The Roar | Volume 6 | Issue 4 | April 2011

the

the student voice of Whitney High April 2011

Volume 6 Issue 4

roar

a night to remember

special edition

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the roar

contents

special edition APRIL 2011

A night to remember

This special issue is dedicated to two of the biggest nights in high school: Junior Prom and Senior Ball.

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By SYDNEY RODRIGUERA

Girls and guys of all sizes can find something good here for the night.

By GABBI FORREST & AMY LU

If prom isn’t an option, there are some fun alternatives for you and your date.

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By ILAF ESUF & KAVYA PATHAK

Believe it or not, your teachers went to prom too. Here they share their stories about the night they’d never forget.

For all your real estate concerns including buying and selling, contact Allyn Terpstra at Keller Williams Realty in Rocklin, Roseville and Lincoln

THE ROAR 2010-2011 Editor-in-Chief Robert Parker Assistant Editors Shai Nielson Kavya Pathak Feature Editor Sydney Rodriguera Adviser Sarah Nichols, MJE

Staff Brittaney Campbell Ilaf Esuf Gabbi Forrest Emma Getz Ellis Holdsworth Amy Lu Chloe McCrossen Jessica Randhawa Emma Richie Jessica Sypolt Anika Terpstra Margaret Tinker

THE FIRST AMENDMENT: Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

The Roar is a student publication planned and produced by the advanced journalism class at Whitney High School. The newspaper is an open forum for student expression. Student editors make all content decisions. Columns represent the viewpoints of individual writers and are not representative of the opinions of the student body, faculty, staff or administration of Whitney High School or Rocklin Unified School District. The staff seeks truth, accuracy and objectivity. Staff members practice ethical student journalism by providing fair and balanced coverage as determined by community standards. Students working to publish each issue strive to achieve accuracy by checking sources, spelling and quotes as well as by obtaining information from a variety of credible sources.

Students not enrolled in journalism who wish to serve as contributing writers, photographers or graphic artists should contact the editor at theroar@ rocklin.k12.ca.us or stop by C-2.

The Roar staff gladly accepts letters to the editor, either by e-mail at the address above or delivered to C-2. All letters must be signed by the writer and may be edited for length or content. Letters submitted via e-mail will be verified. Libelous or potentially harmful content will not be printed. Multiple letters about the same topic may not be printed due to space limitations. For information about advertising, including rates, sizes and discounts, contact The Roar at (916) 632-6500 or e-mail a request to theroar@ rocklin.k12.ca.us.

the roar

special edition APRIL 2011

perspective 3

Photos by Gabbi Forrest

you’renot going toregret this...

BRITTANEY CAMPBELL & GABBI FORREST & AMY LU staff writers

I

t’s the night everyone dreams for Homecoming, my friends and I about since they were little, are having a ‘not-prom prom’. We’re putting on mom’s makeup and still going to dress up and we’ll go heels or looping a too-big tie over out to dinner instead,” Haley Doyle your head: Junior Prom. It’s the said. ultimate high school experience, Many students go to Junior right up there with rallies and Prom for the experience and don’t Friday night football games. It’s want to regret missing it when they over-dramatized in TV shows and are older. movies, making it seem PROM’S JUST NOT MY THING, PEOPLE MAKE like the most glamorous SUCH A BIG DEAL OVER IT, AND IT’S TOO night you’ll ever live, and EXPENSIVE yet some people choose not to go.

“People tell me I’ll regret it, but I “It’s really expensive, it’s $130 for think I’ll have more fun with my both of our tickets, and that’s not friends than at prom,” Doyle said. even including dresses, flowers, But regardless of whether you’re and a ride. I could use that money actually going to Junior Prom or for something else. We’re just going Senior Ball, or you’re taking an to the movies instead,” Savannah adventure, seeing a movie, being Nichols said. with friends, or just sitting at home Other people just aren’t the kind enjoying yourself, the night of who go to dances, some want a Junior Prom and Senior Ball will be more intimate time with their date, one to remember. while some feel it’s better spending time with friends.

“I’m doing the same thing I did

Everybody Has Their Reasons “Love it because I love seeing hot girls in hot dresses.”

-George Romonsky “Love it! Junior Prom and Senior Ball are the most fun because they are more laid back and you’re with all the people you know! And it’s not as crowded.”

-Rebecca Fahnestock “Love it even though last year was a disappointment, because it wasn’t all that I thought it was going to be.

But I’m still very anxious and excited about Senior Ball!”

-Veronica Rodriguez “I love it because I’m going to look beautiful! I’m going to have a lot of fun! I get to wear a pretty dress. I hate it because it brings so much drama; where to sit, transportation, pictures, what a big headache! But overall, I think I love it more than hate it!”

-Jovana Valenzuela Photos by Brittaney Campbell

“People tell me I’ll regret it, but I think I’ll have more fun with my friends than at prom”

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fashion

the roar

special edition

APRIL 2011

having a ball SYDNEY RODRIGUERA feature editor

CURVY

GENTLEMEN

The Suit: Rule number one: your jacket should fit well. Alterations may cost extra, but it’ll be worth it when you show up at the dance in a tux that flatters your body. The shoulders should fit your shoulders snuggly and should not extend down your arms. The waist needs to be tapered, even if only a small amount. Your tapering shouldn’t cause you to look too boxy or curvy. The most popular jackets for tuxedos are single-breasted jackets, which only have one button. White undershirts for your tux are the classic way to go. You can never go wrong with a white collared shirt. The pants of your tux should break right at the shoe. Bringing the shoes you plan to wear to the dance to your tux fitting is recommended so the alterationist knows exactly how long the pant legs should be. Also, tuxedos require that you maintain a traditional waistline. Your pants should be fitted around two to three finger widths below your naval.

The Styling: Cummerbunds are not quite in anymore. Just because they come in the package for your tuxedo rental doesn’t mean you have to use them. Bow ties, vests, cuff links and ties are still in, however wearing just a tie or bow tie with your collared shirt is completely appropriate and can look very classy. If you’re trying to match a prom date’s dress, try to stay away from matching with your vest or shirt. Just keep in it to your tie is good enough. If your prom date would like you to match her dress in some way, but her dress is of a color that you don’t feel comfortable wearing in a tie, vest or cummerbund, (like Pepto-Bismol pink for example,) you have nothing to fear.

You don’t have to match her with an item of clothing. Remember: roses come in countless colors. If you order a boutonniere in advance which contains the colors of her dress, you can wear that and keep the rest of your accessories to classic black.

The Dress: If you’re pear-shaped or self conscious about your mid-area, a dress that clings to your body, long or short will not be a good choice for you. You’re going to want to embrace volumized skirts. Having curves is an amazing thing. You have the chance to show off a great hourglass figure with any dress that ties or puckers around the waist or under the bust area.

Accessories:Wearing necklaces, earrings or a dress with details near the bust area will bring the eye toward your face and away from your hips. Try to avoid a prom dress that rouches at the waist or has a lot of detail around your hips.

This will only draw attention there.

The Shoes: If you wish to take more of the focus off of your curves and more onto your legs, high heels are a good choice for you. Heels make you seem taller and slimmer as well as make your calves look amazing. Just make sure you practice walking in them before you go to the prom.

“Tuxes should only come in black. Any other color is no longer in style.”

the roar

fashion

special edition

SLENDER

APRIL 2011

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The Dress: Long dresses or short dresses could work for you. Just make sure that if you’re addressing your thin physique in a positive manner. For example, mermaid-style dresses, long dresses that cling the whole way down or short dresses that show off your legs could work for you. But if you’re not incredibly busty, make sure that if you’re wearing a strapless dress that it’s fitted for you. If you don’t fill out your dress in the bust area, you can always get it altered.

Accessories: If you are self-conscious about very thin legs, a long dress may be a good option. But if your heart is set on a short dress, then wearing attention-getting shoes may not be a good idea, because it may draw attention to your legs. But wearing a chunky necklace or having a jeweled neckline in your dress will bring peoples eyes up and away from your legs. However, wearing really big jewelry with a tiny physique could make you look imbalanced as well. If you’re extremely tiny, you’re going to want to pick a tinier clutch.

Wearing a wide clutch could create a disproportionate look.

Shoes: If you’re on the shorter side, very tall or thick heels on shoes could make you look disporortionate. Also, if your limbs are very thin, chunky or flashy shoes might not be a good idea and might distract from the rest of your outfit.

Accessories: If you’re self-conscious about your bust-area, wearing a flashy necklace is not advised. This will only bring attention to that area. Earrings are advised to bring attention up to your face. Also wearing a dress with a lot of details such as sequens or embellishing by the bust area will only bring attention to it. And when picking out clutches, make sure to get one proportionate to your body. Getting one too big or too small will make you look disproportionate.

FULL FIGURE

The Dress: If you’re self conscious about your body shape, a dress that clings to your body may not be a good idea.

Wearing a dress that flows away from your body at the skirtline is a great way to flatter your body. And long dresses are very flattering. However if you are going for a short dress, try your best to stay away from the ones that “poof” out with some sort of pleated detail or tulle. When I say wearing a dress that flows away from your body, I mean like an a-line skirt. This is more flattering to the legs and will not make the skirt so attention-getting.

For more prom fashion tips, as well as advice on hair, makeup and exteriorizing with colors, turn to page 7.

Photos by Sydney Rodriguera

“You don’t want to be too matchy-matchy with accessories”

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the roar

lifestyle

special edition

APRIL 2011

Modern Segregation: Dancing Edition

Photo Illustrations by EMMA RICHIE EMMA RICHIE staff writer

M

Many high schools in America are having two proms. One run by the school, and one organized by LGBT youth, otherwise known as a Gay Prom, or a Gay Ball.

odern high been organized and cancelled multiple times by school is foreign to the word “segregation”. disapproving administrations.

However, in the early 1900’s, words such as “I can see why some cities have them, but at least in this were common and used often. With Jim Rocklin, people don’t mind as much. (My girlfriend) and I Crow laws put in place, Americans were segregated based on aren’t afraid to show our feelings for each other and we are something as simple as the color of their skin. Today, high well accepted around campus,” Kayla Kellogg said. school students are segregating themselves at separate proms Held off campus and not affiliated with any schools, gay for LGBT students because of intense fears of being bullied proms, such as in Tracy, have become not only an extremity because of a human fact such IT WOULD BE NO DIFFERENT FOR US THAN FOR ANYONE ELSE. WE ARE as the color of their skin: their ALL GOING THERE TO HAVE FUN AND TO BE WITH OUR FRIENDS. THE sexuality.

ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT I AM GOING WITH A GIRL “It’s just as bad as when the -MIKAYLA HISEY south use to hold separate proms for black and white students. It’s wrong,” Rachel Henry of segregation, but an escape from the bullying of everyday said. high school life. From verbal abuse to true hate crimes, some With four years of high school filled with school work, young homosexual teenagers endure bullying day after day. homework, and tests, important events such as rallies and “People have made the choice knowing there would be dances are the high-light of the week. However, gay students hardships, but you can’t change who you are. And it’s wrong all over the country cannot always enjoy the same dances as for people to think that just because you are criticized that straight students. Over the past couple years, “gay proms” it will change your mind and change who you are,” Mikayla have started to pop up at various high schools. These gay Hisey. proms are a separate According to the prom entirely for LGBT 2003 National School (lesbian/gay/bisexual/ Climate Survey, more transgender) students than 91 percent of LGBT who fear getting students here sexual or harassed because of their homophobic slurs every sexuality and the gender day, 58 percent claim to of their prom date. have property stolen or Here, the concept of a damaged while at school, gay prom has never been and more than 64 percent carried out. However, say that they feel unsafe in schools such as at school because of their Fulton High School in sexual identity.

Mississippi and other This is not the case for schools around the every same-sex couple in country, gay proms have high school though.

“If there is a problem with us going together then it is purely from a prejudice and narrow minded stand point”

the roar

lifestyle

special edition APRIL 2011

At this high school, there is no separate prom and there has never been reported cases of any sexuality-based hate crimes, although there is still the typical gender slurs and bullying.

“Personally, I’ve been out since 8th grade and it was rough. For a while, I was judged by students and staff alike for being gay. (Here), I still get bullied about it. More than anything, it annoys me that people can be so immature about others. It worries me that some people drop out of school or commit suicide because of bullying based on sexual orientation. I would love for it to stop because it is hurtful in all aspects. I’ll never forget what some people have said to me, but it’s part of me today,” Kellogg said.

Despite the bullying that occurs, gay proms have never been a necessity in this town.

“There’s no reason why gays should be put in a place where they can’t go to dances with their friends,” Kellogg said.

For same sex couples, prom is prom and their date is simply a date. This separation of gay students and straight students does not change the preparation or hype around this high school event for senior Rachel Henry and her girlfriend Leigh Leonard. Going to a combined prom of same sex and heterosexual couples is just the same as going to any other event together.

“I am not standing alone, Leigh and I are a unit together so we are able to focus on each other and what makes us happy and ignore what others around us say or think. I couldn’t do half of what I have if I didn’t have her by my side,” Henry said.

Despite what bullying may occur, this high school does not have a gay prom and the thought seems to further enhance any negative feelings towards LGBT students that are already present.

“Gay proms would completely hurt ignorant students that have negative feelings toward same sex couples,” Henry said. “Because it reinforces the thought that gay students are different then others.

Separate proms help no one.”

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“Having a ball” continued from page 5

Hair: (boys) I’m not saying that you should go raid your father’s medicine cabinet for his hair gel, but you should definitely try your best to make your hair look well-kept and neat for prom. This is a formal affair, in which there are expectations of how you look. If you have longer hair, you may want to get a quick trim before prom. If you let your hairstylist know that you’re going to a formal affair, they’ll know what to do to create an appropriate do without losing your unique look. Also, if you plan on cutting your hair before prom, make sure you do so at least two weeks before the event, so your hair has time to grow out slightly so it doesn’t have that awkward just--recently-cut look. Blunt cuts in your hair are not the best for picture taking.

Hair: (girls) The most popular look for prom is with your hair up and out of your face. This will bring more attention to your face and your dress. Remember that your face is the most important thing to showcase, and then your dress. Hair comes third. Putting too many accessories or too many complex details in the adornment and styling of your hair, it could distract people from your face and dress.

Also, if you plan on getting your hair layered or cutting your bangs before prom, make sure to do so at least two weeks in advanced so it has time to grow out a little. The cuts will look less blunt.

Jewelry: The jewelry of your ensemble should be constructed of mainly gold or silver metals. You can either do big earrings and no necklace, or big necklace and tiny earrings. You don’t want to wear too much jewelry. It will detract from your face. Clutch: When picking out a clutch you can either do a clutch that matches your accessories/ dress’ color or if you have a neutral color dress you can use your clutch or shoes to create a pop of color. It’s not advised that you match your shoes to your dress if you have a bright color. Because then it can look cheesy.Your clutch should be wide on the inside. This way you can hold your phone, your keys, some lip gloss or anything else that doesn’t lay flat. If you pick up a clutch that is flat like a wallet, you run the risk of not being able to take necessary items with you.

Clutch: When picking out a clutch you can either do a clutch that matches your accessories/dress’ color or if you have a neutral color dress you can use your clutch or shoes to create a pop of color. It’s not advised that you match your shoes to your dress if you have a bright color.

Because then it can look cheesy.Your clutch should be wide on the inside. This way you can hold your phone, your keys, some lip gloss or anything else that doesn’t lay flat. If you pick up a clutch that is flat like a wallet, you run the risk of not being able to take necessary items with you.

“If there is a problem with us going together then it is purely from a prejudice and narrow minded stand point”

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the roar

perspective

special edition

APRIL 2011

dose of

reality MARGARET TINKER staff writer

B

eautiful dress. Brand name tux. Perfect date.

Huge limo. Elaborate venue. Greatest night ever.

If this sounds like something straight out of cheesy ‘80s movie that’s probably because it is.

It’s what most proms are depicted to be in teen movies, like “Pretty In Pink” for example, and what most people expect their high school prom to be like.

Growing up, girls tend to visualize prom and what it will be like almost as much as their wedding day. They think about the dress, the boy, the hair and of course, whether or not they will win prom queen.

Even some boys imagine prom as being one of the biggest nights of their lives. Of course it’s not as common anymore for prom to be the “big night” for couples, but it still can be used as a night for guys to go all out for their dates.

Most of these expectations come from TV and movies.

Think about it. What teen movies doesn’t have a big, elaborate prom scene thrown somewhere in there? For example, “10 Things I Hate About You”, where no one even wants to go that night, has prom night end with all your favorite couples getting together. Even “Prom Night”, where pretty much everyone ends up dead, makes prom seem like an out of this world experience with lavish hotels and amazing food.

However, the reality is prom most likely isn’t going to be the greatest night of your life. Sure, it’s a fun night to hang out with all of your friends and dance and have a good time, but if you go into it thinking it’s going to be as amazing and extravagant as the movies, you might be disappointed.

Most proms aren’t even held at hotels anymore to avoid teenagers doing things adults don’t want, like renting rooms and having parties. Also, usually you won’t be served a nice fancy meal, the food will probably be a buffet of some sort.

Prom isn’t bad. It can actually being a great night that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Just lower your standards a little and don’t look to Hollywood to tell you what it should be like. If you go into it not expecting the time of your life, that just might be what you get.

Prom comes with too many expectations from movies.

Photo of Amber Monioz Photos by Margaret Tinker

the real

prom

“I expected prom to be better than any other dance but I didn’t really compare it to the movies I guess. Prom was really fun but not as fun as I had expected.”

- COURTNEY HENDRICKSON

“Prom is so much better than the movies show and they show some pretty fun stuff. My friend, Michaela Cano, told me she would write my name down but I never thought I would win Jr. Prom king. Prom is the best experience. Even if you don’t have a date, go with your friends.

Party on Whitney.”

- HARRISON MCCOIN

“Before I went, I expected prom to be like the movies. What it actually was, to me, was a lot of waiting for the food and there wasn’t much with decorations, it was just cars, so I felt that there really wasn’t any thought in decorating the place and having everything rely on the cars to distract us from the lack of decoration.”

- LINDSAY YOSHIOKA

“Well, overall it was a fun time. It was definitely different from what you see in movies and the setting was different. The dance floor was too big for the amount of people dancing because then everyone was spread out and awkward but it was really organized with the tables and food wise. Overall the night was really fun and I had a good time.”

- JARID SCHLENZ

“Yeah, I thought it was going to be like the movies. It wasn’t but I still had fun. In the movies they always have them in hotels and stuff but ours we just at a car museum.”

- BRITTANY MENDOZA

“It was different than I expected. It’s not in a school gym and they actually rent out a place. It’s not like the movies where it’s a typical punch bowel, there’s actual caterers and no one is shy to dance.”

- ALEX PENNINGTON

“Before I went, I expected prom to be like the movies.”

the roar

spending

special edition APRIL 2011

9

Have the time of your life without spending your life’s savings

Budget: $175 •Dress; $90 •Accessories; $60 •Hair and nails; $50 •Ride; $50

Over budget; $75

Budget: $750 •Tux; $295 •Accessories; $70 •Corsage; $40 •Ride; $95 •Tickets; $145

Under budget; $105

Total Spent: $250

Total Spent: $645

Danielle Ross, 11 CHLOE MCCROSSEN & ELLIS HOLDSWORTH staff writers

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hether you go to prom depends entirely on you.

Now if you go, money can be the biggest factor. Sometimes it is the only deciding factor for a person to go or not. Someone may have alternate plans, but there are others who want to go to Junior Prom or Senior Ball and are willing to either cut costs or go out extravagantly.

Some students want to have an awesome time, and if a budget’s short they won’t let the cost stop them. Junior Danielle Ross knows about this all too well, spending only a grand total of about $250 for prom.

“My mother gave me a budget of around $175, but that's just what she said she would spend while my sister doesn't care too much,” Ross said. Going over the run-down of her budget, she is one of the students who is spending very little on prom. $250 at first glance may seem like a lot to throw

Spencer Deigert, 11

down in one night, but many students feel it’s completely worth it. Luckily, Ross won the title of ‘Best Dressed Junior’ during a lunch time activity at the beginning of the school year. This title came with a free ticket to prom.

“Since my ticket was free--which was awesome--I have that money to spend on my dress,” said Ross, whose dress cost about $90 to rent.

There is a range of what students do

thrift stores or even friends who don’t want theirs anymore. Other girls may wear a dress in their family, or borrow one from friends.

Still, of course others go all out and spend the majority of their budget on brand new attire. “I decided to buy a tuxedo for prom for $200-300 because I go to a lot of formal events, and so it’s more convenient to buy a tux than to rent one,” Spencer Deigert said.

Though to many it I JUST WIND UP GOING WITH HOW MUCH IT ENDS UP seems like a waste COSTING. THIS DANCE ONLY HAPPENS ONCE IN HIGH SCHOOL FOR ME, I’VE BEEN SAVING UP FOR IT ALL YEAR. of money to buy a tuxedo, for some like Deigert it’s more to get a hold of their garments for the practical. night. Most guys rent tuxedos, or they Though this is a lot of money to may have one in their family someone spend on formal wear, it doesn’t exactly will lend them. Then guys have to get show an excessive budget. “I didn’t a tie, which doesn’t necessarily weight necessarily have a budget, but I took down the cost, it just has to match their advantages of discounts and I tried to date’s outfit. Girls however go through lower costs so I don’t spend too much,” a lot to find the perfect dress. Some go Deigert said. to exchanges held either on campus or So whether you have a loose budget small stores, some use rentals just for or a very limited allowance for money, the night. A few purchased dresses from prom doesn’t have to empty your wallet.

“I took advantage of discounts, and I tried to lower costs so I don’t spend too much.”

10 feature

the roar

special edition

APRIL 2011

BACK IN THE DAY...

KAVYA PATHAK AND ILAF ESUF staff writers

T

he times they are a-changin’ and things were certainly different when this school’s teachers went to prom. Though some aspects of prom have stayed the same, the dance and styles have changed since these teachers were in high school. Here are their stories:

to the 1985. We went I went to prom in went home. nner there, then prom, had our di t had to bu , shirt and jacket I wore a tuxedo a huge d ha nts because I wear different pa rite vo fa y m surgery. M g to cast on my leg fro in try d ith my date, an my ith part was being w w h uc I still keep in to dance in a cast. her! date—I married -Mr. Dan Parker

Prom was in Sa n Francisco in 19 92.

We rode in a lim o with 10 friends and ate dinner at the Tonga Room in th e Fairmont SF and then went to prom . The next day we all went to Great Am erica.

Being with all m y friends and ge tting dressed up (was my favorite part) . I am married to my pr om date.

-Mrs. Roisin LeRo y

I went to prom in 2002. I took pictures before prom and went to Mel’s Diner afterwards. I wore a white dress with a giant skirt on it for junior prom and we joked that it was our first wedding because it looks like a wedding dress.

My friends and I made our own flip flops to wear with our dresses with sequins. My mom took me to San Francisco to get my dress and I thought it was amazing but now I look back and cringe! Fashion has definitely changed (since then). I married (my prom date).

-Mrs. Danielle Martling

“I thought prom was something conformist students went to so I boycotted it.”

the roar

special edition APRIL 2011

nior my junior and se I went (to prom) nner at di y nc a really fa years.We went to hoe. I Ta ke La aurant on st re h” is bb no a “s ruffles white tuxedo with wore a killer all shoes. y in sh bright white d an irt sh e th on in a to my prom date I have not spoken ks of in th ill st e am sure sh I t bu e, tim ng lo me often (LOL).

-Mr. Kim Milisci

feature

11

WHO SAID IT?

• “Now it seems almost like a wedding!!

We never got our hair done or had a limo.”

• “The major difference is that now kids go to great lengths to ask somebody to prom.”

• “Back then, at least at my school, students NEVER would have gone to prom without a date.”

• “(I wore a) tuxedo and shoes. Wait, do socks count as part of the tux and/or shoes? Because I was definitely wearing socks.”

1. Mrs. Sarah Leverenz 2. Mrs. Roisin Leroy 3. Mrs. Sarah Nichols 4. Mr. Matt Yamamoto

I went to pr all my fr om in 1988. I g ot ready iends wh wit ile music. I wore a m rocking out to 8 h 0s etallic b stained lue ma not forge tching shoes. O dress and h and do t the coo lw dancing on stage hite gloves! I li ke when m Prom Kin y boyfrie d g. nd won night (w The last roman tic as was our my favorite part. song of the theme s Forever ong!

Young

-Mrs. Kim berly Ka rver I went to prom in 1994. I took a maroon Jaguar limo with some friends to Salty’s on Alki Beach in Seattle for dinner. In my day prom seemed to be more of a thing that you (did with a person you) had a serious relationship with. It’s cool to see groups go as friends. However, the dancing now seems more graphic and primal.

My prom date is a Facebook friend, but I don’t really keep in touch. It probably time to “unfriend” her.

-Mr. Jon Bryant

“Gunnie Sacks (were) a huge brand of prom dress, with high necks and long sleeves.”

12 perspective

the roar

special edition

Is Prom up to the

SHAI NIELSON staff writer

APRIL 2011

P-R-O-M. Four letters that when put together spell many different things.

F

or some, Junior Prom means the day of built up excitement from years of planning, dreaming and waiting. It’s the dance of all dances that will never be forgotten. Girls stress about dresses and dates while guys worry about dinner and limos. Unlike other dances, tickets are sold weeks in advance and cost around $70. But one thing is the same: it’s a whole day of getting ready for just a few hours of the actual event.

I THINK PROM IS REALLY OVERRATED. AS I SEE IT, IT’S JUST LIKE ANY NORMAL DANCE BUT YOU EAT AND WEAR LONGER DRESSES - MERCEDES ROYCE “It is nice that you get to sit with who you want and do what you want, but it just seemed like I was looking for more since the movies made it seem so big and amazing,” Royce said.

Royce was one of the few who wasn’t going to go to her Junior Prom because she didn’t think it was worth it.

“My friends and I decided that we would just go to Senior Ball with our boyfriends instead of going to Junior Prom. But after the week to buy tickets passed, my name was called over the intercom to go see Mr. Feuerbach and he told me that someone had called in and paid for me and my date to go to Junior Prom. The person (who paid for the tickets) asked Mr. Feuerbach to not tell us who it was, so to this day I don't know who paid for me to go to Prom,” Royce said.

While not everybody gets this expensive event paid for them, some believe Junior Prom is worth everything, including the expenses, that must be put into it.

“Even though prom only lasted about 4 hours, it was really worth it. The dress, limo, date, getting ready and everything was so worth it.

Getting time to spend with your friends and everything was great,” Marlowe Altamirano said.

Movies and TV show Junior Prom as the greatest night of a high school student’s life. Pressure is put on the event coordinators and even the students attending to have the best time. But is the dance really as great as everyone expects it to be?

“I thought prom would be better, but it can’t always be what the movies make it out to be. We definitely had a good prom compared to other schools around here (though),” Royce said.

Whether students go with a date or just to say they went, it may be the experience that motivates students to go.

PROM IS THE BEST EXPERIENCE IN EVERYONE’S LIFE. EVEN IF YOU DON’T HAVE A DATE, GO WITH FRIENDS AND JUST HAVE FUN - 2010 JUNIOR PROM KING HARRISON MCCOIN Many students may obsess over every little detail of Junior Prom, like needing a date or the perfect dinner, and expect it to be just as great as they dreamt it to be.

For Altamirano though, “the teachers dancing at Prom was just as awesome as the whole experience.”

It’s not about comparing Junior Prom to the movies or TV, but making the best out of the once in a lifetime P-RO-M.

“There were some girls that were really excited and would always talk about it.”

the roar

advice

special edition APRIL 2011

YOU NEED TO ASK YOUR DATE TO JUNIOR PROM BEFORE TICKET SALES START SO YOU CAN MAKE SURE THAT YOU GET A SEAT TOGETHER AND SO YOU HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO GET YOUR CLOTHES AND MATCH. -IAN BAMSEY

THE BEST PLACE TO BUY OR RENT YOUR TUX FOR JUNIOR PROM IS MEN’S WAREHOUSE BECAUSE THEY HAVE A WIDE ASSORTMENT OF TUXES TO CHOSE FROM. -ANDREW WILLIAMS

Do you need some Advice?

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BUY YOUR DRESS EARLY BECAUSE IT’S HARD IF YOU WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE BECAUSE YOU WILL USUALLY GET STUCK WITH A DRESS THAT YOU DON’T TRULY LOVE. -PATTY RITTER

THE BEST PLACE TO BUY A DRESS IS TRES CHIC BOUTIQUE BECAUSE THEY HAVE DESIGNER DRESSES THAT ARE REALLY CHEAP AND THE CHANCE OF SOMEONE ELSE HAVING THE SAME DRESS AS YOU IS REALLY LOW. -KENYA PALLA

JESSICA RANDHAWA staff writer

Your surrounding students are here to give you advice to make your Prom and Senior Ball the perfect night and something that you will remember for years to come.

DON’T GET YOUR TUX AT THE LAST MINUTE BECAUSE I DID THAT AND I HAD TO PAY AN EXTRA $20 FOR IT. -TJ PAPENFUSS

DON’T STRESS ABOUT THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COULD GO WRONG. JUST HAVE FUN. -AMANDA WILSON

“Prom is so much fun. The music is great and all of the food is great!”

the roar

14 advice

special edition

APRIL 2011

JUNIOR Senior PROM VS Ball EMMA GETZ, ANIKA TERPSTRA & JESSICA SYPOLT staff writers

Guide to Junior Prom and Senior Ball

Girls Before: * Buy or pick up dress * Get alterations made if necessary * Break in shoes * Order Boutonniere * Talk with friends about possible problems, driving issues, and date issues * Get plenty of rest * Exercise * Make yourself a checklist for - what you still need to do - what you will need the night of Day of: * Pack up purse: Lip gloss, money, make-up, etc. * Bring a Tide-to-Go just in case * Pick up Boutinniere Guys Before: * Order Tux * Get a Tie * Order corsage * Ask the girl (Don’t just assum that you are just going together!) * Make dinner reservations or just make dinner * Buy tickets * Limo/transportation reservations Places Alterations: Nordstroms, Top Alterations, Vali’s alterations & cleaning Dining: Ruth’s Chris Steak House, The Chefs Table, Skipolini’s, Zakuro’s Places to find a Corsage or Boutonniere: KaBloom, Rocklin Florist, Wesley Berry Flowers

High schooler students wait their entire academic careers for the chance to go to Prom and Ball. Hearing stories from friends who have gone and had the time of their lives builds up the excitement already included in the preparation for the big night.

Junior year means looking at colleges, studying for SAT’s and of course, Junior Prom. The excitement for Junior Prom starts early in the year and as Prom approaches the anticipation for the dance seems to be more and more evident as girls get asked and go out to get their dresses, and guys think of clever ways to pop the question.

On the other hand, senior year means getting acceptance forms from colleges, getting rid of senioritis, and of course Senior Ball. The excitement for Senior Ball starts right after the fun of Junior Prom wears off. Soon, the seniors realize this will be their last major school dance of their high school careers, knowing that after this dance there is only about three weeks until graduation.

But the question is, which one is better?

“I think Senior Ball was better,” senior

JUNIOR PROM

Amanda Reeves said, who went to both Junior Prom and Senior Ball last year.

“I was able to enjoy it more because I organized Junior Prom so I was kind of stressed wondering if it was perfect.

Senior Ball was more relaxed. I went with my boyfriend and it was fun,” Reeves said.

With preparation for both big dances underway, the Prom/Ball committees start to find venues, decorations, and music.

“Junior Prom isn’t that hard to plan for because we used the same venue as last time so we’ll know what to do. But last year’s Junior Prom was crazy: four other events were booked at the same place for the same night,” activities director Mr. Jason Feuerbach said.

Junior Prom will take place tomorrow at the Sacramento Auto Museum. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the dance will end at 10:30 p.m. Dinner will be served.

Senior Ball will be at the Pagoda Building in Sacramento on May 14. The dance is from 6 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. also. There will be no refunds for either of the dances, and administration will not tolerate use of controlled substances or inappropriate behavior.

Senior Ball

PLACE: Sacramento Auto Museum

PLACE: Pagoda BuildIng, Sacramento

TIME: 6-10:30 p.m.

TIME: 6-10:30 p.m.

DATE: May 14, 2011

DATE: April 9, 2011 PRICE: $60 w/ ASB, $65 w/o

PRICE: $60 w/ ASB, $65 w/o, $70 for guests

“Last year’s was really fun so this year I’m excited to go again.”

advice 15

the roar

special edition APRIL 2011

From left: Jake Coelho, Cassandra Weiss, Tyler Polen, Kami Saylor, Marrisa Morales, Joe Jones

FINDING YOUR WAY ON THE BIG DAY JUNIOR PROM Sacramento Auto Museum 2200 Front Street Sacramento

Senior Ball

Pagoda Events 429 J Street Sacramento Photo illustration/ screen shot from Google Maps

“it was fun but it was not everything the movies made it out to be.”

16 fashion

the roar

special edition APRIL 2011

REAL MEN DRESS UP ROBERT PARKER editor-in-chief

When it comes to prom stress, most people think about girls trying to find the perfect dress. However, it can be equally stressful and difficult for a guy to find a matching tuxedo for the night.

Luckily, there are some options. Here, we break down the pros and cons of different stores, whether or not to rent online and if you should buy or rent your tuxedo.

- On the expensive side, but you get what you pay for - Immediate return, doesn’t allow you ample time to frolic about in your tux

Cheat Sheet

Verdict:

Pros:

- Simple, interactive website - Build-your-own tux option - Choose from a wide array of tuxedos - Great customer service - Hands-on help from store employees - Local stores

NATIONAL TUXEDO RENTAL

Cons:

Cons:

Pros:

MEN’S WEARHOUSE

- Inexpensive - Very easy website instructions - Good selection of pre-assembled tuxedo packages - Help with measurements and sizing - Only online means no in-person customer support or sizing help - No customizing - Can’t try it on before renting - No prom specials

Men’s Wearhouse. With both an online directory and local stores, you get the most of your experience. The satisfaction of knowing your tux is exactly what you want, being able to try it on, in-person customer support from people who know what they’re doing and guaranteed arrival overpower the cons of high prices. However, if you’re in a bind and can’t scrounge up the money or time, go with online ordering.

Whatever length your leg is, go a tiny bit shorter. You don’t want your pants to drag on the ground, and nobody is going to see your ankles when you sit down to eat. Wear long black socks to hide any traces of skin showing.

Use napkins when eating! You don’t want to have to pay a $7 damage fee for an easily avoidable mishap.

RENTING

- Don’t have to keep it if you’re not totally liking it - No worries if you’re still growing - Cheaper (at the moment) - For specific occasions, you can customize and coordinate instead of having a generic black tux for all occasions

BUYING - Cheaper in the long run (you don’t have to keep renting over and over) - Tuxedos are built to last - You’re finished growing - You go to a lot of fancy or tuxedoappropriate events - The satisfaction of owning a tux

VERDICT Renting. Most guys in high school don’t need a tuxedo on a regular basis, so hold off until you’re older and you’ve stopped growing. If you outgrow it, you’ve burned a couple hundred bucks because nobody wants an ill-fitting suit. Suits and tuxedos are meant to fit perfectly, so wait a while before you shell out the cash for one of your own.

Follow the measurement guide exactly as it says to. You don’t want to mess up and get the wrong size. Have a friend, parent or sibling help you to get the perfect fit.

You can search around in thrift stores (like Goodwill) to find the pieces to put your tuxedo together. Just be sure to wash it all. You never know...

“WEAR WHAT’S MOST COMFORTABLE FOR YOU AND WHAT YOU FEEL BEST IN.”