Volume 17 Issue 2 December 2018

Sandra Day O’Connor High School

25250 N. 35th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85083

Volume 17. Issue 2. December 2018

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College is coming.....

Student Meditation Room Page 3

apply today.

Pages 10 & 11 Soccer Page 18

Winter Concerts Page 14

Schools help families with Adopt a Family

By PEYTON THOMPSON

News Editor

Schools across the Deer

people to see that there is PHOTO BY PEYTON THOMPSON Toys are collected from all those who donated in Mrs. Fetkenhier.

Jump to page 5

News 4

Page 2

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December 2018

OHS works to keep students nicotine free

By EMILY MAI

The vaping epidemic that has been sweeping the nation is currently being combatted from two fronts; the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which has started a campaign against it and now individual school districts have begun to crack down on drug abuse. DVUSD has adopted a new drug diversion program, which if completed by a student withdent, can result in a reduction of their suspension.

“The drug diversion programs offered by the district requires the student and at least one parent or guardian to participate in six hours of education, group, and individual family therapy spread out over several sessions. We believe the family component is critical as we seek to keep our students in school and focused on their education.

We are committed to being part of the solution to these themselves showing up on our campuses,” said Curtis Finch, the Superintendent of the DVUSD. Each individual case is taken into consideration by the admins on campus. Punishments for being under the

in possession of them vary from a minimum of ten days of off-school suspension to a maximum of up to two years suspension or expulsion and a referral to law enforcement that range from $200 to $500.

“For whether they are unwith paraphernalia we utilize the student rights and responsibilities handbook so that we are consistent on a regular basis but the consequences are the same [throughout the district] and they’re very straightforward,” said Justin McLain, Assistant Principal at OHS. Part of the new drug diversion program includes the use of specially-trained drug detecting dogs. These animals will be used to conduct random searches on campuses in parking lots, hallways, locker rooms, etc. They will be brought in to demonstrate the full extent of their abilities in order to further discourage students from bringing any drugs onto the “We are always striving for a safer and more secure campus for the student body and staff and everything and anything we can do to create an environment that is conductive to learning would

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FDA

integrating any and every resource that is available to us, especially the drug dogs, would be advantageous,” said Bradley Garraway, lead monitor at OHS. The administration and staff both at the district ofout for the students well-being the learning environment to be the best it can be. It is

their job to protect the students and that each incident doesn’t just affect them on a small scale.

“I think the message to the kids is: keep that stuff off this campus. If they choose to participate in those types of activities in their life it’s not good for their health and it’s not good idea in general, but more importantly they need to understand that the school is federal property. It’s

more than just Sandra Day it has to do with DVUSD which is held accountable to the state of Arizona which is held accountable to the government nationally; it’s important that students realize what the big picture is,” said McLain.

tion

By AUDREY SERRANO

With the prospect of college just on the horizon for incoming and graduating high school seniors across plays a large role in most of their applications. ated in the 1960’s to promote the education and employment of members of minority groups that are known to have previously suffered from racial discrimination.

Nowadays, it is mostly associated with colleges and their processes of holistic review, which is the process in which universities determine your acceptance based off a myriad of factors such as academic merit and essays and there’s a possibility that it may soon go away.

Earlier this year, a federal lawsuit against Harvard, ly made it to court and is causing an uproar between Asian-American communi-

PHOTO COURTESY OF PAT GREENHOUSE

conservative activist Edward Blum and a coalition known as Students for Fair Admissions claimed that Harvard was unfairly discriminating against Asian-Americans during their admissions process. Blum argues for the end recruiting Asian-American applicants as his plaintiffs, a strategy that has given this case more controversy than

the Fisher v. Texas case that he also led. action as part of their admissions process to “encourage” racial diversity, but this case seems to be not only harming Asian-Americans, but targeting civil rights as a whole as well.

Blum claims that only a small percentage of Asian-Americans make up Harvard’s student body and

the lawsuit basically argues that many are being rejected because of being Asian. According to Forbes, though, legacy admissions hold a higher percentage so that shows that Harvard, in general, is truly unfair when it comes to accepting students.

The plaintiffs forced Harvard to release their admissions statistics and according to CNN in 2018, it was revealed that Asian-Americans

make up 23% of Harvard’s 2022 graduating class.

With the more conservative Kavanaugh replacing former Justice Anthony Kennedy, who took the Fisher v. Texas case and rejected the elimiback in 2016, there is a larger possibility than before that ger be a part of college admissions processes, either for

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December 2018

Meditation Room brings peace to campus

3

PHOTOS BY HANNAH LORENZO With the school adding in a new room for students to relax during breaks, they take it upon themselves to decorate the room with a wonderfully themed attire to help kids relax easier during the school day.

“It is an open forum for we’re all attached to all the banks, sophomore, explains about it, but she can already

By HANNAH LORENZO faculty and staff community time, you know a lot of us that it’s a release from the tell that there will be future Features Editor members to come at any time have just lost track of who “stressors at home,” for ex- achievements involved. the school’s open to be an we really are,” said Salameh. ample, and heads there once “I hope that it’ll continThe Meditation Room is a outlet for, in mindfulness apThe Meditation Room is a week to escape the pressure ue because I really can see it place on campus where stu- proach, to be healthier,” said convenient for people to come of her problems. helping a lot of people,” Meydents and staff can go to re- Shane Hesse, health teacher. and meditate during school “I sit down, I cross my legs er said. “I know that a bunch lax a little and ease off some The health classes also par- hours. Here, there are helpful and I breathe. I put music on of colleges have started doing of the stress of their every- ticipated in learning more tools that introduce a relaxed and just listen,” Fairbanks things similar to this, and day lives. SWAT and health about the concept of the feeling, such as app links for said.

I know they’re seeing a lot classes have done their best to room at the beginning of the music, guided meditation, Although the whole school of improvement in mental spread more awareness about school year, where they lisand comfy chairs. is not completely aware of health of their students.” tened to a mindfulness and “You could ask for a pass As the Meditation Room wellness. While this is a fair- meditation seminar. Then afand go to the library, and reaches for more popularity ly new addition to the school, terwards, they had the basic I sit down, I cross within OHS, the main reathe room has already made information needed to share become present,” Hesse said. son as to why it was created a huge impact for those who with the rest of the school. my legs and I The actual meditation that have contributed to its devel- Salameh expresses how esoccurs within the room is breathe. I put take prominence. Salameh reopment as well as people who sential spreading the word meant to allow someone to really is. music on and just high school experience, where clear their mind and get back mosphere.

“This is important because to the right mindset without loneliness took over. Now, she Last year, SWAT team students need to be thinking listen.” aims to make sure that the leaders went to a Shark Tank about more than their grades of day.

-Fairbanks room can be the place where competition to pitch their and their relationships with “And being present just people are comfortable and idea of a meditation room. As other students,” Salameh means that sometimes, carried away from the fear of a result, they won and earned said. you’re able to calm down,” this section, people who have not having some sort of prothe grant that gave them the Getting more people to uti- said Hesse. “Get yourself recently discovered it can give tection. funds to build the room. Con- lize and enjoy the Meditation back to a good state of mind an outside perspective.

“So, I’ve just tried to heal “I think it has the poten- a few more hearts, I think, and then refocus your time end of April this year with hers, and she wants students, and your energy to be able tial of helping a lot of stu- with this,” said Salameh. the help of Gail Salameh, in particular, to see the bigger to go back to your classroom dents cope, especially with “There’s mindfulness and librarian, who planned the picture. and be successful.” there’s ‘heartfulness’ too. If location and equipment as up, I feel like it could relieve they can go in there and feel “Well, I’m a meditator, so supervisor. The Meditation for me, it’s extremely imthe Meditation Room can be a lot of anxiety,” said Cassidy their inner love again, that’s Room is located in the li- portant. I think a lot of us, seen through students who Meyer, senior. a great thing, too.”

Meyer only just heard especially with these screens use it often. Amber Fairand access the room easily.

“

By CHASE WYATT

A seasonal job is a great way for a student to get work experience. Many retailers offer such jobs. Tilly’s, Amerare presenting students with job offers during the holiday season to students looking for work.

Destiny Carlson, senior, currently has a job at Tilly’s, as a sales associate. She suggests that students who wish to have a job and earn work experience to get a seasonal job, whether you get to stay on the job after or not. wracking just thinking you

signed yourself up for only a few months, and if you’re not doing as well as they thought you would be or if you’re not what they need at that time, that after December, you’re other job after season is a lot harder than you think it would be during the season,” Carlson said.

Haley Simonds, senior, has a seasonal job at American enjoys her job. She appreciates the fact that her job doesn’t get in the way of her school work or STUGO. “It’s kind of nice this time of year since you’re not scheduled as much as a normal job would, so you still and stuff like that. And also

it kind of helps if you aren’t passionate about your job at the end of the season, you have a way out,” Simonds said.

Carlson suggests that if you want a place to work, work at a retail store at the mall, such as Tilly’s, as she’s gotten a lot of experience from it and loves her fellow co-workers.

“I really enjoy it because they’re very good with their customers and numerous times there will be a black friday sale sign still up and we just forgot to take it down and we’ll still accommodate to that because that’s on us, not the customer. And so i just think the managers and everybody are really good with their customers,” Carlson said.

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December 2018

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Parent night to educate on teen drug abuse

By LEXI GASS

The Secret Life of the American Teenager is both a popular tv show from the years 2008-2013 and also a very real truth when it comes to the many struggles that millions of teenagers face.

Among the most common issues in a teenager’s life are substance abuse and mental health struggles, things which can easily go overlooked or even ignored by a guardian.

There are many issues that teenagers face every day that go way deeper than just deciding what to wear and who to hang out with. Many teenagers deal with some very serious issues, and parents might be oblivious to that fact.

On Nov 29, 2018, the

OHS counseling department brought in two drug abuse and mental health experts, Stephanie Siete and Meagan Foxx, respectively, to talk to parents about the struggles their children might be going through.

“We have worked with these speakers before,” said Kathleen Giacini, a counselor at OHS. “They have been around our district at different events, so we just really liked what they had to say.

We were excited because they were very open to wanting to partner with us to really help parents help students and bring more awareness to their issues.”

PHOTO BY LEXI GASS Stephanie Siete, a representative from Community Bridges, speaks to parents about the dangers of marijuana and vaping. organization that provides individuals and families with the session featured Meamedical and behavioral their mental struggles. gan Foxx, a clinical director health programs to help both Siete focused on the vaping epidemic sweeping the Foxx’s presentation focused nation. Siete informed the on the vast mental health isparents in attendance the sues consuming the lives of different types of vape de- many teenagers. vices and the harm it can do Foxx spoke on the topics to a person. Astounding facts of anxiety and depression in about the many different teenagers, and particularly forms that drugs can come in what a parent can do to help helped to open the parent’s their child through it all. eyes to the world their teen“It’s incredibly importager is submerged in. ant [to have parent nights] “I think that issues because [awareness] starts like drug awareness are in with the parents,” Foxx said. schools, in Arizona, and gen- “If we’re going to be making erally across the nation,” said any sort of changes and help Lindsay Nelson, a counselor kids, it has to start with the at OHS. “Something that’s parents. It takes us changing our behavior as parents to to be addressed. I think that be good models for the kids [the event] was a great way and to really lead them in the to get the message out there right direction.” to parents.”

PHOTO BY LEXI GASS The second hour of The parents in attendance of the OHS Drug Abuse and Mental Health Awareness night watch a newscast about vape.

By KENDALL DEAL

This year OHS Advanced Placement Government and Economics debuted a new approach to the teaching of these courses.

The class is taught by Alan Baker and Will Jones, teaching economics and government respectively. The unique feature about this course is that rather than dividing it into two semesters like a regular or dual class, every three weeks the classes swap. cial in the long run for the AP tests because it helps keep the information from both classes fresh in our heads, but in the short run it can be confusing to switch between classes so often. Three weeks seems like a long time, but it’s actually really short,” said Ethan Myers, senior.

Each student learns at a different pace and while switching often may help some, others struggle with the switch.

“Personally, I don’t think that you can get a lot of knowledge in because, if you

hour session was speaker Stephanie Siete, a public in-

break it up like that your ideas can’t set; it’s just very frustrating when you’re able to grasp one concept and then you have to immediately switch,” said Ian O’Donnell, senior.

Students seem to share these frustrations, and have different outlooks on a solution to solve the struggles they experience within the two classes.

“Having one teacher that

teaches both classes would ing to remember where I was in one class and having one Barron said.

While some believe a single teacher is the solution to their struggles in the class, others believe switching at the semester mark, like other government and economics classes would easily solve the problem.

PHOTO BY KENDALL DEAL AP Gov/Econ students in class learning a new lesson.

“I think we should switch each semester, when switching it’s easier to be mixing up the concepts, because we aren’t given a lot of time we don’t get the full punch of each concept,” O’Donnell said.

Though the class has its challenges, it also has its ben-

en contact with both of their teachers, giving students an entire year to learn and develop the concepts that will be on the AP test they can take in May. Within the classes ideas are shared, a concept learned in one classroom maybe transferred into the other allowing for a deeper understanding.

Check out the Talon on Twitter @thetalonOHS for more great upto-date stories

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By ROHAN PATEL

Sports Editor

High school graduation is a bittersweet moment for seniors. It celebrates the accomplishments of the senior class, but it could also friends. However, this year, seniors have the opportunity to go on a senior trip to California, which allows seniors to make long lasting memories with their friends and properly commemorate the end of their high school chapter.

Seniors will get to go to multiple destinations in California, including Disneyland, Six Flags, and Huntington Beach. The trip starts on May 28 and ends on May 31.

The trip is not being organized by the school, but by a company called My Grad Trip. Because of this, the OHS seniors will be traveling with many other schools to California.

“I don’t think it’s through the school because we’re not meeting up at school, we’re meeting up at a different location to get on a bus.

There’s a bunch of different schools going,” said Natalie Matyskiel, senior.

The cost for the trip was $485, but most of the seniors

going on the trip felt it was worth the cost.

“I remember [the cost] actually being pretty cheap for going to all those three places. It’s really affordable and it’s also paying for the trip there, and for the hotels, and all the food,” said Yumin Han, senior.

Additionally, the cost would have actually been more expensive if seniors were to go by themselves, making the trip a more viable option. “[The trip] does let people have this one last trip and it’s discounted so we don’t have to pay or drive and I like that option a lot,” Matyskiel said.

The trip allows seniors, like Taylor Maus, to bond and have a good time with friends.

“I think it’d be great just to hang out with my friends because we’ve wanted to go to Disneyland together and it’s just easier to have a whole trip planned for us already,” Maus said.

This experience also serves seniors split up and pursue their own paths.

“It’s like one last celebratory event because everybody is going somewhere different for college, some people are going out of state, some people are even going out of the country

By ISABELLA FOSTER

Photography Editor

Winter Guard is a sport that pulls color guard aspects from normal marching band and includes intricate dancing to songs. Performers

and swords. Routines are intricate and move the audience as they watch in different competitions. As the season starts, students go through rigorous tryouts to

PHOTO BY CASSIDY MOORE

Page 5

and you may never see them again. So I think it’s just really important to make those memories with them while you can and this is a really great opportunity for that,” Han said.

Matyskiel also feels that the trip allows seniors to spend time together without the pressure of high school.

“

This is one last chance to make a bunch of memories.”

“I know a lot of people split up after [high school], everyone goes their separate ways so this is one last chance to make a bunch of memories and just do stupid stuff together,” Matyskiel said.

Maus sees the trip as a way to celebrate their years in high school before they go to college.

“I guess it is a last hurrah before we leave to college, before we see each other [again] and it’s just a big trip for everyone and it’s just a good time to have,” Maus said.

The trip gives seniors a

PHOTO COURTSEY OF MY GRAD TRIP chance to spend time with their friends and have a sense of freedom as they spend a couple days in a different state.

“It’s like your senior year, it’s kind of important, you adult, you can leave and do stuff and so now we can go somewhere without parents watching over your shoulder,” Han said. “You can do all these things with your friends and spend the

get the chance to be a part of this different sport.

Challenging three to four minute routines are performed in a gym to songs or poems. These routines contain more than what meets the eye, the hardwork and dedication to execute intricate throws that add emotion to the story that is the show.

Winterguard is more than

performer and the audience.

“What I’m excited for is to move the audience with our shows; I always put so much emotion into performing when I do it, so whenever I perform I can just feel the emotion in the audience,” said Sydney Rost, junior.

When it comes to tryouts, coaches will help you improve and train you, so you can be a part of the experience.

“Our coaches never make

paying close attention to the movement of the participants instead of the music or dance moves is the real show stopper.

“Focus on seeing how we’re moving; there’s a lot

you’re not good; if they see something in you and they see that you’re trying to improve your skill and ability in it then they will let you be on the team and they’ll help you improve throughout the season to keep improving and keep getting better,” Rost said.

From freshman to seniors,

you’re arms go in really weird ways and there’s a lot more to it that also affects the story that is going on that you may not notice,” said Mackenzie Moore, senior.

Emotion put into performing makes the Winter Guard show an exceptional performance; it creates a connection between the

year or last, in the end all of the Winter Guard performers join to create a show that will hit close to home. The OHS Winter Guard team comes together as a family and creates memories that

nights with them for a whole week in a whole different state and that’s just kind of nice. It’s like freedom.”

Most importantly, however, the trip provides a sense memories made on the trip will surely not be forgotten and will help seniors move onto the next chapter of life.

“I just want to ride roller coasters and scream with them,” Han said.

couldn’t be created anywhere else.

“I’m really excited for making friends and the fun experiences,” said Brooke Tatro, junior.

Each year brings new choreography and in this upcoming season winter guard will be performing routines that have been in the works for years.

“The show that we’re doing this year, our coaches have planned for a very long time, they’ve had the idea for a while and I think it will be really interesting to see how it turns out,” Rost said.

Winter Guard isn’t all what it seems. Hardwork and dedication is just the half of it, the other half is just excitement and fun. In the end, it is worthwhile for every performer.

“It’s a lot of hardwork and there is a lot of stuff that goes into it and it’s an amazing sport to be a part of; it’s fun and it’s creative and it makes you improve so many skills that are useful to you on the outside,” Rost said.

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6 December 2018

Ready… Set...

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Improv!

PHOTO BY EMILY MAI Harrison Staley, sophmore, Delan Hafeed, junior , John Roush, senior, and Natalie Matyskiel, senior, watch in awe at the improv auditions. opportunity for new people a hat. So we don’t go up there

By PEYTON THOMPSON to join. This way, the same with a plan; we go up there News Editor team will stay through both and improvise our entire And… Action! OHS’ im- semesters with a possibility skit,” O’Leary said.

As a part of auditions, stuprov team has come back of new faces being seen on stage second semester. dents play an assortment of bigger and better this year.

In order to understand the games and are encouraged to From holding more frequent basics of an improv show, it volunteer as much as possiimprov shows to having their is good to know exactly what ble. own club picture in the year“The way auditions go is book, the team is shining improv is. Thackery O’Leary, that it runs a lot like one of bright like the stars they are. what it is and how a perforour practices.

So we are just Improv is trying something mance works. doing games and if you want new with their auditions this “Improv is people going up to be on the team you have year. Instead of having ev[on stage] and playing games to get up, hop in, and give it eryone already on the team and they have to make up all your shot and try your best. re-audition in December, like the comedy, all the lines, all And it’s a lot of participation in previous years, it is also an the situations at the drop of that goes into auditioning,” said Matthew Toole, senior.

A lot of improv is thinking on your feet. So in order to make their shows the best they can be, the team practices games to get better at that aspect of performing.

“A lot of the preparation we do is just getting ourselves in that quick thinking mode. So we practice games that we’re going to do on stage to make sure people are comfortable with them. And we do just a lot of trying to get all the really bad ideas out so that we PHOTO BY EMILY MAI have good ones for the show,” Matt Toole and Daniel Wheat, seniors, enjoy performing in front of their team.

Toole said.

Although improv shows close... so we’ve had some joyed a lot. And then once I are about knowing how to really good shows this year,” tried out, I got with a group play the games and thinking O’Leary said. of people that I really enfast, team bonding is also Not only is the perfor- joyed being with and we get an essential part to having a mance an enjoyable experi- to express ourselves and just smooth performance. ence for the audience, it is a kind of joke around without “A lot of our rehearsals are lot of fun for the actors and fear of being judged,” said getting to know the games actresses as well. Improv can O’Leary. so we understand how to do become a place where people them. And becoming better feel like they can let their perfriends with the people we sonalities shine. are on a team with, because “For some reason it was PHOTO BY EMILY MAI it creates a better show. And just something that I enRiley Williams, senior, addresses the group. this year we are extremely

Continued from cover, Schools help families with Adopt a Family This inspires them to focus on other people’s needs rather than just their own.

“It’s an opportunity for students to realize the bigger scheme of things… it shows awareness that people in our community, because they are in our school district, are less fortunate [and] don’t have

[some of the] simple things,” said Melissa Portela, sports medicine teacher.

By contributing to Adopt a Family project, it helps people in the community and change people’s lives one small step at a time.

“I know that everywhere else at stores they have ‘hey,

donate donate donate’ but you don’t know where it’s going to. So this aspect, it’s somebody in our community that is struggling, that does need some help, and if we can help out a little bit it just shows that we are one big family, one big community together,” Portela said.

In the end, Adopt a Family creates a sense of community bringing everyone together, students and district employees alike, to help the lives of less fortunate families this holiday season.

“It does help our school and our community come together. Because we have

our students, we have our department that are all kind of coming together to help the Adopt a Family. Like whatever we can’t get, other people will hopefully kind of chime in and help purchase as well.

So it helps bring us closer together,” Portela said.

The Talon

thetalonohs.com

December 2018

7

West-MEC aids students for future careers

By ROHAN PATEL

Sports Editor

The biggest problem that most students in high school are worrying about is not likely their future occupation, but rather some minute details that will not have a large effect on their have already planned for their future and have chosen a career path that they these students go to West specialized classes that will help them succeed in their One of the students in is studying nursing and feels that the program allows her “We’ve just been learning all the different skills that I would need to be a nurse in the end so I think it’s really helpful to get ahead of other kids that are just starting out in nursing and don’t take

Ian O’Donnell is a senior studying law enforcement, and he also feels that West necessary skills well ahead of “It would essentially give you a leg up because you already have the basics them more but as you keep practicing through the West

Ari Corcetti, a senior in the cosmetology program, explains the basis of what “We learn physical things like coloring, cutting, perming, nails, some makeup stuff, but other than that we learn professional development like how to talk to people, how to suit your client because the most important part is doing what your client wants and making sure they’re happy and feel good with what you’re However, being in the West

take about 20 minutes and the classes often happen in the middle of the day, both of which can disrupt students’ “I think it does [mess up

“

It would essentially give you a leg up because you already have the basics down.”

-Ian O’Donnell

hard because I’m there for two hours every single day

“I have a job so I have to change my availability hours and I can’t work until 5 or 6 because it’s like 40 minutes away from my house, so it takes 40 minutes to get there and home and I have to go straight there after I get out can take up time during the school day, meaning that students miss some class this, students have to get ahead or make up credits so they can meet graduation “I’ve been ahead on my credits since I was a freshman cause I did online over the summer but I had to quit marching band for it, mostly because I was getting burned out from the season that Despite

Students who have jobs senior in the dental program,

PHOTO COURTESY OF SPS+ ARCHITECTS you’re at school and learning, you’re having a lot of fun doing it, granted that is the instructor and the people in the class, but it’s something that you’re willing to give

these

Overall, most students say that they would highly

helps you get ahead and prepares you and most of the places that you go to, like mine is part of Gateway Community College, they have community college standards so it’s a lot more lot more individualized and I

setbacks,

impact students in their

the experience they get is

“It’ll help you get a better start into your career pathway that you want to

“I would say [it’s worth relatively fun so even though Editors-in-Chief:

Sports Editor:

Staff Writers:

Cassidy Moore* Nikki Hazelett

Rohan Patel*

Lexi Gass*

Editorial Chief:

Katie Caccavale

Copy Chief:

Audrey Serrano

Logan Frandsen*

Chris Bonifaz

News Editor: Adviser:

The Talon is published as a forum for student opinion at Sandra Day O’Connor High School: part of the Deer Valley

print publications in are of those of The Talon staff and do not the editor must be signed and dropped off in Room 508, e-mailed Visit The Talon online

The Talon is an award winning publication may be edited for with dozens of awards content and/or space for it’s staff members as well as ranked the or libelous statements top online publication and one of the top

Cindy Garraway

Peyton Thompson Teanna Meagher Features Editor:

Photo Editor: Isabella Foster

Hannah Lorenzo

Sadrac Rainey* Chase Wyatt

Arts and

Business Manager: Entertainment Editor: Kendall Deal Peighton Gellings

Emily Mai*

*Denotes member of editorial board.

8

December 2018

Gally Cook freshman

It’s a lot of fun being happy. I know it’s not always the easiest to do, but it’s so much fun. Just do the things that make you happy.

“

“

“

“

Stay motivated because there is a future waiting for you. I know some people are struggling with depression and don’t really see the point in trying, but if you can get through high school or a technical school or a community college or a college or if you go straight to work, there is something that you can be useful for.

No matter what, know that you’re useful, even when you don’t think you are.

Chase Toncheff senior

aptured Interviews and photography by Cassidy Moore, Isabella Foster and Lexi Gass

@OC_CAPTURED

“

One year on my birthday, my class threw me a surprise party.

“

candy, they gave me a shirt that said ‘World’s Goodest Teacher,’ and everything was spelled wrong and they all signed it. We all went outside, and they had brought coke and brownies so we had those and we hit the pinata.

Ronda Cunningham english teacher

@OC_CAPTURED

10 December 2018

Arizona State University

By NIKKI HAZELETT

By KENDALL DEAL

Editor-in-Chief

Business Manager

The University of Arizo-

Application Deadline

May 1st

2019

The institution stretch-

Priority

Deadline

FAFSA Jan. 1st 2019

FORKS UP

University of Arizona is

ties there for research than

sororities to further their

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University of Arizona

11

Northern Arizona University

By CASSIDY MOORE

Editor-in-Chief

Application Deadline

Application Deadline

May 1st

May 1st 2019

2019

Arizona University offers Phoenix natives a chance

Priority Deadline

FAFSA

March 1st

2019

BEAR DOWN

Priority

Deadline

FAFSA Feb. 1st 2019

GO

JACKS

4

Opinions thetalonohs.com

Page 12

Editorial: Immigration actions unnecessary

Border security has been a heated topic in the news, frequently mentioned in politics throughout the past decade. The issue was

base of

as well due to what could be

Obama’s DACA programs

to send hundreds of troops, who can’t necessarily detain the migrants, to the border.

Trump paints a picture of a ‘border crisis’. Sure, the immigration situation isn’t as good as it could be but it is most certainly not a crisis.

granting amnesty to more than 5 million undocumented immigrants. In current times a complete 180 degree turn on the issue, attempting to end the DACA program and secure more border security funding to build Trump’s “beautiful, big wall”.

was a crisis. 9/11 was a crisis. The Boston Marathon bombings were a crisis. This border situation is not a crisis.

If the administration wants

of migrants numbering in heading to the US-Mexico border, towards California. responded to this by sending to contain the unarmed migrants.

Trump strangely preached immigration a great amount on the campaign trail, yet once the election ended the administration went silent

supporters. Now

PHOTO COURTESY OF INTERNATIONAL NEWS Donald Trump, pictured second to left, orders 5,200 new border troops to patrol the border in the wake of a caravan of Guatemalan migrants. also lies within the failure of more than a decade to become legislation or will they stay legal citizens, which is not silent on the issue now that immigrants for citizenship.

There are currently 411 asylum from harsh conditions is a question the nation will judges on staff to adjudicate the answer to.

Regardless, the entire problem Trump is trying to address with his border wall

pending immigration cases,

It seems as if fearmongering tactics were used in order to get Trump’s agenda across to his committed

system that’s causing the problem rather than blaming pot’ it’s always touted to be. This problem is most if we continue to face fearsituation will stay the way it is and maybe get worse.

Mobile games usher in a new era of gaming

By CHRIS BONIFAZ

was “popular” at the time, but no one was hitting it big. games they made were all the same and the masses got tired and bored of something they

boxes to computer power houses, the way people play has changed drastically.

The newest addition to the family is in the palm of your hands. Recently

before. change, but didn’t want to put effort on a full blown story because that type of story was more for games Dead Redemption or Halo.

your phone.

Mobile games started out For example, Flappy Bird buzzed about mobile games.

player want to be the most powerful they can be.

The perfect example of a company that adopted this

Bros., Contract Killer, and

up for.

The buying part of these

challenged the old style of

comes to mind. The creators

sniper shoot the target”, “you’re a gladiator rise to the up by 3D worlds not just a and you could customize not only your character but their equipment as well.

Finally things you did in the game actually mattered and you could get better by buying new equipment for your character to do more damage with a better sword enemies by buying that gold

a “pay to win” system. You could pay real world currency and get high powered gear for doing nothing but putting in those sweet credit card numbers.

This caused a tremendous companies jump on this new “pay to win”. This did not sell well with people, especially where you could just pay to get the best cards and you would dominate other players This caused casual players to stop playing these games

past four years by releasing graphics and new items to People were getting less and less interested with mobile games, but the big companies because the people who stayed had endlessly spent money on these games came out.

Scan the QR code to continue reading this story!

the bird go through mazes of pipes.

The creator of Flappy Bird, Dong Nguyen, started this game was a major success, Nguyen shut the game down for personal reasons thus single handedly ending this era of mobile games.

After this, companies and indie startups were all racing title. They started releasing games in the simple style that

because they did not want to waste money or put immense amounts of time into the game. This left the players who had extra cash lying around and the hardcore fan base that didn’t mind grinding days into the game.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GADGETMATCH.COM Hearthstone, the game pictured above, was a very popular mobile game with its mobile version released in 2014.

The Talon

13 December 2018

thetalonohs.com

Glendale Glitters lights up the holiday season

By TEANNA MEAGHER

Glendale Glitters is celebrating 25 years of business. With 1.6 million beautiful Christmas lights hung from every street light, small shop, and trees, historic

downtown Glendale is lit up.

Everyday from 5 to 11 p.m., the lights glow bright for the families to come see.

The gorgeous wrapped trees surrounding food trucks, live music and joy, bring together families for this cold season.

The laughter and smiles

on everyone’s face makes Glendale Glitters a wonderful place to witness the colorful array.

The steaming cup of coco in your hand and different foods surrounding the lights makes for a good family night. Vendors line the streets

with sweet treats, cute little souvenirs and much more that can be given as gifts for the season.

Along the lights are family oriented restaurants to stop and grab a bite to eat with food from all over the world such as Italian, Polish, German, Mexican and even Vietnamese food. With the wide variety of food to eat, families can make their way through the streets full and happy.

Lining 16 blocks of historic downtown are not only lights, with

PHOTO BY TEANNA MEAGHER With lights shining all about, people come nightly to see the beautiful abstract of color.

By KATIE CACCAVALE

With new Christmas movies being introduced to the public, some viewers begin to see the same plot over and over again. Along with storylines, challenges begin to repeat themselves in different movies, making “Arthur Christmas (2011)” featuring James McAvoy, is a boy named Arthur, whose father is the one and only Santa Claus. In the movie as well, Santa shows a new way to deliver presents, which is sort of unnatural. But then again, it’s all about saving Christmas.

In a Christmas staple, “The Polar Express (2004)” featuring Tom Hanks, follows the adventures of a young boy on Christmas Eve as he journeys to see Santa, on a magical train. Santa is

By SADRAC RAINEY

Hindered only by the progression of time, classics, in any medium, offer a more grounded presentation. By being set in values held in place by time the Christmas season offers this sense of tradition in tandem with a more nostalgic perspective, even without experiencing Animation

has

changed

seen with his elves as helpers rather than “spies”. Even though, many people see this as a Christmas classic, some may see it as a confusing movie, seeing as many kids are on a train traveling a great distance to see Santa with no parents.

All together, both of these movies are just so different but end with the same plot that Christmas is saved and all the kids of the world get their presents for Christmas Day. Seeing these plots/ endings happening in almost every animated Christmas movie, it tends to get too dull to even watch. Without any interesting changes being applied to new movies, people might stop going to the movies.

“The Grinch (2018)” featuring Benedict Cumberbatch, is about a grumpy Grinch trying to ruin Christmas for everyone in the village of Whoville.

throughout the 20th century all for the convenience of both sides of the screen. comprehensible speech add to the experience of the viewer all while in a reduction in costs to produce.

Produced by Videocraft International, Rudolph the way to a market not yet truly explored before it. They focused on a patented form of stop motion animation,

antique

collectibles.

holiday cheer as they have decor and music playing for everyone to hear. People pass through the shops, soaking in the heat before making their way to the next activity.

After awhile, walking

can be painful on your feet.

Luckily, for $25 they have horse drawn carriages which memories in a carriage, strolling down the street, while gawking at the lights can really bring warmness into your heart. The sound of the horses hooves clicking children can draw glee from anyone.

The holidays are meant to be celebrated with family and love in your heart. Glendale Glitters is an amazing way to bring families together and a smile on their face.The lights, food, shops, and just the joy can bring anyone into the holiday spirit. And what a better way to end the year than a blanket around your shoulders, a cup of hot cocoa, and the ravishing sight of Christmas lights.

this movie keeps to the same plot and challenges as all the other Grinch movies do.

With the writers trying to put a new twist on this old classic, some believe the changes should have never happened, basically saying that the movie was better before all the revisions took place.

These post 2000’s live action movies are more superior than the animated movies have deeper plots and challenges to them, making every movie different than the next one.

“Elf (2003)” featuring Will Ferrell, shows Buddy the elf is great representation of pure humor. As this plot contains a variety of issues for the main character to face, rather than having just one challenge for him/her to overcome. Having more blocks in the road makes the known as “Animagic”, and utilizing an iconic story has only added to historic fame Sharing many techniques used by Videocraft, Santa Claus Comin’ to Town is based on the same Japanese “Animagic” technique.

Although, unlike the former, it bases itself off of nothing before it, a story completely original. This subsequently has led to the release of the story in other mediums, such as a novelization. themselves on time honored work, as timeless hours were spent in their production. A certain sense of pride could be taken in such work, but without substance to them, a worthwhile story they become worthless. This isn’t a case here though as the story rivals the prevention itself on more than one occasion, which is what gave rise to the

“Christmas with the Kranks (2004)” featuring Tim Allen, is about how the holidays are seen as a crazy adventure for this family. With a last minute Christmas, many problems begin to rise about, it begins to test the bond of the family. Everyone can relate to this movie,especially the summary. Almost every family gets a bit crazy during

although more traditional in technique has absurdity in its entirety. How the Grinch Stole Christmas, while having no real specialty, the movie focused more with the adaptation of book to animation, with the director hand with Dr. Seuss. Though with revision, fundamental alteration occurs from the Grinch with his now infamous green color, and scenes were added to extend he runtime, such as the Grinch’s descent into Whoville.

The start of a noticeable Christmas movies has reared into the spotlight; as they’ve turned from upbeat drama pieces all for the lackadaisical whimsy of the season. Basing themselves more for comedy than drama, and while this

the Christmas season, having this movie to relate back to, brings laughter into the movie world.

The two movies that are being featured for non animated christmas movies are surely different when compared to one another.

With different challenges and storylines, these changes animated movies in more ways than one. itself, there is a certain lack of writing when coming into a genre based on it. While classic comedies offer timeless singers the past is needed to be dug up year after year, as subsequently the later releases lack the same spark from their predecessors.

Films such as Santa Clause, Home Alone, and Scrooged offer a more mature sense of humor as the movies themselves have ripened to match. While humor tends to be subjective in taste, Christmas movies are designed to market towards the largest common denominator of consumers, leaving these classics in a somewhat pristine condition.

As they age they don’t grow stale which could usually be said about many comedy Christmas coat of paint has kept them in place.

4

Arts & Entertainment

December 2018

thetalonohs.com

Page 14

Marching band returns with winter concert

By PEIGHTON GELLINGS Arts and Entertainment Editor

With every note played and step taken, the marching band has triumphed over all of the rest. They have succeeded time after time and now the marching season has come to an end. Their last performance of “Pure Imagination” has come and gone and with it, the obstacles that have loomed over the past semester.

On Thursday, Nov 29 the band picked up their instruments and played their show for the last time. a great deal of important things; it showcased the idea that as humans we focus a good majority of our time on more analytical aspects in life, when we should look more towards the creative side.

Chantel Visser, sophomore, season this year.

“Our show [is] supposed to be the difference between the left and the right [side of the] brain which is more creative.

The left brain is analytical and all numbers, which is what we use in school. We spend so much time in there that when we go see this world in the right brain, it’s all colorful and we can do so

much more with the world,” Visser said.

Unfortunately the season came to end at the state competition.

The band thought that they would make it farther, and were surprised when they didn’t.

Although, the year is not over just yet.

“I think that it ended a lot shorter than we expected it to and we were very sad about it, but we are going into concert season now where we are not doing as much practice and I think that’s a little different because we don’t have as [many] responsibilities anymore,” said Visser.

Even though the band didn’t make it as far as they wanted to, it didn’t damage their spirits.

Braedyn Pentowski, sophomore, is the tuba section leader and hasn’t let the competition season get her down.

“Now that it’s coming to an end, I’m going to miss all of those late band nights, but I feel like we’ve tried our hardest. We couldn’t have done any better and we really put our all into this,” Pentowski said.

The band has had to overcome many obstacles throughout the duration of the semester. Their band

PHOTO BY CASSIDY MOORE Braedyn Pentowski, sophomore, helps prepare others to perform a wonderful winter concert. director, Melanie Britton, impact on the band. Instead Nov 29 concluded the end to resigned just before they they once again triumphed an amazing season, despite were about to go to the state and saw the positivity within everything that occurred. competition. the circumstance instead.

“Our drum majors and “I personally overcome Davin Song, senior, is the our directors tried to keep it by relying on my band trumpet section leader. us pumped and motivated members because we are all “It was hard and, to some and we kept going,” Visser a family here and we support degree, it made us closer to said. “When Ms. Britton left each other and sometimes each other and we didn’t [we asked ourselves] ‘Are you doing this for someone? Are support other bandmates,” there was staff and other we doing for ourselves? Are said Pentowski. “As a band we people that stepped up. We we doing it for our families have overcome it by showing really banded together and that wanted us to do this?,’ our hardwork and dedication supported each other; that’s and that really motivated us to the season and making it really how we got through to keep our feet moving on our best for the seniors.” this season, because of each This shortcoming didn’t other,” said Song. have a truly drastic, negative Overall, the band show on

Tyler The Creator adds a modern take to Christmas

By CHRIS BONIFAZ

so that means Christmas music is in full force. People’s classics because you can’t go wrong with them.

However, there are new options every year to try to give Christmas a new sound.

Most of the time they fall rather than a thought out Christmas song or album.

Tyler The Creator really tried to make a Christmas album that was unique but still felt like Christmas. This inspiration came from Tyler working on the new animated Grinch movie “The Grinch” soundtrack. This means that the album came from a place of care and thought because he wasn’t just doing it for the money or attention.

This dedication really shows in the songs he made because they border the line between classic and new age perfectly, they never cross too much into the other’s territory.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HIPHOPDX.COM

based on, the songs take a lot from the new generation, and

it’s melodies are sectioned off and feel very uniform. This is unlike the old Christmas jingles where there are sweeping pianos and chorus, but in this album the beat is more of a rap album.

People would think the combination of rap and Christmas would be too different to be good, but Tyler makes it seem like they have been dying to meet, but it’s not just the beat that makes this album special. three albums were explicit and didn’t cater to a child like audience, but from his 4th album, “Flower Boy”, he took a more mature approach with a more melodic and serious tone.

He took heavily from this album to make the songs and where this shines most is “Lights on”. He uses artists Ryan Beatty and Santigold to give the song a whimsical feel, but brings it back down with his deep and raspy voice.

Overall the album is for a new generation that is tired of the old classics and wants something different to play over Christmas dinner.

thetalonohs.com

The Talon

December 2018

15

By AUDREY SERRANO

Copy Chief

This winter, the amount

PHOTOS COURTESY OF IMDb

of those of someone in the

Choir prepares to vocalize Christmas cheer

By LOGAN FRANDSEN

Editorial Chief

“

We always say ‘may the music never end at the very end, and that’s true because our hearts will keep singing, the song keeps ringing.”

-Ahren Boender

for entertainment at this

PHOTO BY ISABELLA FOSTER (Left to right) Rebekah Wucinich, Shruthi Sundaranand, Brooklyn Caruthers sing in harmony

PHOTO BY ISABELLA FOSTER Honor chorus practices in the days before the show.

The Talon

16 December 2018

thetalonohs.com PHOTO BY LEXI GASS

Dancing queens outshine the night in recital

By LEXI GASS

As the air starts to chill and the semester comes to an end, students get ready to showcase what they have learned in the school year so far. In particular, the dance classes prepare to take the stage over the course of two days to show the school what they have worked on for the past few months of the school year.

On Dec 6-7, the students in Intermediate Ensemble, Advanced Ensemble, dance

ensemble, and Performance Ensemble got the chance to showcase what they have been practicing over the course of this school year.

Over the two days, the teams with the theme of Musical Madness connecting them all, featuring songs from many Broadway shows and musical movies, a fun challenge for the groups.

“We are doing musical theater, contemporary, jazz, and we have a hip hop piece,” said Kelsi Prentice, senior on the

Performance Ensemble team.

“We have everything in the dance shows.”

The groups had spent the week leading up to the recitals practicing after school, making sure they were ready to take the stage. After school, the groups came to the auditorium to practice for their recitals.

“I think the whole week leading up to it is really fun,” said Abby Fineberg, junior, in the Performance Ensemble. “We do tech rehearsals and dress rehearsals, so it’s

just a fun week in general all the way through.”

There are many songs that audience members could recognize from blockbuster movies and popular broadway tunes.

“I’m excited for our dance to “Greatest Show” [from the movie The Greatest Showman] and our homecoming performance because I get to tumble,” said Rylee Avery, junior on the Performance Ensemble team.

After a semester of hard work and practice, the danc-

ers gave a rewarding performance to auditoriums full of cheering, supportive family and friends. Their hard work paid off in the form of an formance full of energy and fun.

“It’s fun to support your friends because they have been working all year on [their dances] and it’s cool to see them get out and show everybody,” Fineberg said.

1975 album challenges music expectations

By CASSIDY MOORE

The 1975, a pop-rock band from the UK, has been tearing up the internet since their has been getting well-deserved hype on many social media platforms from fans all across the globe. Their latest album, A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships, was reThree singles were released over the summer, teasing what was to come with the album. ‘Love it if we made it’, ‘TooTimeTooTimeTooTime’, and ‘’Give Yourself A Try’, all were upbeat and catchy songs, perfect for jamming to in the summertime. The slower and more emotional songs were released with the whole album and made up tracklist.

The 1975 experiments with new songs like ‘Mine’ and ‘Inside Your Mind’, adding hints of jazz to the emotional lyrics. A trumpet solo, performed by the late Roy Hargrove, can be heard during ‘Mine’ which adds to the overall funk of the soulful tune.

With an album title like An Inquiry Into Online Relationships, Matthew Healy (lead singer) and the rest of the band bring up the relationship that mankind has to the internet. A Siri-like voice is used reciting a poem in ‘The Man Who Married a Robot / Love Theme’. The voice tells the story of a man who is obsessed with the internet over a sweet instrumental ballad.

This song forces the listener to think deeply about our re-

lationships with social media and the disconnect the world has from humans. With the development and growth of technology, it has become easier and easier to live in isolation in a world that the internet provides you with. The

background acoustic guitar which compliments Matthew Healy’s incredible voice as he describes what it’s like being young and in love. ‘Be My Mistake’ recounts the feeling of guilt many feel when throwing themselves casually

the message perfectly and illustrates the relationship the man and his computer have.

The slower more emotional songs, perfect to listen to when mourning a lost love or relishing in a new relationship, that The 1975 is known for can be found scattered throughout the album. The sixth track, ‘Be My Mistake’, is a slow ballad incorporating

The 1975 does not just produce and perform stunning music, they also use their music to make a stand, showing off their views on gun control. The anti-gun anthem, ‘I Like America And America Likes Me’, can leave listeners sick to their stomach as the powerful message is the reality of children in the United States. The statements about

guns and how they affect children make this a meaningful piece for younger audiences as their favorite band is on their side.

Another deeper meaning to this album is Healy’s recent release from rehab before making this album. His song ‘Surrounded By Heads And Bodies’, constantly refers to “Angela”, a woman Healy met while in rehab.

Healy’s struggle with addiction and mental health can be seen in many of his works, including the ‘Give Yourself A Try’ music video, opening to the lead singer in therapy.

spending time in the hospital make it the most momentous in the band’s history.

The third album was originally going to be titled ‘Music For Cars’, but the band explained that this named the era rather than any spemembers, Matthew Healy, George Daniel, Adam Hann, and Ross MacDonald, their variety of special sound mixes and hypnotizing lyrics have led them to growing popularity from fans across ages and corners of the world.

at getting help and the al-

PHOTO COURTESY OF BILLBOARD

Sports 4

thetalonohs.com

Page 17

Boys basketball wins with determination & skill

By ROHAN PATEL Sports Editor Varsity

Sports goes deeper than the physical elements spectators see. Of course, there are the tangibles like shooting and defense, but what truly makes a team successful are the intangibles, like teamwork and chemistry. The boys basketball varsity team has all of these essential skills to make a run to the playoffs.

Elijah Trice, senior, talks about the skills the team “[Our] team strengths are sharing the ball and playing defense,” Trice said.

More importantly, however, the team excels at playing together and have a strong work ethic.

“Our togetherness and our effort [are our strengths], like we’ve played together since freshman year,” said Jonathan Stewart, senior.

“It allows us to share the ball, movement, everybody usually scores.”

Their strengths and hard work have translated to a 7-4 start to the season, with wins coming against Tolleson and Ironwood. Their latest win came on Dec 13 against Shadow Ridge, Despite their winning record, the players still feel like they can improve in many areas.

“We can improve on staying engage for the entire 32 minutes of each basketball game,” Trice said. “There’s some games it does happen but when it doesn’t it’s very visible.”

Jake Furtmann, senior, also felt that varsity could

improve some aspects of their game.

“I’d say [we could work on] defense like us talking to each other and then offense just sharing it more,” Furtmann said.

Furtmann also feels that varsity has more potential than they have shown during the season.

“During the summer [and] a couple tournament games that we played in the beginning, we played better than we did in the last two games,” Furtmann said. “[We need to] stick to us and then focus on what we need to do more.”

In order to perfect their game and chemistry, the team has a power training class every morning.

“It gives us an extra two hours before school to practice, sometimes we have breakfast after and that helps us stay together,” Stewart said. “It gives us a lot of time to perfect every skill and gain more skills to win.”

As of now, all the work has paid off as Varsity is currently ranked 20th in the state according to MaxPreps.

They hope to move up the rankings and establish themselves as contenders in the state.

“Just keep working hard,” Stewart said. “That’s our main attribute; just our effort compared to most teams.”

Varsity will take on Tucson in an away game on Dec 14.

JV

Conner Mathis, sophomore, passed the ball down low to Drew Larson, sophomore, in the post. Mathis cut toward the basket and Larson knew exactly where to go with the

ball. He passed it back to the cutting Mathis who made a layup. It was only two points, but that one play shows the chemistry the JV team has.

That chemistry has led to a 4-2 start with their last win coming 53-38 against Mesa.

Ashton DeBry, sophomore, feels that the countless hours they put in help them form a unique bond, which then translates to success on the court.

“It’s harder to pass to a teammate if you don’t know them or you don’t like them, like you don’t feel like you can trust them but if you trust them and you know them it makes [that] easier and that’s exactly what we’ve been devoloping in practice,” DeBry said.

They forge that chemistry in practice, during power training, and outside of basketball.

“We do team bonding sessions and also practices after school but there’s still a time period from the end of school to practice so we hang out together,” said Thomas Alonso, junior.

Besides the chemistry, the team’s main strength is their defensive play.

“We’re a defensive team, everybody hustles, is very scrappy and also we’re really good at offense. Everybody shares the ball,” Alonso said.

Still, Mathis feels like the team should not waver from their strengths and keep up the defensive intensity.

“I feel like what we really got to focus on this season is defense because it starts with defense and we’ve been incorporating that a lot into practice and that’s what

PHOTO BY ISABELL FOSTER Cody Donahue, senior, looks to pass against Shadow Ridge on Dec 13. we’re working on mainly and getting to know each and so if we can get stops on other more and spending defense then everything will more time together.”

Practicing everyday is a come together on offense,” commitment that the players Mathis said.

In the end, it all come down are willing to make, and their to practice, repetition, and dedication shone through immediately with a 30 point perfecting every detail.

“It all starts in practice win against Trevor G. Browne because you practice like “[Practice] helps us bond you’re going to play so if you don’t practice well then because we’re always seeing we’re not going to be able to each other and it just helps us improve. So we need to see play better because we don’t what we need to work on in really get rusty because we’re games and then practice and always out on the court,” Lee practice and keep getting said.

Besides practice, they better,” DeBry said.

In their next game, they also bond with each other will travel to play Tucson on and their older teammates through other activities.

Dec 14.

“We’ve done other things Freshmen like Championship Week The Freshman team may be where we basically just did the least experienced of the some friendly competition three teams, but they clearly with all three teams and so do not lack any chemistry, that was a good bonding despite playing together for moment,” said Will Romley, They have gotten off to a freshman.

Freshmen will also play 3-3 start to the season with Tucson is their next game. their last win coming against *Due to The Talon going Shadow Ridge. to the printer, scores for the “I feel like we’ve already Shadow Ridge game can be gotten closer,” said Johnny found on aia365.com.

Lee, freshman. “I think part of it’s just being at practice

Practice makes perfect for Girls basketball

By ISABELLA FOSTER Photography Editor As winter rolls around, becomes a priority but winter sports are gearing up as the girls basketball season is up and running. The Varsity, JV and Freshman teams all started up with new and exciting players, as well as returning stars.

Varsity

Varsity worked tirelessly throughout the offseason and regular season, but to Patience Like, sophomore, this brings her happiness as she gets to do what she loves and has been working towards since the start of high school.

“I’ve been playing

PHOTO BY ISABELLA FOSTER Varsity basketball runs down the court in their game against Desert Vista. basketball for a long time. I played club, so I wanted to do high school for fun,” Like said.

Practice makes perfect and has shown. Preparation before the season and before big games has helped OHS

girls get off to a hot start to the season. “[Practices are] just fun, it gets us going, it gets us better, it improves us,” Like said.

Players work together to create an unstoppable force on the court, blowing out

opposing teams as they work through the season.

“I enjoy working with other girls; I love teamwork,” Like said.

Their hardwork and dedication to improve has seemed to pay off as the current season seems to be going very well for the girls varsity basketball team as they continue through with a record of 9-1 and have been consistently beating teams by 30 or more points.

“It’s going very good, we’re blowing out the teams right now,” Like said.

Basketball for some high school players can be more than just a game. Some students hope to go to college on basketball scholarships to continue their passion for

years to come.

“I’m hoping that basketball can get me into college, it’s a passion of mine...it’s a fun sport and don’t be afraid to try it out,” Like said.

OHS Varsity’s next game will be at home against Tucson on Dec 14.

JV

As JV prepared for the new season, players, both returning and new, participated in the offseason.

Practice helped the JV team hone in on their best skills as well as improve on their worst ones.

“We had a lot of tournaments and pre-season, and a lot of training,” said Phaelen Bride, sophomore.

Jump to Page 19

18

The Talon

December 2018

thetalonohs.com

Girls soccer makes new goals for the year -

By TEANNA MEAGHER

Varsity

Soccer players know they cannot go through life without goals. That’s why the team starts off the year with a kick. From their personal

-

to show off skills to not only their opponents but for college scouts.

-

against Cibola with a 0-0

many people to communicate

-

1-1-1.

JV relationships with my team-

-

“We’re really close so I feel

JV took the winning score *Due to The Talon going

Playing in a team has its -

soccer

time.

“It’s a team sport so you

size grow close from being on “You meet so many girls to keep each other in check.

-

Soccer is a sport that re-

nities arise. Colleges start to play their heart out on the preciate being on a team -

life changing moments. opportunity to play college senior.

PHOTO COURTSEY AMBER MORTENSEN Varsity girls soccer prepares for their game by announcing their starting line up for the night ahead.

Boys soccer works to improve their techniques -

ous opportunities to work younger players into the high school soccer atmosphere.

game. years now. My parents origi-

belts. The more practice they bragging about how he is unwe can keep that going for many hours working togeth-

will be against Skyline on on Jan 18.

JV

Starting their season with a PHOTO BY KENDALL DEAL Boys soccer starts their season off with a home game against Highland High School. that they’re strong enough

By NIKKI HAZELETT

players from other schools. I think that’s one of our big-

Varsity -

were strong enough to com-

Jan 11 against Skyline. *Due to The Talon going

they can replicate their early success throughout the season.

“This season is starting pret-

their skills will shine in their upcoming games.

The season has been spent

strong comeback. team this year so I guess it’s

coaches.

game plans.

senior.

PHOTO BY KENDALL DEAL

The Talon

thetalonohs.com

Wrestling pins their season down

By CHRIS BONIFAZ

The wrestling team is one of the lesser known sports on campus.

“We have a very small fan base and if we have people go there are only like 30 people that come and watch us,” said Eric Moran, junior.

Wrestling is never on the radar for big events, like football or basketball.The wrestling team is looking for more people to come and support them because they feel alienated from their spotlight.

“Wrestling is a black sheep sport, the school barely funds us and it’s the cheapest sport to play,” Moran said.

To really know the wrestlers and what they do you have to see them as any other sport.

They also have the struggles of balancing school work and practice while also maintaining a normal social life.

First is a run down on the practice itself, a lot of the wrestlers agreed that the practice is not too much for them to handle and they actually enjoy it.

“We start with warmups and stuff like drilling and shots and things like that and then we usually end with live wrestling it’s like one on one with each other and it makes

us better,” said Hugh Sterns, junior.

With every sport there is that one key element that they need to focus on, like hand eye coordination, but wrestling is a bit different.

“We work on technique a lot along with drills,” said Matthew Andonov, junior.

Practice wise, wrestlers have a lot on their plate as it is, but they still have a bunch of other factors they have to deal with. They are not just left to fend for themselves when it comes to homework,they have an hour study hall before practice to get anything they need get done before they have to go through the vigorous training.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SDOHS WRESTLING Finally there is their social lives. All, if not most, of the wrestlers have outside lives and friends they talk to on campus, but amongst them some said they feel like people do not see wrestlers in the same light.

One wrestler said they feel like people on campus don’t like wrestlers and that wrestling has a bad image on campus. Unlike other sports that are praised and cherished they feel like they are on the low side of the spectrum.

Overall wrestling is a vigorous sport and desires a higher status in the eyes of the students and school itself.

December 2018

19

Continued from page 17, Girl’s basketball

The adrenaline of playing basketball keeps the players going strong. As well as the environment created by becoming a team through friendship.

“I enjoy all the friends that I get to make and the thrill of playing basketball,” Bride said.

JV is going strong with an undefeated record to the start of the season.

“It’s [the season] going really good, we are 3-0 and winning by a lot in each game,” Bride said.

Although basketball might not be for everyone, it can certainly bring joy to the lovers of the sport. The hard work and energy it requires to play show the dedication that all of these players have towards the sport.

“Even though it’s a really physical sport and takes a lot of energy it’s really fun and worth it,” Bride said.

JV girls basketball will host Tucson on Dec 14.

Freshman

Most new high schoolers are just learning the ropes of the next four years of their life while freshmen players are taking time to dedicate themselves to a sport. Freshman girls basketball has prepared month in advance for season to start and to get a

grasp on teamwork and the skills of their peers.

“We started practices a month before games started and we’ve just kept pushing ourselves to work harder,” said Ryan Jacobs, freshman.

Joining the team and getis a hard fear to overcome, but when accomplished, that fear becomes friendship and fun. As the season goes on, games get harder and players’ dedication gets stronger.

“I’m excited to keep playing, to play harder, and to just keep playing,” Jacobs said.

Basketball is not just another hard sport, it helps well as keeping up with their school through an enjoyable hobby. “[Basketball] actually a fun sport and more people should come watch it,” Jacobs said.

Freshman girls basketball will also host Tucson on Dec 14. *Due to The Talon going to the printer, scores for the Tucson games can be found on aia365.com

Winter Track prep takes a running start

By CHASE WYATT

This year’s winter track prep is coming up for anyone interested in getting in shape for the upcoming season or for incoming freshmen track who want to know what track is like here at OHS. Who may not know what the winter track prep is, it is essentially conditioning and workout preparation for the upcoming season of track, and a good way to meet the coaches of the track team.

Many of the seniors who do track recommend it for everyone interested in joining track, or just looking for a quick way to get into shape.

Sloane Sivek, senior, advices doing winter track to get a preview of the season and to get into running shape for the upcoming season of track later in the spring.

“It’s pretty much just about getting into shape before the actual season comes around. Nothing skill or event-based, it’s more just about getting into shape,” said Sivek.

Elijah Seals, senior, advices for all the incoming freshmen looking to do track, or just anyone looking for a good way to get into shape, to come out to the winter track, as it is a good way to meet

the coaches and fellow track runners.

“Winter track prep is, just how it sounds, for track and we start on December 7th to prepare us for the upcoming season and to give us a head start rather than more training, it’s more just conditioning,” Seals said Espen Swenson, senior, adds that winter track is for anyone, regardless of whether they wish to join track or not, and that it is a great way to meet your fellow track mates, and grow close to them before the season starts.

“It’s really for anyone. If you haven’t ran track and program before, it’s really just a way for to kinda get a feel for the coaches and the team. Honestly, if you just want to be in shape, come out to track. If it is a sport that you were doing just to get into shape, we do expect you to have some loyalty to the program, like come out to the practices and whatnot,” said Swenson.

Seals has been a part of the track team since his freshman year and wants more people to come out and join track and do winter track, whether or not you want to join track.

“I did it as an incoming freshman and I enjoyed it.

Rather than preparing for to be more workout based, weight stuff, such as sit ups, doing sprints, running laps, things like that,” said Seals.

He feels that track is one of

the best teams on campus to join, because it gives athletes a chance to bond with each other and enjoy high school.

“What I tell all the freshman and all the guys coming in that ‘you’re going to care a lot more about this team

more than your last team because of how much time you spend together.’ ... In my opinion, the track team is probably one of the closest teams,” Swenson said.

PHOTO BY CHASE WYATT Practice makes perfect and these talented athletes are willing to put in the work to prepare for their upcoming spring meets.

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