Talisman vol 50 iss 5 may 1, 2015

he

TALISMAN a student-edited newspaper

Lacrosse no longer schoolsponsored sport page 4

The senioritis epidemic Sheldon High School

page 11

The lost rockwalls

page 6

vol. 50│iss. 5│May 1, 2015

Opinions

May 1, 2015

STERE TYPES

2

Wasseem Al-Qudah staff writer

Stereotyping creates inaccurate attitudes toward people and is detrimental to society

the Talisman

People always like to be in the know - to be able to answer every question, and be good at everything. It’s good that people want to be right because it pushes them to read, watch, and learn. It becomes sad when people want to be right about everything without putting the effort to learn and understand the facts which causes people to start using their imaginations, or use what they hear and see on media or in popular culture to create their own biased opinions about different kinds of people. We call this stereotyping.

Stereotyping happens in different ways. Some people do it jokingly or just assuming about something, but some other people say it and believe what they say and argue about it which can be bad which negatively affects the people who are being stereotyped.

Stereotyping might end relations between people, hurt people, make people feel that they are oppressed. Dr. Ali Al-Qudah, PhD said, “Practicing stereotyping can have a negative impact on relations between people and even nations because stereotyping is built on wrong principles that do not represent the person that it being stereotyped.”

t a f e r a s n a c i r Ame h t a m t a d o o g e r Asians a Arabs are terrorists Women are wea k

Campus Supervisor Darin Henry shared his opinion about how stereotyping might affect the relations between countries: “Well, it’s pre-judging and it’s wrong to pre-judge anyone. To stereotype is just ignorant.” Having people in this opened world who still stereotype is just irresponsible and ignorant because with all those ways and opportunities to learn such as internet, TV, newspapers, movies, books, and a lot more, they still insist to have preconceived and incorrect thoughts about others.

There are a lot of things that build stereotypes in people’s minds. False media, such as some websites or TV channels, share news or ideas that are not backed up by any sources and may even be lies. This leads a lot of people to build their own fallacies. One of the really bad things that make people stereotype is judging a whole nation or a country by looking at a person’s behavior and assuming that everybody is like that person.

Some people will never stop stereotyping, but we can help correct the ideas that people have by studying cultures and nations’ histories, watching documentary movies and world news, and most importantly, traveling, which open minds, show beauty, and spread tolerance. Also, having neutral thoughts about people and thinking about others as if they are just like you. Dr. Mohammad Abushariah, PhD said, “I believe educational systems must educate us about other cultures and groups, and instill in minds the culture of accepting one another regardless of race, color, belief, origin, religion, etc… in addition, the mass media plays a crucial rule in conveying the true image about others without any exaggeration.” In our world, nothing is hidden and if a person wants to learn about any nation or even a person, it’s easy for him to look it up and learn. The internet can be a helpful tool that opposes stereotyping, but it also can be a tool that supports stereotyping. It all depends on the person who is reading or learning. Everyone has to make sure that what he or she is reading is true and reliable.

As an exchange student I have experienced things in life that can build stereotypes for people and the difference between people who stereotype. I can see that a lot of people built their stereotypes on things they saw in movies, especially old ones, or something they

saw on TV or they mix thoughts of different cultures because there is something common between them such as religion, language, or geographical location.

I see different types of people who stereotype. Some believe a stereotype until someone explains to them that the stereotype is inaccurate and then the person changes his or her mind based on the new knowledge. Others refuse to change their minds and stand by an “I am right” argument. Stereotyping is just ignorant and detrimental to society.

the Talisman

Opinions

May 1, 2015

3

Graffiti: art or vandalism?

This is the most common debate about graffiti.

Zakary Pace & Taya Norris staff writers Some people, especially in older generations, view graffiti as a crime. There are two different types of graffiti, legal and illegal, legal being a graffiti artist asking and or paying before writing or drawing and illegal being an artist putting something up on private or public property without permission. Graffiti is a very controversial form of art, not only within our own town, but throughout the world. The biggest debate on graffiti is whether it is vandalism or art. From a non-artistic adult’s perspective, graffiti may seem like a senseless way for kids to disrupt their community. Others think of graffiti as a way of life.

Campus supervisor Darin Henry had some very interesting words to say about the subject. Henry said, “Graffiti can be many things. The intention of every artist is different.” If someone was to put up a graffiti mural in the school, Henry said, “One big wall in the cafeteria saying ‘Sheldon’ would be awesome.”

Junior Brady Akins sees graffiti as a “great expression of art.” “Don’t be afraid to let people see your art,” was the advice he gave to other artists. The only graffiti artist he knows of is Banksy, who is well-known for his political pieces and murals that show what is happening all around us.

Senior Garrett Franklin views graffiti as vandalism and sometimes art. He said, “It depends on where it is; if it’s on someone’s house then it’s vandalism, but if it’s on a legal wall then it’s art.” Franklin gave some advice on a better way to deal with graffiti; he simply said, “Catch them.” He later added, “I would like to see a graffiti mural somewhere in the multicultural center.”

Whenever someone hears the word ‘graffiti’ they always think of something negative and don’t realize that there could be an upside to graffiti, and that up side can be used to spread a positive message.

photos by Zakary Pace

4 May 1, 2015

Sports

the Talisman

Sheldon lacrosse separates from Sheldon athletics A look at the changes happening to the Sheldon lacrosse team Haley Knapp & Kylee Paul copy editor & opinions editor

years and work just as hard or even harder without support from the district. Senior Tyler Furgason said, “I am a very accident-prone individual so not having athletic trainer Laura Baker to be able to help us with every injury that we receive has affected us negatively, but even though we’re

not supported by the district we will be playing just as hard as we would if we were.”. These changes led the teams into the season with a little bit of a chip on their shoulder, but instead of weighing them down, both the teams are pushing forward and fighting just as hard throughout this season.

This season Sheldon lacrosse has faced many changes regarding support from the district and school. The 4j school district decided to separate club activities from a school-sponsored sport and lacrosse is now viewed as a tier two club sport. The withdrawal of the support has brought several changes to the lacrosse teams as a whole and players individually.

Sophomore Claire Litchfield said, “Now that lacrosse is considered a club sport, we can no longer get assistance from the school’s athletic trainer and we have to hire our own trainer for games and many of our girls are lacking the care that they need for their injuries.”

Currently, both the Sheldon boys and girls lacrosse teams are required to hire a trainer for each home game. This new requirement takes a big toll on the team funds and causes the teams to make some financial changes and put money that would’ve been spent on other things towards the trainers.

Despite difficulties, the teams are ready to take on the coming

Junior Melissa Rice attacking against Sherwood High School.

photo by Signe Knapp

Ultimate Frisbee ready to take on the season

Ultimate Frisbee is back and ready for another season at sheldon

Kaitlyn Schauer staff writer

Ultimate Frisbee is a flourishing sport all around the world.

At Sheldon High School, the Ultimate Frisbee team is preparing for their 2015 tournament season. The season officially kicked off in March! The players on Sheldon’s team are working hard to prepare. Junior Samantha Schuttpelz spoke about her first year playing the sport. “I like the intensity of the sport,” commented Schuttpelz; “I really love being a part of the friendships between players as well and being welcomed so easily.”

Senior Payton Kubiak is new to Ultimate this year, as well. “I enjoy the competitive nature of Ultimate and the satisfaction when you score a point,” said Kubiak; “I just started playing this year and I really hope to improve myself as a player as well as help the team win.”

One of the captains of the team, junior Ryan Ayala, had input towards Ultimate and Sheldon’s team as well. Ayala commented that it is the “best sport ever.” He also added that his favorite part of the game is “laying out and skying fools.” He has been playing for Sheldon’s team going on three years now.

April and May hold tournaments for both mixed, open, and girls. The team is ecstatic to have begun the tournament season. Last weekend the team visited Washington to participate in the largest mixed youth tournament in the world: Spring Reign. They played teams from all around the US and

Canada. Good things will be up and coming for the Sheldon ultimate team. Go Irish!

the Talisman

Sports & Flowers

May 1, 2015

5

Sheldon students commit to college athletics Jack Forrest & Solomon Faulkner sports editor & staff writer College entails many difficult decisions: what major to choose, what dorm to pick, and for some, whether they want to play college athletics. Playing a sport in college isn’t easy and is a huge commitment to make; however, most high school athletes aspire to play at the collegiate level. Unfortunately, many of these dreamers will not reach this goal as only a very small amount participates at this level of athletics. The athletes who get this privilege

are those who work hard and chase their dreams. Sheldon High School has the distinction of having a select few of these outstanding student athletes, who take on this difficult task.

Being a college athlete requires tremendous physical ability; however, student athletes know that being a student always comes first. Sophomore Mary Jane Erving, recent soccer commit to University of Oregon, agreed: “School is the most important and athletics comes second.” This is a good example of what it takes to be a student athlete.

Another hard decision for student athletes at this level is finding the right college. There are many different aspects

that influenced Erving’s decision: “I wanted to stay close to home, a medium-sized college, play at the best level that I could, and the PAC 12 was my first pick.” This is a great process for all student athletes to follow before making this life-changing decision.

Sheldon is the home to another tremendous student athlete, senior Kellen Strahm. Strahm is a three sport athlete. Strahm will be attending University of Oregon to play in the baseball program for the 2016 spring season and is excited to play for a prestigious program: “I just really want to play at the highest level that I can.” The mindset that Strahm has is mainly the reason to his success and also a mindset that many other athletes share.

Chinese Lilies

Here at Sheldon we are blessed to have beautiful flora within our halls. Big trees and shrubbery grow out of these little patches of dirt, but along with that are little surprises waiting to bloom. These small surprises that we only get to see one day out of the year are Chinese lilies. Although we would all love to see these amazing flowers all of the time, we only get to view them once.

6

Features

The longforgotten rockwalls of Sheldon Davis Glazebrook staff writer

About five years ago Sheldon had an Outdoor Recreation class. This class had a variety of activities but none of them was quite as fun as climbing the rock walls.

With the multitude of skills and hobbies here at Sheldon, it’s not surprising to hear that we have a set of rock walls. Actually, we have an entire room filled with them! Located in the upper gymnasium, the rock walls vary in difficulty; the hardest has a series of ledges and outliers one needs to overcome to get to the top.

The “Rock Room” is currently used as storage for chairs and mats. However, the ropes, anchors and climbing gear are all still there.

Sheldon graduate Jamison Glazebrook (who took Outdoor Recreation) said that learning to use the equipment and getting to climb the walls was extremely entertaining: “It was like a little adventure, and having the skills to climb are worth having.”

Junior Carter Johnson said, “Opening the rock walls to the public of the Sheldon community could really have a positive impact here. We could form teams and clubs and host annual tournaments and other events.”

Blame budget cuts for not being able to use them. Being that the walls are not a necessity, they were discontinued. Bringing the walls back to a useable and safe condition won›t be free; they do need maintenance, and along with supervision that would eventually add up to a considerably large amount of money.

Junior Aleki Sunia said that safety is also an issue, “If someone doesn’t know how to use the equipment, a serious accident could happen.”

Many people could come in to use them during non-school hours and students could use them during school hours. We could also form clubs and teams for speed climbing competitions.

Hopefully, with more interest and motivation, we could see the rock walls restored for use.

photo by Davis Glazebrook

7

Features

Sheldon clubs offer different opportunities Ayla Bussel copy editor

Key Club, Cupcake Club, Interact Club, Spanish Club; there are a variety of clubs offered at Sheldon, each presenting a different atmosphere and a different focus. Junior Samantha Schuttpelz has been a member of Cupcake Club since the beginning of her sophomore year, and Spanish Club and Key Club as of the beginning of this school year.

Schuttpelz stated, “I decided to join each club for specific reasons. I highly enjoy baking; when I bake I am calm and content. It makes me feel very satisfied seeing people enjoy my treats as well. Not to mention the community service [Cupcake Club offers]!” Schuttpelz added that she joined

Spanish Club because she loves Spanish class and joined Key Club due to her desire of helping the community. Key Club is a community service based club that is greatly involved with helping local citizens and organizations. “I find it personally satisfying seeing fellow citizens become fulfilled with our good duties. I have enjoyed Key Club so much that I ran for office, and now I am future treasurer!

I’m really excited for that.” Schuttpelz mentioned that she thinks “students should take into consideration [all of the opportunities and friends that being involved in clubs brings.] Before I joined any clubs I was less outgoing; now I put myself out there and I have become a lot better at giving speeches [due to my involvement in these clubs] I am tremendously happy with the clubs I am involved with because they have expanded my personality to a greater potential, and I could not be more thankful for those leaders’ and clubs’ positive influences [on me].”

There are many Sheldon students that are involved in a variety of clubs. Junior Lily Moorehead is the president of Cupcake Club. Moorehead commented saying, “I’ve learned a lot of responsibility. Also being able to impact local charities and getting the thank you notes they send saying how grateful they are [is very rewarding].”

Junior Maddy Opdahl who joined Key Club at the beginning of this year, said, “[I like] the fact that the club is really involved in directly helping the community through a lot of community service projects. I learned that it’s important (and really fun) to be involved in the community.”

Opdahl is also a part of Spanish Club and Cupcake Club.

Overall, Sheldon students agree – it’s important to be involved in a variety of clubs!

photos by Ben Ely

Adoption and foster care Maya Dickinson staff writer

There are an estimated 153 million children without permanent families in the world. The United States of America is currently home to nearly 400,000 orphaned children, of which Oregon accounts for over 5,000.

When asked if she would consider adoption for her family someday, sophomore Taylor Booth said, “Yes, if I could not have my own biological children, I would adopt.”

Adoption is a process that can be beneficial for both the adopters and children. Performing triple threat Hugh Jackman and award-winning actress Deborra-Lee Furness adopted their only child, with Jackman expressing enthusiasm and success about the adoption in public interviews.

Other famous successful adopters include Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Madonna, Denise Richards, and Sheryl Crow.

However, despite the glorified success of adopters in mainstream media, there are flaws within the adoption system. Despite the decades of success in Sandra Bullock’s

acting career, and financial benefits, Bullock had to endure four years of paperwork before adopting her only child.

When asked if flaws in the adoption system would prevent her from adopting someday, sophomore Cadence Webber said, “Yes, it could prevent me from adopting because of future concerns.”

While changes in the adoption system should be made, sophomore Savannah Boespflug said, “I think there is still an opportunity to improve the adoption system which would increase adoption rates, [and] reduce the amount of orphans.” The adoption system in the United States has already improved dramatically throughout past decades, giving hope to children and future families.

8

May 1, 2015

Sports

the Talisman

Barclays League Review Pascal Konyn & James Kang staff writers With the English Soccer League, otherwise known as the Barclays Premier League, coming to an end, it is time to recap the last eight months, and make predictions for the final weeks of play. Despite Manchester City taking the title last season, this season has been all Chelsea. They have been in first place since week one.

Manchester City has sat in the top four for most of the season but their current form threatens to push them out should it continue. Liverpool was one of the top teams last year thanks to their star striker Luis Suarez. They sold him at the beginning of this season and struggled through the first half of the season sitting at mid table until a tactical change from their manager Brendan Rodgers carried them into their current position of fifth place. Arsenal and Manchester United have had similar stories this season. Both of these teams have had rough starts but have found good late season form carrying them to second and third respectively.

Despite selling most of their top players, Southampton has had a miracle season after getting promoted to the top flight just two years ago. They spent most of the season at second place until recently dropping to seventh.

Junior Dylan Herron said, “Everton has been the biggest disappointment this season, despite their high profile players; they are sitting in the bottom half of the league.” Everton finished at 5th in the 2013-14 seasons which made them qualify to group stages of UEFA Europa League.

Junior Emma Peters said, “Most people know who Tim Howard is.” He rose to fame in the 2014 Brazil World Cup after the game against Belgium when the U.S. lost 2-1. He broke the World cup record of most saves in a game with 15 saves.

On the matter of the predicted champion this year, junior Hidetaka Hayashi said, “I think Chelsea has this season in the bag.”

Hype surrounds NFL draft of Mariota Tanner Mitchell staff writer Editors’ note: This article was written before the NFL Draft, which then took place past print deadline April 30-May 2: There has been much discussion about which team will draft former Oregon Ducks standout Marcus Mariota. The popular choice, by far, amongst fans has been a reunion with former Oregon and current Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly. However, it looks unlikely that the Eagles are going to make any moves to trade up in the draft order to acquire the Heisman Trophy winner. According to Fox Sports, Chip Kelly won’t “mortgage our future” for Mariota. There are other potential teams that could draft Marcus Mariota, such as the Tennessee Titans, the New York Jets, and even the Cleveland Browns are in the mix.

Contrary to earlier reports, the Eagles traded up to the 12th overall pick, according to NFL.com. Now, there is still a possibility that another team could draft Mariota before the Eagles are on the clock. Senior Thomas Long said, “I think the Jets could draft Marcus.” Also, the Tennessee Titans could still use their pick on Mariota. They do have a need for a new quarterback, but they have other needs as well. They have many options, holding the second overall pick in the draft.

The New York Jets hold the sixth overall pick and are a very likely destination for Mariota. They have a great need for a quarterback. Their current starter, Geno Smith, hasn’t done very much in New York.

However, with the New York sports media’s personality, many people think that it’s not a good fit.

Many people think the media would destroy Mariota’s career after his first bad game.

For a while, even the Cleveland Browns were candidates for Mariota. That was, until they traded down with Philadelphia. Now, they aren’t likely to draft the former Oregon star. He likely will not be available when the Browns draft.

The draft holds tons of interesting scenarios, not just for Mariota, but for many rookies as well. With the Eagles having traded up to the twelfth overall pick, it would be fairly safe to say that they will draft Marcus Mariota. However, Tennessee could still pick him up, as well as New York. Other teams could play strategy and take him, so that Chip Kelly cannot have the player he so desires. It will be interesting to watch the drama play itself out April 30-May 2.

the Talisman

Entertainment

Gracie Thompson & Rachel Barnhart graphics editor & staff writer

The Age of Adaline Review The newly released drama The Age of Adaline premiered this past week at Cinemark and Regal theaters. On the Friday of its debut, the red velvet theater was packed with people of all ages. Young couples sat beside older pairs along with women and men of all ages, who may have been viewing the movie to get a glimpse at the portrayal of their own generation. The premise of the movie is not one of a typical romance. Adaline was a relatively normal girl until a seemingly supernatural accident immortalized her.

The story of her 60 year struggle through the decades is beautifully told through breathtaking costume and design.

Although predictable, the story was highly enjoyable. Tears were shed through the eyes of many during heart wrenching scenes, and there were a few times from which giggles arose. But the complex, farfetched explanation of her immortal phenomenon was perhaps too wordy and caused confusion to be felt by many.

The film’s namesake, Adaline Bowman, is played by Blake Lively. The cast in its entirety is endlessly talented. Harrison Ford, along with many other gifted actors, take their places beside Lively in the film.

But as brightly as they shone, none could compare to the talented star that is Blake Lively. Her elegant performance as the wise, lonely Adaline Bowman transcends time. Anyone who enjoys an entertaining, innovative, heartwarming romance movie should see this film to witness a beautiful journey through time. graphics by Gracie Thompson & Rachel Barnhart

May 1, 2015

Survey based on 150 Sheldon students

9

10

May 1, 2015

Variety

the Talisman

History of the apocalypse Issac Meyer staff writer

On December 21, 2014, I casually noted that it was the two-year anniversary of the great Mayan apocalypse. Remember that fateful day? Newsflash: nothing happened. Let’s look at some other crazy apocalypse predictions throughout history that evidently never panned out.

634 BC: Some ancient Romans predict that the city would be destroyed 120 years after its founding, based on a myth that 12 eagles had revealed this enddate to Romulus in a vision.

968 AD: The army of German emperor Otto

III witnesses a solar eclipse and predicts that doomsday will soon follow.

992: Two Christian holy days, the Feast of the Annunciation and Good

Friday, fall on the same date. Some take this to mean the coming of the apocalypse.

1284: Pope Innocent III predicts an apocalypse

that never happens.

May 18, 1910:

February 1, 1524: Several astrologers predict catastrophic floods that will destroy the city of London. About 20,000 people flee their homes. Not a drop of rain falls.

A rumor starts that the atmosphere will be poisoned by gas from the tail of Halley’s comet. Sales of quack “comet pills,” said to offer protection, skyrocket.

December 21, 1954: Housewife Dorothy Martin,

leader of a cult known as the Seekers, predicts catastrophic floods that will end the world. Seekers gather at her house to be rescued by aliens from the planet Clarion.

March 26, 1997: Marshall Applewhite, leader of a cult known as Heaven’s Gate, predicts that the earth will soon be “wiped clean.” Thirty-nine followers commit mass suicide in hopes of hitching a ride on a rescue spaceship coming with the comet Hale-Bopp.

January 1, 2000: Some predict widespread computer

failures associated with the Y2K bug, and subsequent collapse of society as we know it. Result, a catastrophe almost as great: about 150 slot machines at various Delaware racetracks stop working.

May 21, 2011: Harold Camping predicts

that the world will end amid a series of catastrophic earthquakes. A magnitude 6.1 earthquake occurs in an unpopulated area and some mild shaking is felt around Japan, but no apocalypse.

October 21, 2011: Harold Camping again predicts the

world will end, saying the May date was merely a “spiritual judgment” day.

August 23, 2013: The apocalypse date predicted by Rasputin, adviser to Russian Czar Nicholas II, comes and goes. Having concluded that Rasputin was crazy, almost nobody pays attention.

Variety

the Talisman

May 1, 2015

11

Senioritis: inspiration-stealing disease returns Ethan Hauck managing editor The term senioritis is taken lightly by many, but if you were to ask any high school senior, they’ll tell you it’s a very real issue. It affects nearly every aspect of its victim’s life, from schoolwork and attendance, to social interactions. It’s characterized by a shocking lack of motivation and failure to complete work on time, and according to MerriamWebster.com, senioritis is, “An ebbing of motivation and effort by school seniors as evidenced by tardiness, absences, and lower grades.”

When questioned on the validity of senioritis, a senior who wished to remain anonymous said, “It’s a very real thing. I’ve found myself slacking in schoolwork more than usual, and even being late to classes or missing them altogether, when previously I would never have dreamed of it.”

I’m experiencing senioritis as I write this article. “Should I write this article?” I ask myself; my response? “Nah, I’ll get to it eventually.” That is a typical thought process as the graduation date gets nearer and nearer for many students. Senior Jonathan Kim weighed in. “I have a daily struggle to force myself to work. It’s awful; I can’t get motivated to do schoolwork, I just want to be done!”

Senioritis is very real. Many underclassmen think that it’s a joke that seniors invent to excuse laziness, but it isn’t. Many of those same students will experience it during their senior year and will be completely caught off guard. My warning is this; senioritis is real, and should be treated that way. illustration by Emily Ely

The appeal of being tattooed Bailea Nance staff writer

Tattoos have special meanings to many people. For some, tattoos are a piece of their history that belongs to them and to them alone. “I like to draw my own designs to make it personal, which I feel is important in the tattoo process,” said former Sheldon student Lindsea Nance. Tattoos have special meanings because they could be a part of personal family history, to remind that person of something important in their lives, or to remind them of who they are. “Tattoos definitely have a special meaning to me as an artist,” said senior Khalia Solar; “Keeping art within my family is really important because of the history that stems from it… tattoos are art and expression.”

When people get tattoos, it’s because they want to get something that is going to relate to them forever and they want to show it.

People with tattoos are often criticized for having tattoos because some people think that tattoos are tacky. “I feel that tattoos are a way that I can express myself on the surface and show people who I am,” said Nance.

People should think about it for at least two years before getting one. People sometimes get more than one tattoo because they have more ideas that come following their first. “There’s no such thing as getting one tattoo,” said Lauran Geisler on BCC.com. She later added, “You’re getting your first tattoo.”

Some people get more tattoos because they want to show people who they are and that no one else in the world can change them, because they are who they are and there is no point in trying to change that.

Run by students. For students.

Editor-in-chief & Features editor Ben Ely Managing editor Ethan Hauck Opinions pg. 2 editor Kylee Paul Opinions pg. 3 editor Bailea Nance Sports pg. 4&5 editor Jack Forrest Sports pg. 8 editor Sam Fox Entertainment pg. 9 editors Rachel Barnhart Gracie Thompson Copy editors Haley Knapp Ayla Bussel Graphics editor Gracie Thompson Staff adviser Greg Cantwell

Staff writers Wasseem Al-Qudah Maya Dickinson Emily Ely Solomon Faulkner Davis Glazebrook James Kang Pascal Konyn Isaac Meyer Tanner Mitchell Taya Norris Zakary Pace Kaitlyn Schauer

cover photo by Signe Knapp back cover photo by Ben Ely

Read The Talisman digitally on Issuu or by downloading the Issuu app.

Follow @typicaltalisman