Granger high school
Tri-Color Times
An open forum for student opinion and expression
TRICOLORTIMES.COM
May 2014 LVI-9
Dallin Aston is a star shooting up from Granger By Kaitlin Cluff IT IS NOT easy to go to school, to be a lead actor in the school musical, to maintain a website that is basically driving a music career and to find time to record several new songs, but Dallin Aston (10) makes it look easy. Only a sophomore, yet he seems to be skyrocketing toward success, and everyone is starting to get interested in his music. “I think it’s amazing, it sounds great. I really like listening to it and I love how dedicated he is to it; I think he tries to make it as much of his own as he can. He is super-talented. I can tell that he not only writes for himself, but for the enjoyment of other people,” Kelsey Barffuson (10) said. Aston started his Facebook musician page on April 16 and already has quite a bit of buzz surrounding it. “I think it’s great. It will help him get himself and his music out
there,” Gillian Rosier (10) said. He has 72 likes on his page and 29 people are talking about the page. In the short time that Aston has had his page up, he has already released four songs, three of which are from “Find New Hope”, his first album, with one from his second album, “Shooting Stars”. It is expected to come out this fall. “To be honest, I haven’t really looked at it yet, but I’ve heard it’s amazing,” Bryson Beacham (10) said. Neither of Aston’s albums is actually finished, he still has recording to do, but he is working hard to get them finished and available for sale. “It’s a great way to show people his music and get his name out there. I’m glad he did it because now his music is easily accessible,” Victoria Wynn (10) said. His website will be getting a lot
of buzz very soon. “I think it’s a great start. One thing I really think is cool is that he is not afraid to show people his music. He is ready to put it out there and show people what he’s got,” Wynn said. Another thing to consider for the up-and-coming musician is whether or not he will have a career with this later in life. It is an awesome thing to consider that someone from Granger could one day be famous. “He’s super-talented and he deserves a career and to be famous,” Beacham said. Now that would be exciting, and Aston is as excited as his fans. “I want it to become something that people enjoy and look forward to. Something that people get excited about, you know? I want it to become big enough that people can actually hear my music,” Aston said. Of course, with any passion,
there has to be a beginning, a source of inspiration. “My parents definitely gave me inspiration but not necessarily directly on music. The things that have happened in my family have provided a need to express feelings. When I picked up my first guitar, I knew that was how I’d do it,” he said. “Metallica was my favorite band for a long time, and I definitely think they have had an influence on me. But really, it’s people like Tyler Ward, Alex Goot and Lindsey Stirling who have given me a lot of hope. They they started out on YouTube as people who just wanted to be heard, and they’ve become amazing,” Aston said. Well it’s obvious that Aston has a lot of support around him. Remember to view his Facebook page and listen to his music. He’s always seeking advice and support from his fellow Lancers to further him in this adventure.
Spyhop’s studio might be located in a sketchy neighborhood, but that doesn’t stop Dallin Aston from recording his music for everyone to hear.
What to expect during graduation: day and night By Lyndsey Xa THE DAY most seniors have been looking forward to since they have entered high school is just around the corner. This year’s graduation will be held at the Maverik Center on June 5 at 7:00 p.m. The 2014 class will have the highest percentage of graduating students in the past five years and will also be the largest graduating class from Granger with over 500 graduates. On the morning of graduation (June 5), there will be a mandatory graduation practice at 7:30 a.m. for all seniors. This is to make sure that graduation runs smoothly and without kinks. Ms. Parrish and Ms. Peterson are in charge of graduation this
“We’ll be changing the lineup, year. “We are in charge of making sure everything is on schedule,” and girls and boys will be mixed,” Ms. Parrish said, “We’re also Ms. Peterson said. “There should be no problem not alphabetizing, so you have with seating everyone’s family the option to sit by your friends. There will be and friends,” some moniMs. Parrish toring of the said. Familineup in the lies should tunnel. We plan on arwant graduariving earlier if they have tion to be fun, a large party but orderly.” and want to “A reason sit together. we’re not alWith such phabetizing a big class is because we come a few Seniors count the days until graduation. want the auchanges. The classic tradition of dience to cheer for every graduseparating the class by gender ate,” Parrish said. will no longer be part of the grad“The lineup will for the most uation tradition at Granger High. part go boy, girl, boy, girl,” Ms.
Peterson said. Other than the different seating arrangements, the schedule for graduation should flow as normal. The Madrigals will perform and there will be speeches from the senior class president, valedictorian, and salutatorian. Graduation should end right around 9:00 p.m. making the graduation ceremony just around two hours. After graduation, Granger will host Break Out, an all night party for seniors from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. The pool and basketball courts will be open, and there will be a climbing wall, a blow-up screen for video games, a blowup obstacle course and free food will be served. There will also be games and gift card give-aways.
Young Lancers already driving
By Stephanie Garcia-Muro IT’S THE end of the year and as time goes by, more and more students get behind the wheel. Most of Granger Lancers start driving at a very young age and improve their driving skills over time. Marcela Medrano (12) said she started driving when she was 14 years old, and it was a bit scary driving on her own. Medrano also said driving has allowed her to be more independent, she has shown her parents that she’s a responsible driver and now has her own car to get around in. But Medrano isn’t the only one that started driving at a young age. Fernando Garcia (10) said he started driving when he was only 14 years old. Garcia also said that he’s become more independent and responsible behind the wheel. “When my parents would get in the car with me they’d tell me to be careful and keep my eyes on the road,” Garcia said. “It was kinda scary at first, but after the first couple times driving alone, I was good on my own.” Garcia now has his own truck. Joseph Gonzales (10) started driving when he was 12 years old. “I would always drive around when I was near my uncle. Most of the time he’d let me borrow his truck, and that’s how I learned,” Gonzales said. He also said that there’s been a couple times where he’s had road rage. Some of the things Gonzales has heard from his parents while driving with them were ‘Don’t go too fast,’ ‘Slow down,’ or what most parents say, ‘KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD.’ Gonzales has shown a lot of responsibility and now has his own car, but he isn’t the only one that drives to school daily. Elvis Palic (11) said he has his own car and is able to get to school, work and everywhere else on his own. “When I started driving on my own I thought it was fun, I loved it,” Palic said. “I’ve became more independent and responsible, well that’s what my family says, but my friends don’t think so,” he said. He has also gotten road rage before and says he’s been able to control it and doesn’t get it as much anymore. Controlling road rage and avoiding other poor drivers is really important.
Joseph Gonzales started driving when he was 12 years old.
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VOL. LVI Issue 9
May 2014, page 2
Seniors share favorite Granger memories
Erwin will remember Granger.
By Bianca Gomez AS SENIORS’ time as Granger Lancers soon comes to an end, students recollect a few memories from their three years at Granger. From hanging out with friends to just making sure no moment was wasted, they shared their best times in the old or new building. Being involved in sports guarantees having memories made with the team. “Senior Night with all the soccer boys was one of my favorite memories. It was our last home game and the end of the season,” Erwin Contreras (12) said. “It was a memorable game, I’m going to miss everyone a lot. We were on top of the world.” There were memorable times on other sports teams. “There was this time at a tennis game that I will always remember. It was when we beat Kearns; we were tied and we barely won. It was super intense,” Belith Rodriguez (12) said. Others simply remembered their best times shared with friends. “I loved sitting on the stairs in the old building with my friends, that was fun,” Alex Page (12) said. “We talked about a lot of serious things and contemplated life.” The moments enjoyed in high school are the ones to cherish forever. These are the stories to share with future sons and daughters when they are in high school. Once students leave to venture out into the real world, all their school friends will go on different paths. Besides preparing for the real world and giving students skills to succeed, school has also taught students to live in the moment and make it all worth it.
Students acquire their cars in many ways
By Shelly Ngo THE GRANGER High parking lot is filled with diversity. Many students here drive to school, and when passing the parking lot, people can see all types of cars parked there. There are trucks, SUVs, vans and the typical cars. Some students drive the cars they have for a particular reason, and also some students modify their cars to their liking. Dathan Jack (11) drives a 2007 Honda Civic, and he loves his car. His car is good on gas, and that means it keeps money in his pocket to spend on items for the car. “My dream car is a 1970 Chevelle,” Jack said. Custom things he did to his liking included just visuals like: tail lights, gas tank, rims and sound system. He also blew the engine in his car, but he got it replaced. Most students here don’t even own their own cars, some drives their parents car but it’s practically theirs since they drive it all the time. “Well yeah, I like the car am
currently driving. Who wouldn’t? It’s a Mercedes Benz,” Erwin Contreras (12) said. But his dream car is an Audi R8. The Mercedes Benz is his dad’s,
bought it for them for a gift. There is also a student here who paid his parents back for the car so technically now he owns the car. Luis Arellano (11) owns a Honda
Dathan Jack loves his 2007 Honda Civic.
and it’s all stocked, but he would do some modifications to it, if it were his. Then there are the students who own their own car, and they are happy that they have the car they have. There are some students here whose parents might have
CRX. His dad got him the car as a gift, and he paid his dad back for the car. “Hell Yeah, I love this car!” he said. Arellano’s dream car is a Nissan Skyline R34. “I’ve done about five plus modifications to my car, and it has become the car I want,” Arellano
said. He is also in a crew called MRK (Midnight Racing Kids) and he enjoys being with people who love cars and also enjoys knowing people who can help him with his car. “I love my car,” Jimmy Vo (11) said. He drives a Lexus IS300. He likes his car and these styles of cars. He would like to own a Volkswagen GTI. Vo is currently taking Auto Mechanics 1. There are many different types of cars here in the Granger High parking lot, and students have many ways of getting them. There are the ones that belong to parents and the ones students have paid for themselves. There aren’t any students who totally dislike the cars they drive, and they are all grateful. Or they should be. Students who aren’t grateful for the cars they drive should appreciate what they have, because some people can’t drive or don’t have a car that goes from point A to point B.
It’s sad to say goodbye to Mr. Haslam By Misty Garlick MOST GRANGER Lancers and staff will be sad to say goodbye to the beloved Mr. Haslam. He has been the principal of Granger High for four years. He has worked for Granite School District for 20 years now. He has worked as a teacher, coach, counselor, assistant principal and principal. He loved being a principal and counselor the most though. Mr. Haslam has worked for Hunter, Hillcrest, Taylorsville, and Granger. “I have loved Granger the most,” said Principal Haslam. “I have consistently gone to school or worked in a school since 1963 which is the year I graduated,” said Haslam. He will miss helping and doing things for the students the most. He feels that it is time to retire because his family is doing well financially. He will also miss getting to shake the seniors hands as they walk across the stage at graduation. He most enjoyed helping students reach their goals, and he has
helped teachers learn to be better teachers so they, too, can help students reach their goals. “I wish he would stay for at least one more year,” said Ms. Okelberry. She has loved work-
said Okelberry. “He is a very gifted leader,” Ms. Parrish said. She likes that he is consistent, fair, and works hard. “He always, always cares about other people’s feelings and
After four years at Granger, Mr. Haslam is retiring from Granite District.
ing with Mr. Haslam for the four years he has worked here at Granger. She believes he has done tremendous work, and is a hard worker. “I will miss how open-minded he is about things,”
thoughts.” She will miss how he always kept his fridge stocked with Diet Coke for her. Lancers who know Ms. Parrish know that she loves Diet Coke.
Ms. Judy said. “I think he is very good. He has been very inclusive -- even to us lowly secretaries.” He let Ms. Judy come over and take pictures of the new school before it was finished. And she was able to put them in the window so the students could see the school coming together. “It was nice, because nobody else was able to come over. Everyone could see it from the outside but not the inside, so I enjoyed showing students what was happening.” It was very thoughtful, because the experience of the students can sometimes be overlooked. She also believes that his job was very hard because of the new school. He had a lot of stress that came along with building this new school. Ms. Asay said that she isn’t too happy about him leaving because he has brought so much good to Granger High. “I believe that he does the best for the faculty and staff,” Asay said. “He has great leadership and he thinks of the students and what is best for them.”
Attend teacher retirement event in auditorium on May 28 By Yohnathan Rivas GRANGER high school has had teachers working here for quite sometime now. This year was the last time a few of them will ever teach. Ms. Bird will be one of the teachers to retire this year. She is very excited to retire this year. Ms. Bird is heading to college to study technology and humanities. “I will never forget about the students. I will miss every student and teacher because they all had different stories, and they all worked together,” Ms. Bird said. In the beginning Ms. Bird had decided to work at Granger only because it was available. Ms. Bird was going through a hard time then. She had to do whatever she could to help support her fam-
ily. After the first couple months leaving Granger this year. She dents the most. I like all the inwill complete her fifth year at teractions that I have with them,” she loved this school. Ms. Hedgepeth said. She hopes “I felt comfortable here. I like it Granger High School this June. to come back here here. I like the peoin the future as a ple. It is amazing to para-educator. She be at Granger High expects to work for School. I will truly three hours a day miss everyone,” with the students. Ms. Bird said. “I enjoyed the Ms. Spencer is time I had here at also retiring this Granger,” Hedgeyear. She is not peth said. too excited to reMs. Biggar began tire, because she her teaching career will miss the kids. in 1976. When she “I love how all started, she was exthese students have cited because she many backgrounds. Ms. Bird, Ms. Jameson, and Ms. Biggar plan to retire after 2013-14. was right fresh out I’ll miss my Granger Lancers, they are all great kids,” Ms. Hedgepeth has been a kind of college and ready to go. “Everyone was a cowboy! The Ms. Spencer said. and understanding teacher to her Ms. Hedgepeth will also be students. “I will miss my stu- only problem I had when I started
was the students that would spit chewing tobacco on the ground,” said Ms. Biggar. Ms. Biggar has seen all kinds of students. She will miss the students at Granger because they were all unique. “Granger is a wonderful place. I wouldn’t have stayed if I didn’t love it here,” Biggar said. Ms. Jameson will also be retiring this year. She was not going to retire because she felt that she needed to keep working, but then she got the news that she was able to retire. On May 28, the teachers will be having a farewell after school between the hours of 2:30 to 4:00. Everyone is invited to this event. Please come and say farewell to these wonderful teachers.
May 2014, page 3
VOL. LVI Issue 9
Gage Winters rounds up the year’s pop culture Opinion by Gage Winters GALAXY SIII’s, yoga pants, and flappy bird: This article is dedicated to this year’s fads and trends whether it be in music, technology, or even popular games in the App store. It’s an interesting task to look back upon a whole school year through the scope of pop culture, and remember some of the dorky stuff Lancers might have been wearing or doing just a few months ago, but that is just what I will embark upon in this article. What better place to start than the petition to kick Justin Bieber out of the country and back to his Canadian homeland? From petitioning the government to deport Bieber to changing state animals to pokemon, news found quite a range of topics.
That may be big, but there is nothing in popular culture comparable to Miley Cyrus. She’s been in headlines ever since her song, “We Can’t Stop” made many see her as desperate for attention. Then her next hit “Wrecking Ball” made many see her as emotionally deeper than before. Another huge part of popular culture in the past school year is definitely Beyonce and the release of her most recent album, accompanied with the radio overplaying her songs to the point that most people didn’t like it anymore. While still in the music arena it’s imperative to address the song “Rap God” by Eminem that came out relatively early last year before his album was released in the fall. The song pays homage
to many aspects of the original Marshall Mathers LP, and once again flexes Eminem’s rap skills and wit over a semi-dubstep beat made by DVLP. Why is the Galaxy SIII so popular? I’m not here to answer that, but I can tell you that instead it’s relatively expensive, has a big screen, an 8 megapixel camera, and it’s one of the fastest phones on the planet. The fashion trend this year for women is leggings or yoga pants whichever you prefer to call them. A couple of tips about leggings is to not wear them with a tube-top, if they’re thinner fabric wear Spanks under them, and beware of panty-lines. One of the biggest films of the past school year is undoubtedly Frozen. It has kept everybody
singing the original songs “Do You Wanna Build A Snowman” and “Let It Go”. When hearing friends singing these songs over and over may make the songs from Frozen the most annoying ones ever. I can’t deny the feelings of joy that wash over me while watching the film and singing them alone into my comb in my room. The film “Hunger Games: Catching Fire” once again, like it’s predecessor, took the public by storm grossing hundreds of millions in the first few weeks alone, and showing again Katniss Everdeen in a pretty dress. Many games on the App Store or Google Play are dominating popular culture. To name just a few of the games that have got Lancers frenzied: Flappy Bird,
Black Tile, and 2048. Playing these games is both a competitive as well as a cooperative experience with people, because the goal is to beat friends who are also playing the game, when those are often the same friends giving tips. Many viral videos have gotten huge during this school year from “What Does The Fox Say” to the most recent “Shovel Girl” which have thrived on social networks like YouTube and Vine. With our society so connected to each other through the Internet, texting and calling, it is easy to still have shared cultural experiences. We may not like everything that happens in pop culture, but no doubt will continue to make us laugh, cry, and bring us closer together.
Vending machines benefit school By Shannon Garcia The vending machines at Granger High School are supposed to be healthy for teenagers, which is a good idea. The state legislature wants our school to be healthy and be active and look healthy. The school store goes into the business, money business like that money helps us have dances at our school for a couple dollars or have activity classes, games for free. If you go to the after school program, it’s for free -- that’s what the school store money goes to, which is a good thing, because students have something to do af-
ter school and can have fun with their friends. The Coke machine earns a commission for the school, because the school does not own the Coke machine. It’s a good thing Granger has a Coke machine, because students can buy soda. The bad thing is that all the drinks are diet, which the students don’t usually want to buy unless they like diet soda. If they want a sugary soda, they can walk across the street and buy sodas, chips, candy, coffee, etc. “I don’t believe the government should tell us what to do,” Dr. Gatti said. “We should be the
one to take care of our body and be in shape. If we want to drink a Coke or eat chips, it’s up to us because we’re the one choosing to eat junk food, not them.” The vending machine’s candy bars are cheaper than at Hunter High School and Cottonwood High School, so be thankful to the school that Lancers don’t have to pay an extra fifty cents more. With 3000 students ready to buy Hot Cheetos, the school stocks machines several times each day. Look for the snack cart as it travels through the J-hall, and be sure to thank the school staff who satisfy Lancers’ snack cravings.
Mr. Rawlinson trains with National Guard
By Andres Esquivel then the least I can do is hold his soon. THERE are a lot of students and job for him,” he said. He has a goal of about five more teachers at Granger High that Cedrick Bristow (12) also feels years until he joins the National know Mr. Rawlinson as a great great appreciation for the bravery Guard full time. The training teacher, but not a lot know that of Mr. Rawlinson. He supports should only last about one month he is in the military. his upcoming training. “This is and he will be back for next He is a member of the Nathe most noble thing someone school year. tional Guard, and he has recently can do for their country,” Bristow Mr. Rawlinson has worked his been called up to complete some said with emotion. He feels much way up and continues doing so. training to rank up. He will miss passion for Rawlinson’s bravery. He started as a driver, and loved the last week it a lot and of school. has always There has wanted to be been a lot of in the Nationdiscussion that al Guard full Mr. Rawlinson time. will be leaving He signed for good and up to be called starting active to duty whenduty. ever the miliThis is not tary needed. true now, but Unfortunately he will be dofor him, he ing that later has never got on in his cahis wish of reer many being called years down into service. the road. This is why For the he is taknext couple ing the extra of years he courses and will be proud ranking up to teach at in command. Granger High The National Mr. Rawlinson will be back for 2014-15 after he completes a month of training and continue beGuard needs ing a Lancer. Mr. Rawlinson explained a few leaders, and Mr. Rawlinson is doHis job at Granger High is guardetails about what he is going to ing exactly what it takes to get anteed. “It is a federal law that be doing. He is working toward one of those spots. someone’s job must be saved if joining the National Guard in acThose who plan on joining the going to serve their country,” Dr. tive duty as a full-time job. military are encouraged by Mr. Gatti said. Also he is ranking up and taking Rawlinson to do so; he enjoys it. Dr. Gatti fully supports this, “If training courses so he is higher in A lot of Lancers support military someone is willing to take a bulcommand. Mr. Rawlinson is not service, and they thank all veterlet to protect me and my people, leaving Granger High anytime ans for keeping America safe.
The Hot Cheetos machine is very popular.
Tri-Color Times Staff Print Editor Kaitlin Cluff Online Editor Kaitlin Cluff
Managing Editor Kelly Sanmiguel Photo Editor Daryan Bauer
Reporters Brenda Aguilar Maria Avila Chardonnay Barlow Tinnesha Blackhorse Mc Call Buckley Naz Camacho Rosio Chacon Andres Esquivel Victoria Espinoza Angel Figueroa Nicole Carcia Shannon Garcia Stephanie Garcia-Muro Misty Garlick Brandon Godinez Bianca Gomez Tevita Havea Cris Hernandez Daniel Hernandez Jadira Hueramo Tina Huynh
Reporters Aide Hurtado Halina Johnson Correna Leatherwood Samantha Lopez Rigoberto Lopez Antonio Loredo Taylor Molis Andrea Montes Shelly Ngo Brenda Nguy Yohnathan Rivas Mariana Rivera Melany Rivera Kevyn Robles Roxana Salgado Kelly Sanmiguel Mohammed Sheikh Lucia Urcino Gage Winters Lyndsey Xa Lizbeth Zavala
The Tri-Color Times serves as a student forum for student opinion and student expression. The views expressed herein reflect neither the opinions of Adviser 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 School 3580 South 3600 West West Valley, UT 84119 (385) 646-5320
May 2014, page 4
VOL. LVI Issue 9
Some seniors say goodbye to sports careers
Quincy Puffer is excited about her summer trip to Europe.
Senior trips help celebrate graduation By Samantha Lopez AS THE school year comes to an end seniors are starting to plan their celebrations for graduation from Granger High School. Many of the seniors have had this planned for a very long time and have been anticipating this for years. Some seniors might be doing something simple like taking a trip to visit a family member and some might be doing a whole tour around Europe. “I will be going on a two-week cruise to Germany, Russia, Estonia, Denmark, Sweden and Norway,” Quincy Puffer (12) said. Many seniors have been planning this since they started high school. They have been looking forward to finally being done with school and doing something else in their lives. Having a senior trip is taking that step into starting their lives as an adult and no longer a high school student. Some of the seniors are just going out of state to visit family that they haven’t seen in awhile. “I will be going back to Ohio to go visit my family and go to an old friend’s graduation,” Angelica Juarez (12) said. The senior trips will be something that they will remember for the rest of their lives. It is going to be a trip that they will be taking as adults. Many of the seniors have already taken a trip to celebrate their graduation. “I have gone to Disneyland and went to visit
Hollywood during spring break; my family took me as one of my graduation gifts,” Daniel Chogas (12) said. Taking a trip outside Utah is something that most seniors are trying to accomplish, and it could also be the first time they will be leaving the state. This will mean that they will get to see the rest of the world as adults, no longer as high school students. Going to see the different sites around the world and being able to say that they have seen that part of the world is also something that they will be doing. “ I am excited to go to Germany to be able to educate myself better on what happen in the concentration camps. It will be an inspiring and also one of the most emotional things that I have ever done, but I am looking forward to it,” Puffer said. Going to a small trip is what some seniors are looking forward to especially if during that small trip, they will be able to see a special someone. Going for a onenight trip will be an adventure in itself and that will make their whole summer. “In August, I will see Beyonce and Jay-Z in Las Vegas. I will fly there for the night by myself, but for this trip, I would rather have it that way,” Devan Kinnear (12) said. Senior trips are going to be something to remember for the rest of their lives, so while on these trips, seniors should make sure to have lots of fun.
By Kelly Sanmiguel from her when it comes to tech- played with,” Leng said. HIGH SCHOOL is full of both nique,” Melissa Saxton (12) said. “I had to get over my fear of wonderful and horrible memories Coaches and assistant coaches are water,” Sanchez said. from that first time through the selected to help players grow and Personal demons sadly aren’t school’s doors to the last steps on thrive; however, if the player isn’t the only obstacles. Injuries, work, the Maverik Center stage to re- willing, nothing can be forced. homework, and even ineligibility ceive a diploma. One of the many “Being on drill for three years can become issues. possible memories a student can has been an unforgettable experi“[My biggest obstacles of behave of high school is the memo- ence! It’s definitely been the hard- ing on Dance Co.] were trying to ry of playing a sport. est three years of my life but it’s keep up with the little time spared As seniors get closer and closer so worth it! Drill has made me the and getting my homework done to their final days at Granger, not person I am today: responsible, and as well jumping from dance only do they begin saying good- reliable, disciplined and confi- to work,” Yahaira Gutierrez bye to peers and teachers, but dent. I had a love/hate relation- (12) said. those who have played “I had a high ankle a school sport also say sprain twice, but I nevgoodbye to coaches er stopped playing,” and teammates. Pierre said. It is safe Sports not only reto say that Pierre was quire physical endurone of the many lucky ance, but also determiathletes who weren’t nation and a good GPA. all that phased by an Through high school, injury. many new responsibiliGranger athletes ties arise and participahave gained leadertion in a sport lengthens ship, patience, good the to-do list. However, sportsmanship, work there are many seethic, personal mental nior athletes who have control, endurance, played throughout high commitment, humility, school, possibly even friendship, technique longer than that. There Sporty seniors Summer Judd, Kylon Pierre and Deanne Huynh and memories. are also those who only had one ship with it. At the end of the day, Playing a sport is not only good or two seasons with a team. I appreciate and love every single for physical health, it can also “I’ve been playing [baseball] minute of it,” Jasmin Mendoza help one grow in many other my whole life,” Nick Weten- (12) said. ways as long as one is ready to kamp (12) said. It is very unlikely to have an dedicate much time and effort to “I’ve been playing [football] athlete who doesn’t give it his or training. since I was 8, on Granger’s little her all, yet then again it’s easy If the dedication to a sport conleague team,” Kylon Pierre (12) to gain the “good enough” men- tinues even after high school has said. tality which is hard to overcome wrapped, chances are athletes “ [I began] my softball career 13 sometimes. “I’m kinda sad that will continue on with it. years ago when I was five,” Sum- it’s over, I should have practiced Pierre and Judd have decided to mer Judd (12) said. more,” Yao Afatcho (12) said. continue playing at a college lev“I’ve been playing golf for 14 There are many brick walls that el. Judd was scouted and is set to years,” Henry Leng (12) said. can be faced, yet impossible to play softball in Colorado. Pierre “I was varsity captain for the overcome isn’t the right way to will play football for the Universwim team along with three oth- describe them. sity of Utah. ers for my first and last season,” “When practice got hard, I Playing a sport in high school Orlando Sanchez (12) said. wanted to quit, but I got an ‘I’m not only creates endurance, it There are so many factors that not a quitter attitude,’ ” Afatcho also makes friendship and growth come along with having a good said. much more possible. If a sport season: grades, ability, gear, “Yeah there were obstacles, like looks like it’s worth playing, talk teammates, coaches and the will- not playing so well, but I started to a coach, talk to the players -ingness to learn and grow. all season on the field for base- go out and get involved. “My first year on Granger’s soc- ball,” Wetenkamp said. It’s beautiful to look back at high cer team was Ms. Berrett’s first “My race and finances made me school and the all the memories year also, and I learned so much different from all the Eastsiders I made playing a sport.
After amazing season, Granger High’s soccer team goes to playoffs By Mohammed Sheikh THE NIGHT began with the Granger boys soccer team celebrating by chanting, “Playoffs! Playoffs! Playoffs!” after taking second place in the region. After four years, the boys soccer team is in the playoffs. After practicing and playing together for the last two years, the team has been able to communicate and play together to become a better team. The team this year has become closer and begun to understand each other’s skills and game play. Communication within the team has become most important, and the team has learned to believe in themselves rather than needing to hear it from others. The soccer team worked very hard to accomplish their goal of taking second place in the region this year. Vicente Lucena (12) said this year was very different and difficult for soccer. The team set a goal and did what they could to accomplish it. “We had the best defense
in region. We were an inch away from being region champions but we really accomplished a goal and did something Granger boys soccer knew they could do,” Lucena said. “Beating Hunter during both home and away games, hav-
gion. The JV this year could make it to state in two or three years. “We have a wonderful coach, too. We are so good this year and it’s fun to practice and play with my team,” Spencer Brown (12) said. “We played for each other this
was about playing as a team and play for the teammate who’s next to you on the field,” he said. Brown said he had been waiting for this team for two years, and it finally came together this year. “We know each other’s weak-
Communication and training paid off for Granger’s soccer team as they drove themselves to succeed in 2014.
ing the best defense, and making it to playoffs has made this a perfect season.” Coach Okeson also assembled one of the best JV teams in the re-
year. We played for the brother who’s next to me and I think that’s what Granger sports should do. This year it wasn’t only about having fun and playing soccer, it
nesses, we have fun and we just play for each other. I had a feeling after Opie made his last cut and announced the team that we would do something special. It
was the team we always wanted” Brown said. While soccer is win or lose, Granger’s team set a goal in the beginning of the year to keep playing to do their best. “This year we are not only a soccer team. We are more than teammates. For us it’s about the team chemistry, we’ve been together planning since last summer,” Daniel Anguiano (12) said. He said that they worked hard and looked to Coach Okeson to lead the team and help to keep their heads up. “This year we have a team that just doesn’t know how to play with the ball, but knows how to play as a team. Every single player has surprise skills, speed and more. This has been the best team I have played with,” Erwin Contreras (12) said. “We are just boys who are trying to have fun and play soccer outside of the field. We are playing for each other and having fun,” Brendon Mortenson (11) said.
VOL. LVI Issue 9
May 2014, page 5
Follow up with the freshmen -- Granger High’s first ninth graders By Maria Avila people; most of them were very “It was mostly boring because of THE TIME has come. It is the nice, but some were not.” the classes. None of the classes I end of the school year meaning Although she thought that had were fun.” seniors graduate, but freshman freshman year was OK, others At the beginning of every new year is over, too. school year students With this being expect the year to go the freshman class’s a certain way, but first year in Granger, most of the times it there needs to be a goes completely diffollow-up on their ferently. first year in high “This year I school. thought I was going The main question to be all by myself, that freshmen were but then I met a ton asked was how their of new people who first year in high soon became my school went. friends. So no, my “It was OK,” year did not go as Freshman year at Granger is quite a transition from junior high. Stephanie Bernabe I expected,” Bernabe (9) said. “It was only OK, be- did not. “My freshman year was said. cause I got to meet a lot of new boring,” Kaiya Sheppard (9) said. Sometimes the school year does
not go as planned, but sometimes the school year goes exactly as expected. “My school year went exactly how I thought it would. It was the same thing over and over again. For example, I woke up, got ready and then went to my classes,” Sheppard said. “The only reason it went exactly how I thought it would is because school is boring and nothing really changes during the school time.” However, when the school year sometimes does not go as planned, many exciting things can happen. “I enjoyed having a bigger variety of classes to chose from,” Bernabe said. “Last year in junior high we did not have most of
the classes that you have here in Granger.” “For me the best thing that happened was being able to go out for lunch,” Sheppard said. “In junior high I did not like the school lunch so being able to choose from eating school lunch or going out to eat lunch is the best thing about being in high school.” “Some advice I would give to the new ninth graders of next year is to just be friendly with everyone and do not be afraid to ask questions. You can ask any teacher or your counselor,” Bernabe said. This year brought big changes to Granger High School, and going from being in junior high to being in high school was a big change for the freshman.
Off campus lunch and extra-curricular activities please freshmen By Victoria Espinoza MOST OF the freshmen had good experiences here at Granger. Students have been able to really put themselves out there whether its clubs, sports or just doing well in school. “My ninth grade experience is way more different, because you have to care about your grades, and the teachers are more strict. My favorite part of ninth grade is meeting a lot more new people because I used to be that shy person in junior high. The people here are a lot more different. They mind their own business and don’t really gossip. I like that you get to eat somewhere that you enjoy. Since I’m taking honors this year,
it’s harder. The normal classes are pretty easy. I’m happy that I am going to be a sophomore, because school is almost over after that,” Aisha Halikevic (9) said. High school is much bigger than junior high, and a student can meet new people and make a lot more friends. In high school there is less drama and less gossip, because you are in an environment where you have to be a lot more mature. “My ninth grade experience was over all fun and full of excitement. There was never a dull moment. My favorite part of my ninth grade year was volleyball and football season. High school is way better than junior high. It
has more opportunities and more fun activities. I liked off-campus lunch a lot, because we did fun stuff off campus. My classes this year was easier than I expected. I’m excited to be a sophomore, because it’s a step closer to graduation.” Siale Samani (9) said. Many students are finding out that they have to try to put a little more effort in school because everything this year is starting to count toward their fu-
ture. “I learned a lot this year. My fa-
vorite part about this year was the spirit assembly. People are a lot more mature in high school than
they are in junior high. It feels good to get away from school for a while. Some of my classes were easy, and some of them were harder. I’m kind of scared to be a sophomore next year because we only have three more years until we graduate and those three years are going to go by fast,” Brenda Morales (9) said. Many of the students were able to really find themselves by joining new activities and putting themselves out there as they met new friends..
good old times they spent through the years. Many have made great memories and are planning to take those memories with them throughout the years to come. “One of my favorite memories was the stage crew meeting after Peter Pan, it reminded me of how this school has been my home for three years and that I have a family that I love here,” Sage Brewster (12) said. Besides all the good memories that were made this school year there have also been memories that as much as students want to forget them, those bad memories will always come back in future occasions. “I was in dance class and I forgot the dance and was so lost, I ended up stepping on someone
else and making them trip. It was the most embarrassing moment ever,” Estefani Juarez (9) said. There are many students who have really enjoyed it this year and have had no problems. Many students have had nothing but a good time and can’t think of anything negative about this year. “This year was great better than most years, I have nothing bad to say because there weren’t any bad moments,” Alecle Apsimalis (11) said. No matter what, all students have been able to take a piece of Granger High with them to remember all that they accomplished this year. All students are now shutting off their brains to school and opening it up for the summer.
The ninth graders had a great year.
Lancers count down the days until summer vacation By Melany Rivera tain a good GPA alongside being they never imagined themselves SUMMER is just around the cor- chosen for an internship at IMC. ever having. Students have startner and many students are already It has been pretty wild,” Bryan ed doing things for their future counting down the days until they Guzman (11) said. careers and are working really are out of school. hard to maintain it Many Lancers are that way. excited to finally “I used to be the have some in the type of girl who sun but not withwouldn’t talk to out looking back anyone because of at old times during how shy I was, but the year. Some look as the time went by, back to the beginI started becoming ning of the school more comfortable year to find those and finally just came special moments out of my shell,” and others just look Daisy Hernandez back to maybe to a (9) said. Alecle Apsimalis is happy that the school year is almost finished. couple of weeks ago. There some Lancers “This year has been a rollerMany students have had a crazy that are celebrating their last year coaster for sure, with having to year filled with many new oppor- at Granger High and are taking balance a job and trying to main- tunities and new experiences that their time to travel back to the
Today’s juniors are both scared and excited to be seniors By Taylor Molis GRADUATION comes much faster than any student can imagine. This year’s class of 2014 is almost out of here, and they are ready to start their own lives in the world. With that, comes the passing of the torch to this year’s juniors, the class of 2015. While some of these juniors are scared to represent the school, others cannot wait. There is definitely something special about our Lancer juniors. Not only will they be the second graduating class of this new school, but also they are the last class that came from the old school. Next year’s juniors, sophomores and freshman can’t say they had the opportunity to
be a part of the old school, which gives the class of 2015 a stronger connection to the history of Granger High School. “The old school felt really homey,” Ryanna Chandler (11) said. “It’s pretty awesome that we have that piece of history with us, but also kind of a weird feeling that we are the last class.” “I’m sad because there’s all these really awesome people that are leaving that we won’t get to see much more,” she said. “It just won’t be the same without them next year. I am excited and nervous to replace them as seniors. I want to do a lot to represent the school, and I’ll have a job on the side, so it will be a pretty interesting year. Part of me can’t wait!”
While some students are excited like Hunter who aren’t, there are seniors I am going to miss, and for the next school year, others students like Jonathan Bown then next year I will have to leave like Cassidy Hunter (11) aren’t (11) who are absolutely terrified, and it just makes me really sad.” “I am really looklooking forward to ing forward to colit so much, “I’m lege, so that kind of already sick of this softens the blow, I year and the whole know for sure I want idea just makes me to go to California nervous,” she said. for school, maybe “I don’t like thinkUSC or something, ing about college. I’ll just have to make Change kind of just sure my grades are freaks me out in up to par,” he said. general. There are “But I am really so many decisions I scared to graduate; have to make senior there are so many year, and I am such Ryanna Chandler has big aspirations for the future. faces I won’t be seeing an indecisive person. “It really makes me depressed,” anymore that have made such a It’s just going to be crazy.” Beyond the students like Chan- Bown said. “I am not ready to big impact on my life. I am defidler who is excited and students say goodbye, there are so many nitely going to miss them.”
May 2014, page 6
VOL. LVI Issue 9
An examination of the situation with fighting at Granger By Eduardo Lopez “Although, we had more fights school population has doubled in HONESTLY, problems can es- this year at the new Granger than numbers,” Dr. Gatti said. calate quickly without hesita- last year, if you look at the numWith so many kids in the same tion. Usually place it is obviignorance kicks ous problems will in with the situarise, both petty ation and many and big. Somestudents seem to times nothing understand that even has to be very clearly. done in order for Many students tensions to grow. on the Granger Back in 2009campus would 2010 the number agree that fights of incidents at are very amusthe school was ing. They may estimated at 50 cause great chaos, fights. However it and mayhem. It’s is possible more Andrew Som doesn’t think that fighting solves any problems in the long run. evident that when fights were una fight goes down, students are bers of incidents they have dou- recorded. Yet the ‘09-’10 school more than ready to crowd around. bled unfortunately because the year had the highest fighting in-
cidence ratio throughout the past five years. 2011, 2012 and 2013 had fewer fights by a wide margin. When two students have a conflict at the school and they can’t resolve it, usually they won’t take the time to talk it out personally with each other. Mr. Ballew while teaching at the old Granger one day was strolling around the building during lunch and saw two young girls fighting, so he had them separated as another bystander went to get an administrator. If an administrators witness a fight, it’s mandatory for them to break it up, but teachers should only break up fights if they feel they can do so safely. “Fighting is something that in-
volves anger, never wisdom. In the end the problem is still there, all that becomes known is who is stronger,” Andrew Som (11) said. That’s where the situation can lead to a bigger conflict, if not resolved sooner. Students should be aware of the consequences of fighting they’ve heard about in the halls, the streets or even the social media online. The consequence for fighting any where on the school grounds can result in paying the school district $50 with a court date due to disorderly conduct. The rules can also apply to any or all the bystanders who film, post, or even encourage fighting to escalate the problem.
There’s mixed opinions about gang-related issues at Granger High By Cris Hernandez ONE ISSUE that Granger High School has is gang issues. It might or might not be neglected depending on who’s asked, but it’s easy to find out what adults and kids know just by asking. David Morales, is one of the hall monitors at Granger, and he believes there is a gang issue here at Granger, just like at any other school. “All schools have gangs,” Morales said. He thinks that the reason why kids are in gangs is to emulate family members who might be in gangs. He or she wants to be just like that relative in the family. “Maybe a brother or someone
is influencing a Granger High student to be part of a gang,” Morales said. He has seen certain kids who look like they’re in a gang, but he also sees love and peace and kids trying to improve both in and out of school. “They are trying to stay out of gangs,” he said. Morales likes that he has seen improvement with Granger students, and he is hoping for the best for all students. He has seen there are fewer gang-related issues this year and less gang involvement. Alvaro Gonsalez (11) has seen gang activity here at Granger. He has seen gang members in the streets who come to Granger.
He doesn’t like gangs when their members try to harm people. The gang issue at Granger does not intimidate him, and he doesn’t mind that gang members attend Granger as long as they don’t mess with him. He stays away from gangs and is doing well in school. He would like to keep it that way and stay out of trouble. Detective Veatupu really knows how it is with the gang issue at Granger, and that members of about 15 different gangs attend Granger including: South Siders, Crips, Qubo’s and Raskals. Veatupu knows the students at Granger High, and the gang
members do not intimidate him. He is a great resource for students who want to try one the Granite School District’s programs de-
Sandra hasn’t noticed gangs at GHS.
signed to help students get out of gangs. Gangs are usually involved in
aggravated assaults, thefts, burglaries, robberies and weapons violations. One thing Veatupu likes is that the gangs keep gang activities out of school. Sandra Gomez (10) she says there are no gang issues here. “I don’t see any gangbangers here,” she said. She doesn’t fear the gangs. “I don’t see much gang activity here,” Gomez said. She has noticed that certain individuals dress like they are trying to intimidate others. “I don’t think fighting over a color is worth it,” Gomez said. She thinks that gangs take time and opportunities from your life and stresses families.
Camera surveillance increases in new Granger High building By Aide Hurtado is a school shooter the police of- Granger only had 14 cameras. THERE are six times more cam- fice can access our cameras so on They keep students and staff eras at the new Granger then there their way here they can find the safe,” Dr. Gatti said. were at the old Granger. individual from outside of cam“We have a total of 88 cameras “Granger has over in the school, they 3,000 students, in were very expensive order to make sure but very useful. It that everyone is safe is so that strangers we need to so many can’t come in. Only cameras pull up the administration has camera to find peoaccess to the cample or to see if someeras. We don’t check thing happened,” them every day, but administration inwhen something tern Mr. Moore said. happens, it’s useful “Cameras don’t alto have them there,” ways deter but they Ms. Callahan said. help us find out what Nubia Gonzalez thinks cameras record stuff no one wants to watch. “There are only happened. Cameras a few cameras in the send groups messages and pro- pus,” Dr. Gatti said. parking lot along the driveway vide a feeling of safety to the ma“We are currently the school because they made a new parkjority of the population. If there with the most cameras. The old ing lot, but there will be more
added,” Ms. Callahan said. “I think they put so many cameras because it is a bigger school and with more students,” Nubia Gonzalez (11) said. “I don’t think there should be so many cameras there’s no privacy if I were to pick my wedgie, anybody could go on the camera and see it. I guess they just want to spy on us and see what we are doing at all times of the day.” “But then again the cameras are useful to us because when there is something suspicious going on, they can just go and check and stop it before it gets out of control. They do keep us safe and they must have spent a lot of money on them. I bet all this surveillance is expensive,” she said. “I wonder why they didn’t have
this many cameras at the old Granger. If all these cameras are for security, did security not matter before? Or did we not have money for it, because going from 14 cameras to 88 is a big stretch.” Erick Rosas (11) said. “I think that it is good that we have so many cameras. It can stop a lot of things that shouldn’t be happening when they can locate your exact location and whereabouts,” he said. “Our school is smart because if we had a bomb threat or a shooter, then they would be able to locate him immediately where other schools they have to go looking all over. Here they can just go look on the cameras and go catch him right away before he hurts anyone,” Rosas said.
Kelly Sanmiguel says ‘Goodbye’ to Granger in a Letter Opinion by Kelly Sanmiguel DEAR GRANGER, I still remember my last day of ninth grade when it was still taught in a junior high. The thought of accomplishment and fear; I was going to be a sophomore at Granger High School soon. It was both scary and nervewracking because I wasn’t sure whether to be excited about the adventures that were coming or scared of the fact that I was now a guppy among 16, 17 and 18-yearolds. Then the day came when I had to get up (after actually sleeping for once on the night before a first day of school) and I felt good! I still remember my fashion
choice for that day, on my first day of actual high school. I wore gray to show some school spirit, just kidding I thought the shirt was cute. I had fresh crayons and colored pencils in my backpack along with all my other supplies. I hadn’t been too sure about what to buy for school, but I had an older sister who was a Wolverine – lame – and well, I tried to remember what she used, and I went from there. It seems like such a long time ago, yet it hasn’t been all that long. I entered Granger as a sophomore the fall of 2011 and now it’s the spring of 2014: the time in which flowers bloom, bugs come out and seniors do all the final
things needed to graduate. I’m now one of those seniors. Tenth grade was a time in which I hit one of my biggest rebellious phases. I started the year strong, it was the big leagues and I was going to kill it. I wanted to try out for volleyball and basketball, of course I hadn’t realized how early the tryouts for volleyball had been, the day of registration to be exact so that dream kind of died. As for basketball, well it became something I didn’t spend much time thinking about because I didn’t think I would make it, also sloughing had became part of my school day. From a great first quarter to the rest of the year, the struggle kept growing. In the end, my first AP
class was an epic fail, I failed cooking, and well I only went to gym because there was a cute boy in there. Class was a priority, yet it ranked beneath my friends. However I had no problem going to class, since there were a lot of cool kids in my classes. Junior year was a blur to an extent only because it was a quick year. I started the year ready, and prepared for all that was to come or so I thought. Stuff happened, but it was a good year. Maturity and intelligence levels increased, and I felt OK about the 22 on my ACT. I recall the first day of senior year well because I didn’t think I was going to experience it at Granger High; Yet i’m glad I did.
I walked in feeling like any senior before me and after me: nervous and ready.I hope the juniors understand that senioritis is real and can be deadly. Looking back it’s amazing how quickly the days, months and years passed. If I could have had any advice when I started out my high school experience it would have been to try a little harder in school in all aspects, school, academics and such. However my days at Granger high were beautiful, and I learned a lot when I kept my eyes and ears open. I hope others enjoy Granger. I did for three years, ‘Tis a farewell Granger however, once a Lancer always a Lancer. Xoxo
May 2014, page 7
VOL. LVI Issue 9
The perks of solitude benefit those who choose to be alone By Chardonnay Barlow IN TODAY’S society, being seen sitting alone is seen as introverted. Being alone, an outcast among men, is looked down upon. Modern psychology pegs being alone by choice as a behavioral problem. To be normal, one must remain among others and be one with the crowd. Teens nowadays know the stereotypical description of being isolated. “I honestly see an insane asylum patient in a padded room,” Ashley Orellana (12) said. “Those who prefer solitude… are seen as eccentric at best and defective at worst, and are often presumed to be suffering from some social anxiety, boredom and/or alienation,” reporter Leon Neyfakh writes at the boston-
globe.com website. There is a difference between loneliness and being in solitude. People choose to be in solitude, not to be lonely. Although it is socially accepted that to be healthy one must be social, new studies have shown that solitude, in certain circumstances and in moderation, can be beneficial to individuals. A study at Harvard University shows that memories experienced while alone are more vividly remembered than those experienced with someone else there. Another study found that solitude experienced while younger could make a person more empathetic to others. In fact, solitude has been linked to great creativity, spirituality and intellect.
CPA affects Lancers By Kevyn Robles GRADUATION is around the corner and some of the senior Lancers are less excited than the rest. Some Lancers are caught up with grades and CPA and are very anxious and excited for June 5. While the rest of the Lancers are frightened they may not be walking with the rest of their classmates. It may seem like there is a simple solution to not having a decent GPA for graduation. The CPA requirement for graduation is a 2.0 and in case of failing to obtain the 2.0 in CPA, students will not be able to walk during graduation day. The day students have dreamed about for so long can be ruined after a peer invited someone to slough. “Probably if students showed up to school, they wouldn’t have to worry about CPA make up,” Ms. Johnson said. Showing up to classes is the best way to avoid having a bad CPA and staying on track for graduation. Students seem to take CPA as a joke until counselors start handing out CPA make up sheets. “I’m scared I may not walk because I have to do 19 hours of
Candice Trusty (12) agrees. “Creativity can be boosted with isolation. It leaves you to your own thoughts without interruption,” she said. Although in general, solitude has shown to be beneficial to people, studies have also shown the particular benefits solitude provides for teens. Teens who experience moderate amounts of “alone time” have shown improved moods and earn good grades. Most teens say they prefer to be alone than spend time with others, as there is not anyone there to judge or scold them for their opinions or actions. They can actually focus on an objective rather than everything else around them. Recently, the line between being alone and not alone has be-
CPA recovery, and there is only 25 school days left,” Nicole Garcia (12) said. Garcia is anxious she might not earn her hours in time, but it’s something she could have avoided if only she attended class. “All you have to is show up,” Mr. Oaks said. He agrees with Ms. Johnson. Showing up may seem like the hardest thing to do for some of the seniors. “I get too lazy to come now, I just want school to be over,” Cristian Avellaneda (12) said. Seniors see graduation so close that they become lazier to come now, and they hurt their CPA even more. “We offered students plenty of ways to make up CPA. Seniors were able to donate blood, do community service and stay after school,” Oaks said. But some of the students still didn’t put enough effort to make up their citizenship or they kept ditching class and not showing up to school. “The best advice I can give the upcoming seniors is, go to class, show up and make up your citizenship hours on time. Then walking with your class won’t even be something to worry about,” Garcia said.
Summer credit recovery available By Michael Gomez SOME STUDENTS at Granger may be behind on their credits, but there are ways to make them up such as credit recovery after school or summer school. Yes it’s summer and students have been waiting for school to be over, but some Granger students need summer school especially if they want to graduate. It will only take time in the morning, then students will have the rest of the day to enjoy their summer. Summer school is a great option for students. “I need to make up several credits, and that’s why I want to go to summer school,” Daniel Esquivel (11) said. Summer school isn’t as bad as it sounds. There are two sessions of summer school. The first session of summer school starts on June 16 and ends on July 10. Classes and credit recovery are offered from Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Students don’t have to stay the entire time. It can be as long as the student desires. The second session is July 14 through August 7. Registration happens May 27-30 during any lunch and then again June 9-12 from
8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the commons area. For Granger students, the packets or classes are only $10 each. Unfortunately for non-Granger students they will be $45 each. Payments will be due at the time of registration. There is a choice for students of either working with packets or taking the classes. “I don’t want to do any packets in summer school, I just want to take the classes for math, because I think it would be much easier for me instead of doing packets,” said Esquivel. Many students are in desperate need of credit make up, yet there will be plenty who choose to skip summer school this year. Those who take summer school this year will have a much greater chance to graduate on time than those who don’t. “Next year I plan on taking two math classes since I have most of my electives done. That way I can graduate on time,” Esquivel said. The teachers in credit recovery classes and packet rooms are more than willing to help out the students as much as they can if students are willing to put their effort in it.
come uncertain. With advances made in technology, hanging out in the living room with friends has been transformed into texting from home. This makes attempts at understanding the abstract concept of solitude all the more aggravating. Trusty understands this teenaged experience of connected solitude, “Technology has changed the means of connectivity. It’s different and difficult to explain, but it is there…” Just like in everything, all people are different. Prescribing exactly how much alone time a person needs is nearly impossible. Students differ on when they prefer to be alone. “If I’m in a happy mood, I prefer to be with people. When I’m sad,
I need to be alone,” said Trusty. In contrast, Orellana, prefers to be with friends when depressed. “It depends on someone’s personality whether they want to be alone or with others,” Orellana said. But both agree that moments with people and moments in isolation are equally important. “There has to be a delicate balance,” Orellana said. In order to have any benefit from being alone, it must be by choice, not forced. One must feel in control – that it’s just a ‘timeout’ from people, rather than a forced exile. In order to truly appreciate time with other people, one must also experience time alone: recharge the social battery, so to speak.
Google with more skill
Opinion by Daniel Hernandez GOOGLE is something you probably use on a daily basis, but sometimes you just can’t find an answer to what you search. Here are some tips on how to be better at searching on Google. You should always try to keep your search simple. Say you’re trying to look for a Gamestop, try searching “Where’s the nearest Gamestop?” or if you’re looking for a more specific location try “Gamestop Salt Lake City”. You may also want to try using voice search if you just don’t feel like typing or you just prefer it. Try using some web friendly words, instead of searching “my head hurts” try searching “headache” because if you’re trying to find medical advice chances are that’s the term they’re going to use. Forget about the little things, don’t hassle over spelling everything right Google will automatically spell check everything for you. It really doesn’t make a difference if you use capitalization because searching for “Granger High School” gives you the same result as “granger high school”. Don’t worry about punctuation Google tends to ignore most of it.
Say you just have a question, just type it in and chances are you’ll find it in the search results. What if you want to know what the weather is in New York, just search “weather new york” and there you go: Google gives you both the current weather and an 8-day forecast. If you just want to know the definition of a word like airplane, simply search “define airplane”, and it will give you the correct pronunciation, definition and synonyms. Maybe you need the answer to 567x23, just search 567*23 and Google will give you the answer or solve complex equations. Maybe you want to do a unit conversion like currency just search “five dollars to euros” and it gives you the conversion, you can also search feet to meters or cups to fluid ounces, the list goes on. You can also simply search your favorite sports team and Google will give you a brief Wikipedia background info and the latest result or next match. Google also gives you quick facts by searching the name of a celebrity, location, movie, or song and Google will give you important facts about them.
Earn credit online right now
By Roxana Salgado STUDENTS at Granger now have the opportunity to get high school credit online for free. The only requirements are to be from the Granite District and be enrolled for the 2014-15 school year in grades seven through eleven. This opportunity is for everybody; it doesn’t matter if a student has all his or her credits or even extra credits, the student may continue to get credits. There are many students from the Granite School District who need credits because they have failed one or more classes, and this is the perfect opportunity to get those made up absolutely free. “I’m going to do the classes online this summer because I have a lot to make up, and I hope I can finish them,” Juan Rubio (11) said. The downside to this opportunity is that students will have to do this on a computer, and for some students that can be a challenge when it comes to staying on task. Although they will have the chance to chat with a teacher live and get help when needed. Still, there are many positives to doing it online. For example, students will be able
to complete their work early in the morning, late at night or just whenever they have time during the day. That’s not all -- Granger High School students are given a great opportunity to fix their credits by making it up in time for graduation. To graduate in the Granite District, a student must have at least 24 credits in order to get a district diploma. Although to be able to walk across the stage in Granger’s graduation ceremony and get the official Granger High School diploma, a student must earn 27 credits. “I want to do this so I can graduate on time, not many people want to take the online classes because they can become boring and it’s a challenge to stay on task,” Rubio said. The classes offered for credit recovery are: astronomy, computer tech, driver education, English 12, English 9, financial lit, fitness for life, health, government, P.E. 9, wildlife biology, secondary math 1, 2 & 3 and finally U.S. history. Any student could go talk to a counselor and sign up for this and look forward to being on a computer before the deadline on June 13.
VOL. LVI Issue 9
May 2014, page 8
Summer blockbusters
Michelle Sorely gives her best superhero pose while wearing her Marvel shirt.
Lancers explain Marvel movies are best
By Tina Huynh WHATEVER the time, whatever the occasion, whatever the odds are, watching a Marvel movie is always going to be a good time. Honestly, everyone loves superheroes that avenge the earth. The idea of saving someone has everyone hooked onto every word they speak and eyes that never miss a scene. Marvel movies are extremely action packed, are comically hilarious in between, and have a side love story that no one likes to admit are actually brilliant. “The Avengers has to be my favorite Marvel movie. It has a bunch of superheroes combined in one movie and they save the world. It really couldn’t be better. I also like the Amazing SpiderMan 2. I have to admit that I’m not a really big Spider-Man fan, but that movie was really good. Thor is my favorite, though because he’s a God and also because he’s so willing to protect the earth no matter what, even though it’s not his planet. And because he’s good looking! He has a really
nice, deep voice. I also like the Hulk because whenever he gets angry, he destroys stuff. He has cool powers like Hulk Smash,” Michelle Sorely (10) said. There’s definitely no lying when all of the ladies say that a lot of the superheroes are attractive. Most of them, all of them. Same thing. “I’ve always liked Marvel ever since I was a little kid. It gives me hope that I can be a superhero, too,” Sorely said. It’s hard to find someone that doesn’t like Marvel movies, but those rare, rare people are out there somewhere. They won’t be found at Granger, though. “Captain America is my guy! He’s not only a superhero, but he also has good morals. I like what he stands for. He’s just always tries to do the right things and tries to be a good person. Captain America: The Winter Soldier is actually my favorite movie, too. It’s great because it has Captain America in it, obviously, and it has a lot of action and an amazing plot line. Marvel has superheroes
that are just good people. That’s what I like most about it. I’ve grown up with them,” Andrew Perkes (12) said. Marvel has been around for a massive amount of time. And yet, it still finds its way to keep on improving and getting better and better. Marvel seems to never run out of ideas and it’s still surprising to see huge plot twists in the stories. “Captain America is my favorite superhero because he’s a leader and not afraid to do anything. Captain America: The Winter Soldier and the Avengers are my favorite Marvel movies. I can’t pick between the two. The Avengers have all of the great superheroes and the Winter Soldier has a lot of action. Marvel literally has the coolest superheroes,” Jordan Griffith (9) said. Marvel movies are a favorite for a lot of people. It’s so easy to fall in love with all the action, the characters, and the great moments that happen in their movies. Either way, Marvel can’t be beat.
Activities keep kids entertained over the summer
Opinion by Brenda Nguy SUMMER break is just around the corner and with school not around anymore, you may worry that you’ll become bored with nothing to do. There are actually tons of things to do here in Utah, ranging from concerts, festivals, carnivals, and etc. You can always get a summer job since we don’t have to worry about school for at least 3 months. Many jobs are also offering seasonal work for high school students; you can save up quite a bit of money working over the summer. And having money will make it easier to do more stuff in the summer. And mowing lawns, walking dogs, or doing something around your community like volunteer work will not only give you something to do, but will also make you feel good about helping people. If you’re trying not to spend money, you can try going for a walk or jog, hiking, or even hang out with your friends at a park. The best place to go for a cheap
activity can be at your local recreational center. There are a lot of things to do there: you can work on your summer body by working out, going swimming or playing basketball. Or try any other sport activity you like. There are also Thursday concerts held at Pioneer Park throughout the summer starting in July called the Twilight Concert Series. Tickets are just $5 you can see the lineup on their website. There are also $5 movies showings at the Tower Theater located in downtown. The theater will be open from June all through August. The show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 11 p.m. with Sunday matinees at noon. Thesearen’t new movies, but classics including: “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”, “Shaun of the Dead”, “Pineapple Express”, and many more. You can see the whole list of movies by searching “summer late nights at the tower.” Some students here at Granger have already planned out their whole summer with activities of their own.
Nicole Garcia (12) is planning to go to Vegas right after school to visit some friends. She is also getting a job working at a resident home when she comes back from Vegas. She love going to the Twilight Concerts every year, and this year she is excited to see the Wu Tang Clan. Shawn Nguyen (12) and Adam Galvan (12) are planning to play basketball most of the summer and enjoy the outdoors with hiking, camping and fishing. “I don’t really have too many planned but I’ll go whereever the wind takes me.” Nguyen said. They are both excited for graduation and after graduation they are starting out their summer by going to YG’s concert. So with all these activities going on it’s impossible to be bored over the break. The most popular events among Granger High School students would be anything to do with the outdoors. There are many options to keep you busy during summer break, so enjoy it as much as you can before school starts again.
Reviews by Rigo Lopez SUMMER is here and with it comes the biggest movies of the year. The 2014 summer season is packed with sequels as well as crazy explosion thrillers. On June 6, “Edge of Tomorrow” starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt tells the story of a soldier reliving a climactic battle against aliens every day. We’ve seen the reliving a day concept done before, but when you see the trailer, you’ll understand why this movie is so promising, plus there are exoskeletons. On June 13, one of my favorite movies from 2012 gets its sequel released. “22 Jump Street” is probably going to give you more of what they gave you back on 2012. This means that if you didn’t like what you saw back in 2012, you are most likely not going to enjoy seeing this movie, however I watched 21 Jump Street 4 times since then and I can’t wait for more. Then, on June 13 we get another sequel to yet another great movie: “How to Train your Dragon 2”. It has a lot to live up to. The first Dragon was a success, but seeing how poorly Rio 2 did in theaters, I’m worried that the same future will hold true for these this sequel as well. “Transformers: Age of Extinction” opens up on June 27. I’ll be honest this isn’t my favorite series, I loved the cartoons, and it is because of this love that I hate that explosions are all I remember from Michael Bay’s last three Transformer movies. I really do hope this movie is good or at least enjoyable, and I hope that Grimlock (big hotheaded dinobot) brings the movie up a few notches. “Earth to Echo” is a movie shot in the found-footage style about a group of kids who find an alien.
This movie seems to be the kidfriendly version of “Chronicle”. The trailer seems to have some good special effects, however my favorite movie about kids with aliens has been made already, and of course I’m talking about E.T. At last, the movie I’ve been waiting for since 2011 gets released for our viewing pleasure: “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”. This movie will show the public just a taste of what we can expect from Andrew Circus in the next Star Wars film, as he has been casted for the new Disney Star Wars installments. He is probably going to play a CG character as he is doing in this film, super smart chimp Cesar. I hope everyone goes to see this movie, because I believe it will be great. On August 1, Marvel/Disney releases its latest blockbuster of the year, “Guardians of the Galaxy”. This movie’s trailer has convinced people that maybe Disney can now literally start printing money. If this movie succeeds, it would mean that Disney could start to bring its massive roster of Marvel characters to the big screen more frequently. This movie looks to be another hit for Marvel, so don’t let it go unnoticed. Then on August 8, everyone’s favorite turtles come back to the big screen. Michael Bay’s “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” had fans worried since the start. However it’s the trailer for the movie that really upsets many fans. If you like the Transformers movies, then perhaps you will enjoy TMNT. That’s it for summer 2014, Lancers. As always, check all the trailers for the movies above, and tweet @TriColorTimes to tell us what movies you are looking forward to this summer.
Fun first date ideas
By McCall Buckley GOING on a date is easy, but planning the date is hard. With great plans, lots of money is needed and there aren’t many millionaire students at Granger. There is so much riding on a first date that the idea of planning a date seems scarier than skydiving. Don’t grab parachutes yet -hope is not lost. Summer is just around the corner, and that is when the planning gets easy and Mother Nature helps pay the bill. Lancers have some great summer date recommendations that won’t break the bank. “You have more time for the date because there is no school and no work,” Aujalique Arredondo (10) said. Arredondo thinks a great summer date would include going to the view at night to see the beautiful lights of Salt Lake City. More people date in the summer because warmer temperatures and longer days mean there are more options than ever for getting outdoors and spending time with that special someone. “Summer dating is easier because it is better weather and longer days,” Alisha Chief (11) said. Another inexpensive fun date
Chief is to “go to the drive-in, or go hiking to Angel falls.” With the summer weather being so nice, it allows you to do a lot more with those date ideas you have. Dating in the summer is pretty inexpensive if you let Mother Nature take part in the planning. If money is an issue, just keep your summer date local. Utah has many great outdoor dating possibilities. “A great simple date would include going camping, doing some fishing and hiking and then ending the day sitting by a fire,” Madison Pitcher (12) said. “Great dates include swimming, hiking, biking, going to the park, horseback riding and going to West Fest or Lagoon,” Christine Hull (12) said. If money and time are not an issue for a memorable first date, there’s always the vacation date. “Go on a vacation trip to California. Go to the beach, visit an amusement park, watch some fireworks, eat ice cream and finish it off by watching a movie outside,” Luis Avila (12) said. That would definitely be a date that wouldn’t be forgotten. It’s summer, have fun and make some lasting memories.