The View - December 2010

December 2010 Did you see the dance

dancers.

marijuana situation.

– page 3

– page 2

December 2010

Sports cuts are

view of the medical

SPORTS

story about the lovely

We have the inside

OPINIONS

NEWS

show? Read an amazing

giving freshmen the blues.

The View

-page 6

Desert Vista High School

Years ago Arianna Ruiz, now a Junior, was in a terrible accident, fought for her life, and won.

by Roseana Cruz

Staff Writer

Volume 16, Issue 3

Marching to Success

by Isabelle Tuli

Staff Writer

“Your Arizona State Marching Band Champions, for 2010, with a score of 89.20, Desert Vista!” exclaimed the competition’s announcer.

After countless hours of hard work and loads of preparation, the marching band won an extremely high honor. On Saturday, November 14th, they received 1st place in the Arizona State Championship.

“I was extremely excited and proud of the entire band. All of us

were very shocked and ecstatic,” said freshman Kacey Fassett. “I was not quite sure what to expect, but in the end I feel we earned our place.”

They had a score of 89.20, nearly four points ahead of 2nd place, which had a final score of 85.35.

Desert Vista was also awarded a Caption, for Outstanding Music Performance.

The marching band has another big championship coming up soon.

On December 30th, Desert Vista will compete with 8 other schools from all around the country in the Fiesta Bowl Band Competition.

The event happens to be one of

the most distinguished high school marching band competitions in the country. The competing bands advance from the preliminaries to the evening finals where the bands compete for the prestigious Grand Master’s Trophy.

“I feel we are in the right place in preparing to be in the Fiesta Bowl, but we could still use improvement. Nothing is ever perfect, there is always room for improvement,” Fassett confided. “It will be more competitive because there will be more top bands from out of

Michele Coro/The View Marching band belts out their tune at a DV game.

state so I believe that it will be a much more focused and intense approach.”

A Gift of Time: Key Club serves Festival of Lights

by Jessica Tueller

Staff Writer

Morning dawns and the Key Club members head out into the crisp November air. Thanksgiving has ended and the season of giving has arrived.

On Saturday, November 27th Key Club members donated hours of their to time to service at the Festival of Lights. It’s a tradition they have carried out for over eight years.

“This is a big event for the club, and the members look forward to it each year,” said Key Club sponsor Anita Welch. “It is a good beginning to sharing the holiday spirit.”

As Desert Vista’s major service organization, participating in Festival of Lights benefits everyone

in and out of Key Club: “students by giving them the opportunity to receive a large chunk of volunteer hours,” said Welch, “they also enjoy the festival atmosphere.

It helps the community because without this money raising event, we would not benefit from the beautiful lights that decorate the foothills every holiday season.”

Club members helped with the games and lights, all the while “maintaining an admirable reputation for being hard working, dependable and polite,” Welch said.

“When I do service, it makes me feel better about myself. I know that I am helping others,” said freshman member Madison Barrow. Madison spent all afternoon helping Festival of Lights attendees get into the obstacle course “Alcatraz”. “We help out with

Madison Barrow directs children through the obstacle course Alcatraz.

photo by Jessica Tueller/View Staff

different things,” said Barrow, “I helped out with the blow-ups.

So I made sure that the kids we being safe.”

Key Club represented Desert

Vista with kindness and dedication. Student service at the Festival of Lights exemplified the true spirit of the holidays: a loving gift of time.

Skills to Study: Preparations for examinations Killer Skills MEMORIZING ADDRESSES?

• Of five students, all knew one to three addresses by heart.

PHONE NUMBERS?

•Most students can

memorize four to eleven phone numbers more easily than a test answer.

BIRTHDAYS?

• Each student knew between seven and ten birthdays.

by Alex Axenbeck

Staff Writer Most high school students have filled their brains with their friends’ phone numbers, addresses, birthdays and names. So when they have to memorize information for a test it can become somewhat overwhelming. Tori Kammerzell is one of the students who has trouble retaining information.

“Big tests make me nervous. I study by going through the study guide several times but I don’t use any real techniques. I would love some professional advice on how to study,” Many students, like Kammerzell, were never taught how to study. A psychology teacher offers some insight on ways to study: “If it has meaning it is much easier to remember something.”

Lara Bruner said. “Tying it to something you already know or an example makes it much easier.”

Bruner’s number one tip is to make sure that you understand what you are trying to memorize. She

also suggests that you spread out the material over a longer period of time instead of cramming so it is easier to retain over a longer period of time.

“The Serial Position Affect is another factor; the things that you study first will be remembered best later. Also, if you connect anything to your own life and it is more personal to you, you will do better on tests. ” She also made mentioned that it is not as beneficial to use acronyms as most students think. Many students do use these to study for vocabulary tests; however, it has been proven least successful out of these other studying tips.

Five people were asked what information they had been able to retain, such as phone numbers and addresses (See chart on left).

Everyone agreed that it had been easier than studying for a test.

When considering Bruner’s information we might come to the conclusion that students felt this way

“They call me a miracle”

because personal information had meaning to them, whereas school related facts did not. Using Bruners advice on how to study these students and many more might be able to get higher test scores and become better at retaining general information.

Before the miracle, there was an ordinary eighth grade girl named Arianna Ruiz riding around Ahwatukee with her brother. Thirteen year old Ruiz sat in the passenger seat as brother AJ, 17 at the time, made a left-hand turn at the intersection of Pecos Road and 40th Street.

The passenger side of their Chevrolet Cavalier was hit by an SUV with a 106 mile per hour impact. It was September 14th, 2007 at 2:01 PM. The vehicle flipped and skidded and their lives were changed forever.

The cross streets of their accident should sound familiar to Ahwatukee residents, either because they frequent these roads or because they have heard about one of the many collisions to occur before the Ruiz children’s at this busy intersection. It took the last of these mishaps to prompt the installation of a lefthand turn arrow. And yet, the latest of the 40th street and Pecos tragedies was the only one that was not fatal. Though it could not have been closer.

“I died, but I came back,” said Ruiz. “I have seen heaven. I don’t know if it’s heaven, but I’ve seen it.”

Her brother suffered a concussion, and some internal damage, but Arianna’s injuries were countless. She broke her neck, sternum, hip, pelvis, femur, all 24 ribs, and dislocated her jaw. She had a lacerated liver, collapsed lung, and level 1 brain injury; the most severe level. Her immune system shut down, her entire left side was paralyzed, and an accelerated heart rate kept her at constant risk for a heart attack. Doctors were surprised she survived at all.

She was on life support for the first ten days and in a coma for the first 28. In addition to brother AJ, her father Arturo Ruiz, mother Martha Aubid and half sister could only pray and wait. Doctors suggested pulling the plug after a couple days.

-continued on back, page 8

TORI KAMMERZELL is one of the many students who has trouble retaining information. photo

by Alex Axenbeck/ View Staff Michelle Coro/The View

After a long stint in a wheel chair, she is able to walk on her own, but uses a cane at school.

2 News

The View

December 2010

Handling Harvey: The night of the show

Jessica Tueller and Isabelle Tuli Staff Writers

Blundering Backstage

Actors and actresses rush around backstage in a frantic whirl.

Stopping only to fix a jilted costume or brush away a stray hair, the cast of Harvey prepares for opening night.

Luckily for them, most of the preparation has already been completed.

“I feel like the director is really good at telling you what to do and exactly where to go,” said Carmen Krebs (Myrtle Mae Simmons). “It really impacts the way you see yourself as an actor and the way you actually come out and act with it.”

Harvey, a tale about Uncle Elwood whose family attempts to commit him to a sanitarium, has been rehearsed consistently for over a month. “Sometimes the cast gets overwhelmed and starts freaking out a little bit,” said Jade Roeder (Ruth Kelly), “but we always work it out.”

No matter the setbacks, the play has definitely been a positive experience for all cast members.

“I love the cast. Everybody is awesome. That’s for real!” said Bryan Raiton (Dr. Chumley), “That’s the truth!” Krebs agrees, “we fight, but we all love each other.”

Now the cast must rejoin and put all those rehearsals to good use. It is six o’clock: one hour until opening night.

Cheer, cheer for DVHS!

DV’s many medals are on display in building.

the E

by Nabeela Khan

Staff Writer

Desert Vista High School is one of the top public schools in Arizona and like the Thunder says, ‘The best’. It is one of the few public schools that received a 10 out of 10 rating. This school educates its students to provide opportunities for a bright future. The school’s math department ranks number 1 in the state and the school itself ranks number 19 among 32 high schools in Phoenix based on Students per Teacher Ratio.

“The school has high expectations from students, parents, teachers and faculty for the campus from the moment they walk in,” said English teacher Erik Dominguez. Students also recently won the NCTE award not to mention having a record number of students become National Merit Semi-Finalists. Sports are also a strong point; DV’s pole-vaulters rank amongst the nations best.

Students are encouraged to work hard. Their hopes of achieving the impossible are high and it keeps their spirit up.

“We have teachers who work hard to make sure we not only pass the class, but that we are working hard to achieve our goals in order to be successful later in life,” said Senior Bailey McAden. The school not only aims to have students graduate with a higher GPA, but opens new pathways for their future. All that and more makes Desert Vista the best of the best.

The Curtain Opens

Seven o’clock. The lights brighten and the audience hushes.

Bailey McAden (Veta Louise Simmons) steps onto the stage and picks up the ringing telephone.

Harvey has begun.

“I have such butterflies in my stomach,” said McAden, “but I’m really excited at the same time.”

As the play unraveled each cast member worked hard to stay in character. Krebs acts the role of “Myrtle Mae Simmons, and, well, she’s kind of awkward, and can’t get a man! And I don’t really know how to be with men, so it’s just really awkward. And I guess I relate to that because I’m socially awkward sometimes.”

Raiton also kept a close connection with his character: Dr. Chumley.

“Well, my character is quite crazy towards the end, and I myself am pretty crazy,” laughed Raiton, “So that’s a good relation.”

Other cast members have more difficulty relating. “My character, Kelly, is a nurse slash receptionist,” confided Roeder. “I don’t really have much of a connection to her.

She’s kinda funny, ditsy.”

But perhaps the most difficult position of all is that of the main character. Michael Mazzella (Elwood P. Dowd) put a lot of focus into visualizing his imaginary friend Harvey. Having distinct conversations with an invisible

Jessica Tueller/The View

Michael Mazzela (Elwood P. Dowd) gives his card to Kevin Bowling (E.J. Lofgren) in “Harvey” rabbit provides a unique challenge.

“I was really just trying to picture Harvey, and thinking about what he would have said. It was just really cool,” said Mazzella, “Even though he was imaginary, he really became part of the cast.”

Take a Bow

Grins spread rapidly across the exhausted features of the cast. They relax from the bows, relishing in the triumph of a successful opening

Dancing the night away

by Alex Axenbeck

Santa! This made the show even more Christmas like.

“I thought it was amazing and very festive for the holiday season” Breanna Machol said after the show. She was one of many in the audience who was simply awestruck by the talent of her own classmates and friends.

A dancer flew across the stage, landed doing the splits and jumped feet into the air. It

night.

“It went really well!” said McAden, “We were really nervous because it was a little rough earlier today, but it came together really nicely.”

Looking back on the performance, McAden readily replies that her favorite scene was “when Wilson [Joe Mascort] carries me on his back! It’s just a lot of fun, and I get to slap him, and that’s always fun.”

The whole show got a lot of laughs and smiles. “I think we got a lot more audience reaction than we anticipated,” said Mazzella, “It was great.” The contorted plots and piles of jokes made it an enjoyable night for everyone.

The phenomenal performance was an immediate hit. Krebs said, “I just think we have a great cast that really pulls it together in the end.”

ner, intermediate, advanced silver, advanced blue, advanced Staff Writer gold, junior company and senior On December 2nd and 3rd the company. All of these groups Joe McDonald auditorium was preformed apart from beginner. brought to life with singing and Seeing as none of them were dancing. Everyone preformed complete beginners they were from, beginner to advanced, able to put on a great show. and they all left the crowd awe

“The show was so cute! struck. Elaborated costumes It totally got me into the holiday matched every song and great spirit and I loved ‘Teenage dance moves made the perforDream’ and ‘Swan Lake’. It was mance breathjust all so good!” taking and Kelly Conrad entertaining. was particularly Of course the impressed by the dancers were ballerinas in nervous while ‘Swan Lake’. hustling to get Another truly imready before pressive aspect of their big mothe night was that ment under the many dances were spotlight. choreographed “I feel so by own very own nervous but also Desert Vista stureally excited dents. This could for the show.” be wonderful said Lauren practice for those Nadon before students wishing her performance Alex Axenbeck/The View to pursue dance “So many lights Dance students shake their booties to a classic christmas jingle in their later lives. and a cheering During intermission parents seemed impossible and very imcrowd really make me nervous. and friends of the dancers could Photos by Alex Axenbeck/The View We also never have enough time pressive for high school students buy them a rose to show their one and five for two and it seemed to get ready!” All of the dancers to be such phenomenal dancers pride towards their loved one. seemed ecstatic before bouncing so much of the audience asked The roses were three dollars for they were going quickly. themselves: how often do they up on stage but of course there practice? How much experience was a nervous energy about do they have? Do they enjoy it? them.

“We’ve been training The show was definitely Christ- for this performance everyday.” mas themed and it brought family and friends of the dancers Hanna Sturdivant, a senior class dancer, said. “The closer to the into the holiday spirit. Christshow we get the more intense mas songs and Santa costumes training is. The week of the show had the audience singing along we have been practicing before and swaying to the music. One school and in the afternoons small child was so inspired by the show that she got out into the everyday. I am in the senior comisle and danced along to “Single pany and my dance couch is Mrs. Caryl. In January we tried out to Ladies”. This cute girl caught see what class we are in and then the attention of several people we tried out small groups for the and caused chuckles to ripple show a few weeks ago.” through the crowd. During The dancers were intermission all of the kids in the audience got a special surprise… divided into seven groups. Begin-

OPINIONS 3

The View December 2010

Democracy Fails on November 2, 2010

What’s the Buzz

About 203?

Medical marijuana is finally legal in AZ Atikah Kahn/The View

by Shandra Beckett

Staff Writer

The first recorded use for marijuana for medicinal purposes was in 2727 B.C. On November 15th, 2010 Arizona approved medical marijuana. Arizona has tried to legalize medical marijuana three times now. The first time the federal agents rejected it because they didn’t think it was safe. It was approved the second time, but then the DEA said they weren’t going to pursue it anymore. So I guess three times really is the charm.

About 10 years ago a very unfortunate thing happened to our family. One night a bad conflict occurred and my uncle was shot and it paralyzed him from the waist down permanently. The man that did this to him had no motives and no reason to he’s just a horrible person who decided to change someone’s life forever.

10 years later my uncle still has severe pain from this. The only thing that really helps is medical marijuana. As bad as some people think marijuana it helps some people who have some type of medical condition like my uncle’s. Medical marijuana is the only thing that seems to really help. But with that he still manages to control it like everyone else should.

Marijuana may seem like a dangerous drug but according to experts it’s not. “I trust the experts and the doctor’s decisions that they are doing what’s best for us,” said Principal, Dr. Battle. I strongly agree with Battle. Doctors aren’t going to release something that could be dangerous or potentially

harmful to us. I trust what they do and if they think this its beneficial then it must be okay.

If anyone has ever known a person with a medical disability or a terminal illness seeing the person suffer is a really hard to see and it’s even worse of course for the person suffering. I don’t think people realize how important medical marijuana until they either go through a medical problem or permanent pain of some sort themselves or see how much pain the person with this is in.

In my opinion this is a good thing for our society right now. Especially with all the new diseases and illnesses discovered every day. This might be the one thing that can work best right now. Do I think it should be a permanent solution to cases like my uncles or any other terminal illnesses? Not necessarily. Even though it is a natural plant people don’t always use their heads and it could easily be abused.

If the law can be followed properly it seems like it’s going to be a great thing for everyone who needs it. Dr. Battle said, “However if the law is broken or misused people’s health could be at risk.”

So far Alaska, California, Colorado, and now Arizona have approved Medical Marijuana. Medical Marijuana could go very far in our society and ultimately save lives every day. And I’m sure it can treat many other diseases or terminal illnesses. If it stays under control, I think medical marijuana could go a long ways. It maybe could even cure a disease one day. Marijuana has already been legalized. Only the future will tell.

“I trust the experts and the doctor’s decisions that they are doing what’s best for us.”

God save America. Those words coming from the mouth of an admitted atheist, myself, carry a special power. The first Tuesday of this November saw the worst electoral decision since President Bush was “elected” in 2000. Republicans now hold a majority in the House of Representatives and watered down the Democratic majority in the senate.

To make it worse, conservatives

by Joe Beck achieved sweeping victories in the governorships. The map of the country looks much too red for my liking.

For the last two years, Republicans have not only represented bad policies but bad politics as well. As a minority, they obstructed every major or minor morsel of legislation. They now have the majority in the house and have stated that their mission is to undo the measures

by Nicole Salsburg

Spanish teacher Ryan Tolman. This is probably the worst time to check out, but unfortunately, it’s the most common time as well.

School should still be the top priority on your Christmas list, instead of waiting until the eighth day of Hanukkah before you decide to quit. It is time to wake up! Some of the most important tests and assignments of the year are right around the corner, and if we are sleeping in class, we could be spending our winter break being yelled at by our parents.

How can we stop this from happening? Yes, we are excited for Winter Break, but we are forgetting that we are still in school and that is what we should be focusing on.

I’m not the only one worried about the election. Steven Limitone, Junior, is pessimistic about the new Republican majority.

“The Democratic Party is much friendlier to education than the Republican and we would stand to benefit from a Democrat majority.”

The most dangerous precedent of this election is that these demagogues seem to be immune to bad media. Rand Paul, son of ex-presidential candidate Ron Paul, victor of the Kentucky senate seat, is a disturbingly well fitting example. A video of one of his rallies shows his supporters beating a liberal woman who was protesting against Paul. The former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin said that she could see Russia from her house.

She is now the star of a new reality show and a potential bid for the 2012 election.

My personal hero Sir Winston Churchill once said “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others”. On November 2, the people chose poorly. The ramifications of this decision are yet to come.

“I wish we could all bake a cake filled with smiles” Bullying: A problem on all high school campuses.

by Nicole Salsburg

Staff Writer

T

he troubles of teenagers: we get called names, we call others names, and everything in our life becomes so crucial. What we wear, how we speak, and what we look like all become a key part of our social status. Bullied because of differences happens in every school.

However, bullying is not just verbal. Leaving hurtful messages on formspring is cyber bullying.

What most people don’t realize is that just giving someone a look of disapproval is considered bullying. We all get judgmental at times, and sometimes we give someone a dirty look. We may not mean to hurt others, but bullying is still bullying.

“Bullying causes pain, and it keeps students from focusing on what is important in school, and they can’t feel good about their self,” said ninth grade counselor Mrs. Josephine Levy. “Bullying is present at every school at some extent. Our faculty is very aware

Check IT Out! Students lose focus as Winter Break approaches Staff Writer Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock! Ready for winter break? Two whole weeks off for vacationing, hanging out with friends, or doing absolutely nothing! Winter break is just around the corner and the people can hardly wait! However, this may be a bigger problem than we think. Students are getting so excited about having two weeks off they decide to check out early.

“Generally, students are not on task, goofing around, and just really waste class time. When they decide to check out they don’t pay attention in class, and miss out on important information that could be beneficial to them,” said

that saved us from an all out, hands-down, depression. John Boehner, the new speaker of the house, has expressed his intent to begin impeachment hearings for Barack Obama immediately.

Disturbing as this news is, it is nothing new for the G.O.P. For all the rhetoric of “runaway spending” the Republicans were more than willing to shift the entire might of the country towards impeaching Bill Clinton a decade ago because he was caught with his pants down. The hole digs deeper. A hefty amount of the candidates that won this election are not even republicans. They represent an entirely new form of the religious right that has one thing to say to the government, “Cut”. They are called by many names, some say the tea party, some say super-republicans, I call them the Klan. A freshly radical take on conservatism that wants to, simultaneously, cut taxes and lower the deficit. As Tea-party sweet hearts throw their arms in the air victoriously, economists place their palm firmly on their forehead and sigh in disappointment.

“I hate to admit it, but there really is no actual solution for this situation,” said Tolman. “It’s just the way teenagers are, but teachers also have the responsibility to make their lessons as interesting as possible to keep the students engaged.”

Students have to put in the effort to stay focused and just push through the last couple of days. “Students have to just be more responsible and they need to start prioritizing their lives. Sure, sleeping in class might be better now, but in the long run it hurts everyone,” continues Tolman. With high school students being so irresponsible, this might be a bit of a challenge. I believe if we cared enough, we could pull it off.

Student gets bullied on DV campus.

of bullying problems, however it is difficult to measure the amount of bullying because most of the time it is kept a secret”. According to the Centers for Disease Control, a devastating 31,284 people commit suicide a year from being harassed by their classmates. This shows that the results for bullying aren’t just hurt feelings, but could result in death.

The main problem with bullying is that when an act of bullying happens, it remains a secret.

Why? If bullying is such a serious problem, it should be reported to someone with authority, rather then left to the students to solve.

Having an adult or counselor step in is the best way to solve these problems. Unfortunately, not many people report bullying

Students doze off during Spanish class.

It is okay to be excited about the holidays and Winter Break, but we need to make sure we aren’t checking out too soon. Maybe if we could

Nicole Salsburg/ The View

incidents. I don’t think people realize that keeping the problem to themselves is only hurting them.

“People do not tell the authority because they are scared they will make things worse,” continues Mrs. Levy.

People need to start thinking of the future, and what’s best for them. Being a “snitch” is so fifth grade, and high school students are old enough and mature enough to report serious issues to the office. Yet, we should also be old and mature enough to not bully in the first place. But seeing that this is not the case, we need to hand things over people who can help.

If we could all stand up for each other and realize we probably have a lot in common, bullying could go away forever.

Nicole Salsburg/ The View

just keep our eyes open for a few more days, we could have a funfilled Winter Break, and be ready to endure the next semester.

The View

All I want for Christmas is...

Gatherings and feasts to celebrate the holidays are a thing of the past, as cash instead of the price of thought has taken over the menu.

by Melissa Dean

Staff Writer

Fifty years ago, the holidays were celebrated the same way they are now. With gifts, the gathering of families, and a time to celebrate. But as the years have changed, the evolution of holidays have changed for better and for worse. Back then, the holidays were about homemade gifts and family gatherings. Now the word “homemade” is a thing of the past. Holiday e-mails, text messaging, and a phone call for the holidays is all what people receive.

People who grew up in the 60’s, 70’s 80’s, and 90’s, have experienced a change in how the world works. Now that there is more technology, more distance comes between the gatherings of friends, families, and the “value” of gifts, especially when it comes to the holidays.

“Since I was a kid, the holidays have grown to be more impersonal and more commercial,” said Cheri Johnson, Front Desk.

“The pressure of receiving gifts is always on the television. I think that people should focus more on their families”.

When it comes to kids and teenagers, instead of craving a homemade sweater from a family member, they want all the flat screens, iPods, cell phones, and any technological device that they can get their hands on. Teenagers are now realizing by looking back on how things have changed from they were little kids, that children now only care about the artificial things.

MY LIFE IS AwKwArD

by Chrissy Grandell

Staff Writer Everyone has an Uncle Phil who doesn’t want to give anyone a present for Christmas, or a Grandma Ethel that is from the stone ages and always wants to do things the “proper” way during the family reunion. The only time anyone ever sees these family members is maybe once a year.

When they come over and nobody has anything to say, things might get a little… awkward.

It is thought that after not seeing someone for so long that there would be a million topics to talk about. But when it comes down to it, no words come out and the awkward moments begin for the holidays.

Sophomore Anessa BlancoPaiz said “I usually only see my distant family over summer or winter break. Since I never see them its uncomfortably awkward to think up stuff to talk about on the spot. They always ask things

Warm and Fuzzy

by Chrissy Grandell

Staff Writer Fuzzy socks with slippers?

How about fuzzy socks and Vans? It seems that fuzzy socks are a trend of the winter worn by everyone: students, teachers, parents, pets, and just about all the people trying to stay warm in the cold. These socks are soft and cozy in order to keep your toes warm and cozy in the wintry weather.

They are a cute way to not have numb toes.

It was back in 1500’s when both men and women started wearing socks in order to keep their feet from chaffing. They realized that if animal skin is wrapped around the foot, it keeps feet warm. Only the highest of classes had socks that were actually sewn

like ‘how is school?’ or ‘what is happening in sports?’ I normally try to make somewhat of a conversation, but things just end up being silent,” How is conversation made on the spot? Talking about school and sports is a nice conversations starter, but too general.

“It is never hard for me to think of something to say. I just blurt out whatever comes to me. One time I asked my cousin what color underwear he was wearing, he thought I was just a tad bit weird.

But hey, it always helps me start a stable conversation,” said junior Tyler Adams.

Whether they do not know what to say or ask the most boring questions, it is always helpful to set up conversation. It is always nice to see family that has been absent for a while. In the end, they are still family; even if they are awkward.

Anessa Blanco-Paiz has those awkward family moments when taking pictures.

Anessa Blanco-Paiz/ submitted to The View

MIDNIGHT MADNESS

by Brooke Rojas

Staff Writer

Q&A “I think that some children only care about the material things rather than spending time with their family,” said sophomore Shelby Sheridan. “I mean some care about spending time with their family, but there are less like that now than before”.

Even though the years have

Melissa Dean / The View

changed, the holidays are the main thing that have changed many children, teenagers, and how adults see the change in gift giving, gift receiving, and the change in gatherings since they were younger.

spotlight on...

by Shannon Masel Staff Writer

5

CENTERSPREAD

December 2010

Rochelle Reiss

What is it like, celebrating Hanukkah when all of your friends are celebrating Christmas?

“It’s very interesting and it’s fun to be different, but sometimes it’s annoying listening to Christmas carols.”

What is your favorite part of the holiday?

“Spending time with my family and relatives that I don’t get to see often is always fun and I love eating latkas.”

Everyone has witnessed the rush of the day following Thanksgiving, Black Friday: the everlasting line of cars piling into the mall’s parking lot, clothing stores stuffed with anxious customers, and mothers lining up outside of department stores to get the best bargains. But how did this day come into being?

It is uncertain when the term was first used, but it is said that it surfaced in the 1960’s, mainly on the East Coast. Black Friday describes the day following Thanksgiving that brings in the season for Christmas shopping, along with mass chaos

&

Penney opening at 3 or 4 in the morning, shoppers got a few hours of napping in after Thanksgiving dinner to power up for “doorbuster deals”. A select few malls even open up to the madness at midnight. You would think that all that turkey would make even the most eccentric shopper sleepy, but every year there is a couple handfuls of those who stick it out all night and shop ‘til the sun comes up. “Waiting in line for an hour at three in the morning was torture, but I don’t think stores even have adequate staff members to compensate for the chaos on Black Friday,” said Janelle Davault, junior at DV. If you can only

Staff Writer

imagine the amount of frustration felt by customers in these neverending lines, try to picture the exhaustion that overwhelms the Black Friday workers.

If you spent a lot of time in front of the TV prior to Black Friday, you probably saw Best Buy’s promotional commercial. It featured an employee emphasizing the greatness of working on the most chaotic shopping day of the year while listing off sales. On the contrary, if you have ever worked a busy day in a department store, you know that a line from your register wrapped around the store is anything but fun. “I watched a new employee being yelled at for scanning a short the wrong way.

We light candles, have dinner, and open the nightly present after the sun goes down like most Jewish families.”

“It’s so fun and I wish they would celebrate with me.

People don’t understand what it means to be Jewish and immediately make fun of me.”

What’s your favorite part about Christmas?

-My favorite part is Santa Claus

What’s your favorite part about Christmas?

-When we get presents

In simple terms, how is Hanukkah celebrated?

What’s on your wish list for Santa?

-Presents….I haven’t picked any yet

What’s on your wish list for Santa?

-I haven’t “drawed” it yet.

“When the sun goes down, we light one candle and eat regular dinner and afterward open presents. It represents the 8 nights of Hanukkah in the Torah.”

Rochelle Reiss / submitted to The View

Sarah, Age 3

Melissa Dean / The View

ykes

How does your family celebrate?

If you could tell your friends one thing about being Jewish, what would it be?

She had a line full of people and had been working all night. I felt really bad for her,” said Kelley Nestuk, junior.

It seems that with each passing Holiday Season the lines get longer, the deals get better, and the rush gets more intense. Despite the stress-inducing crowds and incessant lines at the registers, Black Friday continues to lure in bargain shoppers year after year. Retailers have come into the realization that by dropping prices they can draw in huge crowds, and with all the crazy deals this year ranging from 50% off the entire store to pairs of shoes for a penny, one can only imagine what is in store for next year.

Thunder T

THIS THAT with the...

by Brooke Rojas

Rochelle Reiss shows off her dreidel and menorah.

characterized by traffic jams, crowded sidewalks, and stores filled to the brim with discounthungry shoppers. In more recent times, the term is used by media and merchants to illustrate when retailers go from being in “the red”, which is marketing lingo for a loss in sales, to being in “the black”, which designates a profit.

If this day is such a rushing whirl of chaos, what is it that lures in millions of shoppers across the nation to participate in Black Friday every year?

The most obvious reason is all the crazy deals that can be find all over your local shopping centers. With department stores such as Kohl’s, Macy’s, and JC

Brooke Rojas / The View

4

Ryan, Age 4

What’s your favorite part about Christmas?

-We have a baby animal, one of my favorite ornaments What’s on your wish list for Santa?

-I wanna get a potty baby for Christmas

What’s your favorite part about Christmas?

-Uhm….I like putting up the Christmas tree

Julia, Age 3

Whitney, Age 3

together with silk. Eventually, they put two and two together and created a sock with fur inside; the fuzzy sock was born.

“They’re the comfiest socks ever, no doubt. They keep my feet all snuggley and warm. It’s almost like having a party on your feet. I normally like to wear them every day of the week, because they’re sick,” said freshman Natalie Terhaar.

“Three words to describe my fuzzy socks? Well, soft, cuddly, and super festive,” said freshman Alexis Flesey.

Fuzzy socks can be worn anywhere and everywhere.

Especially during winter holiday occasions. Wear them to school, around the house, or hanging out with friends. They come in numerous amounts of patterns, so buy a pair to show holiday spirit this year.

These can be found at local drugstores or super stores.

Sometimes, scented pairs of socks are sold. Do your feet a favor and keep them warm.

Chrissy Grandell / The View

Singing in the Holidays

by Shannon Masel

Staff Writer The Glee Club has found their big break this holiday season, singing at the upcoming choir concert.

Even with the recent change in leadership and the confusion that has caused, nothing has held the club back from wanting to spread some holiday cheer to the campus.

Allie Zingale, senior, and vice president, Kylie Mohr, senior, were voted on by the club members after the old president had to step down. Out of the 50 people that tried out, about 16 people made the cut. Because everyone had to pass auditions not only for singing, but for dancing skills too, they are sure a talented bunch.

During the choir concert coming up, Glee club will be performing a holiday medley. After their Halloween parade being so successful, it was a unanimous decision that Christmas carols would for sure bring in some more fans. At the choir concert, the club will be sure to make their name more

known and to gain support. Being a new club, that is surely a hard thing to gain.

“We’re affiliated greatly with choir,” Zingale said. “It’s gained us a lot of popularity.”

The club is also performing at the Children’s Hospital and the Festival of Lights.

“When we first started our meetings, it was hard for everyone to be there, but as we get more gigs and stuff to do, it is become a lot easier,” said vice president Kylie Mohr. Get into the spirit by watching our own ‘New Directions’ belt it out at the choir concert, DecemKylie Mohr, Allison Zingale, and Courtney Raab get in the Christmas spirit for Glee Club.

Shannon Masel / The View

Christmas Domination

by Mariah Schulte

Staff Writer The end of the year is just around the corner and the one thing people are thinking about is presents, sitting near a well lit Christmas tree with an empty cookie dish and a cup of half filled milk. Though it may be elementary, students cannot wait until the 25th of December and for old St. Nick to come down the chimney. Reality check: not everyone celebrates Christmas.

The most commonly known world wide celebration that happens at the end of every year is Christmas. Most people know that there’s this tree where presents go under and are unwrapped early every 25th of December. Christmas stands out more than any other holiday.

There are the “little things such as labels on the Coco-Cola cans and commercials,” said sophomore Savannah Haynie, “but it’s also the

big things like movies based on Christmas that make it dominate over the other holidays.”

“Christmas is probably the best known holiday,” said freshman Hanlan. Not only do people decorate more, but TV and radio shows are more focused on Christmas than on any other holiday.

JC Penney commercials and Bogo sales at Payless, Christmas is making stores go crazy too. All the kids are worried about, no matter what age, is presents.

“You get toys like Hot Wheels and Legos! It’s the best time of the year,” said junior Jovaughn Stiger.

“I get tamales,” said senior Ace Martinez, “but I also like the family bonding and new clothes.”

No matter the holiday, every one can agree that the end of the year does bring people together. Whether it be Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other holiday, one thing that can be said to everyone: Happy Holidays.

6

OPINIONS

The View December 2010

Some sports are sick of getting overlooked

Too Cool For School

by Alec Boucher

Staff Writer

by Shandra Beckett

Staff Writer

What would life be like without high school? I could not imagine and I am sure other students can not either. In the 20th century the number of kids dropping out really started to increase. It seemed that more and more kids were dropping out for unknown reasons.

Maybe they got tired of school or maybe it was the “in thing” at the time. “I think students drop out because they just don’t care anymore about school,” said Senior, Troy Drake. For whatever reason it was it really started to scare teachers and parents. Now you may say you do not care but that is money lost that teachers need because students aren’t showing up. As much as some kids hate school

I do not think it is ever okay to drop out. Call me a good girl but without high school where would students go in life? What would they do?

I agree high school can be really boring at times and a total drag. Having to get up early every morning and spend 7 hours learning is no picnic, even for kids who love school. I know there are days where I just want to stay home and sleep, but then I start if I really start to think about it I realize how nice going to school can be. It gives us a chance to meet new people and spend time with our friends and just be a teenager. I know sitting at home all day may sound amazing at times, but really grass is not greener on the other side in this case. “School is very important and it can help you a lot in life,” said Troy Drake. Students need

Graduation in Kansas May 2010

school as much as teachers need to teach.

The dropout rate has really decreased over the past 10 years. But what if it had not of decreased? “If dropout rates kept increasing I would think the schools would have to be reevaluated as to why this is happening,” said Administrator, Mrs. Johnson. In 2002 the graduation rate increased to a 72%. Students were not only staying in school but a majority of them were graduating on time with their classes.

Graduation is also a special thing no one should miss. Even though it’s completely corny to some kids it is also very special to others and their parents. And even the kids who think its corny still must be a little proud of themselves for making it thought the past 18 years of school. Gradu-

Dn’t use ur fone in skool

Student hides phone in backpack while texting during class.

by Nicole Salsburg

Staff Writer “Just one more text to my best friend. There it’s sent. And the teacher didn’t even notice!” Just another typical statement students make when they decide to whip out their cellular devices during class.

On the other hand, some students have the misfortune of getting caught. “The first offense is just a warning, the second time the parents must come to the school and pick up the phone, and the student receives an hour of after school detention, and so on and so forth,” explained Activities Director, Tomika Bethea. There isn’t anything more humiliating than having your parents have to come to school just to pick up your cell phone, which they might decide to keep for a couple of weeks.

Using your phone anytime during the school besides lunch

.

is not the brightest idea. You will see your best friend in 50 minutes; I am sure you can wait. The problem is that we are so caught up in our technological world. We forget what is really important, or just that we think texting is important.

When we have this belief, the consequence if your caught seems like a “whatever deal.”

“I believe students text in class because they always need to know what’s going on. Students also like to take risks and they enjoy the element in danger, which in this case, is getting caught,” said Mrs. Bethea. It’s stupid how it’s not until the third time, where the parents actually have to come to the school to pick up the phone, that the students realizes that texting in class is not the best choice.

We are at school for a reason, to learn. We can be with our friends before or after school, during pass-

Shandra Beckett/ The View

ation is a time for celebrating and being proud of yourself and your peers. In my opinion no one should miss that. Less and less kids are because in 2008 it was recorded that a remarkable 75% of kids were graduating. The number keeps increasing and I hope it stays that way.

“I think the graduating rate will keep increasing because there is a lot more focus and the standards of students are raising,” said Administrators, Mrs. Kapler and Mrs. Johnson. It sometimes even is fun no matter how many people will not admit that I know you know deep down that I am right. So keep up the good work and keep impressing skeptics. Like people say you’re only young once and you only get the high school experience once.

Walking around school you hear a lot of people talking about when the next football game is or what the score was for last night’s game. You never hear anything about when the next tennis game is. Sports such as these are dominated by major sports like baseball and football.

“One of our school goals is to improve school spirit and we’re doing that by having athletes from one sport going to the games of other sports” said TJ Snyder, Athletics Director. This is a good way to start because chances are that not every player on the football team is related to the same wrestler.

This is a problem because people in tennis, swim and dive, wrestling etc. are working just as hard, or harder than those in football and don’t even see one-quarter of the fans other larger sports do. That is ridiculous, after practicing for hours and hours putting in all their blood, sweat and tears. Some players walk onto the first place podium and see maybe twenty people cheering.

It is not just school sports, its sports all over the world that are nearly forgotten. If you ask the average American who won in Sundays football game they will tell you off the top of their head, but if you ask them if there’s a trampoline and tumbling (T&T) meet coming up they won’t be able to tell you anything. They may not even know what T&T is or that it is even a sport.

People in T&T work harder than any baseball player and don’t see a fraction of the fans.

No matter the sport, consider going to a couple of their games so the players can know what it is like to be supported by someone other than family.

The View Staff

Nicole Salsburg/ The View

ing time and at lunch, and in your other activities. It really is not all that hard to not use your cell phone during your classes. “I hate to say it, but there are really no solutions to this problem. We have a very good system, and when it is followed, it works excellently,” explained Bethea. Turn your phone off and keep it in your backpack.

With us teenagers being so lazy, we will not want to search through all the stuff in our bags, and wait a minute for our phones to turn on. If you are taking your phone out to see the time, get a watch.

Even I, goody-two-shoes, have taken out my phone in class before.

We all do it at some point, whether to check the time, or tell your mom you love her. However, a continuous conversation with a friend can wait. Do not worry though; you have 3,000 students who have to wait the antagonizing 57 minutes just like you.

The View is published by the Journalism students of DVHS. Contact us at 16640 S. 32nd St., Phoenix Az 85048, (480) 706-7900 ext 9-1156 or newspaper.dvh@tuhsd.k12.az.us.

Read The View and other projects by the Thundermedia staffs online at www. dvthundermedia.com.

The paper is printed by Valley Newspapers. Opinions, commentaries and features with the bylines are the opinions and research of the writers and do not necessarily express the opinions of the View Staff, the school faculty or other students.

Letters to the editor are welcome and encouraged. All letters must be signed and verifiable in order to be published, but names will be upheld upon request. All letters are subject to condensation. The View cannot publish any materials which violate laws governing student publications. Letters should be sent to room A156, placed in the advisors mailbox, or emailed no later than one week after the previous issue.

Wanted: Writers, Designers and Photographers! If you are interested in working for The View staff as a “MoJo” (Mobile Journalist) contact Mrs. Coro’s through the school website.

Editors Roseana Cruz, Brooklyn Rojas, Mariah Shulte, Melissa Dean, Joe Beck, and Angie Bumstead Staff Writers Michelle Abunaja, Jessica Arvayo, Alex Axenbeck, Shandra Beckett, Eliza Bell, Kelly Bodine, Alec Boucher, Chrisanda Grandell, Atikah Khan, Nabeela Khan, Shannon Masel, Nicole Salsburg, Jessica Tueller, Isabelle Tuli Adviser Michelle Coro

The View

7 SPORTS

Not going to cut it

Get pumped with pre-season track

December 2010

Without a freshman soccer team, ninth grade soccer hopefuls tried out for JV or varsity, resulting in an overwhelming number of cuts of the younger athletes.

by Michelle Abunaja

Staff Writer “I actually thought I was going to make JV, maybe even varsity but I ended up not making either,” said an anonymous girl who was cut from the soccer team. She’s not the only one who was disappointed at the results on the roster.

Many girls were cut from the JV and varsity teams this year. Over 50 girls tried out but there was only 40 spots on the both teams, leaving too many disappointed when they saw the roster.

“It’s too deep of a talent pool,” said varsity coach Paul Manoogian “for girls who are year round, but didn’t make it, don’t get discouraged, keep playing and try next year.”

Like all try- outs, it boils down to first impressions and what you do in the few minutes your being evaluated. There are still other ways to prove ones soccer skill. According to Mrs. Leah

Dompier, girls JV coach, they look for movement on and off the ball, good communication, ball control and hustle. Basically it’s all the basics of soccer but the player has to know how to put it to use.

“Are they productive with their talent, talent is very important but are they productive with it? that the number one thing for me,” said Manoogian There have been rumors that players who are not on a club team are most likely not going to make a team. This rumor is false.There are two players on the teams (Courtney Gosselin and Alison Richardson) who have not been playing club through out high school. Club players typically make the team because they play at least ten months a year which is just more practice than most. Coming to DV’s soccer try-outs after not practicing for a couple months is coming unprepared. Since Desert Vista is very competitive

by Atikah Khan

GETTING AHEAD

and talented try- outs Audrey is probably not the best Sumpter, place to start up with a ball after a couple months freshman, is with out practice. one of the lucky This year a ton of few who made freshmen tried out for the soccer a team, meaning more team. were cut. Addressing the idea of a freshman team was not a problem Michelle Abunaja/The View since the coaches were for it.

Unfortunately there are multiple District with a small amount reasons why that will not be a of people trying out for sports. possibility. Every school would Unfortunately there isn’t enough need a freshman team when of anything to make a freshman some schools are just struggling team possible. for body’s. Plus it would cost Girls who were not able to more money for coaches, make the team are encouraged referee’s and uniforms. Not only to talk to a coach about their there isn’t enough money or performance during try outs people but there also isn’t time. and what they can work on to Where would there be time to fit have a better chance next year. in all three practices, and games?

Along with asking about their “Only about thirty-ish people try-out players should keep up tried out for soccer this year and their skills during off season. no one was cut,” said a student According to Coach Dompier attending Marcos de Niza, which players who follow these tips is not the only school with-in typically make the team next the Tempe Union High school year.

Shape UP in your sport’s DOWN time Athletes keep their game up by working out in between seasons

LEADER OF THE PACK

Senior Edmund Baker (center) takes up running to stay active in basketball’s off-season.

Michelle Abunaja/The View

by Michelle Abunaja

Staff Writer

For the athletes whose sports are not in season, staying in shape before the spring season

comes back around is easy.

The first practice to work on during an off-season is running. Keeping those muscular legs from getting squishy is of utmost importance. Running also strengthens bones. After long

days of sitting in class people’s bones start to grow weaker and gradually lose their bold physique.

“I take a PE class so that I’m always active and I run after school with my friends,” said freshman, Rosemary Champlin.

Running is not the only way to stay in shape. Keeping muscle memory but is something that can only be achieved by repetition. Keeping skills sharp can be accomplished by practicing a half hour a couple times a week.

Riding a bike is also very good cardio, which is essential for an athlete’s endurance.

Relying only on those gaudy toning shoes and outfits to keep an athlete in shape is not recom-

mended. One can only strut sports apparel every once in awhile with out starting to look like a personal trainer. Besides, new gadgets only work to a certain extent until a little hardearned sweat on the athlete’s part is needed.

“Well, I’ve always been the fat kid so I had the motivation to not be fat, I started working out going into freshman year,” said sophomore Devon Hammonds.

“So in between seasons I try to stay fit by doing mainly cardio.”

Staying in shape is only hard if someone does not take the initiative to get out there and “just do it” as Nike encourages. Funn how they have not come out with a toning shoe; maybe they are

Staff Writer The pre-season track started a month ago and it allows athletes to have a solid base training prior to the main season. It supports them to get conditioned for the track.

“Athletes can be more successful if they do pre-season,” said Coach Cline, instructor of the girls and boys track and field.

Students who are looking forward to be in the track next year should surely join the practice.

“You can excel faster in track and get your potential faster,” said Jhantaya Harrington, junior, when asked about the importance of pre-season. The practice ends in February, which is two months from now and students can have a brilliant practice and be completely ready for the track.

“They get more time to work on technical aspects of different events, core strength training to help athletes prevent injuries, and opportunities to learn new drills,” Cline said. Therefore, preseason not only helps athletes with the workout, it also trains them how to avoid injuries and to be more efficient in the competition.

“It gets you mentally prepared for the real season,” said Mia Vallero, freshman, an athlete.

Pre-season allows athletes an opportunity to have a solid base or condition prior to the track season.

Michelle Abunaja/The View ReyAnn Rivera(left), Junior, runs preseason track with Sam Goodall(right), an athelete from a different school.

THE POP CULTURE GRID How plugged in are sports stars?

Doug Christoffis Coach

Yasmine Yacut Track and Field Katie Pawlik Track and Field

Sean Coffinger Football

Which proathlete would you like to chill with?

Randy Couture

What’ s your favorite holiday dessert?

Lord of the Rings because the person who tries to do right has no special powers.

Neopolitan Happiness for cookies my children

Christiano Harry Potter Peach Ronaldo cobbler

David Beckham

Michael Vick

What do you want for Christmas?

Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings?

Harry Potter

Lord of the Rings

Ice cream

Pumpkin pie

Naughty or nice?

Nice

You

Nice

A puppy

Nice

A new car

Naughty

The View

REAR VIEW 8

December 2010

-continued from page 1

“She was in a lot of pain. Her whole body was all broken,” said Aubid. «Nobody knew if she would wake up. Something in me told me maybe God would help me, maybe she would wake up one day.»

Answering her mother›s prayers and shocking doctors, Arianna woke up. But the professionals were still skeptical.

«I was told I would never talk, never walk, never think,» said Ruiz.

Step by step, she proved them wrong. Many people visited her in the hospital and she recognized them all. Her brother›s 18th birthday came just days after she woke from the coma. Her jaw was wired shut and her left side paralyzed, but when she saw him, she began fussing and flailing her one functional arm. Her family gave her a pen and paper and she wrote: happy birthday. The day her jaw was unwired, she spoke.

«I told the doctor thank you and he cried,» said Ruiz.

Two months later, though her pelvis was not yet completely healed, she walked. A wheel chair was her main mode of transportation for about three years after the accident. Now, walking through her Junior year with a cane, she is the epitome of what medical science said would never happen.

To this day, she suffers from kidney infections, arthritis, minimal use of her left arm and a multitude of other reprucussions from the accident.

However, these ailements are still overshadowed by blessings.

«We just keep positive because that›s all you can do,» said Aubid.

One positive is that after everything she has been through, Arianna has maintained her brilliant mind. Before the accident, she was supposed to skip two grade levels and continue second semester of eighth grade as a Sophomore in high school. After spending most of her eighth grade year in recovery, it was clear that she had missed too much school to continue with this plan. However, she proved she was still a spectacular student during homeschool that year by exceeding the AIMS test. So she went on to Freshman year that fall to remain with her original graduating class.

Throughout high school her talents have impressed many, including the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine.

They have invited her to Massachusetts this July where she will earn two college credits for following and studying from a real doctor for ten days.

As for the school to which these credits will go, Arianna has a slew of options. She has been accepted by numerous universities from New York to California, including full rides to Yale and Rutgers. Currently she plans to attend Rutgers University to study pediatrics.

Until then, Arianna focuses on her passion: cooking.

“I’ve been cooking since I was four years old,” said Ruiz.

“It’s the only thing I can do myself [now].”

She has her own catering business (of which lovable security guard Jim Snow is a customer) and plans to open a restaurant.

-see pictures and more of Arianna’s story at dvthundermedi.com

Working hard or hardly working? Teens 4 Jeans KEY CLUB ignites the drive by providing boxes for teens to donate their unused jeans.

Students learn to balance school and work in a tough economy.

Students Judd Smith and Blake Tendick work diligently at McDonalds.

Melissa Dean/The View

Angie Bumstead/The View

by Angie Bumstead

Staff Writer

With the economy in the dumps, money is hard to come by. For some students, it’s as easy as, “Hey mom, can I have 10 dollars?” But for others, money comes at a price: getting a job.

Whether it is Burger King or Kohls, high school students are notorious for filling employers with applications.

Not only is having a job challenging, it can also be illegal.

Students under the age of 14 are not allowed to work. For older workers, child labor laws restrict the amount of hours they can work. Teens under the age of 16 can only work 3 hours on school days and 18 hours in a week. If an employed teen is 16 or 17, they cannot work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week.

“Having a job can be hard,” said senior Alex Sipes, “I work

at Aris Tech. I’ve only worked there a couple of months and I’ve been working on balancing my schedule ever since I got the job.

With my family, friends, school, and job, it can get pretty stressful, but it’s all worth it when I get my paycheck.”

Unfortunately, jobs don’t just fall out of the sky. “I had so much bad luck with jobs,” said senior Joseph Bumstead, “It was almost borderline ridiculous. I applied at over 40 places before I finally got a job at Legends Dry Cleaners.

Getting a job is hard, but it’s possible if you keep trying and apply wherever you can.”

Getting a job is one of the biggest steps to be taken after hitting maturity, and one of the hardest.

“Getting a job took forever,” said junior Judd Smith, “If you really want to get a job, apply everywhere. No matter what the job is, money is money.”

Key Club lends a helping hand towards unfortunate teens who cannot afford jeans.

by Melissa Dean

Staff Writer

The chilly weather is catching up to us. People are ditching the shorts and tank-tops for sweaters, mittens, and jeans. For those who are less fortunate, affording warm clothes, especially jeans, is a problem.

Not to worry! Key Club is starting a jean drive called “Teens 4 Jeans”. The purpose of the drive is to help teenagers who cannot buy their own jeans, and provide them with a nice pair of pants. Their goal is to collect two-hundred and fifty pairs of jeans by January 15th.

Many members of the Key Club believe that it’s an opportunity of a lifetime to help these teens out. As the cold approaches us, giving them an extra layer or two will certainly make them feel warmer. “I think it’s a great opportunity to help teens in need,” said sophomore Delaney Bemish-

Rogers. “It’s really important during the winter months because it’s getting colder”.

They are trying to convince teenagers instead of throwing away a pair of used jeans that they do not care for anymore, to donate them to the bins that are located in the school library.

Instead of wasting a pair of jeans, giving someone else a helping hand is what it is all about. The more and more pairs of jeans the bins receive, the better. “The drive is beneficial because instead of teens throwing away their jeans, they are helping others by donating,” said sophomore Tyler DuVall.

So, if you have old, used, or just a pair of jeans that are tucked away in your closet that you know you won’t wear, come on down to the library, find a bin, and donate. The more donations, the more teens Key Club will help to make warm. A little warmth can go a long way.