azTeen

issue

Hamilton: Big, bad and state champs again

The azValenTeens Day Bash

is back!

Plus soccer standouts, trends and cute-couple shout-outs

January/February 2009

love the

azTeen

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azTeen magazine Issue No. 7 Vol. 2 – Jan/Feb 2009 Winter

editorial Publisher Deb Rochford Editor-in-Chief Michelle Burgess Art Coordinator Veronica Sherbina

creative Art Direction s w ! t c h STUDIO

Photography Marcus Hoffman

Webmaster Tony Subia

Rio Telischuk, Red Mountain ’11, and Joey Fricano, Mesquite ’10.

Dating since November 22, 2008.

t

he first thing I want to say this month is that yes, I realize that the love fest that dominates the pages of our Winter issue might be a teensy bit troubling for those readers who are not currently in a relationship. We’ve got a real-life couple on the cover and plenty more inside looking so cute and happy and, well, just so darn lovey-dovey that it’s enough to make you a little sick.

But even if you’re not half of a doting twosome at the moment, you can’t give up on love. It’s in the air, it makes the world go ‘round, it’s all you need… They’re clichés because they’re true. But you don’t need a romantic partner to feel loved. Nobody can love you more than your mama, your dog, your best friend. So don’t begrudge anyone their passionate bliss. There’s plenty to go around.

Savannah Goding, PV ’09, and Justin Whitaker, Raymond S. Kellis ’09.

Dating since March 17, 2007

styling Wardrobe Veronica Sherbina Jessica Lopez

See more cute-couple shout-outs on page 14!

Michelle Burgess Editor-in-Chief

hair and make-up Stylists: Monique Martin Kylie Sparks-Proskuri Kohler Hair Academy

Makeup Artist: Rachel Isaac Kohler Hair Academy

advertising

Deb Rochford drochford@azteenmagazine.com 602-363-2139

liaison Rosyn Hood Hamilton High School

interns Becky Barber Arizona State University

Alexandra Levy Arizona State University

Jessica Lopez Arizona State University

AZTEEN WORLD HEADQUARTERS 3219 E Camelback Rd, Suite 363 Phoenix, Arizona 85018 602-955-TEEN • azteenmagazine.com Myspace.com/azteen_magazine Facebook: azTeen Magazine

Subscriptions are free!

For home delivery, subscribe on-line at azteenmagazine.com. If requesting delivery to your school or business, email drochford@azteenmagazine.com.

To order extra copies, send a check for $3 per copy to the address above and indicate which issue you are requesting along with your phone number. azTeen Magazine is published 7 times a year and is selectively distributed throughout Arizona. The entire contents of this publication is © copyright azTeen, all rights reserved, and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publishers.

Editors:

Featured Contributors

Who or what are you passionate about?

Ayten Salahi is a Trends Editor and writes a couple of Valentine’sthemed stories in this issue. “I have a bit of a problem with sarcasm, but I am entirely serious when I say that I am passionate about everything that I consciously bring into my life,” says the Phoenix Country Day senior. “There’s nothing I love more than discovering artists and songs that nobody’s ever heard of, and I am a ridiculous fan of Desperate Housewives. I love a challenge and to exceed expectations.”

Hillary Burgess was the azTeen MySpace Editor, has written about pole vaulting and is a frequent model for the magazine. This month the Gilbert junior chronicles time spent with her boyfriend in A Month in the Life of Teen Couples. “I’m passionate about my friends, my family, my amazing boyfriend, my Hollister vest, country music, Little Caesar’s, all things Lion King and my brand-new old-school tape recorder from Goodwill,” she says.

“I’m really passionate about writing,” says Nesima Aberra, who writes in this issue about landmarks at Hamilton, where she is a senior, and does a stint as a Trends Editor. “I’ve been a bookworm ever since I was a kid, and I always wanted to be able write stories that would take people to another place. I’m hoping someday to be an author for children and teens. Getting to use my imagination and creativity all day would be a dream come true.”

Corona del Sol sophomore Bree Purdy claims a passion for words, writing, music, movies and “anything that makes one feel as if they are someone else entirely.” This is the first azTeen to feature Bree, who writes about azValenTeens Bash band Weird Is The New Cool and says she is also passionate “about Invisible Children and attempting to make others aware of the things that go unseen in the world.”

azTeenmagazine.com

Music:

Kayla Frost, Desert Vista ‘09 Special Projects: Lindsey Halfhill, Primavera ‘10

Collegiate:

Rachel Rogala, Highland ‘09

Hotshots:

April Fischer, Notre Dame ‘09

Trends:

Ayten Salahi, Phoenix Country Day ‘09 Jordie Sarchett, Highland ‘10 Vivian Padilla, Marcos de Niza ‘10 Nesima Aberra, Hamilton ‘09 Rachel Stillman, Desert Mountain ‘09 Carolina Lopez, Horizon ‘11

Writers:

Yassamin Ansari, Chaparral ‘10 Alexis Gonzalez, Xavier ‘10 Kaitlin Lang, Xavier ’10 Donnella Lincoln, Greenway ‘10

Hamilton Correspondents Anissa Hope, ‘09 Latrice Coleman, ‘09 Jina Kim, ‘09 Nesima Aberra, ‘09

Photographers Jennifer Na, Xavier ‘11 Katie Egan, Hamilton ‘09

Special Contributors Jeremiah Mejia, Millennium ‘10 Danielle Florimonte, Millennium ’09

january/february 2009

5

Register Today: Online at www.aipxstudio.com, Or call 602.331.6008 for more information!

Plus: Ready

Save $30 when you register before February 1, 2009.

to take your creativity to the next level? Then check-out

The Art Institute of Phoenix and enroll in Saturday Studio. These interactive art classes will help you develop new skills, sharpen your existing talent and connect with other creative high school students from all over the Valley.

Classes: Observational Drawing Painting Techniques Portfolio Development

azTeen

Schedule:

art institute phxSaturday Mornings: 9:00am to 11:30am Feb 14, 2009 - April 25, 2009

Costs: $125 includes 10 weeks of classes and all supplies and materials.

Join us for our

January 19, 2009 and February 16, 2009 For more information and to RSVP, visit

www.aiopen.com/phoenix 2233 West Dunlap Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021 www.artinstitutes.edu/phoenix

Features Hopelessly 26 Devoted problem!

29 NoNo date?

31 Just Saying ‘No’ 3 stories of true love

There are worse things than being a late bloomer in love

Virgins aren’t always vocal, but they’re out there

DEPARTMENTS

dtk/Down to Know

12

08

Music Meet the 5 bands playing the azValenTeens Bash: This Century, Crash Coordinates, The Amorous, Weird is the New Cool and This Season’s Love/Buzz local music calendar/Ultimate Valentine’s Day playlist

08

20

What They’re Wearing/I love my car/5Q/He said, She said/Cutecouple photo shout-outs/Guys and girls speak out on what makes for a perfect V-Day 12

Spotlight

Hotshots Just kickin’ it: Valley soccer stars 16

33

A Month in the Life of … Teen Couples 18 Community Arkaik: Teen t-shirt tycoon is committed to a cause

20

Sections

Collegiate The Insiders Does anyone date, or just hook up? 22

10

Turf Wars Why did you choose your school? 23 College App Traps

What to think about right now

23

Couples say love can endure after high school graduation 24

Territory Hamilton Don’t hate because they dominate! Husky power extends from the playing field to the classroom

33

Last Word Who or what are you passionate about? 38

33 On the Cover

On Jessica: Provided by Dillards: Red fringe tube dress – Kensie - $118, Knit fingerless gloves – Fossil - $28, Knit scarf – Fossil - $42, Grey patent ruffle shoes – Steve Madden - $69, Rose gold heart chain – Betsey Johnson - $60, Pink glitter cuff bracelet – Betsey Johnson - $35. Provided by For Love 21: Grey pearl headband - $3.50, Silver stones headband $8.50, Glitter stars headband - $3.50. Stylists own: Tutu skirt and pink glitter belt On Reuben: Provided by Dillards: White button down shirt – Calvin Klien - $31, Argyle sweater vest – Trevero - $55, Red knit skinny tie – Daniel Cremeiux - $49.50. Provided by Quiksilver: Black Compressor jeans - $59.50

azTeenmagazine.com

january/february 2009

7

music

this

century

Feb. 7th • 6 p.m.

Tempe Marketplace • $1 Photo: Jennifer Na

a

zValenTeens Bash headliner This Century is revving its engine for a fast-paced year. With a new EP due out this spring and a summer filled with national touring, the quintet will be busy as ever and is psyched to kick it off by rocking the azValenTeens Bash for the second year in a row.

We caught up with the band to ask them the tough questions readers really want to know.

azTeen: What can we expect from your upcoming EP? Ryan Gose, drums: “It’s gonna be like the old This Century, but better.”

Sean Silverman, guitar: “It’s moving a little bit away from the funkier stuff. It’s a little more rocked out.”

azTeen: What is one food that seems disgusting but you really like?

Ryan: “I think sushi seems disgusting because it’s raw fish, but everyone in this band is obsessed with it. Or mayonnaise and pears.”

Joel Kanitz, lead vocals: “We had eel in Colorado and it was amazing.”

azTeen: What was your favorite game to play at recess?

Alex: “Dodgeball!”

Ryan: “What was that monkey game where you kick people off the bars?”

Joel: “’Monkey game?’ Mine was either dodgeball — I’m with Alex on that one — or four-square.”

azTeen: What do you think about Valentine’s Day? Ryan: “It’s a lonely day… but candy hearts are amazing!”

Alex Silverman, bass: “I think it’s a delicious holiday.”

Joel: “I loved making those Valentine’s boxes in grade school. I actually won a contest in seventh grade.”

Ryan: “I think Sean’s the only one who’s legitimately spent a Valentine’s Day with somebody.”

Sean: “I made origami flowers.”

azTeen: If you could marry anyone right now, who would it be?

Joel: “Megan Fox!” Alex: “Probably Miley Cyrus. Play it safe, you know.” azTeen: Have you ever written a song that you’re now completely embarrassed about?

Joel: “The Party Song. We opened the set with it at a Tempe Marketplace show. It’s fun but it doesn’t really fit us.”

azTeen: Would you, could you, eat green eggs and ham?

Joel: “I’ve actually eaten them already.

My mom made them before.”

Ryan: “I would love to, in a box with a fox.

I would box that fox in the mouth.” azTeen: If you could live anywhere forever, where would it be?

Ryan: “Neverland!”

Sean: “Neverland…Ranch! Because I love ranch dressing.” azTeen: If you had to change your band name within the next minute, what would you change it to?

Joel: “Grizzly Atoms.”

Alex: “Tiger Bear.”

Sean: “Possum Sweat.”

—Kayla Frost, Desert Vista ‘09

This Season’s Love I

f hardcore or screamo is your thing, you can stop reading. This Season’s Love just isn’t going to do much for you.

But if you don’t mind a little pep in your pop, you might want to check out this band, which is made up of five current students from Basha and Hamilton. Lead singer Max Mullet says that This Season’s Love bends over backwards to connect with fans and put smiles on their faces.

“We are known to be a very positive and uplifting band,” Max says. “Our style of music is written specifically in an upbeat and fun way, to brighten the day of anyone. At our live shows, we always make it our goal to put on the best performance we possibly can.”

He says that fans should “never be too shy to come up to one of the guys and spark a conversation” at a show. “We love all of our fans,

8

january/february 2009

and if it were not for them, we would not be where we are today.”

Max will graduate from Hamilton this year; drummer Chaz Mattison will graduate from Hamilton next year. Guitarists Alex Silard and Ryan Boken and bassist Michael McKinney are all Basha seniors.

This Season’s Love cites Coldplay, Copeland and Sigur Ross as its primary music influences.

The band’s first EP, Like Me, contains tunes in the band’s signature style: melodic and upbeat, with catchy hooks. It is available on iTunes and SmartPunk.com and will be promoted with a tour beginning when school gets out.

In the meantime, band members are happy to be playing shows around the Valley and look forward to taking the stage at the azValenTeens Bash. azTeenmagazine.com

“We are excited to play the azTeen show because there is an awesome lineup of bands in the show, it has always been a dream to play at Tempe Marketplace and we have always heard nothing but great things about azTeen shows,” he says.

Check them out at myspace.com/ thisseasonslove.

Photo by Daveed.com

C rasdihnate s Coor A

t any concert across the Valley, you can bet that Crash Coordinates is there — either promoting or playing — including the azValenTeens Bash. The band is always doing something: its first music video, for Beyond These Atlantic Tides, premiered on TheDailyChorus.com in December, and West Coast tour dates are in the works. Recently azTeen went to the band with some tough questions.

azTeen: If you could be any Pokemon, which would you be?

Chris Wahl, guitar: “I would probably be something epic like Articuno or Moltres, but I don’t want to be a bird. I would rather be a dragon, so I would pick Dragonite because he is strictly Dragon type, so my only weakness would be Ghost. HYPER BEAM!” Jon Stoddard, drums: “Definitely Snorlax. My primary job would be sleeping, and that sounds bombdigity.” azTeen: If you had to be locked in a room for a day with a member of Crash Coordinates, who would it be?

Wahl: “Vincent. Jon would make fun of me, Kevin would have 1,000 nonsense ideas and Kalla would freak out. Vincent would use his nimble Asian body to get us out of the room.”

Kevin Williams, bass: “Good one. Probably Vincent or Chris Kalla. Jon would drive me insane and Chris Wahl would probably suck up all the air thinking of hairbrained ways to get out of the room.” azTeen: What is your ideal date?

Wahl: “I pick up the girl in my car (which has just been washed and detailed ‘cause chicks love clean cars), then we go out to someplace classy to eat. After that we go get some gelato and go for a walk, then to a park and for something cheesy like swinging. Then we go back to my house and watch a movie, but we only get half way through because she falls asleep in my arms. This is the part where like 10,000 chicks ask me out.”

Vincent Liou, keyboard: “One that ends with my heart broken on the floor…” azTeen: What movie would you love to become a character in?

Kevin: “Edward Norton’s character in Fight Club before he found out he is schizophrenic. He dropped everything in his life when he knew he could have just about anything, and that is extremely bold.”

Chris Kalla, lead vocals: “It would be cool to be the Godfather.”

Jon: “The Bourne movies. [Jason Bourne] is the manliest man in the world. I could never be shot and be like ‘alright let’s just do this.’ As soon as flesh is punctured for me, game over, I lose.” azTeen: Is there any genre of music you can’t stand?

Kevin: “You will rarely ever hear me use this word but I HATE cheesy adult contemporary techno (AKA the music they play in snobby hair salons or hospital cafeterias).”

Photo: Jennifer Na

—Kayla Frost

Weird Is the New Cool W

hen Weird is the New Cool (WINC) hits the Tempe Marketplace stage on Feb. 7, listeners will be asking themselves how a band that describes their influences as NERD, Weezer, Muse, Gym Class Heroes and Bob Marley manages to blend all of these styles together.

Easy. They don’t.

“We just play whatever pops into our heads,” says vocalist Kyle Collins. “I like to describe us as ‘genreless’ music. I don’t like to be put inside a box.”

Both Kyle and rhythm guitarist Nate Verwoet graduated from Dobson in ‘07.

Lead guitarist Cash Murphy and drummer Tim Yokely are both from Hamilton, while bassist Jesse Simpson graduated from Westwood in ‘02. Kyle originally started out as a solo artist but had always harbored hopes for a full band.

“My musical ideas were so much more broad than what being a solo artist allowed me to do,” Kyle says. “With a full band behind you, it’s harder to be boring than entertaining.”

In 2007, Kyle contacted old

classmate Verwoet, and from there, WINC gained members and Kyle achieved his goal of having a full band.

The high-energy, endlessly entertaining group has only one goal in mind, Kyle says.

“I just want our band to be heard, I don’t necessarily care about the ‘being famous’ part of it. I do want everyone to know our music. Fame kind of comes with that, but it’s definitely not our goal.”

With songs addressing incredibly diverse subjects such as beer pong to living life to the fullest, WINC’s lyrics holds an appeal to a wide range of listeners.

“Lyrics come from all over the place,” Kyle says, “like friends and relationships. We normally jam until we have a general idea of our instrumentation … then whatever the chords, the drums or the baseline puts in my head, I express it.”

WINC has plans to release an album in this year titled Girls. Love. Fun. Music. Check them out at myspace.com/ weirdisnewcool.

—Bree Purdy, Corona del Sol ‘11

the

Amorous I

nspired by the lyrics of a Deer And The Headlights song, Mitchell Orr decided to form The Amorous. Together since August 2008, band members Josh Montgomery (vocals), Michael Divine (drums), Ryan Bishop (guitar), Mitchell Orr (guitar) and Eric Guzman (bass) draw their inspirations from Coldplay and The Format.

“Seeing people working jobs they don’t like inspires us to do a good job so we can continue to do what we love,” says Michael of the band’s desire to succeed. “We are determined not to sell out.”

With a style they classify as “intelligent pop,” The Amorous loves to play and has big plans for the future. Currently, they are recording a new EP to be completed this year that will likely garner a lot of interest from recording labels who recognize the potential mass appeal of a band with such catchy, infectious tunes.

Regardless of whatever success comes their way, however, band members insist that the main goal is to continue to have fun with the music. Not always so fun is songwriting, band members admit, since they take the unusual step of writing all their music as a group effort.

“Working together has been a challenge because we are very opinionated about the music,” Mitchell says. “Agreeing on something can be hard.”

But despite rocky songwriting sessions, The Amorous still manages to bring back classic pop rock. Fans at the Bash will enjoy tunes like Don’t Let the Ship Sink and Let It All Out. Check them out on iTunes or at myspace.com/theamorousmusic.

—Emily Phillips, Arcadia ‘09

azTeenmagazine.com

january/february 2009

9

Sounds like

love

Setting the mood with music is essential — and tricky. You don’t want to be too sappy, too cheesy, too intense, too cliché. Girls, there’s only so much Robin Thicke a guy can take (which is not much at all). Guys, you can’t crank out the Pitbull and not be accused of just being after one thing.

Both of you have to be a little less obvious and willing to redefine what makes a love song.

So here it is, the ultimate Valentine’s Day playlist, chock-full of tracks that strike a just-right romantic chord.

Download everything, or use it as a guide to create your own personalized compilation of musical mood-setters.

Ever the Same by Rob Thomas 12:59 Lullaby by Bedouin Soundclash Around the Clock by The Rocket Summer Let There Be Love by Oasis Lay Lady Lay by Magnet and Gemma After Tonight by Justin Nozuka Calling You by Blue October Lady by Lenny Kravitz Breathe In by Frou Frou Sleeping to Dream by Jason Mraz If You Could Only See by Tonic A Story to Tell Your Friends by Every Avenue Soul Meets Body by Death Cab for Cutie Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own by U2 —Ayten Salahi, Phoenix Country Day ’09

buzz

the

Jan 27 // Modified Arts Metronomy

Jan 3 // The Sets Weird is the New Cool w/ Special Guests

Jan 30 // Marquee Theatre Badfish (A Tribute To Sublime) w/ Katastro, Scotty Don’t, Fayuca, Rac,

Jan 5 // Marquee Theatre Reel Big Fish w/ The Streetlight Manifesto Jan 6 // Marquee Theatre Pepper w/ The Supervillains, Passafire Jan 7 // The Phix Friends For Hire w/ Sunday Night Scene, Retro Ignite Jan 7 // Marquee Theatre George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic Jan 9 // Modified Arts Miniature Tigers, Colorstore Jan 9 // The Phix Ministry of Love Jan 14 // Marquee Theatre Hed Pe w/ Kutt Kalhoun, The Dirtball, Potluck, DGAF, Intrinzik Jan 18 // Marquee Theatre Adult Swim Presents Tim and Eric Awesome Show w/ DJ Douggpound Jan 19 // Modified Arts Brave Citizens, Alaska and Me, Austin Gibbs & The States Jan 22 // Marquee Theatre Combichrist w/ Blacklight Burns Jan 22 // The Sets Rose Funeral, Burning the Masses, Knives Exchanging Hands Jan 24 // Marquee Theatre Xtra Ticket Jan 24 // Chyro Arts Rescue the Future w/ Special Guests Local music listings supported by:

10

january/february 2009

Local Music

Jan 3 // Modified Arts K&Z Presents

azTeenmagazine.com

Jan 30 // Modified Arts Fight the Quiet Jan 30 // The Clubhouse Cold Fusion w/ Special Guests Jan 31 // Marquee Theatre NOFX w/ Smoke Or Fire, The Impossible Ones, VW Trainwreck Jan 31 // Modified Arts Wizards of Time, Yodelayhewho Feb 3 // Marquee Theatre Katy Perry w/ Special Guests Feb 7 // Tempe Marketplace azValenTeens Bash w/ This Century, Crash Coordinates, The Amorous, Weird Is The New Cool, and This Season’s Love Feb 12 // The Rhythm Room Howie Day Feb 13 // Marquee Theatre Cradle of Filth w/ Satyricon, Septic Flesh Feb 15 // Marquee Theatre Bleeding Through w/ Acacia Strain, As Blood Runs Black, Impending Doom Feb 17 // The Rhythm Room The Annuals, Jessica Lea Mayfield, What Laura Says Thinks And Feels Feb 19 // Al Stewart Feb 25 // Modified Arts The Hanks, War Stories Feb 26 // Tempe Marketplace Drew Alexander

IT’S TIME TO DREAM BIG!

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january/february 2009

11

QUESTIONS

5

FOR...

Mike Kotowski

A 22-year-old pro surfer, Mike is living the life in Lompoc, CA, earning a living in a way that is likely the envy of teens all across landlocked AZ. What is the coolest thing about your job?

For sure the best thing has got to be surfing instead of doing manual labor.

Do you surf year-round?

What’s a typical “work day?”

Yup, you can get waves all year-round, but with seasons the waves and beaches change. Some places are better than others at certain times of the year, hence all the traveling. A month or week for me is pretty mellow. If the waves are good, everything gets canceled, but when the waves aren’t any good I’ll pick up a side job here and there so I can get enough money to pay some bills, hopefully do some traveling, ride my bike, climb, hike, skate and do some photo/video stuff.

How much money can pros make?

Top pros are making in the millions of dollars every year. The amount of contest money, photo incentive and sponsor you have make a huge difference in your annual earnings.

Just one cover shot earns $10,000 for the surfer and $5,000 for the photographer.

If you weren’t a pro surfer, what would you do?

I’d do the same stuff as I am doing, minus that title.

Any advice for teens?

Be happy and think positive — life’s so good!

Smile and give lots of love to everyone. I’ve been in too many insane situations where I wouldn’t have lived through them, but I’d ask Jesus for his help and every time he would get me out. Know that God is real.

He said/She said Got a romance horror story?

“My sophomore year there was this kid who was obsessed with me. The last day of that class he asked me out by writing it on a sticky note and passing it to me. I flat out rejected him. I had given him my number before he acted creepy and it was the biggest mistake of my life.

Every day for a month he called me. I rejected his calls, then I finally deleted him as a friend on MySpace and he got the message. What a creeper.”

—Savannah Marie Goding, Paradise Valley ’09

“It started with dinner and my empty wallet. I called my mom to bring some money, and she decided to bring my whole family to drop it off. After they left, me and my date were able to talk, and as I opened the door for her into Border’s I hit her nose and it started bleeding. As fake as it sounds, when I dropped her off my tire went flat, and her parents had to help me change it.

That was my night!”

—Chase Alyeshmerni, Chaparral ‘09

What they’re wearing… …at Arcadia

Titans have tossed their plain tops to the back of the closet to make room for Arcadia’s Help Save Darfur tees.

Students, especially those in the school’s very active Darfur club, stay stylish while promoting awareness of genocide in that African region. “The shirts themselves are extremely adorable and comfy,” says Kelsey Roderique, ’10. “And (they) get the cause out of helping a country in need.”

12

january/february 2009

…at Highland

In a school populated by preps and jocks, a distinct group stands out in Hawk Hall. While the norm for boys is Ed Hardy, Buckle, and other name brands, some have discovered a more relaxed, almost bohemian style. “I think what mostly influences my style is the freedom. I have the freedom to express how I feel as a person,” said Josh Moreno, ’09. Stores on Mill Avenue such as Hippy Gypsy and American Apparel are inspiring this urban trend, which many are catching onto. Bright skinny jeans and deep v-neck shirts are favorites for this relaxed, unique style. azTeenmagazine.com

…at Phoenix Country Day

What better way to check out the Valentine’s Day fashion at PCD than by asking the most stylish couple there? These trend setters know their stuff. “One of my shopping secrets is a website called shopbop.com. Right not, I’m really into hats, high-waisted skirts, and boots,” says junior Morgan Shepard.

Fellow junior Douglas De La O says “When I want to look slick/casual, I mix and match the things I get from places like PacSun with the things from stores like Guess. Right now, I’m really wanting a navy, G-1 Air Force jacket, Maverick style.”

Love me,

love me not...

Word of the Month

MIRF (n): Mom I’d Run From.

“She must get her looks from her dad, because her mom is a real MIRF.”

Candy? Flowers? Jewelry? Not bad, but here’s what some teens most long for this Valentine’s Day:

The Guys “I want the girl to be in charge! She can buy me chocolate and plan the dinner — all that good stuff.” —Drew Moore, Arcadia ‘09 “Okay, I want the girl to somehow get into my house lookin’ hot, and then I want her to cook me breakfast in bed.

Then, I would want her to give me a massage, put me on a helicopter and take me somewhere awesome.”

—Weston Gramer, Chaparral ‘09

I my

car

“It has only been five months since I’ve had my car, a 2001 Saturn sc2. I feel very fortunate to have it; I am so independent with it. The minute I saw this car at the dealership, I knew that it was the one for me. My mom loved the car, except for the fact that it’s a 5-speed.

I wanted to drive a manual so bad. In the end, I finally convinced my mom to let me get it.

I’m working on adding little things to it like new tires, new rims, maybe even a new sound system eventually.” —Mark DelaFuente, Horizon ‘11

Bring the

heat!

“First, I would want a typical Valentine’s Day card so that I could laugh at how cliche Valentine’s Day is. Then, I would want to her to surprise me with tickets to an awesome concert that night.”

—Aaron Goldstein, Desert Mountain ‘10

The Girls “I’m cheesy. I would love flowers and a romantic dinner, then I would want to walk through the park… Then I want something from Tiffany’s.”

—Aubry Baird, North Canyon ‘09

“The guy could make me a nice dinner, and then we could just drive around and listen to some music and reminisce.”

—Brittany Taylor, Sunnyslope ‘09

“I don’t like Valentine’s Day...but I do like ice cream!”

—Jayde Richardson, Xavier ‘09

—Ayten Salahi, Phoenix Country Day ’09

It’s time to send in your nominations for the ’09 Hot 100 awards. In its summer issue, azTeen will recognize students, coaches, parents, teachers, administrators and staff who stand out at and contribute to their Valley school communities in one way or another. Maybe your math teacher did the impossible and made you actually like math. Maybe your best friend is loved by everyone on campus because she smiles all the time. Maybe the parent who heads up your volleyball team’s booster club has been an underappreciated, overworked and vital part of the team for four years. Maybe it’s your principal, a security guard, the band director or a fellow student in the ADL. Whoever they are and whatever they’ve done to make you notice them, we want to hear about it. The process is easy: Just send an email to mburgess@azteenmagazine.com or a fax to 602-944-0226 with your name and contact information, plus the name of the person you’re nominating, his or her school and why you think he or she deserves to be a part of our second annual Hot 100. Deadline to receive entries is March 6th. january/february 2009

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Valentine’s Day

Shout -outs

Candice Beaupre and Frederick Carlin, Mountain Ridge ’09. Dating since January 17th, 2006.

I love

my... “… Disney stuff! I love watching Disney movies and going to Disneyland. They are such fun, happy movies. I have dozens of shirts and my room is full of Disney things. It’s fun working my favorite characters into my outfits and accessories.”—Kelsi Walmer, Hamilton ‘09

DopelterSick Dean Myers

Elizabeth Braaten, Hamilton ‘09, and Corey Dodds, Hamilton ‘06.

Dating since August 20, 2006.

Rio Telischuk, Red Mountain ’11, and Joey Fricano, Mesquite ’10.

Dating since November 22, 2008.

Maureen Dermondy, Xavier ‘09, and Cory Ludwig, North Canyon ’09.

Dating since September 1, 2006.

by Wa

es readers This short, gritty novel tak , thankfully, ich wh h wit rld wo a into r. A drug deal most teens are unfamilia of this tale of ter cen the at is ng wro gone ption. Myers em red violence, survival and one boy’s tell to lism rea l gica ma utilizes ctive way effe and d story in an unexpecte book the to ed glu s der rea p that will kee g kin thin until its conclusion and . about it long afterwards

Cassie DeSalvo, Highland ’08, and Rafael Munguia, Mesa ’09.

Dating since xxxxxxx.

Elizabeth Prather and Domenick Alberico, both Bishop Amat High School ’10. Dating since September 27, 2008.

Varun Mokhashi, both Phoenix Country Day School ’09, and

Ayten Salahi, Phoenix Country Day School ’09.

Dating since October 2, 2007.

Caitlin Cole, Jaclyn Weeman, Xavier ‘09, and

Evan Balbona, Brophy ’09.

Dating since October 31, 2008.

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january/february 2009

azTeenmagazine.com

Gilbert ’10, and Ryan Burm, Mountain Pointe ’10.

Dating since June ’06

ADVERTISEMENT

IT’S A WORLD WIDE WEB. THINK FIRST TO STAY SAFE! BRECKEN BYRON, ARCADIA ‘09

T

Photo by Ben Arnold/Banner Health

ragically common are news stories about people who have been stalked, attacked or worse because they made themselves accessible through online interactions. But, that could never happen to you, right? Wrong. Chances are you can be tracked much easier than you thought.

Many teens believe it is harmless to have a Myspace or Facebook page. On these sites, you can post pictures, videos, comments, and messages.

You may think your page is “blocked,” but unfortunately it does not take a rocket scientist to get into your page. Schools, employers, family members, and anyone else you do not want to see your page could easily find a way to view it. Also, once you post anything on the internet, and then decide to “delete” it, it is never completely erased. Anything that is posted can be retrieved online. Many colleges look at applicants’ Facebook pages to see if they are worthy applicants.

This means, anything you do not want to be seen by schools or employers, DO NOT POST. Online is a popular place to look for new friendships, however, it is also a popular place to get information about someone.

Studies have revealed that 71 percent of teens have been messaged by people they do not know online. Forty percent of those teens reply to the message.

Thirty percent have considered meeting that person, and 14 percent actually do meet the stranger who initially contacted them.

for everyone to anonymously say rude comWhile most outcomes from such meetings ments about the picture. It is completely ridicumay be uneventful, some have ended tragically. lous and mean, but sadly is legal. No law preWhy take a chance? vents it, unless the behavior becomes harassing Perpetrators have become very sneaky about or threatening. how to get information about their victim. Their Therefore, do not post anything to the web most likely targets are people with low self-esteem that you don’t want reposted on major websites. looking for someone to talk to about their probBottom line: think before you post anylems. Once the perpetrator has their victim’s trust, thing that is questionable. Remember who can they begin asking round-a-bout questions to learn see it and that it can be later used against you. more about their victim’s life.

Do not forget, that once it hits the internet, it This can lead to dangerous encounters. It is can never be fully deleted. strongly suggested that if you do choose to talk to people you do not know online, be sure you don’ t post pictures of your family. Perpetrators can For further information visit www.azag.gov or www.cybertipline.com. use this as leverage and black mail if they can. A warning sign of potential danger is if the perpetrator asks that the relationship remains a secret.

Further studies show that one in four teenagers are exposed to sexual pictures online. One in five teens are exposed to unwanted sexual references through the internet. One in seven teenagers have been harassed or threatened, however, only half report it to an adult. Many incidents go unreported due to the fact that teens are scared of being grounded, losing internet privileges or feeling embarrassed. To avoid any sticky situations, the easiest thing to do is to ignore any strangers that want communicate with you. Do not respond back. It is easier to nip it in the bud.

The internet can also be used for bullying.

“Cyber bullying” is using the internet to put someone down, humiliate, and try to hurt their feelings.

Now, this can be done completely anonymously.

Websites such as, TheDirty.com, allow any image Author Brecken Byron (right) with Sue Jantzen and Terri that is uploaded online to be put on this website Price of Banner Behavioral Health Hospital - Scottsdale.

Hotshots

Bianca Doller, Marcos de Niza senior playing next year for ASU. Was 2nd team All-Arizona as a freshman and holds the school record for goals.

Ravi Lloyd, senior at Millennium.

Center defender named first team All-State and Region Player of the Year last season.

Just

t i ’ n i k kic her, azTeen ’s April Fisclk ith Notre Dame ’09, ta ershwotshots. three Valley socc

Photo: Marcus Hoffman, MarcusHoffmanPhotography.com Shot on location: downtown Phoenix

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january/february 2009

Nick Ayers, senior midfielder/ forward at 2008 state champs Brophy, 1st team Desert Valley Region. One of the team’s top scorers last season and committed to Columbia. azTeen: Are there any crazy pre-game rituals that you guys have?

Nick: I listen to the same techno song before every game. It’s a good song. Russian Privjet by Basshunter.

azTeen: I know that one! It’s good.

Nick: Yeah, it is. And what else… I eat the same foods. That’s about it.

Bianca: Well, I have to eat certain foods too, and I have this thing where like if I’m gonna play at 3, I can’t eat any later than 1. I have to have a two-hour gap… or it’ll mess me all up.

Nick: I can’t step on the sidelines either, or I’ll jinx myself, and I’ll always have a bad game. (laughs)

azTeen: Really?

Nick: Yeah, I don’t know what it is with that.

azTeen: Has anyone made a really positive impact on you while you’ve been playing?

Nick: I’d say all of my teammates. I was considering quitting one year after my team did absolutely horrible in State, but that night all my friends called me up and told me not to quit and that it wouldn’t be worth it.

Bianca: Going into my sophomore year I quit soccer, like I did not want to play at all, and we were switching coaches. And the new coach was Robin Frasier and he’s like the best thing that has ever happened to me. He talked me into staying, and that season was the best year I ever had.

Ravi: (to Bianca) I was just gonna say that your last name is really cool… do they do the “dollar dollar bill ya’ll” thing all the time at school?

azTeen: That’s pretty funny actually.

Bianca: Yeah… all the time. (laughs)

Nick: Oh, and I have to make sure my shoes are clean.

Ravi: Like two years ago I was kinda dead on soccer, you know, playing all year I was burnt out, I was tired of it. But I had a club coach, Coach Allen, and he just made soccer fun again.

He just played it differently and I picked up on his style.

azTeen: How do you celebrate a win and deal with a loss?

azTeen: What’s the best part of being on a team?

Nick: We don’t lose very often. (laughs)

Ravi: Your friends.

Bianca: We won Region last year and I remember just crying and crying because I was so happy that we won. And when we lost… I just cried and cried and cried again when we lost in State.

Nick: The friendships, yeah.

azTeen: Why did you decide to start playing soccer and when?

Bianca: I started playing soccer when I was like 5… and it was after I started playing gymnastics and T-ball and everything else, and I never really liked anything else. And as soon as I started playing soccer I just kept up with it and kept playing.

Ravi: I started playing soccer just ‘cause I was the fastest kid out there and it was just the funnest sport, you know? Recess I was just… killin’ it. (laughs) I started when I was like 8.

Since then, I’ve just been goin’ at my beat.

Nick: I started playin’ soccer when I was about 3, because my parents told me to. Growing up, I played a couple sports… like baseball and basketball and football, but soccer was the sport I was best at.

Ravi: All they’ve got is football where I’m from, you know, so it was all I could really play. It’s just football and cricket there.

Bianca: Where are you from?

Ravi: I’m from the Caribbean.

Everyone: Oh, cool!

Ravi: I just gotta touch my boots, you know.

Nick: Every game we had last year at home, we had a ton of fans. And when we celebrate a win, we celebrate it with the fans and it’s so easy to celebrate it then. Especially after the state championship.

Bianca: Yeah, I remember our principal came on the field and was in our huddle and he was so excited, it was crazy.

Ravi: With a loss I just focus on improving.

With a win you just put in on your belt and move forward, you know, you don’t really celebrate too much.

Ravi: Going to California and sitting in the hotel rooms just chillin’, you know.

Bianca: The relationships you have with people, definitely.

Ravi: The chemistry you share on the field and off the field. It’s great that you can be friends off the field, too. And on the field you see a whole different person and their character.

Nick: Another thing that’s cool is meeting people all over the world. Like, our coach is friends with the Italian national coach, so he said we might get to meet him, which is really cool. So many opportunities are created.

Bianca: Yeah, you get to meet people that you would never meet anywhere else, like when you go to camps. You meet people and then you’re away from them for months at a time, then when you see them again it’s amazing because it feels like you never left.

Bianca: Cricket?! january/february 2009

17

_____ in A month teen couples the Life of...

Amy Nguyen and Jeremy Mitchem, both Hamilton ‘09, together since January 7, 2008 Jeremy on Amy: “Amy and I may have our differences. For example, she is short and I am tall. But all in all, 5’1 plus 6’1 equals eternal happiness in my eyes.”

Amy on Jeremy: “Jeremy and I are both very indecisive when we don’t have any actual plans. But no matter where we go, we always have a great time together. There’s never a time that we don’t enjoy going out together; we just can’t get enough of each other!”

We trust each other and are so comfortable with each other.

Nate not being able to walk since his accident is just a bump in the road, nothing we can’t overcome together.

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january/february 2009

We love planning surprise birthday parties.

Cheering on our Hamilton high football team.

We cannot go a day without food or laughter! Chipotle is the bomb!

Taking pictures in the park.

Silly couples after some Rigatony’s.

Matching is what we do best: Us at `08 morp! Our first dance together.

When we kiss, we feel like we’re the only two people in the world. Cheesy but true!

We spend 95 percent of our time with each other’s families, like in this pic when we’re with his sister.

Us getting close at a Coyotes game

Nate Cassel, Hope Online ’09 and Kayla O’Neill, Mountain Ridge ’11, together since October 19, 2008 azTeenmagazine.com

Nate on Kayla: “Kayla and I have known each other since I moved here in late July of last year, and we have been good friends ever since. But it was after my car accident that we really got closer and I fell head over heels for her. I love you, Kayla!

Kayla on Nate: “There’s nobody I’d rather spend all my free time with than Nate. This kid is my rock! I’d happily spend the rest of my life with him by my side!”

Matt Peterson and Hillary Burgess, both Gilbert ’10, together since August 5, 2008

Being ourselves before Winter Formal.

We dance to the beat of our own drummer!

Camping in the back yard is a compromise when one of us wants the wilderness and one likes to stay close to indoor bathrooms.

May Heir and Kolten Wilder, both Millennium ’09, together since August 17, 2008.

May and Kolten at a D-backs Game.

No falls on the ice all night cuz we rock!

Painful full-body icing in the pool after a tough workout.

Our 10-inch height difference is no problem at all!

Matt on Hillary: “Every day it’s like Hillary and I have another adventure.

We’re always finding something to do, and always having a blast. Five months strong and its only getting better. There is no one else I would rather spend my time with then my favorite person in the world, my girlfriend Hillary.”

Hillary on Matt: “Ahh, where to start?

Matt is the most fantastic guy I’ve ever met, mostly because we’re so alike.

Together we can make anything fun, like getting his car out of the mud or putting up Christmas lights. Our ideal night would involve Little Caesar’s pizza, The Lion King and camping in the back yard.”

May on Kolten: “I love him a lot, he is my best friend. He also makes me really happy and I love being with him.”

Kolten on May: “She is one of a kind. I love being with her very much and I consider her my best friend.”

May and Kolten NFL Superbowl Experience.

May and Kolten at a Su

May and Kolten MHS Swim Banquet.

May and Kolten at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

azTeenmagazine.com

ns Game.

May and Kolten after Kolten’s basketball game.

january/february 2009

19

Community

Shirting

the issue

Fledging clothing tycoon puts charity before profits

Photo: taylor kohler

ven as a high school senior, Jordan Abidor understands the basic tenets of good business: make a high-quality product and be a good corporate citizen.

As the founder of Arkaik Clothing, Jordan isn’t content to simply make a profit. He also wants to make a difference. That’s why 10 percent of the company’s net proceeds goes to the Southwest Prostate Cancer Foundation.

He chose that charity, he says, because “prostate cancer is incredibly overlooked and it is a severe problem in the male community. Many people don’t even know that it is as harmful to men as breast cancer is to women.” Jordan says his goal is to lessen that gender gap by spreading knowledge and raising research funds.

Jordan admits that he launched the business with very little idea how to do so but adds that he has gained a wealth of business acumen through on-thejob training. He invested $700 in his company and hasn’t personally made any money; everything goes to his cause or back into Arkaik.

azTeen

warehouse

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azTeenmagazine.com

“I do it mainly, at this juncture, as non-profit organization, as in I don’t make a profit while the company does,” says the Chaparral student, who works with a team of fellow teens.

Over the past year, Arkaik Clothing has gone from having a constant 20 to 30 customers interested in its products to more than 100 clients. It is the goal of the company to double that by the end of the school year. Long-term, Jordan hopes to continue to donate as much money as possible to the SPCF. He also wants to send the message to teenagers “that even in high school, if you are diligent and committed you can build a successful company.”

For more information or to purchase the brightly colored hoodies and tees, check out ArkaikClothing.com.

Prices range from $16 to $32.

–Lindsey Halfhill, Primavera ’10

Photo:jennifer na

E

Jordan Abidor, founder

Now enrolling for Winter and Spring Sessions!

CALL 480.222.9540 OR VISIT KOHLERACADEMY.COM

KOHLER ACADEMY

New 3-Day Cosmetology Program for a balanced lifestyle!

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the

insiders

Do people actually date in college? It sounds like it’s all about hooking up!

Sarah Schade UofA sophomore “Yes! Most people date in college. Although some people are more into hooking up and not committing to a single person in a relationship, dating DOES occur! In fact, I met my boyfriend my freshman year in college and we have been together for a very long time.”

Dan Faetz UofA sophomore “People do date in college. I dated a girl for a little while and it didn’t seem much different than dating back in high school. There was a sense of apprehension that we’d miss opportunities if we allowed ourselves to get too tied down, though. I think that this is the reason why most people don’t allow themselves to get much past the hooking-up stage.”

Jessie Whitfield ASU junior “A lot of people enter college with the mentality that they have finally reached the freedom they’ve been wishing for all those years living under their parents’ roof, so many people opt to play the field first instead of settle down, which is not a bad thing. It’s best to see what’s out there before you get yourself into something serious, but this doesn’t mean you have to go on a hook-up binge. Tons of people have long-term relationships in college, myself being one of them, and they do so by making friends first. Being single is a blessing. Embrace it, but don’t worry. Odds are you will find someone special or they will find you.”

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january/february 2009

Phillip Stensrud UofA sophomore “There are many different people in college with their own special needs. Some may find that ‘hooking up’ is to their liking, or they may prefer something more stable, such as a relationship. Everyone is different in what they think, and there are sure to be lots of people in both of those categories.”

Whitney Adams

In each issue, a panel of college students gives advice to azTeen readers regarding what college life is really like.

Alyssa Fantin Cal Poly junior “Believe it or not, college students really do date. In fact, all four of my roommates have been in a relationship with their boyfriends for over a year. Although dating is common, hooking up happens just as often, and I have found that some college students are only interested in just that. However, there are plenty of people who are also looking for a special someone to enjoy their college experience with.”

NAU sophomore “Yes, people actually date.

There is also a lot of hooking up. I had a boyfriend and some of my other friends were in relationships. If (a relationship) is what you want, you can find it. It just may not be easy.”

Melinda Angulo

Nick Serrano NAU sophomore “It really depends on the kind of person you are and who you hang around. But the people who do date tend to me more mature in college compared to high school and take relationships a little more seriously.”

ASU sophomore “Yes, people date in college, and yes, people do hook up. Everyone’s different. It’s not much different from high school.

But I think the people who date are in more serious relationships, rather than going out for two weeks then breaking up and repeating the cycle like kids do in high school.”

Michael Karger ASU freshman “So far I haven’t noticed a prevalence of hooking up in college. The dorm is basically one big community, with everyone hanging out and doing things together. I think the distractions of school and other activities really limit your free time to be alone with anyone in particular.” azTeenmagazine.com

Mercedes Montford Binghamton University junior “In college, from what I have seen, it’s mostly about hooking up. There are those instances where someone came into school with a boyfriend/girlfriend and sometimes that lasts. But with all of the parties and going out, most people aren’t really looking for a big commitment.”

turf

All stories compiled and written by Collegiate Editor Rachel Rogala

wars College app traps:

Why did you choose this school instead of one of the others in AZ?

Robyn Thvedt, senior

The UofA provides the perfect atmosphere for a student who is in the process of transitioning from a more controlled to a more independent environment.

While there are plenty of advisors available for all aspects of university life, it is up to the student to seek out the help themselves. I really enjoyed this sense of independence and maturity without feeling lost. Besides, Tucson is a beautiful city!

Kyle Gundlach, freshman

I liked the mountain atmosphere, the higher-ranking selection for my major and because of the smaller class sizes. I like the fact that I’m offered extra help from teachers and tutors, and I like all of the resources that are available to you at no cost.

Christine Comacho, freshman

I chose ASU because they have a high-caliber performance program for undergraduates.

The high energy among the student community is what really separates ASU from other Arizona schools.

What to think about right now

In her book What Colleges Don’t Tell You (And Other Parents Don’t Want You to Know): 272 Secrets for Getting Your Kid into the Top Schools, college applicant “packager” Elizabeth Wissner-Gross warns parents of some pitfalls high school students face on their path to college. Here, in bold, are pieces of advice for parents of students in each stage of high school: Seniors | Secret #80: Competitive colleges say they will reverse a decision if a student’s grades drop significantly during senior year if there’s no reasonable explanation. And they do. Colleges do look at your senior-year transcripts, and a big plunge is a definitely red flag to them. You will definitely want to slack off between now and May, and a slight dip in grades is okay. Just don’t completely fall apart after putting in three and a half years of hard work. Or semi-hard, as the case may be.

Juniors | Secret #160: Make sure your kid does not sabotage his own admissions by putting inappropriate, suggestive, self-incriminating, tasteless, or questionable email addresses in his college application. So if your email address is SexyBeastLetsDoIt@yahoo. com or ILoveDrugs151@cox.net or SkoolSuxHard@gmail.com, you might want to consider changing that before you send in your app. Along those same lines, clean up those MySpace pages. When in doubt about whether or not something is appropriate, ask yourself this: If Grandma was sitting here looking at this with me, would I be embarrassed?

Sophomores | Secret #26: Colleges value creativity and energy more than patience, conformity and “doing time.” Colleges prefer students who create opportunities (or see to it that someone creates opportunities for them). Not an athlete? That’s okay. Like art but not good enough to win awards? That’s fine, too. The key is to find something you do like and then find a way to make it your own. Take and frame photos and offer to display them at a nursing home or bank. Dorky? Maybe, but it’s another allimportant notch in your belt. And best of all, you’re not manufacturing a passion, only capitalizing on one that already exists.

Freshmen | Secret #221: Guidance counselors and high school college advisors do wield power and colleges require recommendations from them. A savvy parent should make sure that his or her kid develops and positive relationship with the counselor. While you don’t want to make a nuisance of yourself, you do want to have a relationship with your counselor so that he or she knows who you are and can eventually write a recommendation letter if needed or simply give you advice about college matters. The earlier you start, the better.

The Student Athlete’s Guide to Getting Recruited

by Stewart Brown $16.95 at SuperCollege.com

Earning an athletic scholarship is about more than just excelling at your sport. Student-athletes who want to be as savvy about the recruitment process as they are about learning plays and perfecting their form should check out this guide, which covers NCAA rules, tips for contacting coaches, academic requirements and how to select the best college or university. Particularly helpful is the advice on how to be recruited even if you aren’t a superstar.

azTeenmagazine.com

million

4.4

college re in long students a ips. elationsh distance r tionships nter for Source: The Ce

Distance Rela Study of Long

january/february 2009

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Sweethearts

beyond

high school

Couples prove love can endure

W

hich university is the best fit for me? How am I going to pay for this? Where am I going to live? The transition from high school into college is heaving with important choices and opportunities — opportunities that could possibly impact the rest of your life.

When it comes to dating, the circumstances are no different. After graduation, one additional question for many couples looms large: Is it over?

Whether it’s the miles in between or wanting to get the “college experience,” most couples cut their losses and decide to split.

“I think the further away you are the harder things would get,” says ASU freshman Austin Kurtz. “I think the couples that do stay together actually probably have a rather high breakup rate when it’s all said and done. But I don’t really fall into the stats; I am one of my own.”

Austin began dating his girlfriend, Cassie Sanchez, last spring when he was a senior and student-body president at Pinnacle. Cassie is a senior this year at Westview.

Giving hope to his peers about beating the odds, Austin admits to being faced with the pressure to try something new just about every day.

“I go to ASU, (where) one in three students has STDs, and they don’t get them from just looking at each other,” he says. “I keep myself out of those situations. I am sure Cassie has been faced with even greater pressures, because everyone knows when the college boy is away, the high school boys will play. Everyone goes through a ‘want to hook-up’ phase in their life; luckily, mine is over and I have all the girl I will ever need.”

Jake Becker and Amanda Curtis began dating the summer after their sophomore year

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at Mesquite. Now freshmen at ASU, the couple benefits from being surrounded by much of their same crowd of friends from high school. Amanda says that while finding time to see each other is a challenge, one unforeseen benefit of continuing the relationship has been that “the whole relationship changes. It’s fun and new.”

Amanda says that once they decided to go to the same college, committing themselves to continuing their relationship was a no-brainer.

Her advice for couples wishing to do the same is straightforward.

“Communicate,” she says. “Tell each other exactly what you are feeling and what you want.

If you don’t speak what is on your mind, a lot of tension can build up.”

Arcadia grad and Santa Barbara City College freshman Dakota Gartner faces an even tougher challenge. But Dakota says that being nearly 500 miles away from his girlfriend of 13 months, Scottsdale Community College freshman Rachel Johnson, has only strengthened his feelings for her.

“I was able to spend time with her every day in high school, and now after being away I realize how special she really is,” he says. “Every day I think about how I want to be with her so bad.”

Fortunately for Dakota and Rachel, the distance between them might disappear entirely; they are talking about transferring to San Francisco State together in the fall. He says that any high school student who feels as strongly as he does about their own relationship can find a way to make it work.

“My advice is to follow your own intuition, because it will tell you what is right,” he says.

azTeenmagazine.com

azTeen

desert ridge

y l s s e l e p Ho

d e t o dev ou to y

Love stories can take different forms but always share a few qualities: passion, joy in being together and a willingness to put the other person’s needs first. Here are three couples whose relationships exemplify what this heartsand-flowers season is all about.

358 miles are no obstacle for this couple E

very couple fights, makes up and hopefully gets back to the place where things are good again. But when Jannik Andersen and Xavier junior Kristina Kuhle want to make up face-toface, time and the 358 miles between them can present a real problem.

In fact, the last time it happened, Jannik drove all of those 358 miles to apologize.

“I was stressed out from school, applying to colleges and struggling with family issues, so I was just really frustrated with life,” recalls Jannik. “When I talked to Kristina that night I said some things that Kristina was very hurt by. She told me that I had changed and that I didn’t care anymore. As she hung up the phone I realized that I was not being the ideal boyfriend and needed to prove her wrong. After not being able to sleep all night, I made the decision that I was going to skip school for the day and drive out there to prove to her I still cared and loved her.”

So, he made the six-hour drive from his home in San Diego, arriving at Xavier in late morning. azTeenmagazine.com

“I wanted to have lunch with her, but the security wouldn’t let me on campus,” says Jannik, a senior at Torrey Pines in San Diego. “I waited until her school let out to talk to her.”

Very romantic, but there was one catch: his parents didn’t know he was in Phoenix. So the couple’s interaction was very brief.

“He gave me flowers,” says Kristina, beaming at the memory. ”We talked only 10 minutes. He kissed me, then had to drive the six hours back home. I wish I could have gone with him.”

The lovestruck couple met through a mutual friend when Kristina was staying in Park City over winter break last year. When Jannik showed up, the pair says it was like two magnets attracting — they just clicked. The two quickly found that what they were getting into was more than just a new friendship, and both realized that they were willing to put in the effort to keep the relationship going.

The miles separating them present a challenge, but Kristina says that they both do what they have to do to make it work.

After all, why should a mere 358 miles be a barrier to true love?

—Alexis Gonzalez, Xavier ’10

Sister to Sister C

inderella and Prince Charming, Brad and Angelina, Romeo and Juliet: Three cliché examples that pop into our minds when we hear the word “love.” But the dictionary defines love as a passionate affection for another person, and that is exactly what Sophie and Gabbie Cohen share with each other.

On October 28, 1986, Gabbie Cohen was born. Early on in her life, she was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome, a disability with symptoms including speech impairment, developmental delays and movement disorder.

Gabbie cannot talk. She uses smiling, laughing and gestures to communicate her emotions.

Gabbie’s disability seemed like it would prevent her from ever having a “typical” childhood, but her sister Sophie makes sure that isn’t the case.

Sophie, a junior at Chaparral, wanted the unexpected for her sister and vowed to be her best friend as well as a loving sister. Sophie’s role is even more important given that her and Gabbie’s father passed away when they were young, leaving all of the responsibility for their care and well-being on their mom, Nancy.

Together the three of them have overcome great difficulties to become a very close-knit, devoted family.

“She’s really affectionate, always hugging me,” says Sophie of Gabbie. “On Sunday nights, we always hang out. We watch her favorite movies, dance together, eat popcorn (her favorite food) and play with Play-doh.”

Every night, Sophie tucks her sister into bed and kisses her goodnight. Sophie is always willing to watch and play with 22-year-old Gabbie when her mom has to go out. The bond they share transcends speaking; it’s a feeling of an unbreakable love between sisters.

Gabbie’s disability compelled Sophie to make a difference not only in her own family

but also in the lives of other mentally challenged kids. She is the vice president of the Chaparral chapter of Best Buddies, a national organization with several local outposts that gives mentally disabled students an opportunity to have a “buddy” who is not disabled. The students spend time together and have fun bowling, attending movies and just being friends.

“I want everyone to be able to experience the joy I share with my sister,” Sophie says. And unlike a lot of so-called storybook romances, Sophie and Gabbie’s love will definitely endure.

—Yassamin Ansari, Chaparral ’10

Absence makes the heart grow fonder E

veryone who has ever been to boy-girl summer camp has had a crush. For most people, the true love that you are so convinced you feel during those two weeks fades quicker once you get home than the tan lines you got swimming at the lake.

But that wasn’t the case for Brooke Ihms and Kevin Stamp. The two met at camp in 2006 when they were 13, deciding when it ended that they would remain boyfriend and girlfriend even though she lived in Gilbert and he in Tucson.

That initial spark just never died out.

“We send e-mails every day for a couple of months,” says Brooke, a Gilbert senior. “We never stopped IMing.”

The pair were at camp together again the following year and, Brooke says, “realized the spark was still there.” They were “a thing” at camp again, but when they went home decided to just be friends because the distance between them was so great.Still, she says, she knew he was “something special.” And he felt the same way about her.

“In January Brooke invited me to a reunion from the camp, and I made sure to

take her up on this,” Kevin says, “resorting to hitching a ride with her sister. After a day of laughing and talking and rekindling that spark I decided the distance wasn’t gonna stop this anymore. We saw each other a few more times, and in a month’s time she was the person I called my girlfriend.”

The logistics of being a couple separated by 100 miles definitely make things more difficult.

They only get to see each other once every week or two, though they call, IM and text each other every day. Fortunately, their parents support the relationship and drive them to see each other and allow them to stay with one another’s families.

What’s the attraction? Well, Brooke says that Kevin is friendly and funny, “one of those people who can just make a room light up.” And Kevin calls Brooke “the nicest girl I’ve ever met … funny and sweet” and beautiful without having to try.

Brooke says she believes their relationship succeeds because as cliché as it might sound, both she and Kevin don’t care about the superficial trappings of most couplings and instead appreciate each other for what’s inside. azTeenmagazine.com

The pair talks a lot about the future. After he graduates from his Tucson high school next year, Kevin plans to join Brooke at ASU. They know that people who don’t know them have a hard time believing that their commitment will last, but Brooke says they don’t care.

“We talk about getting married someday,” she says. “Considering how much history Kevin and I have, how much we get along and how much we love each other, I know that we’ll never be apart.” january/february 2009

27

No relation-

No problem!

ship?

Dating is not a priority for some

F

or some of us, surviving the stress of high school weekdays would be unbearable without that hot date to look forward to on Friday night. But in the corner of many groups, there’s a niche where there are teens that don’t date in high school. Surprisingly, for a lot of them it’s not that they can’t get a date, it’s that they choose not to.

For Kelsey*, dating is viewed as a preparation for marriage, something that’s not yet on her radar screen.

“I feel that high school is a time of finding who you are, and sometimes being in a relationship gets in the way of that,” says the Xavier student. “There are also many factors that should be considered such as maturity levels and future plans.”

Sure, dating is fun and many see it as a necessary part of growing up. But jealous catfights with girls and Ben-and-Jerry’s breakup

Teens talk back about dating in High school “Some kids choose not to date because their parents won’t allow it or they’re too wrapped up in schoolwork and sports. Plus it comes with a lot of drama that they may not be willing to deal with or ready for, and that’s not bad at all.”

—Amita Chundu, North ‘10

remedies may not be worth the positives. One word to sum up the flip side of dating? Drama.

“Honestly, I used to date all the time and it never seemed like it was worth the stress,” says Highland senior Jessica R. “My friends turned their backs when I chose guys over them, not to mention when one guy ended up cheating with my best friend.”

Time, too, can be a factor. With three club teams and a great crew of guy friends, Mountain Pointe junior Michael S. has all he needs. “It’s not that my parents are strict or anything,” he says. “I just have my priorities in mind, and dating has to be cut. I keep it on the down low, because it can be viewed as kind of cocky, but really, it just wouldn’t be fair to the girl.” *Students ask that their full names not be used.

—Kaitlin Lang, Xavier ‘10

“Some people focus on other aspects of high school life such as academics or sports without the distraction of dating. By doing so, I think they miss a vital part of the high school years.”

—Caitlin Collins, Notre Dame ‘10 “My actual opinion is that high school rarely leaves room for any sort of relationship that isn’t either a meaningless hookup or something that gets so boring, it’s like marriage.”

—Danny Wilson, Brophy ‘10

“Dating isn’t something that I feel pressured about, but I think it’s important to be social and get out there to meet different types of people.” —Clare Will, Xavier ‘11 “I think some kids choose not to date because they just don’t have enough time or their parents have dating rules that are too complicated.”

—Larissa Knight, Sabino ‘11

True love comes

on its own time C

had Michael Murray and Hilary Duff epitomize a true romance in the movie A Cinderella Story.

In it, the hunky high school football player with the sensitive side finds the unique, beautiful girl he’s been searching for all his life and the couple drives away in a hot car towards a bright future. It’s images like these that young minds aspire to, but the reality is usually far different. The quest for finding your “one true love” during high school is often a losing battle, but you know what? That’s okay.

Westview senior Kyle Reed believes that by having long-term relationships in high school, you’re being “robbed” of the experiences entitled to you. To him, waiting until after graduation to date seriously is important because other peoples’ opinions don’t matter as much then.

“When I had a relationship my freshman and sophomore year, I (missed out) on so many things I should have gotten to do and never did,” Reed says.

He believes relationships that go beyond high school are rare because of all the drama, rumors and immaturity during the teenage years.

Bill Rader agrees. He has been married to his wife, Judy, for about 27 years. They met when he was a student-teacher.

“I had really long hair, and I got it cut off and wore a nice outfit and tie for student teaching,” he says.

“She walked up to me and said ‘You cleaned up well.’

She piqued my curiosity, and I asked her out.”

Judy says she has no problem with teenage relationships but says to “keep it in perspective” because education should be a priority.

“Education comes first,” she says. “Things happen that we can’t predict. People come and go, and nobody expects you to find true love, like in a Disney movie, in high school.”

Jay and Debi Anderkin, who met through their jobs and have been married for 22 years, agree that relationships in high school are more about finding what you do or don’t want in a relationship.

To Jay, the best part about waiting to date seriously until high school is over is not having to worry about seeing them in the hall the next day if it doesn’t work out. In Debi’s opinion, different people develop at different speeds, and “young love” assists the growing process.

“By eliminating what I didn’t want, I learned what I did want,” she says. “That’s what high school dating is all about: experiencing and learning about different relationships. My advice is to set your own boundaries and just know that you have to live with the choices you make forever, even if the relationships don’t last forever. Be true to yourself because self-respect is non-negotiable.”

Although gaining experience and a better understanding of yourself in high school is crucial, Jay tries to point out that relationships aren’t always discovered at a young age.

“You don’t have to look for it,” he says. “When you’ve found it, you’ll just know.”

—Donnella Lincoln, Greenway ’10

azTeenmagazine.com

january/february 2009

29

january/february 2009

azTeenmagazine.com FAX

CONTACT

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30

’ ‘ o N g n i y a Just S

Virgins aren’t always vocal, but they’re out there

N

ews flash: Virgin is not a dirty word.

Sure, all over your school people are talking about doing the deed. Some actually are doing it, some aren’t. But either way, both groups are usually more vocal than the chaste-and-proud crowd.

No matter what you’re hearing in the halls, though, the virgins are there. Actually, they’re the (sometimes) silent majority.

“I believe that sex is a very widely discussed topic, whether it’s jokes or people talking about getting laid over the weekend” says Trey Hayden, a Hamilton junior who says he made a conscious decision to remain a virgin until marriage because of his Christian faith. “My attitude about sex at my school is that it is generally an accepted thing, and it is very accepted by many of my friends.”

Trey says he has a live-and-let-live attitude about his peers’ sex lives and that he is unfazed by people who give him a hard time about his lack of one. Though it may not feel like it to her his friends talk, Trey is in the majority when it comes to sex… or lack thereof.

A study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the percentage of high school virgins has actually significantly risen over the past decade. Ten years ago, 10,000 high school students across the country were polled about their sexual experience. Forty-six percent said they were virgins; when the poll was repeated last year, the stat had flip-flopped, with 46 percent saying they were sexually active and 54 percent saying they were virgins.

Many students who choose to remain abstinent do so, like Trey, to respect his or her own faith. Highland senior Mandi Kimes says that she, too, doesn’t want to “shove my opinions down people’s throats” even though she doesn’t approve of pre-marital sex, but nor does she let their points of view sway her commitment.

“I would like to save my purity for my husband, and be able to show him that I love him so much, that I waited to have sex with him,” she says.

Hamilton senior Shammy Benjamin, who decided to remain a virgin until marriage after attending a purity seminar at her church in junior high, echoes those sentiments.

“I believe that there’s a higher level of respect, trust, and meaning in a marriage when sex is preserved for your future spouse,” she says. She adds that while religious beliefs are the most common reason for avoiding sex that she hears from her classmates, “sometimes they just consider it common sense, and understand that sex has major consequences and shouldn’t be considered casual in any case.”

Shadow Mountain senior Dillon Cooley respects his Catholic faith but says that he is still a virgin primarily because he is waiting for the right person.

“I’m just waiting for someone I love and care about and who feels the same way about me,” he says. “Plus, I know the effects of it going bad: STDs, pregnancies, all that, and I don’t want to partake in that. I want it to be special for me.”

And Christine, an Alhambra senior who asked that her last name not be used, says that she wants to lose her virginity “to someone who actually cares, ya know? I guess I’m waiting to

Teens speak out on sex: “It’s stereotypical to say that all guys want is sex. Now, there is a large group of guys who see it that way, (but) not all of us are like that, though. Most of my close guy friends aren’t sleeping around or anything like that, and they’re waiting for a special girl or whatnot. And same goes for girls.

Stereotypically it’s made to seem that girls are less eager to lose it, and want to lose it with a guy who they care about.

But I know more girls who are more promiscuous than guys, sleeping with multiple guys at the same time.” —Dillon Cooley, Shadow Mountain ‘09 “Sex in high school is not a problem as long as teens protect themselves and can be mature about it.”

—Jack Strandberg, Horizon ‘10

azTeenmagazine.com

lose it to someone I’m in love with, and I haven’t found that someone yet. And also because I’ve talked to my friends about it, and most of them told me they regret losing it over temptation.”

Most students, whether they were virgins or not, agree that people rarely regret staying abstinent, while plenty of people regret giving up their virginity to the wrong person or just too early. Plus, they add, many just do it for the wrong reasons.

Samantha Collins is a senior at Sunrise Mountain and says that while she is a virgin now, she doesn’t foresee being one on her wedding night.

“I don’t believe in ‘waiting until marriage,’” she says. “What if I don’t get married until I’m 35? Sorry, it’s just not going to happen. But I don’t think kids should go out and have sex just to see what all the fuss is about (although you can if you want, it’s your body). Your body is a temple, really. If you respect it, you must require that all others do too and not just let any fool who bats their eyelashes at you mess with it.”

—Emily Piskulick, Xavier ’10, with additional reporting by azTeen staff

“There is definitely peer pressure, but those who are strong enough to resist can make the decision themselves.

Whether or not someone finds love in high school is based off of maturity, trust and an incredibly close relationship with the other person. Sex isn’t the end-all, be-all.”

—Sarah Attaway, Phoenix Country Day ‘10 “People don’t have sex for rational reasons in high school.” —Danny Wilson, Brophy ‘10 “When a guy has sex, it’s no big deal. But when a girl has sex, she has to worry about everything that could possibly go wrong. Anyway, a girl is more likely to be called a slut than a guy is to be called a man-ho.”

—Emily, Mountain Ridge ‘11

january/february 2009

31

The clear alternative to braces - now for teens!

1515 E. Missouri #101

HAMI LT N 101

stats

51

Arizona Ave. and Ocotillo, Chandler Year Opened: 1998 Enrollment: 3,000+ Mascot: Huskies Colors: Maroon, black and silver Highlights: Rapper Snoop Dogg held his annual Snoop Bowl, a youth football game, at Hamilton last year. Snoop Dogg’s team from California, the All-Stars, played the Chandler Cardinals.

Each year, the Hamilton Invitational Science and Engineering Fair, sponsored by Intel Corporation, brings Chandler students from elementar y through high school to present their science fair projects in subjects like zoology, biology, mathematics, chemistry and more.

Hamilton’s varsity football team was 5AI Division State Champion in 2003, 2004, 2006 AND 2008. The team was state runner-up in 2001 and 2005 and holds eight Region titles.

Hamilton’s marching band earned a Superior with Distinction ranking last year.

The boys’ golf team has won four consecutive state championships; the girls were runners-up last year.

azTeenmagazine.com

january/february 2009

33

From unknown

The Model Life to unstoppable in 10 years I

For our Love Issue we selected reallife couple Reuben Robinson and Jessica Lloyd as our cover models.

Here they dish a bit on modeling, each other and life as a Husky. reuben The WORST part of modeling was…having to take a million pictures and my jaw being sore from smiling.

I’m glad my gf made me try out because…now I’ll be on the cover of azTeen Magazine.

The things I’ll remember most about being a student at Hamilton are…the teachers, friends and what a great academic school it is. And of course the best football team in Arizona!

The class I think I’ll use the most after high school is…AP Calculus, because I want to major in engineering.

Modeling/Football (choose one) is harder because…Football is harder because it’s yearround, you train harder, work harder, and a 14game season is physically draining. In modeling you just try and look pretty.

Three words that describe Jessica are…beautiful, sweet, funny.

Jessica Modeling with my real-life bf was … Fun because I’m comfortable with him and I’m glad I didn’t have to do the shoot with some random guy.

Going to Hamilton is cool because … of the football games. I love watching Rueben play.

This Valentine’s Day I hope … that it goes well because it’s my 18th birthday and me, Rueben, and all my friends are going to Disneyland for the weekend.

The most romantic songs on my Valentine’s playlist are… When You Look Me in the Eyes by the Jonas Brothers and Dare You to Move by Switchfoot.

In 10 years I hope I … will have graduated from college with a bachelor’s in merchandise management, my professional degree in merchandise marketing from FIDM, and working for a large retail chain or for a designer.

Three words that describe Reuben are … loving, charming and funny.

34

january/february 2009

n 1998, the doors of a still incomplete Hamilton High School swung open to admit its first wave of students. The parking lot had yet to be paved and the science wing was still under construction as the school year began. Mr. Riggs, a Hamilton teacher since the beginning, recalls “having our first staff meetings in the church across the street because the school wasn’t ready until the Sunday before school.”

From those humble beginnings, Hamilton has made the transition to a school with an established reputation as one of the top high schools in the state, all within a decade.

One big change that has come to Hamilton is size.

In 1998, the school opened with 1,600 students, but in the past six years has surpassed 3,000 to become one of the largest high schools in the state. With its large population has come a high degree of diversity, both its biggest strength and greatest challenge. Says Hamilton grad Cameron Hardy: “It was a big cultural change, since I originally went to Mountain Pointe, which is predominantly black.” Hamilton’s diversity is apparent in its approximately 40 clubs, including the Muslim Student Alliance, Young Democrats, Young Republicans, Asian Club and Step Dance Team.

Hamilton’s science department has helped contribute to its notoriety. Mr. Clark, an AP physics teacher says that “we’ve become more focused on what the mission of science is.”

How so? Mr. Clark looked at the lack of American

engineers being graduated from U.S. colleges and then, with the help of principal Dr. Duprez, went about creating an engineering class at Hamilton. Students enrolled in his class are dual-enrolled at the UofA and are able to earn college credit as they complete the course on Hamilton’s campus. This is just one example of Hamilton teachers using a worldview to create innovative ideas to expose their students to as many opportunities as possible.

One of Hamilton’s greatest accomplishments is the fact that it does not excel in just one area but many. Its football team has won three state championships, was state runnersup for two years, and is eight-time region champs.

Impressive as the stats are, they show only a portion of what Hamilton truly is. Over the years, the school has developed its own unique personality. As October approaches, students eagerly await the telling of Mr. Hermanski’s “Kimberly” ghost story. They turn out in record numbers to attend football games.

With so much accomplished in such a short period, many wonder what will come next. Dr. Duprez, the man credited with much of the success of Hamilton, says, “we’ve accomplished so much in 10 years, and now the challenge is to fight complacency and keep striving to push the envelope.”

After a decade of constant achievement, the future is bright for Hamilton’s next 10 years.

— Latrice Coleman, ’09

Land of the Huskies W

alking into Hamilton High, there are so many features that set the home of the Huskies apart from other schools.

Even though the official school colors are maroon, black and silver, the walls at Hamilton are painted orange, green and maroon. This unusual feature has made many of the students wonder and comment on the reasons why.

“I heard the weird colors were supposedly designed by a psychologist to calm you or something,” says senior Alana Putman.

Soo Chang, an ’08 grad, says she heard that the orange and green were originally going to be Hamilton’s school colors.

“They do clash with maroon, but I think the school would be really dark if it was just black and maroon,” she says.

Another unique landmark is the cafeteria, which was built in a food-court style.

“I remember being very excited the first time I saw the cafeteria,” says senior Lanly Le. “I was just like a mall.”

There’s the popular Bakery where you can get cookies and yummy parfaits, and the Casa azTeenmagazine.com

Del Taco for some great Mexican cuisine. You can grab food from Etc. if you’re craving burgers, chicken or fries, or get into the pizza line. A new addition to the cafeteria is an express booth for faster service to meet the needs of Hamilton’s rapidly enlarging population.

Schools love to preserve history and dedicate something to the future classes. At Hamilton, there’s a beautiful mural on the wall right when you walk in. The mural is made of tiles personally designed by Hamilton students in the art department in 2003 along with local artist Nikki Glen. The tiles make up a desert sunset landscape with the motto “Dare to Dream” written in the sky.

“I think the mural is really neat; it’s interesting to read the tiles that the students made for the mosaic part of it,” says senior Lindsey Forry. “It’s a look into the past of Hamilton, and what the students of that class thought about the school.”

— Nesima Aberra, Hamilton ’09

Huskies dominate

Get a head

start!

he one thing on everyone’s mind: Hamilton Football! Every time they take the field, the Huskies play to dominate. This was proven once again during this year’s football season when Hamilton once again took the 5AI state championship..

Hamilton has been a great football success in the game of football since the school opened and this year sealed its “decade of dominance.” Quarterback Travis Dean, ’10, promises that the team “can guarantee state next year.”

The “Dawg House” stands are always filled to capacity when the team plays, something Travis attributes to the Huskies’ energetic style of play.

“We’re an exciting team to watch,” he says. “There’s never really a dull moment. The game is always intense.”

Travis’s teammate Kieven Johnson describes his team as “dominating and exciting.” The senior says that the team is a success “because we have a great coaching staff, and there’s a lot of hard work that gets put into the program.”

Our football team’s long-lasting success is impressive, but it is not the only one leaving a mark all over the state. Hamilton’s boys’ golf team won its fourth consecutive Arizona 5AI state championship in ’08, and the girl’s team finished in second place.

Golfer Andrew Yun won the individual state championship and will play for Stanford next year.

“Golf is no different from football,” he says. “The same intense feeling that you get standing out on the 20 yard line is the same feeling when you’re out there standing on the golf course.”

His teammate CJ (Chun Ji) Kim is a junior and has been named the Arizona Golfer of the Year by The Arizona Republic. Both Andrew and CJ are All-Arizona selections. And it’s not just NFL great Terrell Suggs who represents the Huskies in the pro sports ranks; golfer Richard Lee was at press time completing his PGA qualifying tournament.

Hamilton’s great success is due in large part to the school’s Sports Academies, in which student-athletes in a variety of sports immerse themselves in their physical, mental, technical and academic training. In this way, they live the adage “practice makes perfect,” and their success is clear when they step onto the field, the court or the classroom.

— Anissa Hope, 09

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Photos by: Katie Egan, ‘09, and Hamilton High School Yearbook staff

when they take the field T

january/february 2009

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Who (or what) are you passionate about and why?

“Learning of different cultures is something I’m passionate about. I find it really inspiring to see so many new and different things, but yet at the same time, a universal human condition connects us all together.”

— Marcea Decker, Horizon ’09

“I’m passionate about my intensely gorgeous, sexy, fake boyfriend Edward Cullen. He’s as real as my imagination is.”

— Lauren Covey, Mountain Pointe ‘09

“That’s an easy one. I am most passionate about my girlfriend, Samantha Cummings. I honestly think I have spent more time with her in the last year than I have spent with my parents my entire life.”

— Payson Clark, Chaparral, ‘10

“Hank Jenkins. He makes me so happy it’s like Christmas in my heart.”

— Julia Pierre, Xavier ‘10 38

january/february 2009

“I’m passionate about rowing because it’s what’s going to get me into an Ivy League school.”

—Tatum Hartwig, Corona ‘11

“I am very passionate about music. And while I don’t play any instrument, music has a very influential aspect in my life. The best thing in the whole wide world is attending a local Arizona show with some of my favorite bands. I think it’s important to get to know the person who writes these things and I’ve gotten the fortunate opportunity to do that with my favorite band, Brighten.”

—Melissa Acevedo, Millennium ‘09

“Darth Vader because his husky voice turns me on.”

— Taylor Stephens, Xavier ‘11

“David Beckham, for obvious reasons.”

— Danielle Shank, Xavier ‘09

“I’m passionate about Austin Harshman, a really great guy. I was Homecoming Director this year, and he was my date. He helped me with bonfire, the HC halftime show at the game, and even our HC assembly, which, because 3TV was filming it, we had to be there at 5 a.m. and he showed up to help me.”

— Mandi Kimes, Highland ‘09

“This is going to sound ridiculous, but I am passionate about bargain shopping. When I find a good sale, I just can’t resist! I have to buy something.”

— Deanna Ong, Mesquite ’10

“I’m really passionate about protecting the earth. That passion led me to start up my school’s first ever Earth-friendly club, the AJHS Green Club. We recycle and educate people about ways to go green. It’s just something that has always been really important to me.”

— Jessica Pacyne, Apache Junction ‘09

“I am most passionate about helping people, because when you help someone with something they need you can see it just light up their day. So even if I can’t brighten my own day I can brighten someone else’s by doing whatever simple thing they need.”

— Hayley Winterberg Teacher Prep at Phoenix College ‘10 azTeenmagazine.com

“I’m passionate about movies because they’re thoughts and stories put into a format where everyone can see the director’s vision.”

— George Felder, Horizon ’11

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