Skye Phillip's Portfollio by Skye Phillips

o i l o f t r o P ’s e y Sk

Skye P

hillips

Cover Letter

2013

May 13, 2013 DE Manager Dun Edwards Corporation 8686 Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (480) 483-3131 Dear Sir/Madame I am applying with your company, Dun Edwards Paint Company, to take over the position of DE paint distributer and design center assistant. I want to receive this job for a variety of reasons, and feel I am highly qualified for the position. I feel when hired, I could be a very valuable asset to the Dun Edwards team. I want to be a paint distributer with Dun Edwards mainly due to my love for painting. I have had a brush in my hands since I was able to hold one, so a career in paint would be ideal for me. I also like helping people choose the ideal colors for their homes of projects, and figuring out their problems as if piecing together a puzzle. I also feel a desire to be a design center associate, due to my want to mingle with the general public, and uphold the best of customer service. I would like to expand my knowledge on all paints and projects that Dun Edwards does, this way I may have more experience and be an even bigger help in the workplace. It is known to me that being a Dun Edwards associate and paint tinter takes practice and time and money in order to train an employee, taking a bit away from the business. I however have experience in paint tinting, with both Ben Moore, and Dun Edwards paint, thanks to my current job at Pinnacle Peak Ace Hardware. I know how to read the various colors on the DE color chart, and can mix each of the formulas. I also understand how to put in a BM, RL, and SW formulas into DE paint, allowing for more satisfied customers when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve already chosen their ideal paint color that isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a DE color. Not only do I have experience in the DE paint formulating field, but I also have extensive knowledge on the colors of Dun Edwards. I know what colorants are included in each of the formulas, and what letters such as B colorant stand for. I also have experience when it comes to labeling the paint cans, and knowledge on what 100-L bases means. I feel I have a wide range of experience for Dun Edwards paint, and would be a highly valuable associate when hired by your corporation. Sincerely, Alexandria Skye Phillips

Alexandria Skye Phillips

Skye P

hillips

Resume

2013

May 13, 2013 Alexandria Skye Phillips 7451 E Via Dona Rd. Scottsdale AZ 85266 Skye_blue27@yahoo.com (480)-440-1877 Objective: To tint any and all company paint colors into Dun Edwards paint, and into any desired base of paint for the customer. Education: Completed 3 years at Cactus Shadows High school Graduation date: May 23, 2013 Completed 1 year at Paradise Valley Community College G.P.A 3.45 Experience: Pinnacle Peak Ace Hardware Paint Tinter * December 2012 – Current (May, 2013). I am a co-paint tinter at ace hardware; with experience in other Benjamin Moore paint machines, Universal paint machines, ace paint machines, oil based paint machines, and most importantly Dun Edwards paint machines. Relevant High School Studies: Newspaper for 1 year - Allowed experience in teamwork and experience with InDesign/Computers Student Council for 4 years – Gave me leadership experience and team building Art classes for four years – gave me experience with color coding and matching Honors, Awards, and Memberships: • Student of The Month Award- Awarded by the campus Officer on superior leadership skills with an angry student. • Excellent Art Achievement Award - Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior year • StuCo Flamingo Award – Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior year for superior creative input to all student council activities • StuCo Busy Bee Award – Sophomore and Junior year for superior leadership and active participation in all student council activities References: • Sandy Berry (480)-595-9844 • Christa Hunnings (602)-705-6938 • Barb Hanson (480)-495-6698

Skye P

hillips

Self Evaluation

2013

My past two semesters in newspaper has been a truly enlightening experience. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taught me new skills that I would be devastated without had I not learned them now. Not only did I learn new skills and gain real-life experience, but I also took on the ability to work as a team member and lead my photographers to the big picture.

The skills that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned this year are wide in variety, however the ones that I learned that I feel are most important are that of the ability to use In-design, Photoshop, and the ability to use a camera to take interesting shots of things that may not be highly of interest. These skills will help me in the future in the artist future I wish I enter into, with these tools being a useful asset when being considered for hiring. Not only did I utilize physical learning skills, but I also was able to gain the art of not procrastinating. I started off the first semester a little behind on the work I did, with the consequence of a less than perfect page. This taught m to pre-plan and get things done before the deadline, creating spectacular award-winning work for all pages in our paper. Other information that I have learned while a team player of newspaper is that of advertising. I discovered what techniques seemed to work when putting an offer for advertising out there, and what people seemed to most commonly want. It was a highly beneficial experience and motivation of getting an advertisement when there was possible extra credit, and the fact that advertising paid to get our paper out. If we did not fund raise enough, then our paper would not go out, and hence our work would not be published.

Skye P

hillips

Reflection #1

2013

I have created a variety of excellent photo essay pages in the past, however there is one specific page that I feel has been my best work all year. That page is that of my last and final issue this senior year, about the boys verses girls assembly. I feel that this is one of my best works all year for wide range of reasons.

I think this is my best work so far due to the fact that is was the most well organized page I had created all year long. I say this due to the fact that it had a highly obvious center photo, being that of the girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; team midscene in cheering as the background. It also has an obvious theme to it with the pink verses blue, showing interest in the student life. There were difficulties with making this page however, and I wish I had seen this coming from the start. That specific problem is that of a bunch of different photographers taking photos for my page, but compiling them all n one folder, making it impossible to tell who took what photo. This made me unable to follow the guideline of having the photographerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s credit at the corner bottom of the photo, and instead doing one long photo credit at the bottom for all photographers for all photos.

Skye P

hillips

Reflection #2

2013

One piece of work that I feel still needs work and that I wish I could completely redo, would be that of the Renaissance Festival photo essay page. I feel that particular page could use more work because there was only one photographer for my page. Myself. Originally my page was going to have around three different photographers including myself. This would mean I would get a variety of angles, people, and events happening at the fair. However, Connor, one of my photographerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s camera was not working, and would only take a maximum of 5 photos at a time per SD card. The other person supposedly taking photos ended up forgetting to do so, making me rely on one other person, who only took a grand total of 15 photos, all unusable. I know that my photographers not taking their photos was a little out of my hands. However, I feel that should have taken the initiative to talk to them and check up on them as my page completion neared. Then as I realized I only had y photos to work with, I ended up half-working on it and half-brooding over it, making it so I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put in %100 dedication to the page. This created a far less than perfect page that I feel could have been seven fold better.

Skye P

hillips

Reflection #3

2013

I think this photo that I took recently for the May issue that the club SADD put on was my best photo taken all year. There was an hour worth of different scenes I could have taken photos of, however out of them all, I am most proud of this one in particular. I feel it looks the least staged for the staged performance that it was. It captures fire fighters mid scene in saving the young teens in the crashed vehicle. Your eye goes first the center of interest o the teens bloody and banged up in the crushed car, then onwards to the officers midstride coming to their aid. I am most proud of this shot simply because it does exactly what a photo should do, tell a story.

Skye P

hillips

Reflection #4

2013

Not only was I an editor on the staff who created the CS press newspaper, but I was also an active photographer. I accepted the duties that the photo essay editor had, and completed them on time, sometimes even ahead of schedule. I created visually appealing work that told stories without a physical story for the less interested in reading student viewers. One example of this is that of the most recent photo essay page that show cased the different events that occurred during the assembly. I did not just stand idly by either while my photographers took pictures, instead I joined in on the work, and contributed photos of my own, showing exactly what I wanted them to do.

Whenever there was a missing slot for photos on other’s pages, I also stepped in as not only an editor, but as a common photographer. I also helped out whenever someone on the staff wasn’t willing to raise their hand for a photo they felt would be a little difficult. One such example was that of SADD prom photos, a topic that’s a little difficult to handle, let alone get decent photos. I’ve enjoyed being a member of the staff of the CS press, and being a creator of our proud newspaper.

Skye P

hillips

Reflection #5

2013

Some problems that I faced this past year as a member of the newspaper staff was that of the photographers in our staff actually taking the photos they signed up for. Not only did people not take their photos when the signed up for them, but some people were reluctant to even sign up for photos on my page, even when they were exceedingly easy to take. This made it difficult to make my page the best it could possibly be, and often came down to me going out and taking the photos.

I learned that this seemed to be a rather common occurrence with every month and issue that passed. So learning from past mistakes of letting people sign up to take photos, we signed people up that we felt were capable of taking the photos, such as with the boys verses girls assembly. There were approximately four peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s names on the board, and as shown before, only a total of two of those four actually took the photos. Knowing this might happen, I also took the initiative to take photos as well. This allowed my page to have a good range of different photos, and turned out to be my best page yet. This made me feel accomplished, and helped me learn from the mistakes I made in the past, and take situations into my own hands.

Skye P

hillips

Reflection #6

2013

The main weakness I feel I have concerning my skills when t comes to creating my photo essay page is one Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve struggled with all year. This problem is that of having an issue deciding what the best center focus photo on my page would be. I keep taking ones that arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t truly the best photo I could choose, and had to keep asking the advice of Mr. Adamson in order to create a visually appealing page. In order to overcome this weakness, I stopped waiting for production day to ask for the help of Adamson, but instead started early. This allowed me time to experiment with the different photos I had, and helped me come of with two good designs, then I just had to choose what was better. I feel I more overcame this weakness when I compare my issue from March, with the medieval festival, in which I barley succeeded in making a visually appealing page, to my most recent girls verses boys assembly page. I was able to choose a main photo with ease, and created the page with visual excellence.

Reflection #7

Before rehearsal, Andrew Cupo, the drama teacher and director of Legally Blonde, advised the cast that “the idea behind acting is that you live truthfully behind imaginary circumstances.” Cupo wanted the cast to work on building their characters and expected to “see one new thing out of everyone by the end of rehearsal,” based on their characters personality. “It’s a lot of hard work, but worth it in the end,” Rebekah Ryan, a sophomore, and a cast member who plays a law student says. Ryan’s character is one of the characters that must snub Elle Woods as she struggles. The play follows a similar story line as the movie, but is a musical. Dances and songs seem to follow Elle Woods around. Dances are choreographed by Elizabeth Lincoln, a dance teacher, Elissa Ericson, also a dance teacher, and Lori Hart, the creative writing, newspaper, and yearbook teacher. “I’m having a good time being the assistant choreographer because I’m usually in the shows so it’s interesting to be on the other side of it,” Angela Paluscio, a junior and the assistant choreographer, says. As assistant choreographer, Paluscio assists the cast members in learning their dances and helps the choreographers choreograph some dances.

February

is that you live truthfully behind imaginary circumstances.” Drama teacher Andrew Cupo on the art of acting

New courses prepare students for life in the ‘real world’

News, Page 4, February 8, 2013

MAKING THE CUT

Joanie Magtibay brings information about the new courses introduced for careers after school Over the intercom, students hear the principal, Steve Bebee, announce the parent/student meetings regarding some of the different courses being offered next year. The 20133014 school year at Cactus Shadows will offer a greater variety of class selections, including AP Statistics, Nurse Assistance, Earth Sciences, and an EMT class. “The majority of the classes added are driven by what students want and desire,” said Steve Bebee, the principal, “we try to allow the students to have the experience they desire for the proud number of different paths.” The Nurse Assistance program and the EMT program are designed in the hope that students will be able to get the experience they need if they are looking to pursue a medical profession. “ I want to go into neurology when I am older, so this course will help me prepare for a career in medicine,” Jordan Gunning, a junior, said. In order to provide space and the correct learning material, Cactus Shadows has teamed up with Paradise Valley Community College. 4

Being that the Nurse Assistance program is a two hour long class, it will be available to seniors and will count as one elective credit. On the contrary, the EMT class will take place during the spring of 2014 as a semester long course and will be worth nine college credits. According to Bebee, 32 students attended the informational meeting for these courses. In the past, a statistics class has been offered as an individual study, as not enough students requested it in earlier years. However, since the school has recently had 30 plus students request the course, it is being added to the curriculum. “We owe them the ability to take the class,” Bebee said. Although the Earth Science class is not an official addition to the course selection, it is a possibility. According to Bebee, the course would be available for the incoming freshman and will not be added if there are not enough students registered. The course is designed for the students who do not feel ready to take Regular or Honors Biology.

Liam Morales, Mason McConville, Drazen Baciewicz, all seniors, and Nima Sadeghi and Connor Morrin, both juniors, practice for the Mr. Cactus Shadows beauty pageant. Mr. Cactus Shadows is a competition where boys on campus compete through different categories to win the title and sash. Sponsored by Student Council, this event has become a “highly anticipated event,” according to Allison Romash, coordinator. SKYE PHILLIPS THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

style, Page 13, February 8, 2013

February STYLE

Behind the scenes...

INSTAGRAM

Modernizing...

FROM THE 1990s, Grunge fashion is being revived with a new twist that adds more glam to the previously sloppy look. New York Time’s editor and chief of details, James Truman, described the 90’s grunge look as a popular ‘un-fashion.’ Influenced by the rock bands of the 90’s, such as Nirvana, the style was recognized by an unkempt look. According to the New York Times Style Section, ripped jeans, untucked flannel shirts, and stomping boots were the standard style of grunge. Grunge originated from Seattle and with the style’s affordable pieces and effectiveness it became popular for the youth of the time and quickly spread. Grunge makes disheveled hair and wrinkled clothing a regular sight. Later in the 90’s, Marc Jacobs, a designer, was named the ‘guru of grunge’

by Women’s Wear Daily when he presented his spring Perry Ellis collection. Which featured models wearing unlaced combat boots, clashing colors and patterns, ski caps, and dirty and tousled hair. The popularity of the style only grew from there. Recently, grunge is making its comeback. According to thefashiontag.wordpress. com, modern grunge was inspired by the ‘90s but is different in many ways. The style has shown a more feminine side. “It’s cute and you don’t have to try really hard,” Taneur Perez, a sophomore said. Thefashiontag claims that the modern style includes ripped jeans, ripped leggings, men’s T-shirts, and flannel shirts. Hats are seldom used, with the exception of baseball caps and beanies. As a shout out to the 90’s, band-tees are a popular part of grunge. Throw

in an oversized sweater and a pair of Doc Martins and it is a perfect example of a grunge outfit. Grunge style includes wearing dark, washed out colors. Also, people will tie baggy shirts around their waist. The style does not stop with the clothes; it also has a large influence on makeup. Grunge style calls for a lot of brown eye shadow and eyeliner, along with dark lip colors. Since the style often calls for people to give themselves a pale complexion using powder, the darker colors on the eyes and lips stand out. Taneur Perez, a “I think certain levels of it are okay sophomore said. but some people try to hard,” Cydney Brabec, a sophomore, said. Brabec described a ‘soft’ Grunge look as darker jackets and loose tank tops.

“It’s cute and you don’t have to try really hard,”

photos SKYE PHILLIPS story NICOLE DUSANEK

Vegas show reaching for new levels of high-tech

SUZANNA GORMLEY researches the new devices introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show.

PHONES BEING DROPPED in the toilet is no longer a problem after the Consumer Electronic Show, or CES, held every year in Las Vegas, Nevada January 11, 2013. This year highlighted new technology from water-

the marketed products and services that are showcased during the exciting week are to people of all ages, all over the world.” According to CES website, there were over 20,000 new products introduced between Jan.

right away,” Emily Thomas, a sophomore and avid iPhone-user, said. “But depending on the price and warranty, a waterproof case might be more affordable.” The 2013 CES features more innovation

4K television caught many attendees’ eyes due to the crisp, clear image without the use of 3D glasses. Although LG had an enormous wall-covering 3D television, the 4K, 8K and OLED is more convenient with the lack

travel, Page 20, February 8, 2013

February

Hot rods for all bods

TRAVEL

SKYE PHILLIPS visits the weekly car

show at the Pavilions in Scottsdale The Pavilions hopping center, located off the 101 on Indian Bend, hosts a community car show in its various parking lots every Saturday from noon to night. There are many vintage and modern vehicles on display, and it is free. This event was started by the local community in an effort to bring business to the marketplace with fine dinning, fast food, and shopping. January is a highly popular month to attend, for many of the participants from Barret Jackson drive their vintage impalas, sporty hot rods, and modern exotic cars to model their beautiful exteriors and interiors. The hoods are left open to show off the horsepower and powerful guts of each vehicle, and nearly all cars are on the market to sell. Teenage car show entrepreneur Xander Hobbs, a senior, stated, “I like the 1999 Nissan Skyline GTR as well as a custom Mazda RX7 and any other new concept car.” The cars are sectioned off into categories throughout the parking lot. The categories consist of vintage ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, groovy vans,

top dollar paint jobs, remodeled for racing vehicles, and finally, classic-modern day altered vehicles, such as monster truck bugs or eight ball motocross cars with tractor tires. “ The coolest car I’ve seen here was the million dollar bat-mobile that was here last Saturday, you never know what kind of cars you’ll see,” said Thomas Wells, a returning visitor to the car show and a member of the community. The show is open to all with a car they would like to showcase. All they have to do is come early to get a spectacular spot in the parking lot. Colin Tangeman, a senior, said, “I would love to see a 1965 Mustang Fastback 2+2, a 1970 Shelby Cobra, and a 1974 Dodge Challenger at the car show.” The Pavillion’s car show is open to all ages, making it a hot spot for a Saturday, without breaking the bank for admission. McDonalds’ has been a sponsor of this car show for years, hiring security for the vehicles and making an over-all exciting environment for the day’s activities.

WA-WA LITTLE GTO

The big January auto auctions may be end car show sponsored by the McDon cars people show off there. SKYE PHILL

leaving the GREEN EGG comfort zone

MACKENZIE O’HEARN d

across the country from

SPAM IS A CANNED “HAM PRODU

Scotland, I visited the Loc Ness.

would make some students across campus gust. People would not touch spam let alone may consider others crazy to do so. Howeve of the United States eat this brick-like meat

travel, Page 20, February 8, 2013

February

Hot rods for all bods

TRAVEL

SKYE PHILLIPS visits the weekly car

For more pictures of the weekly auto show, please turn the the last page WA-WA LITTLE GTO

The big January auto auctions may be over, but there is still alot to see just around the corner at the weekend car show sponsored by the McDonald’s at the Pavilions. This GTO is but one example of the quality of cars people show off there. SKYE PHILLIPS

leaving the GREEN EGGS AND SPAM comfort zone

MACKENZIE O’HEARN discusses the food culture diversity

across the country from Spam to cheesesteaks.

Scotland, I visited the Loc Ness.

Jacob Alexander

SPAM IS A CANNED “HAM PRODUCT” that would make some students across campus turn in disgust. People would not touch spam let alone eat it, and may consider others crazy to do so. However, citizens of the United States eat this brick-like meat on a daily basis. Types of foods and the way in which they are consumed come from cultural differences throughout

“crawfish boils,” where crawfish, corn, potatoes, and other foods are thrown in a huge pot and boiled. Grits, ground dried corn kernels, are also a popular sidedish in the South. Another popular meal is chicken and dumplings. “It’s a major comfort food they cook in the South a lot. It sounds nasty, but it’s so good. It’s almost like a stew but thicker,” Dylan Reynolds,

Photo essay, Page 24, February 8, 2013

february

EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY

VINTAGE VEHICLES RACE TO GET IN LINE

January’s cool weather brings in line ups of classic cars to be shown off at The Pavillion’s Market Place a free event for all to enjoy. The cars range from the early ’50s to modern day monster trucks with a make over.

MEAN MACHINE

A classic from the late 60s comes back to modern day with all original body framework and interior, with a new shiny coat of bright teal paint.

FLAMING VINTAGE

With four tires ready to race and a frame built for luxury racers, this vintage vehicle was remodeled with a larger horsepower engine so it could race on an asphalt track for the gold, red flames accenting its need for speed.

COLOR COATED LOT

The Pavillion’s Market Place parking lot is organized like a rainbow at the main entrance. Rows of red, orange, and blue cars are aligned in their parking spots to be marvelled at from the audience.

VOLKSWAGEN LINE UP

GROOVY GLIDING

With three rows of shining groovy vans, any hippy or classic rock lover will adore the lines of multi-color blasts from the past.

With a new coat of paint and white walled tires, this mean, grooving machine made it to the front of the line up for the road tripping vans.

RED IN AND OUT

With an early model vintage feel to the exterior, this vehicle has been dolled up with scarlet upholstery and matching red rims with an engine to brag about.

CUSTOM RIDE

Remade from the metal rims to the hulking body frame, this vehicle is decked in bright flames, reaching from the hood to the sides, with a black background to make it pop. photos SKYE PHILLIPS

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Photo Essay Design, Page 24, February 8, 2013 EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY

VINTAGE VEHICLES RACE TO GET IN LINE

February Design

MEAN MACHINE

A classic from the late 60s comes back to modern day with all original body framework and interior, with a new shiny coat of bright teal paint.

FLAMING VINTAGE

COLOR COATED LOT

VOLKSWAGEN LINE UP

GROOVY GLIDING

With three rows of shining groovy vans, any hippy or classic rock lover will adore the lines of multi-color blasts from the past.

With a new coat of paint and white walled tires, this mean, grooving machine made it to the front of the line up for the road tripping vans.

RED IN AND OUT

With an early model vintage feel to the exterior, this vehicle has been dolled up with scarlet upholstery and matching red rims with an engine to brag about.

CUSTOM RIDE

Remade from the metal rims to the hulking body frame, this vehicle is decked in bright flames, reaching from the hood to the sides, with a black background to make it pop. photos SKYE PHILLIPS

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

March

or several years the Honors Choir, Superior with Distinction at state, which is the directed by Gary Wykoff, has attended best rating.” Despite all of the time that the Honors vocal competitions and events, and makes regular appearances across campus like at Choir has to prepare, there are several challenges they face as a group. One of the biggest assemblies. Although the choir is considered a club, it challenges this school year has been the loss does not usually meet after school. All mem- of the choir’s bass section. For the first time in several years, the choir has had bers of the choir meet early in the to do events and performances mornings for first period and practice without them. their songs and vocal skills until the “It’s never a good thing,” class period is over. In addition to this, Wykoff said, “I always like to many members practice their music at have a mixed choir rather than home to perfect their appointed parts. a girls’ choir because it gives Aside from singing the national much more color to the choanthem at school assemblies, Wykoff ral tones and the structure, but said that the choir has also done “sevapparently there’s not a whole eral Christmas things, a Christmas lot of high school boys that concert, a regional competition, and a like to sing in a situation where fall concert.” someone might hear them.” Earlier this school year the choir Although the choir lacks a attended a regional concert to combass section, it has not damppete against other choirs. “We got a ened their attitude towards Superior” Jessica Simpson, a senior and competitions. They’ve simply president of the Honor’s Choir, said. decided to step up to the chalAccording to Simpson, the reason the choir received a Superior and not remarks Gary Wykoff the lenge. “A lot more girls stepped up a Superior with Distinction, the high- Choir director of the boys to the alto position, and all the est possible rating, is because they were lack of participation songs we did were meant for an not ready for the sight reading section all-girls choir,” Anissa Soaf, a of their assessment. In addition to the regionals competition, senior and member of the Honors Choir last there is also a state competition that the choir semester, said, “The whole choir has really stepped up since there are less people.” will attend on March 22.

“...apparently there’s not a whole lot of News, high school boys that like to sing in a situation where someone might hear them,”

Page 4, March 8, 2013

SING THEIR WAY TO STATE

The Cactus Shadows Honors Cho by senior Jessica Simpson alongs teacher Gary Wykoff, sing the na anthem at the Hoopcoming asse bly. The ensemble is gearing for upcoming state competition wh they hope to earn a Superior wit tinction. SCOTT WARREN

Shelby Nichols

TOY STORY

Staff Writer

StuCo puts toys in the hands of sick kids

DOING THEIR PART

Joshua Hislop, a junior, organizes the toys Student Council collected as part of the hoopcoming event. Stuco collected many toys for the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. SKYE PHILLIPS

or Hoopcoming in early Stuco chose the Toy Driv nix Children’s Hospital to Being in a hospital c only sad but stressful for a yo Having the comfort of toys can minds off of their situation an roundings they are in. “Any time students wa behind a charity, I support th Beebe, principal, said. Phoenix Children’s H accepting any toys that are ne in original packaging, based tions surrounding infection co “I think it’s a great thing so glad that we could donate who needed it,” Nancy Scott council member said. The hospital will not acce that are: war toys, play guns loons due to choking hazard a tial allergic reactions, scary ures, candy, gum, food, or s mals. If a gift card is donated, th would prefer them to have a to ten dollars. The gift card be distributed to each family child can buy a toy that they want. Every child is given a toy a distributed by the hospital st ing to the child’s gender and mental age on a daily basis. For specific items to donat pital asks that the individual wish list on the Phoenix Child pital’s website.

THE CACTUS SHAD

Opinion, Page 7, March 8, 2013

March

OPINION

A new kind of pet For the first time in our planet’s history people can investigate the social lives of others with the click of a mouse or tap of a screen. Through the use of Facebook and other forms of social media, we offer up immense amounts of statistics and data to the people we consider “friends.” Although we as human beings have the option to pick and choose who can see this information but where is the line drawn as to whom you should appropriately be “friends” with. I use pretentious air quotes to describe Facebook friends because calling 99 percent of these people as your friends is like referring to the cheap motel prostitute down the road as your off again on again girlfriend. Back to Facebook “friends,” a question that commonly finds its way into teenagers’ thoughts is whether or not sending a friend request to a teacher is acceptable. Do not be worried my “friends,” for your lord and savior has come to answer the aforementioned, ancient, perplexing, question that not even mighty philosophers such as Socrates and Nicholas Cage could not answer. When it comes to being Facebook “friends” with teachers, I take the more friendly and welcoming approach

of never doing it ever. I understand that most of you are dead set on furthering the already prosperous amounts of popularity around your Nickelback cover band but getting ANDREW RIMMER one like on your “Hey like comment my band’s page, when we Andrew investigates get 12 likes we will put on a free concert!” statuses is not the social line between teachers and students. worth it. Although some of us students tend to make meaningful relationships with our teachers, we both know this is going to end up like a middle school relationship; silently watching each other’s personal lives and barely acknowledging each other’s existence. And even though the cliché “Hope you’re doing your homework!” wall post is a ton of good for all members involved in such an act it is nothing less than the tying of the leash around your sensitive teacher pet’s neck.

PROM AIDE

Student Council creates a theme for prom every year. What would you like to be this year’s prom theme? “I would enjoy Masquerade being the Prom theme.”

LOGAN BLACKWELL

“Casual Prom would be a cool theme”

LUKE SHOULDERS

“Imagine a Casino Royale theme. That would be awesome.”

ERIC LIMBACHER

“I would love a 1920’s themed prom.”

CHRISTINE BOISSON

SKYE PHILLIPS

LINDSEY BERRY

Confession: (I think) i have a mental disorder MACKENZIE COFFMAN

A commonly reoccurring issue involving the youth of today lies within disorders such as depression and anxiety. As sad as this is, there are many cases left undiagnosed, leaving moody teens to bring these disorders upon themselves. What I mean is, more and more teenagers every day think they are depressed or

tantly announcing your “disorder” to the world like it is an Olympic medal. Even if we do not realize it, it is becoming more and more of a problem. I think people need to stop self-diagnosing their problems, whether they are joking or not. There are people in the world who have been battling these problems for years, and

being “depressed” for twenty minutes and then moves on with her day. Within the same day, this girl scrolls down her Tumblr dashboard lashing out at the world, while shoving any remnants of chocolate she can find in her mouth. This certainly does not sound like a lost concentration, lack of interest, and loss of appetite.

Health, Page 18, March 8, 2013

March

HEALTH

STRAI UP AND D

’ N TI

T D E G ILE

Using acrylic nails can cause brittle results

EMILY GOODSPEED loo

the precautions girls s take while styling the

G SKYE PHILLIPS

Women of all ages sport the common style of acrylic nails, and enjoy them for their versatility. These nails can be whichever desired length and design, varying from the classic French tips to long claws with rhinestones. There are endless possibilities; making acrylic nails an ageless fashion staple. Although, with beauty comes pain. A common reason girls may prefer the acrylics is because they provide perfectly manicured nails. “I don’t like short stubby nails, I feel like that looks somewhat childish,” Kathryn Stevens, a senior, said. Acrylics create longer and sturdier nails in a matter of one hour, eliminating the need for growing out the natural nail, plus they can last for a whole month, but they are not for everyone. “I don’t like the feeling of long nails, they

irls are known for using a variety of methods to straighten, curl and do their hair, but the effects create long lasting damage. Some include, frizzy, dry, and dead hair. One way some girls protect their hair from the dangers of straighteners and curling irons is by applying a heat spray before using a hair tool. “I use heat protection spray every time I straighten my hair.” Hannah Harper, a junior, said. By using this spray, it absorbs the heat and prevents breakage. Shampooing and conditioning hair is also a very important step to having healthy hair. Finding the best possible brand can also have a major effect on hairs health. “I use Enjoy hair products. I really recommend them to everyone.” Austyn Bridgewater, a junior, said. Along with shampoo and conditioner, Bridgewater puts egg whites in her hair every other day and once a week does an apple cider vinegar rinse to make hair stronger. Harper uses Moroccan oil

Travel, Page 20, March 8, 2013

March

TRAVEL

Festiviti and Fant

CONNOR NIELSEN delves int

the Renaissance Faire. For photo essay on page 24

nce a year between the months of February and April, citizens of Arizona are given the chance to travel back in time to the Renaissance

Festival. Since March 8, the Renaissance Festival has been open every weekend from 10 am to 6 pm, no matter the weather conditions. The festival offers visitors the chance to spend a day in the Renaissance era, and takes place off of the East Highway 60, just passed King’s Ranch Road. The event covers thirty acres of land and is filled with more shows and events than any person can enjoy in only one day. Throughout the day, there is never a time in which a show is not going on, whether it is at one of the thirteen stages or at the jousting arena towards the back of the fair. These shows

include fire eating pirates, singing nuns, men it kilts pounding on drums and blowing into bagpipes, and jousting tournaments. “I love the mud guys,jj” Mark Sweeney, a

AVAST MATEY

A participant of the Renaissance Fair enjoys her daily festivities. This year is the 25th year the Fair has been in the valley. SKY PHILLIPS

history teacher, said. Live shows are not the festivals only attractions, though. “I really enjoyed seeing all the vendors and the things they were selling,” Nicole Sonnenburg, a senior, said, “especially the swords and metalworks.” The shops at the festival are one of the biggest attractions. Countless little shops that sell a whole variety of items are scattered across the fair grounds. They sell renaissance clothing, artwork, notebooks, armor, weaponry, and even yearly limited edition mugs and tankards. Another major part of the fair is the amount of food they offer. The festival is littered with food vendors that sell delicacies such as chocolates, soup in bread bowls, steak on a stake, and turkey legs. At Cactus Shadows, a group of kids goes to

PHOTO BY SKYE PHILLIPS

Dead still draw fans, even while resting i

EMILY GOODSPEED explains how even the dead Hollywood stars attract crow

Celebrities create titles for themselves as they make their journey into stardom. When they tragically

down looking at Marilyn. “I’d be really interested in visiting Marilyn’s grave. She is one of my idols,” Atina

Photo essay , Page 24, March 8, 2013

March EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY

Medieval Madness One does not simply take a trip to the Renaissance Festival. When a tourist buys an admissions ticket, they are paying for a day packed full of medieval madness. A passerby’s mouth will water for the smoked turkey legs and fire-cooked corn, all the while enjoying free attractions that will make your sides split. all photos SKYE PHILLIPS

—For more see the Travel section

Be it a trip for family bonding, large parties, or a romantic date, the medieval festival has a little something for everyone. An outing to this fair will consume an entire day with its thirteen stages, all with amazing shows ranging from comedies to daring tricks, an outdoor circus, three jousting tournaments a day, and a neverending feast. ABOVE: A necessity in the Arizona heat, the popular lacey and intricately painted parasol shop seems to be a destination for all visitors. LEFT and BELOW LEFT: Since 2002, traveling dancer Jill of the Scottish band, Tartanic, entertains the viewing audience with an act of juggling while lead drummer, Adrian Walter, plays cheerily with the others. BELOW MIDDLE: Over 200 artisans come from all over the county to sell their trinkets ranging from kilts to spun glass. BELOW RIGHT: The royal council and their queen took a stroll about the festival in the midafternoon’s sun to say hello to the visitors in her kingdom.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Photo essay design, Page 24, March 8, 2013 EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY

March Design

—For more see the Travel section

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Features, Page 14, April 19, 2013

April FEATURES

the fast food

FACADE

Many people turn a blind eye to how their food is made and the fast food industry is making it easier to do so.

SKYE PHILLIPS

BENEATH THE SESAME SEED BUN

Despite the average fast food meal’s friendly appearance and mouth-watering scent, what lurks inside is the truth. It is a deadly and alarming truth veiled by the cheery facade of faces like Wendy and Ronald McDonald.

MALICIOUS MEALS WITH DEADLY DISEASES

NIKKI DUSANEK uncovers the meaning of a burger and fries with a side of e. coli and obesity.

any people turn a blind eye to the grease dripping from their hamburger or the fact that the people serving them food are not wearing gloves, but no one can ignore it if they receive a disease from fast food. “It causes obesity and I have found hairs in my food,” Sydni Gist, a sophomore, said. One of the largest risks when eating fast food is obesity, which in turn, brings diseases with it. The deadliest and most common obesity disease is heart disease. When putting on weight a person is putting strain on their body. A body was never intended to carry too much extra weight, which will end up causing the heart to work harder. “Diabetes is a risk,” Logan Breakey, a junior, said. This is one of the fastest growing obesity diseases. The pancreas is unable to supply sufficient amounts of insulin to convert sugars into energy which causes unconverted sugar to float around in the blood. Many outbreaks of e. coli have been caused by the beef in fast food hamburgers. However, not only is it in the beef; 48

E. COLI CAUSES

2,800,000

percent of soda fountains have fecal bacteria in them. Fecal bacteria usually contains strains of e. coli and salmonella. It is powerful enough to kill children and even adults. The way cattle are slaughtered today is so speedy that workers are less careful with the meat and fecal matter often ends up in the finished product, contaminating entire batches of ground beef with the disease. Barbara Kowalcyk’s two year old son died from e. coli eaten in a fast food burger. She said, “On that first Saturday in the PICU, Kevin received his first dialysis - a three-hour procedure during which he needed to keep still. That’s a tall order for any toddler, so my husband, the nurse and two of our friends held his arms and legs while they talked and sang songs to reassure him for the entire treatment. Kevin spent the rest of that day and the next two crawling around a crib in agony. He threw up black bile. He became drawn and his eyes were sunken. He looked like a malnourished third world child. And he smelled – a horrible and overwhelming smell – a smell you could never forget.” A disease that is not commonly thought of when related to fast food but is often caused by fast food is sleep apnea. This

IN THE U.S. THE TOTAL MEDICAL COST OF OBESITY PER YEAR IS

disorder makes it so that one may stop breathing while sleeping, which causes them to wake up suddenly during the night. Furthermore, often times it is children who eat the fast food. Many restaurants even advertise to children, such as Ronald Mcdonald and his Happy Meals. The problem is that this makes children susceptible to Blount’s disease, which is when an excessive amount of weight is put on bones that are still growing. Other risks due to fast food include, but are not limited to, liver damage, stroke, respiratory problems, and Dyslipidemia. Also, not only are obesity related diseases dangerous due to fast food, but how people prepare the food is important also. “Me and my mom went to Carl’s Junior one time and we ordered a burger and the burger was covered in mold,” Breakey says. Eating moldy food can cause illness. Depending on the type of mold on the bread, there are different effects, some are nonedible and will make a person throw up while some are poisonous and can make someone very ill. There is no scientific evidence that eating any bread mold has ever been fatal.

ONE THIRD

AMERICANS EAT

Photo essay, Page 28, April 19, 2013

April

EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY

Zoology, Biology, and a select few IB students got to have their hands covered in the

slime of a giraffes tonguey. They arrived at the Wild Life Zoo from two yellow limousines to spend the day in the sun observing the various organisms that prowl the Earth. Students got to experience species of all kinds, such as the brightly pigmented flamingosx, a variety of leaping primatesw, and the ever popular and exotic white rhino{. It also included a variety of mammals, fish, birds, and reptiles with several hands-on exhibits. One such exhibit was that of a hands-on and observing aquarium filled with up close encounters with a variety of sea life, even large moray eelsz. The zoo contained some commonly seen animals native to Arizona doing their daily activities such at the tortoise munching on juicey lettuceu, red eared turtles swimming about, and the rarely

ZOO STORY

seen gila monster. A special treat was also on display for the on-lookers, in the baby animal nursery a newborn panther cub was pacing, and a few months old white tiger had just been released into a new enclosure near its motherv. For zoology and biology students, this

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field trip was a wonderful way to experience a diversity of wildlife, and help them choose what animals theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to research for their final projects. SKYE PHILLIPS

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THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

Photo essay design, Page 28, April 19, 2013 EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY

Zoology, Biology, and a select few IB stu-

April Design

dents got to have their hands covered in the

ZOO STORY

SKYE PHILLIPS

field trip was a wonderful way to experience a diversity of wildlife, and help them choose what animals theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to research for their final projects. SKYE PHILLIPS

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EMMA HAGGERTY

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THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

News, Page 3, May 17, 2013

May

News, Page 3, May 17, 2013

May

Photo essay, Page 28, May 17, 2013

May

Photo essay design , Page 28, April 19, 2013

May Design