VANGUARD A
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VOLUME 104
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ISSUE FOUR
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F O R U M
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V I K I N G
JA N. 29, 2016
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PUYALLUP HIGH SCHOOL
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Star Wars Episode VII reviewed See page nine 105 7 T H ST. S W PU YA L LU P WA , 98371
ROBOTICS COMPETITION APPROACHES with the bureaucracy and politics that go along with it. and see what part needs to go where,” Martinson said. The robotics competition season began Jan. 9 and club Also, just making sure that everyone is doing their part members have until Feb. 22 to completely finish building and making sure everyone is included,” Martinson said. obotics club—it is not about science. It is not about their robot before the contests in March. According to Paradis, the large amount of diversity math. “Before the competitions, we have six weeks to build that comes along with being a part of the robotics team It is about strong work ethic, according to senior our robot. After the six weeks are over, we wrap the robot can sometimes prove to be difficult in working towards a Running Start student and four-year club member Dakota up in a big bag and put a chord on top so no one can touch common goal. Martinson. “Because of how many people there are on the teams, it,” Martinson said. “You need hard work. That is what this club teaches. “Then at the competition we have six hours to unbag everyone’s weaknesses are really well shown. In terms of You need to contribute to the team if you are going to get the robot and make any changes to it that we may need project management, it is really hard to figure out where anything out of this club,” Martinson said. to make. Then we are randomly paired up with teams to people fit on the team. Different people are not good at The robotics club has had to adapt to several changes be both teammates and enemies during doing different things, or they do not know this year, including moving their building site to the STEM individual matches.” what to do. That is not really their fault but room at PHS. that does make dealing with people hard,” The first district competitions in March “A willingness to work “We used to share a workshop with a different team narrow down qualifying teams to the top Paradis said. is more valuable than who had a lot of tools that we did not have and so we were eight. Though teamwork is a constant effort able to share parts and resources for our robots. Since we for robotics members, Paradis reveals that “Based on the average score that you get anything.” moved to a different workshop this year, we do not have during each of your matches, you qualify the prevalent diversity also works to the that anymore,” Martinson said. “We are kind of at an among the top eight teams or below. The team’s advantage. DAKOTA MARTINSON uncomfortable time where we do not have all the parts teams who qualify in the top eight can “On past teams I have been on, there CLUB MEMBER that we need and oftentimes we do not have the tools that choose other teams to join their alliance,” were really artsy members who would we need. It is kind of hard this year with the changes.” design our logos for us. I think that everyone can Martinson said. Though the team has met some difficulty this year, The teams who qualify amongst the top eight seats of contribute to a robotics team and everyone can enjoy robotics club mentor Emilee Paradis states that the the district event then get to advance to more competitive it because of how well the robotics program has been guidance they receive from club leaders and mentors events. made,” Paradis said. proves to be quite beneficial to the overall success of the Paradis also refutes some of the misconceptions that “If your team does well enough in the district club. competitions, you then get to move up to regionals which follow the reputation of robotics club. “One of the coolest things about this program is how is happening in Portland this year. Then if your team does “I think a lot of people have misconceptions that many adults participate in it and how well enough in those, you then get to robotics club is only for smart and nerdy people…You do many of those adults then become go to the World Championship in St. not have to be smart and you do not have to be into math mentors in the program. People can or science to be a part of the team,” Paradis said. Louis,” Martinson said. come into the club not knowing Amongst some of the misconceptions, Martinson Paradis reveals that the district anything and there are all these adult events are widely attended by all people reveals that the robotics club is not always as scary as mentors that know how to teach some people might believe. involved in the robotics program. concepts easily to people who may not “Robotics club is all about learning how to build robots. “There are about 32 teams that go to mathematically understand it but can the district events. When you add up all A lot of people say that it is about all these high and mighty still teach the concepts in a different the members on each team that go to things like teaching kids to appreciate science or to learn way,” Paradis said. the competitions, there are about 900 how they can be this or that, but really what robotics club This year, the robotics club is to 3,200 students that go. That does does is it teaches kids how to solve the competitions and DAKOTA MARTINSON building a new robot for the upcoming not include students’ friends, families, how to just build a robot,” Martinson said. CLUB MEMBER competitions that begin in early March. According to Martinson, all club members contribute mentors and so on,” Paradis said. “We started out with the competition Though the contests are competitive, something different to the team. and what the robot has to accomplish. [In the competition] Martinson reveals that there is also a lot of cooperation “It all just depends on what you came to the club to do. the robot has to hit a 10-inch wide ball into either a goal between different teams at the events. One member, he came here just to do fundraising for the one foot off the ground or a goal 10 feet off the ground. “Since your robot is paired up with three other robots team and that is nice to have. Some members are setting The robot also has to cross several obstacles to get to the in each match you usually will talk with the other teams up a website and that is helpful as well,” Martinson said. goal, as well defend itself against other robots,” Martinson ahead of time. You say ‘my robot can do this really well, Martinson states that not all people interested in said. it can do this okay and this it cannot do at all, so can you joining robotics club have to know exactly what they want The robotics team has designed their robot according guys fill in on that?’ Then you will usually work up a plan to contribute to the club, only that they want to contribute to the criteria that the competitions call for. where each robot is matched up with its strength ideally,” something. “We are trying to make an altering robot with large Martinson said. “I came into this club four years ago knowing nothing wheels that place the robot high off the ground so it can Despite the constant teamwork effort, Martinson states at all. Now I am about the most knowledgeable member cross as many obstacles as possible. We are using CAD that robotics club is not always easy on the individual. on the team. A willingness to work is more valuable than design [Computer Animated Design] to size up the robot “My least favorite part of building the robot is dealing anything,” Martinson said. B Y
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“You need hard work. That is what this club teaches. You need to contribute to the team if you are going to get anything out of this club.”
School opens discussion about cyberbullying place to go where it is not happening,” Donlin said. Counselor Jamie Mercer shares why With the increasing accessibility of the cyberbullying is being seen as more Internet, online bullying has also become common. more accessible. “It is much easier over a text message Senior Program Consultant for the to misread the intent but when you get Seattle Public Schools Mike Donlin someone face to face you are a lot more explains what exactly bullying is and how honest because you have someone to it might be harmful. answer to it is not just ‘oh, I am behind a “Bullying is any unwanted aggressive screen I can say whatever I want without behavior that involves an observed consequence,’” Mercer said. or perceived power When cyberbullying imbalance and is becomes a problem, repeated multiple times “Bullying is any unwanted Mercer shares how the or is highly likely to be deals aggressive behavior that administration repeated. Bullying may with it. inflict harm or distress “If it is a friend or involves an observed or per- someone on the targeted youth you feel including physical, ceived power imbalance.” comfortable with psychological, social coming in face to face or educational harm. let’s work it out. If it Bullying can occur inis more of a threat MIKE DONLIN person and through situation, the student PROGRAM CONSULTANT technology,” Donlin really feels unsafe said. coming to school or Donlin also shares the difference going home we would get administration between cyberbullying and verbal or involved. Sometimes there are physical bullying. consequences involve. Obviously we never “[Cyberbullying] happens faster; it can want a student to feel unsafe,” said Mercer. spread much more quickly. There are Vice Principal Maija Theil adds to different distance differentials at play and what Mercer says about how the school for the targeted person there is no safe administration deals with the problem of B Y
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cyberbullying. “We talk with the student that is experiencing or reporting [bullying]. Find out what the circumstances are. Find out what is happening, where it has been happening, when it has been happening. It is a little bit different with cyberbullying because it is coming into campus and affecting their ability to learn during the school day. Has someone actually done it during the school day? Is it happening outside off campus but then everybody in class is talking about it? Some of those things will make a difference,” Thiel said. Thiel also explains what she tells students D AV I D O R O N A when they are getting | bullied. “I think one thing we tell them is that it is good to come to us as soon as something happens, especially if it is an ongoing
issue and protecting themselves at the same times: so blocking people that are performing some of that, talking to their parents, resources they can go to in the building when they need help with that. Then also do not post something yourself in response to and making that continue to go, let us take care of it. If something happens, let us take care of it instead of taking care of it on your own,” Thiel said. Thiel also touches on the seriousness of bullying and why it should stop. “I think any bullying is serious. Whether it is in youth or adults or anywhere in society that whole concept of someone exerting power over someone else to make them feel like they are less than or VA N G U A R D somebody else is more important than them just impacts their ability to function,” Thiel said.
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WINTER ROAD SAFETY CONCERNS
Winter in Western Washington can last well into February. Being prepared and able to weather the elements are things that both experienced and inexperienced drivers need to be ready to deal with. But how? A S H L E Y WA K E LY S T A F F
running out of gas are almost always preventable, as are some engine breakdowns. We recommend everyone do a quick maintenance inspection on their vehicle every fall and spring, prep for cold and heat,” Cook said. “Make sure your tires have enough tread and are in good condition without cracks or bulges. Have your battery tested and clean the terminals. Check your fluids, lights and brakes. And, during cold months, make sure you always have at least a quarter tank of gas.”
Clear skies, easy driving and less distraction — summer driving conditions are in contrast to the roads facing both experienced and inexperienced drivers currently. This winter, Pierce County residents are experiencing challenging road conditions but how can drivers keep not only themselves but others safe as well? AAA is a membership-oriented company that provides vehicle assistant to their members at all hours of every day. They assist in keeping drivers safe with Other advice Taking care of one’s car is important in things like engine troubles, running out of these winter months but that does not gas or locking themselves out of cars. AAA Senior Manager and Corporate always guarantee that a person will be accident free. Communications Jennifer Keeping a winter Cook says the minute “Care of one’s car is driving kit is something temperatures begin to drop, her company sees important in these winter Cook recommends to her an increase in phone calls. months but that does not AAA members to keep them safer. Before the storm “Carry a winter driving always guarantee that a Cook says weak kit in your vehicle batteries die in the person will be accident that includes abrasive extreme temperatures. material (such as sand or free” Tires in poor condition kitty litter), small snow JENNIFER COOK also lose traction and get shovel, snow brush, ice S E N I O R M A N A G E R punctured. scraper, flashlight with Also when people are new batteries, gloves, rag hastily trying to get out of the weather, they or paper towels, booster cables, blanket, may lock their keys in their car. All of these flares and a cell phone with charger to call problems, Cook says, can be avoided. emergency services,” Cook said. “Tire problems, dead batteries and In addition, Cook says there are some
ATTENTION PUYALLUP
SENIOR PARENTS
point in some circumstances and how fast you can drive in certain road conditions. If you start to slide, you should steer in During the storm the direction you want the vehicle to go “When driving in snow and icy so that when you regain traction your car conditions, it is important to slow down, goes where you want it to,” Cook said. “It increase your following distance and do is good to know what technology your not drive unless you have vehicle has to help prevent to,” Cook said. and skidding, and “The most dangerous crashes Cook says driving what as a driver you are in extreme conditions thing you can do is slam supposed to do when regardless of age takes these technologies kick specials skills which [on] the brakes” in.” is where it pays to be experienced. Misconceptions JENNIFER COOK “Newer drivers tend to Cook also touches on SENIOR MANAGER be overconfident in their some misconceptions of driving abilities and do driving in winter weather not have a lot of experience behind the as well as what the truths are involving wheel. Experience tells you how your car them. will react in the snow or ice. Your car will “I think the biggest misconception is react differently if it is front-wheel drive that if you drive a SUV or have four-wheel versus rear-wheel drive and you as a driver drive you can drive normally on ice and need to know if you should break solidly snow and be safe; that is not the case. If or pump the breaks.” Cook said. “Weight you lose traction on ice and start sliding, distribution also makes a difference. Tire it does not matter if you are driving the tread will determine how much traction Batmobile, you have no control of your you have. Your vehicle has the most vehicle. Having front-wheel and fourtraction right before you lose traction in wheel drive can be helpful if you know slippery conditions.” how to drive in those conditions,” Cook When temperatures fluctuate it causes said. dangerous road conditions and Cook To continue reading this story, stresses the need to know the vehicle being driven and the technology inside. visit vikingvanguard.com “As a driver, experience will help you learn when you are getting close to that
important points to remember when driving in winter weather conditions.
DON’T FORGET TO BUY YOUR GRADUATE’S YEARBOOK AD!
PRICES:
Full page--$200 1/2 page--$100 1/4 page--$50 1/8 page--$25 Remember, you can always combine forces and get multiple people in on one ad. You are also not limited to one ad per student. Everyone can purchase one!
OPTION 1: YOU CREATE ONLINE
Create your add online at www. yearbookordercenter.com. You can search by the school’s name or use the code: 6495 to find it!
OPTION 2: SCHOOL DESIGNS
Have the school create your ad for you. You provide the pictures and the wording either through www. hjeshare.com (the online site) or through email.
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VANGUARD MEDIA IMPACTS LIVES T H E
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E DI TOR-I N- C H I E F...........................K Y L E SM I T H PRINT EDITOR................................SUZY STONE WEBSITE EDITOR...........................JAXON OWENS STA F F.....................................SI E R R A BA R ROW .............................................JESSICA CARLOS ...............................................BAILEE DOMAN ..........................................REBEKAH EDGBERT ...............................................EMMA HODGES .........................................GABRIELLE JAMOR A ................................................SHAYLA JONES ...............................................HALEY KEIZUR .............................................PUALANI KNAPP .................... ....................H A N N A H L AV E RGN E ....................................ALEJANDRO K MENDOZA ...........................................KINDAL MOELLER ..........................................KEIONNA NEWTON .................................................DAV I D ORON A ................................................KELTY PIERCE ..............................................GWEN ROBERTS .....................................................JEN SETHE ............................................SIMONE STAPLEY ...........................................BRANDON SUPNET ...................................................KAM TILZER ............................................ASHLEY WAKELEY ..............................................W HI T N E Y W EBB ADVISER.............................SANDRA COYER, MJE
In modern society, social media is everywhere. From things that would not reflect negatively on one’s self, it is smart phones that are carried everywhere, to the standard important to be aware of the potential downfalls of social computer, social media exists on every platform to some media. Other critics claim that social media extent. decreases socialness of those who use The mere prevalence of this media has “It can be a tool used it. From this perspective, the lack of raised concern and controversy over how to help people stay socialness is caused by users focusing on they will impact society. Critics believe the online interactions rather than realthat social media makes the newer connected and can build life interactions. Those who are more generations less social as a result of the technology. At the same time, proponents upon already existing supportive of social media would say that social media helps people stay connected see social media as making society more relationships.” across long distances. connected over all. Although there are many criticisms that One of the critiques of social media OUR VIEW can be leveled at social media, with the is that one wrong post could end up right intent students can make good use of affecting a student’s future. If the post social media. It can be a tool used to help reflects a student negatively, potential employers and colleges could see that social media post people stay connected and can build upon already existing and decide not to hire or accept the student. Such an event relationships. The Viking Vanguard simply urges its readers to be well would obviously not be in the best interest of a student. While this issue can be avoided simply by not posting informed about social media so that they can use it well.
Editorial Cartoon
EDITORIAL POLICY:
The Viking Vanguard operates as a limited forum.
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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:
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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:
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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 (WIAA 18.20.0 and 18.20.1) and 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:
*On page one, the pull quote in the left column is misattributed, it should have been attributed to Leadership teacher Jamie Mooring. *On page two, the first story credits Jaxon Owens as being a staff member when he is the Website Manager. *On page four, the graphic containing the statistics should have been credited to Jen Sethe. *On page five, the photo is missing the credit to Bailey Plumb. *In the pull quote of the second story on page nine, the word “dreadgully” should have been “dreadfully.” *On page 10 the photo for the story “Zoolights illuminates holidays” should have been credited to Ashley Wakeley. 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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Concert impacts guest writer No matter how loud we sang you could still hear his voice Everyone was screaming. The room was illuminated by low beams of blue light guide you through the song as if you were going to get lost. Occasionally, he would turn the mic toward us and the moving across the ceiling. I am glad no one could see the crowd would take a breath before screaming the next lyrics tangled mess my hair had become. The crowd surged forward and I felt myself being crushed as if we had something to prove. Everyone was vying for his attention. You could tell he against the person in front of me. My legs were on fire from standing for multiple hours knew it too. Sometimes he would just stand there and look out into and my back felt like someone had removed my spine. Oddly enough, I was enjoying myself. the crowd, smiling. Such a simple act would cause another Four shadows appeared on stage round of high pitched screams. I had only just learned his name and I which caused the found myself trying to get as close to the roaring crowd to get louder. On tip-toes I “For each band there is front as possible. I wanted to be up there touching his could barely see an outline of the lead a different type of crowd. hand whenever he reached out toward us. singer’s face. My You could describe one I wanted him to look at me and remember my face for the rest of his life. friend, Ally, turned person and pretty much I wanted to have a special connection to me grinning ear with the band members that no one else to ear. describe everyone there. had. As cheesy as it sounds, I wanted to CL ARE BROW N “Remember in GUEST line when I said they After my first general stand out in a crowd. For each band there is a different type of were ugly? Well, I admission concert I crowd. You could describe one person and was definitely wrong,” she managed to shout above the thundering crowd. realized I didn’t want to fit pretty much describe everyone there. After my first general admission concert How could I forget? Ally and I had stood those descriptions. ” I realized I did not want to fit those in the unusually cold April air for three descriptions. Living my life sharing a hours waiting for the venue doors to open. CLARE BROWN definition gives me no purpose to exist. Every move shattered my bones. GUEST What is the point of continuing if there We huddled like penguins with the girls are thousands of other people with the in front of us wasting time by looking at same definition to take your place? pictures of the band members. While waiting in line for three hours I would have never Once the doors opened, we rushed the entrance holding hands with our new friends but we didn’t manage to stick been able to tell if someone went missing. To my eyes everyone was the same while, in reality, they were infinitely together. different. The screams had turned to words. I want to be that person that helps someone else realize From the first guitar note, I knew what the song was. It was one of the most popular songs off their album. that. I’m still trying to figure out how to stand out in a crow but I know that eventually I will get there. Everyone was off-key and jumbled but no one cared.
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COHEN FINDS HER VOCATION
Freelancer reflects on the time in her life where she lost a family member important to her and how that moment pointed her to her intended career path and future. It was a bright sunny morning in she could never leave, and most importantly she did choir enchanted the crowd with their voices. But all these May, the grass reflected the prettiest not want to be here, a place filled with death. After that distractions seemed to dim as I realized how many people of greens and the sky was a crystal I made a conscientious decision to never ever, under were there. I asked my mom why the church was packed, blue. It appeared as though nothing any circumstance plug my nose. I would not offend my surely one person could not impact this many people’s lives? could ruin this perfect day. I was at grandma who was forced to live here. “When someone goes out of their way to be kind, like I recalled the time my family stopped on the way to home with my dad and two-year old sister, while my mom was at the go see grandma to get her a dessert. My sister Caylee your grandma did, people remember you and then come and I were supposed to agree on a treat. to your funeral,” replied my mom through her tears. “Your nursing home with my grandma who “Just as a bird fies away However, we never agreed on anything, grandma was one the kindest person I knew, it’s a shame in fact, we still don’t. Caylee brought she died so young. had been battling at a sign of trouble, the back a cupcake with yellow frosting A. COHEN “And yet I’m thankful Grandma Janie is out of her sick Parkinson’s disease STAFF Dementia for 13 phone triggered a turn in and picked out one that had pink. Mom body. She can now truly be happy and healthy in Heaven,” continued my mom. told us we had to decide years. It was the the day’s events.” Some moments in our lives are on one cupcake. Caylee epitome of a flawless day. “When I came back to forgettable, irrelevant, but when I saw then put hers in the cart And then the phone rang. Just as a bird reality at the funeral I the amount of people who came to my without saying anything. flies away at a sign of trouble, the phone funeral because she was My mom then asked if I triggered a turn in the day’s events. It AMANDA COHEN took a look around at the grandmother’s STAFF nice, I knew that I to wanted to follow in was okay with her choice, was my mom with some very bad news: her footsteps and impact as many lives as I responded rather my grandma had died the day before her beautiful chuch.” she did. I then knew what I had to do with birthday, a day that will stand out in my memory forever. forcefully, no. I then proceeded to tell her my life. I had to continue my grandma’s My dad sat my sister and I down on the cement steps at how much thought I had put into mine. AMANDA COHEN route to perfection (or as close as one can “My cupcake should be given to the front of our sky-blue house facing the blooming pink STAFF get) by being kind and caring for all. But Grandma Janie because it represents both rose bush to tell us the tragic news. Throughout the next few days and during the funeral, I of us. The actual cake is yellow, Caylee’s favorite color. how could I begin on such a hard, steep path for my life? I thought and thought and thought, and then it struck found myself looking back, remembering every moment I And the frosting is pink, my favorite color.” Caylee seemed to agree on this and we ended up me, like the time a baseball hit me in the face. At the age of could from my five years spent with my Grandma Janie— five I decided to work to cure the disease that had plagued the countless games of hide and seek the many pieces of bringing Grandma Janie my cupcake. These memories helped me understand that perhaps my family and killed my grandma. Hershey’s chocolate, and every trip to the nursing home. When people now ask me who do you want to be when The first time I ever went to Grandma Janie’s new home losing someone is the best way to find one’s purpose in I gagged. The horrid stench of sickness combined with life. When I came back to reality at the funeral I took a you are an adult, I confidently reply, “I’m going to be the neuro research scientist to cure medicine permeated the air. I immediately plugged my look around at the beautiful church. In front of the altar was a painting of Grandma Janie, Parkinson’s disease Dementia, would you like to know nose to block out the nauseating smell. “Don’t do that, you’ll offend all the people who do not surrounded by flowers, causing the picture to have a why?” magical glow about it. My family and I sat at the front, want to be here,” my mom quickly told me. It was then I realized my grandma would not get better; and behind us the church was packed. My godfather’s
Staffer joins in Senate First Amendment fight A
s a student journalist, I have an extreme passion for ethics and not abusing one’s to support bills with such strength. Luckily, I was not the only student journalist in the hearing room that was not as First Amendment rights. I have also had my First Amendment rights compromised intimidating as I had imagined it. and abused. There were over a dozen other students there, along with advisers that were showing When the opportunity arose to defend what I believe in, I jumped at the opportunity. An alumna from PHS was also there and testified, stating I was able to go to the Washington State Senate in Olympia Jan. 21 to “The Viking Vanguard support. how The Viking Vanguard would change for the better if bill 6233 was support Senate Bill 6233 concerning freedom of expression rights for students at public and post-secondary schools. would change for the passed. The senators were actually quite comical, cracking jokes and Senate Bill 6233 states that student publications have the right to better if bill 6233 was often laughing with one another. They were very friendly and made exercise freedom of speech and press, regardless of whether they are watching the hearing less snooze-worthy, even funded by the school or use school equipment. This, in return, would passed.” though it was 8 a.m. dispose of school district prior restraint. Prior restraint gives authority Looking back on my experience now, I wish to administration to potentially censor an article that they deem SUZY STONE I would not have been too timid to be able to inappropriate. If this bill passes, no school district would have authority PRINT EDITOR share my voice on the subject of the freedom over the publication of any piece of media. The school district also would of expression. I would have told them how the not be held liable because students control all content and decisions. This particular bill, in direct correlation with ethics and journalism, was brought to restraints of student expression have deeply affected the work that our publication is able to produce but I do not like to speak in front my attention and I wanted to show my support. of others. Yes, I went to a Senate bill hearing because I wanted to. To be completely honest, I do not even understand why there Watching government happen was not at all what I was expecting—I was anticipating a cold, marble room full of men in business suits with no expression. I felt anxious that is a bill trying to prohibit laws that go against everyone’s First S. STONE PRINT EDITOR I would be judged due to my age, having the senators assume that I am not old enough Amendment rights of expression.
YADDA!
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YA DDA YA DDA
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“ To st ay positive and outgoing for college because I’m going somewhere out of state and I need to stay positive.”
“I need to eat better and go work out more because it is good to have good nutrition for athletics.”
“ To graduate high school and contine my education so I can accomplish my goal to become a photographer.”
ALEX FERNANDO JUNIOR
JORDAN KIM SENIOR
RILEY PLETCHER SENIOR
VINCE BUNKER SENIOR
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Q: What is your New Years resolution and why?
“ To raise my grades because I want to get up to a 4.0.”
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“ To enjoy because caught in d to worry
each day you get aily issues about.”
RANDOLPH LIPPOLD STEM TEACHER
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Many students are second and third generation Vikings; a list of teachers also share this Puyallup tradition. Teachers Fred Orton, Dan Picha and Brooks Hazen share their connections to the school and community. of them are leaving us now (or have left us), some of them a little frustrated. But I do not ever see myself [leaving] gave their money to the only school they went to. That is and following through with [leaving Puyallup] because I Puyallup High School has existed for 126 years and part of my connection here too, it was important enough do love it here. I do not live here in the community but I many citizens have unique connections to it. to my uncle that he even felt they deserved money when just cannot imagine teaching anywhere else but Puyallup Some teachers have connections to the school through he passed,” Hazen said. High School,” Orton said. family who are alumni, because they are alumni or for Orton explains what initially led him to move to the For Orton, the annual Alumni Assembly provides an other reasons. excellent way to reconnect with those he used to attend high school level. American Studies teacher school with. “I did teach my first 10 years at Aylen Junior High and I Frederick Orton is one teacher who “Some of my best and strongest feelings have been of loved it there but [I] was really encouraged to come to the has a strong historical connection to the Alumni Assembly, because it does give me a chance high school. It took me some…persuasion to come to the the Puyallup community. to look on the sign-in sheet to see how many are here high school because I liked working with junior high aged “Besides the fact that I grew up from my class because those are some of the same folks kids but then when I came here it was like a perfect fit going to the Puyallup School District, that I started kindergarten with. So, I will sign in too, even for me. I did have an opportunity to go to Emerald Ridge, my strong family connection is that though I did not graduate with them but I will sign in and when Emerald Ridge first opened up but I just said, ‘forget my grandparents and great aunt and then I will climb up on the stands and sit with them. It is it, I am not going to go.’” uncle started the Daffodil Festival, neat to reconnect but I think the part I like the most about Orton describes the reasons that he enjoys the Puyallup something like 85 the Alumni Assembly is seeing all these community. years ago. As a little ORTON “Even though the town has grown a lot, it still has a people come back, going back to these kid sitting on the “...I go to the coronation old, old people who cannot even stand small town feel and I like that. Another thing, we hear it side of the road (Meridian) watching the for our Princess. They up and how proud they are to be a part of all the time but there is a rich, rich tradition. This school parade go by I was always kind of told school community,” Orton said. “And district is number three in the state, we are a very old always have me stand this ‘Don’t talk about this.’ Although, I knew then today, with how it has evolved with school district and this building is very old but it has got that my grandparents had been Daffodil and recognize my family the Winter Wishes too. It makes me just this really rich tradition that you do not find in schools,” farmers in Sumner and had started the feel really good about going to a school Orton said. “The fact that a lot of these kids have grown festival, as I grew up I was always told not connection to the founding (I do not know if there is a single school up in Puyallup, their families move here because of to talk about it, because people might in the United States that does this Alumni good schools and they have gone to school together of the festival.” think I am bragging,” Orton said. Assembly thing every year) where all since kindergarten and that is pretty unusual. If you go Orton describes how his connection to Bethel, because they are so close to the military base, Vikings are welcome back.” FREDERICK ORTON to the Daffodil Festival has changed over Picha describes one of his favorite those kids are moving all of the time, while most of the T E A C H E R time. Puyallup kids are born and raised here. memories from when he “When I got older, I knew not to just That is unique [and] I love that about this attended high school. boast about it but to just be proud of it. I became more “I would say one of the best memories “I can remember me and school.” involved in it and so now that I have been teaching here at is my sophomore year, when I was a part several others on the team According to Picha, the Puyallup area [PHS] I go to the coronation for our Princess. They always of the Puyallup team that won the State has changed significantly over time. climbing out of the bus have me stand and recognize my family connection to the title for basketball. Coming back from the “The Puyallup Valley has really been founding of the festival.” game in Seattle on the bus, at that time and standing on top of the transformed. The bottom line is that Many residents within the Puyallup community have Main Street was open for traffic between there were a large number of farmers heard mention of Picha Farms at one point or another. the gym and the main building. When we bus, giving chants...” back then, this is a farming community American Social Studies teacher Dan Picha, is one of the came back in, it was late at night; there and of course I knew nothing other than DAN PICHA co-owners of the farm. that at the time and I enjoyed that. Today, was a mass of people there waiting for TEACHER “[The farm] takes up a lot of our time spring, summer us,” Picha said. “And it was a very, very continuing the farm and fall. In the spring and fall it is after school hours. We big celebration. I can remember me and as we do on the stay connected with the school in that we hire several several others on the team climbing out of the bus and scale that we do, we are one of just PHS students to work on the farm. That is kind of fun, standing on top of the bus, giving chants and everything a handful of farms that still operate we enjoy that. And of course we that surrounded that experience was very memorable.” in the valley. At least on our scale,” try to give back, in any way that we Several reasons led Hazen to come to work at PHS, one Picha said. can, to the community,” Picha said. of which was his knowledge of the district and school. The Daffodil Festival and Daffodil “We either donate our products or “In Tacoma, sixth grade was [in the] middle schools so I Princess are all important aspects of provide discounts for various groups wanted to come to Puyallup so I could start teaching sixth the Puyallup community but many within the school here or within the grade elementary. And so I actually came to Puyallup as of the original Daffodil fields have community. We stay actively involved a teacher, because they have a K-6 elementary school all disappeared or sold, according to in certain activities within the [and] they still have the 7-9 junior high. I spent 14 years Orton. PICH A community. We have been involved teaching ninth grade. I loved teaching ninth grade but I “It is sad, because when I grew up in the Farmers Market, my wife for [wanted to teach] ninth grade at the junior high level,” this valley was [all] farming. If you left Sumner and went 12 years was the coordinator of the Hazen said. “I love the way Puyallup still has kind of the to Auburn the whole valley was farmland. This is some of H A ZEN Meeker Days festival in Puyallup.” old fashioned schedule of schools. I liked K-6, I liked 7-9, the richest farmland in the world. When I was young in While American Social Studies and I liked 10-12. It was really what kind of drew me here out the spring time, there were thousands of acres in bloom, Senior Social Studies teacher Brooks Hazen did not attend to work plus just the connection of Puyallup in the back of Daffodils and now there are none. There are no Daffodil PHS, he still has a unique family connection to Puyallup. of my head, knowing that my family had attended school farmers left anywhere in the Puyallup-Sumner Valley,” The generation before Hazen all attended PHS. Orton said. here. Knowing that it is a great district.” “My uncle never had [a university], so when he was While Orton did leave Puyallup to go to college, there looking at his estate one of the most important things have been sometimes since that he has considered To continue reading this story, visit in his life was high school. So he left PHS some money, leaving the community. vikingvanguard.com which I thought was kind of cool. The generation, most “There have been a few times where I have gotten B Y
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of the drama and knows the meaning of words and actions towards others and how inger, song writer, music producer and they affect people. “Be that book that changes people when motivational speaker Caleb Jermaine was the guest speaker at the Martin they read yours. It starts with you,” Jermaine Luther King Jr. assembly, Jan. 21 in the said. He says he knows how hard high school auditorium. Jermaine says he always wanted to be can be while also receiving a lot of pressure. a Puyallup Viking growing up through He said he has input on how students should have a drive to reach junior high. He then later their goals and dreams graduated from PHS in 2006. He and his best friend “Be the book that changes because he was once in even had a secret Viking people when they read their position. “Have desire, have handshake. Jermaine says have effort,” he always had a dream and yours. It starts with you.” relativity, Jermaine said. he stuck with his goals and Jermaine says he is proud reached them. CALEB JERMAINE of being a Viking because “I had a skill in music so I GUEST SPEAKER he grew up in Tacoma going decided to use it,” Jermaine through junior high and said. As he was speaking on stage he says he there was not much financial help towards knew exactly what to say to the students those schools. Torn books, damaged because he can relate to Vikings because he property, everything that does not compare was also a Viking. Jermaine says he is aware to PHS. B Y
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Above and beyond: Keynote speaker of the MLK assembly, Caleb Jermaine, explains the methods he used for obtaining his goals and gives the formula to students for achieving their own goals.
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You would walk out the door with your keys and your social isolation rather than social interaction. “I think social media makes for a lot more introverts and wallet. Now it is your keys, wallet and your phone. Phones Perhaps it is ironic, the idea that social media may only have become a part of everything. They have become a socially isolated people. Those are the people who tend be serving to inhibit the social interaction people have part of who we are,” White said. to have more problems in society down the road because with others in their daily lives. Walker expresses that though social media may be they do not know how to work with others,” Walker said. Psychology and APUSH teacher Willie Walker states that an easier method of communication According to White, social media can social media is beginning to put considerable restraints and staying connected, it is not always be misleading when it comes to building on the face-to-face social interaction people have. conducive to the building of relationships “Social media is instant relationships with others. “Everyone is on their phone wherever you go. No one with others. “Social media is instant gratification. gratification. When you When talks to each other anymore. There is no social interaction you post something, it is “Since I teach psychology, I would with talking anymore which is starting to make people not definitely say that social media is easier reinforcement. Now, it is whether post something, it is be able to respect and talk to one another,” Walker said. someone liked your post or if someone [to communicate with] but the etiquette AP Gov. and AP Psychology teacher Matt White reveals of it is not good because it does not build reinforcement..” gave you a thumbs up. Every time how social media has inhibited the process of building real social interaction,” Walker said. “You someone makes a comment on your post, strong connections with other people. it is reinforcing,” White said. “It makes have to be able to read people’s body MATT WHILE “People do not actually engage in talking with other language and emotions to see how they TEACHER you feel good and it makes you feel like people now. It is not just you and another person’s really feel. Through texting and social people like you. Even though they are not relationship with one another; it is you and that person’s media you miss all those social cues that you would ‘liking’ you, they are liking your post but people take that relationship plus everyone else. That is really difficult in normally get in face-to-face conversation,” Walker said. as people liking them. That is a falsehood in a relationship. relationships,” White said. Despite some of the alternative communication forms They are not really liking you for you, they are liking you Walker says that social media and cell phone use also that social media provides, White says that such digital for what you posted.” puts significant limitations on students’ progress in their forms of interaction may only do more harm than they do Due to social media’s accessibility and speed, Walker education. expresses that people are becoming more impatient in to help the process of building connections with others. “In some ways, cell phones are killing “Relationships require actual their everyday lives. education. Cell phone use in class has “Social media is quick, easy access to everything. interaction with someone, like common become a problem. Especially when “Every is on their phone experiences. Online interaction has Everyone wants everything to be so quick now. You can you tell a student they cannot have their wherever you go. No a little bit of that but people can say get a quick answer for anything. It is just a part of our phone in class and they become upset things online because there are technological revolution that we are in now. People have one talks to each other horrible about it and say ‘Other teachers let me no restrictions to what you can say or do changed,” Walker said. have my phone out.’ Students are here to Despite all of its complications, Walker reveals that as there are in a real world relationship,” anymore.” learn,” Walker said. social media can be used to the benefit of all people. White said. According to Walker, social media and “Social media can be used successfully, even in class. White reveals that one of the reasons W ILLIE WALKER cell phone use encourages distractibility cyberbullying may be so difficult to It can be used well if people just learn how to use it TEACHER in the academic lives of students. handle is due to its easy exposure online appropriately. Society needs to find a way to use cell “In class, cell phone use drops students’ phones correctly in education,” Walker said. “With some where it is constantly viewable. attention spans. Students do not do their homework “There is a psychology term that is called ‘cyberostracism’ of my AP classes that I teach, cell phones are a must. anymore and they turn in everything late, yet they are on in which people are ostracized or cyberbullied. I think for Students have to have them in order to do research. their phones all day long,” Walker said. “That is not just teens, cyberbullying makes a gigantic impact. Let’s say a However, I also have noticed that a lot of students abuse regular students either. I see it in AP students and I see it kid gets bullied or ostracized at school,” White said. “Back that privilege. Cell phone games are going to destroy our in college students. I teach college classes and my rule is if in the day, bullying just took place at school and the kid society.” you are not taking notes on your phone, I better not see it could go home and it stayed at school. Now what is said and I better not hear it ring,” Walker said. follows you everywhere because it is on your phone. That White asserts that social media has become so prevalent could have an increase on anxiety issues and therefore an To continue reading this story, visit vikingvanguard.com in people’s lives that it has become a part of their existence. increase in things like depression,” White said. “No one can go anywhere without their phone. It used Walker says that social media may actually promote to be that you could not go anywhere without your keys. B Y
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occasions where things have come and we have had to look at certain posts or pictures and have a conversation with that teacher about it. And usually when put in perspective With social media becoming more and more important in a teenager’s life, certain they see that it was inappropriate and that usually solves the problem right there. Most things have evolved with the times such as the addition of Wi-Fi in schools, tablets of our teachers are pretty good about monitoring themselves,” Sunich said. Even with a negative stigma surrounding social media, Kohlmeier believes that it will replacing textbooks and the increasing number of businesses checking social media not necessarily have a negative impact on teens in the future. before hiring. “It is 2016 and social media is a norm now. I think that because it is so recent that it The question then arises: do employers really look at it? Principal Dave Sunich says that a teaching candidate’s potential to get hired may be will have an effect but not necessarily in a negative way. As long as [teens] do not abuse it,” Kohlmeier said. impacted by social media behavior, it is just not something that has happened yet. Sunich compares and contrasts the positives and negatives of social media. “It has not impacted someone yet but when you look them up and find bad things it “It creates a lot of opportunity to complain and speak badly of things. It puts can make you question their character and possibly form an opinion everybody’s dirty laundry out there,” Sunich said. “It is a great way to about that person based solely on what you find. That can make you stay connected to people and to create conversation and build interest, not want to interview them and give them an opportunity or make me “ I Facebook and build community, good form of communication.” not want to hire them because we want good role models especially in Redden voices her opinion on the positives and negatives of social a teaching position,” Sunich said. “I think as a teacher we want them to Instagram stalk every one be role models so anything related to drugs or alcohol abuse, you would of our applicants if I can. media. “I totally think social media follows you. Everything you do never not want portrayed in social media. Also, anything that is derogatory or It does not necessarily really goes whether it is positive or negative. I think used in the right can be a put down or bullying, discrimination, anything hurtful.” way it can be a great platform to get news, stay connected and spark Taco Bell, a food chain that hires mostly teenagers, has not yet begun to check social media but hiring manager Alison Redden explains hinder [their application conversation but only if it is used responsibly,” Redden said. Some companies have begun to use social media as a way to connect that she and other employers are looking trustworthy and responsible status] based on what I to buyers and employees. Kohlmeier and Hot Topic both practice this. individuals. see.” Kohlmeier also uses this as a way to check up on employees. “If I was to look at social media I would look for anything that sheds “Every once in a while I check back in on my employees’ social media. bad light onto the store; we do not want anyone saying ‘I hate my job’ ALISON REDDEN We, at this company, actually encourage connection through social or ‘Taco Bell sucks’ or anything like that. Not taking pictures inside the HIRING MANAGER media,” Kohlmeier said. “I understand that restaurant. And then also illegal activity or anything harmful anything people have their own lives and if they that would look irresponsible. In short, bad social media etiquette tells come to work and do a good job then it is not any of my me that you are untrustworthy,” Redden said. Redden says that after hiring an individual, her company has them sign a contract business what they do after work. I have not had to fire anyone. Really if it is not related to work then I regarding social media expectations on and off the job. “When you start working here you sign a contract so anything that breaks that, says do not worry about it. And we as a company have a that they are untrustworthy. Something bad would be someone showing that they are social media policy so if it does not go against that drinking irresponsibly or underage. Basically anything that can be seen in a negative then it is not my business.” Sunich presents the idea that colleges have started to check light like nudity, drugs or alcohol, bullying, fighting. I mainly deal with names, ages, availability and then they go on to the general manager and they do a more in depth social media. “I have heard that a lot of colleges will check social media and they are trying to decide process that may entail a social media search but I am not entirely sure,” Redden said. Hot Topic Manager Amada Kohlmeier explains her social media search and describes whether they want to take a chance on this student and whether they will represent their school well,” Sunich said. someone she would not hire. Kohlmeier shares her favorite quote about social media and her thoughts on social “I Facebook and Instagram stalk every one of our applicants if I can. It does not necessarily hinder [their application status] based on what I see. The only things that media usage and education. “My favorite saying about social media is ‘the only policy statement you need would stand out are illegal activity, excessive partying, you know people that seem excuse-driven based on what they post. A lot of it I look at like the excessive partying any concerning social media is that if it is private do not post it,’ I think a lot of teens who are reason they might not come in like ‘oh I am sick’ well are you sick or hung-over? It is also emotional beings learn what is and what is not appropriate to post, which social media is a great way to exploit yourself but that is the same stuff teenagers have been going people that I may see always ditching class or whatever else,” Kohlmeier said. Sunich states that even though social media has not become a major issue among through since the dawn of time. So boundaries are necessary,” Kohlmeier said. teachers, there have still been occasions of media misusage that required correcting. “I have not personally needed to track social media very closely but there have been To continue reading this story, visit vikingvanguard.com B Y
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Is social media killing our society?
onvienence? Reliance? Obsession? Or is the need for phones and consequently social media truly impacting he ability of today’s society to communicate effectively? Could it potentially be harming an individual’s chance t earning employment? The staff of The Viking Vanguard has decided to tackle the issue, searching for answers o these questions and more.
rested in more? Check out the web-exclusive focus story
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summaries. Notes are very important. The responsibility the other things that have been assigned previously that is on you to take notes on whatever you are do three days, four days, five days from are learning,” Cockle said. “One thing I now,” White said. have heard before in my college classes As many students may have figured out “Taking notes and is if you chew a specific type of gum, this semester and as White says, massed in class then you chew the same type connecting them to other practice and procrastination does not work of gum during the test; your brain is very well. knowledge is a very making that connection to what you “We do not learn very well from massed have learned before.” practice. We learn best by what is called important key.” AP Psychology and AP Gov. teacher the spacing effect. A little bit every day Matt White also provides advice on and students who do a little bit every day JORDAN COCKLE how students can study and learn best. AV I D T E AC H E R and divide out their work, typical will have One such way is to learn a little every a lot less stress, get to bed earlier and be day instead of all at once. significantly more successful on tests, assignments and “Distributive practice is doing little bits of [studying] and classwork,” White said. homework every day. Most students try the cram method To continue reading this story, visit or in psychology terms massed practice. So what a typical student does is, an assignment due tomorrow so tonight vikingvanguard.com they load up and do five hours of homework for that assignment, doing nothing on any of
irst semester is coming to an end and students are reflecting on how their grades, of course there are students who are already planning on how to improve in second semester. AVID and English teacher, Jordan Cockle, gives some tips he teaches his own students on improving the way you learn, based on AVID strategies. “AVID consists on figuring out on how to push yourself to learn more than you thought you could before and provide you with strategies to benefit your learning. It also helps with learning how to take notes effectively and how to think a little bit harder on what you are learning in classes. [You learn more] study skills and promoting how to learn effectively in your classes,” Cockle said. Cockle explains some of the ways students study better to improve skills. “Cornell notes is teaching how to set up notes and find a way to review them. Annotating the text and how to go through and make connections and ask questions so you can summarize it effectively and reflect,” Cockle said. “The first thing you have to do is find a way to connect with whatever it is that you are learning. We had someone in our AVID classes last year who whenever she was reading from her psychology book would make a connection to something she already knew about ‘Harry Potter.’ She would make a connection and it would help her to remember whatever content she was learning in psychology because she has already learned it and is connecting it to something she already knows before.” When it comes down to learning to learn, taking notes and connecting them to other knowledge is a very important key, Cockle says. “Cornell notes is “I think if you boil it down to the thing that is going to help you the most when teaching how to set it comes to remembering anything, up notes and find a connect it to something you have already learned before. Either in that way to review them.” class, in another class, something about your life or whatever you are thinking JORDAN COCKLE AV I D T E AC H E R to make some sort of connection that is going to help you remember more so when you go back and review those things you look at those connections,” Cockle said. “So when you see it on the test you remember that connection and then you can remember how to apply that to what you see on the test.” Cockle teaches his students study strategies that help them through not just his class but all their classes. He even has some tricks he has learned while getting his own education. “[Making connections] is really beneficial and when I talk about it in my English classes or my AVID classes, I am saying to focus on the connections because those are the things that help the information go into your brain and that is why you can remember it better. When you refer back to your notes, you should focus on the
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The Force is strong with the newest installment of the “Star Wars” saga. Filled with nostalgia, heart and funny moments “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” impressed the reviewer and left them longing to return to a galaxy far, far, away. B Y
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“Star Wars Episode VII” came out recently and is already one of the top grossing movies ever, passing iconic movies such as “Titanic” and “Jurassic World.” The new movie far exceeded my expectations in both quality and staying true to the original Star Wars spirit: the spirit of the underdog staying in the fight because they know they are under a good cause no matter the odds. “The Force Awakens” has a plot much
like that of the first movie, “A New Hope.” The heroes start out on a planet much like the desert planet Tatooine. Just like the originals, the heroes; Fin, an ex-storm trooper and Rey, a parts scavenger; do not know they will be involved in an adventure of galactic proportions. The moments of this continuation of the classical series are life like. The movie has the moments of no hope and the moments that made the cinematic series famous. Thrilling story, paired with heart breaking and funny scenes make this
movie something to watch. The movie is a way for those of this younger generation to experience the magic of Star Wars. “The Force Awakens” featured the return of many iconic characters, including Han Solo and Leia Organa Solo and the introduction of a new group of heroes, Fin, Rey and Poe. “The Force Awakens” has one thing that lowers its standing though. The plot, as a whole, is almost a complete copy of the first movie. The heroes start on a desert planet, then become embroiled in galactic
conflict due to an attack by the antagonist. This movie however is a great title to see in theaters, the 3-D version is an amazing experience. If that is out of your budget though, I would recommend waiting and adding this to your collection of movies. The second time I saw the movie, the events made to excite and give the audience a sense of righteousness still do a great job at this. This means that the movie will be enjoyable pretty much no matter how many times you sit down and enjoy the two hour 16 minute movie.
Troye Sivan evokes emotional rollercoaster
“FOOLS” and “TALK ME DOWN” together make me feel as good as others. The song “BITE” is very calming. I so many emotions. One moment I was really excited did not really have a preference on this song. It was not have been a fan of Troye Sivan’s music and YouTube and the next moment I was almost in tears. His videos really good, however it was not bad either. Sivan’s voice videos since 2012. But then I gradually stopped take you on an emotional rollercoaster. I is so calming. I could fall asleep to this song. watching as much YouTube videos over “YOUTH” had a very interesting vibe. It was was in awe at what the songs “The line ‘Without the years because of time and lost track of very easy to dance to. The song did not get did; they left you raw and “Even though there what was going on with his music. When losing a piece of stuck in my head and was just something I was vulnerable. But somehow his new CD came out I did not listen to it are cons to this album that was ok. My favorite song to, I would not listen to again or say me, how do I get to listening as soon as I should have. it was my favorite. “For Him” had good lyrics by far is “HEAVEN” featuring the good definitely Troye Sivan is South African born Betty Who. The song is one of heaven?’ really struck but I do not really like rap music all that much. singer/songwriter who also is a YouTuber outweighs the bad.” his lesser-known known song Along with “For Him” I did not like “Happy a chord in me.” and an actor. He has been making music Little Pill” that much either. It was a little too but it should definitely be and videos since as early as 2006. much techno and not enough singing. I would BAILEE DOMAN heard more often. The song His album “Blue Neighborhood” is STAFF BAILEE DOMAN have much rather listened to the song if it was is about coming out as gay to STAFF number 43 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums. acoustic. the world and battling all of This album came out in December of last year. Overall I enjoyed most of the songs on this the questions that come with it. The line Even though there are cons to this album the good “Without losing a piece of me, how do I get to heaven?” album. If I was able to go see Sivan in concert I would definitely outweighs the bad. The “Blue Neighborhood” really struck a chord in me. definitely go and see what his music sounds like live. I video trilogy tells a continuous story about a relationship There are a few reasons some of the songs were not recommend listening to this album. he had from childhood to young adulthood. “WILD,” B Y
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The movie “Concussion” depicted a transformation between science and football as scientists try to push the NFL to admit how football can really affect both mental and physical states of the players. The story follows a doctor that moved to America from Africa and began a career as a mortician. He has an interesting way of going about his job that somewhat annoys his fellow colleagues but it is this difference about him that helps him to discover something that will forever change football. Will Smith, who plays the main character Dr. Bennet Omalu, gives a phenomenal performance as his character pushes to open America’s eyes to the truth about the
sport of football and the health risks of its cause and in the end helps make a great participants. There was no horrible acting change for all football players. This was a movie idea that stood out and every that could have gone character gave the story the emotion it needed to “This was a movie idea horribly wrong but it did just the opposite. A movie move the audience. The that could have gone about the sport of football NFL stands for America’s wants and tendencies horribly wrong but it did and its risks does not seem like it would appeal when it comes to just the opposite.” to a majority crowd but discovering truth which the morally artistic way leads to huge changes and the movie was executed executed it wonderfully. JEN SETHE STAFF can entertain the masses. Alec Baldwin plays a Even a person who does doctor who works for the NFL. His character, Dr. Julian Bailes, helps not like football could thoroughly enjoy Omalu reveal the health risks for football this cinematic masterpiece. Admittedly the timeline was a little players and shows great courage by turning against his friends and colleagues hard to follow and there was multiple for the greater good. He risks it all for this time jumps that were not announced. For
example, scenes that you would think are a couple days apart are actually months apart and this threw me off a bit. Overall this was a movie I definitely watch again and maybe even own on DVD. The message that is conveyed is cold hard truth. Even if the whole world fights against you it is always better to do the right thing. As a true story I can really see how the main character changed football for the better. Being a high school student in America and being surrounded by sports and fans you never really see the grey area that this movie sheds light on. It shows a different side to football that the fans and even people involved in the sport never see.
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‘The Bachelor’ not all fun, roses I am one to appreciate trashy reality television. I feel as long as you can recognize that these types of shows are a large load of lies and actors, you can treasure the action ironically. B Y S U Z Y S T O N E P R I N T E D I T O R
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“The Bachelor” Mondays, 8-10 p.m. ABC
The twentieth season of the Bachelor is well on its way into the antics and chaos that long-time fans know and love. If you are not very fond of the TV series that has middle-aged women all across America swooning over a gorgeous man, you can still enjoy the pandemonium of the 25 women who are trying to win the bachelor’s heart. Ben Higgins, a 26-year-old from Denver, CO. is the “prize.” This show totally objectifies every single person that is cast and is completely scripted, fabricated with producers right behind the camera even during the most romantic moments in the show. Once this concept is in your mind, you are
able to watch with a bit of humor, knowing the scenarios within the Bachelor are as fiction as folklore. Some of the women on this season have already made a lasting impression to the viewers and a fool of themselves. Lace is a very outspoken, often inebriated woman that frequently interjects that she is not “crazy.” I personally find her hilarious because it shows how the idea of being on national television can and will get to someone’s head. First impressions are massive in this show and Portland-native Mandi made a rather notable first impression to Ben and the viewers; she wore a huge rose headband on the first night, poking some fun at the infamous rose symbol being portrayed throughout the
entire series and appropriately representing the Rose City. Even weirder, she claimed she, “picked it from her garden.” One of the women from our home state Washington, Brianne, made a rather abrupt first impression on Ben by smashing baguettes on the ground because she hates gluten. The other woman from Washington, Tiara, was a chicken enthusiast, stating that she had not been away from her chickens (whom she treats as pets) for longer than 10 days. Washington is clearly being represented well. The best part is when the girls become jealous about Ben having relationships with multiple girls at the same time—as if they did not know that is the show that they literally auditioned for. I, being the cynical human that I am, find immense joy in watching others’ ignorance being broadcasted for millions to enjoy. And it does not hurt to look at an attractive man also enjoying the uproar in the process.
FRANKEN SHEDS LIGHT ON ‘THE TRUTH’
Could you be looking for a book that combines humor with politics? Al Franken’s purpose is to inform the reader before he entertains them, definitely, according to this staffer, a book to pick up. B Y
K Y L E S M I T H C H I E F
Depending on when you are reading this review, you may be desperately searching for a book on politics to read as your AP Gov. book project, that is due before the end of the semester. If so, Al Franken’s “The Truth (With Jokes)” is an excellent read, albeit a bit on the long side for procrastination. Even if you are not in AP Gov., Al Franken’s book is a humorous read that covers information regarding the administration of President George W. Bush. Franken takes a very critical look at Republicans during this time period, pointing out those who lied about the activities they are involved in and those who did not. Considering Franken’s history of being a comedian, these criticisms are often coupled with jokes. Everything from corruption, to the invasion of Iraq, to the politics of the era is covered in surprising depth. Depth, however, can work against a book if it is not adeptly explained and in some cases “The Truth” gets bogged down with dry explanation (often regarding financial problems) that lacks the entertaining characteristic that Franken is able to infuse in the rest of the material. Granted, this explanation never felt unnecessary (especially considering my lack of economic understanding) and served to back up the point being made. Truly, the jokes are the main selling point of the book. They serve as a gateway to draw the audience into the politics and heavy problems discussed in the book. None of the jokes or satire used feel out of place, however, they tend to be directed towards the Republicans in charge during this time. Unsurprisingly, Franken is a Democrat. This does not mean that he
does not criticize his own party, Franken critiques his own party on several occasions. Most of the critiques Franken levies towards his own party, stem from his disagreements with John Kerry (the presidential candidate that ran against Bush). These never take up too much space but are often repeated, just to show that Franken does not just hate all Republicans. Considering the upcoming election, most of the first half of the book takes on more relevance than the rest. Franken spends the first section of the book discussing his role in the Kerry campaign and the strategies that President Bush used to win. Most of his discussion as to how Bush won focused on the negative aspects. Much of this section included Franken’s sarcastic humor as well, which brightens the tone greatly and keeps the book flowing at a nice quick pace. The second (slightly less relevant) part of the book talks about all the problems Franken saw in the Bush presidency. “The Truth (With Jokes)” is by no means my favorite book and it is unlikely that I will read it more than once. But as a way to enter the world of politics or as a way to get a look at presidential campaigns, this book is an excellent and humorous resource. It is a relatively fast read and uses a lot of evidence to back up its points.
“Franken takes a very critical look at Republicans...pointing out those who lied about the activites they are involved in and those who did not.” KYLE SMITH CHIEF
Other books for both party lines Republican •The Death of the Right and Wrong (By Tammy Bruce) – 352 pages •The O’Reilly Factor (By Bill O’Reilly) - 224 pages •The Way Things Ought to Be (By Rush Limbaugh) – 304 pages Democrat •Profit Over People: Neoliberalism and Global Order (By Noam Chomsky) – 288 pages •We’re Right, They’re Wrong: A Handbook for Spirited Progressives (By James Carville) – 240 pages
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ATHLETES USE OF TIME IMPORTANT
Managing a game clock applies far beyond the athletic field. For athletes and coaches, free time may be the only time to balance academics and athletics for success on and off the court. academically than boys do,” White said. “Girls are doing helps me stay more on top of things, you cannot play a better in school, going to college at higher rates, they are sport if you do not have good enough grades you will be Student athlete is a term that is used a lot at the college getting higher GPA’s and boys are just struggling. There are ineligible. I also do not see a decrease in turning in of class level. What is generally overlooked is that the title still a lot of different reasons, one is I think that the activities in work. I think people are always on top of their stuff. If they applies to kids who play on sports teams and are still in school are more girl centered. Sitting, raising your hand, want to go onto college and be really successful, you have to find a way to balance school and sports,” Smith said. are very typical, expected behaviors.” high school. White expects the soccer team to be competitive again White sees boys struggling because they are too active. Senior football player Mauze Smith speaks to how “Boys are a lot more active, there are not a lot of active this year. much time he spends at practices and games and still has “[The boys soccer team] has always been competitive classes and there are not really active jobs anymore. So homework after. “[Football season] usually runs about two to three we are in a society in which boys are struggling to find at the state level, so we expect of ourselves that we will be there again,” White said. months for games, September-November. We have five their place. I have been the boys soccer White states that this topic should not practices per week on average and each are about three coach since 2001 and it has been about hours per week. On game days, we do not go home or start the same the entire time, the trend is “It is very true that grades just be about sports. do not think that the focus should just the trend. It is continuing I do not see it homework until after the game that night,” Smith said. can increase during sports be“Iathletics. I think it should be school Boys and girls soccer coach and AP Gov. and AP ending anytime soon,” White said. and extracurricular. Studies show that Batinovich says that Psychology teacher Matt White talks to seasons.” kids who are involved in extracurricular he sees grades increase how much homework he gives out per “I do not really see a drop when a student is have higher GPA’s, higher success rates. MATT WHITE week. TEACHER That is not just sports, go join extra-choir, “My classes are organized so that they in grades of people who playing a sport. hosa or drama,” White said. “I do not really see a have about 30 minutes a night, maximum White thinks that the kids that have a purpose when of 45 minutes, which that is for seven days play sports. Most studies drop in grades of people who play sports. Most studies tell you that it is really quite they show up to school do better. a week, so they should have about three tell you that it is really the opposite. Athletes in season usually “The people who are engaged with extracurricular type and half hours of homework per week,” get better grades because they need of thing have a purpose, they have a purpose of why they White said. quite the opposite.” to use their free time [more] wisely,” are doing that thing. The kid that just shows up and counts Senior Social Studies teacher Tony time until he gets to leave, get less out of it,” White said. Batinovich said. Batinovich says kids now do not have as MATT WHITE White sees the same thing in his “The kid that comes to school with a purpose, even in the TEACHER much homework as he had while he was class or two they do not like, they have to keep going so classroom. in high school. “The athletes that I see do better with grades during they can do that thing after school, it is just a motivator. “I do not give out a real direct amount homework, because today’s students will not do it. There is always season because they are forced into being more organized. That is a big deal, we need to get kids more involved in about two to three hours of homework a week that could It is the kids that have an off season that can see their something that like at the school.” White says that those who watch the clock, do not do be used for their notebook and review of material. Kids grades drop a bit after the season,” White said. “It is funny, now do not have nearly as much homework as I did that I always get emails from parents that once they their well in school because they have no motivation. “The kids that I see with the worst grade are the kids in high school, while I played wrestling, baseball and kids are done with football or swimming, they have more time to work on homework. Well the reason they could not who work or just nothing, those are the ones that are just tennis,” Batinovich said. White explains that is hard to compare grades of boys spend more time on homework before was just an excuse, a clock watcher for seven hours, that end of the day bell now they do not have that excuse but they use it anyway.” rings, sweet,” White said. “That is what they do every day and girls. Smith sees a similar occurrence from his personal view. for three years because they have nothing to do here, even “It is hard to compare the grades of my two teams “It is very true that grades can increase during sports if they have one class that they really look forward to, they because it is hard to compare boys to girls. In America and right here [in Puyallup] girls do significantly better seasons because [students have] more of schedule. It still do not get much out of the other five classes.” B Y J A X O N O W E N S W E B S I T E E D I T O R
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WINTER SPORTS WRAP-UP
With the postseason for winter sports, the Viking Vanguard sports staff talked to each of the teams to get their point-of-view going into the postseason. I N F O R M A T I O N
C O M P I L E D B Y J A X O N OW E N S , A N D E M I LY VA N B E R G E Y K S T A F F
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Girls Basketball:
Boys Basketball:
“ I love the team atmosphere, I love the fact that you have to do your individual job in order to help the team. I love the community you get with your teammates and obviously I get with the coaching staff,” girls basketball coach Cherokee Ainslie said.
“Something unique is that this group of seniors was the first group of kids that started in the feeder program in third grade and all of the kids on our team have grown up playing together,” boys basketball coach Scott Campbell said.
League Record 7-4 Overall record 12-7 Currently in fourth place in the SPSL South
League record 7-4 Overall record 14-5 Currently in second place in the SPSL South
Girls Wrestling:
Boys Wrestling:
The girls wrestling team is lead by two sisters, junior Brooklyn Bartleson and senior Jordyn Bartleson, who have lived up to high expectations with outstanding records so far this season. Brooklyn Bartleson is 20-3 in the 125 pound weight class, while coming in third in the Kelso tournament, losing to the eventual champion, plus is ranked third in the state in her weight class. Jordyn Bartleson is 22-1 this year in the 130 pound weight class, winning the Kelso tournament, beating three-time girls national champion from Post Falls, ID Cierra Foster in the finals. She is currently ranked first in the state for her weight class.
“We have had several tournaments. We placed first in two, the Wilfong and the River Ridge Rumble. Our other tournaments had more challenging teams in them and we finished above average. We have a few wrestlers that have stood out this season. Tucker Hanson, senior, has been limited because of injury. He has wrestled in two tournaments. He is currently 7-0, taking first in both of them. Garrison Webking, senior, also had done well this season. He took first at Hammer Head. He is 24-8. Josh Franich, junior, has also done well. He has taken first in two tournaments and has a record of 30-5,” boys wrestling coach Aaron Lee said.
Girls wrestling information compiled by The News Tribune
League record 1-1
Unified Basketball:
Boys Swim:
“For Unified we play every Saturday for five or six weeks; this year it is five weeks. Now Feb. 13 PHS will host the district-wide tournament for our region here with about 21 or 22 teams. We will use PHS, Kalles and Aylen for facilities during the tournament. The winner of each of the three divisions moves on to state,” Unified Special Olympics coach John Anderson said.
“Some of our fastest swimmers are juniors Beau Pasquier and Jacob Kinne, especially for sprints, those are all good sprinters. For distance, junior Akash Morrell or sophomore Tatum Lingley. We are good this year is we have a lot of good individual swimmers, which helps round out our team. Another thing that helps is all the boys seem to be really close, which really helps,” boys swim manager Abigail Witham said.
League record 6-1 Overall record 6-3 Currently second in the SPSL South
Girls Bowling:
Gymnastics:
“The girls bowling team has just finished with their regular season. Wednesday was SPSL tournament. I have two girls qualify for West Central District tournament Jan. 30. Amber Henneberry, senior, averages a score of 165 and Erica Roloff, freshmen, averages a score of 130 from Kalles. Kaelyn Howarth, junior, is a alternate with a average of 120,” girls bowling coach Ann Carpenter siad.
“There are a group of teams all scoring in the same range. One [mistake] in a meet can make the difference between a team going on and not going on. What is really hard in our sport is that only four teams in the whole state make it. It is definitely really tough,” gymnastics coach Dorinda Carpenter said.
League Record 0-10 Overall Record 0-15 Currently in last place in the SPSL South
League Recored 3-0 Overall Record 6-1 Currently in fifth place in the SPSL