Vol. 97; Oct. 31, 2008; Issue 2

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Olson crowned Daffodil princess See page

Robbery prompts lockdown B Y

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Despite being diagnosed with Stage IIB breast cancer, Vice-Principal Alicia Nosworthy remains optimistic about her future. A support network helps her through the disease.

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kathy lantz, rN. adds laughing. breast cancer does not only but while Nosworthy remains affect women, but can be found positive, she says there are tough in men as well. although about moments as well. she relies on 100 times less common among family and friends to get through men than women, about 1 in those times.

1,000 men will be diagnosed with “surrounding yourself with breast cancer in their lifetime positive people, support, and according to the american a sense of humor is just as society’s breast cancer Facts and important as the treatment,” Figures.

Nosworthy said.

Nosworthy the plan is trying to stay Nosworthy “ t H I s I s a positive about follows is HorrIble tHINg, her experience. strenuous. b u t I N l I F e w e “this is a twelve weeks of go oVer sPeeD horrible thing, chemotherapy. b u m P s , a N D t H I s but in life we Five pills a day for Is Just oNe oF go over speed 12 weeks. shots t H o s e m o m e N t s . ” bumps, and six days a week, this is just alIcIa NoswortHy except for chemo V Ice-PrINcIPa l one of those days. after, moments,” chemotherapy, Nosworthy said. it will be on to radiation, and Nosworthy leans back in her finally, surgery. but all of this has chair and thinks to herself for a only strengthened Nosworthy’s moment about how she has been belief in herself. most affected by the diagnosis.

“I knew I was resilient, strong “I’m at the mercy of a schedule and positive before, and this has now, I have so many doctors’ only served to reinforce that,” appointments to keep up Nosworthy said. with, my treatment plan, and cathy sherman, rN firmly everything here at school still… if believes early diagnosis and I forget something, I just blame it treatment is the key to beating on my ‘chemo brain,’” Nosworthy breast cancer.

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Vice Principal alicia Nosworthy absentmindedly pumps two squirts of hand sanitizer into her palms. a sudden blur of color on her wrist draws the eye downward. there, in flowing script, is a tattoo on her left wrist that reads: believe.

“I have to be really careful,” she says noticing me watch her rub her hands together. “I’m much more susceptible to viruses and infections now.” on aug. 27, Nosworthy was diagnosed with stage II b breast cancer. “at first, I was just thinking, this can’t be happening to me,” Nosworthy said. “I had no predictors, no family history, there were never any indications.” according to the american cancer society’s breast cancer Facts and Figures, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

However, with early detection and prompt treatment, breast cancer is highly treatable. “where I work, we see people beating breast cancer every day.

It’s treatable, it’s survivable,” said s

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newspAper goes digitAL

The Viking Vanguard is now available online. log on to my.highschooljournalism.org/wa/ puyallup/phs to access the content seen in past issues, as well as the content of student newspapers across the nation. For more information, contact Danny serna.

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“this is not a death sentence. It’s more treatable than ever, and there are now so many treatment options available,” sherman said. according to sherman, women should self-exam every month. If a woman has a family history, or is adopted, she should begin getting yearly mammograms at the age of 35. For all other women, yearly mammograms should start at the age of 40.

Nosworthy discovered her lump at her yearly exam. she emphasizes their importance.

“It is so important to be checked and continue to selfexamine,” Nosworthy said. “you only get one body – take care of it.” again, the flash of graceful fluid lettering on her wrist. she smiles and looks at her skin in quiet contemplation.

“I got the tattoo on my wrist for a special reason,” she begins. “It’s so whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed, whenever I just break down and cry, I open my eyes and it’s there telling me everything is going to be alright.” believe.

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105 7 t H st. s w Pu ya l lu P wa sH, 98371

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a modified lockdown was enacted sept. 29 when a man robbed a bank several blocks away from PHs and took off on foot.

News of the incident quickly reached the Principal Jason smith and he instructed the school to perform a modified lockdown. many students were unaware and didn’t understand what was happening, according to senior stephanie Horn.

“I was in the library when the modified lockdown happened. mr. wilson locked all the doors so no one could get out and no one could get in,” Horn said. “when I asked what was going on no one really knew or told me and a lot of the kids I talked to at lunch didn’t know why the lockdown happened either.” although students were confused with what initially happened to make the modified lockdown take place at first, it actually turned out to be extremely successful, according to security guard rick burnley. “everyone seemed to really know the procedures. when the students were told the news of the lockdown, they all seemed very attentive and [they] cooperated great,” burnley said. so how safe are we in the city of Puyallup? though the crime rate is relatively high, many of the crimes aren’t major, according to rob kearny. “a lot of the crimes being committed in Puyallup itself are what we consider minor crimes such as vandalism like graffiti or traffic offenses like parking tickets, speeding tickets and reckless driving, and robberies of all sorts,” kearny said. the sudden drop in the stock market may be one the main causes of all the theft, kearny says “I predict that the number of robberies will continue to increase for awhile because of the economic issues america is facing at this time,” kearny said. students need to be well educated on crimes and crime rates so they can be more aware of the dangerous around them and help to keep themselves safe, kearny says.

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new photo exhibit opens

detention moves rooms

after-school detentions are now being held in ls-9 rather than the commons or library.

If you are assigned a detention for monday, wednesday or Friday, report to ls-9 after school.

the roy Nishiyori gallery on the third floor has opened its fourth year of displaying student photography with an exhibit featuring photographs taken at the Puyallup Fair.

eLL seeks voLunteers

gym opens to students

as basketball season approaches, the gym will be open to all prospective basketball players from 6-7:15 a.m. all weekday mornings except for wednesdays.

the english language learners program is looking for volunteers interested in babysitting the children of parents in adult english classes. classes are held tuesdays and thursdays at the Puyallup library. If you’re interested, contact andrew at 253-435-6514. t H o u g H t s

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Olson hits home-run, takes Daffodil crown b y

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Robyn Olson stepped up to the plate Tuesday night giving a speech under the theme, “Swing into Spring” for Daffodil Princess selection, and fielded questions from the panel to become Puyallup’s 20082009 Daffodil Princess.

“I felt like I had a pretty good chance no matter what, I felt really peaceful about the whole thing,” Olson said.

While wearing a sparkling red gown, Olson delivered stage presence and confidence according to members of the audience.

“Her stage presence looks very confident and she moves with elegance and grace,” Lisa Ballard said.

Olson has had previous practice for this type of competition because she has participated in other pageants before such as Miss Outstanding Teen for Washington.

Pageants in the past have helped her become more put together, but it was her parents and coaches who helped her out the most.

“My family helped me out the most, but my dad was the one who helped me with my announcer voice for my speech,” Olson said.

Olson is very calm and confident in her speaking for an audience, and can survey

a room of people and act accordingly, according to Ballard.

“She has a really mature presence about her and is very conscientious and treats others with respect,” Olson’s cheer coach Ashley Parsons agreed.

The competition this year was harder than past years, according to Ballard.

The judges were looking for specific qualifications in the eight girls running for Daffodil this year.

“The judges were looking for a girl with strong integrity, outgoing personality and someone who can be easily approachable,” Ballard said.

Olson has a positive attitude in every circumstance is very approachable and friendly, according to Ballard.

Olson is a captain of the cheerleading team, president of Friends of Rachel and is an active member of Honor Society.

“I want to become as involved with my community as I can,” Olson said.

She is very involved with her church and wishes to attend as many Daffodil meetings as she can. Olson wants to study fashion design in Paris after attending Seattle Pacific University in Seattle.

“Becoming a role model for Puyallup is a goal I will achieve while being in Daffodil, I want to become a role model,” Olson said.

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The 76-year tradition of the Daffodil Festival is in financial danger, according to the Festival organizers.

The exact budgetary amounts are not yet available, said Brad Stevens, president of the Daffodil Festival Association, until the first of the year.

“If everyone donated $1, the community would have enough money to budget for the parade,” said Stevens.

The $200,000 budget includes more than just the parade; it covers the royal court costs and the scholarships that the girls receive when they enter the royal chapter.

The queen receives a $10,000 scholarship

and the first runner-up receives the Sandy Hust Scholarship worth $8,000.

The scholarships run from $10,000 to $500, and every girl in the regional court receives one.

The Daffodil princess represents tradition and community involvement, according to Daffodil adviser Sarah Niemi said.

“The festival is considered a grass roots festival and everyone is involved,” Stevens said.

Not only is the Daffodil Festival experiencing a money shortage, but Puyallup District bands will not be attending the Daffodil parade this year.

The efforts to have the dates changed

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Olson crowned princess: Olson with escort Ryan Baxter by her side as she was crowned Puyallup’s 2008-2009 Daffodil Princess. Olson competed against seven other girls Oct. 21 in the auditorium delivering her “Swing into Spring” speech to the audience. Olson will become a member of the 76-year tradition of Daffodil.

so that Puyallup School District can be involved have put the Daffodil Festival Association in a difficult position.

“We can’t change the dates; Easter follows the weekend after the parade and then after the Puyallup Spring Fair,” Stevens said.

Puyallup High School’s band will be attending a parade in Disneyland March 30, the beginning of Spring Break and will be returning before school begins again.

Steven says he believes that it is a loss not having the bands in the parade.

“Puyallup has some of the greatest bands I have ever seen,” Stevens said.

The parade includes 25 bands, 13 of which come from Puyallup schools.

Queen

Coronation March 14 7 p.m.

Four Square Church 601 9th Ave SE Puyallup, Wash.

Seniors participate in Daffodil selection Left: Budzak, Kim and McDaniel on stage with escorts and flowers in arm.

Top right: The audience witnesses Olson smile after being crowned Daffodil Princess.

Bottom right: Baxter prepares to embrace Olson after she recieves Daffodil Princess.

The other seven Princesses of the Puyallup High school court include: Allison McDaniel, Donica Beckman, Jessica McKenna, Brienn Bertrand, Jessica Budzak, Janet Kim and Lauen Griffin

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30-day challenge tests students B y

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The victims of bullying tend to be of one type.

They are the silent ones who can’t build up enough strength in their unstable legs to stand up for themselves.

But why can’t others stand up for them when their legs fail, speak up when their voice falters?

“In the back of my mind, I’ve always wondered how we can empower students to address a problem so they’re not apathetic and indifferent when negative things happen around them,” Fred Orton, social studies teacher said.

Orton’s Multicultural Studies class tried something new this year – something that should be part of a daily routine but isn’t for most.

The students spent 30 days (Oct. 1-Oct. 31) participating in Puyallup High School’s first “30-day challenge.”

“At first, I thought the project was sort of ridiculous,” senior Kourtney Randle said. “It’s something you should do normally. You shouldn’t have to be assigned a project to do it.”

The objective of the project was to try to make a difference, according to Orton.

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They wrote about what they saw, how it made them Students were instructed to summon up the courage to say or do something every day of the month to make the feel and if they reacted. The project was centered around raising awareness even if they weren’t confident enough community a better place.

They intervened when they saw disrespect, intolerance, to express your feelings aloud.

The classes were instructed to both pay attention to discrimination and other examples of negativity if the what is happening around them and to situation was safe and the student was commit random acts of kindness in the comfortable.

“THIS PROjeCT community.

“This project brought out my courage,” BROugHT OuT MY COuR Age, I neveR “It has opened up my mind a lot – senior Cody Simpson said. “I never really ReAllY STOOd changing me slowly,” Simpson said. stood up for anyone before; I’d just sit uP FOR AnYOne “I know we’re supposed to change the back and listen.”

BeFORe; I’d jSuT school community and I know it might Orton got the idea from Morgan SIT BACK And not happen, but it’s worth a try.”

Spurlock, the director of Supersize Me, l IST e n.”

Orton hoped to teach students who created a series called 30 Days, a COdY SIMPSOn that even if words’ intent is not meant documentary about what life changing SenIOR to put someone down, perception can experiences are possible in 30 days. be harmful.

“I actually wanted to do the project, “After Columbine, I as a teacher felt that I needed to do I was really interested in it,” Simpson said. “It gave us a chance to expand our writing abilities and take control of something about bullying. I think everybody should feel safe and welcome at school. Impossible? Maybe – but I certain situations.”

The students kept a journal of their experiences over have this ideal that everyone should feel safe here,” Orton said. “It can’t hurt, only help.” the 30-day period.

Seniors face Culminating Project woes rather than WASL B y r e B e c c a h a r r i S m a n a g i n g e d i t o r

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n estimated 180 seniors are not on track to accumulate the 22 credits mandatory for graduation, Puyallup High School graduation Specialist Angela Reed says; this compares to 103 seniors in similar situations at Rogers High School, according to Rogers graduation Specialist Kim Armstrong.

“A big thing is credits. earning 22, that’s the main reason students aren’t

graduating, definitely not the wASl,” Reed said.

From grades 9-12, students need a total of 22 credits: four credits for english, two for each math, science, health and fitness and occupational, 2.5 for social studies, one for art and 6.5 for electives.

“The Culminating Project challenges students to apply their classroom education in demonstrating their readiness for life after high school,” Career Center Secretary April Houghton said.

Students have a big problem with

procrastinating, Houghton said “About a third are really scrambling by their senior year while they could be focusing on the more fun parts, like graduating,” Houghton said.

Of the senior class at PHS, 72 percent have not finished the required 20 hours of community service.

61 percent of Rogers’ seniors have not completed these hours as well, Armstrong said.

Of 561 seniors at PHS, 5 percent haven’t passed the reading wASl, 4 percent

haven’t passed the writing, and 27 percent haven’t passed the math.

In comparison with Rogers’ 590 seniors, 5 percent haven’t passed the reading, 4 percent haven’t passed the writing and 23 percent haven’t passed the math.

“Students aren’t showing all their steps, that’s a huge thing on the wASl,” math teacher Annette Burnett said.

The wASl may be the least of students’ worries however, and certainly not the biggest thing holding back diplomas, according to Reed.

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Senior disappointed in own class I’ll admit it: I’m not the most spirited senior at Puyallup High School. I don’t dress

head to toe in purple and gold every Friday or feel particularly eager to sit through pep assemblies. I do, however, make it a point to wear something school-related on spirit days, attend a variety of sporting events and participate in extra-curricular activities. And above all, I am respectful of the history and pride this school represents.

To be perfectly honest, I lost respect for most of the senior class the day we all sat together in the school’s auditorium for so innocuous a purpose as discussing homecoming. What should have been a pleasant assembly celebrating our last year in high school quickly turned into the very reason I am becoming increasingly anxious to graduate. From the back of the room, boys exuded rudely obnoxious noises over which Vice Principal Alicia Nosworthy was forced to yell. If the students had been quiet long enough to let her speak, we might have learned something interesting, but instead our administrators only earned confirmation that we are not yet mature enough to handle such conversation.

It seems disappointing to me that as seniors in high school, we still have to be told to “be responsible.” I feel that as 17

and 18 year olds, common sense should tell us what is and is not permissible. The sad thing is that I completely understand the administrators’ concerns. Not a day goes by that I do not hear my peers talking about smoking marijuana or drinking alcohol excessively on the weekends. First of all, it is illegal. And second of all, there are so many better ways to represent your school.

This “seniors only” assembly is not the first time I have been less than thrilled by my graduating class. For more than two years now, I have been witness to more than my fair share of completely ridiculous behavior established by my peers.

It is common knowledge that football is an important part of Puyallup’s legacy.

There is always a great turnout at every game, whether it is home or away. I deeply enjoy standing in the student section with

my fellow classmates, cheering on our team, raising our horns for the kickoff, blending in with the sea of purple and gold.

What I don’t appreciate are the groups who ruin it for the rest of us. Why is it necessary to show up at games drunk? It’s none of my business what others do in their free time, but I believe they should at least have the courtesy to realize that some people are there to watch the game and have a good time, not to see their peers make complete fools of themselves.

For me, high school is about making lasting memories, so I personally don’t see the excitement in experiences that I will more than likely not remember the S. JENkINS following morning. If GR APHIcS this is what keeps me separate from the rest, then so be it.

The bottom line is that sitting in the auditorium with the entire class of 2009, I came to the conclusion that I am downright disappointed. This is my senior year and I want it to be the best it can be. I want to be a part of a class that leaves a positive legacy behind. I want to remember my

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senior year as the best one yet, and I wish I wasn’t already counting the days until I would be done here. The problem is that the majority of the seniors would much rather sit back and make rude, obnoxious noises than participate in cheers or sing the school’s fight song. They have no pride, no respect, no desire to be better. And after spending many a moment trying to figure it out, I still cannot understand why.

What changed in the last several years that made it socially acceptable to be completely apathetic towards your surroundings? Everyone in the school – and the senior class in particular – should have a trace of an idea about what is going on around campus. Decisions are made every day that affect the entire student body and yet, it is difficult to find students who are informed.

I do not want the graduates of 2009 to leave behind a negative mark on Puyallup’s history. In 20 years, I would prefer to remember high school as “the best time of my life” rather than “those three years that could not end fast enough.” Either way, I will still be prideful of the fact that I was – and am – a Puyallup Viking. I can only hope my classmates will begin to feel the same.

Teen involvment crucial in upcoming election

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o you know what’s been keeping me up at night?

No, it isn’t SATs or Vanguard deadlines (although both have spurred their own handful of nightmares).

What has really been bugging me are those darn teenage voters. I don’t hide the fact that I’m actually interested in politics, and I am excited to discover that this election year more and more of my peers are having discussions over the recent presidential debates. I’ve been hearing many more comments about the candidates’ foreign policy plans or the debates as opposed to the L. ANDERSON usual “OMG! Like, that old guy is like REPORTER so old, he’ll probably die in office” or “Joe Biden? Isn’t he like in my math class or something?”

And of course what I’m noticing make sense, seeing as both Facebook and MySpace among other Internet social scenes are advocating involvement in the election to young folks more than ever. Signs of “Decision ‘08’ can be found everywhere. At Urban Outfitters and Hot Topic you can pick out a shirt proclaiming “Barack ‘N Roll” or

yadda!

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“Mccain’t Touch This.” At 7-Eleven you have the choice to decide between a blue Barack cup or a red Mccain cup.

There are pins, backpacks and merchandise galore. your room, your profile page, your fashion: Every one of them has the opportunity to be decked out in your candidate of choice. yet to my chagrin, with all the hype, teenagers don’t seem to get the point. As I look around and hear these conversations about the elections, one argument I hear too often is, “well, my parents say…” or, “I guess I just vote how my friends vote” or worst of all, “I don’t know/care.”

Now, correct me if I am wrong, but isn’t voting supposed to be a representation of yOUR opinion? Isn’t this election sort of, I don’t know, important?! And if this is a true statement, why am I surrounded by this insanity of young adults refusing to back up their vote with a brain cell of their own or not caring at all?

Now don’t get me wrong, agreeing with your mother and/or father isn’t a bad thing (certain things such as not doing drugs and staying in school are always good advice).

But in the case of going to the polls I ask-no, better yet-I urge you to take a stance.

Out of Americans ages 18-29, 75 percent are registered to vote. That is 44 million voters, one-fifth of all voters in c O N T R O L E D

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America. This isn’t a small group of people who can’t make a difference. Our demographic, dubbed the Millennial Generation, could be the deciding factor in this year’s election according to The New york Times, USA Today and Students PIRGs. Do not be apathetic this election year. Don’t just say you are a Republican, a Democrat or an independent without giving adequate reasons. As humans we are born with the innate ability to form an opinion, and as Americans we have the right to express this opinion. Look at the issues; decide how you feel about the war in Iraq, the economy or abortion. All of them affect you whether you realize it or not, ignoring these issues is simply not an option.

The fate of the next four years could quite possibly be in your hands Nov. 4. Even if you cannot vote this year, let your voice be heard. you never know whose opinion you could change just by the power of your voice. We have been given this incredible power as citizens of the United States, something that should not be taken for granted.

So fellow teenagers, voters or not, please take a step back from your peers, your family, your teachers, from what anyone has ever told you is the right way to vote and ask yourself: what do I want the future of my country to look like?

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Q: How has the media affected the upcoming election?

“A L L T H E P R OBL E M S GOING ON WITH THE cANDIDATES ARE SHOWN IN cOM M E Rc I A L S.”

“WHIcHEVER cANDIDATE HAS MORE MONEy HAS MORE OPPORTUNITy [TO ADVERTISE IN T H E M E DI A] .”

“THE BAD MOUTHING cOMES BOTH WAyS AND PEOPLE ARE E ASILy DR AW N TO WHAT THEy SEE ON T V.”

“IT SAyS BOTH THE GOOD AND BAD THINGS ABOUT THE cANDIDATES-- IT’S NOT ALWAyS TRUE, T HOUGH.”

“THEy cAN SAy ANyTHING FROM ‘OBAMA DOES DRUGS’ TO... I DON’T k NOW. NO MATTER WHAT IT IS, PEOPL E BE L I E V E .”

cAMARON FEcTO SENIOR

cODy MyERS SENIOR

SPIkE WARD JUNIOR

STEPHANIE cLARk JUNIOR

BRycE WHEELER SOPHOMORE

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Editorial

Modified lockdown proves questionable, dangerous Man robs bank. Man flees to area around school. School It’s not as if the students were going to overreact. calls modified lockdown. Sound familiar?

Although the maturity level of students can be questioned, It should, because it’s exactly what happened Sept. 29. they will often be more willing to help others out rather For those of you who have third lunch, you probably than panic. Regardless it would just be more professional had no idea that a lockdown was and organized if the procedures for the happening. lockdown were followed through in order “THE STudEnTS Students in the library at the time to insure the full safety of all the students.

SHould nEVER were also not clued in on the incident; It’s our safety and we have the right to bE lEFT In THE they were only denied exit. Security know if it is potentially threatened. The dARk AbouT guards have reported that it was a students need to be organized and well THE dETAIlS successful lockdown. informed. oF A SERIouS Still, the question remains: if the The students should never be left in the SI T uAT Ion.” school does need to go into a lockdown, dark about the details of a serious situation. shouldn’t everyone be informed of It is the responsibility of the school. ouR VIEW what is going on?

The staff of the Vanguard believes that the There usually isn’t too much students should have been more involved commotion going on in Puyallup and when something in the lockdown process. does happen it’s usually just some minor stuff.

The students need to be educated about safety. This will So when a serious crime like bank robbery does happen, give students a way to know what to do in an emergency it should be a major priority to let the students know what situation and be able to contribute to their community in is occurring. that way after graduation.

It’s not the safest thing to have students walking around, This way the next time someone robs a bank and a unaware of the approaching danger. lockdown is called, the students will know.

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The Viking Vanguard’s duty is to expand student perspectives, maintain community relations and act as a student publication advocating voice. besides providing an opportunity for the exchange of viewpoints, The Viking Vanguard serves as an academic tool by which students can voice opinions as well as highlight issues facing today’s students. lETTER PolICy:

The Viking Vanguard accepts unsolicited copy from businesses. only signed and dated letters with addresses and phone numbers from community members, or grade level from students will be accepted. letters must be limited to 350 words and will be published as space is available. The staff reserves the right to edit any letter without changing its content.

All letters are the sole opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent the opinion of The Viking Vanguard staff. letters to the Editor may be submitted by E-Mailing them to thevikingvanguard@gmail.com, or mailing them to The Viking Vanguard c/o Puyallup High School AdVERTISIng PolICy:

The Viking Vanguard publication staff accepts advertisements for most products available to the public. However, the staff reserves the right to reject, edit or cancel any advertisement at anytime. Advertisements shall be free of implications that the staff deems offensive in light of normal public standards and shall not identify students or athletes by photo or text (WIAA 18.20.0 and 18.20.1). Ads violating this policy will not be accepted. The staff will not accept advertising for products or groups which are racist, sexist or illegal for high school students. Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views, endorsements and/or positions of The Viking Vanguard, student body, faculty, administration or school board.

CoRRECTIonS:

The Viking Vanguard staff values accuracy, and wishes to correct mistakes made in previous issues. If you believe we have made an error, please contact us at: thevikingvanguard@gmail.com.

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Letter to the editor

Students lack common courtesy As an English teacher I work with all sorts of literary devices. Metaphors and similes, for instance, are figures of speech that can really make a piece of writing feel like it’s alive and breathing.

However, there are a few phrases that I would like to draw to the attention of your readers which are not figures of speech. They literally say what they mean, and if the students of the school took them literally to heart, this school would be a safer, healthier and overall better place to work and learn.

The first of these phrases that comes to mind is “watch where you’re going.” I can personally attest to being repeatedly slammed in the gut by the backpacks of kids of all sizes who are running backwards down the

halls of the school, while calling after someone behind them in the crowd.

Just yesterday once such student ran directly into me (and, let’s be honest, it’s hard not to see me) and before I even got the chance to tell her how to watch where she was going, to literally look in the direction of her progress, she screamed at me and ran away.

Here’s another sentence that is too often treated as a metaphor when it’s not. Have you ever heard the phrase “cover your mouth?” How many times have you seen someone hacking up multicolored lung chunks, while merely passing their hand somewhere in the vicinity of their mouth? Covering your mouth is not some superstitious ritual that you can do only half-

heartedly because you don’t really believe in it. It’s about preventing the spread of contamination and disease.

So go ahead and actually turn your head away from other people, literally block the path between your pie hole and the rest of us, preferably by raising your elbow to your nose, and then let it fly only once your mouth is actually covered.

We don’t teach a class in basic hygiene and courtesy in this school.

Still, we all have a right to expect that we can walk the halls without being run into and sneezed on by hordes of inconsiderate germ factories.

B y m a t t h e w t a r o n l a n g u a g e a r t s t e a c h e r

The following mistakes were made in the oct. 3 issue of Vanguard: • “According toto Hazen” should have read “according to Hazen” on page three.

• On page 12, Jon Space should have read: “John Space.”

• Jennifer Shaffer’s name was misspelled “Jennifer Schaffer.”

• Hien Vu and Elyssa Payant were left out of last issue’s masthead.

Do your part, recycle this issue of The

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A primary purpose of education is to prepare students to be informed, active citizens, including an understanding of politics and how political acts shape our lives. Participation rates among American youth, however, have been slumping since the 1960s. Will 2008 be the year that changes this downward trend, or will young people continue their apathy?

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candidates: republican Shawn bunney, democrat calvin goings, Mike lonergan, executive excellence ;and democrat Pat Mccarthy are all running for the position of Pierce county executive.

Major Issues: The major issues the candidates are addressing are roads and transportation, creating more jobs in the Pierce county area, increasing public safety, health and human services, protecting the environment and improving education in Pierce county schools.

The Basics: all of the candidates have a long resume filled with experience. Some also hold experience that doesn’t have to do with politics. besides politics many of the candidates started their careers involved with something other than politics.

Pat Mccarthy was director of the Tacoma School board for 12 years, and county auditor for the past five years before she decided to run for Pierce county executive.

Mike lonergan believes that voters should consider him as a candidate because of his experience. “i’m 59 years old; this is the peak of my career, certainly not the beginning. i can use my life experience to better Pierce county. i am definitely the most prepared for this job,” lonergan said.

Vision, leadership and management are all characteristics that these candidates are promising. “consider it like a job application; voters should have confidence in who is the most prepared and who has the most experience,” lonergan said.

Most of the candidates plan on addressing the subject

of roads and transportation and their plans for improving traffic in Pierce county.

“There are four main points of Pat’s campaign: public safety, roads and transportation, building and maintaining a livable community and delivering great customer service,” katie rose, Pat Mccarthy’s campaign manager, said. all the candidates agreed that jobs closer to home was an important issue that should get addressed. Jobs closer to home makes transportation cost less.

This past summer the price of gas reached an all time high of $4.

Families with jobs closer to home spend more time with their families creating a better environment for their kids.

This in the long run will create a better community to live in for Pierce county families. “in the future i think there will be less people on the highway and people will work closer to home so they can spend more time with their families and off the roads,”

andrea innes, Shawn bunney’s campaign manager, said.

Some candidates want to focus on the youth, lowering the drop-out rate, juvenile crime and increasing fitness and nutrition in schools is important to all candidates. every one of the candidates said they thought that the support from the youth was just as important as from the people over 18 who can actually vote.

“Shawn bunney is looking to provide a better future for the youth without raising taxes, he plans on dealing with issues like abuse and nutrition in schools,” innes said. candidates also have projects that they plan on dealing with that are individual to them. calvin goings opposes wasteful spending and hopes to preserve family farms and stand up for working families.

Pat Mccarthy wants to work with state, federal and local officials to create immediate change to county government. “accountability to the public and providing them with the service they deserve is what Pat wants to get across in her campaign,” rose said. lonergan plans on working specifically with the youth dealing with private businesses and non-profit organizations.

“My theme is executive excellence,” lonergan said.

Shawn bunney wants to work with at-risk youth programs that deal with abuse and family issues.

“For the past few years Shawn has been involved in buckly youth center that deals with families with issues,” innes said. every candidate plans on being accountable, improving livable communities and creating a better Pierce county.

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lephants in the streets, thousands of picket signs and 8,000 irate women with a mission: the right to vote.

Thus was the scene on the day of President woodrow wilson’s inauguration in January of 1913. in the past several weeks juniors in their social studies classes at Puyallup high school have learned about such women as alice Paul, a leader in the woman’s suffrage movement, who organized radical protests and parades to attract national attention for a woman’s right to vote. from 1850 to 1920 women such as alice Paul, carrie chapman catt and susan b were armed with buttons and banners. woman, who at one point in time in america could not run for public office, could not vote, and did not have a say in how america works are today leading cities, states and congresses. but how much has changed since the early 1900’s? where are politics now compared to then, and how have these changes been reflected upon Puyallup high school? several women stand out in the road to change. in 1866 elizabeth cady stanton became the first women to run for the u.s. house of representatives, although she could not legally vote. in 1872 v i c t o r i a woodhull was the first woman to run for President on the equal rights Party ticket. nearly 50 years later in 1920 women orTon were granted the right th to vote when the 19 amendment was passed. over the years many wives of senators and house members would take their husbands’ seat when they became ill or deceased, providing a starting point for americans to realize that a woman could handle the job.

Throughout the nation from local government to federal, the female gender was slipping into the male dominated world of politics. even washington has experienced its share of firsts such as bertha k. landes who in 1924 became seattle’s mayor, the first

female to lead a major city.

Recent gains for women

in the last few decades america has seen women reach some of the highest political offices in the nation. sandra day o’connor became a supreme court Judge for the united states in 1981; geraldine ferraro became the nation’s first female vice presidential nominee for a major party in 1984; in 2001 Madeline albright became the first woman to serve as u.s. secretary of state; in 2007 nancy Pelosi became the first woman to serve as speaker of the u.s. house. hillary rodham clinton almost received the democratic ticket. sarah Palin is the republican vice presidential nominee. The world of politics is changing. but even with all these advancements, how many women are really in office? as of september 2008 the percentage of women who hold power as an elected official is about 16.8 percent, according to the interParliamentary union.

This would rank the united states as number 69 compared to all other nations when it comes to the percentage of women in a government office. rwanda is currently number one with 48.5 percent of their parliament members being women. for governors, statistics are low as well.

Twenty-one of 50 states have never had a women governor, and washington state is one of four states that has had and currently has a woman governor. in local politics, Puyallup has nine citycouncil members, two of which are women. kathy Turner, who currently serves on Puyallup’s city council and is the former first female mayor of Puyallup, hopes that the gender changes in politics continue. “i would definitely like to see more women on the council, and hopefully we can have another woman mayor soon,” Turner said. “in 1999 washington state had the highest amount of women in elected office, but here in Puyallup we have never had more than two or three women on council. we are a very conservative town so there are difficult barriers to break.”

This election year women comprise the majority of the electorate at 54 percent. frederick orton, a Puyallup high school social studies teacher, was upset at this statistic. “it really is just sad,” orton said. “women make up the majority of voters, yet they

aren’t even close to being equal with men in numbers of elected officials. it shows that there is room for growth.” although it is a slow process, women are making progress. since 1979 the amount of women in u.s. congress has risen an average of 3.8 percent per year, while the state senates and houses have risen a close 4.2 percent per year.

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some argue though that gender is becoming less of a factor for the voter, and t that there are other reasons why women s are underrepresented such as the person’s l a actual leadership skills or their credentials. “gender isn’t an issue for me. i’m not a fan i of Palin because she lacks experience, not because she is a woman,” said orton. “i believe that “chan hillary [clinton] would has alr haPPened have been a good candidate JusT a M because she is well of geTT qualified. unfortunately a coMforT woman in politics is still an issue for some people. chrisTy some women still aren’t asb Presi always confident in other women, so it isn’t just the a men that can be sexist.” another question regarding women in politics is how the real world is correlating t t with the world of teens. “when i was in junior high i didn’t know much about government or school politics, a and when i got to high school there were w definitely more guys involved than girls,” d Turner said.

Turner went on to say that at her school l the girls weren’t even allowed to wear slacks which shows how differently boys and w girls were still being looked at. orton had a h a similar experience. “yeah, there were always more guys [in junior high and high school government]. o we had the rich and popular guy as our t president. it’s ironic now because at class u reunions where he is supposed to help plan i it, the women ended up doing most of the t a work,” orton said.

Local politics evidence changes

Today at Puyallup high schools, females currently hold all four asb positions. christy choi currently serves as asb President. she believes that as her class has matured it hasn’t been because of gender or how popular someone is, but about qualifications. “in junior high it was always the funny guy as president and a girl would always

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be secretary. i think this is because girls are generally looked at as organized,” choi said. “now in high school it’s not really about gender. My class does a good job of deciding who is most responsible and will work hard for the school.” orton had noticed over the years while teaching at Puyallup that student government has been changing with more and more girls taking command each year. “here at Phs it is day and night compared to my high school. a lot of guys just don’t seem to care and the girls take on the leadership roles,” orton said. “i look at Phs as a mini society that is a reflection of what is happening in the real world.” one of the issues of women being politics is that many believe that women think too differently nge from a man or are not capable ready d . i T i s of make tough decisions. but how different are men and aTTer women when it comes to Ting leadership?

Table” “by having four girls on asb our discussions tend choi to be more open. women idenT seem to be more flexible and accept change easier,” choi said.

Tuner observes her field and has noticed that women like to talk about an issue while the men are more decisive. “women will hold meetings, call people and want to solve the problem together while a man will delegate,” Turner said. orton thinks there are any only small differences between the genders in how they lead. “women are more sympathetic, especially with tough issue like war or healthcare. They have a more maternal instinct. but there aren’t any core differences,” orton said.

Men in the united states hold 83 percent of all political positions, and according to the math it may be another 20 to 30 years until the women gain equal power. but there is no doubt that the revolution is continuing throughout all sectors of the country, according to choi. “change has already happened, it is just a matter of getting comfortable,” choi said.

Turner says that she is excited to know that girls are becoming more involved in student government and that this trend continues into higher politics. “girls are beginning to grow up surrounded by powerful women, so it is becoming less unusual to see a woman in a high position,” Turner said.

oT h er : 3 percen t oT h e r : 2 p e r c e n t

Poll data based on a survey of 181 seniors conducted in English classes Oct. 28

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during the presidential election in 2004 between george w. bush and John kerry, today’s seniors could only sit back and watch the action unfold. They weren’t allowed to be a part of the important decision, to choose the person who would continue leading our country out of an epic national crisis.

This year, the seniors have the choice to vote with the rest of the adults in america.

To be a voice in the election, to put forth their opinions, to play a role in the direction our country will go over the next four years.

The viking vanguard spoke with three politically informed seniors to get their take on the 2008 Presidential race and see whom they’re supporting.

Name: Jon hagg Party: democratic Voting for: sen. barack obama Reasoning: “i’m excited to have an active voice in our political system,” Jon hagg said. hagg says he is liberal and comes from a liberal family. he feels that it’s important to the concept of a democracy for him to hagg vote. hagg has watched the debates, read news articles and wants to learn more background on the candidates before he sends in his ballot.

“People are not getting a good education on our political system,” hagg said. “The lack of political education directly affects the polling system.” hagg also said that in schools, students are learning more about the history of america and not enough about the political aspects of america, even how the voting process works. The most important issues he looked for the candidates to address were about energy and the economy. if the vice-presidential candidates were running, he would vote for democratic sen.

Joe biden of delaware over republican gov. sarah Palin of alaska. “sarah Palin is not qualified; she’s irresponsible and she’s offensive,” hagg said.

Name: amanda imhof

Party: non-partisan Voting for: sen. barack obama Reasoning: “i don’t see voting as an obligation, but rather a duty to one of the longest lasting and successful democratic systems; it’s not something to take advantage of,” imhof said. imhof said she has a pretty good background of sen. obama and his campaign and she’s excited to vote. she has read his book and watched his campaigns to get information about the candidates. on the topic of education on politics, imhof said students aren’t getting a substantial education. imhof also talked about how she hasn’t been influenced by her parents’ views of politics, but rather the opposite. she iMhof said she tends to view the topics of politics in complete contrast to her parents.

Name: keenan Taggart Party: non-partisan, leaning towards republican Voting for: not voting Reasoning: “voting is important to me because it’s a chance for me to influence the course of the country,” Taggart said.

Taggart decided not to vote in the upcoming election because he wasn’t sure of which candidate he wanted; he said that he is conservative so he leans towards the republican side of TaggarT things and would most likely vote for sen. Mccain if he were to vote this year because he is experienced compared to obama who has little experience. education about the political system was minimal until this year, Taggart said, because he’s taking an aP u.s. government and Politics class.

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Though Puyallup is known for cultivating athletic talent, it has also guided several graduates to local politics.

FIELD

Kastama returns to roots after time abroad but also he was student body president his senior year.

“As you involve yourself in student At what point in a person’s life can he say government, you learn to give people he has become a world traveler? the time of day and make bold For State Sen. Jim Kastamadecisions,” Kastama said.

D, PHS alumnus, this time Kastama was also a champion came as a young college debater, placing second at the graduate straight from the halls national tournament in Illinois. of the University of California, Even with all of these Berkeley. activities, Kastama still had Before Kastama ventured time to participate in Choir and into the unknown, he was a Norselanders, which says he Puyallup High School student thoroughly enjoyed. and athlete. He spent his time “One of the fondest memories playing varsity football during I had in high school was his sophomore and junior K ASTAMA participating in Choir. It became year. Unfortunately, Kastama C/O 1979 my release in high school,” dislocated his shoulder Kastama said. preventing him from playing After graduating from Puyallup High football as a senior and leaving him with a in 1979, he continued his education at permanent injury and pin in his shoulder.

Kastama pressed on playing soccer, Claremont’s College for Men and eventually running track and cross country his senior transferred to U.C. Berkeley graduating with a degree in rhetoric. At the time, only year.

Not only was he an all-around athlete three universities offered this degree.

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Glory days.

Many have had their version of these days whether it was last week or 20 years ago. For Puyallup City Council member RJohn Knutsen these days, as a young man, took place on the football field donning Puyallup High’s purple and gold.

Knutsen attend PHS from 1959-1963.

For 25 years, Knutsen served on the Tacoma Police force and most recently became a Puyallup City Council member. Ten months ago he won 67 percent of the vote to make him one of the newest council members.

Knutsen says he has remained actively involved in the athletic community throughout his life.

He coached Little League in KNU Puyallup from 1964-2005 and C/O was a Puyallup High basketball coach and assistant baseball coach.

Knutsen’s desire to enter politics did not originate from his days as a teenager, but rather from the experiences and knowledge he gained throughout his lifetime.

“I was unhappy with the way the city was being managed,” Knutsen said. “And after attempting to convince others to run for Puyallup City Council my wife finally said ‘John you should run!’ There’s a point in time when one day you realize you do what your wife tells you.”

Knutsen’s role in the City Council is

to determine city finances through city management. He also receives complaints from Puyallup citizens, looks further into the issue and then generates a solution.

Complaints vary from a need for a stoplight in a certain area to excessive litter around Puyallup.

“It is time to give the city back to the people who own it,” Knutsen said.

Following the years Knutsen was a teen at PHS in the ‘60s, American culture and society has transformed radically. Knutsen’s generation grew up without cable television, cell phones and the internet.

“When I was a teenager there was far less pressure put on kids than that of today’s youth,” Knutsen said.

Knutsen had many fond memories as a teen. Not only did he play varsity ball, but he was TSEN also an active member of Key 1963 Club and a member of the track team. Every Friday night there would be a dance at the war memorial building.

Boys and girls of that time did not comingle, according to Knutsen; the boys stuck together just as the girls did. Only at planned dances would the two groups coalesce.

As a 25-year veteran of the Tacoma police force and Puyallup City Council member Knutsen advises Puyallup High students to accomplish the goals you have set for yourself and if you do not succeedaccept defeat and move on.

Shortly after graduating from Berkeley, Kastama hopped on his bike with $200 in his pocket and left California to travel approximately 3,000 miles, in two and a half months, to New York. As Kastama worked his way across the country, he took various odd jobs and slept in local resident’s yards, homes and in vacant lots.

“The amazing thing about traveling across the country was more than half the time people took me in. It was a dream traveling across the Unites States,” Kastama said.

After reaching New York, he journeyed to Greece, Israel, Egypt, Yugoslavia, Italy and numerous other lands. While Kastama visited Yugoslavia, which at the time was a Communist country, he had to camp outside the border for three days in order to obtain a visa. Ultimately, he was allowed in the country. As he was touring Northern Yugoslavia Kastama came under government scrutiny as a suspected spy for the United States. The Yugoslavian police detained him and held him at machine-

gun point. Eventually, Kastama was discharged of all suspicions and released from detainment.

“That was certainly an interesting experience,” Kastama said.

All in all Kastama spent a year and a half traveling before establishing himself in his home town of Puyallup once again.

Kastama has over 10 years of experience with Washington State politics. In 1996, he was elected to the State House of Representative. He is running for the position he has held for eight years, Washington State Senator, in the upcoming election.

Sen. Kastama has several education projects in the works if reelected, including a proposal that rewards every student in Washington State with a ‘B’ average a college scholarship; therefore making higher education more accessible and affordable.

“At no time has your education been more indicative of your income, healthcare and retirement plans,” Kastama said.

Farmer seeks legislative seat the Norselanders choir gave him the opportunity to volunteer in the community and eventually contributed to his involvement in politics.

Travel back in time to 1989.

John Storino, Cerqui’s civics teacher, A year that brought the overnight sensation The Teenage Mutant Ninja peaked his interest in politics and Turtles, Sonic Youth’s “Daydream enticed him to look further into the topic, according to Cerqui. Storino Nation” and the fall of the Berlin Wall.

It was also the year Rob Cerqui, local taught for 30 years at Puyallup High political candidate, was a fresh-faced (1962-1992). Cerqui was impressed with Storino’s ability to explain sophomore at Puyallup High School. aspects of the government D-Rob Cerqui is running system such as Congress, for Position 1 State House Legislature and the Representative 25th district Electoral College. this upcoming election.

“John was a tough but fair His focuses if elected teacher,” Cerqui said. include transportation, Craig Beetham’s healthcare, education and Sophomore English/ the environment. debate, also led Cerqui He attended Puyallup to pursue a career as a High School from 1989politician.

1992, making him part of “Before I participated in the 100th graduating class.

CERQUI speech and debate I wasn’t Cerqui later went on to C/O 1992 able to stand up in front attend Pierce College and the of my peers and make a University of Washington, speech. I was too shy,” graduating with a degree in Cerqui said.

International Business.

Cerqui comes from a long line of As a student, Cerqui took part in Spanish Club as well as participating in Fife farmers. Cerqui, fourth generation various community outreach programs farmer of Cerqui Farms, owns and such as Big Brother, Big Sister as a manages the only family farm. The peer-tutor for several years. Cerqui Cerqui’s have served on numerous farm was also heavily involved in Choir and boards. Rob, served as chairperson of Norselanders. While in Norselanders, the USDA/ Farm Service Agency from his group would sing at senior care 1996-2006 and was elected to the Fife City Council in 2004. Additionally, facilities and local hospitals.

Cerqui’s positive experience with Cerqui has served as a pro-tem mayor.

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Musical rocks box office, viewers B y c h e l s e A g r A y p r o d u c t i o n d e pA r t m e n t

Troy and gabriella are putting off a painful separation as gabriella considers Stanford and Troy debates between his two passions, basketball and theatre, while the entire over the top? cast is dreading leaving the wildcat family forever. with unrealistic? the encouragement of Ms. darbus (alyson reed) as well Totally catchy?

These are all phrases that i would use to describe the as gabriella, the wildcats agree to put on one final show— latest High School Musical. Troy (Zac efron), gabriella a musical about their senior year. as they transform their last year into a production, they (Vanessa hudgens) and the gang express all the emotions and fears are back and better than ever in this of finding your own way and saying final installment for their Senior goodbye inherent to graduation.

Year. it was their “last chance to even though i found the story make it right” and they did just line almost completely unrealistic, that. nothing less than you would expect as they all begin to make their One Star: Poor, Two Stars: Fair, Three Stars: Good, Four Stars: Excellent from any musical, it still struck a college selections, the cast is faced cord in my heart. with tough decisions and goodbyes.

Movie Review

To me, there is nothing better than a corny love story. i have always been a High School Musical fan but this was by far the best. The dancing was fun to watch and the songs even more fun to sing along with. The plot was also more relatable than the past films. The struggles faced in this movie are common by high school seniors all over the world. college and goodbyes seem just around the corner for me and many of my friends. i just wish we could let out all our emotion in unison sing-song. in the first and final big screen production of High School Musical, the sets, choreography, stunts, songs and drama are bigger and better than ever before. High School Musical 3 is a sentimental goodbye to east high and the wildcats as they take their final bows on the High School Musical stage.

Adaptation finds moderate success Video-game based Max Payne film doesn’t hold non-gamer’s interest.

Film fields mixed reviews, while some aspects entertaining not overall.

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Max Payne, a video game made in the summer of 2001, is based on the idea that a drug made by aesir, the drug company, was so addictive that it drove people crazy and made a man kill if he didn’t get more. its movie counterpart, which opened in theaters on oct. 17, turned out to be actually good.

Max Payne (Mark walhberg) teams up with Mona (Mila kunis) to hunt down who killed Max’s wife, baby and Mona’s sister.

Payne’s wife was part of a drug company working on a drug for soldiers in iraq before she was killed. although the people who tested the drug would see demons that looked like large crows instead of making the drug

users really strong. The story takes place action scenes. There was a part in the in snowy new york city. chris “ludacris” movie where Payne goes to visit his wife’s past office to find bridges also has a out what she was role in the movie working on before as an agent who is she died. a man trying to stop Payne named Josh knows from causing more but doesn’t tell at problems. first. when Payne Some of the things One Star: Poor, Two Stars: Fair, Three Stars: Good, Four Stars: Excellent pulls out a gun, he that really killed the movie were several of the slow motion shares all and the Fbi comes in. a police gunfights between Payne. The beginning officer shoots Josh and the gunfight begins. was confusing, too. The meaning of the The scene was really well-planned out and tattoo symbol on the wrist on the people in shot. overall, this movie is one to see if you some gang wasn’t given in the beginning.

The drug the people who were in the gang have played the game. otherwise, if you’re were drinking was also not explained until like me and haven’t ever heard of the game, it’s more worth to rent when it comes out the end of the movie.

The best things in the movie were the on dVd.

Quick Picks The Secret Life of Bees

Choke

Movie Review

Quarantined

Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist

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the idea of Halloween brings about images of little kids running around in costumes of cartoon characters and other popular figures of the mass media, knocking on peoples’ doors yelling, “trick or treat!” and acquiring around three pounds of candy from their neighbors by the end of the night. what do people in other countries and cultures do on Halloween? do they celebrate Halloween like americans do? yannik ilgert, a foreign-exchange student from germany, says his country celebrates Halloween. “in germany, Halloween isn’t as big,” ilgert said. “it’s not a big deal, but it’s still pretty fun. we do basically the same things as people do in america.” ilgert said it’s pretty funny watching the little kids trying to pick out their costumes, constantly changing their minds and then watching them run around from door to door on Halloween night. this year ilgert will get to see an american Halloween with his host family. He said they are having a Halloween party with their friends, and they will all have dinner together, then take the young kids out to go trick-or-treating. “we don’t do all the decorating like in america, but we still do the same things. the kids go around and knock on doors for candy and say, ‘Susses oder Saures’,” ilgert said. over the atlantic, the germans say trick-or-treat a little differently, but they still have similar traditions. kristen carner, junior, said she has wiccan beliefs, but she celebrates Halloween the same way as the typical american would. carner said it’s a great thing to celebrate, and to remember people who have passed on. Sometimes, she will visit graveyards to remember people she knows that have passed away or get together with other people of her beliefs and do something like praying, though carner enjoys the dressing up and going trickor-treating on Halloween night usually. “traditions evolving is a great thing,” carner said. despite the fact that trick-or-treating is somewhat irrelevant with the origins of Halloween, carner said it’s really fun and worth celebrating. kassandra Mix, senior, says she celebrates Halloween the way a typical american teenager would. “i usually hang out with friends on Halloween, or go to a Halloween party or something,” Mix said.

Mix said she enjoys Halloween but doesn’t make it as big a deal as some people do. usually Mix said she just does whatever she and her friends want to do from year to year, she doesn’t have any specific traditions.

Halloween like many other holidays in america, such as christmas and Valentine’s day, has become “Hallmark holidays,” Mix said. no matter what part of the world a person is from, or what their cultures are like, it seems that traditions on Halloween are all similar.

Ireland: In the place of Halloween’s origin, neighborhood

children dress up in costumes and “trick-or-treat.” Parties are arranged where guests play games and bob for apples. Parents often arrange treasure hunts with candy and pastries as the prize.

Mexico: On the night of “El Dia de los Muertos,” the dead are believed to return to their homes. Families construct altars in their homes and decorate them with candy, flowers, and photographs in honor of the deceased.

Belgium: It is believed that bad luck will come to those whose paths are crossed by a black cat. It is also considered unlucky if these cats enter a home or travel by ship.

Japan: Similar to Halloween, the “Obon Festival” dedicates its celebration to spirits of ancestors. Lit candles are placed in lanterns and made to float on rivers and seas. Fires are ignited to show the deceased where to return.

Scotland: The legend of “Stingy Jack” is the story of a man

who was too mean to be let into heaven. Having nowhere else to go, Jack was destined to spend all of eternity walking the earth carrying a carved turnip with a glowing lump of coal. People carve their own Jack-o’-lanterns to keep Jack away.

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Many people are unaware of the risks that come with taking various types of birth control. One junior experiences a life-threatening condition as a result of birth control pills.

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brought Faith worthington back to normal health after a week in the intensive care unit (icu). She was released from St. Joseph’s hospital but the infections may still “lots of laughter, munchies, and gift opening,” however, Faith worthington’s birthday be present and she would have to return for more test party didn’t quite fit that criteria. performances soon.

“This birth control emergency brought our family a her evening was spent laying sick and panic-stricken, clutching her waist in excruciating real scare,” heidi worthington said. “although i fear the pain, according to Faith worthington. infection may still be existent, we are all very thankful and relieved that Faith is still alive from this potentially fatal Faith worthington said that she had been on lutera birth an intravenous (iV) line into one of her veins to pump misfortune today.”

Statistics show that birth control emergencies like Faith control pill to regulate her menstrual cycle for about six morphine into her system to relieve her stress. however, months. She experienced no issues with the prescription her veins were so dehydrated that they collapsed instantly worthington’s happen 1 out of 5 million chances, but women can prevent the hazard altogether by completely until the day of her birthday party in august 2008 and it at the prick of a needle, according to the doctors.

“My skin and eyes were tinted yellow from my liver gaining full knowledge of birth control and if they should continued for five days straight. use it or not, according to “Medline Plus,” “[Faith] could not eat any solid foods for five days and enzymes being up,” Faith worthington one major symptom she acquired was a strange, bright said. “i only had the strength to cry from “ i o n l y h a d T h e a national research site.

Though Faith worthington’s case rare, STrengTh To cry pastel urine coloration which reminded us of orange the pain and fear the struck me.”

FroM The Pa in side effects from birth control occur The doctors had no choice but to use gatorade,” Faith worthington’s mother, heidi worthington and Fear ThaT relatively frequently, according to rhode a peripherally inserted central catheter said.

ST ruck M e .”

Servey, a Physician assistant from rainier after nearly a week of worrying and seemingly hopeless (Picc or Pic line). a Picc line is a thin, orthopedic. rest and recovery, Faith worthington was taken to St. soft plastic tube—like an iV line that “Minimal side effects with birth control Joseph’s hospital in Tacoma. when she first arrived allows one to receive medicines and FaiTh worThingTon are common, such as nausea, weakness, fluids to the heart. numerous tests were performed, including a caT scan.

Junior and blood clotting. although liver failure They inserted the Picc line into a main The tests revealed that she had an inflamed liver which caused every organ around her liver, including artery in her forearm that extended into her chest where is very uncommon there are some birth control cases where it may occur,” rhode Servey said. her gallbladder, to malfunction, resulting in a bladder her heart pumped. worthington suggests that women everywhere be “The procedure was extremely painful for me, i’d rather infection.

“To top it all off, i also had a kidney infection.” Faith have someone stab me than feel that pain ever again,” cautious of the birth control they choose to use.

“Females all over the world choose to get on birth Faith worthington said. worthington said. even after all the pain and the hypersensitive idea of the control fully aware of side effects and defects, but some The tests later proved that the birth control was the Picc line itself being inserted, it ended up failing because girls may not fully understand,” heidi worthington said. culprit of these health divergences. “i could not do anything but lay helplessly as the she moved too much from the discomfort which could “either way, birth control consumption and patches can doctors searched frantically for a well-hydrated vein,” result in the hitting of one of the main arteries in her heart be dangerous or helpful depending on who is taking it and for what reasons, that’s why all of us women must be which consequently could have lead to death.

Faith worthington said.

The doctors eventually found a stable artery and careful.”

The doctors needed to find a well-hydrated vein to insert

o junior Faith worthington, the ideal elements of a typical sweet 16 birthday party are,

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Water polo team tries for 13th state championship b y

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He plays because his siblings did and because he thinks high school wouldn’t be as fun without extra curricular he boys water polo team, currently 4-8, is activities and sports, he says.

“That’s why I’m a captain, because of how long I’ve been finishing up its season with games against Mark on the team,” Brooksby said.

Morris Oct. 25 and Curtis Oct. 30.

Co-Captain Schmidt has been playing for six years and “We gave up a lot of points last year on defense, but this year that’s one of our strongest skills,” Coach Wes with PHS since he first came to the school.

“I wanted to play a sport that would be fun and Ladnow said.

These upcoming games may very well determine exhilarating until I’m 80, and water polo hasn’t let me the future of the team this season, and their chance to down,” Schmidt said.

PHS water polo is a no cut team, so anyone willing to participate in and even win state.

“With our current record we’ve got to win against Mark play can play for the junior-varsity team.

“It’s brutal though, the point player Morris and Curtis, then win another game “I WAnTed TO is constantly fouled and there are a lot to make it to state,” senior Stefan Schmidt PLAY A SPORT of ejections, but its fun overall, I like it,” said.

THAT WOuLd Be The boys water polo team would be f u n u n T I L I ’ M 8 0 , Brooksby said.

To score a player must move the ball looking at their 13th state championship And WATeR POLO from their side of the pool to the other, HASn’T LeT Me since the team’s formation in 1968. dOW n.” with the opposite team trying their best “I normally tell the players to take it to prevent them from doing so. one game at a time and just stay focused STefAn SCHMIdT SenIOR Water polo is a skill learned as you and play hard, but this close to state we’ve play. started to look ahead so we can achieve a “You don’t actually have to be a great swimmer when position there,” Ladnow said This will be the second year for Ladnow, who described you start out, it’s something you learn,” Brooksby said. this year as a “rebuilding season” due to the leaving seniors “It’s hard in the morning, though. At 5:30 a.m., getting in the cold water, that’s probably the worst part about it.” last year and the incoming sophomores this year.

Many of the senior players will be leaving this year, so “We’re a growing team,” Aaron Brooksby said. “Last year we had about 15 members and this year we’ve grown to next year may be tougher yet.

“A lot of our star players will be leaving, Stefan, Aaron, about 21.”

Brooksby has been playing for the school team for four Ryan Hager, so we’ll have to pull it together next year and build more,” Ladnow said. years.

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Ultimate frisbee club offers alternative sport b y

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Along with school sports such as football, golf, tennis and water polo, Puyallup now has an ultimate frisbee Club.

The ultimate frisbee team is open to anyone interested and welcomes both boys and girls.

“It’s fun and easy to learn; come join us,” ultimate frisbee team Secretary Sami Houghton said. ultimate frisbee is a field game that includes seven players on each team.

The object of the game is for the offensive team to pass the frisbee from one side of the field to the other.

If a team successfully passes the frisbee all the way to the opposite line without dropping the frisbee, that team receives one point.

The first official ultimate frisbee game will be played during half-time at the Puyallup football game Oct. 30 against Rogers.

“The ultimate frisbee team will get to play Rogers in their first game,” club adviser elizabeth Blankenship said.

There are no cuts on the team and the club members plan on playing in frisbee tournaments with frisbee teams from other schools including: Rogers, Bellarmine and Lincoln High School.

“It will be fun playing with people from different schools,” junior player Alex Petrovitch said.

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New coach, runners bring change B y c h e l S e a g r a y p r o d u c t i o n d e pa r t m e n t

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he cross country team ran their way to state in the 2007-2008 season, and with a new coach as well as new and valuable younger team members, the squad hopes to do it again this season. with a 5-3 standing in the sPsl (south Puget sound league) and a 4th place at sub-districts the boys team is ready to move onto districts (nov. 1) and possibly state (nov. 8). new varsity runners have helped the boys team to be successful. freshman brett bertrand and nathan mclaughlin have both added to the varsity team.

a better time that week than a varsity runner then the “the boys are rocking. there are only two teams in our runner will gain that spot. the girls are also looking at districts and state with league that are a challenge and we only lost by one point their 4-3 standing and 9th place at subto curtis. our girls team would be more “ I w a n t districts (oct. 23), according to senior successful if we had more of a turn-out,” everyone to be captain andrea steiner. coach sandra monaghan said. comfortable In order to make it to state the team along with the valuable new runners wIth each must place in the top six at district are the experienced seniors as well. other, there competition. another possibility is for there are four consistent senior girl shouldn’t be runners on varsity every week out of the a n y s t r a n g e r s . ” an individual runner or runners to go to state. the top 33 individual runners seven varsity spots. t y ler slI va qualify to state. the difference between cross country senIor but senior captain tyler sliva has other and other sports is that varsity is always goals in mind as well as state. changing. If a junior varsity player runs “I want everyone to be comfortable with each other, there shouldn’t be any strangers,” sliva said. “I also want us to go to state of course.” the team has bonding time other than practice. every week the night before a meet the team meets at one runner’s house to have a pre-race meal. everyone laughs and talks, it has been a great way to get to know the younger players better, according to steiner. with a new coach have come new policies and traditions to the team.

“It’s been hard to get back into a groove with a new coach,” sliva said. the team has changed things such as: invitationals, campout, warm-up drills and other traditions. monaghan has been coaching for 21 years, but this is her first year at Puyallup high school and at the high school level. she said that it’s very different than when she coached at kalles Junior high. “the distance [players run] is longer. I let the boys run and train with my girls team at kalles because they didn’t have a league at that age,” monaghan said. “the players also want to run, they don’t come to just hang

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District Competition Saturday, Nov. 1 American Lake golf course State tournament Saturday, Nov. 8 Sun Willows golf course, Pasco

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The boys take off from the starting line to run the 3.1 mile Wild Wood course. From left to right varsity runners include: Kyle Tylor, Alex Fraser, Nathan Mclaughlin, Brett Bertrand and Jesse Jorgensen. Puyallup led the teams at their home course against Todd Beamer and Graham Kapowsin, losing to the Titans, but overcoming the Eagles.

Continued SPSL success moves golf to state B y

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boys and girls golf teams had a notable season this year winning the sPsl league championship for the third year in a row for Puyallup. the boys varsity team ended their undefeated 10-0 season with a victory over rogers oct. 9. senior spencer kovacevich has played on the golf team for three years. “we’ve been undefeated for the last two years with

only one tie,” kovacevich said. “our best score was a 38 versus rogers this year.” the team is very close and family support was an ingredient for a successful season, according to kovacevich. “we’re all good friends outside of golf,” kovacevich said. “the team really wouldn’t have been the same without parent involvement.”

Just like the boy’s team, the girls experienced similar success. they went 9-1 this season losing only to rogers.

“the team had a lot of talent this year,” said senior caitlin holland. state qualifying tournaments were held at gold mountain golf course in bremerton oct. 22-23. three golfers from puyallup have qualified to compete in the state championships. “state competitors will compete for state in may at the canyon lakes golf course in kennewick,” senior captain brad bjorkman said. state championships for girls will be held at the sun willows golf course in Pasco.

Full-time post eliminated

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he Puyallup school district has changed the .8 athletic director positions in the three high schools to .2 positions, according to assistant Principal eric hogan. social studies teacher John wetterauer is Puyallup’s current athletic director. transportation, gym setup and game management are all responsibilities taken on by him this year.

“I take care of day-to-day items,” wetterauer said. “I have four classes and one period for athletic directing.” assistant principals oversee athletic activities. lori hadley takes care of

special education activities, alicia nosworthy oversees asb and hogan is in charge of athletic activities. “every four weeks or so, I am in charge of grade checks for the athletes,” hogan said. hogan is also in charge of coaching evaluations. former athletic and activities director Jeff kindle will resign by the end of the year and will remain on administrative leave until then. a district investigation discovered that kindle had violated multiple district policies, including a false illness leave during oct. 8 – oct.

10, 2007 according to a complication of articles by the Puyallup herald and the tacoma new tribune.

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Focused on the

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With an 8-1 record in the SPSL South the volleyball team will be moving on to districts. The majority senior team looks to improve upon its twelfth place finish at state last year.

playing club together for several years. all of the returning varsity seniors have been playing since their sophomore year. oint vikings! “the girls seem to like each other very junior ariel Fralick sends the ball flying into the air for a set to senior well,” coach tony batinovich said. “many of them are close friends. there is no dramegan mcginn. the spike hits the gym floor giving the ma on the team and everyone seems to be volleyball team a 22-19 lead against em- very accepting of others personalities.” the time spent at team dinners, two erald ridge. the vikings won 3-0 against the jaguars hour practices and tournaments have oct. 21. this is a usual pattern for the team brought the team close together. the team feels they’re good, but are still in their competition. Standing 8-1 in the South Puget Sound league the volleyball working to be better and reach their goals, batinovich said. team has their eyes on state competition. “a good volleyball team is one with the team is 11-3 overall and will soon be moving on to league, nov.1, and dis- good chemistry. it must be well rounded, tricts, nov. 7 and 15, to compete for state, not just relying on one outstanding player,” mcginn said. “our nov. 21 and 22. “a g o od last year the team v o l l e y b a l l t e a m team has more depth and we don’t have to rely on placed 12th in state and iS one witH hopes to use their expe- g o o d c H e m i S t r y . one person to support our rience to succeed this i t m u S t b e w e l l - team.” rounded, not critique from the coach year, according to sejuSt relying on challenges the players nior kelsie kolomyjec. one Player. ” and makes them want to “volleyball is most megan mcginn do better, according to intense when there is Senior batinovich. pressure because of “if your head’s not into the game, hope close scores, rivals or goals to beat,” kolois not up and spirit is not high, you could myjec said. the team looks to each other for inspi- lose to a team that normally you would ration to win and get through their chal- be able to beat, if mentally prepared,” lenges, according to senior blair bjork- mcginn said. there is always a lot going on at one man. one of the challenges the team has time so calling the ball gives confidence faced is space. varsity has 11 players, but to teammates that they will not overstep their responsibilities, according to bationly six can play at a time. many players also face the challenge of novich. “communication is everything in volbalancing school work, family time, jobs, friends and being a student leader along leyball. you have to know who will block and who will go for the ball,” kolomyjec with the sport. the majority of the players have been said.

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Seniors Kelsie Kolomyjec, Blair Bjorkman, Breinn Bertrand and Liz Haskey ready themselves for a defensive volley back and forth with Bethel. The Vikings defeated the Bruins 3-0, during which the team earned 19 spikes, 18 sets and 14 digs.

SP S L S t anding s : Team puyallup rogers Bethel Curtis gK spanaway er Beamer Decatur

League 7-1 7-1 4-2 5-3 5-3 3-4 2-6 1-7 0-7

Win % .875 .875 .667 .625 .625 .429 .250 .125 .000

All around 11-3 11-3 9-3 11-3 6-7 4-6 2-9 5-8 0-11

Win % .785 .785 .750 .786 .462 .400 .182 .385 .000

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Senior Megan McGinn and junior Alex Lavorato jump to block the spike from the Bruins while sophomore Marissa Despres waits behind, ready to defend.