Granger high school
Tri-Color Times An open forum for student opinion and expression
TRICOLORTIMES.COM
SEPTEMBER 2018 LXI-I
SBOs welcome Granger High Lancers back to school By Zackary Christensen HI, LANCERS. Welcome back to school! The SBOs and I want this year to be one of the best years for all of us. Here are some things we think you can do to make this year one for the books. One thing you can do is attend as many school events as possible to build your inner Lancer Pride. We believe that having Lancer Pride will lead to some of the greatest memories you can have in these last years of school, and as SBOs, we want to show each class a little love at the kickoff of this new season. Class of 2022, the SBOs want to first say welcome to Granger
High. We are ecstatic to have you here. We want to invite you to be adventurous. By this, we recommend that you make some new friends, try out for those teams, and join a couple of clubs. In the first weeks of school, we’re having Club Rush during lunchtime where all of the clubs will be there to tell you what they do. After you get a look at the clubs during Club Rush, follow up and attend a few meetings of the clubs that catch your eye. Who knows? You may find something you enjoy. Class of 2021, Welcome back to your second year at Granger. We love having you here. Our ad-
Danny
vice to you for this year is to really dig deep and find what you’re passionate about. Once you figure that out, focus on it and help to make it grow. We also want you to know to keep going. Push through this year, and don’t let your failures define who you are. Be the class that people look up to and want to emulate. Class of 2020, you are on your second to last year. We are going to be honest with you, it’s going to be a rough year, but still enjoy the high school experience. You’re prepping for ACT testing, you’re thinking about your future, and you’re starting to achieve some of your goals. One thing we
want you to know is to press forward through it all. You got this. Trust in your teachers to help you. Go to them for advice and really listen: they know a thing or two about life. Class of 2019, we made it to our last year. We want you to make it as memorable as possible. Don’t think you can slack off this year, though. A famous Blue Tang once said, “Just keep swimming.” We want you guys to just keep swimming through this year and walk with pride at graduation. You’ll finish, and that’s a great accomplishment as you continue to layer success upon success. We want you guys to be present and
enjoy these last moments here at our school. With heads held high, we can truly say that our triumphs will reach the sky. Thank you for everything, and we wish all Granger High Lancers a great school year,
Luis
Chloe
Zackary
Richard
Elena
Michelle
Your Student Body Officers: Danny Rayos, President Luis Ramirez, Vice President Chloe Topacio, Secretary Zackary Christensen, Public Relations Director Richard Dinh, Art Director Elena Flores, Historian Michelle Zarate, Service Learning Coordinator
Granger’s SBOs are ready to lead By Calissa Loomis AS THE student body welcomes the new year, they also welcome the new faces that represent Granger High. While each grade has its own officers to represent the class, SBOs represent Granger as a whole—from the youngest freshman to the oldest senior. These students are willing to work hard to make Granger a friendly, welcoming environment where students are more willing to spend their time. Granger’s new president is Danny Rayos (12). “I believe I have leadership qualities that I’ve developed from business clubs like FBLA, and I’m going to apply them when our team of SBOs are working on projects. My vice president and I are planning on having a seminar for clubs this year on how to create partnerships. We want the events to be bigger and better. We’re going to do some different types of events and activities that Granger has never seen before. I’m going to be a great role model for the students this year. I will do this by
maintaining high grades, taking challenging classes, and also being respectful to others wherever I go,” Rayos said. The new vice president is Luis Ramirez (12). “I believe I have great leadership and public speaking qualities. I also have experience in extracurricular activities like FBLA, LIA, NHS, and wrestling. With these qualities and experiences, I will be able to unite the clubs at Granger and get others involved! I plan to unite the clubs and teams at Granger by having a leadership summit over the summer and round table meetings throughout the school year. I will play a part in bettering our school by increasing our budgets for parties, activities, and dances. I will do this by collaborating with my colleagues and creating partnerships with companies and universities throughout the valley,” Ramirez said. The secretary for this year is Chloe Topacio (12). “Something that would make me a good secretary is that I am very organized. I’m able to remember a lot of
things off the top of my head, and I like to remind people of things they need to do. Some plans for this year are to plan more new activities that will interest people and get to know more people at school and in my class in general. A goal I set for myself is to be more involved as I listen to the other voices in the school,” Topacio said. This year’s historian is Elena Flores (12). “I am very bold and kind, and I always try to go out of my way to see other people smile. It is important to me to make sure that Granger is a positive place for everyone to be in. I want to promote self-positivity because if every student can learn to be more optimistic, it automatically makes Granger more positive. As Historian, I want to be able to capture moments where students are having fun and enjoying everything Granger has to offer so they will remember high school in a good way. My main goal is to see as many students smile as possible,” Flores said. The new public relations di-
rector is Zack Christensen (12). “I was the PR member for my sophomore year, and that gave me the knowledge and understanding of how and what needs to be done for the upcoming year. I can compromise with others, and we can come up with solutions together. My plans for next year are to have the student government produce graphics that are appealing to all and engage in outreach to everyone. My personal goals are to bond with my PR team and to leave behind a foundation for the PR director position to continue growing,” Christensen said. The art director for the new year is Richard Dinh (12). “Since I ran for art director, a quality I have that I feel would make me a great SBO would be creativity, like making posters, advertising, and decorating the dances and activities. I’m going to be the one to support athletes and the students that are doing well in academics, as well as helping out my fellow student body officers. This year, my biggest goal is to get rid of Granger’s “bad reputation” and
build a better one. I want to help put Granger on the map where it’s known for good things,” Dinh said. Michelle Zarate (12) is the new service learning coordinator. “When I walk into school I feel warmth. The sense of coziness and calmness provides a great setting to study, hang out with friends, and just relax. My plan for next year is to make sure all the students at Granger also feel like this. Granger is an outstanding school and I would like the students here to realize how lucky they are to have such beautiful and caring school. We have so many great classes to choose from, as well as sports and community service projects. As a leader I would spread word of all these programs and projects going on around school. My goal as SBO Service Learning coordinator is to let students know of the help provided here at Granger,” Zarate said. These new faces of Granger hope to make the 2018-19 school year one of the best.
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September 2018, page 2 | Student News
Tri-Color Times VOL. LXI Issue 1
Join now: Granger offers a variety of clubs
Katalina Martinez met Elana Misa in a club.
By Molirae Afemata THE BEGINNING of the year is always the time that everyone is scrambling around trying to prepare themselves for the new year. Students are registering for classes, switching schedules, and joining clubs that are most comfortable for them. Dance Company, Drama, Fear Club, Game Club, Key Club, Korean Klub, Lancer Legislature, Lancer Photographic Society, Latinos in Action, National Art Honor Society, People of Pacific, PEP, Ping Pong, Scholars’ Pathway, Shield Staff, Skills USA, and DECA are several of the clubs to choose from. Each club has different things students can learn from and different things students can participate in. With as many clubs Granger has, students can truly get a taste of the variety of people that go to Granger. Some clubs match hobbies and others can serve as curriculum for something that lasts a lifetime.
Granger Lancers are setting SMART Goals By Eric A. Antonio THE 2018-2019 school year has started, and there’s almost no better way to start it than to set goals for the school year. Students setting goals should start by writing them down. It is a fact that this process makes people want to act upon their goals more, rather than just think about them. Teachers around the school have mentioned what S.M.A.R.T. goals are. S.M.A.R.T. is a measurement used to analyze how attainable and thorough goals are. S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. It is important to use the acronym to dodge unrealistic expectations. A lot of students wonder why goals for the school year are important. Goals are essential for success because it allows the goal setter to stay on track and be focused. Being specific with a goal is important because it is the stage where the person can figure out what is really wanted. A goal should be measurable, in order to allow a person to assess what has been or needs to be done to get what they desire. Of course, a goal should be attainable. Setting goals too far out of reach can be disappointing and hinder progress. A relevant goal should be specifically relevant to the person who wishes to accomplish the goal. A person should not have a goal meant for another individual. It doesn’t work that way. Goals are a personal process.
Finally, timely is the last word in the acronym. A goal can either be short-term, mid-term or long-term. A short-term goal can last days or up to three months. Midterm goals take anywhere from three to 12 months. Long term goals range from one to two years. Goal setters should be aware of how long a specific goal should be, a goal needs a deadline in order to determine whether it has been accomplished or not. This year’s sophomores are loaded with goals. Lesly Almanza (10) has a goal of making debate nationals and getting a 4.0 GPA. “I really enjoyed my freshman year. I was in the debate team and placed in tournaments. I made cheer, and I was in a musical. It makes me really excited for my sophomore year,” Almanza said. Having an idea of goals is great and fortunately Almanza has a SMART plan. “I am going to practice my public speaking and do my homework. I want to accomplish these goals by the end of next year,” Almanza said. Another sophomore is eager to try new things and help others. “My goals for the year are to try out for the softball team and make the team. If that doesn’t pan out, I’d like to join the track and field team. At the same time, I would like to be a leader in the soccer team and wrestling team, as well. My personal goal is to be a team leader during meets and games, and I will be able to achieve that
by stepping out of my comfort zone,” Arleth Antonio (10) said. Antonio plans on keeping her grades above a B and will continue to keep track of her homework. Academic goals are really important for the school year, but school spirit and participation are vital concepts to consider. “I really want to get more Lancers to be involved with sports and school organizations. I think I’ll make that a goal. My other goals for junior year are to make it to state in basketball and to get at least a 26 on the ACT,” Kevin Tann (11) said. Tann started studying ACT Preparation textbooks in May and continues to study in order to achieve his goal of obtaining a 26 on the ACT. “I am sure I’ll be stressed out for the test, but it’s part of the process,” Tann said. Blaze Blank (12) hopes to maintain a 4.0 GPA while participating in football, wrestling, and soccer. “I plan on qualifying for state in wrestling again. I also plan on placing. I will achieve this by working hard and keeping my grades up,” Blank said. In order to set goals and maintain the progress, a coach figure is encouraged. A goal setter should have someone to keep them focused and motivated to accomplish the goal. The counselors are great people for this exact thing. They are experts on setting goals and finding a pathway to accomplish them.
“I enjoyed my freshman year. I placed in debate tournaments. I made cheer, and I was in a musical,” Almanza said.
Clubs are also a great way to get to know people that have the same interests, and perhaps they’ll help kids make new friends. It’ll also help students have a better understanding of what it is they are trying to learn. Clubs can also give students an opportunity to share their talents in and outside of school. It will not only give them the knowledge of what it is that the club is teaching about, but it will also give them chances to experience these moments with their peers. “I thought it was weird joining a club where I knew that I wouldn’t know anyone, but the more I went, I soon got to know everyone. Now we’re all good friends. I even met my best friend, Katalina Martinez (11),” Elana Misa (11) said. Clubs are also a great way to keep students busy and out of trouble. Most students get into trouble simply because they are bored. Clubs can go on for hours. This will help parents to stress
less about where their student is, for they know that their child is participating in extracurricular activities. Clubs can also lead students into better interests. There are clubs that do fashion—perhaps a student can develop an interest in fashion and take it to the next level. There are even clubs that can teach a foreign language. The Korean culture is very popular right now, and Granger has a Korean Klub for any student that loves Korean culture and music. Granger High School is so diverse. There are so many clubs that can tie into students’ backgrounds, such as the Korean Klub, Latinos in Action, and Japanese Club. Granger offers a place for everyone. As the Lancer Creed says, “Our differences make us stronger; our similarities make us one.” Clubs are a great way to explore these differences and feel united with other Lancers.
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Seniors can earn G-pins
By Gabriela Thompson G-PIN. IT’S one of the few things that seniors can earn for their hard, extra-curricular work. This enamel pin is about an inch in size and has an embossed image of a Lancer. The graduating year is also indented on the pin. Despite how small and insignificant it may seem, it’s an honor to receive a Granger G-Pin. These pins are given around the last week or so at the senior banquet. In a way, it is coveted because only a very few, select Lancers will earn it. However, these pins aren’t easy to get. First, one would need to get a red paper from either the front office, an English teacher, or Mr. Hughes. These will be given out typically at the end of March or beginning of May. Then make sure that you participated in school activities. The best way to earn it is to be active in school throughout four years at Granger. “It isn’t hard to earn, but if you didn’t do anything over four years of school, you would have a really hard time earning this award,” Rueben Brown (‘18) said. It depends on whether a student is in a sport, club, on honor roll, or completed advanced classes. Each of these activities have certain points that could be counted for a semester or year. To up the ante, the teacher, advisor, or coach has to sign off on each activity, to verify the points. For advanced placement classes, passing with a C or better can earn five points. Concurrent enrollment classes that have been completed only last one semester, so concurrent classes with a C or better are worth three points. Cubs, activities, school organizations, or received honors can be worth five points for a full year of participation. Participation on any athletic team for a full season is worth five points. The minimum points an appli-
cant needs to be able to obtain a G-pin is 30. Nevertheless, there is no maximum of points. However, the maximum points in each area that is allowed is 15, five points per year for full participation. By receiving all these points, students feel a sense of accomplishment. “I feel that the G-pin is a good encouragement for getting involved, however getting it at the end of the year doesn’t give some students the opportunity to be part of it, since they didn’t plan for it. It would be even better if there were more encouragement and publicity for it,” Natalia Davila Baker (‘18) said. The lack of publicity is one reason why some students didn’t apply. “I should have applied for the G-pin,” said Zahra Al-Ahmad (18’). She regrets not applying for the pin, but she believes this year’s seniors should apply for it. Another problem that can arise in applying for the pin, is that a student can be unsure what other information to put on the application. “I would tell future seniors to try for the pin because they might not realize how much they’ve done in school. You’d be surprised what counts towards your pin,” Brown said. The one thing that some alumni can’t agree on is whether it’s good to get the pin at the end of the year or the beginning. “I think it should be given to seniors at the end of the year—almost like a goodbye gift to remember all that hard work as they’re finishing that fourth year of high school,” Baker said. Not all seniors agree. “I believe that seniors should receive the pin as soon as possible,” Brown said. Either way, the G-pin is a great way to reflect on high school accomplishments and earn something to help remember them.
September 2018, page 3 | Opinion
Tri-Color Times VOL. LXI Issue 1
Senioritis is a struggle, so fight back
Opinion by Allen Carrillo THIS IS your last chance to prove to colleges that you want to be on their campus, and you should be willing to work for it. Don’t miss out. Take advantage of the opportunities available to you now while you still have them. Whether it’s enrolling in AP classes, working outside of school, or volunteering in the community, this is the year to make a huge mark on your transcript and résumé. Don’t let your grades start slipping now! Even if some of your classes are easier than they have been in the past three years, that isn’t an excuse to slack off. You won’t be a high schooler for much longer, so get as involved as you can. Join new clubs, cheer for your team in the football games, go to prom, audition for a school play or something that you wanted to do but never actually had the chance to do. College and career training is just around the corner, so don’t give a future school or employer any excuse to drop your scholarships or pull your admission. Your colleges are keeping an eye on you, and they are going to expect you to maintain your GPA,
as well as your commitment to sports and clubs. Maintaining your physical and mental health is also critical during your senior year. Each day, give yourself the opportunity for a quick workout, at least one healthy meal, and an hour of alone time to calm down and relieve your daily stress. This may not sound like much, but it really pays off in the long run. Giving yourself a few goals to achieve per day will help keep you motivated and on task. Make sure your goals are specific and realistic, even if they are as simple as: “Write down something that made me smile today.” Guidance counselors know what senioritis looks like because they have seen it many times before. They might have some amazing advice to help you get over it. Guidance counselors also know what colleges are looking for, and they will do everything they can to show schools that you’re serious about your education. These are your last days of high school. Don’t let petty problems get in the way of your success and happiness. As sad as it sounds, once you
graduate, you may never see some of your classmates again. Make the most of your time with them and be the kind of person they’ll enjoy running into at the gym or at the 10-year reunion. Smile when you walk in the hallway, have a study party to crush your finals, maybe ask friends to grab some ice cream after school. Some of them will appreciate your gesture more than you will ever know—even if they decline your invitation. And this all goes for your teachers, too. Be appreciative. Don’t let senioritis take over your life. As soon as you notice a loss of interest in school, be proactive in getting back on track. Go in after school for homework help or just talk to your teacher. When you start to slack, stop. Give yourself rewards for finishing your homework or studying for a test. Yes, you really are a senior this year. You are the top dog. From freshmen to juniors, every underclassman is looking up to you. Live it up. I know it’s easy to get lost in your excitement about the next step in your education, but you need to stay focused. This is your last year of high school. Make it one to remember.
Interactive classes are more fun
Opinion by Gwen Loloma STUDENTS around the world attend school regularly, not because they want to, but because they have to. As the population continues to rise dramatically, there will be a higher demand for education. The result of this would be good on the outcome of the future, but the process of how it’s being executed is distressing. Statistics on the livescience. com website show that 30 percent of students indicated that they are bored due to lack of interaction with teachers, and 75 percent reported that what’s being taught is not interesting. Although the majority of students think that school is boring, there are kids who just love coming to school. Students may have a certain class that they do not like, or one that they particularly enjoy. As a student here at Granger High School, I have personally experienced classes that I liked bet-
ter than others because of how fun they are. A major thing that makes classes really boring is not because of what subject is taught, but the teacher’s method of teaching it. Perhaps one way to make classes more engaging for students could be using more interesting methods to teach the material. For example, using more technology to teach the kids might be less boring than teaching without. On the americanboard.com website, there were a few suggestions that could make class more fun: making learning interactive, replacing lectures with conversation, discovering new things together, and even sharing passions with others in the classroom. Picture this: a classroom full of interactive students busily working on projects together around the room. Now picture a classroom of students sitting down
for a long time in the same place, only taking notes and listening to lectures. Interactivity and projects might also prevent the students from turning their attention to phones because of their new interest in learning a fun way. When students sit down at their desks for a long time, they will feel the urge to take out their phone because they’re simply bored from not doing enough. Lessons that aren’t boring leads more students to attending their classes regularly. The wizq. com website reported that math, history, Spanish, and English were the least enjoyed subjects. I think that if we were to interview the whole school and ask which class is their least favorite, the results would be similar. Hopefully teachers can take note of this advice and find fresh and engaging things to add to their daily lesson plans.
Tri-Color Times Staff Editor in Chief Skye Rouse
Photo+Online Editor Hey, Lee Rigby
News Editor Gabriela Thompson Opinion Editor Taea Edwards Social Media Editor Calissa Loomis Junior Editor Jelena Dragicevic
Copy Editor Jocelyn Roberts Sports Editor Bryon Brinley Photographer Kaylynn Gonzalez Scorekeeper Stephanie Perez
Reporters Molirae Afemata Natalie Aiono Sanah Alkaswan Eric A. Antonio Kalesita Apele Edward Carrasco Allen Carrillo Taea Edwards Alexus Gillette Jr. Heimuli Braxton Henrie
Reporters Kalauti Heimuli Gwen Loloma Calissa Loomis Ester Manriquez Everestt Masters Douglas Mayer Afatia Tiatai Tiffany Nguy Stephanie Perez Gabriela Thompson Hannah Wall
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 liability.
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September 2018, page 4 | Student Life
Tri-Color Times VOL. LXI Issue 1
sure get messy Alcohol and drugs affect performance Backpacks By Tiffany Nguyen By Stephanie Perez THE USE of drugs and alcohol is a huge influence on high school students. Although many think drugs only have a short-term effect, they can have long term effects and consequences as well. Whether it comes from peer-pressure, or simply the desire of doing it, the effects may be terminal or lead to major consequences later on in life. Some athletes may use substances to lose weight, while others do it for a high. Substances such as OxyContin and Vicodin are used as painkillers, however, the purpose of the drug can easily be abused. For example, an injured athlete can use Vicodin to help with the pain. Desperate for relief, the athlete takes more than the prescribed dose, and unintentionally overdoses. “I believe that the influence of drugs and alcohol is bad for student athletes. Not only does it affect them on the field, but in the long run. Off the field as well,” Alejandro Bueno (12) said. Although many believe that the effects of drugs are only temporary, they aren’t. Students at Granger have experienced peer pressure that makes them do drugs. However, knowing the risks of consuming is important. “Personally, I don’t know anyone that has consumed drugs before a game, but even then, you never know. It can still happen,” Bueno said. Not many know
Bryan knows how to manage his fitness and weight without drugs.
those who are consuming drugs, but if anyone knows someone who does, it is important to inform them of the effects of their decisions. “I am one of Granger’s soccer keepers, and I know that if I were to consume before a big game it will affect how I would play. For example, I won’t be as energized, and my performance would go down by a lot,” William Perez (12) said. However, it’s not only about consuming before heading to the field, but outside of school as well. Drugs are still affecting students once they leave campus, or prior to their arrival. No matter the amount, or what type is being consumed, there is no going back after doing it once. Taking medication to lose weight, creates an increase of serotonin and norepinephrine, which allows consumers to feel full. However, kids are not con-
suming the nutrients the body needs on a daily basis. Some antidepressants such as, escitalopram, duloxetine, and bupropion cause weight loss. Stimulants are the drugs more often abused, such as methamphetamine and ecstasy that naturally cause consumers to lose weight. “There are some boys on the team that like to lose weight before season, but we all know to do it the right way by taking proteins and everything the body needs,” Bryan Zapata (11) said. “Consuming drugs is like taking your life away, in other words,” Perez said. Most drugs have the ability to affect a consumer’s mood. Specifically, ecstasy, alcohol, and cannabis. Most of the mood swings are temporary, but the overuse can cause brain cells to die. Therefore, drugs or alcohol should never be used, no matter the reason to do so.
THERE are many things students keep in their backpacks, and there can even be things that they didn’t even know were in their backpack. Students tend to stuff their backpacks with anything from papers to candy wrappers. Even if someone doesn’t have a backpack, students generally still have a mess in their binders, folders, and notebooks. The weirdest things can be found in any backpack, and some Lancers were willing to share some experiences and tips to help others. “I have my make-up in my bag, but it’s only because I’m sometimes in a rush when I first do my makeup. So, if I need to do any type of touch up on my makeup, I’ll fix it at school,” Vivian Fernandez (11) said. There are things in students’ backpacks that people will need to have in order to be on track with things. “I’ve kept a lot of stuff in my bag, but lately I cleaned out my bag for some useful school supplies,” Fernandez said. Students keep a lot of things in their backpacks because sometimes they don’t have enough time to get their binders out and put the assignments in the folders. Most students just stuff the paper in their backpacks. In the middle of the year, most Lancers will have a disorganized backpack, because it’s usually the most stressful time in year for some, since this is when teachers give out the most.
Lancers should pay attention to the things in their bags because they might not even notice what’s in their backpacks and even lose things in it. “My backpack is pretty organized and clean because I don’t like having a big mess in something I use every day. I usually keep a sweater in my bag for when it gets cold,” Serena Cano (11) said. It’s a great habit for a student to clean their backpack so it could be easier to find things quickly and not lose important items or assignments. Lancers might actually clean their backpacks, but it only lasts about two weeks, before all that hard work goes to waste. Most times teachers don’t let students pack up their things until the end of class, and that’s very frustrating for some because they need to get to their next class, and there’s no time for organizing. Assignments, pencils, earbuds, and other random things get lost in backpacks. “I hate losing my pencils and pens because I’ll have to ask someone else in my class for something to write with,” Ariana Rojas (11) said. Pencils are the main thing that get lost. Whether someone has a clean backpack or not, the pencils are just gone after a while. “I haven’t even looked in my backpack. I’m pretty busy with a lot of things like hanging out with friends and chilling at home, but I’ll know to clean it out when I start getting back pain,” Eli Flores (10) said.
September 2018, page 5 | Student Life
Tri-Color Times VOL. LXI Issue 1
Incoming freshman may need advice from upperclassmen By Ester Manriquez Marcia NOW THAT the new school year has started, Granger High School has gained new students. Freshmen come up from the junior high schools and continue their education here, and there are always new students transferring in from other high schools. Some past freshmen said that their first year in high school was a good year, and they had a good run. “I felt that I learned a lot of things and made new friends. I had fun for my first year in high school,” K.C. Cuevas (10) said. When freshmen first start their high school journey, they can be filled with off-the-chart emotions. “For my ninth-grade year, I remember being scared and excited. It’s been a long journey,” Eleazar Manriquez (12) said. At many high schools, freshmen are seen differently than other classmen. However, here at Granger, Lancers see everyone the same, even with the diverse culture. “I don’t think that the upperclassmen do anything to them; they just call them freshmen,” Rachelle Huerta (10) said. Besides how they get treated and how much they might like high school, they still have to make decisions on their own. They have to make sure that they don’t let peers distract them too much from these decisions. “The most difficult part was the peer pressure to skip class or not
go to school in general, so it was hard to keep up with my work,” Angel Escobedo (10) said. Although some freshman skip class to get in with the trend, it’s much easier to just go to class. “Just attending class makes it easier for someone to get a good grade, and paying even more attention just gets you better grades. It’s easy,” Escobedo said. The first year of high school might be the scariest or hardest year because of the new adjustment to new people and a different environment. “It went better than I expected. I thought it was going to be hard because that’s what people told me, but it was actually pretty easy and fun,” Huerta said. Freshman try to fit in with upperclassmen. They casually do things to impress the older people and be friends with them. “I think that freshman should just be themselves and not try and fit in with older people, for you won’t graduate with them anyway,” Manriquez said. Huerta wants freshmen to level up. “I like the spirit here at Granger. Everyone puts an effort to try and show off their class.” Here at Granger, Lancers love to go all out for our assemblies and the spirit weeks. However, freshman typically don’t put an effort into the spirit bowl because they might feel shy or intimidated by the other classes. “During my
freshman year, my friends and I didn’t want to participate because we already knew that we were probably going to lose,” Huerta said. Other advice that upperclassmen give advice that includes things like doing their work, always taking things that are necessary, and being aware of who they hang out with. “I think that my earphones and charger are something that are always necessary for school,” Escobedo said. During most of the years in high school, kids will lose and gain
some friends. It mostly happens during freshman year. Transitioning and changing can create new connections and friendships with different people. “You’ll always lose friends and you’ll always gain friends, so it just depends on yourself. Be careful who you trust,” Huerta said. Although there is a lot of responsibility in high school, freshmen can still have so much fun. They can join sports, clubs, and after-school activities. There are things like soccer, basketball, softball, HOSA, MESA, and
getting involved by helping the SBOs and class officers. “Getting involved with school activities is so fun. They also keep you on track in school with your grades and your attendance, and you end up with new people as your second family,” Escobedo said. So now that their time is coming, freshmen have to get used to the environment of the school, the new friends, and the new responsibilities. Although there are many things to worry about, they can still have a good time and make memories.
Eleazar Manriquez remembers being scared and excited as a freshman.
Tiffany Nguyen and Sarah Lim offer fashion advice to Granger Lancers By Natalie Aiono When it comes to clothing, an outfit can speak volumes about someone as a person. Through clothing, a person is able to communicate a message without even opening their mouth. Many Lancers express themselves with fashion. Fashion can be powerful, if used correctly. A great outfit can make someone feel like a million bucks. Tiffany Nguyen (‘18) and Sarah Thi Lin (‘18) share their knowledge and opinions on fashion. Nguyen has plenty to do with fashion. “Expressing myself is something within myself. Some days I just wear the most horrendous clothes like my scrubs with a hoodie because I really don’t care about how I look. Then there are times where I wear earrings and layer my clothing pieces with a pair of ankle booties from H&M. I am fond of jumpsuits, two pieces, jean skirts, and faux fur. I like these because I think they are so
cute.” Nguyen didn’t stop there. “Some fashion trends I don’t like would probably be hippie clothes. I’ve been noticing a comeback at H&M. There are some specific floral prints that I dislike, otherwise I like everything else. My favorite era is today’s fashion because I just think everyone has their own way of expressing their style. It’s not a specific setof styles, and it’s very distinct. I am inspired by Amanda Steele and Kelsey Simon. They add lots of minimalism to their style, and it inspires me to adapt to their wardrobe. Some of my favorite clothing brands are Nike, H&M, Pacsun, and Forever 21,” she said. Nguyen summed it all up by saying, “Live your life, show up in sweats or show up in the most bedazzling shoes. It’s all up to you. Wear whatever makes you feel great. You can wear the most expensive Gucci shirt, but at the
end of the day what matters is what’s on the inside.” Nguyen has some great advice. Lim is another knowledgeable Lancer when it comes to fashion. “When expressing myself with fashion, I go through many moods. I have days where I want to look comfy and cute, or days where I feel trendy. It all depends on how I feel in the morning. I will never get sick of mom jeans/ shorts, hoodies, and mock necks. Mom jeans/shorts are great because of how loose, yet fitted they are at the same time. They give you a break from skinny jeans, which can be extremely uncomfortable in the heat. As for hoodies, you can never go wrong with a hoodie. They are always in season and they go with everything. Hoodies can be dressed up or down.” Lim owns a large number of mock necks. “I have striped and plain ones, and I enjoy mock necks because they’re thin and
lightweight. They’re good for all seasons, plus they’re super cute. If you don’t own one, I suggest getting one. If you’re not a fan of turtlenecks, mock necks are the next thing because they’re more lightweight and not heavy, so you won’t sweat while wearing them in somewhat hotter weather,” she said. Nguyen and Lim have distinct styles. Nguyen is right up to date, and Lim throws it back a decade. “I personally don’t hate any fashion trends; I think fashion is a multi-universal thing that doesn’t have a right or wrong way. My favorite era would be from the early 2000s because I love windbreakers. I also love this era’s fashion. I have many fashion idols. I’m inspired by a lot of people on Instagram. I also find inspirations from simply walking around at the mall, or sometimes at school.” Lim stands firm when it comes to her commitment to personal style. “For brands, I’m a little ba-
sic. Most of my clothes are Nike, Adidas, Champion, Brandy Melville, Obey, LA Hearts and, well, the list goes on. My advice would be to never let somebody tell you: ‘You can’t wear that,’ or ‘That looks weird on you.’ If you think you look and feel good, work it. The outfit doesn’t wear you; you wear it. Also, try to be a little original. It’s OK to take some bits and pieces from another person, but don’t be a clone. Other than that, have fun. Fashion is for everybody.” This Lancer knows what she’s saying. In a sea of clothing choices, a person should find the clothes they like and rock ‘em. Fashion can help with confidence and selfesteem. A perfect outfit can make someone go from sad to styling in a matter of seconds. Everyone should feel comfortable in the clothes they wear. Fashion is one of the many tools of being awesome, and Lancers should feel free to experinemt.
The beginning of a school year is a great time to try out a fresh attitude
Aidan advises students to embrace their personal style without copying others.
By Douglas R. Mayer NEW SCHOOL year, new me! It’s a phrase almost everyone says before coming to high school. One of the biggest problems people face is going to a new school and expecting everyone to love them. Gaining a lot of friends and having a large audience to admire opinions and acknowledge academics sounds amazing to most people. A big problem, however, is what people do to get to this spot in their lives. “Having quality friends is definitely more important than quantity,” Adam Hender (‘18) said. Using Photoshop to make fab-
ricated selfies for Facebook likes, stealing jokes from comedians, and bringing food to class to gain friends are unhealthy methods to gain followers. Having the newest Jordans seems appealing to a lot of people, and some might say it’s a great way to gain friends. Wearing something someone else does and copying something a rapper does can be spotted pretty quick, as well. “If you copy someone’s style, it shows how insecure you might be and how much you don’t like yourself,” Aidan Flannery (11) said. The easiest way to have a good year at Granger is to put
popularity last on the priority list. Things like being nice, paying compliments, and telling jokes are easy ways to gain friends. “Don’t try to stay the same. You will change, just be open to it, but if you’re going to be a jerk, try to take some open criticism. You should try to be yourself, unless you suck, then try to be better,” Hender said. The best thing about high school and the unknown is the many surprises out there. A person may go to high school to learn about history or math, but the best part about high school is learning about the people.
September 2018, page 6 | Sports
Tri-Color Times VOL. LXI Issue 1
The Lady Lancers on the volleyball team trained during the summer By Kalesita Apele GRANGER has a wonderful girls volleyball program. Last season was a very successful season for the program: the girls volleyball team took first place in region. The coaches are very well prepared to do it again this upcoming season. “I can’t wait to see all the new talent from the girls on the team. All we need to do is work hard and show everyone that we can take region again,” coach Kalani Gaspar said. Being able to play on the Granger volleyball team is an opportunity that should not be missed. “I am so happy and grateful to have played for Granger because it was just an amazing experience. I can’t wait for this season,” Rebecca Moleni (11) said. Granger is ready to welcome students to participate in the volleyball program. There a few things that need to be done to prepare for the season. Summer workouts should be expected from the girls playing volleyball. Going to the workouts would be a great time to connect and get close with other athletes and the coaches. Going to workouts can also help girls improve some of their skills. “I am really excited to go to summer workouts. It helps me do better during the season,” Nikkia Seiuli (9) said. Everything being done in the summer and before season is to
prepare players for the challenges in the upcoming season. Girls also use that time to mentally get ready and better themselves as an individual player. “Physical skills are something that help you, but what you really need is a very strong mentality. Once you step on that court, you need to be mentally prepared. You need to tell yourself you can do it and you need to pick yourself up. It is really all in your mind. So, if you don’t have the right mindset, it is likely that you won’t do the best you can,” Coach K said. Going to practice plays a big part during the volleyball season. “Practice makes permanent–that is one of the many mottos we go by on this team,” Moleni said. According to Gaspar, practice is important. “Practice is the best time to help the girls get better on the things they need to improve. It is also a good learning experience for the girls, especially for the new players on the team,” Gaspar said. Playing for the volleyball team takes a lot of hard work and commitment. So, be ready and prepared to take on a new responsibility of being a member of the girls Granger volleyball team. All players need to make sure that they are ready to make some sacrifices and do the best they can to execute the plays that are planned. The returning players are excited to meet new girls that
want to play this upcoming season. “This season is going to be so much fun, and I am also so excited to make new friends with new players coming in,” Julia Taula (11) said. The volleyball team is ready to
proudly welcome anyone who is willing to commit to the team and work hard to be a part of the program. “This year is going to be great and fun. As captain, I will try my very best to make this season one to remember. I want ev-
ery single player to have a memorable season,” Taula said. “When you make the team, the team is now your family. You must commit and show that you want to be part of the family,” Moleni said.
“I am really excited to go to summer workouts. It helps me do better during the season,” Nikkia Seiuli said.
In a new region, hard work and dedication give Granger a boost By Junior Heimuli LANCERS have been very outstanding in sports this year. “We have continuously trained and worked on our fundamentals, and I think the team can take state next year. Being in region and winning opponents made us push a lot harder than we have in previous years,” Jair Pena (‘18) said. Lancer soccer athletes have done amazing things this year. Not only are they in region, but they have represented Granger High in many ways. Through academics, sportsmanship, winning games, and putting the Lancers on the map. “This year, basketball has excelled in many different levels. We have pushed each other harder and worked a lot harder than we have in previous years. Being able to make it to region was very rewarding for us,” Jerome Mark (12) said. The boys basketball team has worked hard
this year. They improved the little things and made every minute of practice worth it. They trained and studied films, but don’t be fooled—there is amazing talent on the team, and when talent works hard, it is nothing but amazing. “I have worked hard for it this year. I wanted my team to push themselves in every way possible—in the classroom and on the court. My team goal last year was to make it to region, and having that happen was very fulfilling,” Ose Pauni (12) said. Our students have many talents, but behind every amazing student athlete is hard work and dedication. “Excelling in the classroom and on the court is a must. I know at the end of the day, it’s all gonna pay off if I just stick in there and do the work. At the end of the tunnel is all the ‘pay’ I have worked for,” Anel Alagic (‘18) said. Being dedicated on and off the
court, our Lancers have sacrificed many hours to train for their craft and make it to region. “Our team wouldn’t have made it to region if we never took those after-school hours to perfect our craft, train for the little things, and condition for everything we had coming our way. To take the region title was amazing and the biggest blessing we have gotten this year. I was so happy, and I thank all my coaches and teammates for pushing each other to the next level to take the title,” Brian Sika (12) said. “Our Lady Lancers have worked very hard this year to take volleyball region. I was a captain last year, and my only goal was to take region. It wouldn’t have happened if we never put in the hours and time on the court,” Fane Ma’afu (12) said. Granger High athletes have gone above and beyond this year. This is only the beginning of everything we have started here,
and the students who take on everyday challenges to become
more successful will reach the achievements they seek.
My team goal last year was to make it to region,” Ose Pauni said.
Sports can have a major impact on a person’s life
For Coach Barlow, sports bring health benefits and life-long friendships.
By Edward Carrasco LIFELONG benefits in sports are more valuable than Lancers think. When joining a sport, players have to be physically fit in order to perform well. Working out and eating daily can create positive habits for a lifetime. “Choosing healthy choices gets really hard sometimes because you really start to crave chocolate and all the sugary things in the candy section at the stores” Orlando Contreras (‘17). Though it is hard, the habits learned from sports will help with avoiding the cravings. Sports can also help by teaching athletes to be stronger men-
tally. Having mental strength helps athletes get through a situation, no matter how hard it may be. “I believe sports are more of a mental than physical strain. You can be physically fit all you want, but if you don’t have the mental strength to go with it, you will not advance anywhere in sports or in life,” Contreras said. Mental strength is one of the biggest keys in order to perform at a high level in sports. This goes to show that athletes can develop some very beneficial habits that carry outside of the field. Building good habits as a young adult will carry on
throughout adulthood. Another beneficial reason for sports is the ability to communicate with others, and work with a team. “I believe that joining soccer was great for me to learn how to communicate with others. I had to communicate with my teammates in order to make a play work and get through the game,” Jessica Barffuson (‘10). “I know that if I am not able to communicate well with other people, I won’t get anywhere. This is why I feel that sports have been a really big benefit in my life,” Barffuson added. Healthy habits and routines will help students succeed.
September 2018, page 7 | Sports
Tri-Color Times VOL. LXI Issue 1
Be bold, sporty freshmen
By Everestt Masters INCOMING freshman who want to show off their athletic abilities have just the chance to do so here at Granger High. It will be a little nerve racking at times, but it will be some of the most fun they’ve ever had, too. Being an up-and-coming athlete is cool and all, but it takes a lot of responsibility. To be a student athlete, a kid has to be a real student first. That means going to class, getting decent grades, and respecting teachers and coaches. If a person expects to be a star athlete and later move on to a higher league such as college, they need to have the grades to academically get there. Excelling academically will help teachers and coaches know that someone is serious about wanting to achieve athletically. Some additional advice is to attend school. School may not always be the most fun, but fines for sluffing are much worse: five dollars for every absence and one dollar for every tardy. “It will get hard going to school, especially at the end of the year, but the satisfaction of finishing is a lot better than going to summer school or doing packets,” Kara Cano (‘18) said. Learn to like the experiences that happen in high school. “It goes by super fast. People will hear stories from others, but I remember coming in as a freshman being afraid to talk to ev-
eryone, and it was scary. Then I started meeting people and joined a sport. Then school became like my family away from home,” Irany Gonzalez (‘18) said. When coming into high school, focus on being successful ,and don’t let anyone drag others down. If a student dreams of going to college or more than that, he or she has to stand out of the crowd, especially at Granger. A huge thing to focus on while coming into Granger High School is to be unique. “There’s no point in trying to be someone you’re not, when you can just be yourself and find friends that respect you for being you,” Sanah Alkaswan (‘18) said. When a person comes into high school and no one knows them, the best thing they can be is themselves. Freshmen are encouraged to give all sports a shot. Granger has a wide variety of sports and clubs. Granger’s clubs are awesome,;kids just have to find what interests them. Also, if there is something they are interested in and can get enough people to join, a teacher can help anyone create a new club. All freshmen need to do is talk to their Freshman 101 teacher and they will help with everything needed to make it happen. Being a new freshman isn’t necessarily easy, but as they get into the swing of things, it gets better. Try new things and get out there.
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Having a role model in a sport can encourage kids to dream big
By Braxton Henrie WHETHER a sports fan or not, everyone knows the name of at least one professional sports athlete. Whether it’s Kobe Bryant, Shaq, Jerry Rice, Steph Curry, Michael Jordan, Michael Oher, Bo Jackson or the great Jackie
Robinson. All these athletes are well-known people that are role models for the nation’s youth. Today’s sports role models can have a positive or negative impact on the youth. People can relate some of the names that were just listed with both positive and
Role models remind Coach Jeffries that hard work and dedication deliver.
negative actions. For example, Jackie Robinson broke the Major League Baseball color line. Or, on the other hand, there’s OJ Simpson, a six-time Pro Bowl football player who is currently serving a 33-year jail sentence in Clark County, Nevada for armed robbery and kidnapping. There is also Michael Oher who grew up poor and in challenging circumstances until he was taken in by a loving family and learned to play football. Oher later went on to play in the NFL, where he won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens. Professional athletes are celebrities, and millions of kids around the world are watching them play and following in their examples— whether it be good or bad. Chris Tagaloa (‘18) has looked up to Michael Jordan ever since he was little. “Just the way he held himself to a high standard is what made him such a good
role model to look up to. I want to be like that someday. His playing is what inspired me to get into basketball in the first place,” said Tagaloa. “Having Jordan as a role model is very inspirational. Watching his highlights always inspires me to be the best I can and inspires me to take my game to the next level,” Tagaloa added. J.J. Watt, defensive end for the Houston Texans, raised over 37 million dollars to help the victims of hurricane Harvey back in 2017. A big part of all sports is being able to communicate with the team and picking them up instead of putting them down. Although the players trash-talk during the games, it’s all part of the competition and the challenge to win. Athletes show kids that people can come from nothing and end up having it all. They teach people that they can do anything. As long as they put their hearts in it,
they can come out on top. “Having a sports player as a role model can have a significant impact on children. I looked up to Jerry Rice and Donald Driver when I was a kid. I would watch them all the time on Sundays. They were the best receivers when I was a kid. Watching them encouraged me to join sports. I did track and field and football during my time at Granger,” Kaden Christansen (‘16). “Having someone to look up to really helped me when I was a kid, especially when I wanted to join sports. I feel like they gave me the courage and strength to join the sport, but my family gave me the heart to go on,” Christansen said. Athlete role models have inspired and encouraged Lancers to become all that they dream of being. These positive influences have created a motivated body of students and athletes.
For younger kids, sports are all fun and games By Afatia Tiatia Everyone has a memory from when they were little about being athletic in all types of sports— whether they played the unpopular sports or sports that everyone watched. “As a child, I played basketball. It was one of my favorite sports to play,” Gwenda Loloma (‘18) said. Even when playing a sport as a child, kids still go through training as they would in any kind of sport. “We had to train every day after school until six o’clock, and
we’d be worn out,” Loloma said. “As an athlete, our coaches wanted to make sure that we were prepared so we wouldn’t be injuring ourselves. Our coaches had instructed us to shower in cold water so that our muscles wouldn’t hurt the next day when we came to practice,” Loloma said. “Playing sports is one of my favorite things to do,” Waylijah Vaoga (‘18) said. Sometimes in life, playing sports can help relieve stress. Playing sports is also a way to make new friends. Mireta Auseuga (‘18) is a Pa-
cific Islander who enjoys playing sports. “Sports is one of the things I would never turn down to play. Even if I cannot play the sports well, it never stops my fun,” Auseuga said. When playing as a child, it’s always just fun and games. “Playing sports at a young age was just a fun thing to do,” Auseuga said. During sports seasons and competitions, one thing that really matters is maintaining health. “As I was growing up, my family’s main focus, for not only me but also for my siblings, was to
keep us healthy,” Auseuga said. Doris Ah-Ching (‘18) loves to play sports. “I love playing sports. It’s really fun to just get out there and play,” Ah-Ching said. “Playing sports is something I do to keep me busy throughout the day instead of being on my phone all day long,” Ah-Ching said. Playing sports can mean focusing on one thing, no matter what it is going to be about. But, they can also be fun. Sports aren’t always something that has to be competitive. “Sometimes people always think that I am
only playing to be competitive, but I sometimes like to play just for fun,” Kerry Batlok (‘18) said. He is one of Granger’s funniest students. “As a little kid I would always get called the worst player out of us all,” Batlok said. Sometimes people are unfair and pick the good players first and leave the ones who can’t play very well last. “Whenever I would play, we would always choose teams and whoever were the captains would never want to choose me. I would always get chosen last, which was a good thing,” Batlok said
Tri-Color Times VOL. LXI Issue 1
September 2018, page 8 | Hello Assembly Collage