Volume 17 Issue 1 October 2018

Sandra Day O’Connor High School

Volume 17. Issue 1. October 2018

25250 N. 35th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85083 thetalonohs.com

Pages 10 & 11

ART BY KASEY CROSS

Students show their support through charity ty team. “It’s one of the things we try to teach our kids about. Serving others.

I think that’s the lasting effect that this has in just

Recently, both the football team and the spirit line have volunteered at the organization Feed my Starving Children and participated in CCV’s Excelling Stars, a program where kids with special needs can play the sports they love.

“My favorite part is watching their faces once PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE CASEY they realize the impact OHS Football and spiritline teams help out those in need through Feed My Starving Children packing programs. that they have on those man Mentors.

This year, wards bettering their comBy LEXI GASS there has been a surge of munity by participating in ing their interactions with OHS is blessed to be a charity happening on cam- charity events in the com- [each other] and knowing community where helping pus involving many stu- munity. The football team that at the end of the day, others is encouraged. There dents, from the sophomore has been going to volun- they helped someone they are groups all around cam- English charity projects teer every week they don’t might never even meet, and the football teams vol- have a game. like with Feed My Starving unteering.

“We’re talking about Children, and the fact that help out the people around The OC Eagle football them, like the Interact club and even the Fresh- team has been working to- Casey, coach of the varsi-

the team has done charity work like this. For the past few years, Casey has been orchestrating the addition of charity into his kids’ lives, volunteering at many different places throughout the years.

“I hope this gives them a perspective about how football is a game that’s going to end for you, so it’s about what you do with your life and how you serve others and how you said. “I think it gives them a perspective on what life’s really about. It’s really not about that football game and there are other things in life that will bring you The athletes involved also felt as though helping others has positively impacted them.

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News 4

Page 2

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October 2018

Project Momentum means new prospects for classrooms

better on our students and

Project Momentum behind

other students’ resources in addition to the program,

“The students are going to a better understanding of things, going into, whether PHOTO BY PEYTON THOMPSON Project Momentum focuses on students in order to help them be more successful in school.

By PEYTON THOMPSON

News Editor

Project Momentum, a government funded program, is intended to create a environment for students and train teachers to educate Governor Doug Ducey has given teacher grants to OHS, money issued by the government to fund a teachers to come in and be

progress within the student

this program, students are “The premise of it is to get to make sure every student grows to their capacity, because some [students]

and they may not be giving it

a deeper understanding of

instruction and the right

abundance of rewards from

going to memorize it for the test and just forget about it,” As students show more

students attain from having different teachers in different

funding for resources that

is to see a growth among students in comparison to

student’s growth increases,

at the state standards and requirements for AzMerit to

Let’s get down to business: students enlist PHOTO BY EMILY MAI The AFJROTC program is one of the many steps recruits take in anticipation for their military careers.

By EMILY MAI

“They are going to do

students towards a greater

as much because they might to receive the grants, so the program focuses on ELA teachers, math teachers,

and teach them what they

job to make sure that you’re

and state testing it’s going to

scored

on

the

students’

130 different jobs you can do [in the Army]; you can be a cook, you can be a mechanic, you can be an engineer, you can be a vet even,” Swenson

recruiter, there’s paperwork

in eight years of active duty in the Marine Corps and just

Processing Station (MEPS)

having guys around you with the same interests, just

history and run a series of

and ask them what they were

recruits take the oath of

the workforce, but there’s a chosen which can come with a signing bonus depending on

As a senior in high

is here for you; it is here for

Force, Army, Coast Guard,

Armed Forces comes with its rewards and requirements for both the Montgomery provide for veterans aiming to continue their education,

Jump to page 3 a few even go straight into

United States Armed Forces

and a community forms

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By HANNAH LORENZO

Features Editor

A new change for the school was put in place for the 201920 year, one that can be considered to potentially impact the future of OHS through ways that will eventually alter the school’s guidelines.

Starting next year, a new half day schedule will take place.

The schedule will be very different from previous years and will rework the school’s structured plans. Teachers and students have their ideas on its pros and cons.

The initiative will affect all of the schools in the Deer Valley School District. On full weeks, Wednesdays were chosen as the given days for early release. Wednesdays will be half-days about three times a month, and the end time will change from 11:00 am to 12:47 am. With this extra time, the District decided to utilize better techniques by “supporting what is known as Professional Learning the half-day problem already at hand, according to Brad Brazell, assistant principal.

“Well, it’s going to give opportunities for the teachers to plan together weekly,” Brazell said. “Right now, it’s one day, which is typically

a release time [at] 11:00, so the teachers just have that one day to collaborate and to meet.” the new half day schedule, teachers are thrilled about a shorter day in the middle of the week. Cheryl Bremser, algebra teacher, thinks that especially for those teaching the same subject.

“It’s going to give teachers time to sit and look at scores ing to change our teaching strategies,” Bremser said.

Having the ability to share more information to fellow teachers will impact time management effectively and also help the students during class, according to Bremser.

“I think teachers, one, will be less stressed because they’ll have time to meet with their teammates without being as stressed out,” Bremser said. “I think teaching strategies will improve the engagement in the classroom, and I think students will participate more, which will help their learning.”

Along with students’ focus, be seen through this half day as a way of improvement for teacher-student cooperation.

“I think that the students

October 2018

3

will see a dramatic increase in a collective of all teachers being able to say, ‘Hey, these are our students, not just my students,’” said Scott Lannen, chemistry teacher.

Looking at another point of view, students have their own ideas of what to expect.

Rylie Trank, sophomore, shares how she feels the half day will affect her school life.

“So, it’s just more time to support ourselves and stay stable within school and family life and everything,” Trank said. ing schedule to be essential for her personal life, but the cons are still present to Gurbeen Dadiala, senior. Dadiala seems to “prefer the normal one” when she compares the two schedules. Still, she believes that Wednesdays has advantages over Fridays.

“When we had the Fridays [as] half days, the classes were rushed; we didn’t get much done,” Dadiala said.

More issues rise up as students wonder how this will ease into their busy calendars. Savannah Noble, junior, is happy about the extra time that can be gained, but is uncurrent events.

“I like the idea of not hav-

PHOTO COURTESY OF OHS DVUSD schedule for the 2019-2020 school year showcases half-days. full days every week, but that the new half day marks I feel like it’ll mess up our schedule, and it’ll be a lot their development. How it will alter people’s school lives ready have Eagle Hour,” No- is not entirely known. Howble said. ever, mostly everyone, specifAlthough Noble has her ically students, agrees that it concerns pertaining to Eagle will possibly have a great inHour, she remarks that this obstacle can be overcome. continues for years to come.

“Adding that [Eagle Hour] “I think kids will be less on might be a little bit of a worried all the time,” Trank problem, but I still feel like if said. “They’ll take it as an opwe run it accordingly, it’ll go portunity to get themselves well,” Noble said.

Despite possible draw- creating a more positive envibacks, the school realizes ronment around the school.”

Continued from page 2, Let’s get down to business: students enlist

but the payout could be anything from job training to years of tuition for college.

Many recruits come to rely on them through their pursuit for higher education. Daniel Wheat is one of these seniors hoping to pursue college after his service to advance him in his military career.

“I plan on enlisting into the air force. The main job that I want is in Operations Intelligence. I’ll probably do that for a couple of years until I have to go to college, I’ll through college, then go from there,” Wheat said.

The process of enlisting and the commitment involved can also weigh a large deal on

“

It terrifies me because he’s planning on going into an active war zone so that raises the stakes.”

-Thackery O’Leary

the families and friends of recruits. There’s a mix of pride and stress involved throughout the entire process from all parties involved.

“With my parents, I’m the last kid so they’re a little worried [about health issues] but… they’re more worried about me leaving; they want

to make sure that I have a good footing with my career and that I get a good start,” Wheat said.

Aside from worrisome parents many new recruits also

they have to leave behind, although some have a boyfriend/girlfriend waiting for them one new recruit in particular will be leaving behind a wife. Joe Weygant, a senior who has started the enlistment process into the Marine Corps, is also engaged to senior, Thackery O’Leary. The two plan to wed in December, a few months before they have to part. he’s planning on going into an active war zone so that

raises the stakes. He wants

also want him to be around.

I want him with me, I want him to be safe, I don’t want him to be in harm’s way, and I don’t know if that’s selfish [of me] but in the end I am proud of the choices he’s making,” said O’Leary.

With such a wide variety to the military to serve their country.

It is important to remember that the military is “not a last resort thing it can be just a great way for you to prepare for the future, it’s a great learning experience, Editors-in-Chief: Cassidy Moore* Nikki Hazelett

The Talon is published as a forum for student opinion at Sandra Day O’Connor High School: part of the Deer Valley The Talon is an award winning publication with dozens of awards for it’s staff members as well as ranked the

top online publication and one of the top print publications in the state. Letters to the editor must be signed and dropped off in Room 508, e-mailed to thetalonohs@gmail. com or mailed. Letters may be edited for content and/or space

consideration. Obscene or libelous statements will not be printed. are of those of The Talon staff and do not Visit The Talon online at thetalonohs.com to see stories weekly.

ence,” Swenson said.I want him with me, I want him to be safe, I don’t want him to be in harm’s way, and I don’t but in the end I am proud of the choices he’s making,” said O’Leary.

With such a wide variety to the military to serve their country.

It is important to remember that the military is “not a last resort thing it can be just a great way for you to prepare for the future, it’s a great learning experience, it’s Swenson said.

Sports Editor: Rohan Patel*

Staff Writers:

Lexi Gass*

Editorial Chief: Katie Caccavale Copy Chief: Logan Frandsen* Chris Bonifaz Audrey Serrano News Editor: Adviser: Peyton Thompson Teanna Meagher Cindy Garraway Features Editor: Sadrac Rainey* Photo Editor: Hannah Lorenzo Chase Wyatt Isabella Foster Arts and Emily Mai* Business Manager: Entertainment Editor: Kendall Deal* Peighton Gellings

*Denotes member of editorial board.

4

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October 2018

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Future of America lies with Midterm results

By ROHAN PATEL

Sports Editor

America was founded on three branches of government: the executive branch, the judicial branch, and the legislative branch.

The executive and judicial branches have received quite a lot of attention recently with Donald Trump’s usual outspoken demeanor and the controversy surrounding Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination. However, the legislative branch will soon also be pushed into the spotlight as a crucial midterm election draws closer.

In these midterms, the Democratic Party will look to gain control in the House of Representatives and the Senate, while Republicans will hope to retain their majority in Congress.

Richard Weyker, government teacher, feels that this election will have major implications on the path that America takes.

“There’s a lot of important policies our country has to decide on right now. Our country has never been this divided in my lifetime and both the Democrats and Republicans are offering drastically different views in what direction this country is going to take on issues like health care, immigration, tax cuts, [and] economy,” Weyker said. “And so the side that wins us going to have more of an opportunity to shape their vision for this country.”

If Republicans can maintain their control over Congress, President Trump

PHOTO COURTESY MATT YORK/AP

Martha McSally, left, and Kyrsten Sinema, right, face off in a debate while running for Senate. like or prefer the Democrats be interesting to see how the won’t make a difference],” more, in fact the Republicans seats go in Congress,” Orsini Weyker said. “Most people, actually have had the highest said. “[For the Democrats have already pretty much to approval rating as a party to win] the older generation a certain extent, decided who in ten years so I think it’s a needs to not vote as much they want to vote for. I’m good sign about how upset and the younger generation skeptical at this point in the it almost impossible to get people are about Donald just needs to get out there race that these campaign ads are really going to sway any any of his policies through.” Trump more than it is about and vote.”

Due to Trump’s how people are excited about However, she feels that particular people.”

Many feel that these ads controversial actions and Democrats,” Weyker said. despite the Democrats’ low approval ratings, the While the Democrats do momentum, Republicans are not moral, due to their Democrats have momentum have momentum swinging in up for re-election will have belittling of opponents and going into the election, as their favor, the Republicans an advantage due to their untruthfulness.

“I don’t think it’s ethical to they hope that a “Blue have an advantage in voter experience in Congress Wave” will sweep the nation participation. and because Democrats lie. I don’t think it’s ethical and turn Republican seats “The problem the are forced to protect more to accuse somebody of into Democratic seats.

Democrats have is seats in Congress than the something that they didn’t do,” Stone said. “But at this “If you’re really passionate that Democrats don’t Republicans. about something you’re vote.

Republicans have “[The Democrats probably point it’s just politics and there’s nothing we can do more likely to go out and traditionally been much do something about it,” better voters, even when just because of the House about it. Personally, if this said Seth Stone, senior. “We they don’t have the same that we have right now [but wasn’t political then I would have a lot of young others, enthusiasm or momentum also] because most of these say it’s not OK but because achieve his goals, such as especially Democrat, who behind them, Republicans senators have been in for so it’s politics and it’s 2018 reforming healthcare and weren’t happy with the are much more reliable voters long it’s hard to get that seat that’s really what you have to do to win.” immigration. On the other results of the 2016 election than Democrats,” Weyker switched,” Orsini said. and they’re going on, sort said.

In our local elections, hand, if the Democrats can These ads could have an For Democrats to win, Arizona will vote on a new wrestle away either the House of in spite, and voting in the effect on uninformed voters, midterms for the Democratic Erin Orsini, senior, feels that senator to replace Jeff Flake of Representatives or the something that Stone feels Party.” young voters will be essential and also vote for governor.

Senate from the Republicans, must be combated in order to But this “Blue Wave” will to Democratic success.

The senatorial race is the Trump administration largely ride on public dislike between Democrat Kyrsten have better elections.

“I feel like they should pay to pass anything through for the Trump administration going to be an eye opener Sinema and Republican more attention to the news. I rather than actual support with how much people are Martha McSally while in Congress. think they should fact check for Democrats. trying to register the younger the gubernatorial election, “This election is going to campaign ad. They should go “It’s more about the dislike generation to vote.

With the incumbent Republican Doug determine whether or not out, they should do research for Trump.

I think there’s no younger generation tending Ducey will look to stave off Trump, who currently has on that person’s political evidence that people actually to lean more left it’s going to Democrat David Garcia. the Republicans in both the In both of these races, Arizonans have seen a slew of they’ve put their time and campaign ads, many of which efforts into, what legislation portray their opponents in a they want pushed and then negative, though sometimes they can make a decision for themselves,” Stone said. false, light.

Overall, the upcoming “They’re all the same.

They all have that dark midterm election could serve background and they have as a turning point for the the scary voice and they’re future of America, and it demonizing the other person, is essential that voters are that’s just politics now,” informed and participate in Stone said. “Politics now is this important election.

“Before you go out and making the other person as bad as you can so that way vote, educate yourself on all you come out on top morally.” parties. Go educate yourself, However, Weyker feels that these campaign ads are not with the most and then go necessarily making a large and vote for them,” Stone said. impact on the election. *For readers above 18, “What most political PHOTO COURTESY OF ARIZONA DAILY STAR. researchers will tell you is by you can register to vote at Campaign ads by Martha McSally have been attacking Kyrsten Sinema, Sinema has also retaliated with ads of her own. this point in the election [it servicearizona.com.

House and Senate helping him, will continue to enjoy that,” Weyker said. “If the Democrats were to take either the House of Representatives

Features 4

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Page 5

Seniors get experience with internships assignment are required to perform 90 hours of an internship, whether that is working with a teacher, At the end of the year, they present their experience at a supervisors and be graded on

communications,

[and]

Ethan Scheider, senior, has an internship at CCV and is working with some of their students have the chance

By PEYTON THOMPSON

News Editor

Senior year, students who are a part of the Academy of American studies program have the opportunity to gain

before they step into the intern with a company or organization whose purpose

are

The 34 seniors who participating in this

-Ethan Scheider

has

Chance Vandyke, senior, an internship with

with them and spot out to

see

how

“[It’s] opening my eyes different industries that are

“ PHOTO BY PEYTON THOMPSON Projects of previous academy kids display experiences with their internships.

an issue that we have in our

opportunity

teacher and director of Academy of American Studies, states what the internship is supposed to do

[It’s] opening my eyes to the possibilities to the different industries that are out there in the world ”

‘I’m dedicated to putting in

students

have

experience

The Academy of American Studies internship program provides students with a chance to see what it is

“It gets them into the community, and they have passion for them or something that they enjoy that they can

the community and what you

students to do that too

This is showing them that

Continued from Page 1: Students show their support through charity said Piper Linneer, a junior

on it and make a difference

food because we got together

“At the end, we got to see how many bags of food we

Introduced

this

year,

an assignment for their sophomores to research a ran the event said that the ended up coming and joining

had been made on other

their organization, and make a documentary video about This project was inspired Yousafzai and how she advocates and brings change in her community at such a

they can do, and I wanted The students have been working on this project since

“So far, my favorite part has been when they go to do that community service project, they are so excited “It makes it super fun when kids can come in and say ‘we made $250!’ Watching them get excited about it is what’s

charities that the students

Another group got the

huge groups of kids and they

them that they can make a

screaming when they scored,

good things that came about

“My favorite part about

“It’s impacted the team

said Rhonda Cunningham,

going out of my comfort zone

story, and how someone our age had such a big impact, I

and doing something that I that there’s things that they

foundations that are doing something for those who are

“My favorite part was

Tse, sophomore, and her

“We’re trying to show that one person can make a

stressed, because it’s a team

PHOTO COURTESY OF JORDYN CALLAHAN OHS students became a part of “Generation G” and continued volunteering.

it is an experience everyone something that I’ve never considered to be apart of my

to get out and try to do things more often rather than seeing

6

The Talon

October 2018

By KATIE CACCAVALE

Equipment Manager

Imagine the roles being switched. Think about it, the girls playing football and the guys cheering on the sidelines. Not on the average day do people hear about roles being reversed.

On Oct 9, at 6 pm, the senior and junior girls battled against each other with the help of their cheer team, consisting of all guys. At the end of the game, the seniors took the win with a ending score of 34-14. As it was a tough

game, Sloane Sivek, senior, and last year of Powderpuff.

“I didn’t have the chance to do it last year because I was in sports med and I was a peer facilitator and always working other football players. So I was pretty busy and packed, now that I’m doing my internship somewhere else I thought it be pretty fun to play this year,” Sivek said.

Being able to see the other side of things can sometimes become an eye opener.

“It’s very important because it’s like stepping into

PHOTO BY KATIE CACCAVALE Juniors circle up to plan their next move on how to beat the seniors.

By EMILY MAI

Every year marching band delivers a beautiful show with calculated movements, strong articulation, combined with the theatrics to pull it all together. This year, the show takes inspiration literally from their own brains as the band explores the recesses of the mind and plays with the The band has already played off the beginning of the seaheld on Sep. 29 at Desert Vista High School.

Although OHS’ marching band is held with high prestige within the state, the reThey scored last in their division. Even though this is on the low end, senior and one of this year’s drum majors, Kaelen Wilbur, isn’t worried and instead hopes to use this as a springboard into a strong season.

“For us we always start out on the lower side of the rank but at least Lauren Kisicki, the other drum major, and I we’re both seniors so we’ve been through it before. We always start out in the last but we’re the comeback band.

I think it’s a perfect starting place it gives us room to grow and excel,” Wilbur said.

Often times competitions feedback from judges that are critical of every moveinto the new season it’s more about being comfortable with what each member is doing and that they are preparing themselves for the season ahead.

“Overall the band competition went good for us. This about placing; it’s about feedback, growing, and becoming better than what you are.

It’s just being able to accept criticism and take your show to a new level than what you weren’t originally at before,” said Rebekah Wucinich, a senior member of color guard.

Practice makes perfect, and even though this show has only been in the works since August the band has been perfecting its technical skills since May of last year.

The band altogether had four times in the two weeks leading up to the competition, not to mention each section’s individual practices.

“We’ve been working for months on different techniques so that when we get into the larger aspect of the show, it becomes easier and a lot faster… as we got closer to competition we started

another persons’ shoes,” Sivek said.

Many people have separate purposes for participating in certain activities or clubs.

Gina Santillo, junior, had a purpose to be involved in the powderpuff game.

“I just wanted to be involved and doing something fun, like playing with all my friends and my senior friends before they leave,” Santillo said.

For many of them it’s their last year to participate in this sort of activity. So, along with that, students are going to be looking for something to come out of this opportunity.

Katie Lamb, senior, aims to make some friends.

“I hope to get closer to all the girls cause we going to have to be a team together,” Lamb said.

After school activities are a way for students to relax and destress from their day at school and from learning.

But, even in sports, everyone will learn something new at the end of the day.

“I don’t really know a lot about football so I am learning,” Sivek said.

Players and coaches have to spend a lot of time together to build that trust and relationship of a good team.

Resulting in that, friendships can be made, even ones that

different aspects of the show, and started adding extra visuals that really popped and actually gave life to the show,” said Wucinich.

After every competition, the band listens to what’s called the judge’s tapes, which are recordings of what each judge thought of the performance. This way, they can give feedback to the bands. Based on these suggestions the band can change one of the major point deductions for this competition came from the amount of time the band actually performed for.

“We were one of the few ished show because that’s how we do it. We prefer to not rush anything. We prefer to put out things that are clean so we got deductions for not reaching the time but we were only 56 seconds short,” said Megan Wildridge, junior and an alto saxophone section leader.

Each year, the show is reinvented and given new life; this year it’s called Pure Imagination. With a new concept, there comes an entirely new appearance to the show itself.

For this season, the band has sleek black coats from the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps, and rather than the

thetalonohs.com

PHOTO BY KATIE CACCAVALE Seniors gather up to take a group photo before the game begins. could last a lifetime.

“Honestly, making some new friends because it’s still the beginning of the year, we have the whole rest of the year to make some friends,” Sivek said.

As years go by, new ideas of activities for schools to present to their students more unique. Powderpuff is a sport

where girls can learn what it feels for football players when

traditional shako headgear, they are trying a clean polished look by slicking back their hair.

“I personally think it’s really cool having the slicked back hair, it’s interesting, none of the other bands do that… [our show] is about creativity… and breaking away from the norm to explore a new outlook, it just works,” Wildridge said.

The show endeavors to reveal the whimsical and fantastical parts of the world and within ourselves by physically contrasting the dark colors and movements

with color and magical effect.

“It’s about how everyone gets caught up in the illusion that the world is dark and depressing and black and white.

It’s taking that and using more of your right brain, your creative side, instead of the logical side, and it’s utilizing that and getting out of that illusion that everything is dark. I think this year’s show has a lot of potential, even if you don’t understand the underlying concept people, even non-band people will see it and think, ‘Wow that’s a beautiful show’,” said Wilbur.

way for boys to experience how it feels for cheerleaders during a big game. This sport provides students an opportunity to step into somebody else’s shoes for once.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN WILDRIDGE Kaelen Wilbur, senior and drum major, stands at attention with his band.

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October 2018

7

Ceramics & Theatre team-up for awareness

By LEXI GASS

The arts programs are a large part of the campus at OHS. Whether it be choir, band, the art classes, or dance, every student has participated in some form of art during their high school experience.

In previous years, the art departments have kept themselves fairly separate from each other, each operating their own departments without much interaction between them.

This changed when the OHS Theater department decided to collaborate with the Ceramics department to sell the run of Little Shop of Horrors.

The Ceramics 3-4 classes have been given the opportunity to create little clay pots decorated as mini monsters to sell outside the auditorium before the performances of Little Shop of Horrors. Little Shop of Horrors is a musical about a

the selling of these pots is a way to not only promote the theater department, but also support the ceramics department.

“I think Mrs. Fioramonti was saying that she would like [the Ceramics class] to do something so that they could not only showcase theater but also showcase ceramics at the same time,” said Jeff Davenport, an art teacher.

“She said that if we could have something to sell during the run of the play, that would be really great. That would help put ceramics on the map too, to show off what we’re doing in the ceramics department.”

The main goal of this project is to gain more interest in both the theater and ceramics programs. With the art departments joining forces, they are hoping more students will take note of the many things they are doing to better the campus.

“We’re trying to combine the art departments more this year to help make our presence more visible here

on campus,” Davenport said.

“We want people to take notice of what is occurring in our departments.”

In addition to teaching

“

I wanted to do something where people are kind of on the lookout for these little stars, It’s another project where we want to get a little visibility for ceramics and clubs on campus.”

-Jeff Davenport

several ceramics classes, PHOTO BY LEXI GASS Davenport is also the advisor for Youth for Tolerance, a Ceramics student works on making a ‘monster’ pot for class. club on campus that works and we’re going to hang one receives a little symbol to better the lives of students them around campus so that of positivity to brighten on campus. Davenport has anyone that sees one can pick their day. Davenport took started a new project for the up the little stars and take inspiration from this to members of her club that will them home,” Davenport said. help spread more positivity Davenport got the idea around campus. take place all over campus. from a project called Quilted “We are making these little Hearts, a project where stars, and we’re going to people create and hide little put little sayings on them, fabric hearts in different

Eagle Outlet encourages school spirit

By PEIGHTON GELLINGS

2018 is truly the year of comebacks and the student government of OHS is jumping on board. A new and improved student store, the Eagle Outlet, has returned to campus years after it was originally shut down. It is now open every Tuesday and Thursday during Eagle Hour.

This new addition gives students the opportunity to purchase OHS branded merchandise and showcase their school spirit. The Eagle Outlet is both sponsored and run by the members of student government. Carrie Ballou, one of the Stugo advisors, believes that the store was much needed to get more students involved.

“We started the Stugo merch store so that students would have access to O’Connor gear, because there are a lot of kids that aren’t involved in a sport and a club, so they have no way to get spirit wear. The store [made sure] that everybody had access to that type of stuff,” Ballou said.

The students belonging to Stugo have worked hard to establish and create the products that are sold. Being a student-run class, Ballou supervises the kids and their activities to make sure that everyone is on task.

“I am just overseeing it; the [kids] in student government designed the shirts and picked the items they wanted to sell. Then each class is responsible for certain items so, [for

example] the seniors are in charge of the towels and hats,” said Ballou.

Stugo has many goals as to how they want the Eagle Outlet to impact the school and their class. With various products being sold like OHS sweatshirts, shirts and pencils, the store is a

“

As students come in we want everyone to feel welcome at this school and everybody to enjoy their time here, [We want] to make a difference on campus and get everybody involved.”

-Payton Jundt

a resource for the student body. Dailee Jackson, senior believes that the store will campus. the school more and gives kids an opportunity to come and get gear, so then they don’t

feel left out when everyone is wearing a shirt that they don’t have,”Jackson said.

“We hope that more kids rep the O’Connor gear and they won’t have an excuse to not show school spirit.”

Stugo is constantly working to plan activities that the student body will enjoy, but they have to stick to a budget as well. The store them to put on even better events for the school because the products on sale are items that everyone on campus can enjoy.

“The Eagle Outlet is open every Eagle Hour so you can come in during that whole hour, and we have shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, and for women. We have spirit gear, rally towels and we have cups. There are a lot of cool items that students should come and see,” Ballou said.

The student government sponsors and plans a majority of the events that take place on campus. Payton Jundt, sophomore vice president, is highly involved in getting students to participate in

PHOTO BY PEIGHTON GELLINGS The OC Eagle Outlet revealed and open for the public. school functions. events,”Jundt said “We set up the dances and They see to it that every we also do fundraiser type of experience is the best that it events like the Fall Festival can possibly be so that people and the Spring Carnival. simply have fun. Stugo is here to create a brighter and normally we use Mr. high school environment for OC [which] goes to Make-a- every student on campus and Wish. Along with that we do Powderpuff to raise money succeed. so that we can put on those

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

8

October 2018

Makayla Deal freshman

A year ago, I went to Westerns, which is a competition with half the United States, and I competed there. We had a practice before the competition, and I had a really bad practice, but my coach said it was okay so I moved on. Later I competed and I got 3rd place.

“

“

My disability isn’t me. That can kind of get grouped into who you are as a person. People will often talk about the dog or what’s wrong with you. People will come up to me and say ‘Why do you have a service dog? You don’t look disabled.’

“

“

Amber Werbel junior

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

“ @OC_CAPTURED

“

@OC_CAPTURED

A lot of times kids will bring in things from their family history because their relatives have been in some sort of war, grandparents or great grandparents, or they have clippings of something with their family being part of it. So about their own family history along with what they learn in class.

Darrell Hudson world history teacher

10 October 2018

Red Light Rebellion works to educate the OHS campus ball games. The club plans to indulge in educating, while raising money for the

By NIKKI HAZELETT

Editor-in-Chief

In light of current events news. A surge of tweets and regarding the potential Instagram posts have been Organization.

“We are planning to sell ing in the state of Arizona, uting false information to stuff at the football games, the Red Light Rebellion worried teens. so people can have the signs club is prepared to educate and symbols. If people are their fellow students on how in trouble that can come to stay safe. ing teenagers because what happens is people see it on social media and believe it ly,” Ponce said. immediately that it is true example is if there was a when it really isn’t,” said Elysia Luna, junior. ing with one, and how to Their club meetings focus ing able to distinguish the on ways to get information signs could be life or death ing yourself,” said Desiree out to the student body, and for some young adults. The Ponce, junior. purpose of the entire club is The club heavily focuses on the safety of students the current issue in Arizona. OHS students.

“I hope this can help get “I really hope this club ness to the campus. can not only educate, but Arizona has been rated both might be in the business of

it hasn’t deviated from that, but it also raises awareness of abuse and other types Hart said. of emotional and physical To support the club and threats to other people,” its journey to awareness, said James Hart, junior.

With Arizona recently being announced a popular

26,557 calls in 2017 nationally

1-800-373-7888

on every end,” said Hart.

National Human Trafficking HOTLINE

8,524 Human trafficking cases reported in

2017 All information was taken from humantraffickinghotline.org

{

Tot

7

Since 2007

Tot

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tal signals:

78,971

tal cases:

40,200

thetalonohs.com

406

calls in Arizona

National Human Trafficking

2017

HOTLINE

1-800-373-7888

11

181

Human trafficking cases reported in AZ

2017

The reality of human

By CASSIDY MOORE

Editor-in-Chief

Kidnapping has always ty, a personality that could been something that “won’t happen” or is only seen in and manipulate victims.

The internet is not only tions. The Amber Alerts may seem little more than an annoying buzz on the ploit their victims as well. phone. Abduction is seen as In a 2014 study by Thorn, ed that 70% of child sex store by a person in disguise.

lation and coercing towards their victims.

ABC 15 did an article

veyed were sold online at some point.

Phoenix has grown into a hotspot for these illegal activities and disgusting behaviors over the last few years, the business growing more and more hostile.

it seem impossible to leave your house without worry, ly every year to corner and legal sexual activities.

An AZCentral article highlighted the Mesa police department who made over inals who used the internet er detectives placed ads on websites commonly sought gal sex acts,” said the Mesa police news release covered

by AZCentral.

suburbs, interviewing Dr. campuses across the state including Arizona State thorities to stay safe when University. The ASU police in highly populated areas, has recognized that college is to be smart and to never go anywhere alone. Always that Phoenix has a problem, for pimps and those with bring a friend and never bad intentions as college meet someone you don’t could happen anywhere.

“First of all, if your gut it easy for people to slip in where you are. instinct tells you this is not and out of scenes unnoticed. a good person, listen to your The ASU police warned body, listen to yourself,” get intoxicated students and Understanding someone’s motive is much easier to one another (According to a do in person than through Fox 10 News article in April 2018).

4

Opinions thetalonohs.com

Page 12

What to believe about Justice Kavanaugh?

could have easily chosen one of the other multiple conservative candidates on his list. Even Republican senators such as Susan Collins, Republican from Maine who was a deciding

By LOGAN FRANDSEN

The past few weeks have marked some very hard times for the US Senate, as so many events have unfolded during

admitted he should have stepped down after the testimony he gave.

There were a lot of missteps by a lot of people as well as a lot of voices contributing to this

Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme the most controversial and has been the sexual assault allegations levied against Kavanaugh by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, a professor that went to the same high school as him more than 30 years ago. Supposedly, Kavanaugh assaulted Ford at a high school party in the early 1980’s.

There are multiple questions to answer in this scenario. How valid are these claims since they are dated so far in the past? Should these allegations prevent Kavanaugh from a spot on the bench? Whose word do we believe? And was the timing of these allegations a partisan move and political strategy?

Society has changed drastically even just in the past two years. Multiple men of high status and position have been exposed of sexually assaulting women as of late. Certainly we wouldn’t want somebody with these kind of crimes behind them on the Supreme Court bench because then we would be contributing to the overall problem. Both Kavanaugh to Congress, and the general consensus afterwards from the American public and Congress alike was that they

PHOTO COURTESY OF USA TODAY

PHOTO COURTESY OF NYMAG.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TEXAS TRIBUNE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

From top to bottom: Protestors outisde the Capitol building voice their disdain; then-Judge Kavanaugh speaks during his hearing; Christine Blasey Ford is sworn in during her hearing; US senators listen during the Senate hearing. didn’t know what to believe.

The investigation’s Court justice, is his behavior Senator Jeff Flake, results turned out to be not during his own testimony. a Republican from much different than what Yes, surely most of us would Arizona, called for an FBI senators and the general intensely defend ourselves investigation the day the public already knew. Many given an untrue allegation Senate Judiciary Committee argue that Kavanaugh’s about our character. But voted to move on with Kavanaugh’s testimony was Kavanaugh’s nomination precedent for the women who considered inappropriate by 11 to 10. This delayed the desire to speak up about their many viewers. He painted vote by a week as the FBI sexual assault experiences. a picture of himself as a interviewed nine people who At the same time, Kavanaugh raging alcoholic in his high possibly had recollections shouldn’t be punished for school years, and asked a of the incident. This merely having allegations senator whose father died levied against him, especially of alcoholism if she’d ever needed, as there is much if the evidence is pointing to passed out drunk. His uncertainty about who did him being innocent. conduct was not one that what. Ford’s testimony was However, another aspect we should expect as a nation compelling and emotional, of the hearings that casts from a justice on the highest doubt over Kavanaugh’s court of the land. don’t remembers”.

Trump’s administration

carried out shameful tactics.

The Republicans belittled Ford’s accusations, with President Trump even horribly mocking her at a rally in Mississippi. The Democrats kept putting off the vote as a political tactic, and waited for the right opportunity to disclose to the public Ford’s letter to Senator Dianne Feinstein, instead of mentioning it earlier.

Ultimately, in the wake of a 51-49 vote in favor of there are still two fairly distinct opinions.

Either we can disagree with his appointment due to his temperament and the allegations, or we can accept his appointment due to the lack of corroborating evidence in the FBI investigation and the proven guilty”. Either way, we will now see Kavanaugh take the Supreme Court bench with a gloomy, charcoal gray cloud looming over America’s political system as the public looks on with clashing opinions about the issue .

OC Assassins fails to meet expectations

By CHRIS BONIFAZ

If you have been looking for an excuse to shoot your friends with water guns, now is your chance. OC Assassins provides a nice competition between friends who just want to drench each other.

The game is simple: dozens of students come together to split into teams of up to four to compete for a grand prize.

While the game and rules are basic, things are complicated for the players themselves.

The players are split into two groups. There are the casual players who don’t mind much if they get out but are still getting people out when they can. Then there are the players who take it seriously.

People were going to extreme lengths to not be caught by other players and actually planning their weekends out just to avoid others either by staying home and never leaving or going super far out of town to not have a chance of running in to others.

This caused trouble for the players who wanted just friends shooting friends with water guns,” said Noah Thomas, junior.

Thomas explained that as long as people you knew were in the game, it continued to be fun and exciting. of getting each other out it gets boring because there are people you don’t know and can’t get close to and you just

feel kinda stuck,” Thomas said.

These struggles are what really held the game back from being fun the whole time. It also wasn’t just one disgruntled student.

player so I didn’t get into it as much as everyone else,” said Austin Cooper, junior.

Even though Cooper didn’t try as hard, he still thought there were some factors that made him upset with how the game was played. video perfectly you wouldn’t get the kill instantly,” Cooper said.

Filming was a hard part of the game because it was challenging to be casually

getting tipped off to the players presence. Videos would often be a little scattered because they were trying to be inconspicuous while also getting a shot of the elimination.

When students gave their opinions about it they mostly

PHOTO ILLUSTRATED BY CHRIS BONIFAZ talked positively about the experience as a whole, but there was a lot of individual criticisms throughout.

Overall, the people that spoke of Assassins thought quickly turned stale.

The Talon

13 October 2018

thetalonohs.com

MegaMan 11 is not just a nostalgic cash grab

By CHRIS BONIFAZ

The soundtrack should

Megaman is a classic that has lasted the tests of time throughout each iteration of the character. This new installment seeks to spark fans once again.

Megaman 11 keeps the core element of different stages with unique enemies

dozens of games the series has.

like something is missing and on loop.

the sharp controls and the map.

Bouncing

around

the

introduces new mechanics animation. enough where it complements the original controls.

While the new slow While

the

look

has

enough to make up for said frustration. tedious to create an illusion

refreshing for the franchise different so this is a good

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPCOM

New iPhones: worth purchasing every year? has the same size while the

By LOGAN FRANDSEN

the same amongst all three

There are few constants Looking

at

the

the new models are nothing phone user. The new phones are more accustomed to

to the other models. Other

update.

This includes features like the Measure

on is the release of the new iPhone model. Since the there are a great deal more similarities than differences. unlock the phone.

on apps such as Messenger

Looking at the price for a new phone with a few differences from the last one

the statistics regarding the

$1000 mark for its models.

hundreds of dollars for a few the phone. The whole idea of this seems like an unwise

phones to do these same tasks

sense to upgrade after two can see that screen size has storage has increased from 4 and shelling out more and to 12. Added features include

the App Store.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FORBES.COM The iPhone XS. left, and the iPhone XS Max, right, are two of Apple’s editions to the iPhone lineup.

4

Arts & Entertainment October 2018

thetalonohs.com

Page 14

A paradox of review: anti-hero changes Hollywood “origin” story from the

By AUDREY SERRANO

Copy Chief

Disclaimer: spoilers ahead. Read at your own risk.

that if alien specimens can survive in oxygen-rich environments with a human host, then those hosts can survive in space on a different planet.

that hosting Venom was actually killing him and separates with him. In that time apart, Drake bonds with his own symbiote, Riot, and Venom reveals to Eddie that he would actually like to stay on Earth as

!

Drake believed that space exploration could expand human existence, as he sees the Earth as a rapidly diminishing planet. He theorizes

PHOTO COURETESY OF IMBd

Later on, Eddie finds out

Fundraising raises theatre to new heights

By PEIGHTON GELLINGS Arts and Entertainment Editor

Money is something that everyone always has a need for. It helps to grow programs that could improve departments as a whole.

Theatre is one part of OHS that stands to create new and unique productions that the entire student body will enjoy.

However, the downfall of the program comes from the fact that the equipment is very expensive. They help to make their performances as professional as they would like and create a better experience for their audience, but the equipment is also hard to obtain.

Hazel White, senior and president of the drama club, plays a vital part in planning fundraisers to get this equipment.

“A couple of months ago we did the Sonic fundraiser where Sonic gave us 10 percent of everything. Now, we’re doing a really fun pie-your-teacher in the face fundraiser where we will go around with manilla envelopes and people will give their change and whatever donations that they have.

The teacher that ends up getting the most money, at

the winter assembly, they will get pied in the face,” White said.

Theatre is hoping that the efforts will bring in enough money to look into new devices for their upcoming shows. The money that is raised will mainly go towards purchasing a new fly system for the senior show, Peter Pan. “We want to make Peter, Wendy and the boys fly and make that super magical for people coming to see it. To make them fly we have to get this fly system, which is super expensive, but we really want to do the show and make it as cool as it can be,” White said.

Getting the device is a complicated process in itself. There is more to it than buying the system and getting it shipped to the school. Before it can be used, a lot of hard work is put into training the students how to safely work it.

“We have to raise a bunch of money so that we can get them to come here from Las Vegas, set up the system [and] teach us how to use [the system]. They stay here while we are using it and so fundraising is super necessary because we don’t want to pull the pockets of our

program members,” White said.

Along with the pie fundraiser, Theatre is also selling merchandise. All of these profits go back into the program and allow students to create more elaborate shows, with Peter Pan being the first of many. Ava Moran, sophomore, is currently enjoying her second year in the theatre program.

“You can either come in to Mrs. F’s room during your lunch or you can go to the bookstore. There are t-shirts, towels, sweatshirts, coffee mugs and there is also improv shirts. You can say what you want at the bookstore, tell them it’s from theatre, and they will give a receipt and then you can get your merchandise in Mrs. F’s room [220],” Moran said.

In the long-term, students want theatre and the arts to become more recognized.

Theatre is a vital part of the OHS community and Madison Scott, sophomore and student in Theatre 3-4, hopes that fundraising will help the performing arts program expand.

“Hopefully, it will bring more arts to the school and make it a bigger program because right now we don’t

PHOTO COURTESY OF THEATRE Theatre proudly supports their cause at Sonic.

have a lot of money,” Scott said. “Students should help theatre because the arts are important.”

Each and every performing art of OHS requires an abundance of hard work and dedication, especially theatre. There are months of preparation before actors and actresses are ready to showcase their abilities.

Fundraising and the determination of the students is what makes everything possible.

“It takes a lot to put a show together and once you are backstage helping out you get so much back from it. There is such a rewarding feeling seeing people perform and getting the audience together. It’s really fulfilling, but it’s also really cool to see this production that you have spent months

putting together, finally go on stage,” Moran said.

The student body stands to learn a great deal about the workings of theatre because the audience only sees the final product of countless hours of rehearsals. They don’t see that theatre teaches the importance of having worth ethic, responsibility and a sense of community. “[Theatre is] more of a really welcoming environment. People think that it’s just intense performances, but it’s really not,” said Moran. “We are really welcoming of everybody and if you do want to perform then there are so many opportunities for you to do so and there is so much for you to learn, even backstage like tech.”

The Talon

thetalonohs.com

October 2018

15

Choir tunes their way into the new year

By TEANNA MEAGHER

Choir is not just a place kids go to sing, but somewhere to create friendships, memories, and grow as an individual along with their voice.

This school year, a new choir teacher arrived and is altering her style of teaching to match how the students had been taught before.

When Madeline McDaniel Pulver, sophomore, was asked about the new teacher, she gave her opinions on her different style of teaching compared to Cindy Durazo, former choir teacher.

“She likes to chat with

the group and get to know the group a little bit more then I would say Ms. Durazo did, but Ms. Durazo was still great,” Pulver said.

Along with Pulver’s thoughts, Maia Gilchrist, junior, had some words for the difference of the two teachers. Although Anna Backstrom is new to teaching OHS choir, she has made a good impression on her students so far.

“Ms. Backstrom is just trying new things, like just trying to see how the choir works and she’s just trying to did it, I feel like they’re both really great teachers and have

great potential to make this choir great,” Gilchrist said.

To most of these kids, choir is their entire life. They sing all day everyday and can’t imagine a life without it.

Joshua Dickinson, sophomore, says choir is a way to grow their voice and become better.

“It gets me warmed up and it helps out cause we sing a lot,” Dickinson said. to take a break from school, as if it were a space to have fun and relax during a stress of school can push a kid so far, and thanks to choir, they have an environment to let

PHOTO BY KATIE CACCAVALE Anna Backstrom conducts the choir for their upcoming concert. loose and not think too hard.

Choir helps grow the voices “It’s like a break between of these students and give my regular classes and it’s them amazing opportunities just a fun time. You get to in the future. Students like make so many friends and Pulver don’t see a future just have the time of your without singing in it and life,” Gilchrist said. want to continue on.

Not only do you have fun “If I weren’t in choir and gain new relationships, right now, I wouldn’t have but you can earn scholarships. such wide ranges because we If you participate and put do warm ups everyday, we forth your best in choir shout in our classroom. We you can earn a full ride to a sound like sirens all the time college in the future. because we have to try to get “Yesterday this instructor, up there in our higher range,” he’s a conductor of the Pulver said.

Phoenix Symphony, said that Oct 11 is their last choir he can give scholarships to concert and then they have people who participate in the an upcoming festival on Nov choir,” Pulver said.

2.

Thriller elicits commentary on controversies

By AUDREY SERRANO

Rated R due to thematic elements of intense violence, swearing, homophobia, transphobia, toxic masculinity, racism, drug and alcohol usage, suicide, sexism, classism, nationalism, gore, guns, and sexual harassment.

Viewer discretion is advised. the fainthearted.

“Assassination Nation” was released in theatres Sep 21 and follows the story of how a small town, Salem, “lost its mind” after a series of hackings. The social satire seems to be the twisted lovechild of 1996’s “Scream” and 2013’s “The Purge.” enough; our four protagonists, Lily,

main Bex,

party where Bex, played by transgender actress Hari Nef, hooks up with her crush.

Meanwhile Lily, played by Odessa Young, goes to be alone with her boyfriend Mark, played by Bill Skarsgard, while also texting someone dubbed “Daddy” behind his back.

The next day, someone hacks known anti-gay candidate Mayor Bartlett, played by Cullen Moss, and sends his information to a casual hacker, Marty, played by Noah Gavin. The information leaked was about engaging with male

escorts and dressing in drag, which Marty then posts online for the whole town

starts the ensuing insanity by holding a press conference and shooting himself with a revolver.

The movie reaches its climax when a large data dump of half the town residents is revealed online.

The insanity spirals when half the men in town are donning masks, like a nod-off to “The Purge”, and weapons in a stance for revenge. led by Nick, played by Joel McHale and was revealed to be the guy Lily was texting, torture Marty into admitting that the hacks were sourced from Lily’s computer.

The assailants eventually stab Marty to death on a live stream, similar to a Red Room, after his admittance.

Our four female protagonists watch the video, unaware that there are masked men about to ransack the house they’re in. while Bex manages to kill one of her attackers with a nail the other hand, slits Nick’s throat when he attempts to rape her before uncovering a large stash of weapons and taking as many as possible to go and rescue her friends.

The violence starts to tip off when Lily shoots the

Sarah hostage and when they rescue Bex from being hanged by her crush and hook-up Diamond, played by Danny Ramirez, alongside Johnny, played by Cody Christian.

Once Diamond is killed and Johnny surrendered, Lily back and is joined by an army of them as they are faced with all the masked men.

Lily’s younger brother Donny, played by Caden Swain, is then revealed to be the perpetrator of all the hacks and when asked why he did it, he simply answers, “I don’t know, for the LOLs?” Director Sam Levinson

protagonists through their the patriarchy distracts us from reading into the actual satirical commentary.

and presenting it in a time where the political climate is heavier than ever.

The presentations of controversial topics throughout this bloodbath

our current political climate and with the coincidentally timely sexual allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, “Assassination Nation”

pun intended, in a way that really captures the essence of teenage anger in the modern age. The cinematography is sharp and precise in keeping the tension, especially during the break-in sequence, with its upside-down camera and point of view shots.

However, it was hard to properly decode the messages the horror-drama satire

to home.

A large part of the theme circled around feminism and its cultural climate in the

The insanity of the angry violence and following our

when our protagonists are introduced to us as they were presented as “hip feminists” who talk daily about their frustrations with the boys focusing on them the most, especially Lily, and then in the ending scene where all the girls face up all the masked men, it’s hard not to root for

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW YORK TIMES them.

Despite that, many could read into it as “all feminists don’t like men” or “all feminists want revenge” but the abrasive satire simply, in little words as possible, poked at the typical nature of how women are marginalized by the patriarchy and how they are constantly shamed and silenced. Levinson, therefore, presents the destruction and and characters through savage and unhinged action.

All in all, the storyline was interesting and captivating enough but the action was light-hearted. “Assassination Nation” is intense, in both the best and worst way, commentary— though a kudos to its boldness in attempt— in 110 minutes left much to be desired.

16

The Talon

October 2018

thetalonohs.com

Creative Writing - Genome number 1004

By KENDALL DEAL

Business Manager

G9835 walked the perimeter once again, gazing at the waves that crashed into the rocky shoreline.

G1004 ran up behind her, accidentally tackling her to the ground. “Hey, what was that for?”

“Sorry, I was excited, we moved up! We’re number one and two. Tomorrow we G1004 said, still laying on the ground.

“That’s great,” the other girl stood up and reached out her hand to help her up.

“We both got perfect scores, except you missed test,” G1004 reached out for the outstretched hand, standing up.

“Reign, you know I don’t care. I know the truth about us and that’s why they make me work in the library.”

“Roya, could you at least just pretend that you care? You’re wearing your badge backwards, we aren’t supposed to have names, yet the ones we gave ourselves.”

G1004, turned G9835’s badge to the correct side, hiding the thinly scratched letters spelling “Roya”.

“You don’t want them to

know you aren’t dedicated.

You know what happens,” G1004 said.

They continued to walk the perimeter in silence. The sound of the others beginning their small island, as the girls walked back to the main compound. G1004 lifted her wrist up to the scanner, the soft click of the door unlocking sounded. They walked through the hall toward their new bedroom.

G1004’s eyes were wide as reached her goal, she was on the top.

“It’s the same room we had before, Reign, there’s just a different number on the door,” She looked around the room, there was nothing left of those you had once lived there, it was barren of human touch its inhabitants before them had given it.

“Don’t you feel anything?” G9835 stayed in the doorway, “We knocked them off the top and we all know that we are not allowed to drop in rank, only the best get to keep going.

They were our friends, Reign, we are responsible for what happened to them. I just can’t be here. I’m going to go get food, please just

stay here.” G9835 closed the door as she walked toward the dining hall.

G1004 stood, looking down at her badge and tracing the cold black font. All she was was a number, an experiment, a soldier. She turned over the badge revealing the name scratched into the back. In thin sharp lines it spelled “Reign”. The two girls had named themselves, because they knew they were more than just numbers. She stood looking back up at the closed door for several minutes before she heard the sprinted, opening the door, and racing to the dining hall.

“Roya!” running girls; They were soldiers, yet they were running from their battle.

She ran, pushing past the the dining hall. No one was left standing. The room was hunched over tables and was nowhere to be seen, G1004 then ran out of the building and across the grass toward the library. She held her wrist under the scanner, but the door refused to open.

More shots rang out as the

soldiers moved through the training grounds. G1004 pounded on the door and G9835 opened the door after the pounding persisted.

G1004 wrapped her arms around as the entered the safety of the room.

“You knew. How long have you known, Roya?”

“I’ve known the test result for three weeks. The government wanted to buy you and make you the leader of an elite task force, but the scientists said no. They said you are the best yet, but your genetics aren’t perfect.

Genome 1004 created three subjects and you were the only one to make it past infancy, something is wrong in your genes. The government didn’t want to take no as answer, they’re here for you. We need to leave, Reign,” G9835 held onto G1004.

Taking the badges off of their uniforms, they let go. Dropping them to the through the library then out the back door. They raced toward the tree line, hoping to hide within the small forest. Backs against the trees, G9835 said, “After this is over…”

“We’re not going back.

I’ll think of something.

Anything,” It was too late— the island

was covered in soldiers searching for G1004. They moved through the trees, attempting to reach the docks. They were spotted.

G9835 was hit, G1004 lifted her, trying to take her to safety. She looked up at G1004, “Reign, stop, its too late. Just remember you are human, you are not a monster, you are good, and you are loved,” “Stop running!” A soldier shouted.

She stopped, looking down at the barely breathing girl in her arms.

She knelt to the ground, laying Roya on the soft grass below. She raised her hands, palms facing the moon above them. More soldiers arrived circling the girls, Roya’s breaths began to waiver and fade.

“What is your genome number?”

The soldier lifted his weapon, when she responded with silence.

“I am not afraid of you or your weapons. I just lost everyone I’ve ever known, and I am ten times the soldier you will ever be. I am no longer an experiment,” she lifted her head looking into the soldier’s covered eyes.

“What is your genome number?” He shouted again.

“My name is Reign.”

Improv laughs their way into the hearts of many

By ISABELLA FOSTER

Photography Editor

Months into the school year, the Improv Club on Oct 4 of the year. Two teams of students, ‘Slap on the Wits’ and ‘Breaking the Ice’, entertain an audience by alternating between skits and games. The improv show intertwines the audience’s suggestions, creating a bond through laughter.

Improv uses improvisation games that are on the spot comedy, starting with a scenario to set up a character going off of the others to During her second year in improv, Ava Moran, sophomore, enjoys entertaining the audience watching.

“Because it’s so on the spot, last minute, it usually ends up being really funny and it’s fun to do too.”

Moran said.

Improv is a part of theatre that helps participants push their creativity and get involved in school.

“It helped me get out of my shell, I was a really shy person. I don’t talk to people, but with improv I was able create a personality,” said

Natalie Matyskiel, senior.

The club lets participants create a new persona on stage, expressing themselves by improvising lines and creating a entertaining show.

In improv, the students can create a storyline talking about anything within reason.

“I get to come up with a new character that makes people happy and I get to see people laugh at something I do and it’s okay,” Matyskiel said.

Improv pulls the comedic side out of students, helping them be themselves accompanied by a good laugh.

“I joined because I love making people laugh,” said Matt Toole, senior.

Improv isn’t a club just about jokes, it’s not about laughs. The priority is to have a good time, as it it pushing the same mood into the crowd.

“It’s not about making jokes, it’s just about having fun because sometimes you’ll just make a really bad joke, just to try to get laughs, but that’s not what it’s about.

It’s about having a good time. When you’re having a good time everybody else is,” said Toole.

The club does have tryouts

to participate in the small group of comedic students and even if you need a little work with lines, the improv kids will still welcome you with open arms and give you the help you need.

“You can just try anything and let yourself release anything you think is funny or cool or just do what you want and there’s not going to be judgement for it they’re just going to help you improve more,” said Moran.

You can’t pre plan the outcome of a scene. You have to create a connection with the person you’re creating a story with and the biggest rule is you can’t say no.

The improv show is incredibly interactive with the audience. They have a say on where the skit takes place and the characters they play.

“It’s a really fun time with a lot of laughter,” Moran said.

Joining improv brings a sort of family. Every participant can relate with each other despite their differences.

They a group of students there to make people laugh and happy because that is what they love to do.

“My favorite thing about improv has to be the kinds of people that are in it because everybody has a way

PHOTO BY ISABELLA FOSTER John Roush, senior, Thackery O’Leary, senior, and Ava Moran, sophomore play the game, half-life during improv show. of expressing themselves differently. When you’re on improv, you get to see all of that through different people, just the way that they make characters and lines and jokes,” Toole said Improv welcomes all students wanting to experiment with school and

experience new things. A bond being created with the audience and with the participants helps students express themselves, but that is only just a small part of the club.

“It’s a really fun, welcoming environment,” Matyskiel said.

Sports 4

thetalonohs.com

Page 17

Football ends Homecoming week with a win most talent that I’ve seen on any O’Connor team since

By ROHAN PATEL

Sports Editor

Varsity

Communication and culteam. The OHS varsity team traits, which have helped translate to success on the a 37-0 shutout win against Tuscon in their Homecoming

gained 606 total yards, and two interceptions.

Heading into the last game

with O’ Connor. We’ve lost a

Sharp, senior.

But perhaps more important than the talent on this ities the team does together, Feed My Starving Children and countless hours spent practicing together. ally close team and that’s

a 3-6 record, yet that does not actually outscored opponents -

said.

In their most recent game, Varsity lost a close game goal downed OHS, despite yards.

The varsity team will end the season at home with their PHOTO BY ISABELLA FOSTER annual rivalry game against OHS faced off against Perry on Sep 7, losing by a slim margin of 75-68 their dedication with their early morning practices when We need you can trust the guy next most other students are not to demand to you,” said Aiden Harvey, sophomore. perfection The team’s strengths inhaving that team to help from everyone”

“

-Tanner Sharp

who we really are,” said Bri-

to come.

As the team closes out the

cations on the way the team

the progress they have made

son next to you and you trust

-

games we could easily have ly easy to say we could’ve or

-

ments.

JV

The JV team stands at 3-5,

-

-

-

-

Rozelle said.

In their latest game the

ed together.

despite only having played son. day so we all get closer,” said

very well rounded and we’re coming together as a team more than previous years,” nior.

Though the team has endured some tough losses, they

gone really well. We have a

said.

Players also realize that -

away game against Mountain

Freshman

They will close out the season against Mountain Ridge

Rozelle, sophomore.

Their trust in one another

*Due to The Talon going

out the season on a strong note.

“We need to demand percause we lost a couple close

Volleyball sets themselves up for victory

By KENDALL DEAL

Business Manager

Varsity dominating the competition.

The team is reaching this goal, as they are currently -

is,” said Kailey Trapp, senior.

This season the OHS team has many promising young lege competitors. One such players is Alexis Soncrant, senior, who plans to attend Pointe Loma Nazarene Uni-

try it,” said Trapp.

competitors at their games.

“The main struggle, is realdone and everything you

time management mainly,” said Simon.

JV

The JV team currently has -

Freshman celling

this

season,

with

They’ve played against many

Vista, and Mountain Ridge.

Ridge, Pinnacle, Valley Vista, and others.

For these students it is

it, and then I started playing

hard,” said Presley Simon, sophomore.

high school level, they have

continue playing in college” said Alexis Soncrant.

-

-

this season with a strong record. *Due to The Talon going

“For me, it was an opportunity to do something in

PHOTO BY SADRAC RAINEY The JV team goes up for a block against Chaparral on Oct 2. OHS won 2-0

helped them grow stronger as a team.

“I’m coming up on seven or eight years… I watched Kerri Walsh and Misty May play sand together in the Olym-

starting when they were still in elementary school. Their

as well as remaining strong

18

The Talon

October 2018

thetalonohs.com

Cross country is racing into the new season

By CHASE WYATT

Cross country is one of the many sports available to students of OHS. Unlike most of the other sports however, it is a non-cut sport and anyone can join if they wish to.

Lucy Sanchez, freshman, joined cross country to follow her passion of running and wanted to do it with her sisters. She plans to continue

doing cross country at least into next year.

“I’ve always just liked running and my sisters were doing it so I’m doing it with them. I enjoy beating goals and being able to make them.

I know I’m going to do it next year,” Sanchez said.

Macy Sanchez, freshman, and sister to Lucy, wanted to do a sport after quitting soccer, and saw cross country as a good opportunity to return to sports.

PHOTO COURTSEY OF CHRISSY WATSON

PHOTO COURTSEY OF ODIONYENFE ADELAKUN

“One, I used to do soccer and then I stopped so I wanted to do a sport. Two, I’m a freshman so I wanted to get involved in school and cross country was something fun and simple to do,” Sanchez said.

Andrew Hembree, sophomore, also new to cross country, has wanted to do a running sport since middle school and decided to do cross country this year.

“It was probably in seventh or eighth grade that

I considered wanting to run and I actually started this year and I just like the idea of being able to do that over long distances instead of smaller ones,” Hembree said.

Two weeks ago, cross country had a meet at Grande Sports Complex in Arizona.

This was their fourth meet of the year. Kennedy Sanchez, junior, got three-hundred and sixth place, setting s personal record, with a score of 29:07.05 after a three mile run.

“I wasn’t able to run at the meet last week because I hurt my ankle, but I will be able to run in the next one,” said Sanchez.

The next meet will be at Rose Mofford Park in Phoenix for the AIA Sectionals. The meet will begin at 9:00 AM with the men’s Division 1 5000 meters kicking the meet off. *Due to the Talon going to the printer, statistics for the AIA Sectionals can be found on aia365.com.

Badminton smashes the competition

By HANNAH LORENZO

Badminton started the new and varsity head out for each match, they plan to make sure that their technique and unity improve. The teams had wins and losses that allowed the players to look into what changes need to be made and shaped their viewpoints on how to properly maintain a stable team. different

outcomes

from

against Boulder Creek High School, winning by a score of 7-2. Dunshee remarks that preparing mentally was essential for their win and continues to be for the next matches. a focused mindset,” Dunshee said. “During doubles, you same page with your partner and be able to work together.”

However, they encountered some problems with a three game losing streak along with a loss of 3-6 against Chaparral High School in the beginning of October.

However, Rilyn Dunshee, junior, thinks optimistically season is moving along.

“It’s 50-50.

There’s are pretty good and they’re

higher ranked, but I think we worked well as a team,” Dunshee said.

After a win of 6-3 in a match against Boulder Creek, varsity was relieved of the troubles they had with nerves. One of their players, Francis, was injured, so Hernandez had to take her position.

Although Hernandez was stressed, she handled it professionally.

“We have a hurt player right now, so that’s why I’m number two at the moment, so it was just a lot of pressure,” Hernandez said.

“I was trying to put myself into more like, ‘Everything’s going to be okay, so I just need to do my best for my team.’”

my mental state to the right level, so I can stay focused, and I can just be positive during my game and just do my very best,” Hernandez said. their wins through practices with designed plans to better each player’s technique as well as ways on how to surpass negative thinking.

back on this season, they remember that badminton impacts their school lives, which in return, releases the tension they feel when they go out to compete.

“I believe it’s a very important part of my life because I feel like it’s very

therapeutic. It helps me forget about my problems and be happy with everyone else,” said Reanne Espiritu,

The teams always keep their close relationships with each other to not only create a sense of togetherness, but also use that core strength to become the top team.

“We joke around with each other,” Hernandez said. “We all have good attitudes and personalities that just mesh really well together, and I think that’s a big part of this sport.”

OHS badminton ranks 17th and has an overall score of 5-9. Both teams competed

against Mountain Ridge High School in their most lost with a score of 4-5 and 2-7. Although the season did not end with a victory, the players are happy with their results. Grace Neal, senior, is co-captain of varsity and says that the team has shown major growth with matches with the help of new recruits.

“I think that we’ve done really well this year, considering how many players we lost last year,” Neal said.

“And a lot of our new players this year have really come a long way. They’re some of the best new beginners that I’ve ever seen in the past years that I’ve played.”

as they received a 2-7 loss competing with Chaparral.

In order to come back stronger, practice became a top priority.

“At practice, we do an hour of cardio everyday, and then sometimes, in there, we’ll for the different types of shots that we’re doing,” said Lauren Francis, junior. attention to their mindset, especially after losses, to gather up more courage and secure their goals. Serena Hernandez, junior, says that she has a mental strategy to help her get ready.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OC BADMINTON The badminton team poses for a photo before a match at Barry Goldwater.

The Talon

thetalonohs.com

October 2018

19

Swim and Dive starts on the right side of the pool

By TEANNA MEAGHER

Swim might be a typical achievement you learn as a kid, but is also a skill that can turn into a competitive sport.

The swim team support each other, even if they’re competing against one another. Cayden Rich, sophomore, believes his team and all the others they go up against, are all together as one whole group.

“They’re very encouraging and they’re very helpful. It doesn't matter if you’re competing against them they will still help you get better. Even the other teams you compete against, you are all one team,” Rich said.

Swimming can take a toll on the students everyday life. Gabe Littlesalt, senior, is captain of the swim team and takes on leadership.

“In my experience as swim captain I've accepted a lot more responsibility and be able to be there [to support] my team a lot more,” Littlesalt said.

Not only does it affect their everyday lives, but even relationships they gain. Lauryn Bridges, sophomore, has made new friends with people she didn’t expect.

“I have a lot more friends from different friend groups and older people,” Bridges said.

Swim isn’t like every other sport most people participate in, it’s not like football, or

PHOTO COURTESY OF VERONICA ELTON

even baseball.

“It’s the only sport that your coach yells at you for breathing,” Bridges said.

Rich also thinks that swim has different effects on your body due to it being a different territory.

“It’s a water sport so its less stressful on your body per say but it's also a cardio workout. It's just a different environment being in water instead on land,” Rich said.

Not only is the sport in water, but it’s also a sport that’s not considered as just an individual team nor is it a team sport. Everyone is in a team, but compete against each other.

“It's not a whole team, it's not an individual sport, but not a team sport,” said Caitlin Chang, sophomore.

Being in any sport can change people, negatively or positively. In swim, positive outlooks are more popular than a bad one.

“It’s made me more conhadn’t done it in so long, and when I picked it up, I wasn’t horrible,” Bridges said.

Besides affecting you as a person, it also changes how you do in school. Rich has become a better student due to being in swim.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VERONICA ELTON “It's made me focus more on my school work too because I've always been focused but knowing I have to worry about my grades in order to compete, it’s helped me focus and it also helped me stay more active,” Rich said.

Even with the commute to get to practice, they never turn a cold shoulder to this sport. Even kids who can’t drive, won’t let this slow them down. They continue on with swim, and refuse to let anything get in their way.

“It is about a 15 minute drive everyday but I think it's make for our times,” Littlesalt said. *Due to The Talon going to the printer, results for the

Northwest Regional Championship can be found on aia365.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VERONICA ELTON

Golf putt putts their way to the top

By KATIE CACCAVALE

Every sport is different than the next. Each player must have a set of skills to provide to the team or specific sport to grow and succeed.

For golf, the girls and boys must putt putt their way to the top.

On Oct 18, at 3 pm, OHS boys play against MRHS boys at the 500 club.

As the boys prepare for upcoming events this season, Matthew Rodi, junior, shares what he is most excited about. the caliber of the team, how good we are gonna be because state,” Rodi said.

Every new season involves some changes and new techniques. Jake Carlson, senior, talks about how this year will

be different and unique.

“We lost two seniors so we have a really young team and they don’t have much experience but they are still learning,” Carlson said.

Boys’ golf is not the only group enduring some changes as girls’ golf will also have some alterations this season.

“It’s a lot more cut throat this year, we had a pretty steady team [last year], we had one girl who was really good, this year the talent is evenly distributed and incoming freshmen are killing it and it’s insane, because everybody is like oh we aren’t gonna have to work as hard but we have to work ten times harder than last year,” said Kaelah Clothier, junior.

Incoming freshmen players grow a new understanding of golf. Bailey Pitsch, freshman, shares what she is looking forward to this season.

“The team experience [be-

PHOTO COURTESY OF KATIE CACCAVALE

cause] I did golf basically my entire life and I have never had a team,” Pitsch said. cations occurring, the golf team’s plan on keeping some things the same.

“Our overall results from last year because last year we had a remarkable season so I’m gonna try have that be the same,” Rodi said.

Everybody brings something to the team. Either being class clown or the mom of the team, everyone brings one unique thing to the group.

“I’m the comedic relief, I’m the one that I can guarantee that someone is gonna laugh every time I say something,” Clothier said.

With every new season, more wins and losses come upon the table. But the players on the team never seem to give up as they come up with interesting techniques and ways to improve. The team is a family full of lower class and upper class men striving to show everyone what golf truly means to them and how important it is.

On Oct 10, at 3 pm, OHS girls played against Liberty and Boulder Creek girls at Boulder Creek Section. *Due to The Talon going to the printer, statistics for the Boys’ and Girls’ Golf match at The Tucson National Golf Course can be found on aia365.com.

Yearbook:Senior Ads Graduating class of

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