Granger high school
Tri-Color Times
Read about how Taylor would fight Zombie hoardes -- turn to page 4.
An open forum for student opinion and expression.
From a college-bound graduate: a few words of advice By: Braquel Buckley FOR THE sophomores, this is your first year in a new school and a chance for a fresh start. You juniors probably have the hang of high school by now, so this is your year to master your Lancer lifestyle. And seniors? It’s the beginning of the end. No matter what grade you’re in, you probably want to have a good year right? I mean, I’m pretty sure that no one actually comes to high school wanting a horrible high school experience.
So my advice to everyone: go out and create that amazing high school experience that so many students miss out on. Make your high school years the best, and don’t allow yourself to be that forty-something who shows up at the reunions totally bitter. You only have three years here at Granger, so why not make the most of it? The best thing about Granger is the countless number of opportunities it offers all the students. Other schools limit participation in clubs, while Granger
reaches out to every type of person. There is almost no limit to how many clubs or activities you can participate in, so there is no excuse for not getting involved in some way. And I promise that you’ll be glad you took advantage of the opportunity. Some of my favorite memories from my three years at Granger come from the gym. No I wasn’t on the basketball or volleyball team, but I didn’t let that stop me from cheering on those who were. There is nothing more fun than a
Friday night of cheering on your Lancer athletes with a bunch of fellow lancer fans. If the athletic scene isn’t for you don’t worry, there are plenty of non-athletic activities that you can be a part of. Granger produces some of the most educated and most successful people out there. Don’t be afraid to join an academics-based club or to sign up for a few AP classes. You won’t regret it! So the choice is up to you: Either get involved and make your
high school years memorable for the good, or sit out and be miserable. I guarantee that your years at Granger will be much more beneficial and much less draining if you take advantage of what this great school has to offer and find out what it means to be a true Lancer.
Top 10 sophomore mistakes
By: Yvonne Huynh Getting lost: Navigate your way to each class with a school map. Falling down: Whether it’s a spill on the floor or a leftopen door, running is never a good idea Getting Pushed: If you spend 2 minutes standing and chatting, plan on spending the next 3 picking up your books. Texting in Class: Teachers have eyes at the back of their head… Being late to class: Use your 5 minutes wisely or pay a $5 truancy ticket. Ditching class: Use the restrooms for what they’re made for.. Getting the Cold Shoulder: Be loyal and show school spirit. Keeping to Yourself: Get to know Granger’s diversity. Regretting Your School Year: Get involved- don’t miss out on all of the fun SENIOR Janessa Bullock rubs a finishing touch into her chalky farewell to Granger’s tennis courts. Granger will play opportunities here! home games at Granite High while the corner of 3500 South and 3600 West slowly transforms into a modern Granger Getting Off Track: Don’t High campus. “I started with community lessons here when I was twelve,” said Bullock. “And my dad is Granger’s ten- be lazy- work hard towards nis coach, so I’m sad to see them go.” graduation.
Alum broadcaster celebrates ground-breaking By: Kalub Coats ON FRIDAY September 16, 2010, at about 5:30 a.m., news reporter Brian Carlson came to Granger High School to do a report on our school. The football team, drill team, lancer action team, and band all got together for a celebration of our soon to be built Granger High School. The new school has a plan for a little more organization , meaning there won’t be classrooms from one side of the campus to the other. Hearing of this new school, I decided to interview an administrator, assistant Principal Rod Horton, he was one of the administrators at the celebration for Granger’s new school. Another question I had in mind
during my interview with Mr. Horton was, “what about all of the material and supplies from the old school? What will happen to those when they tear it down?” Mr. Horton said “If anything is usable and in good quality, such as the computers, shop equipment, the clay kiln for ceramics, should be salvaged and sold to the district for school money, or brought and used at the new school. At Granger, we have some amazing things that cannot be moved, such as the amazing paintings on the wall in room 216, or even the Lancer at the front of the school. I asked the administrator what he thought about this, and he says that, “A lot of what has preserved our history in the past will con-
tinue to, such as the alumni association in the new school. There will be a separate room for this schools history. My teacher also has informed me that there will be a new mosaic, an art structure created from shattered tile and rock to be put into an art creation. It should be in the new school. With the creation of our new school and with the way things are going now such as attendance going up alongside GPAs. The new school’s most recent history will be the seniors of the old school, so if this school can work together and make as good as a reputation as we can before we go out, maybe our new school bring everyone even more success.
October 2010, 2
VOL. LIII Issue 1
No one else believed it, either
By: Joanna Mireles HOMECOMING King, David Thongphann (12) was eating his lunch when they announced that he was one of the top five candidates for Homecoming royalty. He said that he almost threw up, he didn’t think that he was actually was going to make to the top five. At the assembly, Thongphann was feeling really nervous throughout the assembly. The more time went on the more nervous he got. Thongphann said that he felt butterflies in his stomach. When it came time announce royalty, David closed his eyes and when they had announced that he had won Homecoming King, he was stuck and didn’t know what to do. He was in shock and couldn’t believe that he had won. Everyone was cheering him on! The next day, David went to the Homecoming football game, Granger vs. Murray, and although we lost the game, he still had a good time and was happy seeing the alumni also having a good time. He arrived late to the Homecoming dance. Thongphann was in a hurry and had forgotten his sash
and crown in his car. He went out to his car and as he was returning, Mrs. Woodward did not let him in. She did not believe that he was Homecoming royalty. Thongphann then decided to
By: Tule Nau EVERYONE has a life changing experience, for the good or for the bad. You can find some of the most heart wrenching, happy, or not so happy life changing experiences right here in the halls and classrooms of Granger High School. “It’s crazy, getting shot at 11,” says sophomore Jocelyn Ortiz. When Jocelyn was younger, she and her brother were shot because of gang activity. When their mother found
out, they were at a loss as to what to do and decided to move to Utah with their aunt. “After that, my mom moved us to Utah. I didn’t know anyone. I was nervous to leave Chicago. I’d say I changed for the better. If I would have stayed in Chicago, I wouldn’t be here now.” Since transferring schools, Jessica Griego (10) saw improvements in her academics and attendance. “Changing middle schools
leave because he said that there was no point in paying for another $20 ticket. He left and felt bad for our Homecoming Queen, Liana Tan (12), whom he would like to
apologize for not being there. He hopes everyone that went had a good time. Thongphann says that he deserved winning royalty and that he doesn’t take anything back.
My life changed when... improved my grades dramatically. I saw more of an improvement in myself. I was a wreck at my old school,” replies Jessica. Her grades began to drop as she missed school repeatedly. In the middle of her 8th grade year, Jessica was kicked out of her middle school because she failed to attend school regularly. “Since my movement in schools, I’m more advanced and I guess you can say, smarter now. Not only with my grades but within my-
self, you know.” And when I asked her if she feels more confident and happier with these changes she replies, “With my grades, yes I am.” Jessica adds on. Life most definitely has a way of making you realize that it is time for a change within yourself. These two young women had to learn the hard way, but at least it was the right way to end things. So what is YOUR life changing story Granger High School?
Clubs to join at school By: Yanira Bayardo THERE are many fun clubs to join in the begging of school at Granger. You can join a club to get involved or to meet new people or just to have fun. The clubs that you can join at the beginning of school are, DECA, FBLA, Key Club, and MESA. FBLA stands for Future Business Leaders of America. It is a very fun club to join and if you want to have a future in business, this is the club to join. You learn about business obviously, but you also share in an experience that looks good on resumes. You travel to fun events and you compete with other students from other schools. MESA stands for Math Engineering and Science Achievement. This club is very fun and you learn a lot. If you like math and science, this is the club to join. You get to build things using your knowledge and test them out. If you stay in the club all year, you get to go to Lagoon for a club trip. DECA stands for Distributive Education Clubs of America. You also have to go to competitions like FBLA. DECA is a little similar to FBLA. It focuses more around Marketing, such as prices, products. DECA also runs the school store. Key Club is another wonderful club at Granger. Key club focuses more on service, helping others and helps you gain leadership skills. Activities include tutoring elementary students in reading. Join a club, meet new people. You gain so many fun memories. It is a very fun experience in high school. And don’t forget, they also look good on resumes for college or for jobs if you have never worked.
Lancers seem to accept new phone policy
by Ezra Tapusoa THE NEW administration updated the phone policy. It also affects all electronic devices. Vice Principal Cracroft said, “Use of cell phones and electronic devices during instructional time is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, calling out, receiving calls, texting, taking pictures, or listening to music.” Jasmin Calix (12) “I’m okay on giving my phone to my teacher but, I don’t like the idea of paying $10.00 to get my phone back from the administration.” Assistant Principal Mur-
dock outlined the consequences saying: 1st offense: Teacher takes the phone away and gives it back to the student at the end of class. 2nd offense: Teacher gives the students phone to the administration and the parents of the student is notified and needs to pick it up. 3rd offense: Administrator has the phone and that student needs to pay a small fee of $10.00 and the parents are also notified and needs to pick up the phone. Danny Lopez (12) and Stanislao Ruvalcaba (12) both agree, they’re okay with giving their phone to
the teacher and getting it back after class, but the only thing they don’t like about this phone policy is the fee. Danny says, “This is not fair why we pay a fee if it’s your own phone. You shouldn’t need to pay anything just to get it back.” I think that paying a fee to get your phone back from the administration could be a good and bad idea. First of all, if you pay that fee, you can help our school with the fee that is paid. But having your own property taken away and having to pay to get it back is what Granger kids believe is outrageous.
October 2010, 3
VOL. LIII Issue 1
Students from many cultures attend Granger
By: Brittnee Chacon EXPERIENCING different races and cultures in Granger High is fascinating. There are so many new and different things to learn about students who are different from you. I learned Hawaiian and Tongan cultures are a lot alike. Kristy Fa’Asisila Luavai (12) was born in Hawaii. Fina Finau (11) was born in Tonga, yet both families have a tradition of cutting their hair when their parents or grandparents pass away. Plus, they both have to cover up revealing skin, meaning no short skirts or
shorts, especially when boys are around. Relationships for Kristy can’t start until after the age of 16, but for Fina, they can’t be in a relationship until after high school. Finau’s family has huge parties for family members turning a certain age. Some of the ages are 16, 21, and 50. Fina told me that there are many more ages to have big parties for, but those are some of the main ones. Elizabeth Ruzhilo (11) was born in Ukraine, although she is Russian. Her family celebrates a lot of cultural activities and family traditions that are interesting.
On New Year’s Eve, Elizabeth’s whole family, no matter the age, writes a wish on a piece of paper. After that they light the wish on fire and drop the ashes into a glass of champagne, and they drink it. Elizabeth is only allowed to speak Russian at home. Her parents always tell her to remember her language. Rita Soto (11) was born in Texas but she is Native American. A big tradition they have is that they cannot cut their hair. Soto being Navajo has huge ceremonies for special occasions and holidays. There are certain items
that are given down to the younger siblings from the older family members. The dreams of Native Americans are very important to them. An eagle is good luck, and an owl is a very bad sign to the Native
American culture. As you can see there are many different types of cultures that come along with traditions, and celebrations. Are you like these students, or are you apart of a culture all your own?
Are we banning a band?
By: Aubrey Hensley THE ISSUE of students at Granger not being able to wear ICP-related clothes has been receiving mixed opinions. Officer Randall says, “There are good people that are Juggaloes, but for safety reasons at school, we lump them all together and put a label on them as a gang.” In his opinion, wearing the Hatchet Man is the equivalent of wearing a do-rag. Todd Cracroft, a new vice principal this year, had very little to say due to his lack of experience in dealing with this matter. He doesn’t approve of rap groups in general that are derogatory or crude. When students were asked their opinion on this, Natalie Pitchford (11), said, “ I’m a Juggalette and I think it’s unfair to lump all of the people who do criminal activities with those of us that do not. ICP
Students need more sleep By: Ashly Andrews “SLEEP deprivation is among us”, says Bethany Martinez (12). Are Granger students really getting enough sleep? Unfortunately the answer is no. After talking to many of our students, I have discovered hardly anybody is getting the amount of sleep they should be getting. This may be the reason students are using class time to nap. Martinez only gets 4-7 hours of sleep each night. “I just have too much homework to sleep sometimes”. It takes Martinez a half hour to two hours on average to fall asleep each night. Jason Overby (12), another sleep deprived student only gets 5-6 hours of sleep. “It is because I
work a lot”, says Overby. Whitney Buckner (12) blames her little sleep on homework and work as well. “I sleep about 7 hours each night, and no, it is not enough”, Xaela Walden (12) “I’m just not tired enough at nighttime to sleep, but I don’t have time to during the day”. It takes Walden an hour to three hours to fall asleep every night. We should all be getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night. Although this seems impossible to some students, organizing a good personal schedule may help. Also, a good nutritious breakfast each morning can help with energy throughout the day.
is a business; they manufacture clothing, music and various types of jewelry. Many people wear it as a symbol of religion, by banning those people from wearing it; you may as well be banning the Cross. We are a FAMILY, not a gang!” Crystal Johnson (12), gave a slightly different opinion on the matter, “I claim Juggalette but I can see why they lump us together. In a gang only a few people actually perform criminal activities. With juggaloes, it is the same concept; most of us are really good people that live our lives like everyone else.” There are just some of them that do bad things and get everyone else labeled as bad people. I don’t consider Juggaloes or Juggalettes to be a gang, for me it’s a family. They’re there for each other whenever needed. They know that if they ever need somebody
to be there just to support one another, they can call one of their “homies” and they’ll be there. Katelyn Paff (11), said, “ICP is a band, I’m not a Juggalette or a Juggalo but I really don’t see what the big deal is with wearing one of their shirts. Next, they’ll be telling us that we can’t wear A Day to Remember, or Avenged Sevenfold. If people want to wear a band shirt to for appreciation, let them. People shouldn’t make a big deal about something as ridiculous as that.” Overall, this subject will just continue to receive controversy. People that approve of wearing ICP items will never be able to get through to a person that absolutely refuses to see them as a non-gang group. People, who do not approve of ICP, will never be able to understand why Juggaloes and Juggalettes view it as family.
Tri-Color Times Staff Editors Brittany Edwards Yaritza Madrigal
Advisor John Carlisle
Journalists Ashly Andrews Alan Archuletta Maria Camarillo Brittnee Chacon Vanessa Chacon Anjelica Chavez Kalub Coats Emily Cowles Karen Garcia Aubrey Hensely Julie Hor Melinda Huavi
Journalists Erika Lopez Mario Lopez-Gutierrez Melissa Lorton Paola Mascorro Jeannette Mikkelson Joanna Mireles-Ramos Joseph Nai Tule Nau Kyrstin Rogers Tatiana Romero Ezra Tapusoa David Thongphanh
The Tri-Color Times serves as a student forum for student opinion and student expression. The views expressed here in reflect neither the opinions of Advisor John Carlisle and Granger High School, nor those of Granite School District. The Tri-Color Times invites and publishes letters to its editorial board; all letters will be edited for taste, length and legality.
Granger High 3690 South 3600 West West Valley, UT 84119 385 646-5320
October 2010, 4
VOL. LIII Issue 1
Zombie apocalypse not a myth By: Melissa Lorton YOUR BREATH hitches as your feet pound out a beat on the sidewalk below you. Moans and sickly sounding groans from behind you tell you the ultimate truth. They’re gaining on you. You suddenly spin into a
gap between two buildings, desperate to escape their undead cry. But, you skid to a stop, a cliché doom in the form of a brick wall separates you from safety. You’re finished. Or, are you? Strangely enough, many people here in Granger High School believe that the ZA, or zombie apocalypse will actually occur. Of course, not so strangely, most people don’t agree. In a fit of curiosity, I decided to do a little digging on what the people believe, here in Granger High. This is what I found.
Hayley Hansen (11), believes that yes, a zombie apocalypse could occur, with an explanation of, “people are already freezing dead bodies and trying to bring them back to life. Think of what else could happen!” Still not convinced, I also asked her how she would survive, if it actually happened. After a quick thought, she replied with an interesting answer. “I would pretend to be one of them, and hope they don’t find out!” it seemed like a reasonable plan. Taylor Dansie (11) however, even though he still believes in the allegedly coming doom, believes that the best way for survival, lies in
a good weapon and a strong will power. He comments that, “a bo staff and a 22 pistol would be enough to me out of a zombie horde.” (For those who don’t consider zombies a way the world will end,-though people who play left for dead would know- a zombie horde is a group of zombies, ranging from 50 and going into the hundreds.) But as Taylor expressed his belief of a dangerous self spreading plague being the most likely spread of zombification, Josh Bluck expressed his disagreement. Josh explained that, “To be real zombies, they have to be dead.” and when I asked him if he even believed in the ZA, he answered with a
resounding, “No. We don’t have the technology to regenerate and reanimate human tissue.” But will we have that technology in the future? So, Josh believes that zombies could never happen. Taylor believes strongly that that is how the world will end, and Hayley believes that joining them will keep you alive for longer. What do you think? Are they real? Will it happen? Will we ever know the truth? Probably not. But we can always believe, or disbelieve, what will happen. But whether dead or alive, real or not, zombies will always be one of humanities greatest nightmares.
Crime pattern emerges at Granger By: Alan Archuletta ALTHOUGH the Granger Lancers have a new set of policies this year, rules are still being broken. You can call it a rocky start, coming on in the first few weeks already having students with drug charges, along with a few fights. After talking to some of the rulebreakers, they tell us that they have been mistreated while being charged. Some comments heard in the halls are “The Cops need to chill out” or “There are enough Administrators now, we don’t even need the cops anymore” and some go as far as saying “When I got caught the cops were being unnecessarily rude, I’d rather change schools
than deal with this.” Brandon Linenberg (12) has been caught before for possession, but got off with 40 hours of community service with a $300 fine. Administrators do believe however that they will catch anyone doing anything wrong. Detective Randall believes these policies will be effective. “Oh yeah, I don’t doubt it,” he said. Hall monitors patrol every hallway while they check up on wandering students using their power to stop anyone, especially students who are known to sluff often. Within the first few weeks of school, students know that misbe-
having this year will end up having consequences. The influence of these consequences will depend on the effectiveness of these new policies. Most parents are happy, because the new system is keeping their kids at school, on time, and out of trouble. Other parents might be mad that their kids are coming home with truancy tickets, repeatedly. Assuring parents and students that the new policies aren’t here to harass them, but rather make the school a better environment where students can, and will, want to learn.
Remember to remember
Improvements
By: Daysha Hunsaker HELLO 2010-2011 GrangBy: Alan Castaneda Really the only strategy to re- something. OVER THE summer many stu- member something is to keep reWhen a teacher gives you some- er Students! As you juniors dents forget all about school and viewing it. If you leave it alone thing to remember, listen to what and seniors may know, last had fun, but what happens when for an amount of time, eventually they say as your brain takes it in. year Granger held an adviyou come back to school and you will forget it. But there are If you write what they say after sory period during second you’ve forgotten most of the stuff many ways to learn something so hearing it, then your brain proyou learned in your classes? If you’ll remember it much easier. cesses what was said a second semester. Wondering why you don’t continue to use someUsing your senses while learning time in a different way. If you re- there is no more advisory? thing or review something then helps you retain much more in- read your notes, you’ve allowed Well your new principal Mr. you are going to forget it. It’s that formation. Maybe while studying your brain to take in the informa- Haslam hopes to change simple. for a test read out loud the things tion a third time. Granger in several ways. I mean you aren’t going to TO- you need to remember while There are so many things you Advisory took 33 minutes TALLY forget it; it should at least smelling your favorite scent. So can do at your house that can keep sound familiar if you see it again, then when test day comes bring you caught up with your classes, away from your school day, but it just takes a simple review your favorite scent with you and it doesn’t take very much effort. including core classes such and the material should start com- you never know – it might trigger as English, science, soing back to you quickly. cial studies, and math. Mr. For example if you look at fiHaslam believes teachers nals. Yes, they are scary. Howevand students need to bond er, if you have been keeping up all semester and been studying hard, better and build connecthen the review should be pretty tions. easy and you’ll find that the little Rather than work with one stuff you forgot will come back advisory teacher, a student very quickly. can now go to any one of his or her teachers to discuss
grades, make-up work, attendance, and anything else he or she might be worried about. And Granger needs to be a safe place. Students and teachers both need to feel as comfortable as they do at home when at school. With that being said, expect to see two or three more security officers working with Det. Randall this year. Also you are going to have maybe ten new teachers and two new councilors to help with academics this year. For the most part advisory was eliminated to help Granger become a better school. An advisory-free strategy worked for Taylorsville, let’s hope it works for Granger as well.