Sandra Day O’Connor High School
25250 N. 35th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85083
Volume 21. Issue 2. December 2021
thetalonohs.com
Ridge Rivalry Page 4
Legally Blonde Jr. Page 13
Approaching our expiration... See pages 8 & 9
Dune Page 15
See pages 10 & 11
Huge shifts in gas prices impact students By LINDSAY STEINBERG
Copy Chief
Gas prices have seemed to only be increasing the past few months, even going as far to increase by $1.50 over the past year. The prices also appear to have no end to the growth in price in the near future. While to some, this drastic increase may not matter, to high school students paying for their own gas, this is dire. The high prices combined with the lifestyle of students, does not end well for anyone. The demand of school, sports, social lives, and possibly work, rack up the miles a student may have to drive. Which goes perfectly in
hand with what people are speculating is the cause of the rise in prices, a low supply that can’t keep up with the high demand. “[Gas prices are] very high and it is a ridiculous amount for high school students or college students, or anyone for that matter,” said Madison Gold, senior. In 2019, it was a shock that gas prices soared a little over $3 a gallon. Compare that to the past few months, some gas stations in Arizona are seeing prices around $4 a gallon, with predictions that it will only increase. A major issue being there is no idea when these increases will come to a halt, and just how high it reaches before it stops.
“It used to be $45 to do my whole tank and now it’s $55, and I don’t even drive a truck,” said Hailey Sourp, junior. Sourp isn’t the only one who is tackling these giant increases, many other students have noticed the shift in price and are facing the consequences of it as PHOTO BY GABRIEL SOUZA well. A student observes the rising cost of gas. the time to put in a lot of others who are paying for hours, resulting in most their own gas are noticing was $46 and the second of their paycheck going to these drastic shifts and time it was $37, that was paying for gas. seeing the consequences a third of my paycheck,” it is having to their bank Gold said. week because my parents account. A serious issue is that a drive that car too and it’s “As a teenager, I think minimum wage job, which you should care about gas is the most common for it up,” Sourp said. “My [prices], especially if you a high school student to minimum wage job, all the drive a big car, because gas have, if they are even in money is getting taken out [prices] is ever changing. the workforce, cannot of it.” The price will keep going The concern may be up and that’s not good,” Many students also lack nonexistent to some, but said Jackson Waller, senior.
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December 2021
OHS marching band returns with grit and passion this year By MANASI TRIPATHI
OHS marching has returned with grit and passion this year. Since last year they lost their opportunities because of COVID-19, they have revived with strength and heart throbbing performances. Although, marching band only attracted a few students this year, it is not holding them back from performing with their best and ranking
in the state competition. Band has given cold shivers to OHS and every other school they have competed with so far in the year. The dedication of students and the hard work they have put in the band has rewarded them by winning 7th place in state championships in both of their divisions: Arizona marching band association and Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association.
PHOTO BY GABRIEL SOUZA Claire Cipolla, junior, smiles during the homecoming parade.
“I am very happy and I am very pleased with the students. They are seeing the rewards of the hard work they put in all year,” Cilone all worth it.” The band is like a family. Their goal is to affect people’s positivity with music, which gives them motivation to keep going, and show everyone how great of a team they are and how talented they are. “Just go for it, and to appreciate the little moments because taking advantage of all those funny memories or all the times the crowd is cheering for you after a performance,” said Jamie Jorgenson, senior. “You’re gonna miss it when it’s over the moment while it’s there.” After entering the state championship, performing at such a high level has put pressure since everyone is expecting more and more every time. This has not made them feel overworked, they are performing with all the hard work just trying to get better and stronger every single time. The OHS marching band is smaller than other schools they have competed with but that does not stop them from doing
their best. “There is a little bit of pressure but not too much, because I know that we worked really hard this past year together and we put a lot of time and effort into making this show as incredible as possible,” said Evan Knudson, sophomore. “And I know that if we just go out there and do our thing, we are going to do amazing.” Band season is coming to an end and students and Mr. Cilone are putting all of their time into making this year one of the best years in marching band’s history. Everyone coming together like a family is making the band recover from last year with its mind-blowing performances throughout the season. “It’s not really worth it unless we are having fun, so we just try to keep a lot of that positive energy, we were super excited to make state,” said Torryn Hatcher, junior. two weeks, we are all super pumped for that, we just gotta remember that it takes a lot of hard work and just pushing forward.” Marching band has done well this season, they made an impact on this
school while giving mindblowing performances at the competition. The year gap from last year has not impacted them negatively at all, except the fact that the number of students has declined, but they still compete against the “big boy” and make a corner in everyone’s heart like a family. “We are all just like a big family, so we are really friendly with each other and we are comfortable around each other and that just kind of motivates me to stay and try to push through,” said Chase Norton, freshmen. OHS parents and students are really supportive towards the band, and watch them shine everyday using their musical power and talent. OHS wishes them all the best the state. “I hear all this story of other schools that don’t have very good support for the band program and don’t have a good band booster support program and the kids sometimes don’t even show up and I am just really lucky that that doesn’t happen here,” Cilone said. “We try to put ourselves on the moto ‘the way we do anything, is the way we do everything.’”
Students help people in need via blood drive By GABRIEL SOUZA
As the school year progresses, students and staff are presented with more ways to give back to their community. At the Nov. 17 blood drive, various OHS students and staff donated lives. The blood drive was put on by OHS’s student government in partnership organization. Blood donations are a vital aspect of the nation’s healthcare system; without them, hospitals wouldn’t be able to perform life saving operations on patients. “It's a good way for us to help our community,” said Greg Wieking, senior recruitment representative at Vitalant. “[Hospitals] can’t get blood from anywhere else, [they] can’t buy it online, [they] can’t go down to Walmart and get it that way, it has to come from a freewill donation.” As less and less people donate blood each year, healthcare institutions struggle to meet a growing demand for blood.
“Only 40% ... of our populace can donate, however, only 10% of that actually give [blood],” Wieking said. “It's a very small and declining number of donors which makes it all that much important because we’re actually seeing the opposite in the need for transfusions.” With the need for blood donations increasing and the number of donors decreasing, those who donate are encouraged to do so multiple times per year. “The need for blood is going up, but our actual donors are going down,” Wieking said. “That’s why it's important to donate more than one time a year.” By helping as many as three people, one blood donation can make a large impact. “Every donation helps out three individuals,” Wieking said. “Your red blood cells will go to one patient, your plasma will go to another, and your platelets will go to someone else who’s in need of a transfusion.” OHS students heard of the opportunity to donate blood through different means, and
PHOTO BY GABRIEL SOUZA Aniya King, senior, donates blood at the blood drive. were glad to help the people and STUGO advisor. “Greg in need. [Wieking] just told me that “I’m trying to get service they were down to a onehours for NHS and when I day supply. There’s always a heard about this opportunity need for people to be giving it seemed like a really great blood.” way to help other people,” said Kate Sheppard, junior. blood is an easy way to help The demand for blood people in their community. It donations is always high, is an act of service for them. making it urgent for more “For me, I think it's an people to donate. easy way to give back to your “There’s a big need for community,” Ballou said. “I blood donations,” said have no problem with giving, Carrie Ballou, math teacher I think, 500 milliliters of
blood. You just grow it right back, so it's a nice easy way to give back.” The knowledge that one blood donation can help three people encourages many to donate. “There’s a lot of people who need blood all the time, that’s never something that’s going away,” Sheppard said. “Knowing that I could give 20 minutes of my time and help save three different lives [is] really cool.”
The Talon
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December 2021
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The Academy transports students back to the past emphasis on history offered in this program, they also “I thought it was a really program that would distinguish me from other that I would know in a environment for me,” said
future we plan on doing the
and then Birmingham and Even though, COVID-19 has made some of these trips impossible to happen, the memories of prior trips remain in the minds of students that got to
One of the predominant is that students are able to of people who they get to
PHOTO BY VICTORIA KIROVA (From left) Jonah Hammond, sophomore, CJ Stevenson, junior, and Zoey Pietramale, junior, brainstorm ideas. By VICTORIA KIROVA
as a freshman, one of the things that they get right away, is they get familiar with a group of students that they will know all four years
to learn it from our history bit of information as we
attending are thrilled to Studies is a four-year program that allows students interested in their passion with a group of students who share the
along with the trips students take, help them further better prepared for whatever Students at OHS are fully
Throughout a history buff, and to be around like-minded people, I felt like that would be the safest and most fun option
the
years,
opportunity to learn new things outside of the I know and who I love,”
JROTC: Committee services shape the students for future
volunteering for anything I
By MANASI TRIPATHI
is really honorable,” said Training Corps, also known as very important and busy
at OHS where students get their leadership and overall has large amounts of time
fun events planned to honor “It is kind of like our super bowl, Veterans Day, but we do a lot of stuff all year round but Veterans
evasion, orienteering, remote People assume that JROTC either want to be a pilot or go
students do things for our veterans and those people
PHOTO COURTESY OF GIO HAWKINS The JROTC leader, Grace Richardson, senior, guards the pillars during Veterans Day. and learn leadership and followership and it also
you go out into the world know what you are doing,” “It is so different from all Students do real life work
important responsibility it is to be an adult and have
If you are interested in means helping people around them and developing their leadership skills, like from planning an event to running Seniors take this opportunity
is
also
a
program
that
interviews or help writing
are released on the mountain and the seniors have to hunt most liked programs by the
of
what our program is
marksmanship
program,
Hours of time are spent volunteering outside of
Students in ROTC have opportunities to do adult“Personally, I have spent
the time to wear [uniforms] proudly and professionally to Students of JROTC have many events together and take time out of their busy
together to make the most here, that is one of the main things that drew me towards
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thetalonohs.com
December 2021
Capturing the OHS and Ridge Rivalry By AAYUSHI DATTA
News Editor
The competition and rivalry between OHS and Mountain Ridge High School is a long-standing tradition. It has captured students from both of the schools each and every year. The hype and sense of pride that is received by students when they beat the latter seems to The importance of this rivalry is spread throughout the entire school in multiple areas and categories. It is as if the rivalry between OHS and Ridge is a component of the high school culture that students have been experiencing since the beginning of the creation of the two schools. of fun that we do have an actual rival and it is always fun to go back and forth and kind of taunt each other,” said Kristen Le, senior. Motivation is key. For people to succeed in this world there has to be something that helps them achieve their goals and strive for the better. The rivalry between the schools plays a similar kind of role. It helps OHS students prove themselves so that they can be better than their rival, Ridge. “It has always given us a motive to always be better and try to beat them. Basically, it just helps us
become better people,” said Adrian Savu, junior. “Since we are rivals, it makes more sense for us to push ourselves harder to beat them.” Sports are an important part of the high school culture. Adding a rival just takes it up a notch. biggest parts of O’Connor sports. Ridge rivals go through all the sports: football, softball, baseball,” said Roman Pagaduan, senior. “It’s super important to this school and everyone looks forward to it.” The feuding opposition thrives to exist more as the football game approaches. This is the most talked about and controversial game that
happens at both schools. Football players give their very best at this game. It is their main incentive. “Both schools are extremely motivated by the rivalry. They just want to go at each other and give their best because they both want to win,” Pagaduan stepped it up to prepare against Ridge. But, we have just beat them.” Events during the game can take a toll as both the schools get so riled up. Things can go south very quickly and also result in students getting hurt in many ways. This has been a cause of concern for students here at OHS.
“I know people who went to this school before and literally people have gotten arrested. Students have gotten arrested. It’s pretty great but at the same time it’s kind of scary because I don’t want to get arrested or caught in the middle of a
and stuff just because people think of it as a big deal and the students start to focus more on the attention that we bring to the rivalry just because it is a bigger deal,”
senior. The rivalry attracts people a lot. Many people show up to the games between the schools as they are excited to see their own school win against their rivals. It is the feelings of enjoyment and competitiveness that drives people towards attending these games. “[The Rivalry] is bringing a lot of attention to our sports
with one another, but at the end of the day, they are all in the same boat together. Luckily, the rivalry only exists inside the school and does not let it affect their relationships in the outside world. “I think [the rivalry] is funny because we are all
to see people post about the rivalry.”
between each other,” said Sydney Stuart, sophomore.
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By LINDSAY STEINBERG
Copy Chief
Accounting at OHS is entering its second year of a program that was developed in order to help various staff members throughout the school district, while also greatly expanding the knowledge of the students involved. The three year program takes a student through various advanced and helpful concepts along desired by employers, all in order to help students prepare for their futures and possible careers. The program is run by CTE teacher, Tiffany Kurtz,
By GABRIEL SOUZA
Editor-in-Chief
A beloved staple of OHS’s faculty, Andrew Cardon, math department chair, has gone through several changes in his life. From altering career paths to has an impressive history and an inspiring teaching philosophy. Before his career as a teacher, Cardon had a long journey trying to determine his professional aspirations. As he graduated high school and entered college, Cardon sought to be an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “When I was in high school I remember that I was dead set on being an FBI agent,” Cardon said. “I got advised to go into accounting if I wanted to be an FBI agent because the FBI needed accountants at the time, but those accounting classes were too boring for me.” After accounting proved not to be a viable path in life, Cardon shifted gears and went into engineering. “I got a degree from New Mexico State University in mechanical engineering, [but] that was too boring for me too,” Cardon said. “My older sister [had] just graduated from college and became a teacher and I thought that would be pretty cool.” Cardon approached the teaching profession with different grade levels before become a teacher. “I substituted elementary, middle, and high school and I really liked the high school kids,” Cardon said. “I was like ‘that’s it, I’m going to go back to school and be a high school teacher.’ In my classes, as I learned more and
who teaches Accounting and Advanced Accounting. Kurtz also aids in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA), which is available to students in their third year of accounting. “Accounting at O’Connor is a three year program, so in year one we do basic accounting concepts and we also do payroll accounting so anybody who plans to receive a paycheck at some point has plenty of content they can learn from year one,” Kurtz said. As the program develops, not only does it offer valuable knowledge, but it also allows students to desirable to the labor force.
more about education, I just fell more and more in love with it. I think I’ve fallen more and more in love with teaching and education every year.” After becoming a teacher, Cardon fell in love with the beauty of teaching and the feeling of making a difference in the lives of his students. “I can remember I had this feeling of a kid understanding something that they never understood [before],” Cardon said. “It felt so good, and I was like ‘I’m doing this for a living, I’m getting paid for something I absolutely love,’ and that sold me, I was done. I knew that I was in the right job.” Unlike accounting or engineering, teaching has a human interaction aspect to it – something Cardon found critical to his life. “I am a people person, I love people [and] I love talking. That’s why I couldn’t I thought I might’ve done when I was younger; I just enjoy people, I like to talk to kids,” Cardon said. Interacting with students and creating an enjoyable classroom atmosphere is part of Cardon’s teaching strategy. “If [teachers] don’t have fun, or try to make [class] fun in some way, [students] will go crazy, get bored, and [they’re] not going to pay attention,” Cardon said. “[Using] humor, keeping it light, making relationships with students, making it a place where [I] don’t mind [being], that’s what I try to do with my math classes, make it fun for the kids.” Cardon has various methods to increase student engagement and positivity in the classroom. Not only do these actions make students
“Year two is more advanced accounting concepts and we also cover Quickbooks, so students are able to get is a highly sought after professionals really like to see,” Kurtz said. of the program is when a up to anyone in accounting, that opportunity being VITA. In VITA, students are paired with staff members from the district and prepare their tax returns for them. “The third year is our capstone year of the program and we run the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) so students
happy, they also can help students stay focused on learning. “I have jokes, I have songs, [and] I play guitar,” Cardon said. When a classroom environment is positive, students are more comfortable to speak up and ask questions, which is an intrinsic part of the learning process. “I really encourage my students to speak up and ask questions; they learn so much more, it makes me a better teacher, [and] it makes the classroom better,” Cardon said. When students ask questions, Cardon is able to fully see the student perspective to a certain topic; without questions Cardon believes learning would be hindered and that students would suffer learning losses. “I teach from the perspective of someone who has been doing a lot of math for 20 years and if I just [teach] from my perspective and don’t listen to what [my students] have to say, and the questions [they] are asking, [they’re] not going to [understand],” Cardon said. “I can’t see everything from [a student’s] point of view, so that’s where I need students of mine to speak up and ask questions and talk with me these problems that we’re doing. It makes for a better atmosphere.” In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, as schools were closed and classes held online, Cardon discovered a new passion that has truly captivated him. “I’m big into sports, but I’m currently playing disc golf. I play every day that I can, usually everyday,” Cardon said. “I picked it up when we got shut down for COVID; I had nothing to do,
December 2021
to be able to prepare basic tax returns,” Kurtz said. From a student’s perspective, they found the own future. “I did [a tax report] for a teacher at Barry Goldwater. Her’s weren’t too complicated so it wasn’t bad,” said Matthew Edelson, senior. “Now I know how to do taxes; it’s nice to have information because I wouldn’t have known half the stuff going into it.” returns can vary, as it is not directly from a textbook, but rather an actual person you are doing real taxes for. With a real person behind each
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and every number, there is a variety of what a student will receive as their report and be required to do. “I know some other people, they had a lot more complicated [tax returns], so it all depended on whose taxes you got,” Edelson said. For students who have been through the program, they all seem to come to one conclusion, it offers preparation for the future, so not only are students members are too. “I think it’s good to know life and to prepare me for my future so accounting is good for that,” said Josh Carlisle, senior.
PHOTO BY GABRIEL SOUZA so I went outside and started throwing frisbees around. I really fell in love with [disc golf] and I’m glad I found it.” As disc golf has become an essential part of his life, Cardon plans to begin playing competitively. “I’m just starting to [play] competitively, it took me a while to get the hang of things, but I’m starting to get pretty good,” Cardon tournament, in Scottsdale, on Dec. 18; [I would love it if people came and] cheered me on.” While disc golf is growing in popularity, Cardon aspires to start a club relating to the sport at OHS. “Disc golf is a relatively
new sport and it has really, in the last couple years, been blowing up all over the place,” Cardon said. “I would love to get more people interested, especially high school aged kids. I would love to see it start with a club if some kids are interested.” With the myriad of sports, clubs, and activities students can participate in at OHS, Cardon sees the school as a top-notch educational institution. “I think that this school is the most tremendous, amazing, fantastic school from academics to sports to band to theater,” Cardon said. “I’m very thankful to be a part of [OHS]; I think we have a great school.”
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thetalonohs.com
Ronda Cunningham English Teacher
favorite part [about teaching] is that “ My it’s different every day and that I get to
spend it—believe it or not—with teenagers because it’s just fun. It’s fun for me to see what they can do and see the progress that they make and watch them learn.
”
aptured
Interviews and photographs by Abby Mills and Gabriel Souza
@OC.CAPTURED
@OC_CAPTURED
December 2021
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Tyler Buividas senior
“
If you don’t know the history of what’s happening, then you have no context for it [such as] if it’s good or bad or why it’s happening or what you can do or should do to change it. Obviously, I think you should know what’s going on in the world and your community because if you don’t then you just have to put up with it and can’t do anything about the strifes and problems that are going on. Everyone should at least learn about their local community, what’s happening in that, because that’s what affects the most around them.
“ Alison Paulos sophomore
“
I think it was quarantine. Right before that in eighth grade I just didn’t talk to anyone; I was super shy. But then once that happened, I realized how much I crave social interaction and how much I enjoyed it actually. So then freshman year when we came back from online, I was talking to new people and it made me feel good.
“
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December 2021
Keeping the faucet running while brushing your teeth wastes 8 gallons of water if you brush twice a day.
8 gallons
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRITANNICA.COM & MARCO SAMPAOLO Overuse of Colorado River water has led to decreasing water levels at Lake Mead (pictured above) and other lakes and reservoirs that depend on the water source.
Approaching the expiration By ANANYA THEKKEMELEPATT Social Media Manager
Climate change has been an issue that generations of humankind have witnessed, yet many have, and continue to ignore it. Now, the younger generation has been given the daunting task of stopping what some people call, the expiration date of the planet. Luckily, some students at OHS have been working to climate change and protect the environment. From starting clubs to working with their families to stop climate change, here is how students are doing their part “I was interested in algae technology… It helps medicine and helps the environment,” said Michaela Pajuyo, senior. Pajuyo started a club at OHS called Go Green, in order to spread her interest in environmental sciences to others. “Well I started the club [Go Green] because I was interested in environmental science for college so I would research things like bioengineering so I wanted to make a club around it,” Pajuyo said. “Right now I’m trying to make it more STEM like so they [the club members] actually have to engineer things for it.” The club focuses on how each member can work to clean the environment, spread information about environmental issues, and combat climate change. “Currently, we’re working
on how to make sustainable clothing for everyone and we’ve also been thinking about working out how to make our own paper,” said Hana Peco, junior. While sustainability is something that is important and necessary to stop damaging our environment, it can be quite expensive for most people. Electric cars, solar panels, and even ecofriendly bedding, are put at higher prices compared to the common, yet ecodamaging products, causing most people to continue their consumption of nonsustainable products. “I feel like we’re doing better with wind and solar power and we’re trying to have electric cars now but the problem with sustainability is that it can be expensive so people have a hard time switching over to that,” Pajuyo said. Buying sustainable products might be developing sustainable habits could be easier and even helpful. Researching those simple ways to practice sustainability and consciously incorporating them into your daily routine can help reduce the amount of waste produced from your household. “Mainly stop using as much plastic as they [students] do, because that's a main factor,” Peco said. One student and her family have incorporated multiple habits into their routine that have helped them stay conscious about their impact on the
environment. They have done research on how being wasteful can directly cause harmful effects. “Wasting food and water, a lot of it goes to trash and gets stuck in the soil and that releases fumes and then it decomposes and releases fossil fuels which isn't good,” said Anisha Tanikella, junior. “We try really hard to conserve water; instead of using the dishwasher we hand-dry the dishes.” climate has been hanging over politicians as well, making it one of the main subjects that has been debated for years now. Voters, scientists, and climate activists have continuously pushed government leaders to take stricter action. “I had been to one or two anti-climate change protests which was talking to our senators about pursuing more aggressive policies against climate change in our upper government,” said Ashish Kaushik, junior. “We have to make change anyways so we just have to accelerate it.” Scientists have repeatedly warned government leaders about the seriousness of the climate crisis with the presentation of concrete evidence, but nevertheless the topic became a disputed one amongst global leaders. Consistent arguments about what course of action to take, and if governments should take any action at all, has only further stopped any real effective work from
According to the United States Environmental U.S. creates 292.4 million tons of solid waste each. year; 4.9 pounds of waster per person per day.
Fish in every ocean are found PHOTO BY GABRIEL SOUZA (From left) Jaiden Tavison, senior, Maliyah Samuels, senior, and Amar Bajwa, senior, display a dream city project made in Go Green club.
With the CO
n date of the planet being done. “Science says that we don't have that much time what worried me,” Peco said. Contrary to popular belief, climate change is not a recently discovered phenomenon. Swedish scientist, Svante Arrhenius, global warming in relation to fossil fuels emission in 1896. Later in 1938, English steam engineer and inventor, Guy Stewart Callendar, showed actual proof of the Earth’s land temperature rising over the previous 50 years. “We have way more information now. Back then they were explaining how global warming would affect the world and how record heights [of heat] would be achieved and now that we are seeing that, we can safely assume that the scientists know what they are talking about,” Kaushik said. The majority of people in the U.S. know that places like California and Arizona are getting hotter and hotter every year, but instead of taking action to stop this drastic increase in temperature, many have merely accepted that heat and droughts will continue to happen regularly. “In Arizona, we can see climate change majorly affecting us with [the heat] reaching record heights every year; it's to the point where it's very obvious that the signs are there, we're just choosing to ignore them,”
Kaushik said. “California has been through multiple droughts and it is a direct result of global warming.” Staying neutral and silent on what is happening to our planet and not doing a single thing to keep it from being slowly destroyed, could potentially damage Earth in an irreversible manner. “At the rate that we’re going, the Earth could become inhospitable in the future… there's more evidence for that than there has ever been,” Tanikella said. While statistics and patterns showing hotter temperatures have been demonstrated through a multitude of studies, not seeing direct effects in their own personal life makes people question and deny how drastic the effects of climate change are on the common person. But no matter how much people ignore the issue, the entire globe will be affected. “The pollution is getting pretty bad which is going to breathe for people who breathing,” Peco said. “Same thing with sight because the pollution makes everything dusty and you won't be able to see.” Many members of Generation Z have taken it upon themselves to be the change and solution against the climate crisis. More morale for the environmentalist cause has spread amongst teenagers
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that some are even willing to pay slightly more for sustainable alternatives of everyday necessities. “We’re dumped with it and it just got progressively worse so if we don't put a stop to it no one will because no one’s going to care enough,” Peco said. But Generation Z will not alone. Collecting evidence and presenting evidence to lawmakers may not be possible for everyone but adapting sustainable habits is. “We’re not really going to get anywhere if people don’t try,” Pajuyo said. Research has also proven that properly educating kids on the climate crisis can help decrease emissions and also improve climate literacy extensively amongst the upcoming generations. But until better climate education is instilled into curriculums, people should start taking it upon themselves to learn and spread information about global warming and climate change. “Educate yourselves... There's tons of information out there and tons of ways that you can help so do a quick google search,” Kaushik said. “The articles are everywhere.”
PHOTO BY GABRIEL SOUZA
PHOTO BY GABRIEL SOUZA
OVID-19 pandemic, more and more trash – like masks – is ending up on the grounds of OHS.
PHOTO BY GABRIEL SOUZA Ashish Kaushik, junior, helps Hana Peco, junior, make a website for the Go Green club during a weekly meeting.
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Opinions December 2021
thetalonohs.com
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Why Biden’s approval rating is low By JACKSON MORGAN
Editorial Chief
President Joseph Biden
Biden has had many Instead of deporting them or letting them into the
months and has abysmal billions of dollars worth disapproval rating in the left
Afghanistan
to
be
PHOTO COURTESY OF THECONVERSATION.COM
after far-right extremists
Biden has shown time weak president that instead and time again that he is strike as an attempt of only does what his party retaliation that killed only
has been a problem in his responsibility
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has Biden
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had
It is almost every week that that Biden says something
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even admitted that he the has an approved list of
far-right
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taken
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extremists
be the only thing saving his approval rating from
Kamala Harris who has border where shortly also done nothing to resolve were swarms of illegal what to do instead of being Biden has done everything
Maya rolls will rock and roll your tastebuds By MICHAEL BROWN
of
positive energy and while they are preparing extremely
friendly
and
a wide variety between
have eight different rolled
Cream Roll is a strawberry PHOTO BY GABRIEL SOUZA
of the world and everyone
many options varying from and strawberry giving a
rolls allows for a large
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December 2021
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Insurrection trial divides U.S. government By ANANYA THEKKEMELEPATT Social Media Manager
On Jan. 6, 2021, America witnessed an event that completely changed the effect politics had on the country and its citizens. A group of extremist supporters of former President Donald J. Trump stormed the Capitol Building in protest of the presidential election results.A riot as massive and violent as this one was severely instigated and extremely telling of the lack of maturity and sensibility those rioters and their supporters possess. Back when the House of Representatives’ select committee was being formed, blamed the Democrats, especially Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, for siding with the “radical left” when Republicans House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy had chosen for the panel. The two that were rejected were Reps. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Jim Banks (R-Ind.), both being extremely close allies to the former President Trump. Pelosi’s decision was solely made to keep the integrity and validity of the investigation intact. By accepting Jordan and Banks, the committee would have been seriously biased,
making impartial analysis of the riot close to impossible. Republicans making absurd accusations about Pelosi due to this decision, missed the historically known fact that the Speaker is authorized to “appoint all select, joint, and conference committees ordered by the House.” But supporters of the former president and the insurrectionists disregarded any rebuttal Democrats had. Currently investigations are still going on with new charges being brought forward. The January 6th committee has issued at least six additional subpoenas to the 20 that have already been signed by Mississippi Democrat, Rep. Bennie Thompson. These subpoenas are against people who were close to the former president and helped him instigate his supporters to “stop the steal.” There have been many criticisms of the ongoing investigations done by the House select committee, some comparing the investigation to a witch hunt and others saying it shows the Democratic party’s reluctance to move on from the past. Supporters of the former president and his political party have even seen this prolonged investigation as an attack on their rights and entire existence as Americans, despite the Republican party being the
PHOTO COURTESY OF WASHINGTONPOST.COM reason the investigation was seriously slowed down. But the investigation has been continued for good reason as this election is did not have a peaceful transfer of power. Many have used this incident to attack President Joseph Biden’s leadership. Although the current president has given Americans many reasons to question his the insurrection investigation is not one of them. Continuing to thoroughly investigate the riot
of Jan. 6, despite the former president’s multiple attempts to block evidence regarding it, has been a promise Biden has followed through on. But due to the former president and his lawyers trying to block scores of valuable White House records from the committee, further rifts and issues have stemmed from this investigation. The former president previously sued the committee as well as the National Archives, the place that holds White House records from all past
administrations, in order to stop the handing over of requested documents to the committee. He even tried to put in emergency requests to block the transfer of these documents. Though his requests were denied, Trump’s behavior throughout this case only goes to show that he has something to hide from the public, a public that is deserving of answers. Attempting to block necessary and requested evidence is not only immature and untruthful but is also a move that is entirely inappropriate of a political leader. If the former president, his administration, and his exceedingly faithful supporters had accepted that no election fraud had taken place and that the electing of Biden as our president was a fair and democratic move, the transition could have been much more peaceful, allowing America and her people to look to the future. Instead, the violence and pain those insurrectionists, with the additional lack of cooperation from multiple Republicans and supporters of the previous president throughout this investigation, have left Americans consistently looking back to the past in search of closure about the riot that nearly dismantled the democracy that every soul of this country seeks to enjoy.
Supreme Court’s term is doomed to fail By ABBY MILLS Photogrophy Editer
In recent years, the Supreme Court has been pressured to answer to the whims of both the Democratic and Republican parties. This politicization of the Supreme Court will leave its newest term in shambles. No matter what the outcome of these rulings are, these justices will crumble under the pressure. The Supreme Court is the law of the land; what they say goes. The nine justices must leave a legacy and cause change for the better. Every gaffe is remembered well, not just in history books, but by the millions of Americans it affects. The Supreme Court undertakes an incredibly controversial term this year, deciding on abortion, action, free speech, gun control, and more. The burden of power now lays on the Court’s shoulders. President Trump appointed three new judges to the Supreme Court in under 4 years, marking one of the quickest ideological shifts the court has ever seen. The 6-3 conservative majority leaves many Americans scared for the country, and the future of abortion. The history of Roe v. Wade
and abortion in America is delicate. Ever since Roe v. Wade was announced in 1973 people have fought hard to take it down. Yet abortion has never faced real danger until recently, many that the Supreme court will overturn Roe v. Wade. The Justices recently decided not to block the contentious Texas abortion ban. This raised many eyebrows, given that the Texas abortion law is clearly unconstitutional. The law makes an unprecedented expansion on who can sue anyone. A texas citizen can
sue anyone who aids and abits an abortion, whether or not they have any personal stake in the abortion involved. Democratic leaders, including President Biden, have called for Supreme Court reform. Yet adding more justices or creating term limits will do more harm than good. Term limits would only encourage popular opinion. Changing the Supreme Court because of politics will only make the court more political. Supreme court reform sounds good on paper but only creates more
PHOTO COURTESY OF SUPREMECOURT.GOV problems and distrust within to rule without their own the judical branch. political decisions getting in Americans’ faith in the the way. Supreme Court has usually The bitter divide between stayed consistent, but this party lines in America has year is different. Under now swept into the judicial increasing political turmoil, branch. No matter what the institution is being decisions the Supreme Court questioned. The nine justices Justices make in this new must pull off an impossible term, American’s will view it magic trick: convince as inherently political. Every Americans that every decision they make will make decision they make is based half the country outraged on their interpretations and cause Americans’ respect of the Constitution– not for the Supreme Court to politics. Yet this trick has lessen. As the Supreme Court stopped working. Supreme works hard to complete its Court Justices are now newest term, its legitimacy viewed as political, unable hangs in the balance.
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The Talon
December 2021
thetalonohs.com
Yearbooks on sale!!!
Purchase at the bookstore Jumped from page 16: OHS fall sports 2020-2021 come to a close OHS girls volleyball is a perfect example of excelling underpressure as they went undefeated all regular season, and up until the “Having an undefeated season has been pretty special and it hasn’t really been done before, so it has been pretty cool to be a part Although OHS girls volleyball did not win the state title, they still had an unbelievable season that will always resonate in the
“Always work hard and keep pushing yourself if you stay positive/happy and never let anyone or anything take that away from you,” Although the sport itself is important, so are academics and student athletes tend to have to learn to manage their time very quickly as their respective sport takes up most of their time outside golf team has seemed to perfect that as almost all of their players are in honors or
“Not to give up, balancing school and sports is hard but it's worth it,” said Vanessa Not only are academics important, but also the social “Forming relationships with the players is just as important as playing the Along with girls golf, OHS boys golf has also seemed to adapt quite well to the art of time management with their academics and sports, getting
“Don’t quit, it's worth it,” With Beynon being a senior, he has learned truly how fast high school goes by, “Don't wish it away, because it will be gone fast,” OHS football has also had against hard competition and coming in clutch when they “We went against some top teams in the state and I think that really set us right for the rest of the season,” said Cody
Not only do you have to be sport, but you also have to prioritize your goals, making but Menefee and his team seem to be adapting to their new coaching staff and teammates quite well, as they all know to train to the best of their abilities, and there “Continue to work hard,” of work you put in that people
Editors-in-Chief:
Sports Editor:
Staff Writers:
Gabriel Souza
Kaitlyn Smitten
Michael Brown
Copy Chief:
Editorial Chief:
Heaven Parson
Lindsay Steinberg Jackson Morgan*
The Talon is published as a forum for student opinion at Sandra Day O’Connor High School: part of the Deer Valley
top online publication and one of the top or libelous statements print publications in
the editor must be are of those of The signed and dropped off Talon staff and do not The Talon is an award in Room 508, e-mailed winning publication Visit The Talon online with dozens of awards for it’s staff members may be edited for as well as ranked the content and/or space
Adviser:
News Editor:
Cindy Garraway
Aayushi Datta*
Social Media Manager:
Ananya Thekkemelepatt*
Manasi Tripathi
Features Editor:
Victoria Kirova Photography Editor: Abby Mills*
*Denotes member of editorial board.
4
Arts & Entertainment thetalonohs.com
December 2021
Page 13
Glitter shines as Legally Blonde is performed By GABRIEL SOUZA
Editor-in-Chief
After a year of restrictions and disappointments, OHS’s theater students have enthusiastically reappeared on the stage with a glamorous production of Legally Blonde Junior. At each showing, a crowded auditorium full of adoring friends, family, and fans all felt a wide range of emotions as they watched the musical’s main character, Elle Woods, face the challenges that the wild journey of love presented to her. Due to the amazing acting skills of each actor, audiences could feel each moment of melancholy, delight, and amusement that occurred throughout the musical. The characters in the performance were complex and the actors who played them had to skillfully consider each side of their characters. “I played Vivian Kensington. She’s the antihero, not the villain, not the person you’re supposed to hate, but she sucks,” said Jocelyn Worley, junior. “I loved playing her because in the second act she has a full character arc, and she becomes cool.” Actors had a delicate task in their hands; not wanting to portray her character in a negative light, junior Madison Perrotti ensured that her character of Elle Woods was seen as a brilliant individual.
“I think for me, I wanted to play [Elle] very genuine. I didn’t want it to seem like I was making fun of the character because she really is smart and she really is intelligent,” Perrotti said. “I think a lot of times with characters like Elle Woods people will read the script and go ‘well she’s just another dumb blonde,’ but that’s really not the case.” As Perrotti learned more about her character, her perspective changed, and it contributed to a deeper understanding of Elle and her feelings. “Going into it I was like ‘I have so much that I relate to this character.’ I had so much that I felt that I related to, but throughout the process I started seeing things that happened in the show happening to me in real life and they weren’t all positive things, a little bit of meanness in certain areas of the show,” Perrotti said. “I think I discovered a lot more about the character [because of] that.” Many actors, due to the nature of a musical, played multiple roles, which allowed them to perform different personalities and emotions. “I played as three different characters; I played a frat boy, the Harvard administrator, and Dewy,” said Jack Brady, junior. “Dewy was my favorite to do because he was a fun character to play, he was sort of a silly comedic
character that you could just do on a whim no matter what.” Acting multiple roles can be a challenge; although, it depends on the intricacy of each character. “It wasn’t necessarily lines there were,” Brady said. “If I had more lines, say a hundred lines, it [would have In addition to performing, some actors are also in the business of creating as they build the sets used in the musical in their Stage Production class. “It was really cool because I got to work behind the scenes and also on stage with [the cast],” Worley said. “If anything broke, I was there Casting the right actors in the right roles for them can make or break a musical production, and the casting decisions proved brilliant throughout the performance. “I think a lot of [the cast members] did really great. I think Kenna Kelly, who played Chutney, did a really good job because everyone loved her performance; everyone laughed really hard,” Worley said. “A lot of people did a really great job and I think that a lot of people were casted for who they should’ve been.” success of the musical, the cast still endured challenges that impacted their ability to
PHOTO BY GABRIEL SOUZA Madison Perrotti, junior, and Connor Davidson, senior, act an emotional scene in Legally Blonde Jr.
PHOTO BY GABRIEL SOUZA (From left) Macey Doyle, freshman, Madison Perrotti, junior, and Hailey Sourp, junior, perform at Legally Blonde Jr. prepare and practice. part [of the musical] was that so many people were quarantined at the beginning and also at the end,” Worley said. “There was two people who [were quarantined], one person came back two days before the show started, so it was kind of stressful. Missing people was the hardest part [of the performance].” Shortly before opening night, OHS’s english classes were presented a preview of the musical, which was unfortunately plagued with audio problems. The previews caused some of the cast to be amazed at the support and turnout at each showing. “After previews, when everyone was talking about it and there was teachers saying that they were coming, we were all surprised,” Worley said. “It was a great surprise but we all did not expect that and it was really cool.” This performance of Legally Blonde junior was since before the COVID-19 pandemic began to take effect in early 2020. Actors waited anxiously to be given the chance to return to their much beloved stage, and
a new sense of appreciation was established. “It makes you appreciate it a lot more. It’s a very special experience that was taken away and I think, before, many of us took it for granted,” Perrotti said. “Not being able to do [performances] for a whole year really impacts your life and it makes you appreciate it a lot more.” emotions as the sense and thrill of performing to a large “It was so cool, a lot of the cast were crying because we missed the feeling. It was such a great show to start off and there was such a great turnout for it,” Worley said. Captivating an audience with magical and authentic acting was not the main goal of every cast member, some just wanted to experience the fun that is performing. “My biggest thing was going out there and having fun,” Perrotti said. “I only had four shows and because I had been waiting for this opportunity for so long, I just really tried to savor every moment and go out and have fun with my friends.”
14 December 2021
The Talon
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Mr. Beast saves the seas with Team Seas By JACKSON MORGAN
Editorial Chief
Jimmy Donaldson who goes by the youtube name Mr. Beast has built his name and brand off of giving to others in extreme ways. So far, he has given millions of dollars away in both money and in other forms including a private island, cars, and even houses. Yet, Mr. Beast is giving back in a way he never has before. Mr. Beast is attempting to give back to the Earth by raising $30 million to clean up the oceans. He is partnering with Team Seas, and hundreds of other Mr. Beast noticed a problem in the environment and he decided that he wanted to help. Currently, trillion pieces of trash in the ocean, equaling close to 17.6 billion pounds which is the equivalent of 57,000 blue whales. Yet, the garbage
does not accumulate equally worldwide. There are great gyres across the oceans where trash accumulates into large piles due to the ocean tides bringing trash there and keeping it there. This cleanup will attempt to remove one pound of trash for every dollar donated towards the cause. Half of the money will be collecting robots placed in the world’s most polluted rivers, since 80% of the trash in the ocean comes from only 100 rivers. The other half of the money will go towards funding cleanup crews that will directly clean up trash from the gyres. The trash collecting robots that Mr. Beast is funding with Team Seas are extremely from rivers. The way the robots work is quite unique in the river. The robots have a border that extends from the
PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXABAY.COM robots to the side of the river that works with the currents to funnel trash into them. A conveyor belt then lifts the trash into large trash bins inside the boat that will send a signal to a local cleanup team once full. The teams can then easily empty the trash bins in just a few minutes. By eradicating trash from these rivers, up to 80% of the trash entering the ocean can be eliminated. Mr. Beasts’ attempts to
clean up the oceans are noble; however, he cannot eliminate all the trash in the ocean. The larger problem is the conditions that the people by these rivers face. The towns that dump trash into rivers have no other choice. The towns usually face poverty and do not have sanitary means of disposing trash, giving them no other choice than to dump the trash into rivers. This problem is much bigger than what Mr. Beast
can face though; it requires much more work and effort by governments to end the problem. Mr. Beast has raised just over $16 million for his cleanup, yet he still has much more work to do in order to meet his goal of $30 million. Although it is likely that he will reach his goal, it will only with trillions of pieces of trash that will still be left to clean up from the oceans.
Audiences reminisce with “Ghostbusters Afterlife” By
KAITLYN
characters are children and highly predictable. This gives the movie slightly less suspense than fans were anticipating, but still keeps the movie interesting as their unpredictable reaction to the ghouls was outstanding and hilarious.
SMITTEN
Sports Editor
One thing that Hollywood is very good at doing is remaking hit movies like “Ghostbusters.” Although “Ghostbusters Afterlife” is not necessarily a complete remake, as it continues the original story line, it is still a classic movie that has been remade with a completely new cast, except Bill Murray, and crew. The popular director of “Ghostbusters” and “Ghostbusters II” in the 1980s, Ivan Reitman, passed his legacy onto his son, Jason Reitman, who did not disappoint. “Ghostbusters Afterlife” was either going to be a blockbuster or a huge disappointment, and critics would say it is a hit. With stars like Paul Rudd and Finn Wolfhard, one would expect an excellent movie. The movie is centered around a single mother and her two children, Callie, played by Carrie Coon, Trevor, played by Finn Wolfhard, and Phoebe, played by Mckenna Grace,
in Alberta, Canada, which of Summerville, weather did no the cast and crew unpredictable and
but nothing too drastic, and editors worked vigorously to release date. the characters battle supernatural beings, crack jokes, and solve mysteries, which makes the movie easy to get through. Partnered with humor and mystery, many extremely talented actors, making it a cinematic masterpiece. “Ghostbusters Afterlife” has an impressive plot line that maintains viewers’ attention and keeps them interested throughout the two
town of Summerville, Oklahoma. Not long after moving there, they discover they have a connection to the original Ghostbusters and the legacy their grandfather left behind.
Franchise sequels are always a tricky thing, as directors do not want to necessarily
after the events of the second members of the original cast are featured in the movie, including; Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, Sigourny Weaver, and Paul Rudd. The movie also pays tribute to the late Harold Ramis, who died
but the good to as it was extreme.
PHOTO COURTESY OF IMB.COM Much like the original Ghostbusters movies, “Ghostbusters Afterlife” continues the spooky, yet comedic plot line. Throughout the movie there are connections to the
past Ghostbusters movies with easter eggs hidden within the movie. Not only does this leave fans on their toes, but it also keeps them engaged. Plus, older spectators can reminisce about the times that they
may have spent watching the original movies in theaters back in the 1980s. Although there are many similarities throughout couple of major differences, like how most of the main
but also want the sequel to get just as much, or more, attention. “Ghostbusters Afterlife” does an exceptional job at doing just that. All in all, many fans would agree that although the original Ghostbusters movies are good, “Ghostbusters Afterlife” is also very well done and deserves the same praise that the original movies received.
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December 2021
15
Dune takes fans into another reality By VICTORIA KIROVA
Features Editor
Dune was one of the most highly anticipated movies of this year, starring prominent actors such as Jason Momoa, Timothée Chalamet, and Zendaya. Dune is based on the popular book franchise by Frank Herbert, and fans were eager to see if the movie was able to capture the essence of the novel that Herbert diligently worked to perfect. Thankfully, this movie did not disappoint. The actors’ breathtaking portrayal of emotion and the hours the director, Denis Villeneuve, spent honing on the details world, greatly contributed to the masterpiece that is Dune. This movie begins with Chani, played by Zendaya, explaining the violence that her people, the Fremen, faced due to the barbaric rule of the Harkonnens, one of the Great Houses during this time. The Harkonnens presided over the planet of Arrakis, home of the Fremen, until the abrupt order of Emperor Shaddam IV, stating that they were to immediately leave for new rulers to take over this desired planet. The fascination for control
over this land resulted from the substance that was found only on its surface.:he “spice”. This small, grainy material enhances an individual's senses, can prolong people’s lives, as well as carry the key to interstellar travel. Considering its importance, it came as no surprise that the Harkonnens were infuriated by the decision of the emperor to give control to House Atreides. Paul Atreides, portrayed by Timothée Chalamet, had been having dreams about a Fremen girl on Arrakis (Chani) whom he was unfamiliar with. While he tends to suppress these dreams, when they start to hint at the future, he cannot help but be apprehensive about the true meaning of them. He tells his close friend Duncan, a swordmaster and friend, played by Jason Momoa, about his dreams, but his unwillingness to accept the possible truth behind them, shows the stubborn mindset that his character has. movie surrounds the political problems that result from the newfound control House Atreides has, especially after everyone learns that Paul Atreides could potentially
it challenging to understand introduction to the world was
PHOTO COURTSEY OF DICEBREAKER.COM be the Lisan-al-Gaiba (a prophesied messiah on Arrakis). It is revealed that the emperor purposefully granted Atreides the planet of Arrakis, to trap them into a war with the previous rulers, the Harkonnens. While this major problem was the focus of the movie, the way it was explained was unclear, leading to an overall confusion surrounding the Duke Leto Atreides, played by Oscar Isaac, recognizes that the emperor probably does not have his best
intentions in mind; however, he still relocates his entire family to Arrakis, which is risk the safety of his people, regardless of these suspicions. Another shortfall was that throughout the movie, many distinct names of people and items were referred to, making it necessary to rewatch those clips or look up some of the phrases, simply to understand the These terms were only known to people who were familiar with the Dune series, making
While this movie was hard to follow at times, as a whole it allowed the viewer to immerse themselves in a setting that they felt they were a part of. Throughout the movie, the relationship of Paul Atreides and the other characters is evident. This is shown through his affection towards Duncan, as well as his mother, Lady Jessica, played by Rebecca Ferguson. Paul’s bond with his mother was important because it allowed these two brilliant actors to showcase the intense emotional connection of their characters, as they were seen together for most of the movie, trying their best to survive the vastly unfamiliar territory they found themselves in. Overall, this movie lived up to the expectations that people had for it. Though it has some faults, the fastpaced riveting plot line and phenomenal acting makeup for them. This movie is a must see for longtime fans of the Dune series, or for those who are ready to watch a transported to a new world of exploration.
Spencer – a two hour mental breakdown By AAYUSHI DATTA
News Editor
Princess
Diana,is
an
has inspired and motivated people all around the world. She was loved by all, and received a lot of appreciation for her character and personality. Spencer, released in 2021, focuses on the part of her life that portrays her lowest point. It stars Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana (the titular character). The movie took over as
& artististic and attracts an audience that is interested made the movie’s focus more on Diana’s struggle and the pain she was going through instead of the unnecessary ways to make it entertaining. The movie’s sole focus was Diana’s mental health and how she moved on in her life. With the help of complex characters and symbolism through objects, portrayal of the barriers Diana faced in reality were well executed. Although the movie kept the basic reality, it added a lot of dramatic elements, making it Diana’s struggle with bulimia is a fact known to
all. The scenes in the movie captured this part of her life very well. Although, for some, these scenes might seem disturbing, the fact that what was shown was reality cannot be ignored completely. The movie did a good job portraying her mental health and how broken she was after everything that happened. However, the movie lacked a lot overall. It seemed like a picturized version of a rhetorical situation, symbolisms. The movie made a connection between Diana and Anne Boleyn, the queen of England from 1533-1536 who got beheaded for treason she didn’t commit. Which seemed unnecessary throughout the movie, excluding the end. The impact that it had on her made her seem insane to a certain extent, where she could actually imagine Anne Boleyn as herself. The connection was understandable but could have been avoided. Spencer only revolved around three to four days of Diana’s life and was not able to capture the essence of Diana being the “people’s princess.” Here, Diana was the opposite of what she stands for. She was portrayed to be rude and unpredictable,
PHOTO COURTESY OF STX FILMS & THEGUARDIAN.COM whereas in reality, she was a kind and well mannered person. The movie focused
so much on showing her mental health that it made her seem mentally sick and
also a little abnormal. Some of her behaviors throughout the movie felt enraging and irrelevant. Throughout the movie, Diana was on the edge of “cracking up” and was not really able to think carefully and logically. There were so many avoidable elements in the movie that seemed completely pointless. This included the maid, Maggie, played by Sally Hawkins, being in love with her. This fact had no connection to reality or the movie itself. When this fact was revealed, the only question that came to mind was ‘Why?’ It made no difference to the movie script and was rather confusing as to the reason it was added. The journey that she made to become Diana Spencer felt very long, boring, and tiresome. Stewart tried her best to capture Diana’s behavior and mannerisms, but lacked a little as the feeling of nervousness was clear on her face. She seemed more focused on her accent, which was sometimes hard to understand, that she could not give her full attention to her acting. Yet, it was a good effort put in by her. Spencer was very disappointing as it failed to capture Princess Diana as a whole.
Sports 4
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December 2021
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OHS fall sports 2020-2021 comes to a close By
KAITLYN SMITTEN
Sports Editor
As the 2021-2022 fall sports season wraps up, so do many student athletes’ careers. For athletes who do not plan on furthering their athletic journey, this may have been their last chance to play the sport they love, and all of their teammates are trying to make it the most memorable. No matter what sport you play, you are part of a team, even in a more individual sport like swim. Athletes learn to always have each other’s backs and support each other through their triumphs and failures. OHS swim has had no problem working as a team and showing all of their athletes love throughout the whole season. “This swim team has left me with four years of the most amazing memories and relationships. I think the team has made me a stronger person,” said Kamryn
Gutierrez, senior. Not only has Gutierrez become a stronger person through being on the OHS swim team, she has also grown as a person. “I would tell my freshman self about all of the amazing people I would meet and become close friends with. I would tell her that one day I would be the captain of the swim team and that I would have the best time ever being on this team,” Gutierrez said. Although having fun is a crucial part of any sport, so is the outcome, and OHS swim has had no setbacks when it comes to performance. Sending most of their athletes to state and breaking numerous records over the season. “Our team broke many of the school records, and we had 13 people make it to state this year, with everyone making it back to day two,” Gutierrez said. Another sport that excelled this year was badminton,
PHOTO COURTESY OF JUSTIN MCLAIN winning the district championship in both singles and doubles. “My biggest takeaway from this season was that we never gave up in close games and played hard by keeping our
Araeya Cosay, junior. Although playing a competitive sport can be tiring, Cosay and her team had no issues getting through the tougher matches. “You should always have
struggling, we still pushed through to get the win,” said
believe you can do anything you put your mind to so that
in a tough game to continue pushing myself to do better,” Cosay said.
Jump to page 12
The return of OHS winter sports 2020-2021 By
KAITLYN SMITTEN
Sports Editor
As winter quickly approaches, so does the OHS winter sports season. At OHS, winter sports consists of; basketball, soccer, and wrestling. OHS boys basketball is set to make their debut with a brand new head coach, Joshua Cole, who is eager to get the season started and win some games. “Everyone can look forward to watching an exciting team who will play extremely hard,” said Blake Colvin, sophomore. “As well as a new coaching staff who is ready to win games.” Although there is always the buzz around playing,
there can also be some failures, but OHS boys basketball is promising a good season. “I do not see us having any struggles, once we come together and fully trust and respect each other and our coaches,” Colvin said. Having good chemistry is just as important on and off the court. Being able to have your teammates and coaches but you as a player. “I am excited to get to play the greatest game in the world and work hard with teammates who share the same goals,” Colvin said. Along with boys basketball, OHS girls basketball is also projected to have an excellent season. With their
PHOTO COURTESY HANNAH EDDLEMAN
team being made up of mostly upperclassmen, there is a new found sense of grit and determination within the team to make it their best year yet. forward to making the most of this last year with all my girls. I have been playing with them since seventh and eighth grade, and this being our last year is not going to be easy,” said Lana Croker, senior. Although, for many athletes this may be their last time on the court, or playing with familiar faces, OHS girls basketball has no interest in letting that get in their way, and instead use it as a learning experience. “Now that we are all seniors, we get to take that advantage and be the role models that we had in front of us when we were little freshmen ourselves,” Croker said. OHS boys soccer is another winter sport that is thrilled to play and get closer during the season. “I feel like the bus rides make our team as a whole closer together. As we travel to farther locations we do karaoke,” said Brayden Perry, junior. Not only does OHS boys soccer get it done on the to properly represent their school and put in their best
efforts. “I expect us to give our best efforts and represent O’Connor every time we step OHS girls soccer is also projected to have a spectacular season this year, with making it to the state soccer returns with even more motivation to perform the best they can. “I think [OHS soccer] has just given me a good idea of what high competition is supposed to look like in soccer. It has exposed me to other girls that are not the same level I am, and a good sense of team unity,” said Kaycee Coty, senior. Although OHS girls soccer had a spectacular season last this year as they have lost a fair amount of prominent players. bunch of new girls come in and a bunch of old girls leave every year, because there are a bunch of new people coming in, but I think we will overcome that,” Coty said. Although rebuilding a team doubt that herself, and her teammates will dominate on “We have a lot of incoming freshmen, a lot of new girls,” Coty said. “It is gonna be a little bit more new, not as much chemistry, but I am sure
we will pick it up and result in us, hopefully, winning a state championship.” OHS wrestling is also eager to start their season, after having a ton of matches and tournaments taken away from them last year, due to COVID-19 protocols, OHS wrestling is more than ready to take on their opponents. “There are also going to be tournaments this year, which is nice, it will give us more opportunity to showcase our skills that we developed last year and over the off season,” said Joseph Riccelli, junior. Although wrestling is more of an individual sport, there still needs to be a sense of unity and competition within the team, to help inspire each other. OHS wrestling is “I will have to wrestle a senior for my spot but I think it will all play out okay,” Riccelli said. “I tell myself, do not stress out, do not overthink it, go to the weight room.” All in all, OHS sports is more than ready for their upcoming season, and ready to prove themselves. “Do not be afraid to be yourself. You are going to grow so much academically and soccer wise. Just be who you are and have fun. Trust the process and you will be are not going your way, it is always worth it in the end,” Coty said.