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TRICOLORTIMES.COM
APRIL 2022 LXIV-5
West Lake STEM groundbreaking is an extraordinary hit By Abigail Shepherd WEST LAKE STEM’s groundbreaking ceremony took place on March 18, 2022. This date is significant because it marked the second anniversary of the Magna earthquake that damaged the building. The event happened in partnership with district officials and community legislative leaders. Many parents, students, alumni, and community members attended in support of the event. Rep. Judy Weeks-Rohner (RWest Valley City) attended the groundbreaking ceremony. “I am really excited to see what they are going to do. Now that I am
a legislator, I want to make sure that our children are educated in the best possible way,” WeeksRohner said. She also explained that breaking West Lake’s ground was significant because it tells people that leaders care about children and the education they receive. The groundbreaking included performances from the West Lake STEM and Neil Armstrong Academy school choirs. The choirs sang songs about happiness and new beginnings. Both schools represented the current and future students of West Lake Junior High by showing their pride in West Lake’s future.
It is important for students of West Lake STEM to have access to a safe and quality education. The design of the new building will reflect modern architecture, and a key piece of the new building will be its hexagonal shape. This unique design will be unlike any other, and the figure is significant because of the iconic honeycomb representation that references Utah’s reputation as the beehive state. Construction for the new building will end by 2024, and it is expected that students will be able to attend that same year. These students will have access to new technology, labs, and rec-
reational spaces. The new school will be equipped with landscaping for football, soccer, and track. In addition, a new gymnasium will be helpful for West Lake’s basketball, volleyball, and wrestling teams. West Lake STEM’s groundbreaking was celebrated by a diverse group of community members. The special thing about this school is its multi-generational nature. Many people have been a part of the school as students or as PTSA members. West Lake’s principal, Dr. Tyler Howe, felt excited that the groundbreaking was finally hapcontinued on page 3
West Lake faculty break ground at the new junior high on March 18.
Mr. Eden graduates after 10 years at Granger
By Melissa Perez BRAYDON EDEN has been teaching at Granger High School for 10 years! And for nine of those, he taught the Latinos in Action program. He was first hired as an English teacher, and quickly after, he was asked to switch to LIA. “I had no idea what it was, so I went and talked to the retiring teacher. She said, ‘You’ll love it, come to our dance so you can meet the kids.’ Very nervously I said, ‘OK,’ ” Eden said. He earned his degree to become a principal in 2019, and he had been applying for a job to be a principal ever since — this was his lucky year. Eden has been hired as an intern administrator at a dual-immersion elementary school in Farmington. “They had a job there, so I’m going where I got hired,” Eden said. His new job will consist most-
ly of helping and supporting the students in the elementary school as well as the teachers. He will also help the school’s principal. The biggest difference for Eden will be the fact that it’s an elementary school. He doesn’t believe that it’ll be as easy to connect with younger students, whereas here at Granger, he’s able to easily connect with his teenage students and support them in their goals. He’ll miss that connection with his students, but he still feels that the elementary will be a good fit for him. “I kind of like elementary, it feels right. It feels like I should be there,” Eden said. Nevertheless, it’ll be a different environment and a different group of people with whom he’ll be working. Granger high school is about 60% Hispanic; most of his new students will be learning
Spanish instead of speaking it as their native language. Regardless, he is excited about the change of scenery and hopes to share his own culture with those kids. The LIA students have had a lot of mixed emotions about Eden leaving the school. Many students feel as if he is abandoning them. However, since this is his biggest career goal, he feels his leaving will set a good example. He wants them to go after their dreams, too. “I tell the kids to do something hard, do something that you’re not gonna be comfortable with, so I’m trying to leave that example as well and follow my dream of being a principal,” he said. While many students are upset about his departure, they are also happy for Eden and congratulate him on his success. Some kids are still a bit con-
cerned about the future of the LIA program. With a new teacher, there will certainly be changes. Eden wants to remind students that LIA is their class, and he hopes the kids can carry on their traditions and expectations as they work with the new teacher. “Change is also good — maybe the new teacher will have some fresh ideas that can help improve LIA,” he said. Since the start of his career, Eden has had a great love for Granger. When he first began, he had attended countless job interviews, but at the end of the day, Granger where he most wanted to work. Not only is Granger sad to see Eden go, but he also knows that last day will be hard. The students, as well as Eden, are excited to see him grow as he continues to follow his dreams.
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By TCT Staff “Oh my God! My dad is starting to piss me off.” “I’m not a very happy baka today.” “Bro, I’m literally gonna cry myself to sleep.” “FYI dummy; here you go.” “Carlisle, I’m gonna burn these.” “Frick my frickin’ life.” “Watch out before I WWE your head.” “They should’ve picked someone who was...not straight.” “I don’t know! Ask a cop!” “Have you seen those new snake tanks? The fish tank ones?” “I saw him totally buried.” “Don’t freshmen cheat on you?” “Why did they even put a mask on? No one likes wearing a mask anyway!” “I haven’t learned anything in this class…except how to use Google.” “Elvis Presley is like the king of sideburns.” “*growling*…I feel like biting someone.” “I told her I don’t shave my legs or armpits like she does.” “You were the leader and they discussed it without you!” “You’re only on the third episode of Naruto! How could you?!?” “The question said, ‘True or false: it’s OK to run over pedestrians.”’ “She doesn’t want me to aim.” “I feel like I could kill seven slices of cheese right now.” “When you leave cereal in the milk too long, the Captain Crunch ain’t crunch no more.” “No, you’re blushing.” “I told you the truth, but then the truth changed.” “I wanna go see my hallway crush.” “There’s no way I’m going to be able to graduate in June.” “I love seagulls.” “I didn’t even get asked to my last ever prom.” “I keep getting all these voicemails from someone named Oscar. I don’t even know an Oscar!” “My favorite hobby is cuticle care.” “I still can’t tell my left from my right.” “I wanna marry Batman.” “I love the Tri-Color Times!”
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April 2022, page 2
Tri-Color Times vol. 64 issue 5
Students and teachers find ways to support Ukraine By Jonah Newton FOR YEARS, tension has been rising between Ukraine and Russia. Recently, Ukraine expressed interest in joining NATO, while Russia believes that Ukraine should be part of Russia. This is one reason for the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022 and forced many people to leave their homes or flee to other countries as refugees. In a conflict of global proportions, students at Granger have been inspired to help. One option is to donate to refugees through a reputable organization. Netza Cuyuch (12) did just that. When she got an email from the Granite Technical Institute detailing a fund drive, she leaped into action. She donated a variety of items including diapers, baby wipes, deodorant, feminine products, lotion, and hand sanitizer. The drive also accepted donations of money, and the Larry H. Miller group would match up to $2,000,000 in donations.
As for the war in Ukraine, “it’s pretty sad and horrific.” Cuyuch said. She urged students to help support the Ukrainian people in any way possible. “I think we should make it globally known that Ukraine is still suffering, and we should constantly be learning about it. I think students like us can make a difference.” Cuyuch said. She believes that raising awareness and donating to refugees are the most powerful things we can do right now. Another student who has acted in support of Ukraine is Rachel Scarber (12). In her government class, she wrote a note to refugees. “I reminded the people there to keep shining bright like sunflowers, which is something that represents their culture,” Scarber said. Teachers want to help, too. Mr. Hunt has a special connection to Ukraine, as he lived there for three years and did a study abroad program there. He loves the culture and language of Ukraine. Some
Ukrainian dishes he recommends are chicken Kyiv (chicken rolled around butter and fried), borscht (a soup with a beetroot base), and varenyky (a potato dumpling). Hunt is not surprised to hear about the war. “We’ve seen the signs of it. It’s very eerily similar to what we saw in World War II, with Hitler coming into Czechoslovakia and taking it over, and then nobody really doing anything about it,” he said. He has hope that the US will give sufficient support to Ukraine. “I feel like there’s an obligation we have as a free people and a democracy to uphold these people’s country,” Hunt said. He thinks that support of Ukraine is a very nuanced topic. “The purpose of the United Nations is to stop things like this from happening. A show of force would not be problematic, I don’t think. But I understand we don’t want to go to war. It’s a very difficult question.” he said. Hunt also conveyed optimism
concerning the current actions and sanctions against Russia. He thinks it is a good first step, and they should wait a few more months to see if these sanctions are enough to make Putin cease his invasion. If not, Hunt feels that military action would be necessary. While Hunt was not surprised to hear about this invasion from a historical standpoint, it was shocking on a personal level. When he lived there, he could not imagine something like this happening. He has concern for his Ukrainian friends at this scary time. He says that he has not been able to contact some of his friends at all, which worries him. “I’ve tried to keep track of everybody, but it’s been kind of hard, and it’s an off-and-on situation. Sometimes you’ll hear from people and sometimes you won’t,” Hunt said. He mentioned that many of his friends live in western Ukraine, an area that has been less affected
by the invasion. Most people he knows from Kyiv have gone to Poland. He is good friends with three brothers. “They spend all their time shuttling people from Ukraine across the Polish border.” Hunt said. Stories like these are inspiring, and these moments show how people support one another in difficult times. He encouraged students to give support for Ukraine. “There’s a lot of reputable charities you could go to, but be careful where you send your money and who you send your money to,” Hunt said. Ensuring a charity is reputable is a critical step in the donation process. “I think the thing that we can focus on as people here in the United States mainly is to help those people who are struggling in their refugee situation.” Hunt said. From social media to donations to letters, there are a variety of ways that students like us can make a difference, even on the global stage.
Homework has its challenges, so make a plan By Natalie Pereira FINISHING assignments and homework helps students feel less stressed. However, the end of the school year is getting closer by the day, and students might have to pick up the pace. For some, this is easy, and catching up on work can be a piece of cake. Lancers have many different ways of managing a heavy workload. Natalie Magdaleno Miranda (11) knows what helps her turn in all of her assignments on time. “I don’t get too much homework in most of my classes. Sometimes I don’t even have homework at all, unless I didn’t finish an assignment. That’s because I make sure I get my work done in class.” Magdaleno’s grades are right where she wants them to be and working hard helps her finish a lot of her assignments. Magdaleno has some solid ways of balancing her schoolwork. “I make sure to pay lots of attention in class and take plenty of notes,” she said. Having notes helps students when they must complete assignments later.
When it comes to studying for a long time, students might want to be in an environment that helps them stay focused. “I like to study in quiet places so that I can concentrate on what I’m doing. The library is a great place and my usual go-to whenever I need to work on something. There are some people that I know that like to get together in study groups, but I think working alone is easier for me,” Magadaleno said. Working alone prevents Magdaleno from getting distracted, and she feels that she gets work done faster that way. To other students, getting work done fast and on time can be a challenge. For example, Alex Johnson (10) has had a hard time staying caught up. “I’m in an AP class, which means I get a lot of homework. Way more than a regular class. My English class also gives me tons of homework, so it has not been easy getting it all done,” Johnson said. He feels that the third quarter went by pretty fast, and after that term ended, he made goals for the next one.
“Now that I’m pretty caught up, I think that the fourth quarter and my next two years of high school will be easier,” Johnson said. “With my busy schedule, finding the right time to get my homework done was a challenge. But having a strict schedule helped me be disciplined. Also, actually starting assignments and seeing them through no matter how hard they were was key for me to getting them done,” Johnson said. Even though his grades aren’t where he wants them, he has high expectations for himself next quarter. Some students might agree with Johnson that catching up in a short period of time is difficult, especially if they are a bit behind. But just like Johnson did, starting on homework and seeing it through until it’s turned in is a great habit. Although it feels that homework will never be over, the school year will be done in a flash. Staying determined now will not only help when doing homework, but it can also help after students finish high school.
Natalie stays on top of her homework because she has a plan.
Shenel captivates the audience with her talent, and wins the show!
Talent show astounds crowd
By Arius Hardman GRANGER experienced a taste of diversity through the talent show. There was singing, dancing, music, and magic. Ben Layton (10), the lead singer of Backstreet Drivers, says that participating in the talent show was fun and a good experience. They’ve been trying to promote their band, and with the talent show, they saw a golden opportunity to get their name out there. This was the first performance they’ve done in front of a crowd, and they’re planning on making time to play again in front of a crowd in May or June. All their songs are original, except for one song they’re covering by Green Day. The lead guitarist’s dad is also a long-time lead guitarist in a garage band. So, since forever, the boys have wanted to start their own garage band. Eventually, when they had enough skill and were old enough to actually put their garage band together, they did. It officially started on October 21, 2021, and the band hopes to grow in popularity. “I want our band to be popular, but not world famous. Nothing like Metallica or Nirvana, something smaller maybe, like Green Day,” Layton said. Devin Gorski (12), showed their expression through song while singing “As the World Caves in” by Matt Maltese. “I get a bit nervous, maybe a little before I go on stage, but besides that I’m confident,” Gor-
ski said. They explained that they liked participating in the show and singing was one of their passions. Gorski does it to inspire people. Shenel Arenas (9), like Gorski, chose to sing in the talent show, and she also played piano. “I haven’t really performed in front of a lot of people, but I have a little bit, so I kind of know what to expect,” Arenas said. She was definitely nervous, but excited. One of her big dreams is to perform in concerts. She loves music, and she’s been learning to sing and play instruments since she was seven years old. She says she likes to share her passion for music with other people, and it’s one of her favorite hobbies. Arenas placed first in the talent show, her family came out for her and cheered her on. She says that she didn’t really do it for the competition, but she was excited and felt honored when she won. “I’d like to say thanks to everyone for supporting me, it was really cool,” Arenas said. Overall, the student government artists agreed that the talent show went exactly as planned — maybe even better. It was difficult to put together, but they had fun doing it. They honestly didn’t have very high expectations, because in the past it hasn’t gone very well. In the past, they didn’t have enough time to fit all of the acts in the show, but this time it went so well that they even had extra time to spare.
April 2022, page 3
Tri-Color Times vol. 64 issue 5
Ground broken for junior high
continued from page 1
Granger students submitted artwork for Earth Day.
Earth Day is a reminder to care for the earth
By Karina Onofre AT GRANGER, students and teachers spread awareness of the harm humans can cause to the planet. Most Earth Science classes are currently on the topic of climate change and carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Over the past century, deforestation, droughts, loss of species, displacement, and health risks have increased. The Native Nations Club has consistently talked about the displacement and effects of climate change in their meetings. “I’d like to think Native Americans were the first environmentalists; I think we respected the Earth enough to recognize we need to coexist,” said Mr. Platero, the Native Nations adviser. Unfortunately, that’s not happening nowadays. One of the Native Nations Club’s focus points is protecting mother earth and giving back to her. Humans are continuously ruining the land that was once loved, cherished, and worshiped by those who were here first. People are losing their homes due to the displacements of droughts, hurricanes, and other extreme weather. Ms. Loomis´s environmental class has discussed topics like
biospheres and how different one event in the atmosphere can easily affect the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. ¨If we are not more aware of our actions, we will continue to destroy our planet, it all starts with us,” she said. Loomis studied geology and has been spreading awareness about the effects of climate change for years. She encourages recycling by making her own recycling box in her classroom, as well as composting and growing her own food. Unfortunately, Granger’s recycling system is not very effective. Most things thrown in the recycling bins, eventually end up in the trash. The People of the Pacific class took time this year to go around to each classroom and collect vast amounts of papers and boxes, and then they recycled them the right way. Earth Day is all about bringing awareness to the environment and educating those who harm her. US history classes touch on the topic around this time of year. “I believe we should talk about the history of Earth Day and how this issue was brought to attention,” said Mr. Burton. He has a whole class lecture dedicated to the beginning of Earth Day. “The first
Earth Day took place on April 22, 1970, and it was sparked up by a book called Silent Spring; the book documented harmful actions humans were doing that contributed to climate change,” Burton said. Sen. Gaylord Nelson (D-Wis.) was worried about the environment. Then in 1969, a huge oil spill concerned many Americans, especially college students. During this time, anti-war protests were incredibly popular, so they weaved in climate change awareness. In the ‘90s, Earth Day grew worldwide and focused on ice caps, oil spills, wildlife extinction, etc. Thanks to protests, many laws were passed to prevent diseases and guarantee a healthier planet. Climate change affects all of us. As a diverse school, we have families in other countries that aren’t as fortunate to have this knowledge, and it’s our job to educate and help those in need. Us humans started this and we have the power and potential to end it. Recycle, grow your own food, compost, reuse, repurpose, drive less, bring your own water bottle, and vote for better whenever you can.
Prom’s magical vibe enchants Lancers
By Eboni Robinson THE DJ’s speakers bumped with ‘90s and early ‘00s R&B, and the dance floor overflowed with Lancers dressed to perfection. A line of couples formed from the small black photo booth to the entrance. Streamers, confetti, balloons, and lights covered the venue giving it a little fairy tale magic as prom cast its spell on Granger’s best-dressed Lancers. Prom is one of the biggest dances in high school, so it’s important. “I feel like prom is a big deal for a lot of people. It’s the one night of the year where you go out dressed in gorgeous, expensive dresses and suits,” prom king Jake Turcsanski (12) said. “I thought it would be fun, going up there with the cameras, and the crown. At first, I just did it as a joke, and then I won,” Turcsanski said. He stood tall and casually confident. “I kinda expected to win, but it was still fun, and it felt like a good experience to have in se-
nior year.” Turcsanski has known prom queen Saramae Okeson (12) for a while. “We’ve known each other since elementary school. Yeah, we’re friends.” As the music played, it was clear that more wheels were coming off allowing people to dance freely to the blasting music. With so many students cramped in one place, it seemed impossible that they could possess a vibe that no one expects from a bunch of teens. It was easy to dance throughout the night while people were enjoying themselves and flashing smiles to every corner of the room. Winning also came as a surprise to Okeson who didn’t nominate herself for prom queen. “My date, who won prom prince, nominated me,” Okeson said as she giggled. “Yeah, and the thing is I didn’t even know he did it, and then I heard my name, and it was like an out-of-body experience: it didn’t feel real.”
Okeson had a great time on stage and in the crowd. “It was fun. Again, I didn’t believe it was happening — it kinda felt like a dream or a movie.” “It felt like a fairy tale,” Max Baker (9) said. “It was beautiful, the people, the lights, everything seemed so elaborate.” Black L-shaped couches provided a spot to rest after dancing. Prom is a big deal for a lot of people. It’s the one night of the year where they go out dressed in gorgeous dresses and suits. Friends get ready together, and then they arrive! They laugh, smile, and dance the night away. Prom is a big thing to upperclassmen. It’s the last dance they have before the seniors graduate, and it’s the juniors last dance as juniors. Granger’s 2022 Prom, let people experience a break from the rough year that’s ending, and it was an amazing way to spend a Saturday night! Prom is the dance that shapes the end of the year.
pening. He mentions that the old West Lake building served the community for over 50 years, but after an earthquake revealed its structural weaknesses, it was time to rebuild. “It goes from an imagination — a theoretical — to ‘This is happening!’ We are building the new school, and I am so excited,” Dr. Howe said. Dr. Howe anticipated a bright future for West Lake’s students. “I am excited for the kids who are going to experience it moving forward,” he said. He says that West Lake belongs to the community, and he is so excited to make this new school a reality. Adults in the community care about the education, and it is inspiring to see so many people from West Valley City come together to achieve a common goal. This school will improve the strength and versatility of its students. Granger students also feel excited as the new West Lake STEM building becomes a reality. Many
Lancers attended the ceremony as West Lake alumni and allies in support of West Lake STEM. Emma Rupp (10) attended West Lake right up until the pandemic and earthquake. Rupp says that she felt that the groundbreaking was bittersweet, but she’s glad that a new building is being built. Rupp believes that improvements to West Lake will affect Granger. “West Lake STEM feeds into Granger High, so the learning experiences students have will affect future Granger students,” Rupp said. The new West Lake STEM building will be an important development for the community, and it will definitely impact the education of its students. Alumni, administrators, district board members, and students cannot wait to be back where they belong. West Lake’s new campus will assure safety and education at its highest. There is a bright future ahead for the students of West Lake STEM. Go Mustangs!
Dr. Tyler Howe is excited for West Lake’s new building.
Tri-Color Times Staff Editor in Chief Jocelyn Roberts Managing Editor Haidee Smith Copy Editor Abby Shepherd
Social Media Editor Angie Ramirez Jr. Copy Editor Melissa Perez
Reporters Jose Acevedo Adrian Aguirre Kelly Ayala Sammy Beauchaine Emily Butcher Landon Cabrera Mapu Fuatogi Arius Hardman Leyla Ilyazova Hannah Johnson Karmela Johnson Whitnie Larsen
Reporters Irae Mautoatasi Jonah Newton Cela Nodjigoto Pilar Olvera Karina Onofre Natalie Pereira Eboni Robinson Alondra Romero Belen Suazo Amired Vargas Gigi Vera
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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Tri-Color Times vol. 64 issue 5
April 2022, pages 4-5 | Prom Collage
April 2022, page 6
Tri-Color Times vol. 64 issue 5
Ms. Cosgrove prepares to leave Granger By Amired Vargas CLUBS are a great way for students to meet new people and connect. The Lotus Club in Granger High School is no exception. The Lotus Club in Granger High School is managed by Ms. Cosgrove and Mr. Johansson. Lotus Club has meetings every Wednesday from 2:30-3:30 pm in room H208. “Lotus Club is sort of like a safe place for students who may feel out of place and for their allies as well,” said Ms. Gilson. Ms. Gilson is going to be managing the Lotus Club after Ms. Cosgrove resigns at the end of the year. Lotus club is a place where kids could be accepted and help do community service for people in need. Clothing drives are a big part of the lotus club. “This is so we could help trans youth, especially those who aren’t accepted.” Gilson said. Examples of these clothing drives include prom dress collections as well as food drives. Teachers are resigning now more than ever before. “Fifty-five percent of public school teachers,
administrators and other staff said they were planning to leave the field sooner than they’d planned because of the crushing additional stresses brought on by the pandemic,” according to the nbcnews.com website. Kslnewsradio.com reported 42% of teachers leave within their first five years. The national averages sit between 17 and 46%, but the overall departure rate is actually pretty high. Cosgrove says she is leaving the profession because of personal reasons as well as for professional reasons. “I need a break. I love my kids, I love my students, but everything else about it is so stressful, and it’ll be nice to have some freedom,” she said. Cosgrove says she is neurodivergent and has a couple mental illnesses that make it hard to be on time and be a teacher. “I’m really looking forward to kind of taking a break from that and being creative as well as going back into writing,” she said. Cosgrove also says that the system can be a little frustrating as she is asked to enforce rules
she doesn’t agree with and that makes it stressful for her and her students as well. Ms. Cosgrove has been a teacher at Granger high school for years and has been managing the club, so her students don’t feel alone. Over the years, Cosgrove has changed her teaching style to create a better relationship with her students, “I started out being a pretty strict teacher, mostly because that was all I had growing up, and I thought I had to mimic that,” she said. Cosgrove says that being a strict teacher created a lot of conflict that was stressful to her and her students. Students are what Cosgrove loved most about the job and profession. Cosgrove and her Lotus Club students have an amazing relationship. “They are all really close with her, so I think that’s good news for them. I think she’s a very unique person, and she really built a strong relationship with them,” said Gilson. She also says she feels students are going to be hesitant to return back to the club or find it difficult without Cosgrove being there.
Ms. Cosgrove has changed a lot as a teacher; now she’s ready for what’s next.
Rabbits are not just another Easter gift — they are serious pets By Landon Cabrera EASTER is right around the corner, so maybe this year is the year that to finally want to do something spectacular. For example, this could mean adding a holidaythemed pet to the family, and a Rabbit is perfect for this time of year. Before anyone goes out to buy a new best friend, take a look
at what it’s like to own a rabbit. Getting a rabbit is a big commitment to make, especially around this time due to people buying rabbits on impulse. This leads to owners eventually giving up their pets after only a couple weeks. It is important to know all the facts about keeping a rabbit as a pet.
Easter bunnies become summer rabbits, and that’s all folks!
If people are not ready to meet all the needs of their new furry friend, then it can result in animal abuse. The agriculture.vic.gov.au website states that rabbits could suffer from diet disaster, loneliness, boredom, neglected health, and many other things if they aren’t looked after properly. Rabbits may seem like easy pets to care for, but they aren’t. “Rabbits are not ‘low-maintenance’ pets — they need as much care and attention as dogs and cats,” as stated on the rabbit.org website. Although most other animals also require attention, it varies from pet to pet. Rabbits aren’t the easiest pets to care for, but that doesn’t make them the hardest either. Not only do they require a fair amount of attention, but they can also be costly to raise as well. “Rabbits are more expensive to own than cats or guinea pigs — coming just after dogs in expense,” as stated on the rabbit.
org website. Of course, just like any other pet, they have their fair share of expenses. Expenses include food, toys, medical needs, and housing. Rabbits also have the relentless urge to chew on everything they can. This means owners should strongly consider bunnyproofing their homes. It may be a good idea to hide valuable papers out of reach where they cannot get to them. This may seem annoying, but for anyone who really wants a rabbit, it isn’t that bad. Despite the disadvantages, getting a rabbit can be a delight. They are very loyal pets showing lots of love and affection towards their caretakers. Rabbits are known to run circles around their owners’ feet when they want to express their excitement. Rabbits can also be taught lots of different tricks. “With patience, your bunny can be trained to run agility courses, fetch, jump, and spin on cue,” as stated on the all-
creatureshealthcare.com website. Whether owners want to train their rabbits to speed through courses in competitions, or they just want them to do cute stuff, they require time and patience. In addition, rabbits, just like any other animal, live for a relatively long period of time. The average lifespan of a rabbit is around 8-10 years which means they will be with a family for a while. They will be a big part of an owner’s life, so cherishing every moment with them is very important. Although 8-10 years may be a seem short, it is an entire lifetime for a rabbit. If people know exactly what they are getting into, they are less likely to make the mistake of neglecting their pet rabbits. So, instead of adopting a rabbit on an impulse, consider what it actually takes to raise one. After making the big decision, enjoy the new memories that will come from adopting a new friend.
When words fail, Granger Lancers find other means of expression By Sammy Beauchaine IN TIMES when words seem to fail in showing feelings, there are many things that can help show them. Whether it be through dancing, writing, drawing, or even acting. Lancers at Granger High School have many ways of showing expression. Wyatt Johnson (10) is one of the many talented artists at Granger. He likes art because it can feature interesting styles. Artists don’t need to compare work with each other because no two are the same. Not all artists create the same. “You have to have that emotion, and gotta keep that in mind the whole time you’re working on that piece,” Johnson said. People may not consider themselves as artists, simply because they aren’t good at it, but humans are here to create new things. Another way of expression is through writing. As seen in many
books, short stories, and poems. Writers can showcase many different emotions. Felix Gallegos (12) is taking creative writing this year and has found how creative writing can be used to show his emotions, specifically poems. Poems are very relatable. It’s easy to connect with what the author is trying to convey. “We read poems about people, sometimes it deals with themselves. Others, I guess you could say the way they view the world,” Gallegos said. Writing is a way that authors can share how they feel—giving others a chance to read it and relate alongside them. For some people, using words to say what they think or feel, is difficult. Dancing is a form of expression that requires no words, only movement. Alysa Munson (12) has been a dancer since she was a freshman in high school. She says that dancing is how we can show feelings. No matter if
she is having a good day or a bad day, she can always turn to dance. “I try to portray emotion in it. I want people to see how I feel just in the way I move. It’s the best way to show it when you can’t say it sometimes,” Munson said. Music can bring such strong emotions into our lives. Olivia Cloward (9) has been singing since she was in the first grade. She likes that no matter how good someone is at singing, all that matters is the effort that is put into trying. Singing should never be done half-heartedly; singers need to be engaged in what they are doing. “Singing not only lets out emotions when I’m sad or something like that, but it always brings me up,” Cloward said. Through her voice, Cloward can express emotions through song while sharing her talent with others. Raiden Dwight (10) is an actor who puts heart and soul into
his passion for theatre. Theatre combines a few things such as singing, dancing, and acting. With a new character, actors need to make good choices on how they play the role. “How I express myself personally is I learn from the characters I play, and it makes me think, ‘Is this what I would do?’ or ‘Is this something I myself would include in my personality?’ ” Dwight said. The learning experiences extracted from playing different types of characters helps actors discover new things about themselves while also getting the chance to entertain others. There are many ways that students can show who they are to the world. Maybe it’s just as simple as a fashion choice, or the decision to become the next big motivational speaker. Whatever it may be for everyone, it’s good to find a way to show who they are in this life.
Lancers express themselves via art.
April 2022, page 7
Tri-Color Times vol. 64 issue 5
Smith steals Oscar spotlight
Conditioning is crucial for athletic success
By Kelly Ayala ALTHOUGH sports are played differently, many need similar preparations. One of these sports is soccer. Soccer takes a lot of energy, like a lot of other sports. Kevin Segura (10) has been playing soccer for eight years now. His dad was the one who got him into soccer. Segura has stuck with playing soccer for nearly a decade. Segura says in the beginning, it was just chasing the ball around and having fun. “I love soccer because it helped me in so many ways physically, and mentally,” Segura said. Not only did soccer help him physically, it also helped him with working hard, trusting, being a leader, etcetera. Segura claimed that it’s challenging to make time and put in the effort for practice., “If you love the sport as much as I do, you will make time to do what you love.” Segura said. He also mentioned that when he has a
game, he gets prepared by making sure that he has all his stuff. Segura recommended that other players get enough sleep, eat healthy, and stay hydrated. Hyrum Okeson (Coach Opie) says he expects his athletes to do a lot of conditioning, exercise, and training. Okeson mentions that before a game, players should prepare themselves by eating well and be mentally prepared for success. Another sport would be basketball. The preparation is like soccer. Majoie Ametiovi (9) has played basketball for 7th and 9th grade. Ametitovi found interest in the sport because family members played, so it seemed fun for her. Ametiovi says that she listens to music, stretches, and shoots the ball around before a game. Sometimes she and her teammates go over a game. The night before a game can be nerve racking, but Ametiovi tries to rest as much as she can to make sure she is pre-
pared. Ametiovi said that other athletes should “do whatever makes you feel ready and comfortable to start the game”. She also suggested being prepared and having fun. Mariah Valle (12) has been playing softball for seven years. She tried out for the school team in her third year of high school. Valle got into softball because of a flier in elementary school. Her teacher had told her to try out, so she decided to give it a try. Valle says it is a lot of fun, and it’s a purpose to do better. Before a game, she listens to music and tries to calm down because of all the anticipation. Although playing a sport may seem easy sometimes, it’s very difficult. Many sports need a lot of practice and training, which takes time out of athletes’ free time. There are many sports around the world, and they’re all different. They need preparation for the players to play well.
By Haidee Smith THE OSCARS happened on March 27 and had people in shock. During the event, Chris Rock was announcing the winner for best documentary and decided to joke about Jada Smith (Will Smith’s wife). “Jada, I love you, G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see it…,” said Rock. Following his statement, Will Smith then walked on stage and slapped Rock. What followed the most shocking part of the event was less than professional. Mr. Smith and Mr. Rock proceeded to get into a yelling match with some explicit words. Following the incident, Rock tried to continue with the show, however, the spotlight had already been stolen. After Smith won an Oscar, he mentioned it again in his acceptance speech, as well as other times throughout the night. Many at the Oscar felt like it took attention away from winner who deserved more attention at the award ceremony. The negative taste in people’s mouths led to outroar. The Oscar producers didn’t know how to handle the situation at first, and it sparked a lot of debate. People from around the country gave their opinions on what should have happened. It left people divided about how/if either man deserved to be reprimanded. It also left Lancers with split opinions. Justin Galvez (11) thought that Will Smith was in the wrong for hitting a comedian doing his job. He can see both sides. “Chris Rock kinda deserved it, but then again Will Smith
shouldn’t have done that, but he was defending his wife,” Galvez said. In the end, he didn’t think that anyone should be punished. Sydney Anderson (11) thought that they were both in the wrong. “Will shouldn’t have smacked Chris, and Chris shouldn’t have made a joke on someone’s illness,” Anderson said. She says that Jada has a condition called alopecia which can cause hair loss. However, she doesn’t think that excuses Will’s behavior. She thinks that they are both equally as wrong. “I just think there are better ways to defend someone you love, that isn’t violence on TV,” Anderson said. While Anderson and Galvez might disagree about which actor was right, they both agree about the punishment. “I don’t think it’s that big of a deal to have a punishment,” Anderson said. Even some of those who think it wasn’t OK don’t think they deserve any discipline. However, critics online are fuming about the incident. Not only has it been turned into memes and a viral topic, but people are calling for consequences. Many online are asking about what will happen to the pair. Marshall Herskovitz, a director and producer, tweeted after the event calling for punishment. Although, many are still divided on what to do. So, just like the nation, Granger is split about the Oscar situation. Lancers have diverse opinions about the whole situation. However, it seems like most Lancers don’t think there should be a punishment.
Slang evolves quickly these days By Natalie Pereira “OMG, LOL he is the GOAT!” Sentences like this can be heard all over the school. When walking in the hallways, especially the crowded ones, it’s possible that you can hear lots of people talking with each other, you know, like normal people do. It’s not like you are eavesdropping on a person’s conversation, but some words that they use could catch your eye, or ear, and they can be very mind-boggling. Especially when they use slang. I don’t know about you, but I usually have no clue what people are saying to me when they use slang. Slang is very common among teenagers, but it changes so much that it’s hard to keep up. According to The Teen Dictionary for Parents, “once you think you’ve mastered a few phrases, you’re probably out of touch again.” This can be so true because social media, the internet, memes, and even gifs promote slang and change it all the time. Those who aren’t very up to date with social media have trouble understanding slang and often get confused by the terminology. “Bruh, tbh that’s cap, so seriously spill the tea. Smh.” Out of context, this can seem funny. I confess that I thought “smh” meant “so much hate”. But nope! It means “shaking my head”. Some of the most common slang words we might hear around the halls could be “bruh”, “peridot”, “cap”, and more. Yeah, you know who you are! It’s funny when I hear people talk that way. I heard somebody in the
hall go, “respect the drip Karen!” However, sometimes slang can’t always be used. How does social media slang affect learning says that according to teachers and professors, students use excessive slang in their written assignments and papers, and they also show poor performance on reading as well. This does not apply to everyone, but maybe students use slang so much that they don’t even realize it. And when we must be formal, maybe using slang isn’t the best idea. Other times, slang can be proven useful. In my opinion, using slang has improved sending text messages. Texts get sent much faster because we don’t have to spend a lot of time writing long words and sentences. For example, most of the time, friends don’t need to send each other so many texts because they could probably say everything they need in a couple of words. Parents might even find it easier using slang to text with their kids. Even though some might find it cringey, really, this is a good thing because that means we’re all getting familiar with slang and a bit more comfortable with it. By now, we can say that many people have become experts with slang. What I find interesting is that all languages have slang. So, who knows? Maybe one day there will be a slang dictionary. Now that would be amazing. But until then, count on the Tri-Color Times to always keep you up to date with the latest tea and fill you in on what you need to know, no cap.
@mb4umi
@zain.fz
Appreciate life by relaxing outside By Gigi Vera APPRECIATING life at Granger can be a way students can de-stress and calm down from all the struggles they face. Sometimes they just need to go outside, take a break from everything, relax, and take in the sun and nature. Itzel Garcia (11) listens to music and lays down on the grass while looking up into the sky. “I enjoy the fall because fall just has the perfect weather. It is never too hot and never too cold, and when the leaves fall, they look very beautiful. I enjoy hearing the crunch of the leaves whenever I walk on them,” she said. Garcia also has some crystals. There are many ways to recharge them and make them gain their full energy back. It’s easy to charge the crystals by putting them in water, under the sun or moon. It all depends on the crystals and what kind of purpose they have and the energy that goes towards the crystal. Crystals have very different meanings and cando different things to someone’s energy. There are always different things to do when outside and enjoying the fresh air. Michelle Gutierrez (9) enjoys gardening and goes for walks whenever she feel stress or feel down. “I have my own garden in my backyard. The thing I garden is flowers and tomatoes, lettuce, and serrano peppers,” she said. Gutierrez got into gardening because she wanted to see what she can do and what she can plate. “Fall is just the perfect time because it is just the beginning of the leaves falling
and the weather starts to calm down and become cooler,” said Gutierrez. She enjoys her little garden, and she enjoys skating when it is not too hot and goes around her block. However, when it is too hot, Gutierrez is always in the backyard fixing up her plants. She makes sure there aren’t any roots sticking out or animals eating all her hard work that she enjoys doing. “I enjoy gardening because it is a way for me to relax my stress and everything I have inside me and I feel like spring is a great time to start planting and keeping everything alive and healthy,” she said. Ashley Tafoya (10) enjoys going outside with her family and going out for walks. “I really like when me and my family go outside together because we just have the best time being out and taking,” she said. Tafoya enjoys the sun and says that the sun brings out a little more of that natural beauty. She always loves all the beautiful colors of the sun when it’s rising or setting. “When I’m outside, I take advantage of the warm weather and run around my block for a little,” Tafoya said. She enjoys being outside and taking in the sun when she’s out and hanging around with her family. Being outside can be the best way for kids to destress or just take a breath in and admire the beauty of nature and not take advantage of being outside. Going for a walk or even just sitting down can help a lot of people just forget about the things that are happening in their lives.
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Tri-Color Times vol. 64 issue 5
This podcast will keep Lancers up at night
White shoes take the stage By Adrian Aguirre TRENDS come and go, but one trend that has stuck around for a while are white sneakers. White sneakers first came to rise around the late ‘70s and are still dominating to this day. Even though they sure tend to get dirty easily, they still are popular for their aesthetics and comfort. Plus, they are very versatile, too! Last week I decided to go hunting for a pair of white sneakers that were filled with comfort but still had a very good aesthetic. The first store I decided to try was Journeys. The first pair of sneakers I decided to try on was the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top in white. A pretty nice, and basic pair. Definitely seen lots of pairs of these around the halls. In terms of aesthetics, I would rate them a solid 10/10. They are pretty versatile and give off a nice, edgy vibe. They made me feel a bit short though, but still pretty nice! In terms of comfort, I would rate them a 6/10. They do come to be a bit tight around the sides of the foot. They also lack arch support. Although they are nice shoes, they tend to be an arm workout to put on since they are high tops and have a lot more lacing to do, definitely not good for when you’re in a hurry. The second pair of sneakers I decided to try on was the Fila Disruptor 2 Premium Athletic. I don’t really see these around school, but still see them from time to time. They were popular in the ‘90s until the early ‘00s, and out of nowhere, they made a comeback in 2020, but that didn’t last long. In terms of looks and aesthetics, I give them a 6/10. They’re nice, but you really have to know how to style them. There have been mixed opinions about them, and I can see why. In terms of comfort, I give
them a 7/10. They are comfy, but when you’re in them for too long, they start to get uncomfortable, still nice for some lightweight exercising. The third pair of sneakers I decided to try on were the Vans Old Skool in white with a vintage floral pattern. In terms of style, I would rate them a 10/10. My dad said they were ugly, but that didn’t stop me from getting them. And like the Converse, they made me feel a bit short. In terms of comfort, I’d say a 6/10. They were a bit tight, probably because I didn’t loosen them. Wouldn’t recommend for exercising, maybe for a light jog. The next pair of shoes I tried was the Dr. Martens 1460 8-Eye boots in white. I don’t think I’ve ever seen these in the halls, but I do see a few black Dr. Martens. In terms of looks/aesthetics I’d say a 5/10. Don’t get me wrong, they’re nice, but just not my style. In terms of comfort, I’d say 5/10. They weren’t that comfortable, and they felt a bit heavy. Probably because I haven’t broken into them. I would not recommend for any type of athletics. After trying those on, I decided to try a different store: Foot Locker. There, I decided to try what I think are some of most popular shoes right now: a pair of Nike Air Force 1s. In terms of style/ aesthetics I’d say they were a solid 10/10. They’re pretty nice and very versatile. They go with mostly anything, and they all gave me height! In terms of comfort, I’d say they’re a 9/10. They’re pretty comfortable! Would recommend for athletic activities, unless you don’t want to crease them. Overall, I think all these shoes are pretty nice, and it all just depends on the person who wears them. If the shoe fits, then it fits!
By Hanna Johnson IF YOU’RE someone that binges true crime and scours though Zillow listings, this podcast might be for you. You can find this podcast on Spotify and enjoy its hour-long episodes filled with interior design and paranormal activity. This podcast is called Dark House. This podcast talks about four different houses per episode. These houses are all either said to have a dark background or are just said to be haunted. They go over all the history within the house: who lived there, what happened and even sometimes why it happened. There are all sorts of topics like, mass murder, satanic rituals, and sinister stories. This podcast may seem like a regular old podcast; however, the two co-hosts of the show, Alyssa Fiorentino and Hadley Mendalsohn make listening a little more interesting. They keep the stories creepy and entertaining while adding in a touch of humor. As they talk about the houses and their histories, they also seem to be having a good time just talking to and joking with one another. I feel like this makes the podcast a little more friendly and
bubbly while also talking about the things that scare us. The first episode of Dark House introduces both hosts, and as it introduces them, they talk about just a few of their personal paranormal experiences. This first episode tells you why they are believers in the supernatural. Another episode goes over four houses that are a little more infamous. These houses were perfect, the families in them, the houses themselves, the way they were known. They were ideal for the people who knew them. This episode tells the story of how they fell from elegance. A lot of time is spent on different episodes throughout, the show brings a few special guests’ opinions into perspective. These special guests consist of professor Tok Thompson, who has spent years researching the origins of ghost stories around the world, and Jerry Wanek, who has some information about how the Villisca Axe Murder house and houses with similar influence in the entertainment industry. As well as so many other guest speakers on the podcast. If you do end up listening to
Dark House and enjoy it, you’ll be a little disappointed when you find out there are only five episodes. There are a couple of similar podcasts that you can also find on Spotify like Morning Cup of Murder. This true crime podcast gives us daily episodes that you can listen to while you drink your morning coffee. Each episode is a different story, and these episodes range from 5-15 minutes long. The host, Korina Biemesderfer, goes over various topics just as Dark House does. These episodes are definitely short, but they quickly cover all the most interesting topics: murder, abduction, serial killers, crimes of passions, as well as cults. These podcasts are alternatives for the morbidly curious who want to listen while they’re driving or even when working. So, if you’re into scary houses and spooky stories, Dark House is a good podcast for those who don’t like to read or watch tv. Enjoy listening to these scary stories, and if you’re wondering about how any of these stories end, don’t forget to listen to these podcasts in your free time.
Jump into the fantasy world of Genshin Impact By Irae Mautoatasi Genshin Impact is a fantasy open world RPG game that has gotten popular ever since its release in 2020. If you have any interest in games like Breath of the Wild or Honkai Impact, then you’re in for this one. I started in October 2020, so there’s a lot I want to say. My first time playing it was an exciting experience and brought a new interest to fantasy-like games. The first thing I have to say I noticed playing was how amazing the graphics were. Everything is smooth and smaller things such as the flowers, grass movement, building details, are all so wonderfully displayed. The characters have beautiful designs and lore that add to them. I found the stories interesting and surprising with a more sad and tragic background. Whether it’s Liyue NPC Childish Jiang who stands next to his parents’ graves not knowing it’s them because of his inability to read or Ruu, a kid who got sacrificed and had his blood poured into a chalice. It all brings more interest to the stories and characters. Personally, my favorite char-
acter lore-wise is Shenhe. Being outcasted by her family as a kid and almost sacrificed by her father, she has turned into a strong fighter who helped save her nation Liyue. Her story was a well-known one for the in-game figures, and she didn’t know that until she met the opera singer Yunjin who sang her story. I highly recommend you check out Yunjin’s performance of Shenhe’s personal story, it’s beautiful to listen to. Randomly talking to NPCs when you’re bored is nice because you can find some good stories if you’re lucky. Moving on, leveling up can be a little difficult, and I’m sure everyone who played will agree. It was the hardest to move on from 45, but once I got past that it, was super easy to get through levels. AR 54 is when I started to get burnout again, so when I got to 55, I stopped playing. Motivation and interest are the main things I think you need if you want to be in it for the long run because it can get boring sometimes. Joining co-op, exploring, and focusing on leveling up characters helped cure that boredom while I waited for the events to come. Events are what I enjoy most
depending on what they are. The yearly events that each nation has makes it more special, and they are something that you need to see for yourself. Other smaller events such as the barista event and the music-beat ones are more refreshing to play. Of course, there are plenty of fighting and puzzle events that happen if you’re into that. I enjoy the rewards that they give, especially if it’s a name card, weapon, or a ton of primogems. If you’re worried about all the money people spend on this game, there’s no need! It’s completely free to play (F2P) and you can still get the good builds and characters you want without paying most of the time. I do recommend spending money if it’s something you’ve been thinking about or if you want multiple characters and you want to level up faster, etc. Putting all of that together, you should play Genshin Impact. You may not like it or play it because of the small toxic side you’ve seen on Twitter or TikTok, for example, but the game is more than the fandom. All fandoms have a weird side that makes you think differently, but separating the two can make a huge difference.
Pillow Thoughts by Courtney Peppernell invites readers to process emotions By Angie Ramirez SOMETIMES we need to compare ourselves to a jellyfish. Now I don’t mean literally, more figuratively. In this book, Pillow Thoughts by Courtney Peppernell, you take a journey through some of the stages of grief. According to the book, as a jellyfish you “...become lost, unsure. You have tried very hard but sometimes it didn’t feel like enough.” In the first chapter, it talks about all the things you deserve in a romantic relationship. “You deserve flowers…You deserve to be reminded how beautiful you are,” this is what the
chapter is all about, the feelings you have for a person. When you fall in love with someone, you fall for everything that makes up the person: their perfections and their imperfections. Also, when you truly love someone, you should want the best for them. Even if it is not with you, that person deserves to be happy and have someone to support them in things they are passionate about. “I hope you find someone who is your lover, your partner and your friend,” this has everything the person you love means to you and what they are for you. Not everything works out with
people, and when it doesn’t it can be so painful. When you realize that you don’t mean what you used to be for a person anymore, you will never have the same conversations nor feelings. It all just becomes a distant memory “... and then someone comes along and doesn’t want to read the ending, then suddenly the whole story falls apart.” With these types of heart breaks, it can take a piece of you with it, and it could take a good while to get those parts of you back. So, surround yourself with people who truly care about you or, if you’re like me, grieve on your own time.
When you are missing someone, it can make you do some absurd things; it can consume you, leaving you restless. When you have distance, it feels like everything is keeping you apart. You can plan to go and visit, then suddenly you have to cancel because something with family or work came up. They don’t respond, and it drives you crazy thinking all the things that could go wrong. Having to be away from someone is hard especially when it is a romantic relationship. We get our hearts broken and lose pieces of ourselves, but we always find a way to pick our-
selves up. Peppernell knows must leave old things behind us, enjoy time outdoors, try new things, and gain new hobbies. “This sky I look to with birds flying in opposite directions, with a mountain gaze cast downward, with land chopped up in tiny sections,” what the book is trying to say is, whatever helps you find you, that’s the best you can do. Heartbreak can go many ways, but Pillow Thoughts helps to guide you in the right direction while keeping things realistic. You will have a tough time, it will hurt; but in the end, you have a chance to change yourself.