The Talon Volume 15 Issue 4 May 2017

Sandra Day O’Connor High School

Volume 15. Issue 4. May 2017

25250 N. 35th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85083

This issue is dedicated to Alexa Flores.

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class of

2017

senior issue

PA Building Flood Page 2

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREN KISICKI

Pages 10 - 11

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA RUOFF

13 Reasons Why Review Page 13

COURTESY OF FORBES.COM

Eagle Hour adds second MTSS to campus promising change

PHOTO COURTESY OF ETHAN GILCHRIST

Marc Mur, academic advisor, presents the Eagle Hour schedule change to all staff members in the auditorium. ment that brings a new al MTSS time. The frusBy ETHAN GILCHRIST hour long period called tration that teachers had Managing Editor Eagle Hour on Tuesdays with our current system, and Thursdays which will that we have, is that they An hour each day to re- replace MTSS. This change already have classrooms lax, work, eat, tutor, meet was designed by a commit- full of kids and that they with clubs, workout and tee who aims to create a have other kids coming to more. This is Eagle Hour new campus culture with them. So sometimes they and it will change campus stronger education and have over 40 kids in their for everyone next year. healthier lifestyles. classroom,” said KimberAll of campus will ex“Over 80% of stu- ly Heinz, assistant prinperience a schedule adjust- dents wanted an addition- cipal and administrator

who helped organize Eagle Hour. In order to approach the students’ and teachers’ needs Eagle Hour was created. It is an hour long lunch period where half of campus goes to lunch for half an hour and the other half enters MTSS and then they switch for the last half an hour. “Half of the teachers will be expected to be in their classrooms for the first half doing interventions with anybody. Failing students number one, but anybody who wants to get an intervention,” Heinz said. The system allows choice. Failing students will be required to participate in MTSS, but students who have all A’s, B’s or C’s will be allowed the freedom to go to MTSS even both sessions, use the hour long lunch or participate in new wellness opportunities. “It kind of gives them a

time to decompress during the middle of their day,” Heinz said. “It also leaves an opportunity for clubs to meet.” It gives time for students who aren’t available outside of school to tutor during school hours. Heinz said that “parents were not so frustrated” when it came to tutoring because of this at other schools in similar systems. A large goal of this system is to put more accountability and autonomy on students to dictate their high school career. “The average student is going to have some choices to make. They can choose to hang with friends for an hour and eat. They can choose to eat and do some activities,” Heinz said. This year the wellness side of campus grew. Jennifer Guerrette, wellness committee chair and teacher who helped Eagle Jump to Page 12

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Students receive new seal of biliteracy By ALEXA FUENMAYOR

Editor-in-Chief

DVUSD students who have met proficiency in two or more languages will now be awarded with the seal of biliteracy at graduation. Originally started in California, the seal of biliteracy is a seal placed on the diplomas of students that have attained proficiency in two or more languages by the time of graduation. Last year, state legislators brought the seal of biliteracy to Arizona. Hope Loveland, DVUSD World Language Specialist, was a member of the seal of biliteracy committee and helped establish the criteria presented to the state department that was eventually approved. “States across the nation have adopted the seal of biliteracy because they know the value of a language in our world today and the need to communicate with others,” Loveland said. With over 1300 students who speak another language at home and more than 39 languages represented in DVUSD, Loveland then brought it to Superintendent Gayle Galligan who fully supported it being implemented in the district. “Until you leave the

classroom and practice, you don’t really know how good you are,” said Robin Naylor, world language department

to receive the seal, students need to meet the intermediate-mid level in all four parts. “You can take AIMS Sci-

getting at least proficient on AZMerit. However, some students were immediately disqualified because they failed

PHOTO BY ALEXA FUENMAYOR Spanish students in 3-4, conjugate spanish verbs and Robin Naylor,spanish teacher, tells them if they are correct or not. chair. To test students in their respective language, the district chose the AAPL test, which has a listening, speaking, reading and writing part, due to its cheaper cost and thorough results. In order

ence and see how well you did. We have really great data for programs on a national level but we don’t have that for languages,” Naylor said. Students are also required to show proficiency in English which requires

to try on their AZMerit due to being under the impression that it would never count for anything. “When we give tests like AZMerit, even if we don’t know right away how they’re going to be used, you have to

assume that that data is going to be used eventually,” Naylor said. After receiving over 400 interested students in the district, it was decided to only test seniors in order to properly administer the test in a timely basis. On April 1, students who met the requirements took the AAPL test at Barry Goldwater High School. With the large amount of class periods of first and second year language classes compared to the amount of higher level language classes, teachers hope the introduction of the seal will cause more students to continue with language. “It maybe would encourage some kids to continue that maybe wouldn’t otherwise because they don’t see that tangible proof of what they’ve accomplished,” Naylor said. Kelly Anderson, senior, will be one of the students awarded the seal at graduation this year. “It’s a good way to show the achievements of students here at OHS and gives them an opportunity to show that they’ve been studying more languages than just English,” Anderson said.

OC goes underwater: PA building floods By EMILIE REID Arts and Entertainment Editor

On April 10, staff members arrived on campus for a regular school day only to find a partially flooded performing arts building. It was quickly determined that the flooding was started by a faulty hot water pipe in a storage closet towards the east side of the structure. Part of the main hallways suffered damage due to this event, as well as the choir and band rooms. With two to three inches of water having sat and soaked the floors and

walls overnight, repairs began immediately in order to restore order to the classes. The choir room saw most of the flooding and damage, and students were prohibited from entering the classroom for about a week and a half. Classes instead took place in the mini auditorium down the hallway. Cindy Durazo, choral director and piano teacher, transformed the stage of the mini auditorium into a makeshift office during this time. “It could’ve been a lot worse, we could’ve not had a place to go. We are all very

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREN KISICKI Choir room is filled with an inch and a half of water, causing items to float.

glad to be back in our room,” Durazo said. Aside from wall repairs and drying out the carpet in the choir room, a handful of objects needed to be replaced. These included the grand piano bench, book shelves, a power cord for one of the electric pianos, and multiple copies of music. Two school owned instruments were also damaged in the flood, but the severity of the flooding in the band room did not match that of the choir room. Students continued their rehearsals in their classroom and carried on as the repairs took place. The main entrance to the performing arts building was closed off for over a week, with students being detoured around the building to the doors of the mini auditorium lobby. “Sometimes they didn’t unlock the doors so you’d get locked out, and you would have to wait for someone to show up and let you in,” said Lauren Thomas, sophomore and band student. The water in the building was also shut off for some time, making the bathrooms inaccessible and requiring students and staff to use other bathrooms on campus. The flood occurred while

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREN KISICKI Performing arts building floods after an error with a faulty water pipe. the band were preparing for and any upcoming events state, but both the students were left unaffected by the and their director, Melanie flood. Britton, remained positive “You adapt and you throughout the stressful time make it work, and it’s just of repairs. important to not freak out Any and all damage have and to take a big breath, been accounted for and cov- and then make the best out ered by the school’s insur- of any situation you’re in,” ance. Classes have resumed Britton said. and now function normally,

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ROTC cleans up vandalized environment By NIKKI HAZELETT

Sports Editor

Earlier this semester, AFJROTC took to the mountain behind the junior parking lot. The mountain had been the victim of several senior pranks and is widely known for the number 11 painted in white. There were attempts to clean the mountain previously by district maintenance, but they backfired leaving the mountain in another state of destruction. It was not until two years later, Lt Col Simmons and his cadets were asked to repair the mountain to its natural state. It would be named the AZ-20064 Mountain Restoration Project Lt Col Simmons and the Corps Senior Staff discussed a plan to help fix the mountain. After receiving permission to proceed with their plans, they received training from the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department on how to properly go about

correctly and safely cleaning up the mountain. The clean up would total approximately one-half square mile. One day was dedicated to brushing all the dirt and debris off the rocks to prepare them for the paint and the cadets disposed of any trash on the mountain. “It was probably 150 hours and about two and a half dumpsters. I was using the tractor to carry big and heavy stuff back and forth. There was carpeting, roofing tiles, and all kinds of weird stuff there,” Simmons said . Painting the rocks continued over three days. The second day was a community day where 10 citizens from the Stetson Valley area came PHOTO COURTESY OF LT. COL. SIMMONS out to help. AFJROTC stands in front of the clean mountain for the AZ-20064 Mountain Restoration Project that took 250 hours to complete It took 150 cans of taking over 250 hours to ROTC have received service hours. Getting up paint, including the colors complete. With the help compliments on their work the mountain was the worst medium brown and black of DVUSD employees, 10 and members of the Stetson part, but other than that to restore the rocks to their citizens from the community, Valley area have discussed it was good,” said Abigail natural state. how the mountain looks like Budde, junior and 2nd Lieu- and 40 AFJROTC cadets, “It was fun, we got to the mountain has been rethere had never been damtenant. hang out with everyone and stored to its old appearance. age. The project ended up we got some community

Zero Hour offers benefits to upperclassmen Hour classes. “You would be with othJournsalism Student er students who are focused at that time of day so it will OHS juniors and seniors be a very select group of are getting a brand new class students that sign up for it,” option during the upcoming Wooton said. school year that may help There is a somewhat with their schedule and allow mixed opinion among the more time for extracurricustudents that have the lar activities. ability to register This new these classes. SaFor early for option is called mara Poole, junior, Zero Hour and morning stu- is a supporter of will offer upthe idea and thinks perclassmen the dents, it is a that it will work chance to take with her work really good well select classes schedule. from about “Zero Hour defiopportunity,” 6:30 to 7:30 in nitely would give the morning, me more time to -Suzanne Wooton get changed and go and get out of school an hour back home, maybe earlier at the end of the day. eat a little bit before I go to Kimberly Heinz, aswork,” Poole said. sistant principal, is confiAeden Gillam, sophodent about the benefit it more, isn’t as eager to wake could give students who up early in the mornings. use this new opportunity. “Usually I wake up at about six on school morn“It gives [the students] ings, and waking up earlier that opportunity and flexwouldn’t really help with ibility to be here a little bit my level of learning,”Gillam earlier and leave the rest said. of the day to do whatever Despite the varying they want to do,”Heinz opinions, Zero Hour is a new said. system that will hopefully Teachers are also excited help many students, and the about this new chance for teachers’ enthusiasm for it students. Suzanne Wooton, remains strong. history teacher, said said “For early morning that the system’s volunteer students, it is a really good only basis will offer a benefit opportunity,” Wooton said. to students enrolled in Zero By LOGAN FRANDSEN

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RJ Javangula, junior, is going to be the President of NHS next school year. He is interested in getting his group more involved in their community. “My favorite part about being in NHS is definitely the group events,” Javangula said. “I’m trying to create more group events so we can have a larger influence on the community, because this year we only have one per month, and I’m trying to get it to around two-three a month so we can have an extended influence on our community.” Javangula will be in his second year of NHS next year and is ready to have everyone on campus involved in their community. “We want to create other events where other clubs can join in too,” Javangula said. “We want to include STUGO, freshmen mentors, tons of clubs on campus. There is a bunch of people we can just include. At the end of the day, we’re trying to reunite the school and make a positive difference.”

NHS President: RJ Javangula

Baylor Gibbs, junior, has been elected as next year’s president of STUGO. He wants to help make the school campus a better place for its students. “I just want to make the school more unified and to make OHS a fun place to be,” Gibbs said. “So I just want to lead my Student Government group to better the school.” Gibbs has been involved in STUGO since his first year of high school. He wants to see the school enjoy and get involved in the fun activities STUGO brings to the campus. “I want more school spirit at this school,” Gibbs said. “I feel like it’s lacking from what it was in my freshman year to now. It’s gone down so I want it to go back up again.” At the end of the day, Gibbs just wants the student body to know that STUGO is there to improve the school year of everyone on campus. “We’re working for the student body,” Gibbs said. “We’re there for people, that’s what I’m going to be working towards showing.”

S T U G O President:

Baylor Gibbs

May 2017

Drum Major: Maddie Oleson

Maddie Oleson, junior, is the one and only drum major for the 2017/18 school year. She is excited and ready to become the best drum major she can be. “Being a drum major is just being a leader and a helper to the entire band,” Oleson said. “A lot of it is being a friend to everyone and making sure everyone is lifted up and we are being the best band that we can be.” She has been in band since she was in fifth grade and is prepared to lead the marching band. “Really getting to know each and every individual member is very important,” Oleson said. “There’s a ton of people, but I feel like developing that connection with each person will make us a stronger band by being more unified. I think just talking to them and seeing what’s going on in their day is a huge part of being drum major, because band is a huge part of all of our lives, but staying connected with them outside of band is really important.”

FUTURE LEADERS OF OHS

Photos and Stories by Lexi Gass, staff writer

Yearbook Editor-in-Chief: Katie Dube

After being design and senior editor for the yearbook this year, Katie Dube, junior, is looking forward to being the editor-in-chief for next year’s paper. She is looking to make some changes and make the yearbook about everyone on campus. “One thing I am really excited to hopefully implement next year is more coverage and more continuity of our theme throughout the book,” Dube said. “A lot of times, I feel like we focus so much on sports that we forget about the population of the school who’s involved in other things. I really want to try and implement more of a broad coverage of many people who aren’t in the book every year.” As editor-in-chief, she wants to make the book as memorable for everyone as possible. “It’s really cool to be able to sit down and try to figure out the best way to tell our story,” Dube said. “It’s like you’re trying to figure out how to tell your own story, but tell a story on the behalf of the entire school.”

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Auto Club races back into its first show of 2017 Ohlwiler said “hopefully it’ll grow again.” “I wish we could get more of the students at O’Connor involved but that just hasn’t quite happened yet but we’ll try again next year,” Ohlwiler said. The sponsor said the students in the club love cars and that even though right now it’s focused on the show, they will expand to do more events as they grow. “They want to go to car shows; they want to develop the car show; they want to be able to learn how to work on cars, some of them, so I kind of help them with that too,” Ohlwiler said. Ohlwiler’s favorite car at the show was all of them. “Anybody that wants to show them off. I love seeing them all. Love hearing the stories of how they got it, what they’ve done to it and for the kids to experience that,” Ohlwiler said. Another big part of the

show is celebrating the cars with an award show that includes first, The shiniest, the most second, third and peounique, the biggest engine, ple’s choice awards. the sharpest body and more First went to a all gathered at the campus custom 1953 Internacar show to celebrate the tional truck, second to a beauty of cars while proBlue Mustang, third to moting the love of cars to a Valiant and people’s students. choice to a custom clasThe Auto Club held its sic service truck. first show after a one year “My personal favorbreak on Saturday, April 1 in ite was an old Internathe parking lot. This event tional work truck and I marked the return of the thought it was just inclub said Denis Ohlwiler, teresting because of the Auto Club sponsor and algecharacter and how it’s PHOTO BY ETHAN GILCHRIST bra teacher. worn down and how it “We had seniors that A child’s electric vehicle with the OHS eagle logo sits in the Auto Club car show on April 1. has history behind it,” were the officers and nobody hang out with a community this is a good thing. said Elijah Seals sophomore really took over or showed where you can just experi“Quaint, nice people, and club president, “It’s not an interest last year or that ence it,” Seals said. quiet. I just like it small. It’s something you can just go I actually had time last year This year’s goal was to easier to talk to people. It’s buy off the showroom.” to get kids involved until this make the club’s name relenot like everybody’s trying The club hung up year,” Ohlwiler said. vant on campus again. Next to flash and show. Everybanners and signs all over The club has been year’s goal, alongside growbody wants to talk about campus in anticipation of around since 2002 and was ing the club, is to expand to their cars. There’s more guys the show. largely brought back by the two shows again. that build the cars,” Cole “I think we’ve done very efforts of a few students in“Our goal this year was said. well. I think we needed to cluding Elijah Seals, sophoto get at least 50 participants His first place winning plan a little bit better with more and club president, but or 50 vehicles to come and I 1953 International truck was advertisement think next year it’s advertis- a five month build of ranjust to help ing and planning the right dom parts he had collected. spread the dates to make sure everyone “I’ve been doing this word,” Seals can come,” Seals said. stuff all my life. It’s just a said. The overall first place part of my life. I watch car Seals also winner at the show was Mark programs. I read car magstated the club Cole. He has been coming to azines. I build cars,” Cole is for “anyone the shows for five years. said. and everyone” “I wish more kids were Supporters like Cole on campus and interested. I mean let’s face have ensured that even after they’re looking it, cars are history. Yeah, a one year hiatus, the Auto for more memthey’re going away with the Club show still had attendees bers. autonomous automobile, but and will for the foreseeable “I think it’s if you’re not an athletic or future. interesting bean academic where do you “I have to appreciate cause not only go? I mean there’s music, what the math teacher’s do you get to but I like to see kids with doing trying to get the kids see classic cars cars,” Cole said. back and interested in cars. and even newer The show is ultimately I like that so I’m going to do ones that have smaller in comparison to what I can to support him,” PHOTO BY ETHAN GILCHRIST come, but you larger car shows, but for Cole Cole said. Mark Cole, attendee, leans against his first place winning 1953 International truck after the show. get to learn and By ETHAN GILCHRIST

Managing Editor

STEM club introduces new opportunities for students By HAYDEN CUNNINGHAM Business Manager and Webmaster

Science, technology, engineering and math. In modern day with cutting edge innovation, these educational skills are being used more and more in the workplace. Here at OHS, students have been working to introduce new STEM opportunities on campus. The STEM club on campus is designed to give students an exposure to modern science and technology. The club meets on the first Wednesday of every month, before and after school. Their goal is to bring STEM opportunities to students in the school and create opportunities for students to use these skills outside of school. The club features guests such as engineers from Honeywell who teach how STEM education is used today. “Our overall purpose is to extend STEM culture in

interactive so students can able to try out virtual reality society.” the school,” said Dana Rasask questions about future simulation. Seats for the conference mussen, junior and president careers. “[The conference] will are limited so if interested of the club. During the conference, give students a chance to explease see Mr. Lannen or The club also looks to STEM students will be recplore STEM in the communiMrs. Mara, advisers of the give students internships ognized for their excellence. ty,” Rasmussen said, “STEM STEM club. and summer programs. There, you can experiment is everywhere. It’s the basis Several students in the club with new technology and be of everything in our modern are Chief Science Officers or CSOs, which is a part of Arizona sci-tech. The club is also featuring a STEM conference that will be held on May 17 in the main auditorium. The conference will be from 4-6 pm and tickets are free, however you must register for the event with the STEM club. The conference will feature four guest speakers and students will have an opportunity to ask questions following the remarks. The conference will also feature booths from businesses and groups who use STEM. This will include bio-technology, aerospace, virtual reality, COURTESY OF SDOHSSTEM.EVENTBRITE.COM 3D printing and much more. The booths will be Logo for the 2017 SDOHS STEM Conference on Wednesday, May 17, from 4-6 pm in the main auditorium featuring guest speakers.

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Lacrosse breaks through as state champions By NIKKI HAZELETT

Sports Editor

A hidden treasure at OHS has been flying under the radar, but has finally surfaced as the D2 state Lacrosse champions. Four OHS students are a part of the Mountain Ridge lacrosse club.These students include; Joe Baxley and Zachary Magick, freshmen, Anthony Andolino, sophomore, and Collin Rampata, junior. Along with this, the team includes students from eight other high schools. Lacrosse originated in America around 1636, and has continued to be modified throughout time. The sport is a mixture of many other sports. “Lacrosse is by far the fastest game on two feet. The game itself is unreal to watch and a blast to play,” Andolino said. The team went undefeated this season and won the D2 state championship on May 5. The team practices and plays at different facilities, including Hillcrest Middle School. “Lacrosse is different from most sports because you are allowed to move behind the goal and the stick can be used to hit other people,”

seed, and beat both Campo Verde and Oro Valley, which lead them to be D2 state champs. The well known rivalry between OHS and Ridge is considered “nonexistent” to Magick. “We all come together as a bunch of friends instead of two different schools,” Baxley said. Due to the lack of students at OHS who play lacrosse, the school is unable to start their own club/ team. However, the four current students have PHOTO COURTESY OF ANTHONY ANDOLINO learned a lot The lacrosse team on Friday, May 5 poses with their D2 state championship trophy after winning an away game against Oro Valley High School. from the sport. “If I have learned anymore difficult sport to play ball, but you’re also catching Baxley said. thing it’s what a group of Lacrosse requires a skilled than a majority of those a ball inside of your stick,” people with different roots sports only because, not only Andolino said. mindset and determination. and different schools can Even with difficult strug“Modern-day lacrosse is are you running the same so when they set out on one really a mixture of hockey, length as soccer players, gles, the team went into playgoal,” Andolino said. basketball, football and soc- you’re using similar strate- offs being the number one cer. It is definitely a much

gies and gameplay to basket-

Sports med supports fitness across campus here on campus. April’s a difficult month with all of Copy Chief and Editorial Chief the testing.So we wanted In the midst of finals, to have something to bring scholarships, service hours, the campus together and get projects and AP tests, them out and active after students and teachers both school since they’re sitting are in need of old-fashioned and testing for so long. That’s teamwork, cooperation how we came up with the idea,” Woodward said. and most of all, M e g a n fun. Luckily with Dickerson, OC Gets Fit, the said We were junior, perfect opportunity sports medicine sad it was also needed an arose. OC Gets Fit was over because o p p o r t u n i t y a competition held to raise money by sports medicine we didn’t while also being to encourage a for have a chal- productive healthy lifestyle students as well. across campus. A lenge to look “We needed series of challenges a fundraiser were posted on the forward too” to help our OC Gets Fit Twitter, -Veronica Elton program grow and students and teachers and get some more supplies formed teams and completed to help our teams on campus, so we were thinking of these challenges. Challenges ranged something that would inspire from food challenges where others to get up out of their contestants had to eat and chairs and get fit, hence the drink healthily, to mile runs, words OC Gets Fit, and get push-ups and team activities up and actually do something such as basketball, tennis and productive instead of just buying t-shirts or selling rock climbing. Courtney Woodward, food,” Dickerson said. Promoting a healthy sports medicine teacher, said motivation for students lifestyle across campus in the was the primary goal of the midst of an obesity epidemic is a goal that sports medicine competition. “The students wanted set for this project and will to develop a plan to kind of always hold dear to their get everybody motivated department. By TRAVIS ROBERTSON

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“When you look at the obesity and health rates of the United States as a whole it’s pretty disappointing, so anyway, we can encourage our students to live a healthier lifestyle at a younger age would benefit them in the future, so this makes it a fun way for them to learn and try new things,” Woodward said. “Especially with each other as groups because you see better benefits when you’re working with a team because there’s accountability there.” Dickerson says despite a few early problems, OC Gets Fit was all-around successful for them. “It’s our first year kicking this off so there’s a lot of rough patches that we had to go through. We wanted ten teams which I think we exceeded and we wanted to really use this money for our own program,” Dickerson said. The winner of OC Gets Fit was team 3 Queen Bees, which consisted of Jamey Spartz, physical education teacher, Veronica Elton, biology teacher, and Melissa Portela, sports medicine teacher. “It really helped us kind of de-stress from our day and get some laughs in and I think I helped us connect with our students. When it

was over we were saying we were sad it was over because we didn’t have a challenge to look forward to,” Elton said. Sports medicine has hopes of making OC Gets Fit an annual event that may even occur more than once in the school year. “ We ’ r e doing it again next year, we’re actually PHOTO COURTESY OF OC GETS FIT TWITTER even thinking Jamey Spartz, physical education teacher, and Melissa of having a Portela, Sports Medicine teacher, pose with their first place fall version of prizes of hydroflasks. it and doing it in the spring again. We may on the health and lifestyles of just do individual (instead of students and teachers alike. teams), and we may post all “Anything involved with the competitions and make it health is great, I think we just a week, where they get need anything that gets the whole week to complete people up out of their chairs, as many challenges as they people moving, anything that can,” Woodward said. helps the epidemic of people Regardless of who not being as healthy as they wins, who loses, how many should be helps, especially participate, or when it occurs, in high schools,” Dickerson OC Gets Fit was and will said. continue to have an influence

Seniors f o s s a l C

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Photo Illustration by Samantha Ruoff

Senior staff of The Talon leaves behind final thoughts on high school years some of the best times and some of the worst times all shaping me to the person I am today. From freshmen year to senior year, I may not look any different (still waiting on my glo up) but I sure did change a lot on the inside. I now know who I am and I love who I am! I can confidently say that too, which is something I’m really proud of and it took me a long time to get there. Within the last four years, I met some of the purest souls (most of whom I met in my last moments here, of course) and got to do some cool things like being editor in chief of the newspaper (still lost how that even happened). But with everything, comes some bad moments. Do I regret anything? The easy answer would be yes but that’s not how life works. Everything happens for a reason. Everything I went through, the good and bad, led me to where I am now. Was it the best four years of my life? No and I hope it isn’t for any of you. These are supposed to be four years that we find ourselves in. Your best Coming to OHS, I was a mess. Overwhelmed years are yet to come, but in the meantime have fun and scared to get out of my bubble that I had with it. Boys ARE NOT everything, don’t focus on grown accustomed to. However, over the last four years I have faced them too much. Girl, I know they’re cute, but put

Alexa Fuenmayor Editor in Chief

I can see it now. Me taking the first steps onto the OHS campus that I would then continue to walk for the next four years of my life. When I was a freshman I was extremely moody, cynical and pessimistic. I mean, I still am, I’m just a little better at controlling it. I hated everyone and I hated the world, because it felt like everyone and the world was against me, but that wasn’t true. (Spoiler alert: it was hormones; shout out to freshman year health class.) Please don’t sit in a school desk for four years of your life hating every second of it. Everything that you are experiencing will fade in time. One day there will be no more class presentations and no more oral reports. Nobody with remember that time you fell down the stairs and nobody will care about your outfit the following week. Don’t waste your time thinking about what other people think. Even if they are thinking of that one thing you did, at least they are thinking of you. Take in a deep breath and enjoy what not many people are blessed with. Go to IHOP at 10:30pm because your friend is craving pancakes. Listen to the beautiful sounds of a band concert because your peers are performing. Feel the cold, sharp wind being taken into your

Seth Moller Video Producer

Stop worrying about what you will do in the future. Stop thinking about that person that you just wish would ask you on a date. Stop gossiping about somebody’s mistakes. Stop pestering that teacher to put grades in. Stop saying things like, “I hate Arizona,” or, “our school sucks.” Stop speaking poorly of your parents. Stop subtweeting, I truly believe it hurts yourself more than it helps.

your time and energy on more important things like yourself, school, family and friends. Once you get that down, boys will soon follow. You probably will fail something over these four years. Don’t lock yourself in your room and cry all night after you get your first bad grade on a test (yeah, I actually did that). You can’t be perfect all the time and not every class will come easy. Work harder and do better next time. If it’s past midnight and you are still working on homework do yourself a favor and PLEASE go to bed, ALWAYS chose getting adaquate hours of sleep over school work.You’ll thank me later. Get involved! Join a club, go to sports games and school dances, high school is a lot more fun that way! Take risks! Put yourself out there! Sometimes you need to put yourself in uncomfortable situations, that’s usually when the best experiences happen. Ironically, after being so scared of change, I now find myself craving it. Although I do really love OHS and believe there is no high school better, I can’t wait to get out of here and start my life in the world. Hasta la vista OHS, catch me on the Today show in 10 years!

lungs as you run around the neighborhood playing Fugitive with a group of people you don’t even know. Of course, grades will always be important, but you need to set aside time for the things that are more important. If you feel stressed, you should take a mental health day. If you know you have a day off, spend time with your grandparents. Or even go see a movie with your significant other, because it’s been awhile since the last date night. If you have too much time on your hands, you could always try to find your first job. After having a job, social situations became easier to handle, I had money to spend on fun trips, and I also got discounted pizza. So if you don’t want a job for the money or the experience, do it for the pizza. It is important to maintain relationships with the people you care about. Going out and constantly staying busy helps to distract from any negative feelings you might have at the moment, and it’s always nice to have your best friends and family by your side while you’re working through it. Always remember that you come first before anything and anyone else. Whether you are continuing high school for an-

other four years or finally graduating: Sit back, hold on tight, and prepare for some of the craziest, most wild adventures that you could ever imagine, because this is only the beginning.

I can go on and on about the stupid things we do in high school, but too many occasions of my own failures come to mind every time I think of another needlessly harmful thing. I would never call out an individual who has done any of these things, so know that this senior column is not one to rebuke, but realign my own mind and those of any others who would care to read. What I attempt to touch on is the fact that there are more important things to do than worrying about the future, the present is unfolding in front of your eyes, the future will come and then be gone in an instant. There are more important things than worrying about a boy or a girl showing interest in you. And if you do not agree with that, then why are you just sitting around waiting for that person to make a move? If you like somebody, do something about it, do not sit in class wasting time dreaming! There are many more important things to do than gossiping. Think about it, say you have an opinion about somebody in class, if you keep that opinion to yourself, then nobody shares that way of thinking. Once you let that opinion slip and you tell somebody how you think about a specific person, now that opinion becomes reality for another person, a group now shares an opinion about a person. Stop stressing about teachers not putting grades

in PowerSchools. Seriously, it is not your job. Stop being unappreciative of where you live and where you go to school. Even if you do hate Arizona, even if you do truly believe that your school is a poor school, try to keep it to yourself (see the paragraph about gossip). If you cannot appreciate what you have right now, how will you ever appreciate what you have in the future? Love your parents. I understand that a good life at home is not a reality for everybody, but whoever your father/mother figures are, show them some love. Subtweeting is something we should stop. Here is an idea, if you are upset with a friend, talk to them! Do yourself a favor and do not take this all so personally, it is not as universal as I make it seem; however, I truly want it to be understood that it does not benefit anybody to complain about this or that. Complaining, as I am sure you understand, does not feel good to do. So if you made it to the end of this column without being too offended, just know that there are perople who are hurting. There are people with truly difficult situations. Be a friend to these people, do not continue to complain about your situation. Instead, gain some perspective, strive to make others more important than yourself. Remember, kindness can change a culture.

Samantha Ruoff News Columnist

Where are OHS seniors going after graduation? Military:

1

Air Force: 11

1

Army: 8

4

Marines: 5 Navy: 4

8

6

1 1 2

6

227

Coast Guard: 3

1 1

College Breakdown in Arizona:

47

17

31

20 Community College: 121

2

Senior Spotlights

“

Stay together. Just keep as a family and keep as one. The way the next generation treats each other is how the school is going to turn out, and how O’Connor is going to live. Make friends, make new friends, stay as one and keep spreading love.

“

Chris Auguilar

“

(A misconception is that) You either have a choice between being smart and excelling academically and having fun. You can do both. Allow yourself to really enjoy the moment. If you want to be the smart kid, don’t be afraid of what people think because they’ll respect you. It’s cool that you got to do all these things and academically accomplish but you’re also an awesome person to be around. Just try to find the balance.

“

Jasmine Amoako-Agyei

Senior Spotlights

“

The most memorable part about senior year was senior night for marching band at a football game. It was surreal sitting there and realizing it was one of the last games of the season and my life was going to be dramatically changing. This thing I was used to doing for four years every Friday night, it was all coming to an end. It was really special because I had my section and people I really loved all around me. They all wrote me a bunch of letters so that was really special as well. That night I got to go home and sit down and read these things from the people I loved.

“

Shannon McBrein

“

I think high school has taught me to embrace the good within every individual. Before coming to O’Connor, I went to a small school of very academically focused kids, that was an experience of its own. I have worked alongside and become great friends with people whose interests, goals and overall outlooks are completely different from my own, and yet I have been able to bond with those people at a very close, very deep level. Through this process, I have been able to see the good within everyone, even if I may disagree with some things a person does, or I may just be different and not identify with certain parts of a person.

“

Kailash Raman

“

Don’t be ashamed to love the school. These are four years of your life you spend in high school and don’t act like you are too cool to do things. Make the most out of everything; you are never to cool to do anything. The more you apply yourself and put yourself in the more fun you’ll have. When you dress crazy and have school spirit and support others, that’s when you will start to feel happy and get the most out of high school.

“

Kate Flaherty

“

The reason that I like massage therapy is because I know that I have a gift for it and it is something that helps people. So, if I can apply that natural ability to help people that could really go a long way. The fact that I am also an animal lover really helps me because that can be tied into canine massage therapy which is often overlooked but very necessary. Aside from that, I like anatomy. I like the human body. It’s interesting.

“

Craig Kelber

4

Arts & Entertainment May 2017

thetalonohs.com

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Students from the valley show off art skills pieces on display centered on the theme of the 7 deadly sins. His Sloth piece, a detached head with protruding horns, was made to resemble Marie Antoinette. “She would just eat cake and she would have a whole team of people to dress her,” Markobrad said. He used to color blue and added goat horns to represent more of the sloth sin.

2D art was another major component to the art show. There were many self-portraits with creative twists and other pieces that conveyed heavier emotion. Hanna Mc-

on paper. “I’m a metalhead,” Anderson said. “Usually, when I listen to Students all over the a song, I just imagine DVUSD showed off their these visions. A guicreative side at the fourth antar riff could inspire a nual Visual Arts Showcase. scene or a vocal could The work of these students inspire the same. It’s decorated the walls of a once just when listening to empty Norterra shop, filling it you imagine; like the place with life and creyou get these colors ativity. inspired by the album “We have a variety of cover, maybe the song 2D’s and 3D’s. Cauley, juname, maybe it’s just We have difnior, had a the first thing that ferent categopiece that comes to your head. ries like paintbrought You create it as the ing, or black on serious music goes on.” and white emotions. Anderson’s work drawing, or McCauley is mostly based off of color drawing, did a color music that a few of his mixed media, drawing of favorite heavy metal photography,” a girl with bands make. said Dena Daa dark figAll the hard work vis, drawing ure’s hands PHOTO BY SAMANTHA RUOFF that was put in by these teacher. “You covering her students was very apAn exotic self portrait of sorts created by Dawson Mitch, junior. are seeing in face, with the words “If It pictured a girl sitting in a parent and towards the very every kind of You Tell Anyone” written run down train that had been end of the show, the art was subject matover her forehead. consumed by the plants and judged and the students were ter, so all kinds “I felt like it was a wildlife around her.Her main given awards. of variety.” very strong piece because point of concentration was “It’s always exciting to see Mixed meit represented kidnapping childhood fears and things the combination of all their dia took up and that kind of situation that children are afraid of. hard work, then put in a pool several tables that is dangerous,” Mcof talent with the entire disPhil Anderson, senior, is throughout Cauley said. trict to see them come out on another student that submitthe building. McCauley also had an- ted color drawings, but has top. It feels really good for me David MarkoPHOTO BY SAMANTHA RUOFF other piece that had ana creative method when it and for them,” Davis said. brad, senior, A creative and emotional drawing by Hanna McCauley, junior. other forlorn theme to it. comes to putting his thoughts had multiple By SAMANTHA RUOFF

News Colummist

The Circle provides cutting edge characters By CHRIS BONIFAZ

Journalism Student

The Circle, adapted from a novel of the same name, is about Eamon Bailey (Tom Hanks) the co-founder of The Circle with the second co-founder Tom Stenton (Patten Oswalt) creating the perfect team for the new age of connection based technology. The Circle uses key elements like “encouraged” activities to simulate real world social media. The movie makes the world feel like ours just with hidden major differences. Director James Ponsoldt jumps out of the indie scene to give us a realistic picture into the very near future. Emma Watson and John Boyega deliver an amazing performance of characters Mae Holland and Ty Lafitte by making every conversation feel real and not like they are just reading from a script. Tom Hanks performance as the co-founder of the Circle is so convincing you don’t realize the underlying mystery of what The Circle is doing. Emma Watson does a

great job of dealing with the have been on a great track weirdly similar to today’s stress of her character’s life record for being plausible and world. Advanceat home and the ments and struggles she is business deals dealing with at with technolthe Circle. ogy take us This conflict further and of interest from further onto the character the futuristic creates a lot of worlds we all moral dilemmas know and love for the audience like the world to think about The Circle crewhat they would ates. do while also Things trying to guess could go on the what she will do. path to greatWith the ness and harperformance of mony of the the band Beck world or the and the visuals dark depths of the college of technology style campus driven apocaPonsoldt makes lypses. the world feel Just like like something Eamon Bailey straight out of a (Tom Hanks) college campus. when he saves Overall Mae Holland with The Circles (Emma Watshocking resemson) when her blance to life as kayak tips we know it, it is over in the a logical predicmiddle of the tion of life in the night and is near future. saved by poSci-fi movies COURTESY OF THECIRCLE.MOVIE lice because of like The Circle Official movie poster for The Circle, also starring John Boyega. the cameras

set up by The Circle. The great inventors of our time could be the leaders of the new age or the dictators of a very different society. While most of those inventors have good intentions to what they want to achieve but are used to fuel the fires of evil. For example Tom Hanks character started the business for his son who has cerebral palsy. This is a very saintful venture that quickly turns dark when the aspects of running a business that has the capabilities to control the world comes into play. As another example, the inventor of the tommy gun made it for World War Two soldiers but it ended up being used by mobsters and gangsters because you could hide it under a trench coat. In the end, the future is scary because of the big unknown factor of what is to come and this expertly made film only worsens our fears of no more privacy or one company controlling the world. Are you a rebel or are you ready to join The Circle?

The Talon

12May 2017

thetalonohs.com

Choir rehearses to sing out the school year By AUDREY SERRANO

Features Editor

Choir is known for their outstanding performances and many awards, such as winning superiors or superiors with distinction at every festival and competition they’ve gone to. They prepared for a performance that would end this year perfectly, and in turn, had some high hopes for this last concert of the school year. Their last concert was on May 12. “I hope we have a good turnout and our senior song at the end turns out well,” said Maddie Guy, junior, on her hopes for this year’s last concert, “We have a lot of new people coming into the program next year and I hope this is a welcoming environment that they’re willing to participate in.” For this concert, choir did

a mix of songs from a variety of categories. “A lot of our songs are about love and relationships, for concert choir at least, like we’re singing ‘Dear Future Husband’ and ‘Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man’,” said Becca Kittridge, sophomore. They also did songs from musicals. “Honor choir is singing ‘Greased Lightning’ so that will be really fun,” said Sonora Magel, senior, “And we’re doing a Pentatonix song with all the choirs so that will be pretty lit because we’re all dancing.” Choir also went to Disneyland the week after spring break and acquired top placings between both Arizona high schools and other competing state high schools. “It was really, really fun,” Kittridge said, “We got a few first place trophies between concert choir and honor choir. It was a busy trip;

bench to, and a bunch of our sheet music did get wet.” Despite the minor interruption in their practice, choir got ready just in time for their last concert of the 2016-17 school year. “It’s my senior year so I hope it’s good and emotional in a good kind of way,” Magel said. PHOTO BY AUDREY SERRANO Greg Ramsey , pianist, plays while concert choir rehearses one of their many concert pieces.,

PHOTO BY AUDREY SERRANO (Below) Concert choir practices choreography for their upcoming concert.

we were always doing something.” Although choir has been practicing heavily for this concert, an unfortunate flood in the Performing Arts building had interrupted their preparations. “We lost our classroom for about two weeks and some of her [Durazo] pianos for her piano classes are no longer working,” Guy said, “Our baby grand piano, we lost the

Will you get out in time? Escape rooms are taking over By LACI HOLM

News Editor

Searching, finding, escaping. Based off of the popular game escape rooms have been a common trend and are beginning to appear more and more. An escape room is where you get locked in a themed room and have to solve puzzles and find clues to escape a pretend scenario. You are usually placed under a time limit of 60 minutes to add to the pressure. On Friday April 14, my family and I attempted a principal’s office themed room located at Get A Clue, North Valley Escape Room for my brother’s birthday. There were ten people in my

PHOTO BY LACI HOLM North valley escape room becomes one of Arizona’s newest trend. group, reaching the max- that we figured would lead to imum occupancy for that a future clue. room. We were told that we At the start we were giv- could be given three hints if en a locked box with a clue on we need them and all we had the top. When we walked in, to do was say aloud that we it looked exactly like a prin- need to use a hint. cipal’s office with a couple of Throughout the process intricate patterns and designs there was something to do

for everyone. We all migrated towards puzzles and clues that caught our interest and no one was getting in each other's way. Even my seven year old sister found fun things to do and actually solved one of the most difficult puzzles during the process. There were many fun and unique clues including a sliding bookshelf that led to a secret room. We were able to escape with 3 minutes and 36 seconds left. A major hint when it comes to being able to escape the escape room on time is communication. You have to communicate with each other and talk through the clues and hints in order to solve them fast and successfully.

Think of everything in the room as some sort of clue. Almost everything was there for a reason and was there as a clue or to help you in some way. Escape rooms are a fun pastime and something new and creative to do with family and friends. They encourage teamwork and problem solving. There are many different varieties of escape rooms including horror, nature and real-life situations. So you are able to go to different rooms that sound fun to you. If you are looking for something new and challenging I would definitely recommend paying a visit to an escape room.

Continued from page 1, Eagle hour adds second MTSS to campus Hour wellness, led yoga, foam rolling, OC Gets Fit and more, but they also plan to expand this greatly in Eagle Hour. “We’re offering a lot of different programs for next year. So we are making a student rec center for next year that’s going to have ping pong tables and some various other equipment for you guys to play and interact with. We’re going to have corn hole set up,” Guerrette said. The first ping pong table has already been donated for this new rec center. There will also be workouts going on in the aux gym. “We’ll have a video playing in there of maybe yoga one month, maybe pilates one month, maybe P90X or kickboxing or something like that,” Guerrette said. Wellness will also be introducing a monthly raffle in

which students fill out a card with mini challenges for a chance at prizes. “It’s a little bit more incentive to be healthier to be more fit to have more physical activity in your life regularly,” Guerrette said. Students who are mandated to go to interventions will still be able to participate. Some clubs will also be offering nature hikes and campus walks. For Robin Naylor, world language department chair and teacher who organized Eagle Hour education plans, the program has “exciting opportunities.” “I think with our advanced kids, I’m excited with the opportunities for tutoring. NHS and Freshmen Mentors can use Eagle Hour to do some tutoring and help their peers. Students that are in AP classes can have study groups,” Naylor said. A main goal for Eagle Hour

is to provide assistance to struggling students. “It’s a great opportunity to meet with them during the school day especially our freshmen and sophomores because a lot of those kiddos rely on school transportation to get home,” Naylor said. Students who miss school can make up assignments similarly. Naylor also stated that she wants to make the system more student driven than teacher driven and that another big benefit for her is meeting with “specific groups of students.” “Right now with MTSS of course we have the students that were trying to work with plus other students that are talking or working on homework or don’t have another place to go,” Naylor said. Eagle Hour is not set in stone and Naylor said the team will “constantly get input and

modify” throughout the future. A possible concern for the system is students struggling in multiple classes. There will be a recommended schedule for students. “For example a student is strugPHOTO BY ETHAN GILCHRIST gling in math and Staff watches pitch presentation for eagle hour. english being able to say ok Clain, assistant principal who your priority needs to be go- helped Eagle Hour security. ing to english on Tuesdays and McClain added that ultigoing to math on Thursdays” mately security is “not going Naylor said. Lunch lines are expected to to change too much” however be shorter as everyone arrives there will be a new tracking sysat different times and the over- tem for failing students. Overall Eagle Hour is going all cafeteria will evolve. “Instead of lunch being to be about what the students only in the cafeteria and ra- will do with it. “I hope students would be mada areas, lunch is going to be opened up to the entire excited at the opportunities. campus. We’re going to have I hope students will think of a brand new eating area in the things that we haven’t even courtyard,” said Justin Mc- thought of,” Naylor said.

The Talon

thetalonohs.com

May 2017

13

Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why flops on expectations By AUDREY SERRANO

Features Editor

“13 Reasons Why” has been storming the net ever since its first trailer release on Mar 1. The Netflix original series adaptation of the infamous book written by Jay Asher excited those who have read the book. Originally planned as a film adaptation, “13 Reasons Why” had already gained the momentum it needed to get enough viewers for the Netflix release, especially with the fact that Selena Gomez was supposed to be casted as Hannah Baker when the blueprints for the film were thought out. Gomez was instead placed as one of the producers on the show. The show has already been renewed for a second season and teasers have already been released on social media. Telling the aftermath of the suicide of Hannah Baker, who is played by Katherine Langford, the book follows the protagonist, Clay Jensen, played by Dylan Minnette, as he listens to the suicide notes Hannah left behind in the form of cassette tapes. There are 13 sides with 13 reasons and

12 people who will have received those tapes and heard the same things Clay has. The book and the Netflix adaptation differed immensely in terms of focus and atmosphere. In the novel, it took Clay a whole day to listen to the tapes, as opposed to the unknown weeks it took in the netflix series, and it concentrated more on Clay and his reactions rather than the suspense leading up to a court case in the series, which did not even happen in the original novel. The series’ last few episodes were nothing like how the book ended. There was no “side 14” and there was no court case, or any sabotaging at all. In the Netflix adaptation, it focused more on spite and Clay getting his revenge on the people who have listened to the tapes instead of focusing on Clay and his journey listening to the tapes only. Although a good plot twist to the novel to keep watchers on their toes, it was a very controversial move as it changed the whole focus of the book and added a new twist. The novel hinted at Clay and Hannah’s potential romantic relationship and how there could

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

13 Reasons Why, a Netlfix original, poster

have been more, but no insight as to why besides the short explanation Hannah gives in the book with Clay’s tape. In the episodes, there are constant flashbacks to important events that gave a little more explanation about Hannah’s reasons, which explained some unclear ideas in the novel. Netflix has given warnings in the beginning of certain episodes due to the graphic content, such as Hannah’s suicide scene, which itself was depicted in great detail. Watching this show is not for the faint-hearted.

In a way, it stayed true to the focus of the book: to spread awareness about suicide and bullying- but at the same time, strayed a little far from it and seemed to glorify such a sensitive topic. Clay’s need to “avenge” Hannah seemed unnecessary and romanticized the situation a bit. The series focusing on Clay and his flashbacks of Hannah made it seem as if her suicide could have been prevented if he just told her he loved her. There was one powerful scene, though, in the seventh episode of the first season in which Clay stands in front of a crowd and the other people the tapes were about and explains how the school only seemed to care about and focus on suicide prevention after it happened; a scene that held some truth in it. The series also addresses rape and seems to hint at a possible shooting at the end of the last episode. “13 Reasons Why” was a great read but the show itself was somewhat of a disappointment. This show, although, is not to be taken lightly because it addresses so many sensitive subjects.

The glorification and romanticism of Hannah’s suicide that was depicted in the show was most likely different than what the producers had intended, which was to hint at signs of bullying and suicide to the viewers so they would recognize it, but unfortunately it went down a different path. Although, they briefly hinted at important ideas, such as not to downplay someone’s pain, as shown in Hannah’s conversation with Mr. Porter. “13 Reasons Why” is a show that should be watched with caution and an open mind because of how sensitive and graphic it is. Despite the romanticism and seemingly glorification of the main topic of the show, it approached it better than what is usually shown in the media. Suicide is a hard subject to approach correctly in shows and films, but foregoing the flaws, the show did a good enough job and with the attention it’s been getting, it could hopefully encourage more students and adults alike to notice the early signs of suicide and be more kind to others to prevent it from happening.

Mr. Hobbs' Vacation wraps up the school year By LEXI GASS

Features Editor

After a year full of talented performers putting on incredible shows, the theatre department closes off the year with a final play, Mr. Hobbs’ Vacation. With a full cast of 25 students, this show gave a proper farewell to a year of theater. Set in the 1950s, Mr. Hobbs’ Vacation is a story about a family that rents a house out on an exotic island and the misadventures that follow. From failing water pipes to an over-crowded house, their vacation takes many unexpected turns while the family tries to enjoy their time. Nick Leech, junior, played Mr. Hobbs, the estranged father who just wanted to enjoy his vacation. Mrs. Hobbs, played by Sarah Jedlowski, junior, is his frivolous wife that spends her time and money on many extravagant

things. Kate, played by Maddie Worley, junior, is their youngest daughter that wants to spend her time partying. There are many other characters that come and go throughout the show and drive the many subplots that occur throughout. The performances by the students were extremely good. Lines that very easily could have fallen flat became hilarious and life bubbled from an otherwise simple show. The choices made by the students added character and excitement to the production. In particular, Riley Clark and McKenna Cain, juniors, really made their characters shine, and got a huge response from the audience whenever they were on stage. The rivalry between Hobbs and his son-in-law was done very well, and everyone involved in the production seemed to know exactly what they were doing. Mr. Hobbs’ Vacation

PHOTO BY LEXI GASS The cast of Mr. Hobbs’ Vacation demonstrates their superb acting in one of their scenes in their final show of the year. cursed house. The design of the some moments, the actors did an required a vintage vibe, and house served its purpose perfectly, amazing job bringing the wacky the costuming department did the colors and furniture pieces play to life. Everything about an excellent job of getting that fit right in with the style of the the sets and costumes helped aid message across. From the style show. the actors and get the audience of pants the women wore to the Overall, Mr. Hobbs’ into the right mindset to fully kinds of shirts the men received, Vacation was a fun show that enjoy the show. Mr. Hobbs’ Vathe overall tone of the costumes brought a cool 50s vibe to camcation was a great way to close screamed 50s. pus. While the story might have off the school year. The majority of the play seemed a bit all over the place at took place in one seemingly

Improv teams prove once again that they are no joke By KASEY CROSS

Photography Editor

PHOTO BY KASEY CROSS Lauren Coe, junior, (gesturing) and other improv students participate in their end of the year show.

As the year is coming to a close, what most of us need is a reason to laugh. And for that, the improv team has us covered. This year has seen a lot of change for improv. This was the first year that the team split into two: Slap on the wits (Varsity) and Breaking the ice (JV). Both teams have been successful in working both together and separately as Bryce Craig, junior and president of improv has been able to witness. “With one team it got a little chaotic having 13 people in

one group. Splitting up into two teams really helped being able to work with the teams separately to work on basic theater fundamentals,” Craig said. Both teams have their time on stage during their shows. To see both teams perform, a show is the only way to go. As the year wrapped up, their last show was longer than any other they’ve had, with the mini auditorium full of people. Craig said he hopes that these expansions and improvements keep going, because his club has a lot more in store for students. “Just wait around and find out. Some gears are ticking. I’m not going to disclose anything

right now but, be looking out. Things are happening,” Craig said. As for the future, improv will be open to join. Auditions take place at the beginning of the year and anyone is free to try out or come watch. “Trying out is a fun experience, even if you don’t make it or don’t necessarily want to make it, just to be there for that experience.”Craig said. Supporting the teams in the upcoming year by going to shows can help them grow as a club. Have a laugh and support your improv team in the 2017-18 school year.

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May 2017

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Softball covers their bases successfully By NIKKI HAZELETT

Sports Editor

Varsity

As the school year comes to a close, so does this season of softball. The varsity softball team ended their regular season with a record of 16-2, which would later rank the team second in the state. The team lost their first round of playoffs against Horizon, scoring 0-8. However, the girls are still proud of how the team came together this season. “We played Horizon and they just came out to play and they fought, and unfortunately they wanted it more than us and performed better than us, so they won,” said Madison Westmoreland, senior. The team put in numerous amounts of hours this year and worked hard to improve their skills and meet the goals they set for them-

selves at the beginning of the season. “I want to be able to feel more confident for next season and be able to prove to the seniors that we can make it next year,” said Kaylee Erickson, sophomore. The team will be losing eight of their senior players after this year, all of which have passed down knowledge and helpful information to their younger teammates. “The seniors taught me how to play selflessly instead of playing selfishly by playing for the team and doing what the team needs instead of trying to do something huge that we all dream about,” said Kirsten Norris, sophomore. With the seniors final season over with, the girls are left with what kind of legacy they want to leave behind on softball. “I want to leave behind the fact that just being a leader and doing what you

PHOTO BY NIKKI HAZELETT Alexia Europa, sophomore, prepares to get the runner out after the ball is pitched.

have to do. Sometimes things might hit you hard, and sometimes you’ll have to face adversity, but you can chose to suck it up and get over it or kind of let it tear you down,” Westmoreland said. Even though the team lost their first round of playoffs, they had an exceptional season and many victories throughout. “I learned how to be flexible by playing anywhere coach puts you with a smile on your face,” Norris said.

JV

The JV team had a winning season, with a record of 15-3. Winning their last home game against Mountain Ridge, scoring 13-2. The extra workouts and conditioning helped lead the girls to success in their games. “They (coaches) had us conditioning almost everyday, and we were practicing infield and outfoxed everyday. If we ever needed to focus on anything particular we would spend the whole practice doing it,” said Madison Wohrle, sophomore. The girls were able to overcome issues that they were faced with this season and how to make the best of them. “The toughest thing to overcome was if some-

PHOTO BY NIKKI HAZELETT Maddie Westmoreland, senior, swings hard to try and get herself on base. one didn’t make the play or “Our best moments were struck out, they would get when we were all just a team down on themselves. But and we would laugh togetheventually, even if we did get er,” said Rylee Bayus, freshdown on ourselves the team, man. would come together and The team was excited make that person feel bet- over their victory against Mountain Ridge and we’re ter,” Wohrle said. proud of all their hard work. Freshmen “We run rolled them,” Just like varsity and JV, Bayus said. the freshmen team also had a The team has had a lot great season, with a record of of success this season and are 14-1. The girls hard work and excited to come back to the dedication brought the team fields next year. great results.

PHOTO BY NIKKI HAZELETT Third basemen, Hayley Busby, senior, works fast to get the runner at first out.

Baseball swings into end of the season By KATIE CACCAVALE

Journalism Student

Varsity

Sports is all fun and games, but it is also about the relationship between the players. On the baseball team, the players have to spend hours together either at practices or games. Coming towards the end of the season the varsity team ended their season with a 13-6 record. Nico Burgarello, senior, is all about leaving something behind after this season. “I am wanting to leave behind a legacy of being a great leader,” Burgarello said. Being a senior on the varsity team means leaving something behind. “The legacy I want us to have is our great chemistry,” Burgarello said. Being on a team means learning new traits that can be used on a daily basis. “I learned how to stay humble,” said Amari Bartee, sophomore. For Cal Lambert, sophomore, being on the varsity team is everything. “I was excited and ready

PHOTO BY KATIE CACCAVALE Nick Alvarez, senior, gets ready to swing at the Mountain Ridge game on April 20. to contribute to the team,” tive, we are so close to each other and we always want to Lambert said. Being on a team, can win,” said Tucker Bates, jumake players connect with nior. For players on a team, other players in a way that’s very different. Teams come it is easy for them to betogether to learn and share come competitive. Especially memories. Winning the first game of state championship against Desert Vista 6-3 and losing the second game against Pinnacle, scoring 2-3.

with their biggest rivals, like Mountain Ridge. However, it is not always easy to beat another competitive school. It takes a lot of practice and learning. On top of that, it takes contribution from the whole team to stay hyped up during the game. The baseball team had no trouble with the hyping up part for sure from yelling in the dugout to hitting chairs against the nets. Counting on all the baseball teams to be hyped up during a big game is very sure to happen. The JV team ended with a record of 12-6.

Freshmen

Being on the freshman

JV

Mountain Ridge is the big rival for baseball. These games are usually the biggest of the season, where many kids come to support the teams. “We are both competi-

PHOTO BY KATIE CACCAVALE OHS and Mountain Ridge gather together for a prayer circle before their game.

PHOTO BY KATIE CACCAVALE Anthony Cozensa, senior, pitches. team can be exciting. It gives time to learn and grow before trying out for the varsity or JV team, which means a lot of time to learn. “When times are tough, you got to stay up,” said Ethan Ryan, freshman. For freshmen, learning is crucial to growing. Professional players would never be where they are now without a great team, coaches and the learning the players received from playing. Freshman team ended with a record of 6-12.

The Talon

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May 2017

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Boys volleyball bumps their way into next year By KATIE DIAB

Staff Writer

Varsity

The first match they played on March 2 was against Corona del Sol, and they won 3-0. Then they had their last match at home against Maryvale on April 28, which they won 3-0. On March 31, they went to a Brophy Invitation and had three wins, two ties and two losses. “We did play in play-ins and I believe it is because we all work hard as a team. We all practice every day in practice and outside of school,” said Parker Broadway, junior. Play-Ins for state was on May 4 at home. They won 3-0 against Sunnyside. The team went to state on May 6 at Desert Vista, and they took a loss 1-3. Ending their season with 11-6 as their record. Although they didn’t bring back a title, they placed ninth in state, which is better than not placing at all, according to Broadway.

JV

The JV team had a final record of 10-3 in the season. “My goals for the season were to grow and get better

PHOTO BY KATIE DIAB The team huddles together before their final game against Maryvale, which was the last game of their regular season and high school career.

PHOTO BY KATIE DIAB Tom Thurber, senior, prepares for his final game against Maryvale, with his partner, which qualified them for state. as a team, and throughout Then their last match on the season you could really April 28 was a win against see it show,” said Benjamin Maryvale, 2-0. Walker, sophomore. They had six home They had a good season games, and only lost one of overall with only three losses the matches against Chanand 10 wins. dler. The other two losses PHOTO BY KATIE DIAB Their first match on were against Brophy Prep March 2 was against Corona and Perry. Four wins and Jimmy Brown, Dennis Strieter, Bryan Byerly and Josh Holly, seniors, get togethdel Sol and they won 2-0. four losses in away games. er after winning by six points against Maryvale in their last game.

Beach volleyball sets up for the off season By FAITH NORDSTRAND

Journalism Student

As the school year closes out, so does the second year of the girls beach volleyball team. They finished out their second season with an overall record of 9-2. The team lost in the second game of the championships to the Xavier prep Gators. “It’s not really about the learning. It’s more about the experience,” said Jamey Spartz, coach. Spartz has been the coach of the team since it started last year. Over that time, she has been able to

PHOTO BY LACI HOLM Maddie Murchland, senior, serves down on their opponent, leaving with a point.

PHOTO BY LACI HOLM Julia Boat, senior, gets ready to spike on their opponent, as Jordan Miller, senior, sets it up to her partner, leaving them with a point.

watch the team interact with each other. “I think the team chemistry is very important,” Spartz said. Kaylee Byerly, junior, seems to agree with coach Spartz.This is her first year on the team, but she has known the coach for years. “I love the team. I love the team dynamic. It was super fun and relaxing,” said Byerly. As a team, they have achieved some great feats. Right now the school only has a varsity team but Spartz hopes to see it grow. “What’s great about right now is having some up-

coming underclassmen being at the varsity level,” Spartz said. “It really builds their confidence so that when they get to their junior and senior year it gets them ready for that.” But Spartz wants to keep building the program. One of her hopes is that someday there will be more than just a varsity team. “If we could build a JV as well as a Varsity I think it would be huge,” Spartz said. As a coach, Spartz seems to be very well liked. Julia Boat, senior, said she likes her both as a coach and as a person. “She is really understanding about us having club practices to go to,” Boat

said.

Boat has been playing volleyball since she was in seventh grade. As a senior, she has had plenty of practice. Her many years of playing accumulated and reached a high point when she found out about the beach volleyball program. “I just got involved with beach last year when it got started,” Boat said. As her high school career finishes out, Boat looks to the future of the team. As do many of the senior players, she has things she would like to leave to leave behind but she is also excited for the future. “I’m excited to see how it progresses,” Boat said.

PHOTO BY LACI HOLM Julia Boat and Jordan Miller, seniors, prepares themselves to spike the ball towards their opponent. To eventually be receiving a point for their team.

The Talon

16May 2017

thetalonohs.com

Boys and Girls tennis serves out of state By KATIE DIAB

Staff Writer

Girls The girls had a record of 7-7 this season. They placed 19th in state. Their first game against Queen Creek, had a win of 9-0, with their last game against Horizon having a loss of 0-9. “I believe that the girls do not have any weaknesses on the court because although this is a freshly new team, they did what they were told and they practiced every single day in the season,” said Chris Harmonson, coach. Kelly Slattery, senior, made it into the singles state championship on April 29 at the Gene Autry Sports Complex. Round 1, she went against Red Mountain and won 6-4. Then Round 2, she went against Chandler and lost 6-3.

“My favorite memories of this season were being number one in varsity for the fourth year in a row, which has never happened before for girls or boys tennis. Also making memories everyday at practice, matches and tournaments with the younger girls and seeing them improve,” Slattery said. Ramsey and Han made it to the doubles state championship on April 21 at the Gene Autry Sports Complex. Their first match was against Maryvale and they scored 6-0. While on round two, they played against Basha and got defeated 6-0. Boys The boys had a record of 9-5 this season. Their first game against Queen Creek with a win of 8-1, and their last game against Horizon with a loss of 1-8. “Within the season, I have learned to become more

aggressive and more confident in my game. I have also improved my serve and getting them in, most of the time,” said Ryan Alley. Griffin Sauer, senior, made it to singles state championship and placed 3rd in state. He made it through the first round, 6-4 against Sunnyslope on April 28, then got beat 6-1 on the second round, against Desert Mountain on April 29. Soren Younger, sophomore, and Noah Mendoza, senior, made it to doubles state championship. In their first round on April 21 at Indian School Park against Willow Canyon, they won 6-0. Then in their second round against Liberty, they lost 6-0. “I am very focused on the court. I have a lot of nerves at first, but after the first few points, I start to relax and play as if it is just a normal match with a friend. My team

PHOTO BY CASSIDY MOORE Morgan Tollefson, sophomore, gets ready to hit the ball back to her opponent. is also very focused when on 26 at Chaparral. In their first the court. We cheer each oth- round they lost 5-2 against er on when we see one of us Chaparral and placed 15 in hit a good shot,” said Noah state. Mendoza, senior. The whole team went to state championships on April

Track and field comes to a successful end By JESSICA DOUGLAS

Journalism Student

PHOTO BY KATE DIAB Kendahl Johnson, junior, warms up with teammates before track and field meet

THE TALON

Track season is coming to an end and most of the track athletes are satisfied with the end results. Overall the notable results this season are that both the boys and the girls team made it to district finals. For some people track isn’t just about winning, it’s about their passion. “I wanted to get in shape and pursue my passion of running,” said Morgan Gallagher, freshman. Track is also something that people have been doing for a long time, and they’ve stuck to it, because it’s their passion. “I’ve been doing track since I was four, so it’s kinda like I’ve grown up doing it and so it’s like one of the only things I really know, how to do,” said Rebekah Green, se-

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nior. There are a lot of people that do track, even though they all do different events they all come together in the end. “I feel like we have a good

“

As a track athlete, I still struggle with stairs.” -Karlee Floyd

team, there’s a lot of different people, but we come together real nice,” said Karlee Floyd, junior. For the freshmen, they get to finally experience high school sports, and see how it’s completely different than middle school sports. “The competition is harder, there’s more people

in high school,” said David Merrill, freshman. This season was rough, it was filled with rough practices and rough meets. “As a track athlete, I still struggle with stairs,” Floyd said. This season track was really great, according to Floyd. She was also extremely impressed by what they’ve accomplished. “I just hope that everyone else that is gonna be on the team the following years are just as dedicated as I am,” Green said. Follow The Talon on Twitter!

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