person was.

Eighth grade science teacher Mr. Johnson was born in Bethesda, Maryland, and like every kid, he had childhood dreams to be a lawyer, politician (although

he now dislikes politics) or even a cop!

He was stranded on Mt. Rainer for three days, but it wasn’t anything like The Grey—thank goodness. He fortunately survived, since they had plenty of food.

“My brother and I are very resourceful,” Johnson said.

The most unique thing about Mr. Johnson is that he has his own business. Saga RPG.

Skylar Erickson This Mount Baker staff member has been to many other countries such as New Zealand and Australia, and has previously lived in two other states before coming to Washington.

She has had many odd jobs besides teaching such as a newborn photographer, an employee at McDonalds, and also worked at Nutrisystem. She even took baton lessons when she was a young child.

Stay tuned next month to find out who this mystery staff member really is.

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Mr. Johnson has always liked role playing; Johnson was seen in our previous edition dressed up as a Link from Zelda.

“I was obsess with the Legend of Zelda,” he said.

When Johnson was ten, he started playing Dungeons and Dragons and from then him and his company, Saga RPG, started building table top games.

The company makes RPG’s, which stands for role playing games, for a bigger company called Pathfinder.

“It’s a cross between a board game and a chose your own adventure book,” Johnson said when describing his company.

Mr. Johnson has only a few obsessions one of them of being Starbucks, and he is a confessed chocoholic.

He also likes spinach.

One of his biggest fears is flying which is weird because he’s been to the Cook Islands three times, and its à15 hours from here.

Although Mr. Johnson was the president of the drama club in high school, he wasn’t always confident, saying, “To be honest I was frightened to do a lot of things but then I started trying new things.”

Now he likes trying new things and is very ambitious, avoiding sitting around his house and doing nothing.

Johnson liked music and was in his junior high choir, but wasn’t really good at first. It wasn’t until college he found his love for playing the bass.

“I just always found myself listening to it. Mostly I write my own songs,” he explained.

He even confessed to writing a song about video games!

“In school I was afraid of failure, and now I welcome it,” he concluded about his desire to improve daily.

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Horoscopes Skylar Erickson

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb.18): When you’re on your way to school, a piece of gum will get stuck to the bottom of your shoe.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): The next time you eat fish; it will magically turn into an octopus and give you a giant hug.

Aries (Mar. 21. - April 19): Make sure to be careful when hanging up your Christmas ornaments, you don’t want to step on one.

Taurus (April 20- May 20): Make sure to water your flowers, you don’t want those petunias to get their revenge.

Gemini (May 21- June 20): If you find a dirty lamp in the basement, don’t rub it; you might tickle it.

Cancer (June 21- July 22): Make sure to take your vitamins so you can get big and strong. You want to be able to fight off ninjas.

Leo (July 23- Aug. 22): All of your holiday gifts will consist of socks, zebra print, and a good old ‘starter pack.

Virgo (Aug. 23- Sep. 22): While trying to do the splits, your bones will crackle like an old grandma.

Libra (Sept. 23- Oct. 23): Beware of fruit if you are one of those kids that sag their pants down to their ankles.

Scorpio (Oct. 24- Nov. 21): Next time you go to the desert, you will get stung by a baby scorpion.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 Dec. 21): While you are at Walmart, you might see an elf with a Christmas tree on his pants.

Capricorn (Dec. 22- Jan.19): When you come down the stairs for Christmas, you might find a tiny elf in your stocking.

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part of My favorite s is not the holiday ddle smelling mi nts for de school stu !� s ek 2 we