HOW MUCH
SUCCESS
CAN YOU ACHIEVE IN
HIGHSCHOOL?
$$ A+
GRADES FINANCES -
PAGES 8-9
VOLUNTEERING COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS -
HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?
IN THIS ISSUE NEWS 5...
The Scratching Post is published every three weeks by the Journalism Class, and is sanctioned by the ASB of Eastmont High School. It is an open forum for student expression and it provides the student body with the opportunity to voice their fierce independent opinion through the medium of journalism.
MEET EASTMONT’S APPLE BLOSSOM CANDIDATES
EDITOR IN CHIEF R����� K������� NEWS EDITOR D������� M������ ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR/ COPY EDITOR T����� L��� SPORTS EDITOR R���� B������� STAFF REPORTERS A����� G�����, R������ T�����, G������ H����, T������ R������, A����� H����, K������ T�����, S�� A������, J���� S������, G������ M�����, L��� O’R�����, N���� T�����, K��� S������, E��� M�����, A����� N������� DESIGN SPECIALIST R����� K������� PHOTO EDITOR A�� A������-M���� ADVERTISING MANAGER J��� G������ ADVISOR A������ G������ PRINTING T�� W�������� W���� COVER ART R����� K�������
SPORTS 6...
RUGBY
HIGHSCHOOLS,
EASTMONT
Photos: All photos are retrieved form the public domain and hereby used within copyright laws, unless otherwise specified. Contact: If you wish to contact the Scratching Post with comments, advertising requests, or corrections, please email scratchingpost@eastmont206.org
BY STORM
FEATURE 10... WHY
Advertising: The Scratching Post will not run any advertising that we believe to be factually inaccurate; designed to mislead, deceive or defraud; containing malicious, vindictive or unsubstantial attacks; offering goods and/or services illegal for teens to possess, buy or use; libelous; obscene; creating imminent danger or disruption to school. The Scratching Post reserves the right to refuse any advertising, solicited or unsolicited. Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views, endorsements and/or positions of The Scratching Post staff, student body, faculty, administration or school board. In accordance with WIAA policy 18.20.0, the staff will not accept advertising that identifies students as athletes by photo or text. Letters: The Scratching Post will print all letters to the editor if space allows. Letter may be edited for style and length. Only singed letters with contact information are valid and they must be turned in one week prior to publishing.
IS TAKING
SHOULD YOU
STAND TO SAY THE
PLEDGE?
MEMORIAL 11...
REMEMBERING CATTIN, A VALUED FRIEND AND TRUSTED COLLEAGUE
Announcement: EHS Creative Writing/Art Book Submissions are now being accepted for the EHS Creative Writing Book. Anyone is welcome to participate.
Drop off your original poetry, drawings, short stories, or song lyrics in Room 547 or any other English classroom.
Please make sure to include both your �irst and last name on each document or it won’t be published.
The �inal deadline is Friday, May 8th.
DANCING TO NEW HEIGHTS Eastmont’s Kyra Kissel has struggled on her journey to ballet fame
pushing everyday to be better than she was yesterday. The emotional stress Kissel faces everyday “can be really hard.” The obstacles she has faced range from homesickness to discouraging remarks from teachers. Her teachers have said things ranging from “you are never going to make it” all the way to simply “you are awful.” But she has learned as an experienced dancer that she cannot
B� E��� M����� R�������
Many students couldn’t imagine leaving home to start a new life 38 hours away right before their junior year. But this is not much of an option for junior, Kyra Kissel. She is starting a new journey striving become a professional ballerina. Kissel has been dancing for years, but when she was ten years old she realized how deep her passion for ballet went. She then made the conscious decision that this is what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. Kissel is currently in Philadelphia attending the Rock School for Dance Education. She is rooming with three of her classmates in an apartment, but they are just a few of the thirty other students that live in these same apartments. Transitioning from being a normal high school girl to a professional ballerina in the making is a huge life change, but that didn’t stop Kissel. She has adjusted easily and quickly to life at the Rock School for Dance.
”Always give it
everything you’ve got,
”
-Kyra Kissel
Photo submitted
Kyra Kissel is now attending the Rock School for Dance Education in Philidelphia.
Kissel is doing two hours of school and about nine hours of dance on a day. Ballet is an very physically demanding and competitive sport,
but is well worth achieving her dream. Right now, she is suffering from tendonitis in both of her achilles tendons, but she is still
let these thing get her down. Her instructors push them to be the best dancers they can be and just want to see her succeed. Although Kissel had a hard time leaving her family and friends, she loves being surrounded by people that are on the same journey. Kissel advises any aspiring ballerinas to “Always give it everything you’ve got, because the ballet world is competitive and very few will make it.” A passion as strong as Kissel’s is hard for may to understand, seeing as it takes a lot of sacri�ice. But it is well worth the reward of achieving her dream of being a professional ballerina.
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ASL ������ EHS �� S���� B� D������� M������ A���. N��� E�����
Sign Language is taking Eastmont by storm. Students may have experienced the enthusiastic Christmas carolers, signing along to “Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer” this holiday season. Firstyear sign language teacher Monique Monique Hirschkorn Hirschkorn has made it her mission to expose students to sign language in many different ways. “American Sign Language [ASL], is a complex language that the Deaf community uses. It is being able to communicate by movement of the hands that is combined with strong facial expression. ASL has a grammatical structure different than English,” ASL Society President, senior Kyra Larson explained. Larson considers herself blessed to know sign language. ASL Society has been very busy. They kicked the school year by hosting a deaf movie night in the auditorium. They also organized a silent dinner at Red Robin in November and invited numerous community members and even reached out to students of Washington State School for the Deaf. ASL Society kicked off the holiday season and raised money selling Handi-Grams. Eastmont ASL classes created approximately 30 shoeboxes �illed with basic toiletry items to help the homeless during the holiday season. ASL Society has already planned a deaf movie night on Friday, February 6 at 6:00 in the high school auditorium. The never before-seen movie “No Ordinary Hero” will be closed captioned and voiced so everyone can enjoy it.
A�� P������� R����� New app may help teenagers deal with the grief that comes with loss B� K������ T����� R������� Recently Eastmont High School’s halls have been �illed with grief. However a group of European developers have been developing an app to help people deal help deal with their emotions. The group, known as Being and Dying Studios, have looked into how teenagers deal with grief after the loss of a loved one or a close friend. Alex Rothera, Ivor Williams, Jacopo Atzori and Aaron Gillett believe that their new app “Flutter" can help teenagers express themselves through abstract melodies. Being and Dying has begun conducting research on how adolescents deal with death of a loved one, they concluded that grief wasn’t as black and white as they thought. “Grief is a �luid thing,” it never really ends. When you open Flutter you are introduced to a white screen with black lines moving up and down the screen to represent wind. Users can place different shapes to create tones and melodies. Users can then share their creat`ions with other users as a form of expression. Researchers believe that the music making app has therapeutic value. The creation of music helps some people to process complex feelings, the team worked with composer Hon William Castaño Montoya to create a series of tones that can be manipulated into different emotions. The user directs how the tone sounds and then saves it so that they can later remember how they felt in a certain moment. The app is still in development but the team plans for a release in 2015. Hopefully this app will help teenagers to deal with their emotions.
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S����� P�������� A�������� ��� N��� Y��� Elections are coming up and Senate wants you to run for a posistion
S�������� �� E������� S����� Elections packets can be picked up on: Jan. 26 Election packets are due: Mar. 23 Election meeting: Mar. 24 Elections are: Mar. 27
ASB President Leads senate meetings Works with advisor Presides over all ASB activities Part of executive council Goes to Leadership camp during summer ASB Vice President Aids president in presiding over activities The “go-to” for guidance and questions if president is not available Goes to Leadership camp during summer Part of executive council ASB Secretary Takes notes of all meetings Makes sure all Senate decisions get signed by all ASB of�icers Works closely school Secretary Mrs. Bromiley Part of executive council Goes to Leadership camp during summer ASB Treasurer Two year position Keeps records of all spending and earning within ASB account Signs all reports for �inancial transactions Helps to create budget Works closely with school Secretary Mrs. Bromiley Part of executive council Goes to Leadership camp during summer ASB Publicity Of�icer Manages advertising throughout the senate and for events Manages social media accounts Part of executive council Goes to Leadership camp during summer Sophomore Class President Presides over all Sophomore class activities Leader in senate class Goes to Leadership camp during summer Sophomore Class Vice President Aids Sophomore Class President Leader in senate class Goes to Leadership camp during summer Junior Class President Presides over Junior class activities Chooses class motto and graduation announcements for their class Leader in senate class Goes to Leadership camp during summer Junior Class Vice President Aids president in choosing graduation announcements and motto Leader in senate class Goes to Leadership camp during summer Senior Class President Presides over all Senior Class activities Makes end of year speech at graduation Leader in Senate class Goes to Leadership camp during summer Senior Class Vice President Aids president in any class activity Leader in Senate class Goes to Leadership camp during summer
2015 Apple Blossom
Top row: Logan Harper, Kelly Strang. Bottom row: Emma Standerford, Sarah Kneadler, Anissa Sangster.
Post Photo/Reilly Kneedler
THE EASTMONT TOP FIVE APPLE BLOSSOM CANDIDATES I��� C������� B� R����� K������� E����� �� C����
S���� K�������
Apple Blossom is upon us, and so is the annual crowning of the Wenatchee Valley’s Queen and two Princesses. The Top Ten have been selected, �ive from Eastmont and �ive from Wenatchee. The Wenatchee contenders are Haley Bush, Maddy Atwood, Gabby Waterman, Francesca Nevil and Sierra Hedding.
E��� S����������
Favorite quote: “Keep your face towards the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind you,” -Walt Whitman One day, she hopes to be: An obstetrician Favorite part about Wenatchee: Pybus Market As Apple Blossom Royalty, she would: Hope to represent the Wenatchee Valley to the best of my ability.
Ten percent of the �inal royalty decision comes from online votes submitted by the public. So take a look at the Eastmont hopefulls and head to appleblossom.org to vote!
Favorite quote: “If people would walk around the edge of the carpet once in awhile, it would save wearing out the middle,” -Ethel Savage One day, she hopes to be: A music professor Favorite part about Wenatchee: Park/boat area behind Pybus Market As Apple Blossom Royalty, she would: Change someone’s perspective
A����� S�������
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Favorite quote: “It’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years,” -Abraham Lincoln One day, she hopes to be: Dermatologist Favorite part about Wenatchee: Experiencing all four seasons As Apple Blossom Royalty, she would: Hope to represent the valley to the best of my ability
Favorite quote: “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible,” -Walt Disney One day, she hopes to be a: Kindergarten teacher Favorite part about Wenatchee: I love the Apple Blossom Festival and where we get all four seasons As Apple Blossom Royalty, she would: Hope to become more poised, make life long friends
Favorite quote: “After women, �lowers are the most divine creatures,” -Christian Dior One day, she hopes to be: Photojournalist Favorite part about Wenatchee: The serenity of the Loop Trail As Apple Blossom Royalty, she would: Love to bring attention to the Humane Society
Post Photo/Reilly Kneedler
Eastmont sophomore Tristen Martinez is one of Schoolhouse Rugby’s youngest stars.
RUGBY, A DIFFERENT
CHOICE FOR THE HIGHSCHOOL ATHLETE B� R���� B������� S����� E����� Many people have heard of the sport rugby. They often think it is a hybrid Canadian-American football and for the most part they are right. However not only are these sports quite different, so are the players. Sophomores Cody Mende and Tristan Martinez have been playing for years now. Martinez has wanted to play rugby as long as he can remember. “My dad grew up on rugby,” he said. “I started in the 8th grade because the rugby team is a U-19 sport and they only allow people in the 8th grade and later. I convinced my friend Cody to play and once the season started we were hooked on the sport, and the youngest on the team.” Rugby is fundamentally very different than football, which is its most common comparison. For instance, a touchdown is the American football equivalent of rugby league's “try.” Despite what
their respective names may suggest, a try requires the ball to be touched down to the ground, whereas a touchdown does not. Along with that,
”Once the season started, I was hooked,
”
-Tristen Martinez
rugby has two 40 minutes halves, while football has four 15 minute quarters. In rugby the clock is only stopped for severe injuries that require extra attention. Football traditionally has more players, more spectators and more overall hype. However for the players involved, it is just as worthwhile.
FROM MERPES TO MRSA B� K��� S������ R������� “Ewww, mat herpes,” comes to the mind of most people when they think of wrestling. In fact Herpes Simplex is a common, yet serious skin virus, prevalent in many sports other than wrestling. There are many other types of skin diseases/viruses, some include dermatophytosis (ringworm) and Staphylococcus aureus (staph infection). Those are the most common skin diseases in athletics. Plenty of athletes have received skin diseases. Ringworm is a fungus passed through skin-to-skin contact. It can be contracted several ways: via pets who have a form of ringworm and also inanimate objects, such as a brush or door knob or bath/gym towel. Which is why it is so common amongst contact sports. Luckily ringworm is one of the few skin diseases that is curable. The Mayo Clinic Staff says that the prescription oral pill Lamisil and other over-the-counter medicines, such as the common antifungal creams like Lotrimin or Tinactin, can be taken to rid ringworm. Shampoos such as Selsun Blue and/or Head and Shoulders Antifungal are known to get rid of fungal infections such as ringworm. Although ringworm is a well known skin disease in sports, Herpes Simplex is also common as well. Also known as Mat Herpes, is caused by the HSV-1 virus. Which is the same virus as the common cold sore. Herpes Simplex is transmitted the same way as ringworm and is incurable due it being a virus that is in your body and can be activated by certain triggers. Although medication is available, which helps control the amount of outbreaks someone with herpes simplex has, it still is incurable. One of the most common medications used to shorten the cycle of the outbreak is Acyclovir. Staph, a dreadful disease. It is fatal if left untreated, and leaves scars for everyone to see. Staph affects the outer layer of the skin and eats away skin cells and is hard to treat. WebMd.com says that most types of Staph Infections can be treated with an antibiotic such as penicillen, but if the infection gets too deep and starts to attack the muscle �ibers, the Staph Infection has to be treated and must be surgically removed. One of the least deadly skin diseases is Eczema. Eczema is an itchy rash that can appear anywhere on the body, but Eczema is most commonly found on the face, back of the knees, wrists, hands, or feet. No one knows the cause of Eczema, but WebMd.com states that it is thought to be linked to a an overactive response by the body's immune system to an irritant. Taking any and every precautionary measure such as using a Protective Barrier Foam and/or Anti-Fungal/ Anti-Bacterial body wipes before all practices, all matches, and showering immediately after practices and matches or games with an Antibacterial soap and Anti-Fungal shampoo will not only protect and athlete but also others that they may have had skin to skin contact with. Also, wiping down equipment such as headgear and shoes or weights, bars or gym equipment with an Antibacterial wipe or bleach solution
could kill a virus that may possibly transfer and or cause a skin infection. Being proactive before it happens can greatly lower the risk of contracting a fungal skin infection such as Ringworm, the Herpes Simplex Virus, or Staph, and also alleviate the spread of a potential fungal skin infection or any of the above mentioned skin issues to others as well. R������� R����� �� S����� I, for one have had a skin virus from wrestling, and I can guarantee you that myself or anyone else that has had a skin virus can tell you that it is one of the worst overall powerless feelings ever, both mentally and physically. Last year was my �irst year in high school sports. I had high hopes of being the varsity 145 wrestler and with the goal to make it to State, I was excited to start my high school wrestling experience. I trained with other wrestlers and made friends with my teammates, who quickly became my brothers. As we worked our way through the beginning of the season; our team started going to away tournaments on the weekends. I �irmly believe that is when and how I contracted Ringworm on my scalp. It was a huge setback for me during my wrestling season. I was out �irst for 14 days (WIAA rules for Ringworm on the scalp), using over the counter antifungal creams and antifungal soaps and shampoos, the initial hot spot seemed to subside. Normally with ringworm on your skin (arms, back, torso, etc…) you are out and treated for three days (72 hours), but since mine was on the scalp, it was a two week sit out from the sport. I was still able to go to practice and ride the bike or run, but wasn’t able to get on the mats or have physical contact with my teammates. That was a rough time for me because I wasn’t able to keep my technique and conditioning up to par with my fellow teammates. It was all on me to work on my mat at home, by myself. Once the initial two week period was over, I was able to get a another skin check by the schools athletic trainer and was directed to my family physician to try to get cleared. Unfortunately, the skin check revealed that the ringworm did not go away, but it had spread into multiple areas/ hot spots across the right side of my head. I was devastated and was convinced at that time that my season was over. Another 14 day sit-out and Districts was only four weeks away. It was looking like my goals of receiving my Varsity Letter were not going to be happening. Feeling helpless and needing to clear this skin demon, my parents and I went to my doctor to see if there was anything that we could do to kill the fungus from the inside out. Luckily there was a treatment, that is not routinely given without being monitored by my physician (due to the harsh effects on the kidneys and liver.) I was prescribed an oral treatment called Lamisil, which was supposed to clear up the fungal infection within a weeks time, but I was to continue to take the oral antifungal medicine for the remainder of the 30 days. I still had to sit out the 2nd week due to WIAA rules. But, it also gave me hope that I would be back on the mats in time for the last match of the season and Districts (which I was.)
Post Photos/Reilly Kneedler
BROTHERS ON THE
MAT
B� R����� K������� E����� �� C����
“I want him to be better than me.” Those words are rare coming from a competitive athlete, but for Eastmont’s Julian Arellano, they couldn’t be more true about his brother Louis. The brothers have found themselves on the podium time and time again for the Wildcat wrestling squad. So far this season, they can credit a majority of that success to each other. “I’ve tried to make his experience good (this year) and push him farther than he thinks he can go,” Julian said. As a senior, he has been an integral part of the Eastmont team for years at the 113 weight class. However now that his freshman brother Louis has made it to the starting varsity position for the 113 pound class, Julian’s goals have shifted to re�lect Louis’s progress. “Since we started wrestling together, I’ve seen him kind of look up to me and watch my matches and see how I wrestle,” Julian said. “Having him on the team is fun cause I can actually teach him before I leave.” The brotherly teachings have been paying off for the Arellano brothers, who have been taken wins and titles
Julian and Louis Arellano have proven themselves this year left and right this season. Last Saturday at the Best of the West Tournament, one of the largest that the Wildcats will travel to this season, Louis pushed his way to the top eight in his class and Julian took �irst place overall. While Julian has experienced some success in the past, this is a whole different ballgame for Louis. “Seeing him place high like I do, makes me really happy for him,” Julian said. However he isn’t the only one taking notice of young Louis’s surprising success. “When we saw (Louis) come in at the �irst tournament, he was kind of shutting down and got really defensive,” Eastmont head coach Matt Prazer said, “and then he opened things up and it was like he went out there and just wrestled.” While the brothers have had an unusual amount of success this year, Prazer has seen a few sets of siblings come through his program; however not duos
Upper left: Julian Arellano spins around to avoid a pin at the Cat Classic Tournament. Above: From left, Louis and Julian Arellano have been two of the top Wildcat wrestlers this year. have had the best working relationship. “If they’re willing to work with you it’s great, we’ve seen both (over the years). We’ve seen the big brother that doesn’t want anything to do with the younger one and just pounds him into the ground and doesn’t help him at all,” Prazer said. “But these guys have a good relationship. Julian looks out for (Louis).” Unsurprisingly, the fact that they compete in neighboring weight classes has helped prep both boys for the challenge that wrestling can bring.
“We wrestle each other a lot during practice, he’s learning a lot off of me... but I learn from him too,” Julian said. “At a lot of the good programs you see, if they have
to work with that helps make him better,” Prazer said. What the future holds Eastmont is at roughly the halfway mark in its season, so eyes are starting to look towards the postseason. The Arellanos brothers already have goals in mind for the one chance they have to make it all the way. “I can see (Louis) getting to state this -Julian Arellano year and then being a state champion in a year or so,” Julian a state champion at say 126 said. “My goal (this season) is pounds, all of their kids from to take state, be state champion 113 to 130 are all really good and take back the title for because they have this guy in Eastmont.” the room to work with. That’s what Louis has, a guy
”I want him to be better than me, ”
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Zach Biondi, 11
Some students have decided to get ahead of the game and start working while still in high school. Although fast food restaurants have a negative stigma, working as a cashier at
McDonald’s really is not that bad. Junior Zach Biondi said that working at McDonald’s gives you lots of hours. The popular fast food chain hires students as young as 15.
MAKE THE DECISON: WHAT DOES H
A problem that many want-towork teens experience is being put up against the experienced adult. The obvious choice would be choosing the experienced adult, however that is not always the case. The few students getting ahead of the game and excel in and out of the classroom have a better chance of getting the job. Having a summer job is very popular. Many students have a more �lexible schedule. The amount of kids who have jobs in high school is decreasing. Although having a job is important, more students are looking into the social aspect of high school and spend more time hanging out with friends than earning a paycheck.
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IS COLLEGE WORTH THE COST? An examination of the America’s coligiate economy B� K������ T����� R������� One of the main things students worry about throughout high school is what they will be doing after everything is all said and done. However, in recent times the question has changed from what college should I attend, to should I attend college? Recent studies have shown that more and more people are falling into the debt trap after college. As of 2014, 40 million Americans are in
debt. On average, a graduate owes approximately $27,667 in loans, in total an astonishing $1.2 trillion dollars in student loans for the United States. To put that in perspective, if you were to stack student debt loans dollar by dollar, it would be 67,866 miles tall, which is one fourth of the way to the moon. So if college is so expensive and only sets you behind �inancially why attend it? The mentality behind not going to further your education is that people with no further education will earn more at �irst because of their lack of debt and early start in the workplace. Theoretically someone with a college education will make more money in their lifetime. That is if they can �ind work; the problem is a large
number of college graduates are stuck with a job that doesn’t even require a diploma. Not only that but over twice as many job openings in the American workplace do not require any post secondary education. The lack of job opportunities is a scary thought after college, having to settle for a job that you didn’t even need extra schooling for in the �irst place can certainly be frustrating especially with the extra debt hanging over you. Which raises the question, is college really worth the cost?
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HIGH SCHOOL SUCCESS MEAN TO YOU?
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FOR GRADUATES B� J���� S������ R������� Reserve Of�icers’ Training Corps (ROTC) will teach you leadership. Participants may also receive many different types of scholarships and getting an of�icer grade will give you the opportunity to go into the military as an E-3. E-3 is a rank that gives a person better bene�its. After joining ROTC, you attend an of�icer training course where you are given the opportunity to better yourself as a leader. There are side courses like ground teams, �light line marshalling, marksmanship camp, pararescue camp and emergency service training. You receive battle dress uniform and of�icial Air Force Blues after joining. You also receive a
DITIONAL
%
ROTC IS A VALID OPTION
66%
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SUCCESS
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Best jobs out of High school: So you did well in high school… now what do you do? A lot of students are planning on college after high school, but there is also a large portion who are going into to the workforce straight out of high school. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the highest paying jobs you could get with just a high school diploma.
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membership card so you can log in to take placement tests. ROTC members put their name plate and ribbons on their blues. Your battle dress uniform has your nameplate, state patch, American �lag and cap plate. When your �irst given a rank you have eight weeks to spend time in that grade, and that goes on for a few years until you get your 2nd Lieutenant and then you can go into the military as a E-3. You then progress throughout the years. This is program is like the military. However, you don't have to takes tests to get in. ROTC is a great program for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the military. To learn more about ROTC, talk to local recruiters who visit Eastmont.
1. Petroleum pump system operators, re�inery operators, and gaugers Median annual wage (2012): $62,730 Projected job openings (through 2022): 3,300 Work experience: No work experience needed Depends 2. Subway and streetcar operators Median annual wage (2012): $62,730 Projected job openings (through 2022): 3,300 Work experience: No work experience needed Description: Transport passengers. 3. Postmasters and mail superintendents Median Annual Wage(2012): $63,050 Work Experience: Less than 5 years
B� E��� M����� R�������
Projected job openings (through 2022): 5,000 Description: Plan, direct, or coordinate operational, administrative, management, and supportive services of a U.S. post of�ice
4. Electrical power-line installers and repairers Median annual wage (2012): $63,250 Projected job openings (through 2022): 49,900 Work Experience: None Description: Install or repair electrical power systems and telecommunications cables, including �iber optic 5. Transportation inspectors Median annual wage (2012): $63,680 Projected job openings (through 2022): 11,700 Work experience: None Description: Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people 6. Business operation specialists Median annual wage (2012): $65,120 Projected job openings (through 2022): 209,400 Work experience: None Description: Coordinate the operations of companies, such as
training and planning 7. Power distributors and dispatchers Median annual wage (2012): $71,690 Projected job openings (through 2022): 3,600 Work experience: None Description: Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam 8. Commercial pilots Median annual wage (2012): 73,280 Projected job openings (through 2022): 14,400 Work experience: On the job training Description: Fly and navigate airplanes and helicopters
9. Detectives and criminal investigators: Median annual wage (2012): 74,300 Projected job openings (through 2022): 27,700 Work experience: Less than 5 years Description: Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes 10. Nuclear power reactor operators: Median annual wage (2012): 74,900 Projected job openings (through 2022): 2,300
Post Photo/Reilly Kneedler
HIDING BEHIND THE FLAG
Stand for the Pledge? “Why should I?” B� A����� N������� R�������
Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance is a daily routine for many Americans. It is a way to show loyalty and respect for our country. In schools, this common practice is usually done in the morning. However some students disagree with “The Pledge” and do not participate. The Pledge was originally written in August of 1892 by Francis Bellamy. After 123 years, it is still an institution across America. The Pledge of Allegiance has undergone one change in that time; in 1954 during the McCarthy Era, Congress passed a bill adding the words "under God." At the time, the American populace was seemingly okay with this change; but opinions have changed about the idea in general.
people not standing follow state law RCW and taking part. Some 28A.230.140: school students admit that districts in Washington they are just too lazy. “shall cause a United Some even see it as a States �lag being in good waste of time. condition to be displayed Teachers are starting during school hours to notice this pattern upon or near every public in their classes as school plant.” well. Rosistsa West, a However in all reality, substitute teacher at Andres Ibarra, 10 saying the Pledge is a EHS, said, “I’ve seen choice. According to that same law, students that don’t stand, and you have the right to not say it or don’t show respect.” not even stand, whether it’s due to West is not yet a citizen of the religious preference or you simply US; she immigrated from Russia don’t feel like it. eight years ago. However she said Sierra Lake, a student at that while she does not know the Eastmont supports this right words, she stands every day out proudly. “I don’t do it. I don’t of respect. “If they are born here, they particularly like this country, so I should stand for the pledge,” she am going to exercise (that right),” she said. said. If the decision is yours, why Silent respect is also common amongst exchange students that does this matter? According to happen to �ind themselves in the sophomore Andres Ibarra, it’s about right versus wrong. -Sierra Lake, 12 halls of an American school. "Veterans �ight to keep our “I stand, but do not say it,” country free, and some of them participating in the Pledge. It seems Umberto Liaci, an exchange to be more of an “inconvenience” student from Italy, said. “But I still aren’t even able to stand anymore,” he said. “Therefore students should for people, rather than a daily show respect for the �lag.” According to Washington State stand to respect the country and opportunity to show devotion. At EHS there are more and more law, all public schools have to veterans who have served." Even though it was created as way for Americans to af�irm their devotion to the country, today there are many that don’t see it that way anymore. A noticeable number of students at Eastmont High School are not
”I don’t do it. I
don’t particularly like this country,
”
In loving memory of
Elizabeth Ellen Cattin 1950-2015
On Monday, Jan. 12, word hit Eastmont that beloved teacher Elizabeth Cattin had passed away. Cattin was 62 years old and a 15 year veteran of Eastmont. She passed from a double pulmonary embolism, a complication from an earlier injury this month. However the students of Eastmont remember for everything she was: a comedian, caring friend and an advocate for student learning. “Her laughter could be heard all down the hallway, it echoed through the halls,” English
DISAPPEARED FROM VIEW Hi. My name is Jace Gleason and the things you are about to read are based on true events that happened in my life. It all By Jace Gleason, 10 started in the beginning of my sophomore year. I went around the whole school trying to �ind my classes. I headed to my �irst period class and it seemed pretty normal, then it was time for second period. I entered the class looking around at my surroundings. It smelled like new plaster and freshly used perfume. I looked around and spotted my friends Rylee, Sadi, Cara and Rocco. I went and sat in the back corner with them and then we spotted our teacher. She had a few wrinkles on her aging face, she was no taller than 5-foot-5. She had a small smirk on her face as she said her �irst words to us: “My name is Elizabeth Cattin and I am glad to see you all.” Right off the bat she told us she had rules. “First rule is no eating in my class. Second no drinks without lids. Third no talking back.” Those were her rules and I was going to follow them even if I was starving. Then I broke the rules about �ive minutes later. I was hungry so I ate Cheetos and I know I promised myself that I would follow the rules, but I am weak. But on the other hand everyone
teacher Kim Spradlin said. “We were very close. I’m really missing her right now.” However her Eastmont family have already made plans to guarentee Cattin’s spirit will live on. A scholarship has been announced in Cattin’s memory, founded by the English department and curated by the Eastmont Foundation. The timeline and eligibility details are not set in stone, but will be announced within the coming months.
and I will ever know what that means). She let me use her computer all the time. We would always draw on the board for the lesson. We honestly had more fun than you would think. It was the best class of the day for me. I would always look else was breaking the rules so why forward to it and everything was going great. can’t I? She was helping me try to get into Anyway back to Mrs. Cattin. She told us about her life and how she was the University of Washington, which going to retire after this year. She told was our favorite college. We talked us we were lucky to have her for a about her retirement and I told her to teacher and I think she was right. She go to Mexico. She started editing my short stories was sarcastic in a and she helped very funny and cool 1. Graduate from high school me so much. I way. even made her I knew after 2. Find yourself an awesome cry with a paper my �irst moments job I wrote. Before meeting her that 3. Surround yourself with winter break she was going to be people that you love started, she gave an amazing teacher. 4. Have an awesome me a present. It She took role for was an eraser the �irst time and weekend, have an awesome that was super she noticed my life, go Cats! long. She told friends and I in the me, “I thought back she said seven you might want simple words. “I an eraser that is hope we don’t have big enough to �ix any problems.” your mistakes. It was weird Because you at the time and I know you thought she was make a lot of insane, but she mistakes.” wasn’t. She was Then we the type of teacher -Elizabeth Cattin, in her staff went through I wanted to have Homecoming Royalty Speech winter break the rest of my high faster than school years. So for the whole year I would make her one of lightning. When we came back there my closest friends. I accomplished that was a sub. We asked questions about within the �irst semester. We started why Mrs. Cattin was gone and her making inside jokes, like the English answer was astounding. “Mrs. Cattin Department gang sign (only Sadi, her broke both of her knees falling off a
-Commentary
”
”
ladder.” It was a shock that we weren’t going to expect her back till February. So that class got a little more dull and it sucked. Then on Jan 12 at 1:54 pm, life hit me like a rock. I was told the most devastating news I’ve heard since my great-grandpa died in 2011. My favorite teacher since I started school had passed away. I broke down during school. I was struck with a sadness I haven’t felt in years. I’m not used to someone that close to me passing away. Especially to a stupid blood clot that went into her lung. I was mad and not just at the fact she was gone, but at the fact I couldn’t say goodbye or I couldn’t have even said, “You make my day better.” All of that is impossible now and I just couldn’t handle it. I talked to counselors and I missed some school. I looked at her desk and I was broken. I looked at my phone and looked at a picture of her from before winter break. I smiled and laughed because she loved to make us laugh and that picture showed it. I felt as if whenever I laugh she is with me. Since her passing, I haven’t broken rule No. 1. I know it seems unorthodox to not eat a snack in class, but she didn’t want us to, so I’m not doing so. I have a sub for the rest of the year now. She is really cool and funny, but she is no Mrs. Cattin. I have learned a lot in the past few weeks and one thing will always be very clear to me. Elizabeth Cattin disappeared from the world, but not from our hearts.
These are just a few of the kind words Eastmont staff and students wrote about Mrs. Cattin on the memorial posters around schools. Check out the “Remembering Cattin” posters around school to see more or leave your own thought...
“We will miss you! #ily” “We all miss you. We love you. You were an amazing teacher! You will be missed!”
“She always made people smile and laugh.”
“I will always remember your laugh and humor! You will be greatly missed.” “You are a special teacher and a wonderful teacher.”
“You greatly impacted so many lives. You were a blessing to EHS and to our English department.”
INKED UP ”It’s art
and self expression,
”
-Phillip Moore
Right: Shelby Nelson decided to get a cross on her hand as a sign of her faith. “I got is a symbol of my faith and it reminds me to be more Christ-like,” she said.
High schoolers �ight to get the tat P����� ��� S���� B� R����� K������� E����� �� C����
Having a tattoo in high school is one of the worst taboos a young adult can face. Stereotactically seen as delinquents or rebels, they are often harshly judged at �irst glance. However for some, the meaning of their body art is deeper than ink on skin. “(My tattoo) resembles my three main priorities in life,” senior Phillip Moore said. He has “family, faith, friends” printed on his forearm. While many naysayers will inevitably continue to judge those that get a dolphin on the ankle, or Mandarin down the back, these youth are comfortable in their own (inked) skin. Simply put by Moore, “It’s art and self expression.”
Left: Izzy Guerra’s father is a professional tattoo artist, and he has wanted a tattoo every since he was a child. After �inally turning 18, he got his mother’s name enscripted on his chest. “My mom is my biggest role model and it just felt right to get her name,” he said.
This year, there has been a record number of athletic injuries at Eastmont. According to most studies, strength and �lexibilty are two of the best ways to avoid an athletic injury. Here are a few ways you can limit your chance of an athletic injury, using strength and �lexibility.
strength The bene�its of resistance training in both competitive and recreational athletes have been well documented over the past 20 years. Improvements in muscle strength and power, increase in muscle size, and improvement in sports performance are common bene�its resulting from resistance training programs. In addition, resistance training has also been suggested to reduce the risk for musculoskeletal injuries, or perhaps reduce the severity of such injury. Although studies reporting the direct effect of resistance training on injury rate reduction are limited, the physiological adaptations seen consequent to resistance training on bone, connective tissue and muscle does imply enhanced protection against injury for individuals who participate in such a training program. Reducing the incidence of injury by engaging in a resistance training program is as bene�icial for the noncompetitive beginner as it is for the professional athlete. The most important step, after medical clearance, is to locate a quali�ied individual (exercise scientist/ physiologist or sport trainer) to develop a safe and effective resistance training program
Flexability Studies about the bene�its of stretching have had mixed results. Some show that stretching helps. Other studies show that stretching before or after exercise has little if any bene�it and doesn't reduce muscle soreness after exercise. Studies have shown that static stretching performed immediately before a sprint event may decrease performance to a small degree. More research is needed, but some bene�its of stretching are thought to be: Improving athletic performance in some activities Decreasing the risk of activity-based injuries Stretching can help improve �lexibility, and, consequently, range of motion in your joints. Better �lexibility may improve your performance in physical activities or decrease your risk of injuries by helping your joints move through their full range of motion and enabling your muscles to work most effectively. Stretching also increases blood �low to the muscle. And you may come to enjoy the ritual of stretching before or after hitting the trail, ballet �loor or soccer �ield.
Post Photos/Reilly Kneedler
Post Photos/Reilly Kneedler
Cheerleading ON A BIGGER STAGE
Top: Head coach Blair Holmstrom, bottom left, watches as the cheer squad performes a pyramid stunt. Bottom: Eastmont cheerleaders hold up a “Wildcats” sign during a recent basketball game.
B� R����� K������� E����� �� C����
“People assume cheerleading is easy and we practice one or two days a week,” this comes from Eastmont’s head cheer coach Blair Holmstrom. But in her program, the opposite could not be more true. In fact, Eastmont cheer has been totally re-imagined over the last two years since Holmstrom took over the helm. “Two years ago, they were cheerleaders and you didnt really think anything of it. They were just kind of in the background,” senior cheerleader Anissa Sangster said. The program has been truly vitalized, thanks in part to the huge physical growth of the team; they went from a small squad of just six girls
before the Holmstrom era, to a record breaking 40-plus prospective tryouts last year. Many of those who made the cut credit Holmstrom herself as an integral part of the growth, and for good reason. “She instills the drive in us,” Sangster said. “She is hard on us but for the better and really pushes us to our fullest.” “The big picture of what she wanted from us is here it’s crazy that it only took two years,” Senior cheerleader Peighton Turner said. Turner knows better than anyone just how much the program has grown, seeing as she is the only threeyear veteran. “It’s a huge change, you can see it in all of our faces during practice,” she
said. “I love it way more than I did my sophomore year.” According to Holmstrom, the whole cheer model has changed; stunting has become a bigger part of their routines. “As for skill level, I’ve just continued to push them. Theres always another stunt we can do, once we master one, we say well what can we do next?” she said. Competing for Perfection On Jan. 24, Eastmont cheer entered in a cheer competition for the �irst time in the school’s history. The contest was held in Hanford and was an opportunity for high school cheer teams all over Washington to qualify for the state competition. “Leading up to (the competition) our intensity went way up and our commitment went up with it,” Sangster said. The team scored 51.75 points overall, missing the state mark by just under seven points. While their road to state was stopped there, participating in the contest was a landmark of its own. “Eastmont had never been to a cheer competition, and that was one of my main goals from when I was hired two years ago,” Holmstrom said. “It’s kind of the reward at the end of the season, their job is still to be a football, basketball or wrestling cheerleader, a supporter of athletics and an advocate for their school. But it’s their reward for all of their hard work.” Cheer senior Paige Homad also made an appearence at a solo competition last weekend. She placed �irst overall at the Washington Cheer Coaches
”I just push them,
they do the work,
”
-Blair Holmstrom
Association competition. “I was nervous at �irst, but it was a really great experience,” she said. “It was awesome.” Homad was recently accepted to Central Washington University and will pursue the cheer program there. A Community Commitment However Eastmont cheer’s reach has been felt far beyond the competition stage this year. “I’m always trying to push them to be better,” Holmstrom said. “We really focus on how we can improve our program in the school with things like random acts of kindness, door greats and being more visible.” “We work our butts off here, but we’re also really involved in the school and the community,” Turner said. “Our biggest accomplishment in the community was doing Relay for Life. I think that really put us out there.” During October’s Relay for Life fundraiser the cheer squad raised over $8,000. Each of these advancements have attributed to the overall growth of the program, but Holmstrom attributes it all to the girls themselves. “We get lots of compliments, and I get told all the time ‘the cheer program looks so great’ but really it’s the 16 girls out there that are doing it. I just push them, they do the work,” she said.
A CULTURE SHOCK B� T����� L��� A���. N��� E����� Have you ever heard of the band “Bowling For Soup?” Many of you reading this are mumbling to yourselves saying “duh” or “no actually, I have not.” Either response is �ine, however there is one thing you do need to know about them and that is, 1985. No, that is not the year they were born or the year the band was form, it is actually one of their hit songs. Some are wondering the relevance this song has to modern day society but it actually shares more than one may know. The entire song is about a girl named Debbie, reminiscing about her teenage life and as high schoolers, we are living our teenage life right now. So, what will we have to reminisce on? Here are some of the lyrics to the song “1985” to show the difference between then and now. The original “Looks at her average life And nothing has been alright Since Springstein, Madonna Way before Nirvana There was U2 and Blondie
And music still on MTV She's seen all the classics She knows every line Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink Even Saint Elmo's Fire She rocked out to Wham Not a big Limp Bizkit fan Where's the mini-skirt made of snake skin And who's the other guy singing in Van Halen When did reality become T.V.? What ever happen to sitcoms, game shows on the radio?” Our generation “Looks at her average life And nothing has been alright Since One Direction, Beyonce Way before Nash Grier There was Dory, Ed Sheeran And Kardashians still on E! TV She's seen all the classics She knows every line Pitch Perfect, Mean Girls, Even Suzanne Collins’ Catching Fire She rocked out to Nicki Not a big Drake fan Where's the UGG BOOTS- with the leggings? And who's the NEW guy hanging out with Taylor? When did dogs barking become viral? And what ever happen to new songs, mixtapes On Souncloud?”
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THE STRUGGLE TO DEFINE SUCCESS B� T������ R������ R�������
Success, success, success. It’s what everyone wants. Nobody wakes up in the morning smiling and tells themselves “Today, I am so going to fail.” Everyone wants success in different amounts and areas. We all have different people we hold up as examples of someone who has achieved “success.” Examples run the gamut from historical leaders, musicians, actors, business leaders all the way to whatever pop stars happen to grace the covers of the tabloids that week. Perhaps one of the best examples of successes is the recently deceased Robin William. When the world famous actor and comedian left this world, millions mourned. I have yet to shed tears over this tragedy. Thinking about Robin Williams brings up so many good memories I always come out of it happier than when I went in. In my mind the name “Robin Williams” has become so synonymous with laughter, as to dispel all tears but those of joy. His work and legacy has been nothing but a positive in�luence on millions and will remain as such long after many others are faded and forgotten. Maybe a truly successful man is one who has only smiles at his funeral. I’ve made no secret of the fact that I consider Christopher Reeve an enormous hero and role model. The actor turned activist is famous for two things: ful�illing the role of Superman in a way no actor has since and turning his considerable fame and resources to paralysis research after a terrible accident. I said earlier not that Reeve played or acted the role of Superman but that he ful�illed it. That he became an icon of hope in both of his most famous endeavors. Accounts abound of people consumed by sadness who just wanted to feel like someone, anyone cared. When they found that person it didn’t matter that they were a �ictional character played by an actor. After his accident he went out of his way to show people there was someone else going through the same ordeal as them and that they didn’t have to give up. A little known fact is that these two inspiring individuals were also very good friends. The two met in college and remained friends thereafter. When speaking of Reeves, Williams talked about “Him being such a great friend to me at Juilliard, literally feeding me because I don't think I literally had money for food or my student loan hadn't come in yet, and he would share his food with me," Williams said. "And then later after the accident, just seeing him beaming and just, seeing what he meant to so many people.” In his book Reeves wrote “My friendship with Robin Williams is one of the real joys of my life, Robin is a person who gives to people 24 hours a day. The gift of joy, the gift of laughter. Just to be in a room with Robin Williams is a privilege. He’s a gift to the world.”
Together We Stand, Divided We Fall.
On Jan. 7, the world was stunned when radicals attacked the of�ices of the French satirical newspaper, Charlie Hebdo. The newspaper was a longtime advocate of the war on extremists and terrorists. However instead of crushing the spirit of the paper in a vicious attack on their political cartoonists, the Islamic gunmen made the newspaper a martyr for freedom of press in the Western world. Throughout the nation and beyond, news organizations are standing vigilant and together in support of the fallen journalists of Charlie Hebdo. As the saying goes, the pen is mightier than the sword and the simplicity of a pen has become the international symbol of support for this cause. As just one small piece of a much larger �ield of journalistic work, we stand in support of freedom of press and the pen of Charlie Hebdo. -The Scratching Post
F������� ��� W������ F������ B� R����� K������� E����� �� C����
At any minute I thoroughly expect Kim Jong Un to come break down my door, ready to blow me away. I can say this with relative certainty because I have seen “The Interview.” It has been the talk of the world at large for the last few weeks; the plot, characters and the circumstances surrounding its release have evoked wild accusations and international incidents. It began with an idea fostered by Seth Rogan, Evan Goldberg and Dan Sterling to create a movie, backed by Sony, revolving around a plot at assassinate North Korea’s supreme leader Kim Jong Un. Unsurprisingly, the North Korean government did not take well to that story line. In the weeks leading up to its scheduled release date, Sony’s computer infrastructure was hacked, North Korea’s entire private intranet was shut down for over nine hours, and movie theaters were threatened 9/11 style to not show the
�ilm on its planned release date, Dec. 25. While neither government has yet to claim responsibility for the attacks, the reality is that there are some entities that do not want the American public to view the �ilm. Sony has recalled some of its initial hesitation and will allow “The Interview” to be let out into the world. At this point, many independent theaters have elected
to show the �ilm, it is also available on a handful of websites for a small fee. As one of the �irst that took the plunge and viewed the movie, I can say that with con�idence that clicking play for the �irst time feels like so much more than preparing to watch the latest comedy to hit the entertainment world. It’s easy to feel like a kid going behind mom’s back for a taste of the pie on the window sill. There are a few uneasy feelings about what big bad Kim might do if he catches you watching “The Interview” as an ignorant American, but the experience is also a bit freeing. Taking in the media storm that has been presented to the American public lately just makes the idea of watching the movie even more compelling. Finally sitting down to watch James Franco and Seth Rogan plot to take out a ruthless dictator just feels right. There are really powerful undertones involved in the simple act of watching “The Interview.” How dare some hacker (North Korean or otherwise) try to scare me into not watching a movie? If 9/11 taught us anything, then wouldn’t it be not to be frightened into negotiating with those who seek to instill terror? Even President Obama called Sony’s recall a “mistake,” so why not just hit play? All these questions and more bustled
through my head as I set out to watch it, but the single greatest driving force was simply curiosity: What is all the fuss about?
Comedy for comedy’s sake
However, all grand themes and mentalities aside, “The Interview” is just absolutely, poignantly funny. One has to imagine that the creators didn’t set out to start an international dialogue about the state of North Korea, they were just trying to make a funny movie. That idea shines through brilliantly; the plot is all over the place, the humor is crude and abrasive, and it is offensive beyond comprehension. Just �ive minutes into the opening scene and any North Koreans that did happen to see it were likely blanching in utter disbelief. But it takes, somewhat deserved, jabs at American society as well. The �ilm, at its core, really seems to have set out to offend everyone watching to some degree and to that end, it was a beautiful success. I rented it on YouTube through Sony’s channel for $5.99. It was absolutely worth it, mainly for the opportunity to further the conversation on freedom, digital terrorism and “The Interview” in general, but the hilarity was a welcomed bonus. It has of�icially landed in Wenatchee and is being shown at Liberty Cinema, so buy it, rent it or take the plunge and go see it in the theaters, but don’t be afraid to join the conversation.