VOLUME 97, ISSUE 11
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MAY 20, 2011
Can it be nipped in the bud? After a couple bowls, a group of daily smokers answers why they smoke pot. The large circle of boys and girls has differing answers but one guy takes the lead, saying, “It helps me feel in the right mindset and enjoy going through out my day, as well as helping me find musical inspiration.” This is obviously someone whose daily life is heavily influenced by marijuana. Perhaps it works for him, but even he, most likely, would agree that it is not very helpful to be stoned at school. School is a place where one is expected by most everyone to be in a certain state of consciousness. This consciousness that one is expected to be in is one that is not influenced by any drug or disruptive force. The consumption of marijuana is well known to many Dons. In fact, it is very common amongst the student population. It is impossible to ignore and is recognized as an issue even by the administrators. Assistant Principal Mr. Meister, who is sometimes challenged with the duty of punishing those that smoke pot, had a few things to say. When asked if he thought marijuana was a problem at this school, Meister answers, “It’s not a problem based on the amount of kids that we catch,” implying that there are more students smoking pot than there are getting caught. “Because of the legalization of marijuana, a lot of kids have kind of the wrong impression of what legality means.” As if to say, the problem lies in the ideas and the mentality of the students. The availability of marijuana affects the way that they view their usage. His personal views are not as strict as some might expect regarding those who Daniel Solis Staff Reporter
smoke marijuana. “If that’s what you choose to do, please be smart about it. Have you guys ever heard the phrase ‘time and place’?” Rates of marijuana use among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders are higher than rates for any other illicit drug. According to the office of National Drug Control Policy, the rate of current illicit drug use among young adults aged 18 to 25 climbed 8 percent, from 19.6% to 21.2%, driven largely by a 10 percent rise in marijuana use. It is not a secret that many people in this country smoke marijuana, many of them being students, the issue here is whether or not it affects or interferes with their lives in a considerable way. There are those that smoke everyday, those that smoke occasionally, and of course, those that have a valid medical reason. Marijuana, for those that don’t know, makes one think differently. This is especially problematic when placed in a system, such as a school, that requires a certain and uniform train of thought; what one would call the sober mind-set. But smokers that do well in school do exist. One of them, in fact, says that she has only two B’s and the rest A’s. She says, “I don’t let it get to my grades.” She confesses that she does smoke often, but not every day. She adds, “If it did start affecting me, I would have to make a change.” She obviously recognizes the kind of impact that marijuana can have on a person. She’s asked if she ever views her usage as a problem. She says, “The day after, I can get really moody sometimes.” and “I try not to over do it on school days.”
Although marijuana is recognized as an issue at SBHS, regulation is problematic. A sense of responsibility is felt with this girl. She says that she views smoking marijuana just as something fun to do. A way to release and relax when she’s stressed, not letting it engulf her life. Of course, her use is recreational and illicit, but what about those that do it legally for medical purposes? If one is able to acquire a Medical Marijuana Club Card, one can buy up to six pounds of marijuana from dispensaries legally. But what exactly entitles one to do
this? “Migraines, anxiety, depression, etc. Everything is wrong with me.” says an exSBHS student and owner of such a card. This girl doesn’t seem to mind that marijuana is such a big part of her life. She goes on to say, “It doesn’t hinder my performance in school. The only thing that bothers me about is that it has damaged my memory a lot,” a complaint that most smokers have. She seems to know what she is doing. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5...
Distinguished Dons earn recognition
This year’s faculty at SBHS honored twenty SBHS seniors as Distinguished Dons.
Stephanie Thornton Twenty SBHS seStaff Editor niors have recently been honored as this year’s Distinguished Dons. These seniors were chosen by teachers and faculty members based on their contributions to Santa Barbara High School and the community, extracurricular activities, grades, and outstanding citizenship. Dr. Capritto states that “the selection of these special individuals was extremely difficult as the staff worked very hard to finalize the group. The students come from diverse populations and represent a true cross section of our student population.” He continues, “Included in this year’s class are scholars, athletes, environmental-
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ists, musical and theatrical performers, artists, and political scientists. Santa Barbara High School has been blessed with an abundance of distinguished students who serve their school and local community.” The Distinguished Dons will be honored in a ceremony this coming Tuesday at 4 PM. They are (left to right, back to front): Eric Chavez, Sanford Spivey, Pepe Gil, Katy Villanueva, Tao Antrim, Geoff Hahn, Victor Rojas, Victor Rios, Lauren Rowse, Kai Miller, Emily Dall, Jake Hirsch, Angela Biancone, Robert Harell, Jennifer Navarro, Savannah Meares, Melody Woo, Erika Berglund, and Lorena Lomeli. Not pictured: Fernando Ortega.