November 2007

November

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007 008

Flash The

15 years of thunder - P채iv채채! - Keeping seniors happy

November 2007

Flash The

November 2007

NUMBERS

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[IN THIS ISSUE]

Numbers. Number 15, to be exact. As the year kicks off, we thought it only appropriate to commemorate Rocklin High’s 15th year since its opening in 1993 by exploring the almighty mascot: the Thunder. As the years have come and past, so have the interpretations of the questionable icon chosen to represent RHS and we’ve taken a deeper look into just exactly what has come and past.

In this issue of The Flash, we have covered a wide range of features from a Rocklin student helping in the making of a movie to volleyball seniors with full ride scholarships. A new look is given to foreign exchange from an on-going account of an RHS student’s adventures in Helsinki, Finland.

A new revamped style. Another beginning to The Flash.

The Flash is produced by students for students in attempt to inform and entertain its audience.

Journalism students have the final authority for any content found in the publication. The Flash staff encourages letters regarding content to constitute a constructive avenue for student opinion. Letters should be directed to the newspaper’s email, rhsflash@yahoo.com.

Editorial Board: Alexis Coopersmith Co-Editor-in-Chief Mallory Valenzuela Co-Editor-in-Chief Mandie Martinez Design Editor Casey Nichols Adviser Staff Writers: Michelle Ahronovitz, Lauren Bloemker, Megan Cardona, Amber Diller, Nathan Dudley, Cheryl Ford, Jimmy Gibbs, Julie Griesmer, Amanda Holpuch, Asia Larkin, Kailee Loughlin, Tyler MacKanin, Rebecca Nitz, Caitlin Reilly, Lauern Rygh, Justine Sandoval, Kim Schneider, Christian Soares, Ashley Sorci, Shannon Stowers, Megan Taaffe, Melissa Toppings

Fac t

s:

-Quick digits-

Average class sizes at Rocklin High School This School Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

NOVEMBER CONTENTS NOVEMBER CONTENTS NOVEMBER CONTENTS

The Flash Staff

Fas t

State 25 30 29 28

Average 30 28 26 27

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Keeping seniors happy The six period requirement

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Welcome to the real world Junior Tess Downs and her summer job

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Paivaa!

Junior Rachel Robins in Finland

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Senior voters?

A preview into the 2008 Elections

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15 years of Thunder Commemorating RHS' mascot

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A look into Friends First With a new club comes new friendships

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A new fast paced life Foreign exchange students adjust to RHS

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Our own all-stars Three seniors shine with volleyball scholarships

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Zombies ATTACK! Is 7:45 AM too early?

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Four stars to Halo 3 & Fun and Games The Bee gives the videogame high marks

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Hello my name is...

Staff Introductions

-0-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 -0-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 -0-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 -0-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 -0-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 -0-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 -0-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 -0-1-2-3-4-5-

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Keeping seniors happy K

Six periods: Is this efficient?

eeping 400 teenagers happy is not an easy task, especially in Rocklin. Few understand this better then the Rocklin High School counseling department.

In addition to the ninety percent attendance requirement, this year seniors must have six periods accounted for. This requirement changes regularly and is subject to the desire of the district and state.

This year, to receive adequate funding, the school must require the seniors at school for three periods a day.

In the past, seniors could take classes at Sierra, or take fewer classes. However, this year the six periods accountability rule has created significantly more challenges.

To adequately create an efficient schedule, the counseling department must fulfill the needs of the students, teachers, subject departments and overall school. This year counselors had to try and fit as many senior classes as possible in the first six periods of the day.The new rule this year created an issue because no gaps were allowed between periods, creating issues for numerous students.

Senior Hannah Sturges experienced the effect of this rule with an initial schedule that created a gap between fourth and eighth periods “It was frustrating, I had to go to every schedule change day, but they couldn’t make it work,” said Sturges.

The culprit behind Sturges stress was trying to fit musical theatre, tech theatre, choir and two AP classes into one schedule.

Until she learned of an AP Economics class offered 6th period, Sturges thought she was stuck with this schedule for the entire year.

“They let me change after schedule change day, because it was such a crazy schedule,” Sturges said.

Senior Ryan Bridge is also enduring an abnormal schedule due to the elimination of Spanish 5 and Physics 2. He has only two periods on blue days.

“It’s actually pretty nice, because that day I have my toughest class [AP English], and I get a break for the rest of the day, but I was disappointed I couldn’t take Spanish at school,” said Bridge.

To prevent issues such as Bridge’s, counselors are currently studying other school’s schedule which by Am an does not have schedule change days. Schedule da Ho changes are done by mail, and students must lpu mail in their schedule change requests. ch

“The main strength of this program is the responsibility it places on students, because it requires then to make careful and calculated decisions,” said head counselor Helene Carr. “It would also prevent students from switching out of classes for different lunches or to be with their friends”.

Another change to the schedules may be tested next semester with the plus period. This period is used to facilitate the “professional learning community”. The period will be used for intervention and enrichment.

Every student will have lunch at 12:05, and after lunch will be the plus period. The period will be optional for those with good grades. This is not the same as Whitney’s bonus period, which is used specifically for intervention.

It will create time for students to get extra help from teachers, give AP students extra time for studying, and be used for club meetings and pictures. This will eliminate time being taken out of classes for such activities, making for a more efficient schedule.

“We are incorporating the program so that we can work out the kinks and streamline it for next year” said Carr.

As The Flash went to press, it was not clear when the "plus period" would be implemented. The staff and district were considering alternatives and options as administration continued to seek ways to support student learning.

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November 2007

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Detention Punishment and OCS: serves a purpose Lauren Rygh

staff writer ut it wasn’t my fault Mr. Reynoso, my friend’s car broke down and I didn’t have enough time to get to school”.

This excuse is particularly common throughout Rocklin High School students who are on the detention list.

“I don’t want the kids to get detention, I do everything in my power to prevent them from getting it,” Mr. Paul Reynoso said about the immense amount of students him and Mr. Corrao see before and after school in the detention room.

Although detention might not seem like such a serious issue, it can certainly turn in to one. Students who have too many detentions, or do not go to detention can receive OCS, Saturday school, and even be restricted from extracurricular activities.

On Average, 30 to 40 kids are in detention everyday.

The majority are there because of being tardy to class.

“When we start seeing a trend in the students being tardy, being absent from school, or failing their classes, we try and find out the problem,” said Reynoso.

Other causes for student detentions can be lack of following the dress code, forms of assault on other students, or smaller incidents such as littering on campus.

“They could be having problems at home or with friends, so we send them to the counselor or if need be the vice principle or the police,” said Reynoso.

On campus, suspension or “OCS” is a whole other issue. “The kids are taken away from all of their classes for the day and confined to the detention room. They must sit quietly and work on homework the whole time,” Reynoso said.

OCS is used as a wake up call to the students, making them realize breaking the rules at Rocklin High School can result in severe consequences. OCS may not seem like such a horrible punishment, but in a way it is.

“B

“In OCS, the students are taken away from their friends, because they don’t have nutrition break or lunch with them,” said Reynoso. “In high school, your friends and your social life are one of the most important things to have. Thus leaving them in an unusual situation.”

Mr. Reynoso and Mr. Corrao are simply here to help the students, not to try and destroy their social lives or get them in trouble. Let’s just say it’ll help them more in the future when it comes to self-reliance and responsibility.

Designer Haircut & Style Formal Updo’s Hair Extensions Hair Color Hi-lites Make up Specialist

“Everytime I go (every two weeks) I have fun.

Alison is crazy.”

- Hannah Watson

WELCOME to the

REAL WORLD

SUMMER jobs H Freshmen:

28% 72%

Had a summer job Didn't have one

Sophomores:

20% 80% 50% 50% 76% 24%

Had a summer job Didn't have one

Juniors: Had a summer job Didn't have one

Seniors: Had a summer job Didn't have one

"I had a job working at a daycare center, but I quit when school started because it was too by much work." -Anonymous, 9 Am be rD ille r Poll taken from 100 random students

6 days a week; 16 hours a day; $1.98 an hour

igh school jobs rarely shove self- drive back to Provo, Downs would be centered students into reality. sent to buy eight dozen donuts for the Yes, lazy 16 and 17 year olds are actors and directors. finally forced to get up at a certain Throughout the rest of the day, it time and work for their money, but was Downs’ job to make sure that the the jobs that they take on can hardly actors were comfortable; she had to be compared to the slap in the face be sure that everyone had food and that they will get after water, and she graduating. made a lot of trips Tess Downs, a junior to Starbucks. at Rocklin High, got a Downs was sting of the real world basically an ‘intern’ this past summer. helping out with While visiting family in a low-budget film.

St. George, Utah, her She was paid a flatuncle offered her a job. out fee and broke She quickly decided to it down to making take advantage of the about $1.98 an opportunity and traveled hour. to Provo, Utah, 259.33 “It opened me miles from her family. up to a career that Her uncle is a I never would have producer of Mormon Photo from http://movies.yahoo.com/ thought about comedies and her movie/1808482965/photo/555206 normally.

People grandpa is a director offered me so many of family films. Downs was given jobs, but school was starting and the chance to work as a production I had to say no. It is definitely a job assistant on the set of “Singles that I can consider in my future. PBS Second Ward”, a Mormon comedy. even offered me to be a production “I worked six days a week with assistant on a day shoot,” Tess said.

12-16 hour days. It was incredibly This is not the first opportunity stressful, but it was one of the best that Downs’ grandpa has offered her. experiences I’ve ever had,” Downs When she was eight-years-old, she said. appeared in the family film "Where the A typical day started with Downs Red Fern Grows." (See photo insert) getting up at 5:00 a.m. She drove “They couldn’t find anybody to play one and a half hours to Salt Lake City the sisters, so my grandpa just asked to pick up one of the actors. my sister and me if we would play the After another one and a half hour part,” said Downs of the film.

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November 2007

Time for change

5

Megan Taaffe

staff writer ollowing the shock and excitement the new school material,” said Hardy. year brings, students soon find themselves back into Eckman, on the other hand, is new to anatomy, and his the same familiar routine of the previous years. However, classes are packed, with 34 in one class and 33 in the this year change is in the air. other.

The freshmen class is The district required huge, iPods are banned, "He that one teacher leave junk food is gone and is one this year. Ms. Kanowsky Main Topics: of the best classes are fuller than -Memory and learning -Biology in the brain decided to transfer to teachers I've -Human development -Physcological Disorders Whitney where her son is ever. ever had. He makes - S l e e p / d r e a m s - S e n s a t i o n / P e r c e p t i o n attending this year, leaving Students aren’t the it a light and happy only ones dealing with atmosphere and he makes the Anatomy class without "I'm looking foward to the sleep and adjustments. Mr. Mark learning fun. You can't tell he is a teacher. dreams unit. It's always been Hardy and Mr. Matt new to anatomy. I'm looking foward to “It left anatomy open, fascinating to me because I Eckman are teaching cat dissection." -Shelby Bergam, 11 which is what I’ve wanted think that dreams have subjects they’ve never something to do with to teach since I started. It Main Topics: out actual reality." is just one of those classes taught before.

-Skeletal Anatomy -Muscular Anatomy -Ashley Hardy is teaching -Major Body Systems (digestive, nervous, etc.) where I think people will Sorci, psychology, an elective be highly motivated,” said 11 Eckman. which he finds “not as demanding” and “not as Eckman is also looking much pressure.” This is no doubt a big change from forward to cat dissection, but said,“It’s teaching AP Economics. going to be interesting, mostly because I have no idea With a strong background in economics, he is completely what I’m doing. Ms. Kanowsky said she would help me.” new to psychology.

For Eckman, Hardy and their students, this school year “I haven’t studied in a while, and I’m also learning will definitely be a learning experience.

F

Hardy

Eckman

Hey, timeout

Have you purchased your yearbook?

How the heck will you remember what happened this year. What the heck will you do the last week of school?

Did you know Prices go up after Winter Break?

No name stamping after that?

RHS has one of the top books in the U.S? We SOLD OUT last year (some people cried)?

This year’s cover is NOT white?

We have really cool kids on staff? (these are 4) Go to Jostens.com to order, get a form in the office, or come to M-5 AND Senior Ads are still available!

Päivää!

W

Rachel Robins in Finland: Her experiences, her adventure

ould you leave your friends, family, and culture behind for 11 months to live with a new family and learn a new culture? Well, that’s exactly what I did. I left the beautiful California with warm summer and mild winters to Helsinki, Finland. I didn’t choose Finland and, honestly, I hardly knew where it was.

However, that is where Rotary International put me so here I am. I arrived in Helsinki on August 4 and for the first week was confined to Karkku, a camp. Karkku wasn’t any ordinary camp. It was isolated in the middle of nowhere with nothing but trees as far as I could see. Those trees are something like from a painting, something imaginary even. They had pale green leaves and thin beige trunks but they were really sturdy. It’s different from the trees around Rocklin’s campus, that’s for sure.

Anyway, during my week at Karkku, I began learning Finnish and tried to get over my jetlag. It is said that Finnish is the second hardest language in the world and I won’t deny it. Finnish comes from Hungarian roots and not Latin so it’s hard to even force your tongue to make the sounds.

On Saturday, August 11, my birthday, those of us at Karkku were greeted by out first host families. It’s a birthday I’ll never forget!

Imagine a sea of 300 or so tall, thin and blonde families holding up signs with the names and countries of their newest family members. And then imagine the feeling of searching for your name and for the first time laying your eyes on your new parents and siblings. I felt like my heart was punching my lungs and that my lungs were pounding out false breaths. Looking around at the other exchange students, I could tell they felt the same.

After a few seconds that felt like years, I found my host parents. Kai, my host dad, is tall and has sandy brown hair, a big smile with laugh lines, and glasses. Outi, my host mom, is extremely slender with a short blonde bob and a nervous look in her face all the time. I felt awkward immediately. I thought to myself, ‘Do I hug them? Or shake their hand? Or just smile like a blubbering idiot?” And I’m pretty sure I did all three at the same time.

Before I knew it, we drove from Karkku through Helsinki and to Munkkiniemi (say that three times fast!), which is a suburb of Helsinki and where I live. We live in an apartment by built in the 1930’s on the third floor. I have a host sister Ra named Erika and she is 15. However, she doesn’t ch el look 15, and not in a good way. She spends two Ro bin hours getting her hair into that “poof” look, but, s

I really like her anyway.

In fact, the majority of the girls have that “poof” look. It’s fun to watch when I’m in the tram on the way to and from school. Trams are basically big green trolleys. It takes twenty minutes to get from Munkkiniemi to Helsinki. 92% of residents in Helsinki use a form of public transportation rather than a car. It’s very efficient here and the air is easier to breathe.

As I said, I take the tram to and from school everyday.

My school is called Ressu Upper Secondary IB School. It has 700 students and they are the smartest kids in Finland because to get into high school here you have to apply, like college and Ressu is the Harvard of high schools, the number one school in all of Finland.

Being late to class, texting, and eating in class isn’t an issue here. In fact, there are no detentions and students come and go depending on their schedules. When I don’t have a class, I go to Roberts Coffee or Wayne’s Coffee since there are no Starbucks here. I have developed an addiction to coffee and at two euros per coffee; I’m running out of money. It’s getting to the point where the owners and employees of each café know too much about my life.

At Ressu there are twice as many girls than there are guys. Therefore, for the only dance of the year, the girls have to ask the guys and the guys get two dates each.

Rachel Robins in a cutout of traditional Finnish dress. Rachel is a member of the class of ‘09 currently living in Finland as a Foreign Exchange student. She keeps on contact with her friends via e-mail, and submitted this article over the internet. She’s a former journalism and yearbook student.

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Lucky guys! Moreover, the dance is only for second years.

I get to go to this dance, but Finns are very shy and it’s hard to get them open up, but I have my eye on a guy to ask. He wears purple jeans everyday and that’s all I know.

But, on the other hand, that’s all I need to know.

Now that I mention dances, I heard it was Homecoming recently. Rocklin and Helsinki are completely different.

Rocklin is simple and stern, whereas Helsinki is relaxed and fun. I mean, not that Rocklin isn’t fun! Anyway, every Friday and Saturday night there is always something to do.

During the warmer months, it’s typical for teens to hang out at parks outside. Now that the weather is getting colder though, we find other things to do, like go to Kampii, one of the many shopping centers, and play Guitar Hero or sit in Wayne’s Coffee where I embarrass myself attempting to speak Finnish. My friends here really support me though, even though they make fun of me.

The majority of people in Helsinki can speak fluent Finnish, Swedish, English and at least another language.

It’s amazing how many they can speak.

The first night I met one of my best friends here named Pietari, he couldn’t believe I came from California. He kept asking me “Is it true, what we see in the California teen-age movies?” And I told him, “Well, Pietari, there are jocks and geeks and freaks and Goths and popular kids and bullies!”

I don’t know why, but I said it enthusiastically. That’s not something to be proud of usually but I felt proud knowing we had different kinds of people. In Helsinki, there are two types of teens. There are the hardcore metal kids who listen to HIM, Nightwish, Sonata Arctica, and other Finnish metal bands. And there are those like my host sister which I mentioned.

The lead singer of HIM lives three houses up from my apartment actually. I don’t like HIM but, you have to admit, that’s pretty cool.

The music scene in Helsinki is amazing for a person like me. There are record shops, cafes, and tattoo parlors on every block. I’ve gotten my nose pierced already and I saw Iggy Pop and The Stooges live a couple of weekends ago. My next show is Killswitch Engage on the 16th and I’m getting a tattoo on the 27th. It’s the perfect place for an alternative person.

You know what’s not a perfect place though? Estonia. I went to Estonia, which is a small country. I stayed in a hotel for three nights and it was an interesting experience. Estonia has some of the worst water in the world and the people are afraid of Russians, but with good reason. Until recently, they were under harsh Russian rule. Everything there is really cheap so I bought a lot of Swedish chocolates.

My host family and I are going to Sweden in midOctober actually. In early December, I’m going on a Rotary-sponsored trip to Lapland. They say that the REAL Santa lives up there. All of the other exchange students are

November 2007

7

excited for that.

Meanwhile, I’ll be searching for a menorah. In fact, there’s only one synagogue in Helsinki and even then you have to call and make an appointment to go there. It’s a good thing I’m not very religious.

Well, my host mom just made dinner and I haven’t eaten since 14:00. Yes, we use the 24-hour clock here! Leaving the comfort of home is never easy but coming to Finland isn’t bad either so maybe you’ll come here yourself one day.

Nähdään, Rocklin!

See you later, Rocklin!

-Rachel Robins

Rachel Robins, a foreign exchange student in Finland, will be returning next year as a senior at Rocklin High School. She will be writing for The Flash for every issue, so stay tuned!

Learn to speak Finnish Hello

I love you What's up?

Please Thank you You're welcome Goodbye

Hei Rakastan sinua Mitä kuuluu Miellyttää Kiitos Ei kestä Näkemiin

Senior voters?

Charde Stewart staff writer

S

2008 Election

omething big is coming in ‘08, something that may be more important than the prom, standardized testing, and any number of games played against Granite Bay. The 2008 presidential election is nearing and, though about ¾ of the students are not eligible to vote, the election is an issue that affects all teenagers on a country-wide basis.

In the past, politics were often portrayed as being something far beyond the mental grasp of the average American teenager. While that statement still holds weight, more and more young adults are starting to broaden their spectrum of priorities to include keeping an eye on the way the country is ran.

104 RHS seniors were included in a survey about voting that asked questions such as, “Are you planning on voting for a presidential candidate in 2008?” “Are you paying attention to all the campaigning candidates-and if so, who is your current pick for President?” and “For you, what is the most important issue for the candidates to be focusing on?”

Though 17 of the 104 seniors simply answered “No; No, no one; N/A”, 84 percent of them answered one or more of the three questions. When asked what issue they found to be most important for the candidates to be focusing on, 45 percent of them answered one issue and one issue only: The war. Most of these students followed up that question by saying bringing our troops home was just as important.

“It should be the candidate’s top issue because, if they are elected, those lives are in their hands,” said Chante Stewart, senior.The number of students directly affected by the war in Iraq is astonishing. Several students have brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, cousins, even parents who are fighting for their country across the seas.

Another issue that affects all those kids whose cars are in the parking lot is gas prices.“Gas prices are definitely one of the issues [the candidates] should be focusing on,” said an anonymous surveyor.

The rise in gas price has substantially deglamorized the privilege of driving for teens. Other ‘most important’ issues for the candidates were global warming, immigration, education, economy, taxes, national security and, for those keeping up with politics, health care. President George Bush is threatening to veto a bill that is looking to expand by Ch child health care in America, to the dismay of RHS ard e S students and Congress. It is looking to be a big tew campaign issue for Democrats next year. art

Democratic candidate favorites of

RHS seniors seem to be Barack Obama, African-American Senator from Illinois, Hilary Clinton, New York senator and former first lady, and John Edwards, lawyer in North Carolina and director for Center on Poverty.

R e p u b l i c a n candidates students 14% gave interest are looking at are in voting next year, but Rudy Giuliani, former not sure who to vote mayor of New York for.

City, Ron Paul, a Texan member of the House 80% believed the of Representatives and war was the major Mitt Romney, a Mormon issue, turned out to be business man from Obama voters.

Michigan.

Barack Obama was 4 surveyors flat out the top pick for president stated Hilary Clinton of the surveyed seniors would NOT get their who had chosen a vote. candidate, winning with 57 percent of the votes.

2 of the seniors Giuliani came in 2nd corrected the spelling place with 15 percent error, "complaigning" of votes. Romney and rather than Clinton tied at 3rd, both "campaigning." taking up 11 percent of the votes each.

Fun Facts

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November 2007

From snow toA newsunshine: student from Alaska

9

Cheryl Ford

staff writer oming to a new school is a scary thing. There’s new teachers, new people, a new atmosphere. Lots of stress and anticipation come along with this new adventure.

But for junior Victor Lightle, it is a whole different story.

He is coming to a whole new part of the country, making the move from Alaska to California. Even though both are in the same country, the culture is much different.

Despite the diversity, Lightle has been able to find his niche: Rocklin High School Boy’s Varsity Soccer.

With the soccer team currently ranked 2nd in the SFL League, right behind Granite Bay, Lightle has definitely been a contributor to the team’s early success.

“The team has been great. [Soccer] comes naturally to me and I enjoy playing for the school. Hopefully this year we will be able to win it all,” said Lightle..

The boy’s soccer team won Sections in the 2005 season

C

and was Section Finalists in 2006. Lightle plans to help the team get to another Section Championship with hard work and dedication to the sport.

Paul Morrison, the Boy’s Varsity Soccer Coach, has also enjoyed having Lightle on the team.

“He’s got great hair and he has brought awesome enthusiasm and a good attitude to the team. It’s nice to have someone not from Rocklin their whole life. It brings a lot of flavor to the team,” said Morrison.

Fellow teammate of Lightle, Tyler Salata, said, “It’s been great playing with Victor. His speed and agility has brought a lot to the game. He is constantly keeping defenders on their toes.”

Lightle’s talent is definitely appreciated on the team.

Lightle also plans to join the Rocklin High Track Team in the spring. He plans to bring his excellent work ethic and speed and try to put it to good use.

Transition: Hong Kong to Rocklin Finding a place uniform free

Julie Griesmer

H

staff writer

igh school is hard enough for most of us when we’ve lived in the same town our entire lives. Between school work, dances, hook-ups, break-ups, laughs, tears, and maybe even some minor encounters with the law, there have been countless Hollywood tales about angstridden teens just trying to make it through this four year roller coaster ride. Despite all of this, freshman Wesley Fong has chosen to spend her high school days on the other side of the world.

“Well, I was born in San Jose, California, but I’ve lived in Hong Kong since I was three months old. My parents were living here but my dad wanted to go back to China for financial reasons, so our family moved back.”

Hong Kong is an international city on the Pacific coast of China, and one of the most populated areas on the planet. For many, moving from such a big city to a town like Rocklin, let alone to the other side of the world, would make for a major case of culture shock.

“People here are more open to new ideas than back in China; like in China it was very unacceptable for people, especially teenagers, to kiss in public and stuff. It’s so different here. I was expecting people to be more racist and closed-minded, but they aren’t. Everyone here has been really accepting,” said Fong.

Public high school has also been a major change for Fong, who attended a private international school in Hong Kong. At her school they were only allowed to speak English, although Fong is also fluent in Chinese because she attended public schools in China until second grade.

“I went to a private international school because my mom wanted me to be more American. Hong Kong is an international city, but there weren’t a lot of Americans. It was mostly European people, and a lot of Korean and Middle Eastern people. Still, almost everyone is Chinese.

I loved my school, but I really like that we don’t have uniforms at Rocklin,” said Fong.

With her parents still in Hong Kong, Fong stays with her aunt and cousin. She plans to stay in America for her entire high school career, and says that though she found it surprisingly easy to make friends, adjustment hasn’t been easy all around.

“I was so confused by the slang here. It’s really different from back in China. My friends laughed at me when I asked them about some of it, but I knew it was all in good fun,” she said.

Though differences in culture, dress, language, and customs can be overwhelming, it seems Fong has already found her place at Rocklin High.

15 years of Thunder Celebrating Rocklin High School's mascot T he roar of Thunder is deafening. Thunder rumbles from all angles. A rush of energy makes them shiver.

The momentum builds. There is nowhere to hide.

As the 15th school year of Rocklin High School launches into gear, it is more fitting than ever to note the symbol that has signified the school’s unity and pride since its beginning stages.

The ‘Thunder’ mascot has often been ridiculed for its intangibility, but nonetheless, it has been praised for its originality and its boldness. Years have passed since the

er, the blue dragon was much cause for amusement and mockery as it evolved simultaneously with the creation of Barney, the big purple dinosaur.

Next came the “Puffy Cloud,” a literal portrayal of a puffy cloud with a lightning (not Thunder) bolt stemming off the side. Once again, it did not serve the intensity and magnitude of the title it represented. The feeble idea was abandoned soon after.

Thunder Man finally came as a muscular, heroic icon, with Excalibur in hand. To this day, Thunder Man lives

school’s opening in 1993 and so have several interpretations for what ‘Thunder’ really is.

The mascot chosen to represent Rocklin High as a brand new school was first decided by the eighth graders at Springview Middle School in 1992. Through constant voting and the process of elimination, the ‘Thunder’ mascot prevailed.

“The idea of Thunder originated from the concept of Thor the Thunder God from Greek mythology,” said Principal Mike Garrison. “In essence, this is what our mascot is supposed to look like.”

Despite what the mascot is supposed to look like, the actual physical state has transformed drastically over the past 15 years.

The first major depiction of Thunder was a ‘Blue Dragon.’ An actual blue dragon could be seen runby Ale ning around the field at football games and emMa xi bodying the campus spirit at rallies. Howevllo s C ry oo Va pe len rsm zu ith ela

on. He can be viewed on the library mosaic, and many students have attempted to dress as him on spirit days.

As the true mascot of Rocklin High School, Thunder Man brings the school under one, unified front.

“You can’t put your hands around [Thunder],” said Garrison. “It’s definitely out there, and it’s kind of cool.

Our culture is different that most high schools; we aren’t typical.”

Out of 1400 secondary schools in California alone, Garrison believes there to be only two schools with the Thunder mascot. The stereotypical Viking or Wolverine mascot is far from the distinctiveness of Thunder. Ranked 1050 from a total of 1300 high schools in the United States

by Newsweek Magazine, Thunder ultimately triumphs as both exclusive and exceptional.

“It [Thunder] reminds me of energy or something to that degree,” said Junior Cory Clemmer. “Just like a jolt.

A rush.”

Photos from Corbis

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Junior Brad Loebs thinks otherwise.

“When I think of Thunder," said Loebs, "the picture of a storm with dark clouds comes to mind. Then sometime after that, I think of our school and Mr. Thompson screaming into a microphone.”

The unity the mascot brings is unmistaken. Senior Jordan Roselli agrees Thunder serves its purpose.

November 2007

11

“Thunder reminds me of football games,” said Roselli.

“I think of the song 'RIGHT NOW' that they play before the game.”

Rocklin High's mascot is celebrated this fifteenth school year with pride, as it has no doubt brought people under one guiding spirit. Despite its several transformations, Thunder will continue to roar for generations to come.

When you hear Thunder, you think...

"Fast and hardcore" -Melissa Romma

"God" -Tim Paras

"Loud" -Donovan Rodriquez "Thigh" -Sami Wittwer

"Rock and Roll" -David Craig

"Guitar Hero" -Cassie Trickett

"Wicked powerful spirit" -Nicole Richards "Thundercat" -Jon Ogata "A tranverse wave that travels at 344 meters per second"

-Trevan Depuy

"Our amazing sports teams"

-Chris Africa "The song 'Thunderstruck'"

-Miranda Sinclair "Rowdy Rooters" -Jeremy Crooks

"I just want to feel warmer; it gives me the shivers"

-Hayley Hucks "Something to hide under" -Monica You-Booth

"AHHHHHHHHH" -Matt Kilbourne

"Lightning McQueen" -Sienna Woodford

A look into:[Friends First ] A new club on campus

K

aren Gaffney, founder of the Friends First program, recently made a visit to Rocklin High School to speak about her program, and about the fact that Rocklin High became the first school in California to charter a Friends First club.

Gaffney, 25, was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at birth and began intervention programs at three months.

At three-years-old, she attended a Montessori preschool and by 2001 she had her AS degree and teacher’s aide certificate from Portland Community College.

One of her many feats was swimming the English Channel in a relay. Swimming has always been one of her passions, so she decided to pursue it. With the love and support of her family, she put together a relay team, and on July 24, 2001, Gaffney became the first person with Down Syndrome to ever swim the English Channel.

Gaffney’s story has inspired people across the country by relaying her message. She founded Friends First in Oregon, and it is beginning to spread to schools throughout the nation. ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Friends First’s purpose is to bring students of all abilities together so that understanding and friendships will grow. The main event of the Friends First club is to have all club members work together on a community service project, which will contribute to the goal of all students working together, and putting their differences aside.

Gaffney’s hope is that through this program, kids with disabilities will not feel isolated and will bond with kids without disabilities. Two students are paired together to form a peer relationship through eating lunch together, or simply waiting for each other in the halls.

Kendra Minden, a sophomore at Rocklin, said, “[She is looking forward to] the meetings and the pizza party.”

Meetings and parties are components of the program here at Rocklin High that are aiming to create a friendly and open environment.

Once a club is chartered at a school, the program offers beginning meetings and training sessions. This helps the members learn how to have open conversations and encourages diversity throughout the school.

The club started with Gaffney talking to the members by Sh and introducing herself as well as the club. an no

Monica Chazen, a junior this year at RocknS tow lin High, said, “[Gaffney’s visit] was really movers

ing. So many people don’t have friendships with kids who have disabilities. Karen pretty much said that they are just like all the other students, with the same interests and feelings.”

Chazen heard about Friends First when she had peer teaching with the ILS students.

“Friends First has just started, and already 60 people have signed up for it,” said Mrs. Warda, a Rocklin High Counselor. “There are only six other Friends First clubs, and those are in Portland, Oregon. Having the first branch in California says a lot about our school.”

As the Friends First club starts to pick up here at Rocklin High School, hopefully our students will realize the friendships they can make just by venturing outside of their own comfort zone and reaching out to others.

If you are interested in joining the Friends First club, please contact Mrs. King in R4 or Mrs. Wentz in R8.

[New Clubs]

Habitat for Humanity – President: Nick Schafer

“Habitat for Humanity is a great program that helps out families that can’t afford a decent home. It builds homes and communities.”

–If you’re interested in joining, contact Mr. Kimmel in F4.

Students for Animal Welfare – President: Julie Bowers

“Students for Animal Welfare promotes positive choices that lead to the decrease of animal suffering. We aim to raise awareness of animal cruelty in the food, fur, entertainment, and scientific industries by poster campaigns, meetings, volunteering for animal shelters, and much more.”

-If you’re interested in joining, contact Mrs. Kramer in J6.

Spanish Club – Alex Prekeges: Treasurer

“The Spanish Club is going to start off with a party to introduce members to the club. The main activities in the club include going to Spanish restaurants and ordering in Spanish, watch movies in Spanish, and more, to try to improve and practice our Spanish.”

-If you’re interested in joining, contact Mrs. Sellers in R23.

If you are interested in starting a club of your own, you can pick up a form in the ASB office.

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November 2007

The Galleria at Roseville: Kim Schneider

T

staff writer

here is much anticipation in the air about the construction going on at the Roseville Galleria. It’s not only about the new parking structure going in but also the new stores that are being added on.

“I love shopping so I’m very excited about all the new stores, especially Hollister. Usually my friends and I have to drive all the way down to Fairfield,” said junior Taylor Torretta.

“Westfield Group is spending $150 million to add about 400,000 square feet to the 1.1 million- squarefoot Westfield Galleria at Roseville,” said Eileen Bohen, who became the mall’s general manager last month.

Some of the 100 new stores include Lacoste, Burberry, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, and The Apple Store.

Broadcasting teacher Mr. Kaylor said, “I’m definitely looking forward to The Apple Store going in—the computer one not the fruit one.”

Department and clothing stores are not the only new attractions at the Galleria. A new food court, or “café style dinging terrace” area, is going in as well, including the much anticipated Cheesecake Factory. The previously 600 seated food court will now include an indoor and outdoor eating area that will provide seating for 820 people.

“I’m glad we are getting a Cheesecake Factory because we don’t have one close to us and their food is wonderful,” said junior Jill Bennet.

The new parking structure has also been a great success. The convenience of more parking and a shorter walking distance to the entrance of the mall has been extremely popular.

Senior James Watkins said, “[The new parking structure] changed my life. Parking is now convenient and hassle free which starts off a day of shopping on the right note.”

With the holidays approaching, shoppers will start emptying their pockets and filling the stores of the Galleria.

13

The excitement builds New additions include:

Photos from Google Image Search

A new fast paced life Foreign exchange students face unfamiliar foods, families

F

lying over oceans and parts of continents, joining us from the ‘Land of Cultures’ and the ‘Land of Smiles’, two foreign exchange students, Natalie Breitkopf of Germany and Anondh Katanyutanan of Thailand now live amongst us.

Staying with host families, they hope to experience a new and different way of life. Arriving from Germany, Breitkopf found herself amidst a place with different social rule.

“It was confusing, you know, I was not sure how to behave. No one tells you,” Breitkopf said.

She wanted to become an exchange student for the experience. “Originally it was for a scholarship. I thought it would be cool. I told my mom I wouldn’t have any more birthday parties, and my grandma has paid a little too,” Breitkopf said.

Germany, known for its rich cultural life of past and present, differs from Rocklin in many ways.

“I’m always really busy every day; everybody is always busy.”

Besides the rush of people, Breitkopf has found she really enjoys the array of food one can find here. “I really like cookies, its good. I also like Sushi, and you can get it everywhere here.

The butter here – no one told me about the butter, it’s so different,” she said.

Having played tennis back home, Breitkopf is a part of the schools tennis team, and when that finishes she hopes to enjoy more of Rocklin High School’s activities.

“Here school is much longer. At home it ended at one, but here I don’t get home until six. It’s because sports are a part of the school, and it was not that way in Germany; there sports were separate. I enjoy the many electives the school offers. Like psychology; we didn’t have that. I am very interested in photography and journalism, but don’t know of any clubs or activities I could join.”

She admits that the change is difficult and misses many aspects of home.

“I miss just hanging out with my friends. And going to the next city over for a coffee to relax, or a cinema. Plus there was a tram. There is no tram or bus here to get around.”

After some issues arose between herself and her by As host family, Breitkopf worked on getting a new one, ia La rki and found so many helping hands. n “Everybody offered for me to stay with

them, all of my friends were so nice. I had many homes I could have gone to.”

Rocklin was not only fortunate enough to have Breitkopf, but also welcomed a new student from Thailand. Anondh Katanyutanan, whose nickname is Plai, became an exchange student “to embrace the other culture and learn English fluently.”

Learning the language has been providing obstacles be sides grammar rules. Plai sometimes finds himself having a hard time finding a group of friends to hang-out with.

Confident with his progress he feels that “When I'm fluent in English, I will find some group of friends and hang with them.”

Katanyutanan was quickly realized the contrast between his land of ‘smiles’ and our different ways. Visiting another country is one thing, but living there for a year is something else.

“It’s hard to stay in another country, but I try harder to live and enjoy it.” It may be hard at times but Plai still finds new things he enjoys. “I like sushi so much. And I like donuts too. But I dislike cheese.”

Language barriers and foreign countries cannot stop Katanyutanan from enjoying his new surroundings, including Rocklin High School. “I enjoy Rocklin High School because they don’t have a uniform, and don’t have to cut hair.

And the teachers in Rocklin High School is nice.”

Naturally, being away from home has made Katanyutanan miss a few things. “I love my country because in Thailand I have a lot of friends, and can talk to a lot of people in my language. And I miss the foods; spicy, no cheese.”

“It is interesting and tough [having a foreign exchange student]. It’s definitely more difficult then I thought it would be. Maybe after more time it will get easier.” It was not the original plan to be a host family, but Hannah’s younger sister, Rachel, is an exchange student in Finland.

“Part of the exchange program’s agreement is to have us take in an exchange student as well.”

Cultural differences did not deter these two students from trying something new and foreign. They both plan to make the most of their experience in this strange and different place.

"I really like cookies, it's good.I

also like Sushi, and you can get it everywhere here.The butter here – no one told me about the butter, it’s so different."

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Välkomnande till den Kailee Loughlin staff writer

S

November 2007

15

Rocklin högstadiet

ka dig gå till hemkomsten med mig?” Zack Zadrozna asks Hanna Sluys to the Homecoming dance on a banner out side her house. Sluys is a Swedish foreign exchange student living with junior, Shelby Bergman, for the last year of her high school career. “[My first dance here] was like normal dances. I was surprised when lights came on and people got thrown out,” said Sluys.

Looking forward to going to Rocklin High School’s annual Homecoming dance, she talks about her date Zack Zadrozna with a smile. “He came to the house, and he had flowers, and balloons, with a sign that asked me in Swedish and English.”

Commonly, people assume that Foreign Exchange students cannot speak English, or at least not well. Sluys speaks fluently, and was easy to understand.

“It’s not really hard to [understand English slang],” Sluys said. “I understand most of stuff. It’s most when people talk fast or mumble.”

It is easy to forget how the rest of the world lives, partly what they eat. ”You can get everything here, in Sweden. [The food]

is much more Mexican here.

I’m used to European food, like Italian. But I really like the Mexican food,” said Sluys.

Wearing a long, dress-like shirt, with Spandex, and a stylish scarf, Sluys said, “[Clothing style] is not very different here, it’s more casual.”

Sluys always looks nice for school, wearing the latest styles. Clothing style is popular all over the world, and is surprisingly not very different in other countries.

Something that is a little different from Sweden, to Sluys, is Rocklin High and the way it is ran.

“The school system is very different, like grading. The schedule is not as flexible. We had five minute breaks and closed campus,” said Sluys.

Sluys is very far away from home, and is still feeling little things that are perfectly normal for someone to have.

“I can’t ask my parents for stuff all the time, because they’re not here,” she said.

“I have to be more responsible. But I also like having that responsibility at the same time.”

Living in a house with new people that she is not as comfortable with as her own family, Sluys seems to be getting along very well. She and Shelby Bergman are hitting it off well as close friends. Cabin fever hasn’t hit the Bergman house yet.

On a positive note, it is obvious to tell that Sluys easily fits in here at Rocklin High School. She has made many new friends and is taking part in many of the school’s activities like dances and rallies. Hanna Sluys is having an unforgettable last year of high school right here in Rocklin.

Our own all-stars: Diemer, Wilson and Elston shine with scholarships

A

s colleges are anxiously awaiting applications for their upcoming 2008 school year, many Rocklin High students are waiting for the colleges’ decisions. However, some already know right where they are going.

Senior Alexandra Diemer already has her future set for her at Boise State this upcoming fall. Her volleyball skills got her into the school of her choice.

“I am going to miss being on the Rocklin [volleyball] team, since I’ve been on it for so long, and the people on it are amazing. But I am really excited to meet my new team and start working with new people,” says Diemer.

Once Diemer started considering Boise and visited the campus as the team’s prospective setter, the wheels were definitely put into motion.

“It didn’t seem real when I was actually accepted,” she said. “ I only really get it now, since everyone is applying. I am so blessed that already know what I am doing.”

Diemer will be under the wing of head coach Robin Davis, who is assisted by Kelle Bond and Doug English, which should lead to a great season.

“I love [the coaches] and I am really excited to be working with them,” Diemer said.

As the leader of the varsity team and top setter, it is hard for Coach Dave Muscarella to let go of one of his top players and even harder for Diemer to leave some of her best teammates behind.

“It is going to be really hard for me to leave the team and Musky (Muscarella) after I have played with them for so long. But it’s a new chapter, and I am excited to start it.”

Being so far away from home has to be difficult as well as nerve-wracking. But of course, Diemer has a different take on it.

“I think it’s normal to be nervous, especially since I have been at Rocklin for so long,” said Diemer. “I actually play club with one of the girls that is going there, so that will be good to go in knowing someone. I also text and e-mail two other girls who are on the team and are new like me.”

Besides the entire volleyball aspect, she also needs to plan for her future,outside of volleyball.

“I’ve always wanted to major in Elementary by Education, but I have Mr. Hardy for Psychology La ur and I am really getting into that, so that’s a en Blo possibility.” em

And it makes it easier that ke r

the terms of her scholarship are plain and simple: full ride.

“Again, I am so blessed to know what I am doing, I just hope that I can help other people with their applications now as well,”she said.

Similar to Diemer, senior Shannon Wilson has also had success in volleyball at RHS as a middle hitter. Wilson decided to set her sights a little bit closer: Sac State.

“At first I thought it was lame to go to Sac State since it’s so close, she said. “But once I actually considered it and went to the campus, I liked it more and more. I am really excited [to join the team]. It didn’t even dawn on me that Kelsey [Elston] would be going there until after I was accepted. She got accepted when I was given the offer, so that was a plus to me accepting.”

And her scholarship terms?

“I am going on a full ride too!”

Unfortunately, Wilson will most likely not be rooming with her buddy Elston when they both arrive. .

“Since the volleyball team is going to be together all of the time (and really, all of the time), they probably won’t room any of us together so we don’t get tired of each other.

I’ll probably room with an athlete though.”

Kelsey Elston will also be accompanying Wilson to Sac State next year, which should make the transition from high school to college much easier.

“I am so pumped to be going there with [Wilson]. I am lucky that I know where I am going, and Sac State looks very hopeful for both of us. Knowing people that are going to go there is great, too.”

But even more important is the relationship with her new coaches.“Ruben is awesome,” says Elston.

Playing college can be a whole new ball game, literally.

Besides being more competitive, there won’t be the extra support of family and old friends to get her by.

“At first I was apprehensive about playing in college because it is so different from what I do now. I’m nervous but excited at the same time,” says Elston.

The word college can also mean leaving amazing people behind; especially with these girls going there separate ways.

“I am so happy for [Diemer]. I already knew she was going to get a scholarship, like, freshmen year. That’s so exciting that she’s going to Boise, and I am really proud,” said Elston.

The girls will leave Rocklin High School to create a bigger, better game for them so new players will step up to be varsity volleyball’s all stars.

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November 2007

Life after RHS: "Sierra College is a promising choice" Nathan Dudley staff writer

2007 graduate Matt Fink was not quite ready to leave the Rocklin area. He now attends Sierra College.

T

he excitement is so thick you can choke on it. As senior year progresses, letters arrive home in the hundreds.

Students scan the type for brief words of great excitement or terrible disappointment.

The word “accepted” flashes across the page and cheers ring through the household. Another opens their letter to an awkward silence and a hanging head.

This scene is everywhere in the beginning months of each calendar year.

However, the enthusiasm felt by few is not shared by all. It’s not even shared by the majority.

In 2006, the college fever was only felt by 37% of the graduating class. In contrast, more than half of Rocklin graduates went to a two-year college. Among this group, 85% went to Sierra College.

For most Rocklin High seniors, the college option wasn’t much of an option.

Josh Sorenson, Rocklin graduate of 2007, said he knew he was going to Sierra College midway through his senior year because his grades didn’t qualify him for a California university.

Other graduates last year decided their fate about the same time as Sorenson.

Matt Fink, another freshman at Sierra, said he knew about the time others were applying to four-year universities.

“I wasn’t quite ready to leave the area,” Fink said.

Sierra College is an appealing choice for many graduating seniors. Choosing Sierra over a four-year university boils

From the RHS Class of 2006:

525 238 12.03

Graduates

At Sierra

Units Taken (Average)

17

down to three main reasons: 1. Nearby campus (about 4 miles from Rocklin High) 2. Same friends (almost half of all RHS graduates go to Sierra right out of high school) 3. Cheap tuition (after all, it is a commu nity college These typical answers for choosing Sierra are classic. Yet, they’re not the full story. Graduates pick Sierra College because it’s an easy option.

“You don’t have to worry about applications,” said Jason Bertels. “Its much more laid back than a UC or CSU.” Going to Sierra definitely alleviates the stress of applying to four year colleges, and it’s almost impossible to be rejected.

The campus and faculty are well accepted by incoming freshmen, and most Rocklin alumni enjoy their classes.

Jordan Shillingburg, an early graduate of 2006, describes Sierra in a few simple words. “It’s like high school but way better,” he said.

The post-Sierra plan seems to be universal as well. Students want to transfer to four-year universities. They’re in the right place because Sierra College is the #1 transfer school in California.

After Sierra, Sorenson wants to attend UC Santa Cruz and study astrophysics.

Ironically enough, he admits he’s never been inside the library.

Sierra College is a promising choice for Rocklin students, and with a little work, can lead to a bright future.

(Statistics from Cindy Cutts,

RHS College and Career Center)

9.5

Units Earned (Average)

61%

Success Rate

Zombies ATTACK!

7:45 AM is too early for students

T

he clock strikes ten thirty. You aren’t tired, but you know that if you don’t try to sleep soon, tomorrow will be a blurry daze. You begrudgingly crawl into bed and turn off the light. Soon, you find yourself counting spots on the ceiling as the hours crawl by. What time is it now?

12:30? 1:00?

When the alarm jars, you awake at 6:00, and you’re hardly able to drag yourself out of bed. Upon your arrival at your first period math class, you cannot successfully keep your head up, let alone learn anything.

It has been a long debated question: why do teenagers stay up late? Is it because they’re rebellious? They often procrastinate with schoolwork?

No. New studies point to adolescent biological clocks as the culprit. Teens are just wired to stay up later and wake up later. Does the Rocklin School District take this into account?

Apparently not.

Schools all over the country have been addressing this issue. Many schools are adjusting the time that school begins and, in turn, are witnessing something miraculous happening in the student body: better students, higher grades, and a better overall attitude.

This March, the A’s Act will be introduced to California’s schools. Claiming that later start times help students, this act will provide schools that start after nine a.m. with extra funding. State officials hope that this will encourage schools to adopt later start times to benefit the students.

Nine a.m. might be a little drastic, but would it be a mistake to bump our start time up 45 minutes? It is difficult to say how it would change our school day. Many people are against it precisely for the reason: it would interfere with the school/work day to such extent that it would backfire.

However, let us not dismiss the fact that Granite Oaks Middle School begins their school day at 8:30, a start time that most overloaded high school students would die for.

Yet the middle school students, with generally less of a workload, receive an extra half an hour to an hour of precious sleeping time.

However, our start time doesn’t seem to be changby ing anytime soon.

As hle It has never been more difficult to get the recyS or ommended 9 ½ hours of sleep than it is toci

day. Another probable cause of our RHS zombies is the high involvement of RHS students (which is encouraged).

Many students, with their sports and extracurricular activities, just don’t get home in time to finish off that AP outline. Aside from the 11:00 p.m. biological wiring, there just isn’t time to sleep; even with careful balancing.

Sleep deprivation can have serious health consequences as well. When teens are repetitively sleep-deprived, they are subject to a slew of problems: impaired memory and ability to learn, irritability, lack of self-confidence, depression, mood swings, and weakening of the immune system.

These are real repercussions, and they are scientifically proven to affect a growing number of teenagers who aren’t sleeping like they should. Since it is being proven that telling teens to go to bed early doesn’t do well on either end of the spectrum, something needs to be adjusted.

Who needs more sleep?

“I’d say I get about six hours, on a good night.”

Wes McNair “I normally try for nine hours, but end up with about eight.”

Erica Smith “I try to get a decent amount of sleep, but there is normally so much homework I don’t get to bed until past midnight.”

Sima Bouzid “It really depends. But I have to say, I don’t normally get as much as I need.”

Kate Rose “I get a decent amount… I’d say about 6 or 7 hours.”

Wayland Whitney

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November 2007

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The new pep band: Major changes to Friday night entertainment Rebecca Nitz

staff writer

“

Louie Louie,” “Eye of the Tiger,” and, of course, the notorious touch down theme song, “The Victors,” has students, parents, and visitors dancing and singing along with Rocklin High School’s one and only – Pep Band.

After Chris Carstens graduated in 2007, the conducting baton was passed down to two musically talented individuals: seniors Kevin Just and Robbie Wanamaker.

For the ootball season, Just said, “Robbie and I kind of assumed the role of leading Pep Band because we knew that there needed to be another student conductor. So after our friend Chris graduated, we both decided to volunteer.”

Unlike Carstens typical style of conducting, by physically standing in front of the band, this fresh new duo has placed plenty of new ideas into action.

“After three years in Pep Band, it’s different not having a conductor, but I like how well we play together,” said junior Eric Kassis.

Not only is the drastic change of the conducting role different, Just and Wanamaker also decided to add power cords to the band.

How many high school marching bands have a portable stage for full drum sets? Electric guitars? Bass guitars?

Synthesizers? Microphones? None! That’s right, the home of the Thunder is where it’s all found.

With the help of multiple power cords, electricity is brought up to the stands and heard through the speakers from nearly anywhere in the stadium.

“Rocklin High School’s Pep Band is completely unique.

I live right behind the school and after Friday night games, my family has told me that they can hear every song we’ve played!” said senior and clarinetist Taylor Cook.

With Pep Band going through an evolution of its own, the best just keeps on coming.

Wanamaker said, “We bought entire new arrangements of all the music so we could afford to have a smaller number of musicians in the band, but still sound full.”

With new universal music enjoyable for all ages, Rocklin High School has seen the birth of what plans to become a new club on campus during the football season: the Pep Band Pep Squad.

“We just figured since Pep Band does such a great job bringing entertainment to our games and supporting our team, our group wanted to show our support for them,” said sophomore Susan Clegg.

The Pep Band Pep Squad can be found during football games dancing around the Pep Band stage.

Clegg said, “Our cheer leaders and drill team unites

Kevin Just playing the tuba for the Concert Band. During games, he plays the bass guitar with the Pep Band. (Sam Lawrence)

spirit during our half time show where as Pep Band performs all night long.”

Completely reshaping Rocklin High School’s Pep Band, Just and Wanamaker have transformed Friday night entertainment into a loud crowd pumping an enjoyable atmosphere heard near and far while connecting support for this school’s 2007 Varsity Football team.

Pep band stats

89% 94% 90% 91% 83%

of students would like Pep Band to attend away games of students and parents enjoy listening to Pep Band's music of people at the games can hear Pep Band's music all around the staduium of people have noticed the improvement in Pep Band's preforming of students would prefer to also have a marching band along with Pep Band

Four stars to Halo 3 A t the end of Halo 2, Master Chief let us know what he intended to do by leaving off a huge cliffhanger, leaving us waiting for this new game. Finally, on September 25th, Halo 3 was released into stores.

Chief is going to finish this fight between the brutes and the human race. Halo 3 starts out with Master Chief and Sergeant Major Johnson crashing into earth in a forest somewhere located in eastern Africa.

Halo 3’s presale orders skyrocketed with more than 1.5 million orders, making over $170 million within the first 24 hours, exceeding the previous one-day sales record for a video game, previously held by Halo 2.

You can buy Halo 3 at the standard price for any brand new 360 game, $59.99. There is also an edition of the Halo 3 game available, the “Legendary” pack, which gives you a mini replica of Chief’s helmet, along with a load of bonus material priced at $129.99.

Fortunately, Microsoft was prepared for the gaming crowd and the local retail game stores have been completely stocked with the Halo 3 games, causing no

Fun &

GAMES Tic-Tac-Toe

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shortages. So, the good news is there is no need to search eBay, Craigslist, or any other secondary sources to find this game.

Xbox 360 console sales have been declining, so Microsoft has made a Halo 3 brand Xbox 360, which costs $399.99. It includes a Halo green console, a wireless controller, headset, and all the accessories that usually come with an Xbox.

Halo 3 has re-included the assault rifle, which you used in the original Halo, added in 2 more types of grenades, plus some weapons that allow you to detach turrets, the Spartan Laser, the Mauler, Spiker, and the Gravity Hammer.

You also get loaded equipment, such as bubble shields that protect you and everyone around you (even the bad guys), a power drainer that depletes everyone’s armor in the area (even the good guys), and a lot more.

The Sacramento Bee gave Halo 3 its highest rank of four stars. All of this for saving Cortana, befriending the Arbiter, and saving the land from the brutes and flood. This game definitely deserves its four-star ranking given by The Bee.

Sudoku CRAZY

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November 2007

21

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Sam O’hair prepares Varsity boys cross country for league finals. JV football, Chris Clowdus gets direction.

Walking to a win over Nevada Union and second place in league, all-leaguer Emily Shields and second team all-leaguer Kristine Tagorda. Varsity volleyball entered section play-off ranked #1 in Division II and #2 in the Metro area.

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Firing up the water polo boys, senior Rob Scherer led the team to play-offs. Nicole Wirth leads Drill to sparkle at Homecoming halftime. Cassie Clauser on top for JV cheer.

Clearing the ball, Nima Nurbakhsh was part of the second place varsity soccer team that went into the Division II championships.

Girls tennis finished third in the Sierra Foothill League.

ASB– recognizing the outstanding people @ RHS

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he purpose of Campus Recognition is to recognize and publicize the outstanding students and faculty we have at RHS. Students in the spotlight are recognized for their athletic, academic and club participation by their coaches, teachers, and advisers. The purpose of faculty in the Spotlight is to showcase the many staff members that make RHS such a fantastic place to attend school and to work!

Campus Recognition Committee Taylor Cook- Commissioner- oversees all Asst. Commissioners, works on schedules, helps coordinate Staff Appreciation and community donations Courtney Parmer- Assistant Commissioner- Student Spotlight recognition (gathers info from coaches, staff, advisers) Jennifer Crutchfield- Assistant Commissioner- Spotlight of Campus Life in front office (in charge of pictures in front office of student participation on campus) Michelle Ghafouri-Faculty in the Spotlight- In charge of interviewing staff and hanging pics and info in the front office

Student of the Week

Ms. Trina Lee Department: science, Classes Currently Taught: Chemistry, AP Chemistry, Academic Background: Bachelor of Science in bio chemistry, masters in education, Family: older brother, Why she became a teacher: job is rewarding, high school students make everyday different, everybody is interesting, Years at RHS: 5th year, Favorite quote: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are” –Roosevelt, Interests and Hobbies: skydiving, backpacking, cooking, eating, Memorable Moment at RHS: every year is memorable, being at RHS is memorable.

Kayla Zellars Kayla has a wonderful, positive attitude in class. Her energy and optimism is inspiring.

Mr. Tim Wirth Job title: school counselor, Favorite part of the Job: working with kids, Family: 3 kids, What brought him to RHS: moved to Rocklin because he liked the town and neighborhood, Years at RHS: 6th year, Favorite Quote: “Only the educated are truly free”, Interests and Hobbies: baseball, family, Memorable Moment at RHS: when 2 kids graduated in 2006 who were struggling with passing all their classes, he was very proud of them.

Mrs. Melody Hawkins Department: VAPA Classes Currently Taught Piano Lab, Musical Theater, and Choir Academic Background: Degree in Music Education Family: Two sisters and one brother Why She Became a Teacher: Always loved music, really liked to help people discover their own love for music Years at RHS: 4th year Favorite Quote/Saying: “Go into the world and do well, but more importantly, go into the world and do Good.” Interests and Hobbies: Besides music there is reading, travel, eating, and being outdoors Memorable Moment at RHS: Faculty Follies Mr. Casey Nichols Department: Department chair of Communication Studies Classes Currently Taught: Journalism, Yearbook, Mass Media, and Photojournalism Academic Background: BA in liberal studies from Sac State and MA in Journalism Family: Wife (Sarah), two daughters, and three grandkids Why He Became a Teacher: Because he wanted to work with young people and a career that grows and changes over time Years at RHS: 14 years Favorite Quote/Saying: “There are three sides to every story, yours, mine, and the cold hard truth” Interests and Hobbies: Golf, reading, movies, and spending time with family Memorable Moment at RHS: Winning section golf championship as a coach

Dance Hailey Heikkinen Hailey is a confident and talented performer. She is very knowledgeable and a strong leader in dance.

Melinda Marion Melinda’s passion for dance is a huge inspiration to others. She is a very hard worker and incredibly humble.

Nicole Wirth Nicole always works hard and she has fun doing it. She is a positive leader in class.

Anya Wong Anya has a really positive attitude in dance. She is always working hard.

Water Polo Justin Pugh Outstanding counter attack player and great practice ethic.

Greg Goldner Outstanding defensive player David Sur Leading the team all year with his dedication and effort Bryan Sheets Offensive leader of the team. He scored 7 goals in the team’s final game versus Oakmont.

Sean Backes Outstanding freshman player on the team. Led all freshmen in goals scored. Great work ethic and athlete.

Boy’s Soccer Conor Delaney Conor works hard at practice every day. He’s an excellent athlete and teammate. His good attitude has a positive impact on our squad.

Justin Soria Justin is a hard worker with a great attitude.

Conner Rasmussen Conner has shown great improvement of attitude and has turned into a very positive player.

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