The Blazer Issue March 2012 by AJ Conner

theblazer

The Student Newsmagazine of Timberline High School

Volume XII, Issue 5 â&#x20AC;˘ March 2, 2012

Falling short Jarrett Trapp

An aspiring author at THS

See page

Marriage for all

Washington passes new law

See page

See story on pages 13-15 Choosing numbers

What jersey numbers mean

See page

photo illustration by Rachael Dowd

As the world continues to excel in math and science scores, American students find themselves

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mar ch 2, 2012

MAR CALENDA R

Tues. the 6th

THS Orchestra Concert

Sat. the 10th

Ethnic Celebration Festival at St. Martins Pavilion

Sun. the 11th

Daylight Savings begins

photo by Kathy Truong

Team-work: Junior Nate Elder dribbles down the court with his team at his heels during the Special Ed basketball game, held after school on Feb. 22. Newfound athletes participated in a friendly game while fellow Timberline students cheered on the sidelines.

Tues. the 13th

HSPE Reading and Writing testing through the 15th

Wed. the 21st

Timberline Choir Concert

Thurs. the 22nd

Zone 1 Orchestra Festival

Tues. the 27th Conferences start, 1/2 day school dismissals

TIDBITS

THS

By Staff Writer Steven Yoho

Chicago auditons begin Timberline High School was the first on the West Coast to put on the play Evangeline Drowning, and still only one of two schools in the state to show it. The show is known for having a wide variety of profanity that is considered questionable by some to show to high schoolers. Moving on from one edgy play to another is the spring musical, “Chicago.” With over 6,000 showings since 1996, it is Krystal Cox, one of the best sophomore known Broadway shows around. This will be the first time Timberline has been able to perform the musical, due to certain elements in the play holding it back. “It’s risqué because of the themes,” said sophomore Krystal Cox. “Sex, lies, and murder isn’t something you want to expose kids in high school to.” Auditions concluded earlier this week, and the completed cast list will be posted today. March marks Art Education Month The North Thurston Public School Dis-

trict joins in the commemoration of Arts Education Month. The performing arts will be celebrating their Arts Education Month at the State Thespian Festival from March 16th to the 18th. A select amount of students from the performing arts group will be visiting to Central Washington University and Western Washington University. The State Thespian Festival is held in March, due to it being Arts Education Month. Why do Art classes have their own month? “In many schools that are low on money, or are beJanine Trotter, ing cut by a budget, sophomore art classes are the first ones to go.” Said Janine Trotter, an avid drawer. “So it’s nice having a full month that is focused on us.” In the spirit of Arts Education Month, TimberlineAdvanced Placement Art students will have the opportunity to display some of their recent work to the local community. An exhibit full of their creations will be shown at The Artists’ Gallery on March 10 from 2-4 p..m. Lacey hosts 17th annual Ethnic Celebration Festival On March 10th, Lacey Parks and Recreation is holding an Ethnic Celebration Festival at St. Martins University from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The festival will consist of three different stages, each having a dance or song of a unique culture. Local performers include

the Evergreen Chinese Orchestra, the Nordic Exposure, and River Ridge Taiko Ensemble. Junior Kylie Woo has been to the festival before, and is serving as a teen volunteer this year. “It was so nice seeing all the different types of cultures coming together and showing all of their traditions. Although I will say the food was the best part.” A few other Timberline students from Woo’s Teen Council will also be volunteering during the event. Spring conferences in swing March 27-30, registration conferences will be held. These days will be half day dismissals. These conferences are for seniors to get their culminating projects in, and for juniors, sophomores, and freshmen to show off their best work, register for classes for the following school year, and for their advisers to meet and talk with their parents. Some people think that the outcome isn’t worth what you’re giving for it. “I think they are pointless, and they teach and give us nothing.” Said Kendall Stickney, junior. The advisors think otherwise. “The students can pick what classes they want for next year, so they don’t have to get the leftovers of everyone else.” CTE teacher Elizabeth Schultz said. Kendall Stickney, “So yes, I think junior it’s worth missing the day and a half of accumulated hours of school for the conferences.”

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mar ch 2, 2012 illustration by Paola Esmele

GE N

R E D

blazer news

I.D. Misconceptions are common

Story by Staff writers Alexa Laharty and Hannah Yunker very year cities across the world host Pride Parades to honor the LGBT community. Millions of people march, waving their rainbow striped flags, holding their rainbow balloons, and feeling free to express their true selves. The rest of the world sees this and assumes that they know what it is all about: sexual orientation. What most people do not know is that these events are also about something else: gender identity. Gender identity is the personal view of oneself as male, female, both, or neither. LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender; words that are all commonly swept into the category of

the gender bread person

Gender is perceived through many parts of the body

Information compiled from various sources

sexual orientation. However, the word “transgender” has nothing to do with a person’s sexual preference; it refers to someone whose gender identity does not match their physical gender. According to the New York Times, it is estimated that .7 percent of the American population identifies as transgender, while 1.7 percent are homosexual, and 1.8 percent are bisexual. Transgender covers all people who identify specifically with the opposite gender, but there are also people who find themselves somewhere in the middle. These people are called “gender variant.” Some say they don’t identify as a male or as a female, and often ask to be referred to as “zhe” rather than he or she. Others identify with both genders. Some find themselves identifying as a male one day, and as a female the next. All of these differences in gender identity have led to the concept of a gender spectrum. The idea is that people cannot all be defined under one of two specific genders. Instead there is a broad range between female and male, and people can fall anywhere in between. It is still being debated whether

variance in gender identity is something one is born with or if it has to do with the environment the person is raised in. Either way, a child’s gender identity is secure by the age of four. “When I was three or four I would dress up as a girl in dresses and tights,” said sophomore Katie Lippert. “But if someone called me a girl, I would yell at them.” Lippert was born physically male, but she identifies as a female. “I’ve always known that I’m very feminine,” Lippert said. But it wasn’t until last October that she opened up to her friends and family about being transgender. Although she has not told everyone, for fear of how some may react, Lippert is happy with how people have responded to her revelation so far. “I have a lot of support,” said Lippert. “Just the feeling that people care– that’s what I really like.” Even with the positive responses she has had, Lippert knows not all of society is accepting of transgender people. “If I were to show up to school in a dress tomorrow how would people treat me?” Lippert is not wrong to worry. Studies show that 55 percent of transgender youth have reported being physically attacked, and 78 percent of transgender people have reported being verbally ha-

“Gender identity” describes how a person identifies

themself in terms of male and female or somewhere in between. “Sexual orientation” serves to describe the gender that a person is attracted to. This spectrum includes homosexuals, heterosexuals, or bisexuals. “Physical sex” has to do with the physical parts a person is born with. This spectrum includes male, female, and intersex. “Gender expression” describes how you display your gender to others. This spectrum can run from masculine to androgynous to feminine.

rassed. “My vision of a perfect world would be a place where people could express themselves however they want” Lippert said. Someone who has never been afraid to express their true self is junior E.J. Bridge. Bridge has always gone with what she has felt. “When I was little all my friends were boys. I liked to play with boy toys,” she said. This changed when she started the third grade and began having more female friends than male friends. “I know I’m a girl,” she said. “I’m just not girly.” For Bridge, it took more time before she became comfortable with her sexual orientation, which she explained is just one piece of the broad area that gender identity covers. “I’ve always known I like girls,” she said, but it wasn’t until eighth grade that she opened up to friends and family about it. Since then, she has felt very supported. Lippert also had something to say about her sexual orientation. “To people who know me as a boy, I’m gay. But to people who know me as Katie, I’m straight,” Lippert said. She believes that neither sexual orientation nor gender identity is a choice, but you make of it what you can. “You have the choice to be who you feel you are- or are not.”

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Jarrett Trapp: www.theblazer news.com

By Staff Writers Allie Bakotich and Maggie Taft Kickman went up the floor to Destro’s chamber and found Destro. Kickman tells Destro, “Game is over Destro.” Then Destro tells Kickman, “Very well then, let’s get real.”

his excerpt is from the short story written by Timberline junior Jarrett Trapp titled, “Kickman Forever.” Jarrett is an ambitious student with big dreams. He aspires to be a famous author or screenwriter. However, there is one thing that sets Jarrett apart from the other 1,489 students that walk our halls: Jarret has autism. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, autism is a developmental disorder that appears in the first three years of life and affects the brain’s normal development of social and communication skills. “Socially, he doesn’t really get social cues, but intellectually he’s pretty much right on,” said Pamela Cornwall, Jarrett’s life skills teacher. “[Doctors] don’t really know what it is or what causes it, but there’s a lot more to know about it.” Despite Jarrett’s difficulty with social interactions as well as verbal and nonverbal communication, he has found an outlet that allows him to express himself: writing. Jarrett’s knack for writing began in elementary school. “Mrs. [Edith] Brigham helped me to understand the mechanics of writing with the ABC format when I attended Seven Oaks Elementary School,” said Jarrett. “She has also worked with me after school and during the summer.” The ABC format is a way of simply organizing a paper with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion. Although Jarrett’s teacher inspired him, Teresa Trapp, Jarrett’s mother, was the one who bought him his first notebook. “After reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid, my mom bought me a diary so I could start writing on my own,” said Jarrett. “But, in the book, it specifically said that diaries are for girls so I began to call it my journal instead.”

march 2, 2012

future author

However, apparently Diary of a Wimpy Kid had no objections to sharing any said journal with girls, because about three and a half years ago Trapp began to give his writing to people he encountered in his everyday life. “I thought it was so sweet,” said senior Stevi Strahan, a recipient of one of Jarrett’s notebooks. Strahan received the writing by way of a manila envelope on her drawing class desk, as she shared that period with Trapp first semester. According to her, “it was kind of like a journal, with a summary of what happened during the day.” Besides being touched that anyone would give her something so personal, Strahan was shocked by how observant and honest Trapp was in his journals. His writing reflects how much he notices around him despite his autism, and Strahan saw how not even the smallest smile or briefest glance went missed by him. Christina White, a sophomore who also received one of Jarrett’s notebooks, noticed how not only other’s feelings were reflected clearly in the notebooks, but also the thoughts and notions of Trapp were written with considerable honesty and clarity. “It was interesting, he was so forward about everything, normally people don’t write about everything [like he does],” said White. Trapp’s unique method of writing even changed the kind of books that White read. Instead of focusing on books that use overly elaborate explanations, White decided to focus on volumes that simply came out and said what they meant, which she realized was more her forte after reading Trapp’s journal. After a little uncertainty about what was in the envelopes, the receivers of Jarrett Trapp’s writings found that the words written between the lines would have an everlasting impression on their lives. Ten years from now, you very well might pick up a book or watch a movie that was written by Trapp. Despite his condition, his compassionate and humorous words will continue to alter the way others view the world that they live in. Kickman will continue to save the day.

ph o by a

iss

Al r

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Same-sex marriage legalized 55 www.theblazer news.com

march 2, 2012

HOUSE

VOTE

-43

By Head Writer Simon Bakke

alentine’s Day came a day early for Washington’s gay and lesbian couples seeking marriage in their future, as Governor Christine Gregoire signed a bill into law on Feb. 13, making gay marriage legal across the state. Washington is now the seventh state to have such a law. As a school with a significant number of teens who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ), this law could have a significant effect on Timberline’s students and their families. There are varying opinions on how much impact it will have, from the hallway to the home. “Students will be more comfortable now saying they have gay parents, or even coming out themselves,” said senior Danielle Langbehn-Pond, who has gay family members. According to senior Chris Llapitan, who is openly gay, this law is a “milestone” for our state. It affects him directly, since he and his parents hope he’ll one day be married, and have a family. Ryan Giffen, Timberline art teacher and adviser of the Gay-Straight Alliance club noted that students with LGBTQ parents “may feel more acceptance of their families.” “Hopefully, it will improve the safety, security, and confidence of LGBTQ students in their identities and who they are,” said Giffen.

Change for new generations However, since the law is still young, it’s difficult to predict how it will affect actual discrimination of gay teens in both the school and the state. According to senior Grace Park, who is lesbian, teens will be affected more than adults, because “we’re being raised into it.” “Being gay is more OK [among youth] compared to how adults are, who are set in their ways,” Park said. Some, though, don’t think that the

new law will have much impact, at least not in the near future. According to Llapitan, many are “still going to be closed-minded.” “Just because the Senate thinks one way doesn’t mean [others] will change their views all of a sudden,” Llapitan said. According to Park, the prejudice against homosexual men and lesbian women runs deep. “People compare gay marriage to marrying your animal, or to incest, which is ridiculous,” Park said. “It’s the same as race discrimination,” said junior Ryan Poppert. “It won’t change peoples’ views yet. It’s a slow process, just like [changing] beliefs about African-Americans.” Poppert said he is a Catholic and isn’t supposed to support gay marriage, but hasn’t really thought about it to decide for himself yet. Many people opposing the law cite religion as their reason, such as senior Justace Buhl. “I was raised a Christian, so I believe man should be with woman, no other way,” Buhl said, “but I still respect [gays] as people, I just don’t agree with their decision.” Religion appears to be a driving force behind attempts to repeal Washington’s new law. Opponents promise to put a referendum on the ballot in November. Buhl doesn’t believe same-sex marriage will stay legal when put up to a vote, because of how many religious people there are in Washington. According to a 2007 Pew Forum poll, around 48% of Washingtonians are Protestant. Llapitan thinks otherwise. “Once you give gays the right to marry, it’s going to be hard to take it away from us,” Llapitan said. “It’ll be hard for [opponents] to succeed.” Even though there will be those who try to overturn the law, Giffen noted there will also “be people who continue to fight strongly for it.”

26 74

AGREE

DISAGREE

On Feb. 13, Governor Christine Gregoire signed a bill officially legalizing same sex marriage in the state of Washington. The law goes into effect June 11 unless 120,577 signatures are obtained to force a referendum in Nov. At the singing of the bill people of all ages gathered to show their support.

The new law opens new doors to LGBTQ couples in Washington. photos by Molley Gillispie

50 Timberline students were randomly selected and asked whether they agreed or disagreed with the new law permitting same-sex marriage.

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The life and times of Scott Hagen

After suffering a spinal cord hemorrage, physics and chemistry student-teacher Scott Hagen has bounced back, pursuing a teaching degree after winning a purple heart By Staff Writer Alec Davies

any students know Scott Hagen as Mr. Hagen, physics teacher, Greg Burkhart’s student teacher in room 391. We may spend time in his class or pass by him in the hallway and think he’s just another teacher here at Timberline. But what we may not know about Mr. Hagen is that when he was sixteen he was told by doctors he would never walk again. Many students also may not know that Scott Hagen earned a purple heart for his service in the United States Marine corps, let alone even know that he served in the Marines. Hagen grew up very much interested in athletics as a kid. Attending Inglemoor High School in north Seattle, he competed in a wide variety of sports. “Anything with a ball,” said Hagen. “Basketball, soccer, baseball, tennis.” In his junior year of high school, Hagen was attending class like any other normal day when he suffered a spinal cord hemorrhage. A hemorrhage is a burst blood vessel which causes blood to leak inside the body. In Hagen’s case, a blood vessel burst inside his spine which eventually led pressure to build up in the spine. After being taken to the hospital, Hagen had lost feeling in all of his arms and legs. Being a kid who loved sports, Hagen was told by doctors he would never walk again. “I guess it doesn’t really sink in at that age,” said Hagen. “it would take a long time to sink in.” But miraculously after two weeks, Hagen noticed a twitch in his toe. And slowly he began to regain feeling throughout his body. A little over a month after the injury occurred, Hagen, although it was difficult, was able to walk out of the hospital. After his traumatic experience Hagen decided he wanted to help people, which would influence his decision to become a teacher and serve in the armed forces. “I wanted to look back and say I made a difference in people’s lives,” he said.

photo by Molley Gillispie

Teach: Physics and chemistry student-teacher Scott Hagen demonstrates during a chemistry lesson.

“ “ “ “ - P..J. Boughal, senior

He’s a good student teacher who can learn a lot from his students.”

- Tyler Saichompoo, senior

“

- Tanner Risk, senior

“Mr. Hagen is a cool guy, he would be somebody I could get along with outside of class.”

COMMENT ONLINE!

“Really outgoing and very interactive.” - Shane San Nicolas, senior

“

I think that Mr. Hogan teaches naturally gets the concepts through the students.

Fighting with his heart and earning another one In 2002, following the path of his dad, Hagen joined the United States Marine Corps and served three tours in the Middle East. He was part of the initial invading force from Kuwait to Iraq. Near the city of Baghdad in central Iraq, Hagen was riding in a convoy of vehicles traveling on a road bypassing the city. The convoy was crossing a bridge when a roadside bomb blew up next to the vehicles. “There was a high probability we were going to get bombed,” said Hagen. “we had no armor on our truck.” While there were many injuries, including Hagen being hit with a chunk of the road in the head, amazingly there were no fatalities. Hagen was one of nine people later to receive purple hearts given to the group injured by the blast. After returning home from Iraq, Hagen met and eventually married his wife now of 8 years. But also he was met with tragedy as his best friend died in a car accident in California. The same friend was the one who had introduced him to his wife. Now Mr. Hagen is working on his masters in teaching at St. Martins University and has decided he wants to become a full time science teacher. “They [the students] gave him the nickname Mr. Wigan’s,” said Burkhart. “Because they like him so much.”

To share your own thoughts on Mr. Hagen, go to www.theblazer news.com

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blazer news mar ch 2, 2012

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Sensible?

Get recommended by a teacher or coach.

Discuss with a counselor about the pros and cons of the conference.

If necessary, plan a fund-raiser for your trip in order to pay your way. Plan what transportation you will need to and from the conference.

to experience a true leadership opportunity

Inside Leadership Conferences: Scams

steps

COMMENT ONLINE!

To share your own thoughts on leadership conferences, go to www.theblazernews.com

photo illustration by Kathy Truong

Scam?: Junior Nick Birge holds a letter to a National Conference. Birge has received several letters inviting him to experience leadership at both the state and national level - some requiring a payment, others being offered for free.

Congratulations! We’d like your money.

By Staff Writer Marissa Jacobsen

ongratulations! Your achievements in school have qualified you for a once in a lifetime opportunity for scholars like you! Now will you be paying by credit card or check? Leadership and student ambassador programs are attracting students everywhere with the promise of exciting travel and a prestigious reputation. As People to People’s website advertises,“Only the best and brightest students earn the right to immerse themselves in this inspiring college-prep program. Be a part of a global experience, connecting with top students from all over the world.” It sounds like a dream, until you catch a glimpse of the price tag.

Junior Sebastian Wilkinson paid around a $7500 fee for a three week trip to Australia through People to People International, although Reach One Travel’s estimate for a similar trip was about $4500. Many students just cannot bear to shell out that much money. Senior Lakshmi Panjini was nominated to attend a leadership conference in Washington, D.C. her sophomore year, but decided against it because of the price. “It was $5000 and I thought it probably wouldn’t be worth it. That [amount of money] is kind of ridiculous,” said Panjini. However, Wilkinson believes the cost is very manageable. Wilkinson fund-raised his share by selling fudge and sterling silver rings. Yet he also relied on about two-thirds of the cost to come from his parents.

help of a counselor is a safer bet than choosing one that solicits students. “They’re more focused on becoming a leader. The others are more like vacations,” said Ahlf. Other than affording it, the real question is: is the trip worth taking? If you’re looking to pad your resume, counselor Matt Stevens doesn’t think so. “A lot of students believe that just going to a conference will help them get into college,” said Stevens. “Generally speaking, it doesn’t do that.” He believes that programs like these are beneficial to a student genuinely looking to network with other students and build leadership skills, but students have to be aware that the average conference is “almost like a vacation” and won’t have a great deal of influence on paper.

Practical points worth weighing Three-time leadership conference attendee Rick Ahlf took a different approach, and was sponsored by the American Legion and the Olympia Chapter of the Military Order of World Wars for two programs. Ahlf asserts that seeking out these opportunities with the

Making a mindful decision None of this means that student ambassador programs have no upside. In fact, most offer mentoring that is difficult to indulge in. “A lot of guest speakers speak at these types of thing—people like senators, politicians, and other professionals that, as a high school

student, you probably wouldn’t get a chance to hear,” said Stevens. Ahlf agreed. “The keynote speakers are the most rewarding part of the experience,” he said. Furthermore, most students usually return from these trips with generally favorable reviews. “My daughter went, and she absolutely loved it,” said German teacher Nora Hallett. Stevens maintains that although these programs are quite expensive, he has not found any to be flat-out scams. “Every student who has gone has said it’s a great experience. And it is, if you can afford it,” said Stevens. For those who do not have a lot of extra cash to spare, there are similar, but more affordable opportunities available in Washington State. Panjini attended the WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) leadership workshop and Josten’s leadership conference last year. She felt she received an experience comparable to that of what a much more expensive program would have been able to offer. “You don’t have to go hundreds of miles away and spend thousands of dollars to get a rewarding leadership experience,” said Panjini.

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mar ch 2, 2012

Setting the bar

While countries such as Finland and South Korea make their way to the top of the educational pyramid, American students are at a stand still. However, as colleges and jobs begin selecting from a world market, the stakes are too high not to start climbing...

photo illustrations by Rachael Dowd

blazer spotlight mar ch 2, 2012

www.theblazer news.com

Are American students really falling far behind our foreign counterparts? Or are the comparisons simply misleading? The Third International Mathematics and Science Study tests half a million students around the world in math and science. Below are the statistics of American students who took the TIMSS in 2011. High Score: 560

Math

Average Score: 500

Rank: 19/21

U.S. Score: 461

Science

High Score: 559

Average Score: 500

Advanced

High Score: 557

Rank: 15/16

U.S. Score: 501

Rank: 16/21

Math

U.S. Score: 480

Average Score: 501

Quiz: Pop

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Reaching the bar

www.theblazer news.com

By Head Writer Marti Schodt and Staff Writer Sam Kegley

his story could be about America’s failure in education. It could be about how we are falling behind the Chinese. Or the Finnish. Or the South Koreans. Or choose the scary “they are better than us and will take over the world” nationality of the week. This story could be about how lazy American students are. Or how ineffective our teachers are. Or how we are spending too little on education. This story could be frightening, or embarrassing. But if one really sifts through the research, and the endless news reports, and the data, and the virulent opinions on all sides of the issue, one is merely left with speculations. There are no simple answers to the question of how American students stack up against students from other countries, because we are simply different from those countries and their students.

findings are in complete contrary to many people’s beliefs (that go back as far back as 1964) that America has a marginal education system in comparison to the rest of the world. If anything (according to Loveless), our education system is on the rise. The TIMSS shows that American students have improved in math and science since 1995 from to 2007. In 1995 fourth grade students scored 518 and 8th grade students scored 492, in 2007 fourth grade students scored 529 and 8th grade students scored 508. The 2007 math score aside, American students would seem to be improving.

Is it fair to compare? America is arguably the most diverse country in the world. With 313 million people, and 311 different languages, we cast a wide net. Perhaps that’s why it’s so difficult to compare America to countries like Finland and South Korea who have more homogenous populations. “We essentially take countries the size of Oregon and compare It is easy to capitalize on American’s inherent them to the U.S.” said AP World History Teacher feelings of global superiority, taking advantage of Rob Denning, “We aren’t Finland. Sometimes the panic we get when we see that we aren’t num- when we compare one society to another, we ber one on this test or that test. Various credible only take in results. We don’t look at the culstudies place American students in different plac- tures or the gaps.” According to the population es. The PISA (Programme for International Stu- clock, Finland currently sits at around 5.5 million dent Assessment) shows American 15 year-olds people; 78.2% share the same religion, and 92% ranking 18th out of 33 countries in math, while speak the same language. on the TIMSS (Third International Mathemat- In addition to America’s diversity, we also ics and Science Study) American eighth graders require compulsory education. “Education is a ranked between 5th and 8th out of 47 countries. huge privilege because in other countries they There are other tests as well. Other grade level might not get the opportunity due to lack of reresults. Scores from other years. The data can be sources or lack of money,” said junior Garnett overwhelming, but one thing is clear: American Hatcher. This means that all of our students, highstudents are not leading the pack in math or sci- est achieving and lowest achieving, are thrown into the test statistics in the United States. In othence. But we may be getting better. er countries students without the time to devote to school simply drop out. They seek work to supHow do we know what to believe? When one is asked about how American port their families, or otherwise get a jump start schools compare to foreign schools a lot of peo- on their careers. Therefore, the test statistics from ple think like Timberline junior Kendall Stick- other countries might be based only on a highlyney: “America is the best school system, we have motivated population of students. more opportunities.” But after hearing confusing Moreover, what are we testing? Washington statistics and watching critical movies they begin State tests students on the basic levels of educato think like junior Austin Tong; “It’s probably tion: math, reading, and science. This is standard, and typically the only way we define intelligence. not as good as other small European countries.” According to Brookings Institution scholar Yet, in a multifaceted society, we have other Tom Loveless, the belief that American school skill sets. David Livesay, Timberline’s auto shop standards are slipping is a misnomer. Loveless’ teacher, sees students who excel in a different

A video filmed at Olympia High School last month showed students at Oly to be ignorant of basic knowledge in civics and other subjects. The video went viral, and was seen by thousands of viewers on sites such as The Huffington Post and KIRO TV. Many Timberline students laughed as they watched. But how does Timberline stack up? The following are actual questions from the lunchroom scholars video. Can you answer them? The entire video can be watched here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHtDF-z77wk

sort of way. “You have different kinds of intelligences,” said Livesay. “Some of my brightest students don’t do well on [conventional] tests.” Some auto shop students work with their hands, a skill not applicable to standardized tests, but yet in the United States all students are tested together, while in other countries they might not be.

Challenges and motivations “I take my education very seriously,” said freshman Hunter Risk. “I want to go to college and get a good job.” This seems to be the ultimate goal of most high school students. But what happens if it all goes wrong? Critics of American education blame our lack of punishment for our low test scores. If students fail, the repercussions are minimal, there is always a plan B: a delayed graduation; a GED; a couple of years off from college; or a technical career. “I only take school seriously when it applies to what I want to do,” said senior Callaghan Fishburn. Fishburn wants to be an Emergency Medical Technician. It makes sense that Americans might not take school as seriously as other nations who have more to lose. Connie Wood, a new English teacher at Timberline, spent four years teaching in the South Korean public school system. “Korean students would strive to learn. Teachers wouldn’t strive to give homework so much as students would go home and study on their own late into the wee hours,” said Wood. South Korean students consistently outscore U.S. students in math. However, “There was also tremendous pressure on Korean students. There would always be students who killed themselves because they didn’t do well on a test,” said Wood. American students, while perhaps less motivated, definitely have a more positive outlook on life. “The one area of all international testing where the U.S. outperforms other societies and countries is self confidence,” according to Wood. America may not have the best test scores, but test scores don’t tell the whole story, especially when every study yields a different result. And historically, when challenges like the Great Depression, World War II and the space race have presented themselves, Americans have risen to the occasion. “It’s time to start looking for the new frontier,” said Denning. “We have to be thinking about the next Sputnik.”

How many stars are What war won our on the U.S. flag? Independence? 52 47 50

mar ch 2, 2012

Civil War Korean war Revolutionary war

What two countries border America?

What is Washington State’s capital?

Mexico and Canada

Washington D.C.

Brazil and Hungary

Olympia

Hawaii and Alaska

Seattle

Who is our current vice president? Joe Biden Osama Bin Laden Dick Cheney photo illustrations by Rachael Dowd

blazer opinion mar ch 2, 2012

www.theblazer news.com

Staff Editorial:

Gay marriage will end the contradiction

bill was passed, declaring gay marriage legal in Washington State. This is a major turning point in human rights, and a definitive begining in a loosening of religious control and influence on state laws. The Bill of Rights grants American citizens freedom of speech, expression, and religion. But it is obvious that the United States are influenced by the religous roots it grew on. In the Bible, same-sex marriage is deemed an abomination. Children and adults are expected to say, “One nation, under God...” in the Pledge of Allegience. The U.S. dollar bill even says, “In God we trust,” on the front. It seems that gay marriage was made illegal based on what is said in sacred religious texts, which would contradict separ-

tion of church and state. Legalizing gay marriage put a stop to this contradiction. Is there a reason why gay marriage should be illegal, other than a religious reason? Religion has become dilluted; people are becoming desensitized to the facade of religion that they create for themselves as a result of common stereotype portrayals in pop culture. To make same-sex marriage legal is an important step for a nation that grants its people what it says, and is true to its word.

Staff editorials represent the opinion of a majority of the newspaper staff. This month: • 33 staff members agreed • 3 staff members disagreed • 4 staff members did not vote illustration by Niels Hoyle-Dodson

THUMBS

The opinions below represent the opinions of a majority of The Blazer staff.

Letters to the Editor

New soap dispensers: yay!

The new soap dispensers will hopefully encourage students to wash their hands. That way, the fluid on the door handle when you leave the bathroom is definitely water. Not to mention the North Thurston Public Schools logo gives the dispencers a modern and corporate appearance, replacing their vandalized and battered predecessors. No longer will you hear, “Aye yo dat’s dirty doe!” or, “Ohh tha’s filthy!” or, “$waqq na$ty,” because Timberline students will have clean hands, making such statements unnecessary. (33 staff members agreed; 3 disagreed; 4 did not vote)

Balloons help nothing, ever

Is it your birthday? Because I couldn’t tell from the festival of balloons you’re carrying around. Congratulations on surviving another year and not being swept off your feet into the heavens by a gust of wind on your last birthday. It’s a holiday, that’s very nice, good for you. Go ahead, celebrate. Buying your BFF enough balloons to carry a satellite into orbit is the perfect gift: the mass cluster of foil and helium that students carry about and show how many people bought their friendship. One or two balloons are okay, but when you can’t walk the halls without bopping others in the face, there is a problem. (28 staff members agreed; 5 disagreed; 7 did not vote)

Texting and driving is dangerous Dear Editor, Some things don’t seem to faze teenagers. It is as if our generation feels more skilled in the eye of danger than others; there is something about us that apparently makes us better equipped to deal with risky situations than other age groups. We feel more capable, more alert, more experienced; the consequences of these mindsets can be heavy though. After my Teen Council leader got into a car accident earlier this school year, this subject became a little more realistic to me. She thankfully didn’t get hurt, but her car was totaled. The cause; texting and driving. It sounds like a task so manageable by any teenager with a cell phone, but the possible outcomes are serious. This case was fortunate, but there are tens of thousands of teenagers every year who don’t get to walk away as lucky as my friend. I hope these what-ifs will eventually be enough to make some think twice. -Elizabeth Hargrave, junior

Enough of the group work already Dear Editor, Being one of the many adolescents that have ridden the chaos of public schools for thirteen years, I have found myself put into enuogh groups to make an ant farm squirm and I am not any smarter because of it. We are all individuals and should not have to be forced into a single thought process along with the rest of our peers; where did diversity go? Although our desks are not aranged in pods, reminiscent of fifth grade, we are put to work as a class, learning from the self-taught “A” standard and pure guesswork as the teachers sit behind and laugh at out cluelessness. Truthfully, we aren’t picking up the skills they think we are. Instead, the knowledge of how to perfectly B.S. an essay gets passed down from one class to the next, year after year. And lets not forget those awful group bonding exercises, the ones that make you feel like a four year old being forced to learn the names of your fellow preschoolers. Yeah, those definitely don’t put my in the modd to come to a decision on whether or not we are going to present a heart wrenching projext on slavery, or write an empowering speech on women’s rights. After all, there make not be an “I” in team, but there is one (or more) in intelligence, imagination, invention and evolution.

-Kate Hruby, senior

blazer opinion www.theblazer news.com

Rosaries are not a fashion By Staff Writer Jalen Slater

When someone of Catholic faith dies, their family crowds around their casket and solemnly whisper prayers and goodbyes to their deceased kin. Clutching their rosaries, they recite prayers as their tears wash their faces with sadness. When a rosary is used by someone of the Catholic religion, it is a symbol of faith used for prayer and special religious reasons. When a rosary is worn by a non-Catholic person, typically in their younger years, it is an article of vanity. Students at Timberline have been spotted wearing rosaries as clothing accessories. I don’t know if some new cult is spreading, or the most popular “hypebeast” in school is spreading just another trend. The obvious issue is that the majority of students who wear rosaries for fashion don’t fully understand the function, origin, or even the name of the “accessory” and its Catholic roots. Recently, iconic pieces of clothing representing people’s beliefs or motives have been exploited and mass produced as a fashion statement. The Muslim keffiyeh and Catholic rosaries have fallen victim to this. For those of you who don’t know what either of these items are, it’s that weird print scarf around your neck with the cool tassles hanging off of it, or the “hella dope” cross necklace with beads that hangs below your snapback and onto

mar ch 2, 2012

Voices down the

highway

Ever wonder what kids are saying at other schools? Below are excerpts from the opinion pages from other high school newspapers “down the highway.”

“I impregnate my sophomores... with knowledge. I impregnante my students with knowledge.” Trey Messner The Kolus Shorewood High School Shoreline, Wash.

illustration by Niels Hoyle-Dodson

your crewneck sweater. While the sight of a cheap plastic rosary dangling in front of a person deemed a “non-believer” may be offensive or disturbing to some, it may be looked at with envy or respect by others, typically found through “likes” and comments on the wearer’s Facebook or Tumblr. Religion has been so skewed by television programs and movies as a joke.

What was once a way of life adopted by entire populations has been mutated into many other offspring and parodied by the American culture. What was once a sign of faith, hope, and love in one’s religion has become no more than a gimmick made popular by packs of vain teens, itching to be the next trend-setter.

Changing lives for life skills class Every issue The Blazer invites a member of the Timberline community to be a guest columnist. This month’s guest is Kayla Johnson. Kayla is a teacher’s assistant for the life skills students and has been impacted by what she does in the class.

even begin to imagine how that would feel, but I think I have an idea. Everyone in leadership feels a change in their life. Helping these kids has made me a better person. These students are changing my life in a way that I never expected. What would it be like to have a disabilI may not be able to relate to them very much, but just ity? Have you ever wondered that? hearing their stories and seeing them every day always makes For the past month, I have been involved me feel better, and I hope that they feel the same way about me in the Timberline life skills class. I have and the other leadership students. seen these students, and they never cease to When you are appreciated by so many people it is indeamaze me. Seeing these kids every day and scribable. Being able to involve them has started a chain reacwhat they do is wonderful. As they grow and change, so do I. tion with all the students in Timberline. The leadership [class] spends every Tuesday during 6th When students see them in the hallway and say hi, or if they period with the life skills class. are sitting at the lunch table alone people sit next them. SeeWe received an e-mail, once, from ing students doing that is heart-warming one of the parents saying that when she and makes me realize that leadership is picked her son up from school that day not the only group of students that apthat she had never seen him so happy; if preciate what the life skills students do. she could have filmed it, that would be Knowing that I have started somethe one thing she would watch when she Kayla Johnson thing amazing at our school, that I hope was feeling down. It was crazy to think lasts for a long time, is a great feeling of that her child was so happy because of leadership students. accomplishment. I am proud of what leadership, and myself, As much as it is changing their lives, it is changing mine at have achieved by helping these students; we are starting a new the same time in a huge way. Being able to change someone’s trend of being courteous, good people. life by caring is an incredible feeling. Thank you leadership class, Mrs. Barr, and Mrs. Cornwall These students show so much strength and courage; I can’t for giving me this experience.

BE OUR

GUEST

“Creeping down the stairs, it is a secret mission. Get a glass of water and return to bed without getting eaten... When the lights go out at night, a homey kitchen transforms into a haunted house.” Anne Dye The Apple Leaf Wenatchee High School Wenatchee, Wash.

“World of Warcraft is an evil, evil thing. At first, a young, naive newbie may consider this online game as a hobby. Oh no. It is so much worse than that — it’s a whole different lifestyle.” Isaac Shoenfeld The Viking Vanguard Puyallup High School Puyallup, Wash.

“Rant to the slow moving herds that block the hallways. When in a rush, it’s great to be able to move quickly.” Anonymous Nordic News Inglemoor High School

blazer opinion mar ch 2, 2012

PRO / PRO

www.theblazer news.com

Android

iPhone

By Staff Writer Allie Bakotich Click. Slide to unlock. Enter passcode. Welcome to the Apple iPhone. The iPhone offers far more to an individual than an Android, which basically is a knockoff of the Apple product. C’mon people. This isn’t like a knockoff purse where you have to look really hard to see if it’s fake. We can tell your Droid isn’t an iPhone. Stop trying to act like it’s practically the same thing. You are wrong. People are constantly complaining about how iPhones break so easily. Well, first of all, if you have actually dropped your iPhone, you would know that you have to practically throw it (with a lot of force) to get it to break. Coming from someone who has, on multiple occasions, seen their own phone fall, I give you permission to remain calm. My iPhone still works perfectly fine. And, on top of that, there is not a single scratch or dent in sight. Pretty neat, huh? For those of you that are criticizing how easily they break, I highly recommend you buy something that clings to it and keeps it safe. What are those things called again? Oh yeah, a case! As for variety, yes, I will admit, there are only two different types of iPhone to buy. You have the challenge of choosing a unique white one or a slick black phone. You then also have the option of price with either an iPhone 3, 4 or a 4S. The pickings are pretty slim, I know. But when you have everything that you need on an iPhone, why would anyone go for a Droid? My iPhone has a touchscreen keyboard, so why would I need a slide-out? Plus, if I do decide to watch a video on my iPhone, I, believe it or not, can see it. And that’s even when I don’t have my glasses on, too! My iPhone matches my personality perfectly, from the Tangled wallpaper to the turquoise blue Marc Jacobs case. Trust me, my phone has character. Can’t you see? iPhones are what the people want. They offer so much more to the average person than any Android device ever could. So those of you with Droids can act like your phone is better, but we all know it’s true. You secretly wish you had an iPhone.

The Blazer Staff Editor-in-Chief: Matt Connor Assistant Editors-in-Chief: Annah Pritchett and Haley Slater News Editor: Stephanie Teeters Arts and Entertainment Editor: Raquel Sejour Sports Editor: Nathan Knox Opinion Page Editor: Bridget Zoller Graphics Editor: Sawyer Hardebeck Business Manager: Savannah Purcell-Kasper Head Writers: Simon Bakke, Amber Lewis, Marti Shodt Staff Writers: Sierra Ahlf, Allie Bakotich, Alec Davies, Zoe Herron, Cole Hunter, Marissa Jacobsen, Jordan Jennings, Libby Kamrowski, Sam Kegley, Alexa Laharty, Rodolfo Mendez, Thomas Sauer, Jalen Slater, Maggie Taft, Jordan Wyman, Steven Yoho, Hannah Yunker Graphics Staff: AJ Butler, Rachael Dowd, Paola Esmele, Molley Gillispie, Alissa Hipner, Niels Hoyle-Dodson, Morgan Lockhart, Seth McLaren, Aren Reaves, Kathy Truong, Drew Wright

By Staff Writer Steven Yoho The Android. The easiest, simplest, and cheapest smartphone you could have in your pocket. The opponent? The iPhone. A much simpler and easier name to say would be, iFYouDropMeOnceiWillBreak. Who will be the victor? Who will be the one to give in? Who will show the other that they are the superior? Both are weary in their years of war of becoming the top smartphone. There’s a simple answer to all of these much needed, yet redundant questions: the Android. Why the Android? First of all, the variety. There are literally hundreds of different types of Android phones out there, ranging from big to small, slow to fast, super cheap to burning a hole in your wallet. The possibilities are endless when it comes to picking out an Android, whereas when it comes to the iPhone, your choices are a little less exciting. Do I want the iPhone 3 or 4? You can go earlier, but it’d be better to just pick a rock up and try to watch a video on Youtube with that. Do I want the super awesome white one? Or the weirdly mysterious, yet alluring, black one? That’s about it. Now, the Android. Do I want a big screen to watch videos and text easier on? Do I want a slide out QWERTY keyboard? Or an all touch screen? Do I want 4G or 3G? What color do I want? The point is, you can get an Android to match your personality. Pricing. If you’re one of those “If I have the best, I am the best” type of people, then you would want to buy the iPhone 4S, with the creepy Artificial Intelligence, Siri. Those will run you as low as $199 to $399. And if you want your iPhone to survive its first drop, you’re going to want to get the Otterbox case, which can range from an extra $50 to $80. As with the Android, you can get them for as low as FREE up to $299, both must be with a 2-year contract. You would only need a case for the Android if you drop it every day. I’ve dropped mine in the toilet, on the ground, down a set of stairs, and the occasional rage toss, and its still alive and kicking. The score is now 3 to 0, Android in the lead. The battle has been fought, the war is over. The Android will forever be the smartphone that everyonre wants.

Mission Statement The mission of The Blazer is to provide the students and staff of Timberline High School and the surrounding community with a quality, thought-provoking publication. We aspire to print a publication that adheres to professional journalism standards, including sincerity, truthfulness, accuracy, impartiality in reporting news events, and equal representation of opposing sides. The Blazer will serve as a public forum for the free exchange of information, opinions, and artistic expression in a civil and constructive manner. Student Submissions Works submitted by students not on the staff, particularly letters, editorials and artistic expression, shall receive the highest priority for publication as long as they fall within the realms of good taste according to the standards of the readership. The Blazer will print as many submissions as space permits and request that all submitted work include the contributor’s name and grade. The Blazer reserves the rights to edit all submission for content, accuracy, spelling and grammar. All student work may be submitted in the Blazer

Staff Room, room #425. All work may also be submitted via email at blazertalk@hotmail.com. Editorials The opinion section of The Blazer will serve as a public forum for thoughtful, well-written forms of expression. Bylined editorials represent the views of the author. Non-bylined editorials represent the views of a majority of The Blazer staff. Views printed herein are meant to be opinionated and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Timberline faculty, administration, or the North Thurston School Board. Advertising The Blazer will not accept any advertising that we believe to be factually inaccurate; designed to mislead, deceive or defraud; containing malicious, vindictive, or unsubstantiated attacks; offering goods and/or services illegal for all teenagers to possess, buy or use; libelous; obscene; creating imminent danger or disruption to school. Advertisements do not necessarily represent the views or endorsements of The Blazer staff or the Timberline faculty, administration, or the North Thurston School Board.

blazer arts & entertainment www.theblazer news.com

The Blazer newsmagazine monthly review columnist

This Means War Review

. . ... <

Each month, The Blazer goes in search of students with a talent for art. This is what they have to show and say.

Don’t Look Back

song by Chad Lake, sophomore

I can’t get my mind off you There’s nothing to find or do And if I got the chance to choose My choice would always be with you Don’t stop Just settle down But I’ll never see New Zealand I can feel it Can you feel it ‘Cause we fit together Don’t we Like a puzzle There forever We’ll cross that bridge If we get there Why do you write music? “Whenever I write songs, it’s always a good feeling to know that I made something that has a special meaning to me. ”

Drawing by Sam Slater, junior

“Something that looks like it would be difficult to draw inspires me. It’s a challenge.”

We will take anything!

. . .. . . ...

Tom Sauer

. . . rt<

What inspires you to draw?

mar ch 2, 2012

subm it Send to: blazertalk@hotmail.com Room 122 or 425

They say war is hell but they obviously haven’t seen This Means War. Hollywood is seeing the lowest box-office returns it has ever seen in the history of its existence, ever, of all time, and as much as I’d like to be sad about imminent destruct of the film industry, I can’t bring myself to do so, because that means less stupid movies like This Means War. The premises is as follows: two best friends, Captain Kirk and British prisoner Charlie Bronson, are CIA agents that have done everything together for years and are the best of friends. Then Johnny Cash’s wife walks in and suddenly, the two boys turn against each other in an instant so they waste billions in tax-payer money as an excuse to watch and hurt each other in an attempt to win her over. So obviously, they’re gay. Not that that’s my business but c’mon guys, there’s no shame. Wishing no offense to Reese Witherspoon, but if my best friend wanted to get with her, I would let him. She’s a little old for young men to be fighting over, isn’t she? I mean, she did play as Johnny Cash’s wife like, seven years ago. I could spend this whole review picking apart how dumb the premise is. I don’t even have to get started with the actual movie. If we found out that government agencies have been wasting billions to basically faff about, there would be an uprising amongst the people. Where was I? You’ll have to forgive me; my memory of this movie has faded since I saw it. Boom boom. Bang bang. Kiss kiss. Vroom. Screech. Tackling. More boom. That’s about all I remember. I don’t remember much but what I do remember left me in a pretty bad mood. I remember it being noisy, it annoyed the hell out of me, and I remember I was out about ten dollars after it was done.

Tom Recommends: Put Your Back N 2 It by Perfume Genius (Album) Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning (Xbox 360) Chronicle (Movie) The Woman in Black (Movie) The Grey (Movie)

mar ch 2, 2012

www.theblazer news.com

{

blazer arts & entertainment

Technically Students

echnology evolves. We used to move to it, now it moves to us. Man has created a universe with endless possibilities for innovation. Imagination truly becomes reality. What once redifined cuttingedge months ago is obsolete today. Students at Timberline are taking advantage of technology to break into career fields and make money. “I’ve always been interested in how things work,” said senior Xavier Mendez, “so taking things apart and learning how they work as I put them back together was like a revelation. Computers are a lot more complex so I got interested when I found out that it was more than just putting hardware together.” A new trend has swept the nation: computer science majors increased 7.6% across the country from 2009 to 2010, according to the Computing Research Association. With such a resurgence in the demand for these new tech job openings, companies

are actively seeking new talent in foundation built upon programming an increasingly computer-dependent languages, whether it be a computer world even in the economic state of operating system, word processor, the nation. Students have taken steps cell phone operating system, robotics, to ensure a future in this rapidly ex- games, etc. Programming languages panding field that covers a broad vari- allow a user to communicate to the computer so it knows what to build. ety of talents. There are a Experinumber of mentation programming sparks interI’ve always been languages, est. Senior interested in how things including C, Brandon C++, C#, and Warner startwork. Java. ed in comput- Xavier Mendez, Warner hopes ers when he senior his future is was “about in with robotics the seventh grade. It’s a very cliched story but I and that a “good college program will took apart the computer when I re- help me secure that future, majoring alized you could take it apart with a in computer science. I’ll even go miliscrewdriver. Instead of my family get- tary if I have to.” While the traditional ting upset with me, they actually en- college route is a way to learn the couraged me to get into computers.” skills necessary, it is not the only op Since then, Warner has learned tion. how to build computers and is cur- Trevin Roberts, senior, also rently attending the AP Computer Sci- equipped with the knowledge of comence class offered at the New Market puter hardware looks towards a technological future but with the Air Force. Skills Center. Every piece of technology has a “It started out as a hobby,” said Rob-

{

By Staff Writer Thomas Sauer

illustration by Niels Hoyle-Dodson

erts, “but now it has grown into a future goal. I want to work with satellites in the Air Force.” Throughout the branches of the military, there is a high demand to fill high tech jobs, and despite the recent budgetary cuts to the military, bonuses are being offered in an attempt to attract recruits. Training is available for anyone who is either enlisting or planning to go in as an officer after acquiring a bachelor’s degree. While learning about computers may sound daunting to some, the versatility and amount of activities that can be done with computers create hobbies like writing HTML or building webpages. “Teaching yourself about computers is very easy, especially if you’re more into the hardware, which is a great way to get started into computers,” said Warner. “It’s actually really accessible. There are a lot of resources online for people who are learning, and there are quite a few languages that are easy to pick up. There’s no reason someone couldn’t just do it as a hobby,” said senior Christine Sandquist.

eats Good

blazer arts & entertainment

www.theblazer news.com

mar ch 2, 2012

At the start of the new semester The Blazer took on some new staff members. One of them was a new writer named Cole Hunter. We sent Cole out for food one day and being an eager beaver, he came back with his first story: a review of some of THS students’ favorite lunch spots.

a boutique vibe going on,” said sophomore Jordan Willis. Freshman Jeremy Poppert noticed the “unique vibe” as well. “It’s well decorated and has a pleasant atmosphere. It’s very... mellow,” said Poppert. From chocolate to vanilla and everything in between, Bonjour Cupcakes has plenty to offer. “My favorite is the red velvet cupcakes because they’re rich and tasty,” said Willis. Offering rich bakery goods in Olympia, Bonjour Cupcakes stands out with its delicate atmosphere and local feel.

By Staff Writer Cole Hunter

Big Tom’s Burgers Burgers and fries are classic in American dining and can be found at almost any restaurant, yet our very own local Eastside Big Tom’s stands out among the rest. Often we find ourselves looking at greasy, unappetizing burgers but at Big Tom’s it’s not the case. “It’s not super greasy,” said junior Katherine Van Den Bos, “It smells delicious and the veggies are fresh.” Junior Holli Erdahl is also a fan of classic American food. “The fries look really cool,” said Erdahl. “They’re California Tacos “It’s getting food out of a bus. like super cool krinkle fries.” The drive-in has a 1960s It’s kinda crazy, but kinda look that patrons appreciate. “It’s retro and unique. It’s cool,” said sophomore Sari got that old school feel,” said Erdahl. Big Tom’s brings an old school look to an ongoing tradition in American Rocker about Lacey’s very own local taco van, Califordining. nia Tacos. Providing numerous Mexican dishes to go, Twisties Frozen Yogurt The popularity of frozen yogurt is on the rise some a little less common and Lacey is following the trend, opening its new- than others, California Taest destination for frozen yogurt needs, Twisties. cos isolates itself from Its many varieties of yogurt make it stand out to Tim- the traditional dining style. berline students. “It’s really good,” said junior Marie “They have Mexi burgers, Farley. “They have lots of toppings and you can ask to tacos, and my favorite, the switch out flavors.” Twisties is advertised as a healthier cow tongue torta,” said Rocker. choice to satisfy that sweet tooth. They offer yogurt that Although cow tongue tortas may is nonfat, fat free, and sometimes gluten free. Students not be what you’re looking for, also enjoy the location of the store. “It’s really close California Tacos will have an option which is convenient,” said freshman Kaitlin Smith. The that will fit your personal interests. “I popularity and availability of Twisties makes it a viable like the tacos,” said sophomore Gabe option for Timberline students to enjoy their next frosty Judd. “They look and taste amazing and I can watch them make it right before treat. my eyes.” Whether you’re going for classic Mexican dishes or maybe something a Bonjour Cupcakes Bonjour Cupcakes, a local Olympia dessert little irregular, the next time you’re looking shop, takes us on a more delicate ride in the food for Mexican on the go, why not get it from a industry. Known for their local bakery style, the van? store produces rich cakes, cupcakes, and other various bakery items. “They’re really unique because they have

photo by Rachael Dowd

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‘‘

mar ch 2, 2012

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‘‘

Just for the Halibut

Commentary, humor, satire, and possibly another fish joke, by Niels Hoyle-Dodson Dude! You know what?!

MY NEW

FRIEND

How?

best

By Staff Writer Jordan Wyman Every issue of The Blazer, a staff member is chosen to go out in the hallways of Timberline and get to know someone new. Meet Nick Reasoner, a junior at Timberline. Although Nick goes to Timberline, it is quite possible that he is actually an alien.

I can breathe under water!

*sigh*

What?

And the Blazer’s monthly game is...

What are your thoughts on the existence of extra terrestrials? I want to think they’re there. I mean, I kinda think that Star Wars is like a movie they sent to us to prove that they’re there.

St. Patrick’s Day is coming up, and the leprechaun is missing his pot of gold! If you can solve the maze then the leprechaun can get his treasure in time for the holiday.

St. Patty’s Day

Maze

Do you think they’ve already contacted us through dubstep? It seems obvious because it doesn’t sound normal. When my dad listened to it for the first time that’s what he said. Have you ever wondered if people you know and love were in fact E.T.’s? You never know when your mom could just pull out a ray blaster on you and we’d have an Alien Apocalypse. Forget zombies. Do you have any theories as to who you know might be an E.T.? Well, how do you know I’m not one? Would E.T.’s make peace with humans or pull an Independence Day on us? I don’t even know if they’d bother with us because we’d be so inferior or if they’d just put us to work of their nasty gooey planet.

THE FINAL

word

Every issue of The Blazer, Timberline students are asked to voice their opinion on this month’s subject in one, final word. This month’s word: Lucky. March - Ali Suarez, junior Wish - Taylor Bellamy, junior Money - Markus Cuttino, junior Clover - Carter Hall, sophomore Irish - Taylor Feliciano Coin - Esther Yi, freshman Winning - Tyler Rhodes, sophomore Green - Aliyah Walker, sophomore Ticket - Abby Roberts, junior Leprechaun - Kirstyn Ackley, junior Gold - Christa Cushon, sophomore Charms - Daniel Ramirez, freshman

Dollars - Jameaa Wynn, sophomore Fame - Tre Jackson, senior Horseshoe - Kim Aquino, senior Crowsfeet - Nathan Bozhenele, freshman Smoothies - Bayle Brown, freshman Women - Caleb Paulson, sophomore Dog - Manuel Mendoza, freshman Casino - Jeremy Spivey, senior Girlfriend - Robert Cottinghan, junior Lamp - Ashley Kelly, freshman Rabbit - Danica Andrews, senior Fortune - Cody Rider, sophomore

Heard

in the

Hallway

“

Will you be my new best friend? Of course!

girlfriend cares “ “My about me so much she cheated on this other guy for me!”

-Anonymous, as always

blazer sports mar ch 2, 2012

www.theblazer news.com

SPORTS

DATES

March

Week 1

March 2 5:30 p.m. boys volleyball tournament at Timberline Week 2

March 9 6 p.m. boys varsity baseball against Thurston at R.A.C.

Drive: Junior Franchesca Borja drives the lane during the regional playoff game against Shorecrest High School. Timberline was eliminated with a final score of 51-47.

Week 3

March 12 7 p.m. boys varsity soccer at South Sound March 15 2 p.m. golf at Tumwater Valley March 17 12 p.m. boys varsity baseball at Timberline

photo by Sawyer Hardeback

Week 4

March 22 3:30 p.m. Track at South Sound 2 p.m. golf at Indian Summer Week 5

March 27 5 p.m. boys varsity soccer at South Sound

By Staff Writer Sierra Ahlf Boys volleyball fundraiser Tonight at 5:30, the amateur boys volleyball teams will go head to head in a pool play tournament in Timberline’s main gym. The tryouts took place on Feb. 22. Secondary late tryouts and first practice was held on Feb. 29. Out of the students trying out the teams were cut down to about 12 or so boys per team. Each class has their own team, freshmen wearing white, sophomores in black, juniors in green, and seniors wearing gold. An additional team was formed for extra students and late joiners. The fundraiser is being held and run by Timberline girls volleyball. The ladies are planning on using the money to pay for new jerseys and equipment. It cost players $5 to participate in the tournament and $3

Bowling ends with a near-perfect season As the post season has come to a close, varsity bowling athletes will walk away from the alley with an undefeated record, first place in the Narrows League, and fifth place in the State Tournament. This is a small, but positive step for the team since they finished second in Narrows League and sixth in the State Tournament last year. Although the Blazer bowling team will be losing three seniors this year, they are confident in the young talent on the team. Sophomore Brooke Collins has proved to be a valuable asset to the team, with an average of 160 pins per game. This past season, two junior varsity bowlers came up to the varsity team. Sydney Robertson, a sophomore, averaging 148 pins per game, and senior Katrina Jones whose average resided at 151 pins. “The better competition we face, the better our scores come out,” said Collins.

Tennis players makin’ a raquet The season for spring sports began Feb. 27, and all of the Blazer tennis players are gearing up for a new season. With the choice of playing as a single or with a partner, the girls have a chance to decide their tactics individually. One athlete has been prepared to take the court by storm in the new season. Sophomore Natalie Sypeck played as a single last year, and relied on herself alone. “I think it’s harder to play as a single because there is more court to cover,” she said. By attending tennis lessons throughout the year, Sypeck has managed to stay on top of her game and is anticipating the first match of the new season. Although she placed third in the districts tournament last year, she is looking forward to a redemption. “Tennis takes a lot of strength and training. If you have an off day, it really shows,” said Sypeck.

UTS

to attend. The head advisor of the fundraiser, Betsy Shultz, is excited to watch the competition between the upperclassmen. “The juniors have the most people, but the seniors have hops,” she said.

ONLINE

TIME

30 second

For pictures of the boys volleyball tryouts go to www.theblazernews.com or use your smartphone to scan the QR code.

Scan the QR code with your smartphone.

blazer sports www.theblazer news.com

mar ch 2, 2012

Stone Hart: State Champ

Inside Wrestling

Fueled behind Stone Hart’s championship victory, the wrestling team placed 11th at Mat Classic XXIV at the Tacoma Dome

By Staff Writer Zoe Herron

weight class at the preliminary Regional Tournament at Bonney Lake High School. Lancaster credited his team for his initial advancement to the state competition. “They pushed me farther than my limits let me go,” said Lancaster. Like Lancaster, sophomore Cole Stevens has elevated goals for upcoming wrestling seasons. “[I want] to take 1st place by senior year,” said Stevens. Stevens placed 2nd at the regional tournament but did not place in his division at the state match. “I practiced harder,” said Stevens. Stevens acknowledges his

n February 17-18, the Blazer wrestling team wrestled their way to 11th place overall in the Tacoma Dome at the Mat Classic State Tournament. Eight Timberline student wrestlers participated in the event, with the hope of becoming the state’s top wrestler. Five of those wrestlers earned a place title, one winning the title of 1st place. The Timberline team ranked fifth place overall at last year’s state tournament. “[The wrestlers] worked really hard and focused on technique,” said head wrestling Mat Classic XXIV Results coach Jeff Birbeck. Coming out victoStone Hart-State Champion-220 Lb. Isis Wadleigh-5th Place-100 Lb. rious was junior Stone Dean Regino-6th Place- 106 Lb. Hart, who reigned as first Nick Morf-8th Place-126 Lb. place champion in his Tyler Saichompoo-8th Place-182 Lb. weight division. Hart, who also placed 1st at Jacob Lancaster-State Competitor the regional matches, Josh Beam-State Competitor relates that winning in C ole Stevens-State Competitor his division was one of his highest priorities this season. “I was thinking about it constantly,” said Hart. “It’s the most important family for helping him advance to the high-stake match. “My family thing I wanted to achieve.” While Hart admits that the in- supported me,” said Stevens. tial time before the final matches For some Timberline wrest l e r s , like senior Dean Reginio, this was their final year comwere anxiety-causing, he credits peting at the state level. Reginio both his team and coaches for rounded out his last season with encouraging him to have confi- a score of 6th place at the state dence in himself. “[The team and tournament. Reginio recalls becoaches] would talk me up when I ing apprehensive before his state wasn’t confident,” said Hart. Hart match, but believes everything explained his feelings of excite- went smoothly once in the match. ment and shock he had after he “I was nervous [at first], but then earned the winning title: “It was everything flowed naturally,” said the best feeling in the world; it Reginio. took a half hour just to set in,” As for the upcoming season, Coach Birbeck will be losing a said Hart. few seniors, but still has high hopes for the team. “Of my eight Looking to the future Among those who went to wrestlers, only three are seniors, the state match for the first time so I’m excited for next season,” was sophomore Jacob Lancaster. said Birbeck. “Anything can hapLancaster ranked 5th place in his pen.”

“It was the best feeling iin the world.” - Stone Hart, junior.

photo by Molley Gillispie

Lift: Stone Hart, junior elevates Justin Russell of Hazen High School at Mat Classic XXIV on February 17. This initial victory would propel Hart to the state championship in the 220 pound weight class.

26 26

blazer sports sports blazer

NUMB3R5 8 mar ch 2, 2012

261 10

69 41

75 99

43 45 15

3937 3677 9

10 14 13 40

33 84

22 14

7 48

55 3329 70 28 21 32

3 34 50 On the court or on the field, what defines one player from another is the number slapped across their backs 2519

22 15

5 17

11 38

blazer talk@hotmail.com www.theblazer news.com

38 35

13 93 52

24 67 59

umber 21 belongs to sophomore volleyball player, Riley Podowicz. Podowicz’s number is a family number. If varsity boys basketball had 21 as an option Cooper Podowicz would have had the number as well, but instead Cooper chose to follow in the lead of his older brother and former Timberline student, Kole Podowicz. The story of number 21 goes beyond even just being a “family number.” “It was the day my sister was born and she passed away when she was one,” said Riley Podowicz.

umber 24 commonly associated with Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant. However, to Timberline’s junior basketball player Donovan Dorsey, it is his identity. Like many other amateur basketball players, Dorsey wears this number in honor of Bryant. “When I wear the number, I am like him,” said Dorsey. Dorsey has worn number 24 since he was about seven.

photo by Alissa Hipner

Remembrance: Senior Cooper Podowicz and sophomore Riley Podowicz wear the number 21 in honor of their sister Katlyn, who was born on June 21, 1990 and lived a short life of 13 months.

umber three is sophomore Krista Jones. Jones has been number three since her first year playing soccer. “I was the third smallest on my team,” Jones said when explaining why number three has been her number. Jones always tries to get number three, however being an underclassman, Jones has to settle for a substitute number until Senior Mackenzie McNeal moves onto college.

Whose digits are these? Position: Pitcher Favorite food: Italian Favorite color: Blue Celebrity crush: Ariana Grande

Position: Soccer forward Favorite food: Italian Favorite color: Purple Celebrity crush: Channing Tatum Answer: Alyssa Gubser

Answer: Charlie Hinson

Position: Point Guard Favorite food: Chinese Favorite color: Blue Celebrity crush: Kim Kardashian

umber 19 is senior football player James SeguraMitchell. Segura-Mitchell does not have a symbolic meaning behind his number-however it displays him as a character, unique. “It is an unusual number and no one would wear it,” said Segura-Mitchell. “I wanted to be different from everyone else.” Before 19 he was number 25 in the shadow of his dad. However, Segura-Mitchell is not planning on changing his number again, and he hopes to be number 19 while he plays for Central Washington University.

By Head Writer Amber Lewis

Answer: Sam Tarabochia

blazer sports www.theblazer news.com

mar ch 2, 2012

Inside Track and Field

how

to HURDLE

Senior Kim Aquino, shows you how to hurdle:

-Assess the distance to the hurdle, make sure you have enough speed to clear the hurdle and maintain that speed.

photo by Sawyer Hardebeck

Sights on state Determined: Senior Rashon Smith sets his sights on a state title in the 300 meter hurdles at a pre-season workout.

By Staff Writer Jordan Jennings

enior Rashon Smith knows what to expect at state. “You hear 1,200 people in the crowd go silent when the official announces: runners, take your mark,” Smith said. “It is the most sickening feeling. Your mind goes blank.” Smith has served as the captain of Timberline’s track and field squad since his junior year, and got 3rd in the 110 meter hurdles and 5th in the 300 meter hurdles last year, as a junior. This year, he turns his attention to motivating his teammates.

“Decide. Commit. Succeed,” said coach Todd Tay- 3A West Central District III. “Last year the sprinters, hurdlers, and jumpers were lor, when asked what his motto is for the 2012 track season. Last year the track team had a strong season as our greatest strength. They made up a lot of our points,” 16 people advanced to the post season, by qualifying said Taylor. for districts and state. With the 2012 season approach- “I’ve worked out more rigorously in the preseason. ing, coach Taylor and others are hoping for a successful I’ve trained harder, and in tempo I want to win, so I’m pushing myself harder and will try not to season. “I’m most excited to work with regive up so soon,” said junior Alexis Caranturning athletes, and to take the next step to dang. Others, like junior Tanner Risk, have get back out there, because we have good It [state] is the shown their commitment by recovering team chemistry,” said Taylor. Out of the 16 that made it to the post most sickening from injuries they faced in the preseason. “I’ve worked really hard in physical therseason last year three of them were seniors. apy, but I need to give time for my shoulImpact members such as Douglass Sud- feeling. Your der to heal. This year I’ll be trying differberry, Anthony Chaney, and Briana Welsh mind goes ent events so that I can fully recover,” said were lost due to graduation. But of the 13 blank. Risk. With Risk averaging about a nine returners that are left there is room for im- Rashon Smith, foot height for pole vault, his injury is provement and a season just as successful as the last. As the younger sister of last senior preventing him from doing pole vault this year. This season Risk says he’s going to years’ top runner, sophomore Jazmere Sudthrow the shot-put and discus. berry hopes to follow in her brother’s footThis year the track participants aren’t just looking to steps “My goal is to get a 12.9 on my 100 meter dash and 27 seconds on my 200 meter dash,” said Sudberry. have the sprinters, jumpers and hurdlers step up but also Others such as Davon Dansby, Rashon Smith, Halina the throwers. Sophomore Dylan Reinhold said, “I want Garraway, Sasha Weber, and Daniella Williams show to make a bigger impact this season. I want to make promising signs that they will rank very high within the it to the post season and beat my personal best which

“

-Kick your non-planted foot out and up when you get about two feet from the hurdle. Lift this leg as high as you can to make sure you clear the hurdle.

is 114 feet, 3 inches in discus and -Spring your planted foot off the 34 feet 9.50 ground. Once you have sprung inches in off the ground, pull your back shot-put.” Almost leg completely up and fold it in all the re- under your behind. turners are looking to up the intensity by beating their personal record. With the loss of key seniors there is a window of opportunity left for the returners and newcomers this season. “I hope to drop my 400 meter dash time and make it to state in the triple jump,” said sophomore Javon Watson. The season has just begun and although Taylor is excited for the returners he hopes to see new faces. “I’m hoping to see a few more kids turn out this season,” Taylor said. “I hope to see potential in the freshmen and new transfers,” said Taylor. The first meet of the season will be March 27 at South Sound Stadium against Yelm High School. With a strong finish in 2011, hard work and motivation will be needed to push deeper into post-season. With many returners on both teams, state is on the squad’s mind.

. . . . . . Blazers . . . . . . . .get

photo essay mar ch 2, 2012

www.theblazer news.com

Left: The tribal tattoo that senior Jordan Helton has on his arm is the same one that eight members of his family have. Helton got the tattoo in Dec. 2012 in Indiana.

inked

Right: The dream catcher on senior Ryan Braman’s arm reminds him of the many dream catchers that were in his late

Junior Holli Erdahl’s tattoo means “this night will be mine” in Spanish. It reminds her to live in the moment and not regret decisions she makes.

Senior Q’Asia Evans shows the tattoo that she got on Dec. 2 at Tiki Tattoo. The sparrow is symbolic of Evans’ mother’s maiden name.

Five years ago, P. E. teacher Mark Rubadue got his tattoos from a shop on Pacific Ave. Rubadue got the tattoos for their artistic value.

Treyvon Babbs, senior, got his tattoo in February from Bulldog Tattoo Parlor on Martin Way. The tattoo is from Psalm 23 of The Bible. photos by Sawyer Hardebeck and Rachael Dowd

English teacher Nick Mullen has three tattoos. This one on his chest is of his wife’s name, but he also has one of his kids’ names and a depiction of himself as a superhero.