Vol. 95, Issue 8

Pepperbox

Volume 95, Issue 8

To new beginnings...

What’s Inside: Pepperbox in Espanol

Senior athletes

Senior memories

Flow

Teacher of the year

Pepperfaux!

The Pepperbox

June

BOX BRIEFS Senior Awards Night: 6/7 @ 7 p.m.

Senior picnic: 6/8/23 Finals Week: 6/12-6/15 Graduation: 6/15 @ 5:30 p.m.

EDITORIAL STAFF Madelyn Conley: Editor-in-Chief Dylan Berman: Editor-in-Chief Zoe Macknicki: Managing Editor Seneca Turecheck: Feature Editor Finn Clark: Feature Editor Ilana Maclay: News Editor Julian Wan: Online Editor Ell Franklin: Opinion Editor Morgan Ford: Sports Editor Sagen Sarchett: Sports Editor Emma Kaber: A&E Editor Astreya McKnight: Business Manager Jasmine McKnight: Business Manager Ossian Briar-Bonpane: Photo Editor Alex Phelan: Art Director Toni Diaz: Copy Editor

REPORTERS

Sadie Cronin Urijah Horne Laura Laux Jaimeanne O’Donnell Raymi Sharp Lucia Hernandez Alauna Thompson Dominic Previde Mariah Weekly

IN THE BOX Next year’s new dean. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Minute system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Spanish section in Pepperbox. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Senior highs and lows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Spring week. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Senior wills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Flow recap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Smash or pass queer content. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Senior athletes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-21 Mielke quitting teaching. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Why you should stay in Humboldt. . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Teen boy discovers empathy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Perry caught wearing bald cap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Thoughts on next years schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Questions regarding editorial content of the Pepperbox should be directed toward its editors.

Opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of Arcata High School.

The Pepperbox would like to thank Western Web, based in Samoa, for printing at-cost.

Western Web supports student journalism throughout Humboldt County and has made publications like the Pepperbox possible for decades. We appreciate their dedication to keeping print media alive.

The Northern Humboldt Union High School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, ancestry, gender, gender identity, gender expression, immigration status, religion, sexual orientation, association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, or age in its hiring practices or its programs and activities.

Advisor Danielle Witten

Editors’ Box Dylan Berman and Madelyn Conley Co-Editors-in-Chief

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t doesn’t feel real that this is our final issue of the Pepperbox as Co-Editors-inChief. This year has been a lot of blood, sweat, and tears from us to make the school paper happen, so reaching the end and looking back is deeply rewarding, and yes, relieving. But on the other hand, we will miss the planning, the writing, the managing, the editing, and the reporting. We will miss the full Saturdays we spent with a few classmates the day before deadline. We will miss the deep sense of accomplishment that came as we carried stacks and stacks of freshly printed papers to every classroom on campus. We are ready to escape to the freedom of summer, but we will miss it all.

This year’s Journalism Class is full of talented and impressive student journalists of all grade levels, and it’s so exciting to think of how they’ll grow and the things they’ll write as the paper continues on without us. This is especially exciting considering the incredible strides forward the class is making next year, thanks to tireless work from Ms. Witten, our wonderful advisor. Journalism will have an honors track, the class will produce a video newscast that will function as the morning bulletin, and a group of students will be writing a section of the paper in Spanish! Speaking of Ms. Witten, we absolutely could not have done it with her impressive vision, her endless passion, and her knowledge of journalism and writing.

The Pepperbox is an integral part of the school and local community, giving a voice to students, bringing light to important issues, and continuing print journalism in the modern day. It’s a way for all students to connect, to laugh, to be informed, and to see both the serious and the silly aspects of their lives at school documented, shared, and reflected on. For all of that and more we are proud to have been a part of the Pepperbox.

-Madelyn and Dylan

Go to thepepperbox.com for breaking news and more exciting content!

Interested in writing for The Pepperbox? Contact pepperbox@nohum.k12. ca.us

Follow us on Instagram! @ahspepperbox

Behind the Scenes

Quotable.

(Witten’s version)

“I’m a feminist, so I don’t bake.”

- Danielle Witten explaining to her students why she brought store bought cookies

“I think there’s “Karma is my something romantic boyfriend.” about paper.”

- Danielle Witten commenting about the Pepperbox being printed

- Danielle Witten giving advice to one of her students in Journalism Class.

“It is officially May in public education, you guys have no more ideas left?”

- Danielle Witten to her Journalism Class

“Whats the opposite of a dry person? A thirsty person? Wait ok so whats the opposite of a dry text? A wet text?”

- Danielle Witten learning about about modern slang

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

News

The Pepperbox | Page 5

Saying goodbye to Mr. Rohn Dylan Berman

Co-Editor-in-Chief

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ex Rohn, who has taught at Arcata High for seven years, is saying goodbye to the job. Before AHS he taught at Freshwater School, taught special programs in Eureka City Schools, and taught at Humboldt’s Court and Community schools, run through the county Office of Education.

Rohn, with a background in construction and engineering, who has taught woodshop at AHS for years, is moving back to Court and Community schools to an administrative position. Humboldt’s Court and Community Schools serve students who are in the criminal justice system or are struggling with issues like homelessness. Court and Community Schools run several campuses across the county.

He’s glad he has an opportunity to again be a part of helping students in need of education.

“It’s folks that are really strug-

gling, and oftentimes not through their own doing, but their environment and then just the hand they’ve been dealt,” he said. “I believe education for young people is one of the best things you can do for yourself.”

Rohn is deeply passionate about woodshop.

“Not everybody’s a big math, big science person, some of that stuff is really tough for people, but a lot of those folks, if they can get their hands on something, that makes sense,” Rohn said. “Just look at everything around you, everything you use. Metal, plastic, some sort of manufacturing happened. Some craftsperson somewhere along the line had something to do with everything that’s been built.”

He’s excited that woodshop is now considered a fine art, meeting the requirements for UCs and CSUs, seeing a lot of use in taking a woodshop class for students who might pursue engineering degrees.

Rohn is excited to move to the ad-

ministrative position, but he has a lot he’ll miss about being a teacher.

As an administrator he’ll miss more direct interaction with students.

“I don’t know any teacher that ever got into teaching for any other reason than trying to do something good. Teaching, there are good days and bad days but in the end I always feel like I’m doing the

right thing, I’m always working towards the right goal,” Rohn said.

As a final message, he emphasized the importance of grit and perseverance for students. “Things are hard, but things that don’t have a little price attached to them usually don’t give you the great reward. Those things that are tough do a lot for you. So stick with work,” he said.

Dylan Berman/PEPPERBOX

Lex Rohn helps a student with a project during woodshop

Jessie Burns moves to new position Dylan Berman

Co-Editor-in-Chief

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any students, especially during prom season, have met with Arcata High’s Dean of Students, Jessie Burns.

Burns is moving on from the role of Dean of Students next school year, and sat down with me to reflect on her current job, which goes beyond just handling students’ minutes. “My background is as a school psychologist and a special education administrator,” she said. “I’m still involved in a lot of the social, emotional, and behavioral support for students on campus.”

Burns does risk assessments for students, provides referrals to

community resources, and can be involved to help with discipline.

She’s also involved with special education and 504 plans, and campus supervision. The minutes system has taken up a large part of her time in the role however.

“I feel overwhelmed being the only person that can make decisions about [minutes]. It’s been hard to have the time to meet with all the students that want to meet with me in a timely manner. It’s not as efficient and I’m not as accessible as I’d like to be,” she said.

“I feel for the students because I know there’s a lot of kids who have gone really far to try and make up for their minutes.” Her and the office secretaries spend hours upon

hours inputting student minutes into Synergy.

Burns sees a lot of positives in the minute system. “My goal for the seniors anyway is just for them to understand that it’s important to be on time, it’s important to be there. This is just developing good habits.” she said. “We’ve really just been trying to work with kids. If they make an improvement they can knock minutes off. I feel like that’s really been positive.”

Next year Burns will still be at the school, but in the role of a behaviorist.

“My love is psychology and behavior, and I’ve been asking the district for years to create a behaviorist position, and we actually got

grant funding to have a behaviorist for some new classes we’re opening,” she explained. As a Behaviorist, she will work at both Arcata and Mckinleyville High, helping struggling students. “It’s definitely my passion,” she said, commenting on her new role. “I don’t leave this job with any significant negative issues. I’ve had a lot of fun doing this job, I love Arcata High. For me I’m just not at a time where I can put that much time into it. I wanted to take a step back when I realized what the workload was. It’s pretty intense. As a behaviorist, Burns can have more time to focus on the part of the job she most enjoys, working directly with students to help them succeed.

The Pepperbox | Page 6

News

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

Miller named teacher of the year Jasmine McKnight Business Manager

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elly Miller, an Arcata High School agriculture teacher, has been named 2023 Humboldt County Teacher of the Year, just a month after being awarded with the Excellence in Teaching Award by the Humboldt County Office of Education.

“She’s very inspiring. She doesn’t take any of her time to herself, she puts it all to her students. Even outside of her school time and the time she’s being paid, she is always there,” junior and Arcata High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) president, Jocelyn Hauge, said.

Miller has been teaching at Arcata High School for eight years and has been instrumental

in the success of the school’s FFA program, helping students learn more about agriculture and raising animals. She also teaches the school’s floral design class.

“Whenever she’s not in the classroom helping students and making everyone’s day better, she’s out helping you with other projects that pertain to her class.

If you have livestock questions or questions about class or anything, she always always has the answer,” junior and Arcata FFA school board representative, Anthony Zinselmeir, said.

Miller’s dedication to her students has not gone unnoticed.

“I feel completely honored. I love teaching, so I don’t think of this really as my job, it’s just something I love to do. To be recognized for something that has been my

passion is quite an honor,” Miller said.

co-president of Sexuality and Gender Acceptance (SAGA) said. “It affects everyone in the community,” they said. “It’s really scary to read the headlines, because it can affect us in the future.”

While we are relatively insulated from harmful legislation, many of us still live in unaccepting households. These laws, passed or not, can reinforce prejudiced, homophobic, and transphobic views and opinions of parents, voters, and other adults who have an impact on childrens’ lives. It can also be more difficult for members of the LGBTQ+ community to travel to unaccepting states such as Texas and Florida.

Trans youth in 18 states live under laws that prevent them from accessing gender-affirming healthcare. This care is life-saving, and is necessary for trans kids to live as themselves.

“It doesn’t affect me in a legal sense, but it does affect me in an emotional sense,” SAGA vice president Alina Smith said. “I’m sure that this is gonna cost hundreds of thousands of people their lives.”

The ACLU and other interest groups are in state and federal governments lobbying to protect the LGBTQ+ community. If you want

Jasmine McKnight/PEPPERBOX

Miller poses with flowers from her Floral Design class.

Why we need pride Emma Kaber A&E Editor

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ll across the country and the world, laws targeting LGBTQ+ people are being proposed and passed. One such bill was proposed in California in 2022, which would require teachers and school staff to inform parents if they learn a child under age 12 is using a different name or pronouns. While this bill is very unlikely to pass, every bill proposed harms the LGBTQ+ community.

Proposed legislation, even if not passed, increases fear, depression, and anxiety in a community already more than 4 times more likely to commit suicide according to the Trevor Project.

“It makes me feel terrible that there’s so much hatred against people who are just trying to live their lives,” senior Alden Mauro,

to politically support the LGBTQ+ community, and are not yet old enough to vote, there are some things you can do. Donate to interest groups and organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community, attend protests and rallies, and volunteer for campaigns and organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community.

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

News

The Pepperbox | Page 7

Senior prom, senior scramble Raymi Sharp

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Reporter

s the school year wound down, seniors eagerly anticipated one of the most memorable events of their high school journey: senior prom.

However, for some seniors, the looming shadow of accumulated minutes posed a serious challenge.

The minute system, designed to enforce accountability and punctuality, for some hindered plans to enjoy significant milestones.

As we all know, 240 is the maximum amount of minutes you can have to participate in any extracurricular events and any extra minutes accrued can restrict you from fully participating in things such as prom night festivities. Being deprived of experiencing these events because of a few tardies can

be disheartening and within the weeks before prom, the pressure to erase minutes became a shared objective among seniors, intensifying the scramble to ensure their spots at these end of the year events.

Senior Paolo Bosques-Paulet had to clear a significant amount of minutes to attend senior prom.

“A lot of minutes were from uncleared AP tests,” he said.

After he spoke with Ms. Burns, she cleared most of his minutes, and he was able to attend prom.

Administration has employed various strategies to eliminate accumulated minutes before the deadline. Their strategies include serving detention, attending senior class meetings, watching mental health videos, and turning in permission slip papers. 300 whole minutes get completely erased, for getting three papers signed that

were required to attend senior picnic. Senior June Lancaster who got her minutes down in time to attend prom was tasked with hanging up the Go and No Go Lists, helping make prom tickets, and selling the tickets, all to get her minutes down in time. She was able to attend prom, but not all students made it off the No Go list.

Senior Poe Tetrault missed senior prom because of his minutes.

“I’m not really sure how I feel about it,” he said.

“I mean I do miss a decent amount of classes, but not being able to participate in outside of school activities just seems odd. I’m not even sure what AHS is trying to achieve.”

A consequence as serious as missing prom brings up questions.

Has the minute system done its intended job?

Pepperbox in Español Jaimeanne O’Donnell

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Reporter

multitude of students will be joining The Pepperbox next year, but four of them will be bringing something completely new to the paper.

For the first time, students will be writing a section of the paper in Spanish. Two of the four are freshmen and the other two are juniors.

All of them can speak and write fluently in Spanish and English.

“Many kids in our community speak Spanish, some more, some less, but it would be a great way of also making them feel welcome,” freshmen Ebelin Angon-Bazan said. It’s a way to include people whose first language is Spanish, make them feel included and acknowledge their heritage.

“I feel like we all sort of deserve

that chance to express ourselves and I feel like this is one of the ways the Latinx community can get out there besides the Latinx club,” junior Edwin Arguelles-Diaz said.

Freshman Joselyn Bravo-Ortega was inspired by a Mexican-American journalist, Jorge Ramos. Ramos brings awareness of new immigration laws and covers important events around the world.

Ramos has reported on some of the most important news stories of the past two decades such as, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the disintegration of the former Soviet Union, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. “I really want to see a part of my native and first language in this school because I want see more diversity along school campus. I

believe that by adding this amazing addition to The Pepperbox, it will be more attractive, not just to who it already is to, but to the people who only speak Spanish, “ Bravo-Ortega said.

The students are very excited to make the paper more accessible in this way.

“I am very excited to have an opportunity to

Ilana Maclay/PEPPERBOX

The go list outside the Fine Arts Building

express in writing the experience that I’ve had as a student at AHS and show the importance of being a woman in the latinx community and a student of color at AHS,” junior Liliana Bravo-Leon said.

Keep watch next school year to see those four names printed in the Spanish section of The Pepperbox.

From right to left, Edwin Arguelles-Diaz, Ebelin Angon-Bazan, and Joselyn Bravo-Ortega. Not pictured is Liliana Bravo-Leon

The Pepperbox | Page 8

News

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

AHS clay target club proposed Jasmine McKnight Business Manager

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clay target shooting club may be coming to Arcata High School next year, but the proposed club has already generated some controversy. While some students are excited about the possibility of the new extracurricular activity, others have raised concerns about gun safety and the appropriateness of a shooting club in a school setting.

It’s my opinion that given the fact that we have a gun culture in this city, county, state, and country, the more that culture can be safe and supervised and related to sport the better.

- Owen Moore “I was approached as a potential adviser by students who had attended the state FFA conference where they discovered that dozens of high schools in the state of California have clay target clubs,” Owen Moore, the teacher interested in being the clubs advisor, said.

According to Moore, the idea is to provide an opportunity for people to shoot trap safely within the school community and offer another option for students who may not be involved in other extracurricular activities. To ensure the safety of all students, participants would be required to obtain a California hunter’s safety certificate and pass a separate safety check.

The club would meet at a local trap and skeet shooting club, and could potentially compete virtually against other high school trap and skeet clubs such as Ferndale,

Weaverville, and Redding’s clubs.

“It’s my opinion that given the fact that we have a gun culture in this city, county, state, and country, the more that culture can be safe and supervised and related to sport the better,” Moore said.

Additionally, the club could provide structure to an activity many students are already participating in.

“I’ve been going to the skeet range with my uncle since I was like seven, so it was always something that I was doing and something that I was super interested in,” sophomore Tavis Kjer, one of the students who proposed the club to Moore, said.

The fact that this could be a club is very concerning to me. Bringing gun culture on to campus could be very dangerous to students and staff. No matter how safe this club is said to be, there will always be a risk of students being hurt or worse.

- Ava Jones

The potential new club was first introduced to the school board by Superintendent Roger Macdonald at the April 18 board meeting.

“Owen Moore has put a ton of time into trying to organize a [trap and skeet] club for Arcata high school. We talked to our legal team.

We talked to our folks at JPA Insurance. We are following through everything to see what we are required to have one of these teams at school. So far we are moving cautiously but deeply to make sure that we are looking at everything,” Macdonald said.

Northern Humboldt Union High School District (NHUHSD) student board representative from Six Rivers High School, sophomore Ava Jones, commented on MacDonald’s announcement.

“The fact that this could be a club is very concerning to me. Bringing gun culture on to campus could be very dangerous to students and staff. No matter how safe this club is said to be, there will always be a risk of students being hurt or worse,” Jones Said NHUHSD board president, Theresa Grosjean initially had a similar reaction.

“In the moment, my knee-jerk reaction, one born of my own personal feelings about guns, was

a hard no. But as I listened to the conversation, I realized I needed to be open to it and get past that first instinct so that I could weigh all the information, understand our policies around starting clubs, and get answers to some of the questions that were being posed,” Grosjean said.

Grosjean reported that the district’s responsibility to stay open to clubs that encourage student interest and hobbies, has helped shape her opinion about the potential club.

“I think that if I am convinced that students involved in the club would be provided a safe and structured program, and that we established very strict rules and protocols around when and where students could use or have the necessary equipment to participate, I don’t think I could let my particular feelings or fears override the fairness of supporting a group that met all the districts requirements to form,” Grosjean said.

As of now, after examining the legality and practicality of creating a clay target club, administrators will continue to look into the possibility of having this as an extracurricular in the 2023-2024 school year.

Jasmine McKnight/PEPPERBOX

If approved, the club could potentially meet at the Humboldt Trap and Skeet Club in McKinleyville.

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

Feature

The Pepperbox | Page 9

Freshman expectations Urijah Horne Reporter

Rowan Carter

Gabe Wrate “I assumed it was gonna be really hard and that the teachers would be super strict about phones but I was completely wrong, it was really easy and teachers aren’t really strict about phones.”

“I didn’t really have any expectations, I thought it was gonna be like middle school but with a different schedule which is exactly how it panned out.”

Kai Johnson “I expected it to go pretty smooth. I didn’t think I was gonna make any friends Tripp Dillon “I expected the year to feel like it went on forev- though, and I assumed I would have er and that I wasn’t going to make many friends, good grades except for in Bio. In the end but I was pleasantly surprised when my expectaI made new friends and I had the good tions were wrong and I made a lot of new friends grades I expected to have except for in and the year went by extremely fast.”

Bio.”

The Pepperbox | Page 10

Feature

Hit or miss spring week Wednesday: Anything but a backpack Sadly this was a miss. On the plus side it was interesting to see what people brought instead of their backpacks, like a couple people brought their little siblings.

But it’s overused and was another repeat of last year. So once again it could have been replaced with something we haven’t done yet. 2/10

Toni Diaz and Lucia Hernandez Copy Editor and Reporter

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s you know, Arcata High’s spring week was May 22nd-26th, with each day being a dress up day. However, dress up days can most definitely be a hit or miss.

A boring or overused theme makes them a definite miss, especially when nobody even dresses up. While fun and creative themes makes them a hit.

Spring week 2023 was on average a miss, with some exceptions.

So let’s review!

Monday: Tacky Tourist Tacky Tourist was honestly mid.

Don’t get me wrong, it was creative and fun, and people definitely participated for this day, but it was so 2022 considering we had the same day last year.

Another fun day could’ve been brought in instead of repeating.

This day was a solid 7/10, rounding out as a hit.

Leadership/PEPPERBOX

Thursday: Country vs Country Club Country vs country club was by far a 10/10. It was new and had the most participants by far. The outfits were great and exceeded expectations.

Taylor Nada/PEPPERBOX

From left to right: Riley Ellyson, Carolyn Van Mantgem, Taylor Nada, Ella Ivan, Erika Homan, Sierra Paliaga.

Tuesday: Adam Sandler/Paris Hilton This was most definitely a hit. A solid 9/10 a point off because some of yall didn’t execute Paris Hilton like it should have been.

However, the Adam Sandler’s fits broke the scale. They were iconic.

Leadership/Pepperbox

Ella Newman/PEPPERBOX

Ella Newman rocking her little brother for anything but a backpack day.

From left to right: Anson Pera, Cooper Donnely, Beck Peterson, and Kyra Alway, on Tacky Tourist Day

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

Leadership/PEPPERBOX

From left to right: seniors Annabel Smith, Kyra Alway, Taylor Appy, Kyla Berman, and June Lancaster

Owen Peterson and Kyra Alway on country vs country club day Friday: Tiger spirit The last day of spring week was a 5/10. There’s not much you can say as it was just simply spirit wear.

Orange and black. It was good but basic.

Taylor Nada/Pepperbox

Leadership/Pepperbox

Kyra Alway and June Lancaster on anything but a backpack day

Taylor Nada, Erica Homan, and Beyla Jones on Spirit Day.

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

The Pepperbox | Page 11

Feature

Senior advice to freshmen Alex Phelan Art Director

Senior Kyra Alway Senior Paolo Bosques-Paulet

“Take advantage of all the opportunities highschool gives you…I think high school is really about discovering what you enjoy the most…Take some chances. Try things out.”

“Stay positive. I think a lot of people can get, I guess, depressed when it comes to school. Just because school is kind of depressing. And, you know, high school isn’t fun all the time. So, just pat yourself on the back. Go easy on yourself…

Just do whatever you want. Just have fun. Just don’t die and you’ll be good.”

Senior Aubrey Deuel Senior Cedar Birdsall

“When I was a freshman, I was really insecure…I was, like, just scared to do everything. I’m telling you, confidence is key,” Aubrey Deuel said. “Even if you don’t have it, just fake it. Just pretend. Just walk a little bit higher, roll your shoulders back, keep your head high, and you are golden.”

“Work hard, play hard.”

The Pepperbox | Page 12

Feature

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

Wills of (not deceased) graduating students Ilana Maclay

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News Editor

eniors. We know who they are. We see them walking the halls, participating in school events, and (hopefully) attending their classes. No matter who you are, or who your friends are, you probably know a senior, or at least of one.

Picture this: It’s the beginning of the year, and you know it’s your last year of high school. The last year before you have to leave for whatever you’re doing, where you have to abandon your friends and everyone you’ve been with for the past three years. But you’re stoked, because you’re finally done! No more annoying freshman for you, you’re officially becoming an adult.

For a bit of perspective, I went to the ones who know all about it–the seniors themselves.

Q: What is it like being a senior at the beginning of the year versus the end?

Arman Abbassi: “It was pretty exciting coming in at the beginning of the year. I didn’t think too much of it because it’s not all that differ-

ent, but it’s the year where stuff really starts to happen,” he said.

“I’m sort of getting to the point where stuff is actually starting to happen, starting to care less about school – that’s the awesome thing that we like to see with seniors, but no, it’s good. I mean, I’m starting to become a big adult.”

Raven Alvarez: “I was excited to be a senior just because I finally started to figure out what I wanted to do in high school... I was kind of wandering before that, and then I hit senior year and I was like, ‘Oh, I got this! I know the drill.’ Now, about to become a not-senior, to rejoin the group of freshmen, it’s like a happy sad. Happy to be leaving, sad to leave specific people.”

Kyra Alway: “It’s a really weird feeling because everything is ending... At the beginning of the year you’re, you know, nervous because it’s like, ‘oh it’s your last year,’ but by the end of it you’re just ready to get out. Like, I’m so done.”

Q: How are you feeling about graduation?

Alway: “It’s both scary and really exciting. It’s so soon, which my

brain hasn’t fully comprehended, but it’ll be great. I’m excited.”

Abbassi: “It’s kind of surreal,...

I think that I’m going to give the same answer that most people will, that, you know… being ready and not ready at the same time because you know there’s friends but also like it’ll be cool to actually go into a career and start doing crazy things with life and all the crazy adventures… but you know, all the homies still here.”

Q: What are you leaving, and to whom?

Abbassi: “Who’s killing me? Am I dying? Supposedly I die, like how am I going to die? The coolest way.

How about like a truck but like not sad. It’s just kind of funny... I’m going to give my car, called Nocturne, to Julian Wan. It’s Julian Wan’s, I’ll give him the keys and, let’s see, what else do I have to my name? Pretty much nothing. Oh, I have a bucket hat! Who would I give my bucket hat to? Who would take my bucket hat? I’ll give my bucket hat to Mr. Pinkerton, I think he’ll like it, and I think it will look good on him. Don’t tell him I

said that though. You can write it, but don’t tell him.. I think those are my two most valued possessions.”

Alway: “I give my parking space to Melanie Luh, I give my relationships with my teachers to everyone else. Enjoy them. My ability to be late to class I give to the future seniors. Good luck guys, have fun.”

Alvarez: “For a while I parked in the very front... I’d like to leave that spot to my brother. He’ll be driving the yellow truck eventually, and I’d like him to have that spot. That, and all the random coins that you find on the stairs, I’d like to leave that to all the people looking to buy something from the pool over there.”

Q: What do you think your role on campus is, and who are you leaving that to?

Alvarez: “I think my role on campus here is to help build people up–help them do the things they want to do, give them a little hype every once in a while. I think that anybody can fulfill that role... The world can be a better place if everyone filled that role.”

Seniors’ high school memories Ossian Briar-Bonpane

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Photo Editor

rcata High’s seniors are almost done with high school. Graduation is a time of transition and reflection on the past four years, and some seniors have very memorable experiences.

Senior Bryce Rowley shared that he will never forget being part of the homecoming parade, “like that one time this year as a senior where I was chanting ‘happy homecoming 2023’. It was like a breathtaking experience for me,

even compared to last year’s homecoming for 2021 where I had a selfie stick and I was taking some really cool shots and videos of what it’s like to be on a float and stuff.”

Rowley’s other “key takeaways” from high school were the dances.

There were times when he brought confetti tubes, and said that “if the crowd gets really excited when that proper beat drops for a certain genre of music, that’s when the confetti comes out and everyone seems to have a really good time. To me I’m just really excited for prom.”

Bryce will be interning with the

DJ at senior prom to help the music selection be really special for our seniors.

Senior prom will be “one of the most memorable moments for the class of 2023’s high school career,” he said.

Senior Kayla Haynes told me that she had a quick and crazy story from freshman year she wanted to share.

“Me and my friends were kind of crazy, and we had this crazy idea that we could catch a seagull, because there’s a bunch of seagulls around the school. We decided to all get in a circle and put bread in

the middle and stand there and wait. Everyday at lunch we would do this.” One day a seagull dropped down, “and I ran over and I caught a seagull, freshman year, in my hands, I was holding the seagull [for like twenty-five seconds and it was attacking my hands]. We didn’t get any pictures or videos but that was my crazy story.”

Tuesday, June 13th,2023

The Pepperbox | Page 13

A&E

Arcata High in high fashion Laura Laux

O

Reporter

n Saturday May 20th, AAI’s annual fashion show, Flow, was presented in the Fine Arts Building.

The show was completely sold out. Right before the show started people were filling the last few empty seats in the auditorium.

The fashion lines were all different and reflected the diversity of the designers.

From magic gardens, to insects, to sunsets, the designers were inspired by a variety of things and showed their creativity. The show was supported by lights and music that fit each individual line.

A challenge for all the designers was to finish their outfits on time.

Time management was a big step in the preparation for the show.

“I did a lot of outfits and did not have very much time. Cause the time’s designed to make four outfits not six. So I kinda had to do a lot of work,” junior Annalee Mattingly said.

Even though the workload was heavy, she enjoyed being part of the show.

“The performing part. That was definitely my favorite, cause it feels like a lot of work but then it gets to the show and you’re like, oh, this was all so worth it,” Mattingly said.

Her line, called “Retro Revival,” was inspired by the 70s and western American culture, so the colors were mostly red, white, and blue.

All of her models were wearing cowboy boots which emphasized the vibe of her line.

“I wanted to design something I wanted to wear,” she said.

Senior Raven Alvarez was part of the fashion show, and like Annalee Mattingly, not only as a designer but also as a model.

“I think my favorite part was

Tim Clewell/PEPPERBOX

From left to right: Lillian Afridi, Nola Briar-Bonpane, Annalee Mattingly, Nora Talty, Ossian Briar-Bonpane, Ian Drop seeing the completed pieces on the models because when you see them just laying out flat on the couch you’re like maybe, maybe that’ll look good and then you have them on the model and then you’re like yes,” Alvarez explained.

Her line “Indigenize It” was underlined by rhythmic music and traditional Native American outfits. All of these aspects painted a powerful picture. The line was very important to her because she “wanted to do something about walking the line between indigenous and non-indigenous worlds because that’s something [she] and multiple other people deal with.

[She] wanted to create a visual representation of that, that combines the two.”

Owen Peterson modeled for designer Beyla Jones, who came up with designs inspired by insects.

While he wasn’t part of the designer team, he loved being part of the Flow show.

“It was really just cool interacting with the designers and kinda being like part of the creative process,” he said.

During rehearsal the designers and models had to come up with their own poses, which was a challenge since you don’t want to

have the same poses over and over again.

“I was really worried about how my poses would be presented and making sure that stuff would look good,” Peterson said.

The designers overcame challenges, and together with their models and the backstage team, they put on an amazing show.

The audience was truly impressed by the talent and professionalism of the designers and models.

Congratulations to everyone who participated!

Tim Clewell/PEPPERBOX

From left to right: Madelyn Conley, Raven Alvarez, Shontay Crane, Aidan Alvarez

The Pepperbox | Page 14

A&E

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

Backstage review: Spring concert Julian Wan Online Editor

A

fter bringing home a silver and a gold medal from the Worldstrides Festival in Chicago, the ArMack Orchestra and Camarada Singers had another outstanding performance (This review might be biased as I am a graduating soloist in the ArMack Orchestra) at their spring concert on Friday, June 2nd, with the ArMack Jazz Band and the Arcata High Steel Pan Band.

The concert started with the orchestra followed by jazz band, pan band, and choir, featuring senior musicians and incredible solos.

I performed with the orchestra, pan band, and accompanied kit for choir.

We put on a great show, although we frantically scrambled to get our pieces ready through rehearsals.

Just days before the concert, Lootah Hall, a sophomore and violinist, commented on how ready the orchestra was for their show.

“I think we could be more prepared but we’re not like super unprepared, but I think we sound pretty good,” Hall said.

“I practiced soooo much,” said Hall, in a serious yet sarcastic tone.

Nyrie Broderick, sophomore and violinist, expressed similar thoughts.

“I definitely think there’s some rough parts, and orchestra is really early in the morning but overall I think it’s a fun class and has a lot of value,” Broderick said Our time to practice as an orchestra was limited, especially with only three weeks to learn a new piece, but we managed to pull through.

“I definitely think we did better than the last concert we did and we definitely improved a lot over the year,” Bean John, freshman and French hornist said.

The orchestra finished with “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin, featuring amazing solos given by two seniors, John Gerving (piano) and Paolo Bosques-Paulet (clarinet).

The ArMack Orchestra stands to take a bow.

Arcata High Steel Pan Band playing their set at the Spring Concert.

We are all our own worst critics, particularly as musicians.

“Jazz is iffy [during rehearsals], because nobody is listening and we can’t agree on the right tempo,” said Jack Dixon, a sophomore and percussionist in orchestra, jazz, and pan band.

“Our concerts are really good to everyone else but to a musical ear it’s like alright,” Dixon said.

Nevertheless, the jazz band killed their performance, kicking off with “Moanin” by Charles Mingus, featuring Emma Kaber, senior, on Bari-Saxophone.

The pan band made it onto the program last minute, but gave an upbeat and groovy energy.

The band was carried by Thomas FitzMaurice, freshman lead pan player, who delivered excellent solos.

Ava Jones, sophomore bass pan player, was optimistic about how the band played.

“I think we did really well. The songs we chose were really good and we knew we would rock them,” Jones said.

Although last but certainly not least, the gold-winning Camarada Singers confidently sang their pieces, covering a wide range of music from Mozart to Lady Gaga.

“I never tend to get goosebumps but when we sang ‘Wild Embers’ my entire body just shivered, it was super cool,” freshman Evelyn Hadley said.

Overall, I’d say we slayed our spring performance, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next year!

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

A&E

The Pepperbox | Page 15

Smash or pass: Queer content Finn Clark

Co-Feature Editor

W

ell folks, it’s finally Pride month, the perfect time to crack out your favorite piece of queer content and have a long cry.

In the modern age, we have an increasing amount of queer shows and books to wade through, but which of these are actually worth the watch?

This is a smash or pass of content that has good queer characters but are also just fun to watch so hold on to your hats, because this is going to be controversial.

We’ll start off strong with a smash, the “Harley Quinn” TV show (which is peak DC queerness). Harley Quinn x Ivy is such an iconic pairing, I love them.

Next, with a pass, we have “Love, Simon.” Now, before you all get mad, this movie is absolutely geared towards straight people.

What I’m looking for are shows where being gay is a subplot, not the whole reason for its existence.

If you’re new to gay people, by all means watch this, but it’s not my choice by far.

Then, probably my biggest smash, “Banana Fish.” If you haven’t heard of this show you are most likely better off mentally than I am but this is the most beautifully written show I think I will ever have the pleasure of watching.

Continuing on, I’m gonna pass on “Heartstopper.” The only apology I can give is that it’s too mainstream for me.

Next up on smash we have “The LEGO Batman Movie.” Lego Joker is the best queer representation a kids movie could possibly give.

Next for pass, I’ll list the most controversial gay films most people hate but I’ve never watched myself: “Call Me by Your Name”

and “Blue is the Warmest Color.”

Pedophilia and lesbians written for straight men are not a good look.

After that, we have a smash, “Heaven Official’s Blessing.”

Chinese mythology mixed with a gay love story is peak content.

If you’re looking for good gay role models just look at Xie Lian and Hua Cheng, they are just so iconic. Plus we get great gender fluid characters like Shi Qingxuan.

Ok, the least controversial pass, every movie or show with a “first gay disney character.” Like, come on, you can’t have twenty firsts of something.

Every time they put a gay character in one of their shows or movies, it’s a big issue and bigots are mad even though it’s only like a five second scene, so I sympathize but come on, do better.

Ok, the next one is in between a smash and a pass, “Q-Force.”

This show is controversial in general. I mean, if you’re watching it and you’re straight you might think it was just full of stereotypes about gay people, but I thought it was really funny for what it is.

Next we have the last smash, “Doukyusei,” the books for this show and the movie they made out of it are magnificent.

A workaholic and a struggling student/band member meet in high school and fall in love and battle against the struggles of growing up while working through the struggles of a new relationship. Incredibly cute, 10/10.

Happy Pride month, it’s not on me if any of these shows make you cry.

The Pepperbox | Page 18

Sports

Tuesday June, 13th, 2023

Senior athletes future plans Morgan Ford and Zoe Macknicki Co- Sports Editor and Managing Editor

A

rcata High School has a strong athletics program with many phenomenal athletes.

Many Arcata High athletes have the opportunity to continue both their athletic and academic career at a variety of colleges around the United States.

Athletes come from many sports at Arcata High and are ready to say goodbye to high school athletes and move onto the collegiate level.

Kyla Berman: Kyla Berman, a senior who plays on the Arcata High girls varsity soccer team, will continue to play at University of Puget Sound. Here, she will major in exercise science and minor in neuroscience.

“I am excited to be a college athlete and continue to develop as a player,” she says.

University of Puget Sound is an NCAA Division 3 school in the Northwest Conference.

Photo courtesy of Ray Hamill

Kyla Berman in action against Eureka High School and Fortuna High school.

Photo courtesy of Ray Hamill

Cedar Cline: Cedar Cline has been on the varsity baseball team for four years, and Morgan Ford, a senior who plays Softball for the Tigers, will be pursu- is headed to continue his baseball career at Santa Barbara City College. ing softball at the collegiate level.

Cline will be dual enrolling at The University of California, Santa BarbaFord will travel all the way to Pineville, Louisiana in the fall to play for ra, and plans on studying accounting and economics.

Louisiana Christian University, where she plans to major in nursing and “I am excited to make new friends and play the sport I love, while also minoring in psychology. continuing my education,” he says.

“I am really looking forward to playing with experienced people and getting close to the team,” Ford said.

Ford played a significant role on the Tigers softball team, and is ready to move on to LCU and make a lasting impression there.

Morgan Ford:

Photo courtesy of Ray Hamill

Cedar Cline in action at the Arcata Ballpark. Cline will continue to play for Santa Barbara City College in the fall of 2023.

Photo courtesy of Candice Lackey

Morgan Ford in ation aganist McKinleyville High School.

Sports

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023 Chase Coleman:

The Pepperbox | Page 19

Grace Townsend:

Chase Coleman returned to Arcata High his senior year, after moving to Idaho during COVID. This year, he was a pivotal part of the Tigers baseball team, and helped his team to an NCS Championship. Coleman will attend Mission College in Santa Clara next year, and he will study fire science and play baseball at the junior college.

Gracie Townsend, a senior who played varsity soccer for Arcata High, plans to move to San Luis Obispo in the fall. There, she will attend Cuesta College and major in Environmental Science. Captain of the varsity soccer team for two years in a row, she will continue to expand and grow as a player at Cuesta College in the fall.

Monica Townsend/PEPPERBOX Candice Lackey/PEPPERBOX

Chase Coleman catching against McKinleyville High School.

Sagen Sarchett:

Sagen Sarchett, a key four year player for the Arcata High Softball team, is headed to California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, to continue her softball career and study business.

“I’m looking forward to playing against the high level competition, and traveling to play in different areas” Sarchett said.

Gracie Towsend taking a corner kick.

Amaya Urquidez: Amaya Urquidez played for the girls varsity golf team. Urquidez joined the team for her senior year. In the fall, she plans to attend Santa Barbara City College to study kinesiology and play golf for SBCC.

Josh Hannan: Josh Hannan has been a dominant wrestler in the HDN and NCS for four years. He has won many titles through the league and the section, and has been state ranked for multiple years. Hannan will continue his wrestling career at Clackamas Junior College.

Shelli Sarchett/PEPPERBOX

Sagen Sarchett up at bat against Eureka High School in the 2023 spring season.

Josh Hannan mid wrestling match.

Photo courtesy of Ray Hamill

The Pepperbox | Page 20

Sports

Olivia Railsback:

Tuesday June 13th, 2023

Olivia Railsback has been a multisport athlete at Arcata High for many years. Railsback played on the varsity volleyball team for four years and played on the girls varsity basketball team for three years. Recently, Railsback has signed with College of the Redwoods to play both basketball and volleyball for the Corsairs. Railsback dominated both courts she played on.

Photo courtesy of Ray Hamill

Kayin Kloberdanz in action against Del Norte.

Photo courtesy of Ray Hamill

Olivia Railsback ballin’ it up against St. Bernards.

Ethan Gyenis: Ethan Gyenis has been on the Arcata boys varsity soccer team for four years and is heading to Mendocino Community College in the fall.

Gyenis was a standout player on the soccer team and will definitely carry this over to Mendocino College in the fall.

Photo courtesy of Ray Hamill

Miles Kramer in action against Eureka High School.

Photo courtesy of Ray Hamill Photo courtesy of Ray Hamil

Ethan Gyenis in action against Eureka High School.

Kayin Kloberdanz, Miles Kramer, Seamus Clancy, Kaden O’Brien, and Sawyer Brodkorb: These five of Arcata High School’ss very own boys soccer players are all moving onto the College of the Redwoods to continue playing. They were all important parts of Arcata’s boys varsity soccer team, and helped the team win a league championship this year. These seniors will join a successful CR boys team, and hope to make an impact at the college level.

Four of the Arcata boys soccer players at their signing day for CR.

Sports

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023 Jared Wallace:

The Pepperbox | Page 21

Josiah Gomez:

Jared Wallace was a great linebacker who was a star on Arcata High’s Football team. Recently, Wallace has signed to continue his athletic and academic career at Butte College. Wallace will move to Butte College in the fall and play for the football team there.

Josiah Gomez, a atandout boys soccer player at Arcata High School, will be attending Mendocino College in the fall of 2023. Gomez is lokoing forward to continue playing at the collegiate level.

Zoe Macknicki/PEPPERBOX

Josiah Gomez taking a free kick against South Fork High School.

Keona Gutierrez Dearmond:

Kenoa Gutierrez Dearmond played on the varsity tennis team here at Arcata High. She was a stellar athlete who played a key role for the tigers during the season. Gutierrez Dearmond plans to attend University of California Santa Cruz in the fall. Here, she plans to major in geology and continue her tennis career in the fall and play for the women’s tennis team at UCSC.

Zoe Macknicki:

Photo courtesy ol Candice Lackey

Zoe Macknicki was a key part of the Girls Varsity Soccer team for four years at AHS. Macknicki was the Tiger’s starting center midfielder and led the team to many successes. This fall, she will attend Pennsylvania State University Berks Campus in Reading, PA. There, Macknicki will study kinesiology and continue her soccer career with the Lady Nittany Lions.

“I am excited to play soccer at the next level because of the competition and team atmosphere,” Macknicki said.

Photo courtesy of Onawa Gutierrez

Sadie Breen: Sadie Breen is on the AHS swim team and is a key part to their success.

Breen is a very talented swimmer who swims for Humboldt Swim club, the local competitive swim team. Breen will be able to continue his athletics and academic career at University California Santa Cruz in the fall of 2023. Congrats to Breen for all her hard work and dedication to swim.

Photo courtesy of Ray Hamill

Zoe Macknicki in action against Eureka High School.

Photo courtesy of Rogue Russel

All of these talented seniors will get to continue on to the next level with there sports. Each of these individuals have had a lasting imapct on the Tiger athletics. Congradulations to all the athletes who have dedicated so much time to these sports. We are all very excited to see what everyone is able to accomplish!

The Pepperbox | Page 22

Fake

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

Mielke quits teaching for dream career Toni Diaz and Lucia Hernandez Copy Editor and Reporter

A

rcata High’s very own, very known, history teacher, Jeff Mielke has quit teaching to pursue his music career.

If you’ve had him as a teacher, you know he can belt songs and jam out. But it’s never been anything Hollywood style.

He rambles on and on about how he loves his job and history but is that really the truth if most of the time he’s jamming Kanye West, or at least that was the case before the Kanye-Mielke scandal covered earlier in the year by the Pepperbox itself.

Now ironically, he is quitting and pursuing his so called music career, and even opening for the very controversial artist, Kanye West. However his true talent hasn’t been seen by anyone. It has

in fact been hidden…

Mielke claims, “I’ve been hustling on the side. Trust. Outside school I’ve been playing gig after gig!”

He was even reported seen in Miami, Florida during his daughters World’s cheer competition.

He was described wearing khaki shorts, sandals WITH socks, and a blue/green palm tree button up shirt. That was, however, fully unbuttoned. He was also rocking some sick shades and a tropical

designed bucket hat. He was reportedly singing an original song Do Better at an open mic night in some bar on the beach.

Jeff Mielke has announced he is changing his name too Reggy therease and will soon be opening for West at his soon to be announced comeback surprise tour.

Mielke claims he and West are so close he’s opening for him at every show.

Cannabilism at Arcata High

S

tudents from across Arcata High have been mysteriously disappearing from campus, but where are they going?

You may be shocked to hear that these children are being used to teach culinary at this very school.

Not as teaching assistants or sous chefs, but as the food, and administration knows all about it.

The school is going broke and culinary is an expensive class to offer. With the constant need for chicken and beef, the school has found a more affordable and convenient replacement, and it’s not tofu. Students on the no go list are being called out of class for a meeting to clear their minutes…. never to be seen again..

An anonymous Arcata High aministrator says, “We don’t have to pay for the meat or shipping. It cuts down spending and increases overall student attendance.”

In other words, Arcata High has turned to cannibalism.

According to anonymous sources, students with over 250 minutes will often receive an email from one of their trusted administra-

tors.

“The email says that if you schedule a meeting with the dean of students they will clear 200 minutes, but they have you meet after school.

They ask you to bring all your belongings and to power off your cell phone before going,” says an anonymous student who is on the no go list.

This is likely so they can dispose of your personal items and prevent their victims’ whereabouts from being tracked minutes before they are slaughtered like livestock.

These students are then unenrolled from school and end up fileted in the freezer of classroom 302 for their unsuspecting peers’ next culinary project.

Unfortunately for us students, the school board has yet to catch on to the Arcata High administration’s cost effective yet diabolical methods, so we are on our own. If you do not frequently end up on the no go list, you likely will not be a target.

If you or your friend receives one of these ominous emails, DO NOT GO ALONE. Reschedule the meeting for during school hours, tell your parents where you are,

and keep an attendance conscious person with you at all times.

It is unnerving what a school will resort to in this economy, sim-

ply to maintain an extensive set of electives. Who knew they would resort to cannibalism. Stay safe tigers.

Co-Feature Editor

Seneca Turechek

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

Fake

The Pepperbox | Page 23

Weightlifting is the new therapy Ilana Maclay News Editor

H

ave you ever been sad or thought that you were unworthy of love?

Many have struggled with mental health in their lives. There are many ways to get over these feelings, such as seeing a therapist.

However, instead of working through their feelings, some turn to weight lifting.

“Therapy?” Jeffery Buff (benches 210lb) asked, “Who has time for

that? Who needs that? I go to the gym. I can get ripped physically instead of metaphorically.”

The secrets of how and why gym bros are gym bros have always been unknown, but I’m determined to uncover it.

“I think it’s because it’s just so much easier to go to the gym than cry,” gym bro Maximillion IV (200lb) said, “I’d rather get muscles than swollen eyes.”

Numerous other self-proclaimed gym bros agreed with the statement that “it’s just easier.”

However, many other species of the gym lifestyle claim it’s because of different reasons.

“It’s not because we’re sad. It’s because we’re strong and we’re men,” a local bicep curler said.

“This is what we were meant to do, meant to be.”

While this might be the potential reason for some men (in denial), let’s be real.

We all know that it’s how they deal with their feelings.

“Men don’t have feelings. You may call it toxic masculinity, but I

call it self love and being a manly man,” Andrew Quads (170lb) said.

(Okaaaayyy.)

If you find yourself in the gym environment, please observe the different aspects of gym bro behavior.

You’ll probably find guys lifting things but, if you really look, you’ll see the reason behind it.

Maybe you’ll even catch a stray tear glistening down one’s face.

Why you should never leave Humboldt Madelyn Conley and Zoe Macknicki Co-Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor

H

ey fellow Humboldtians! We’re coming to you from the trees.

These beautiful trees are only one of the many reasons you should never leave Humboldt County.

I mean, how could you even think about leaving this amazing county?

“Humboldt has provided me with everything I need to be successful. It has the best sports programs, the most supporting people, and such a diverse population,” Humboldtian Kyndle Eisner said.

You’ve lived here your whole life and so has your entire family for literally ever, why break the traditions?

Humboldt is so diverse that everytime you leave your house you never see anyone you know. So you never have to worry about running into someone you don’t like.

“I love how the tents lined up

on the sides of the streets adds so much character to our towns,” Humboldtian Myla Conley said.

Humboldt has so many good camping spots; including the Walmart parking lots, Cal Poly Humboldts’ campus, and Highway 101. There’s a few good ones in Arcata too.

And speaking of diversity, Ferndale is such a welcoming town that all kinds of people live in.

Eureka has a massive mall where you can find anything you need, especially scary white vans.

McKinleyville just has so much you can do, the possibilities are endless!

“I’ve never seen a more welcoming community than Ferndale’s and I go to McKinleyville anytime I’m bored to find something fun to do,” Humboldtian Anthony Zinselmeir said.

Humboldt has really good sports facilities and a huge supply of supportive, encouraging, and background checked coaches.

“My coach made me who I am today, all parts of me, the good and the mentally unstable,” said Madelyn Conley.

Sports around here are unlike no other.

Arcata High’s football team is literally unstoppable. Ferndale’s soccer team is number one in the state.

Outside of our amazing school teams, we have a lot of competitive club teams that hold intense tryouts. These teams are staffed with very experienced, level headed, and skilled coaches.

Overall, there are just so many reasons to stay in Humboldt County.

It’s literally our favorite place on earth. Never dream big, stay small, and stay local. #frumboldt #bigfoot #favplace #staylocal #420 #treehugger #peaceandlove #sorrymom #byeb*tches

The Pepperbox | Page 24

Fake

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

Coriell forced to seat students on ceiling Emma Kaber A&E Editor

O

vercrowding is a major and well-known issue at Arcata High School.

Some classrooms don’t have enough desks to accommodate all of the students they must.

After running out of desks, tables, floorspace, and walls, history teacher Jennifer Coriell resorted to seating students on the ceiling.

“My classes are getting too crowded,” Coriell said. “Admin keeps telling me to fit more students in my classroom, and it’s come to this.”

Students have shared mixed reviews about the new seating chart.

“I like the view, but the duct tape can get a little uncomfortable at times,” sophomore Paul VandenBranden, a student seated on Coriell’s ceiling, said.

The tape comes from teachers’ pockets, and it really adds up over time. Coriell spent $1,200 so far on tape for her students.

Before every period, Coriell brings the cheerleading team to throw the students to the ceiling.

The students write their notes Emma Kaber/PEPPERBOX and assignments using clipboards, lucky few who gets to sit at a desk. may need to replace the insulation “Of course this situation isn’t in the walls with room for students. and only two students have been ideal, but we’re running out of hit in the head so far.

“I’m honestly kinda jealous, it ideas,” principal Ron Perry said.

“We’re glad we have some stuseems so fun up there,” sophomore dents who RISE right up to the ceilJack Dixon said.

Dixon is in VandenBranden’s ing.”

If this situation continues, we AP Euro class, and is one of the

Breaking news! Incredible tech found!

Urijah Horne Reporter

“I was parked in two parking spaces at the same time when I saw this lever by my steering wheel. I pushed it, and I was jumpscared by it making a funky clicking sound.

When I got out of my car two of the weird lights on it were flashing,” Robert Baddriver said.

After some investigation, this lever looking thing appears to be called a turn signal.

It’s used to signal the direction you are turning to other drivers.

Additionally, on a more shocking note, apparently there is one in every single car and you’re legally required to use them!

“There isn’t a chance I’m going to use the turn signal. If people don’t know where I’m turning, that’s their problem,” Robert said when questioned about his shocking discovery.

Unfortunately, Robert died soon after giving his quotes. He failed to

use his turn signal when he went through an intersection, was hit by another car, and got into a fatal wreck.

The Police declared it to be the fault of the driver that hit him, who couldn’t tell where Robert was turning. His family was saddened, but made sure we knew who he was.

“Robert was a good man,” sister Melinda Baddriver said.

“His favorite things to do were parking in disabled parking places,” Melinda explained. Robert found it amusing because he is not, in fact, disabled.

“Using his hazard lights to stop and text when he was driving,” was another one of his favorite things to do.

“He also liked to honk every time he saw a car or person when he was in parking lots. He lived to the old age of 17,” she said as a tear fell down her face.

“He was a wonderful driver.”

And on the final, most shocking note, apparently hazard lights aren’t supposed to be used to park in the middle of the street and text.

Supposedly, they were made to sig-

nal that your vehicle has become a potential danger for other drivers.

Who knew?

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

Fake

The Pepperbox | Page 25

Teenage bos discovers empathy Ossian Briar-Bonpane

I

Photo Editor

’m your average teenage boy, but this morning, I woke up, and something didn’t feel quite right.

The spot on the dining table where my mom usually puts my warm, fresh breakfast was empty, and instead of cursing under my breath and asking her where my food was, I felt a sense of… understanding, almost.

It was like, in the back of my mind I remembered how she’d been working late last night so maybe she was just sleeping extra this morning.

Suddenly, I felt the urge to take my hunger into my own hands and made myself a bowl of cereal.

I smiled slightly at myself after I washed my own bowl and put my own spoon into the dishwasher!

After I got dressed, I began fixing my hair in the mirror. It was then that I noticed the picture of me and my girlfriend that she must have put up last time she cleaned my room for me.

Seeing her face in the photo reminded me that she had told me she wasn’t feeling well last night after I told her I was in the mood.

My brain suddenly felt this strange, unexpected wave of concern for her wellbeing… The next thing I knew I was sending her a text: “Good Morning babe. Are you feeling better this morning?”

Realizing what I’d done and catching myself smiling, I smacked myself in the face and prayed she wouldn’t start treating me like a fan.

I don’t have time to stress a hoe.

I shut my phone off and tried to wash away this strange feeling with cold water from the sink.

Thinking I was now back to normal, I hopped into my dad’s Tesla and headed off to school. As I drove, I passed by a skinny woman

standing on the corner near the grocery store.

For some odd reason, I read the sign she held quietly to myself.

“Hard times. Anything helps. God Bless,” it read.

I began going down this uncontrollable mental spiral, wondering what might have happened in her life that led her to sit on the pavement on such a cold day. I mean, my heater was on and I still had goosebumps.

As I was putting her out of my mind and was about to signal and turn the opposite way to my highschool, I felt something in my pocket as I shifted in my seat. It was a ten dollar bill.

I know this sounds so crazy, but I have no idea where the bill came from. I already had plenty of lunch money in the glove box.

And I know this sounds even crazier, but quickly I turned back around towards the store. I stepped on my brakes as I passed by the woman, and something took over my body.

The window rolled down, and before I could stop myself, I handed her the bill, and as some separate, evil feminine entity overtook my body, I told her, “Have a beautiful day ma’am.”

I pulled into the parking lot much slower than my usual 75 because my mind was just spinning in straight circles. As I parked and gathered myself, my friend Thomas hopped in the passenger seat.

He was saying something over the phone: “I swear you’re losing it Vanessa. You seriously think I’d sleep with her? You seriously think I’d do that to you? I’ve done everything for you babe!”

The voice of a girl began to respond back as he hung up the phone and mumbled something about females under his breath.

“Damn bro what’d you do this time?” I asked.

“My girl caught me with youknow-who again. But don’t stress, I’m gonna make it up to her and sh*t,” he answered.

We laughed for a second, both knowing he’s not gonna do a damn thing.

As I sat in my first period, my head was still feeling heavy. It was like, I was thinking about my interactions with people. Or like, wondering if I had hurt that girl’s feelings when I let the door close in her face as I walked in front of her into class.

Deep down in my balls I felt something even stranger than concern for the people around me.

It was like I was unlocking another level of consciousness, or like a superpower.

Later that night when my girlfriend asked how my day was, I spilled the beans.

I told her all about the strange thoughts that had been swirling in my mind all day and about that superpower from my balls or my brain or whatever.

She asked me what it was, and I tried to explain: “Babe, I don’t think this is gonna make sense but it’s like I’m on a whole other level right now. It’s like, I’m developing this dumbass ability to understand and share the feelings of another individual, or something. It’s like, I care about you, even.”

She just sat there with her mouth open, probably just processing the awe of my sixth sense.

Suddenly she looked disappointed, or tired, or something, as if she would have any idea what it’s like to feel like this.

Then she sighed, closed her mouth, blinked once slowly, and said “congratulations.”

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Shocking research on freshmen Dylan Berman

Co-Editor-in-Chief his just in; freshman get 20% more annoying every year, according to a district study.

School administration has been monitoring things like class size and number of transfer students in light of a growing enrollment disparity between AHS and MHS, but the Pepperbox recently got access to another important metric they’ve been studying, and the results are shocking.

“I mean we all already knew this,” an AHS senior said. “But I’m glad we have numbers to confirm the truth.”

According to the district’s numbers, gathered through polling of both students and staff, the freshman have hit an all time high of 80% annoying.

This means they bother 80%

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of older students and teachers, 80% of the time, in 80% of interactions, or something.

“We can’t pretend it isn’t a problem,” an anonymous teacher sobbed. “I mean, I b-barely made it to the end of the year.

My freshman classes make me question my–my career choices.

I used to love being a teacher!” he wailed. Hearing the teachers stories of crying in their car after their freshman classes, I started to understand the true importance of this issue.

The administration is already discussing potential solutions to this growing problem.

“We take this very seriously,” said an admin official. “We care about having schools with cohesive and connected students, between all grades, but that can’t happen if we have a freshman class full of little twerps.”

The district has begun putting together the Task Force

on Freshman Insufferability (TFFI), which seeks to analyze potential causes of the increasing annoyance percentage.

“We’re looking at factors like increased internet access, COVID stunting social skills, and the fact that anti-bullying efforts have maybe been too successful,” the official explained.

Some potential solutions that are up for discussion are encouraging low level bullying from the older grades, to nip annoying behavior in the bud, or adding a unit to health/tech about normal social interaction and manners.

Freshmen don’t view the task force or its efforts positively.

“We’re young, so of course some older students may not get along with us,” one freshman said, “but the school is treating us like we’re a problem that needs to be solved. Maybe

the older grades need to be less judgemental. Have you thought of that, bro? I don’t feel heard at school anymore.”

According to admin, the TFFI is interviewing many freshmen from both campuses as part of their process.

“We respect our freshmen.

We hate ‘em, but we respect ‘em,” the official said. “Their voices, though high pitched and whiny, are very important to us, and they are being taken into account.”

The TFFI will release their full findings sometime towards the beginning of the summer, hopefully implementing solutions for next year, to prevent the 2027 freshman class from being 120% more annoying than the 2023 freshmen were.

Reporter

Laura Laux

Teachers out of the parking lot!

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eacher’s are not allowed in the student parking lot anymore.

The student fight for a parking lot only for them had been going on since the teacher’s parking lot was closed for students in the early spring of this year.

“When they announced that we, as student drivers, weren’t allowed in the teacher parking lot, we just felt like we were less worthy than the teachers. We were treated totally unfairly.

Just like the teachers we have a right to a parking spot, we are at school just as often as the teachers are here. Fighting for this rule was just the right thing to do,” said senior Elena Kyle, president of the No-Teachersin-Student-Parking-Lot-Committee.

After the founding of this committee, they proposed a treaty to the administration office. It says that “according to paragraph 1038a in the district constitution students and teachers of any age, race, sex, origin, religion, background and

sexual orientation have equal rights. Therefore our parking lot should be just as exclusive and official as the teachers’ parking lot.”

It took a long time to get the district to even consider having a meeting to talk about it, which was frustrating for the committee.

“We got 800 students to sign the petition. That was a huge success. We also did a lot of fundraising like bake sales to pay for a lawyer. It was sad that the district would only talk to another adult and not listen to

the students on the committee,” she said.

But finally the Administration agreed to the terms and conditions and since June 2, 2023 the student parking lot is designated only for students.

“I was very happy when I heard about that decision. Our committee was a huge success and it is a good feeling that we all together achieved something and made our school community a more equal and fair place,” Kyle said.

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

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The Pepperbox | Page 27

Kresge’s dream prom date Jasmine McKnight Business Manager

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ctor Jason Mamoa, known for his role as Aquaman, went all out for his surprise promposal to Arcata High School marine biology teacher Shannon Kresge, last week.

Mamoa had been planning the promposal for weeks, enlisting the help of the school’s music department, drama club, and even the Old Town Carriage Company.

The day of the promposal, Kresge was teaching her marine bio class, when the sound of the orchestra interrupted her lecture.

As the ArMack orchestra sounded, students came out from the neighboring classrooms, dancing and singing along to the music.

Kresge watched in amaze-

ment as a horse-drawn carriage pulled onto the senior lawn. Mamoa emerged from the carriage, dressed in a tuxedo and carrying a bouquet of red roses.

“Shannon, will you go to prom with me?” he shouted, as the students cheered and clapped.

Kresge, who was clearly taken aback by the spectacle of her celebrity crush, let out a shrill scream yes.

Mamoa swept Kresge off her feet and the two climbed into the carriage,

which was decorated with streamers and balloons, and rode off into the sunset (or at least into the school parking lot).

When asked about the promposal, Mamoa said, “I just wanted to do something special for Shannon. She is such an amazing teacher!”

Overall, it was a promposal for the history books, and Mamoa and Kresge had an amazing time at prom.

Exclusive scandal: Perry has hair Dylan Berman

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Co-Editor-in-Cheif

n a shocking scandal at Arcata High School, Principal Ron Perry, famous for his shiny bald head, similar to that of Mr. Clean, was seen putting on an ultra realistic bald cap over a head of luscious curly locks. An anonymous student who spotted Perry said that she saw him adjusting the bald cap to hide a head of curly hair.

“I feel deeply betrayed,” an AHS senior said. “I’ve always loved Perry, and to hear that he’d lie to us in this way is tragic. He’s a fraud.”

Perry addressed the allegations in an email sent out to both students and parents.

“There are many unfounded rumors being discussed at this time.

I care about being a trustworthy representative of Arcata High

School, and am deeply disappointed that anyone at the school would spread falsehoods about me,” the statement reads.

Perry was reached out to for this article, but did not comment.

An undercover deep investigation by a special team of the Pepperbox’s finest reporters was tasked with getting to the bottom of this story.

We received multiple statements from anonymous staff close to Perry, who claimed they had seen him putting his bald cap on.

“One time I walked into his office and he pulled on the bald cap really fast and tried to pretend like nothing happened,” said one staff member.

Others say that his bald cap actually fell off during a board meeting, and he made sure that the footage was cut before it was up-

loaded anywhere, and had those in attendance sign non disclosure agreements. How fair does his

reign of lies extend? It’s over for Perry, if that even is his real name.

Dylan Berman/Pepperbox

An alleged sighting of Perry without his bald cap. Rumors of him actually having hair have schocked the AHS community.

The Pepperbox | Page 28

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It can hear you...it’s alive.

Finn Clark

Co-Feature Editor

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or many years students have questioned why the Arcata High protocol for fire drills includes forcing kids to remain quiet while exiting the building. I mean I’ve thought to myself, what’s actually going to happen if we are loud during a fire? The answers seemed far off but, in an exclusive interview, Principal Perry has revealed the true reason for the mandate.

“It can hear you, the fire,-t-the fire can hear you,” Perry said.

Perry claims that if a fire did occur it would be able to track students down by the sound of their

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

voice. of fire drills this year for how con“I’ve been studying fire for sev“That’s why students MUST cerned the administration seems. en years. The fire here is different leave their phones and backpacks “Standing in lines helps con- from anywhere in the world,,” said in the classroom as well,” Perry fuse it,” said Cervantes, “it makes it Matthew Scott, a biology and husaid. ”The fire,” he whispered, “... seem like we are much bigger than man anatomy teacher here at Arhas GPS.” we are.” cata High.

Though it seems far-fetched Regardless of the reasons the “It’s probably a demon, don’t tell that the fire may be able to hack administration may have, students it I said that though,” said Biology into the internet and pinpoint our at Arcata High aren’t pleased with and Marine Science teacher Shanexact location, Perry assures us it is the protocol. non Kresge. true. During this interview, Perry “I wanna get killed by a fire deAccording to numerous interhad us move location several times mon,” one anonymous self-pro- views and polls, students at Arcata so the fire couldn’t “listen in”. Luis claimed Arcata High furry stat- High in fact do wish a fire would Cervantes also seemed worried ed,“it would be sick.” burn the school down. during his interview, which was Though there has been no re“I hope the math hallway goes held across the road at the church. search conducted about the ability first,” junior Zohn Zomothy said.

“It can’t enter here,” he claimed of fire to track students, science A fire at Arcata is predicted to when asked about the location teachers at Arcata High claim that not even be very dangerous, conchoice. there is scientific evidence to prove sidering basically no one is coming There has been a suspicious lack it can. to school anymore.

Girls sports is AHS’s priority Morgan Ford Co-Sports Editor

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tarting next school year, Arcata High has made a promise to prioritize women’s sports on campus.

Administration has taken all of the student and parent complaints to heart, and they completely understand where we are coming from.

They agree that we deserve to be treated just as well as, and even better than the male athletes at our school.

Admin has promised to provide the girls teams with equal funding, and prioritize the rebuilding of our facilities.

This means brand new locker rooms, a new softball field, and an actually functioning team room.

A sophomore on the varsity softball team said, “I am so excited and happy that they are finally listening and starting to give us what

we need. It’s so unfair that all of the girls teams have had to play on terrible fields and that we’ve constantly put second to the boys. Especially softball, we’ve been compared to baseball forever and it just isn’t fair.”

Finally, after years of fighting, the female athletes of Arcata High will be getting the respect, attention, and recognition that they deserve.

We are so thankful for the administration and their willingness to help with this issue and pain that we have been dealing with for as long as any female athlete can remember.

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

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The Pepperbox | Page 29

Covid cases sooooo 2021 Dylan Berman Co Editor-in-Chief

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ovid took the world by storm in 2020, and for the next few years it only got bigger. It had everyone talking. But by 2023 it has completely fallen off and nobody cares about it anymore.

Recently a group of AHS students returning from an orchestra trip to Chicago all caught COVID 19. The virus spread outside of that

group, to students such as myself and some others.

“I mean honestly getting COVID now, it’s just lame,” said one Orchestra student. “Back when everyone was doing it like sure it was a fun trend, but now it’s just behind the times.”

An AHS admin official felt similarly.

“We have to do better,” he explained. “COVID died, it’s over, seriously move on, this isn’t 2020 anymore.”

Students echoed this sentiment.

“I mean imagine seeing someone wearing clout goggles and Supreme in 2023,” said senior Avery Meadows. “That’s how I look at these kids who don’t realize COVID just isn’t it anymore.”

Some orchestra students are reportedly keeping their COVID a secret, making up other reasons they aren’t at school.

“I just don’t want to seem behind the times,” said one such student, who agreed to speak anonymously. “Everyone is gonna think I’m a

loser.”

Some students think differently.

Ilana Maclay is a freshman who got COVID on the Orchestra trip.

“I’m on the new wave. Other people just haven’t caught up,” she explained. “Getting COVID isn’t lame, it’s actually retro.” Students like Maclay think that COVID is actually making a come back as a vintage trend.

“It’s still kinda under the radar, so I wouldn’t expect most to get it, but it’s gonna blow back up.” As a recent COVID case, I have to agree.

Embracing football culture Ell Franklin

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Opinion Editor

ootball season is starting next fall at Arcata, and there are many reasons to join the team.

Players at Arcatal High feel passionately about their experiences, emotional growth, and friendships they have acquired while playing on the football team.

Football is a romantic sport.

Boys get together because they love and value each other’s friendship so much they play with one another on a strict schedule. They don’t want to miss even a moment of each other’s company.

“Ya I love my boys,” Cole Mcfootball said, “they are all my best friends,” Mcfootball said. The boys on the Arcata High football team care for each other very much and he is blessed to have met them.

Mcfootball said, “The meaning of football to me is friendship, we all love each other, win or lose it doesn’t matter as long as we all get to hang out” Oscar Badhaircut, a junior at Arcata High revealed one of his favorite things about the Arcata High Football team is the time in

the locker room.

“We like to listen to music, and do each other’s hair before the game, so we can all be matching.”

When asked what the football team’s favorite Artists and bands to listen to were, Badhaircut said without hesitation “Oh, we love Lana Dey Rey, she really gets us ready for the game. She is a ritual for us.”

Jace Largehead explained that when the team gets nervous before a game, they all hold hands and talk through their fears together to ease their anxiety.

“Sometimes when your friend is extra nervous you’ll give him a comforting hug to help with some of those feelings,” Largehead said.

He doesn’t know what he would do without his friends helping him through his anxious emotions before games.

“Win, or lose, it doesn’t matter as long as we all get to play together,” Mcfootball explained. “Sometimes at the end of the game, one of us gets to keep the toy ball, I usually give it to my favorite boy at the time,” Mcfootball explained while shyly blushing.

I asked what happens if there

are arguments between players.

To which senior Brandon Coolguy said, “Well, of course there are arguments sometimes, but we are all best friends and we usually talk out problems, approaching the issues with empathy and understanding.”

Coolguy explained that emotional intelligence is the single most crucial thing when it comes to football.

“At the end of the day, it’s really just a game we play to honor our boyhood, masculinity without toxicity to and love for each other, so the only type of strength that matters is the emotional kind.”

Many athletes have a competitive nature that can sometimes border on unhealthy.

According to Coolguy, “football isn’t about competition, because competition is all about the destination, and football is about the journey with your boys. The other members of the team strongly agree with Coolguy.

After being asked if any behavior was unacceptable on the team, Nico Jockstrap said, “We do not tolerate fellow members having outdated political values. We want

our boys to have educated views on the world” Jockstrap countered and said the players need to understand that being homophobic transphobic is not ok and understand that women should have control of their bodies and abortion is a human right.

Our guys believe that Black Lives Matter and white privilege exists in America, and they need to fight for the rights of others.

The Coach, Coachy, McCoach Coach said “We value a strong liberal education for the players at Arcata High. It is important that they are able to look at the world through their own critical lens and contemplate what is really important and right for the future of the world.”

The Arcata high school football team is a group of emotionally intelligent, caring liberal boys,who understand the value of deep relationships, who are held together by their love of the game and one another.

So, if students are still unsure about joining the team, they shouldn’t be.

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Pepperbox republished in New York Times Raymi Sharp Reporter

Mr. Perry quits to pursue harmonica Raymi Sharp

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Reporter

HS Principal Ron Perry recently announced via email his plans to resign from the role to focus full time on his career as a musician.

Perry is beloved on campus for his frequent playing of the harmonica, and students are excited to see where he can go with his tremendous talent.

In his email, Perry wrote, “I have deeply enjoyed my time as your principal, but harmonica is truely my higher calling. I wish you luck and hope you will all support me in my future artistic endeavors.”

Thoughts on next year’s schedule “Every day will be like a brand new adventure.”

“My favorite part of “I’m so glad the schedule will be I’m gone next the atmosphere of year.” mystery.”

-Freshman

-Graduating senior

-Sophomore

“I thought starting high school was confusing enough.”

-Incoming freshman

“This sh*t is actually incomprehensible.”

-Junior

Freshman: More annoying than ever

Mr. Perry has hair??

Fire can hear you.

Stay in Humboldt forever!!

No-Go students cannabalized??

Mielke’s music career

pepperFaux Vol. 95 , Issue 8