Valentine’s Day
Stabberts
Sadies Dance Old tradition comes back to GBHS
B1
C1
Three brothers dominate sports
G8-9
Students tell comical Valentines stories
The Granite Bay Gazette GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL w 1 GRIZZLY WAY w GRANITE BAY, CA w 95746 w VOLUME 21 w ISSUE 5 w FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018
COMMENTARY
Time’s up...
katie cologna
kcologna.gazette@gmail.com
Common app brings self-realization
“W
rite a profile of yourself in news or news feature style, as if you had interviewed yourself,” read the prompt for my last supplemental essay for George Washington University. “Wow, they shouldn’t have given me such an easy one,” I said to myself after reading the prompt. What was fortunately my last supplemental question was also the most dreaded of them all. After two months of procrastination, it was finally time to sit down and plan. What was supposed to be a productive brainstorming session ended up being an egregious process with a less-than-perfect outcome, leaving me thinking: “Why is this so hard now, when I do it all the time?” This essay should have been an opportunity for me to take time and reflect on myself – the good and the bad. Instead, it ended up giving me the realization that even among the most intelligent and talented group of students, somehow we all tend to lose ourselves in our journey to the so called “real world.” The journey that is Every supposed to prepare us student for the real world has should take turned into pride in a journey themselves. of getting the best grade-point average, highest test scores and the most extracurriculars and volunteer hours. I’m not saying the rigorous schedules that students have don’t prepare them, but it is the worst when you see a group of 20 kids apply to the same school that all have GPAs ranging from 3.8 to 4.6, that are active in sports and clubs, and have extracurriculars and internships – and only two or three get in. I can also say that a majority of those students are either qualified or overqualified and should be a student at their desired school. There are more than 500 of us, all competing to get to our goal – in that race, we have put ourselves in an unfair situation of comparing ourselves to everyone else. This especially goes to every “average” or “college prep” student out there. I have never been a full Advanced Placement or CP student – I’ve always taken a mix of AP and CP classes – but I have seen the stigma around being a student who takes normal classes or might have a lower GPA. It shouldn’t matter what class you are taking, what the person next to you in class got on a test or what college your classmate got into and you didn’t. Every student should take pride in themselves. If they can say with every class, sport, activity or club that they tried their hardest, whether the outcome be achievement or downfall, at least they can know that they put their best effort and passion into it. *** Katie Cologna, a senior, is a Gazette co-editor-in-chief.
and not just in Hollywood Gazette photo illustration /KATIE COLOGNA Gazette model /KATIE HUNTER
A teacher uncomfortably hovers over a student, representing some of the sexual harassment incidents between teachers and students at school.
District confronts sexual harrassment claims and students share personal stories BY NOELANI NICHOLS
I
nnichols.gazette@gmail.com
f you think it’s not happening around you — you’re wrong. If you think it hasn’t happened to your friends — you’re wrong. If you think it isn’t happening right this moment — the stats will tell you. You’re wrong. According to Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN), an American is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds. Only this time, it happened here. Sexual harassment allegations against former Woodcreek High School Health teacher, Douglas Mason, recently surfaced and gained attention district-wide. Much of the buzz did not per-
tain to the question of whether or not Mason is guilty — but rather why Roseville Joint Union High School District initially declared his behavior anything other than “sexual harassment.” The same Sacramento Bee article that stated Mason had touched his 14-year-old student inappropriately, pulled up her skirt and asked her to call him over the summer to “hear her voice” also announced that RJUHSD did not initially find such behavior to constitute sexual harassment. Since RJUHSD’s initial decision — and since the case’s increased publicity — they’ve issued a new statement in which Mason has been “placed on administrative leave.” RJUHSD Executive Director of
Personnel Services, Brad Basham, who issued the statements, denied comment on the particular Woodcreek case but did emphasize the steps the district has taken and will take to prevent similar cases from arising. “District administrators must attend sexual harassment training every two years, district staff are asked to review the sexual harassment policy and post a copy in their classrooms annually, and parents and students are notified of the policy at the beginning of each school year,” Basham said. “In addition, we have added an Anonymous Bullying/Harassment Reporting button to the homepage of our school websites.” Though the district takes mul-
FAST FACTS Victim help wCall 800.656.HOPE (4673) to contact a RAINN trained staff member. wDocument any comments and different treatment you’ve received, wReport the harassment. wSeek therapy and take advantage of local resources. Sources /RAINN and FORBES
tiple measures to prevent such inappropriate behavior, there are still — clearly — those who refuse to comply. “I believe there are several avenues to increase (sexual harassment) awareness on campus, including campaigns & assem-
blies led by student government, integration into the course curricula (i.e. Health & Wellness) and through (school newspaper) articles,” Basham said. Above all, Basham emphasized See HARRASSMENT, page A8
PSAT mishap confronted
GBHS administers wrong test to students, making all students’ test scores invalid BY BRAYDEN JOHNK
bjohnk.gazette@gmail.com
“I was absolutely shocked,” Granite Bay High school sophomore Ipsha Pandey said about her unusually low PSAT score after it was released in December. “I didn’t know there was anything up when I first saw my score,” Pandey said. “I actually thought I was in the fifth percentile in the country.” Pandey was not alone. Of the 19 freshmen, 98 juniors and the entire 500-plus sophomore class who took the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) on Oct. 25, all of their scores were invalidated after an unfortunate set of circumstances resulting from miscommunication within the GBHS administration. Students were given the Oct. 11 version of the PSAT on Oct. 25, meaning they took
a test other students across the nation had already taken two weeks before. “Just prior to going on break for summertime, we ordered tests for the Oct. 11 test,” assistant principal Brian McNulty said. “That was the date that we were working under the assumption we were going to do.” However, the Roseville Joint Union High School District then planned its annual professional development day for Oct. 11, the same day GBHS was planning on taking the PSAT. The PSAT was subsequently rescheduled two weeks later to Oct. 25. The problem resulted when GBHS administrators neglected to notify the College Board, which administers the PSAT, of the date change. “Not realizing that there were two other versions ... and that we needed to call PSAT See PSAT, page A8
inside This Section news
Gazette photo
New laws legalizing marijuana in California allow for easier access to the drug.
Prop. 64 kicks into gear Recreational marijuana’s effects are up for debate BY KATIE COLOGNA
kcologna.gazette@gmail.com
It was not much of a shock to most Californians when Prop.64 was approved by voters in November – largely because the state’s laws against marijuana cultivation and possession were never very strict to begin with.
A rise in students vaping on campus
Students hop fences to make it to class
The alternative methods of smoking may have impacts on students.
The safety of students is at risk because of their rush to class.
A2
voices
But with the Adult Use of Marijuana Act having gone into effect on Jan. 1, the new year has brought some changes. “The regulations with regard to the use of cannabis and to the cannabis market itself will always continue to evolve,” said Paul Armentano, the Deputy Director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. “I like to tell people that the enactment of broad-based laws like Prop. 64 See MARIJUANA, page A8
Victim blaming dress code is not acceptable Students should feel safe in their own school.
A4
A10
News
A2
Friday
NAMES IN THE NEWS
Granite Bay Gazette
w February 9, 2018
will anderson wanderson.gazette@gmail.com
Basketball rolls by SFL foe for a blow out victory
P
atrick Lambey and Ryan Smith helped lead the varsity boys basketball team to a big win over Woodcreek. I scored on Patrick once in a pickup game - then he started trying and blocked me two times in a row. *** Sadies is tonight, so make sure you are stretching out those hips and hamstrings for all those crazy moves on the dance floor. And if you aren’t much of a dancer it is okay because you are still more rhythmically inclined than our DJ’s. *** Seniors, we want you going to sober grad night. So get signed up, and get sobered up and let’s go! *** Dante Bandoni, Hannah Bonfils, Will Craig, Josh Grahame, Nicolette Lewis, Ryan Smith, Emily Talmi, Evan Tattersall and Carly Wallace all signed their National Letters of Intent on Wednesday. Keep busting your tails folks, it doesn’t get any easier. *** The Patriots lost the Super Bowl last weekend. Tom Brady, I still love you. *** Granite Bay Theatre students Mehdi Hajar and Katie Hunter produced a brilliant one act “One Word at a Time.” May the two of you keep using your talents to bless those lucky enough to view it. *** Random Acts of Kindness Week is coming up. Maybe we should all act a little nicer and go for a Random Acts of Kindness Year. *** GBHS graduate Charlie Tooley was awarded a full ride scholarship as a member of the University of Nevada Reno basketball team after playing as a walk on his first two seasons. A special kid and a special talent – congrats Chuck! *** Ladies, if you are a junior or senior and want to showcase your athletic abilities or just want to have a good time, make sure you are signed up for Powder Puff! Can’t wait for the seniors to win – EZ dub season is in full swing. *** Will Anderson, a senior, is the Gazette news editor.
CORRECTIONS Accuracy is perhaps the most important fundamental of good journalism. It's the policy of the Gazette to correct all factual errors that are brought to our attention. Email us at: staff.granitebaytoday@gmail. com Identification Statement GRANITE BAY GAZETTE PUBLISHED EIGHT TIMES PER ACADEMIC YEAR c/o Granite Bay High School 1 Grizzly Way Granite Bay, CA 95746 Subscriptions: $25 per year/ $15 per half year
Puff-puff-pass finds a home in 2018 Used with Permission /RICH, BESTCLEAROMIZER.COM
Vaping began as a popular alternative to traditional forms of tobacco consumption such as cigarettes and cigarillos, but is proving it may be just as problematic.
The popularity of vaping and electronic cigarettes stays prevalent on the GBHS campus BY SABINA MAHAVNI
smahavni.gazette@gmail.com
V
aping on campus doesn’t pollute the air with harmful gases like smoking does, but it definitely leaves a smoke trail of on-campus violations and permanent repercussions. This school year has seen a rising trend in the use of vaporizing e-cigarette devices among students of every age, even though the legal minimum age to purchase those products in California is 21 as of 2016. Some students began vaping even before they entered high school. “I initially started vaping in seventh grade when I was at TRL (a popular middle school dance) and somebody handed me a vape pen,” said a senior who asked to remain anonymous. “Ever since
then I’ve vaped every single day, but I’m not addicted.” Granite Bay High assistant principal Brian McNulty doesn’t usually have any luck catching the students in the act but instead hears about on-campus vaping by word of mouth. “Although it’s been rumored that I have this ability to see everywhere on campus without electronic devices, it’s not true,” McNulty said. “So the way that I have found out about incidents of vaping has been through other people reporting that, ‘Hey this person’s vaping,’ or ‘They asked me if I wanted to vape,’ and it has come into my office that way.” Vaping is inhaling and exhaling “vapor” – not to be confused with water vapor. The “vapor” contains chemical particles produced from the e-liquid within the vape pen or other device. This e-liquid usually contains propylene glycol or a vegetable glycerin liquid as well
as nicotine and typically a flavor of some sort like strawberry. Because e-liquid does not contain tobacco, it is believed by many to be a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes, but research is not yet definitive on whether this is true. Vaporizers come in all sorts of attractive shapes, sizes and colors ranging from standard vape pens to flash-drive-like juuls. E-cigarette vaporizers usually consist of a battery, a heating element and a cartridge for the liquid. Unlike a cigarette,vaporizers have no tobacco content. “In a regular cigarette, of course there’s going to be combustion since it is burning, and so there are a lot more carcinogens that you’re getting through that – formaldehyde and other chemicals,” said Peter Fish, the manager of the Galleria Vape and Smoke Shop. “Whereas vaping is not going to be burning anything
but actually vaporizing a liquid. There’s been tests done in Europe on vaping showing that there are no long-term effects or any negative effects.” Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration categorizes propylene glycol as “generally recognized as safe,” it has been known to cause dry skin and mouths. “The one thing would be that you just need to stay hydrated if you do vape,” Fish said. “Vegetable glycerin and and propylene glycol tend to dry out your body. As long as you’re boosting your water intake, you should be fine.” Besides the advertised health benefits of vaping, why is it such a trend? “I think that it’s new, it’s accessible,” McNulty said. “There are convenience stores that will sell to minors.” According to Fish, that is definitely true about some vape shops,
but the Galleria Vape and Smoke Shop has certain restrictions to prevent minors from buying their products. “We require ID at either the time of purchase or before we even show them products, and you’re required to be 21 or older to buy anything vape related since it is a tobacco product now,” Fish said. In fact, Fish does not in any way condone underage vaping and advises teens to hold off until they meet the minimum age requirement. “I always try to say if you’re not old enough to do it, just wait until you are,” Fish said. “But I do know it’s a popular thing for a lot of young people, and there are some shops out there that are selling to minors. I do not condone that, and I don’t really like it because I don’t think anybody that’s in high school should be See VAPING, page A9
Fires and mudslides New policies at stake sparks hit Southern California Immigration fueds between both
Natural disasters cause commotion at UCSB BY MILAN FRENCH
S
mfrench.gazette@gmail.com
Chan said. What caused those mudslides, though, impacted the campus and students significantly. The Thomas Fire, which instigated the mudslides in Santa Barbara’s south end, started on Dec. 4 and burned a total of 281,893 acres before being declared fully contained on Jan. 12. There were no actual flames on the school’s campus, but the air quality was dramatically affected at UCSB. According to Franco, the air was declared “very unhealthy.” And the day
outhern California has been affected by some major natural disasters this winter. The two most substantial have been the Santa Barbara mudslides and the Thomas Fire, which is now considered the largest wildfire in modern California history. The fire burned vegetation in the hills, making them more vulnerable to the mudslides. Many people in the Santa Barbara and Ventura counties evacuated and lost their homes. And, a section of Highway 101, which runs from Montecito to Santa See FIRES, page A8 Barbara, was closed for two weeks causing more traffic than usual in the area. Lyllian Franco, a freshman at the University of California at Santa Barbara, said the people who lived in Los Angeles or Southern California all had to “take a detour route to get back (to school) that added three to four hours to their drive.” Not only are the fires and mudslides affecting people’s commute, but also the local businesses and the resources they have. “A lot of restaurants in Isla Vista have limited options with food at the moment since shipments are being slowed,” UCSB freshman Iris Chan said. “I went to Albertson’s (a local grocer), and they were super low on stock.” For many UCSB students, the mudslides did not immediately affect them because of the proximity in which they occurred. Special to the Gazette /LYLLIAN FRANCO “They were about 30 minutes Ashes cover UCSB freshman and GBHS south of where the school is, since graduate Lyllian Franco’s bike during the fires. the school is in north Santa Barbara,”
of who people are and what the world is all about because when we have people coming from all over the world you learn new things,” Cordero said Michael Li, a senior, has his own experiences with moving to a new country, as he emigrated from Beijing, China, when he was 15. “The first few months were pretty BY SAMREEN SIDDIQUI rough because I had to adjust to a ssiddiqui.gazette@gmail. whole new environment,” Li said. “It was hard for me to really understand ecently, the American governAmerican culture … (because) in ment has been discussing immigration, especially since new America they tend to be sarcastic.” According to senior Maria Tulve, policies have been proposed. who emigrated from A debate is going Barcelona, Spain, on surrounding the her experience was policies, as people disa gift. agree about whether or I HAD TO START “I think it has not to implement more been the two most regulation on immiFROM SCRATCH productive years of gration. AND GET AN my life,” Tulve said. James Cordero is “Being away from the Advanced Water EDUCATION your country and Drops director of the BECAUSE HERE I what you think is Borders Angels organormal makes you nization, which places WAS NOBODY water in desert areas learn about yourself – GERARDO SOLANO, where immigrants try a lot and realize SPANISH TEACHER to cross the border. what you had over “There are countthere, so I think less ways immigrants it just opens your benefit America,” mind a lot and that Cordero said. “First of is something you all, that was how America was made, carry for the rest of your life.” from immigrants. My grandparent was Gerardo Solano, a Spanish teacher, an immigrant and he got his citizenexplained the difficulties he faced ship while joining the U.S Army durwhen emigrating from Costa Rica. ing World War Two and fighting for a “I had to start from scratch and get country he wanted to be a part of.” an education (because) here I was “They’re still people from many nobody,” Solano said. “I knew how different countries joining our armed to work hard to learn (English) and I forces, getting hurt and dying for a knew I had to start from scratch becountry they want to be a part of.” cause I knew (schools) weren’t going Cordero explained how immigrants to hire me as a teacher if I didn’t have positively affect society in many other credentials. My wife is an American, ways, including sharing their stories so that was a big support coming from and culture. “Immigrants make things better See IMMIGRATION, page A8 because you get to see more aspects
political parties
R
News A3
Friday, February 9, 2018
w The Granite Bay Gazette
Friday, February 9, 2018
w
News
The Granite Bay Gazette
Hop the fence to avoid offense Students resort to desperate measures to prevent a tardy BY LOGAN EMBREE
T
lembree.gazette@gmail.com
he tall and formidable fences of the Granite Bay High School campus have failed to perform their one solemn duty – to keep all students safe and secure during school hours. A group of students with no first period class are being locked out of campus, and some are putting themselves in danger to prevent being tardy. Some GBHS students park their cars at Feist Park – a local park adjacent to the GBHS campus – and walk through the gate that marks the border of the campus. This gate is closed when first period officially starts for security reasons and is left shut and locked until the release bell at the end of the day. Several students who have no first period prefer to park at Feist and are put in a precarious position. With the gate locked, some of these students have decided the most plausible option is simply hopping the fence. Part of the agreement for having an off-campus first or fourth period is that if the student wants to enter campus late or
leave early, they will need to enter and could get hurt,” anonymous senior boy exit through the main gate at the front said. of the school. While the student “fence hoppers” Students climbing a would prefer the gate fence to make it to class would stay open unon time might not seem til the beginning of to be a very significant second period, this Sometimes when problem, but it has would cause the issue caused concern for the someone gets hurt on to change from an inGBHS administration. your property, they surance and liability “If we know someone is concern to a security doing it, we really can’t come after you and concern. allow you to do something Leaving this specific blame you for it. that we know can harm gate to campus open you – if we are seeing it, would allow students – Greg Sloan, Assistant we kind of need to stop with no first period to you,” Assistant Principal easily enter campus Principal Greg Sloan said. and make it to class, According to Sloan, the but it would also make school is responsible for it all too easy for a pothe wellbeing of every student enrolled tentially dangerous intruder to enter as at GBHS, including those who do not well. have a first period class – and school ofThat’s not something several GBHS ficials can’t just ignore it when students students actually care about. engage in activities that carry risk and “I feel like the tiny fence really isn’t possible liability. gonna do much to stop an intruder,” said “Sometimes when someone gets hurt the senior boy. “If they want to get in, on your property, they come after you they are going to get in – so why can’t and blame you for it,” Sloan said. “Even they just leave it open during first period though they were the ones that were and shut it after that?” climbing fences.” GBHS administrators disagree. Several students have been brought “We want this to be a safe campus,” into the office to discuss their actions Sloan said. “Once the day starts, we and decide on a course of remedial ac- want to funnel everybody through one tion. location. That way we can check visitors “When I talked to the new (assistant) in appropriately, (identify) people that principal (Jen Buschmann), she said the shouldn’t be here and (note) students reason it was an issue was because I that are coming in late.”
Students react negatively to FCC’s proposal BY KAVANA GONUR
Progressive colleges give money for unusual talents
T
BY BRUCE RUSSELL
G
Gazette photo illustration /KATIE COLOGNA
A student running late for class attempts to climb the fence and avoid a tardy.
New net neutrality policies frustrate many
Scholarships awarded to avid gamers brussell.gazette@gmail.com
one are the days where acceptance to college and the scholarships offered were restricted to grade performance or excellence in physical sports. It’s 2018 now, and times have changed. Competitive gaming, often called “eSports,” is currently making its way into the mainstream. It’s no longer just a hobby – media sites such as Twitch and YouTube have enabled people to actually make a career out of playing video games. “Twitch is a streaming platform where anyone can get on there and stream their gameplay,” said Granite Bay High School senior Everett Burgess, who is a fan of the streaming service. There are even eSports organizations similar to professional sports leagues such as the National Football League or National Basketball Association, pitting international teams against each other and broadcasting it for people to watch at home. “eSports is really competitive and entertaining,” senior Owen Crase said. “All the teams are really good, and they know what they’re doing.” Progressive colleges interested in providing new types of competitive activities have finally found a new category in gaming. With a worldwide revenue of $91 billion in 2016 alone, video games are a major contender in the entertainment industry, easily overtaking other forms of digital recreation. Colleges have responded to the huge success of the gaming market with various degrees in art design, 3D animation and programming. Incoming college students interested in eSports are even recommended to pursue a degree applicable to game development. The University of California at Irvine, the first American university “to create an official esports program,” is offering a scholarship for the video game Overwatch as an incentive for students to focus on a game development degree. “Colleges can probably see the benefits in eSports teams,” Crase said. “If they can get a good college team, they’ll be-
A4
Gazette photo /BELLA HAMILTON
Junior Scott Martin plays Subway Surfers, a popular game amongst high schoolers, on his phone.
come more popular.” Overwatch is a popular team-based first-person shooter game with casual and competitive modes. Those who are positioned as masters or grandmasters (the top two ranks) can apply for a scholarship totaling $2,500 a year as long as they participate on the school’s Overwatch team. “Esports is becoming more popular business wise,” said Jackson Zolmer, the president of the Esports Club at GBHS. “As it grows, there’s more economic opportunity – a lot more of colleges are treating it as a sports program.” Though no one in the club has applied for a gaming scholarship to a university yet, Zolmer hopes there will be college students eligible for competitions in the years to come. “We’re working mainly on getting the infrastructure built so that we can have an eSports team,” Zolmer said. “There’s been a lot of participation through outside-ofschool fundraisers to buy (video game) consoles.” While Burgess says competitive gaming certainly isn’t a physical sport and is something only a limited few will benefit from, he encourages students to pursue their passions. “Just like the MLB (Major League Baseball), a very low percentage of gamers become a professional and can make a living out if it,” Burgess said. “But if you feel you really do have the talent, then by all means go for it.”
kgonur.gazette@gmail.com
his channel is no longer included in your Premium subscription of GTV. If you’d like to buy an additional channel package, please call us at the following number. This is the dreaded message that can pop up on the TV screen just as viewers sit on their couch after a long day to watch the second season of “Stranger Things.” Then, another message appears on the home page: No connection. Now, the parallel should be quite apparent. The former situation is simply the everyday struggle of choosing cable TV packages so you can watch “Stranger Things” but save money at the same time. However, the latter is a radical change. What’s the cause of that second scenario? Net neutrality being repealed. Net neutrality is the principle that all websites and applications on the world wide web should be freely accessible to any Internet consumer, no matter what server or internet service provider is being used. The Federal Communications Commission first established the policy in 2015, ruling that broadband Internet should be reclassified as a “common carrier.” In December, the FCC reversed this policy when it voted to repeal net neutrality. This potentially gives large-scale ISPs more power over smaller-scale ISPs on not only the number of consumers they attract, but also on what regulations are placed on their customers. Generally, the idea of a free market is that individual companies can make their own decisions in order to attract and satisfy their customers better. Marc Imrie, Granite Bay High School’s computer science teacher, suggested a prime example of why net neutrality was repealed. “Free market and competition generally leads to better products and better services,” Imrie said. “(The idea is to) let these companies make decisions based on what’s best for business and their customers in a competitive environment, and it’s going to be better for us customers.” Essentially, with Net Neutrality, certain ISPs cannot utilize their technology and wealth to their fullest extent due to the overall rule that all
sites and service must be able to be freely accessed regardless of service or plan. However, Zachary Weidkamp, the GBHS Film Media coordinator and adviser, said he thinks the free market can figure it out best. “I believe in an open market where the market decides certain things,” Weidkamp said. “I believe that (net neutrality) crisis should be regulated on simple supply and demand.” Weidkamp said all ISPs should be given equal opportunity so they can compete fairly. This exacerbates the premise of “supply and demand,” as each company has an equal opportunity to provide equal service, which can reach a greater amount of people, satisfying demand. Petitions to stop the repeal of net neutrality have spread on social media at a rapid pace. “On Twitter, there’s a bunch of people saying about how they didn’t want it repealed,” senior Ryan Smith said. “I didn’t hear about anything after it was repealed though.” It’s also clear that students are aware of the effects that net neutrality being repealed could have on the community. “If there’s no freedom of the internet, we’ll have to pay more,” senior Nick Iskander said. “There’s also going to be hesitation to using the internet as a source and will make the internet take a step back rather than a step forward.” However, don’t be alarmed, as there won’t be much of a change in the way the Internet is managed. “We already have a system in place where people who pay more can get a faster Internet, so I don’t know if that will be a huge problem or not,” Imrie said, referring to the tiered services that companies such as Comcast and Consolidated Communications offer. “I don’t think net neutrality will impact anyone on the surface. Most who (access online services) will be able to do so as they always have.” Realistically, Imrie said, most internet users won’t notice major changes in their daily life because of the repeal of net neutrality. The changes that have occurred are mostly behind the scenes. “Below the surface … people need to be aware that net neutrality can impact them without them See NET NEUTRALITY page A5
ASB UPDATE The Gazette talked to Student Government student Claire Lugo about upcoming events.
Q
&
A
Gazette: What events are coming up this term?
How can the student body participate in these events?
Lugo: After Feb. 9 we have “Random Acts Lugo: The student body can participate in RAK of Kindness Week” (Feb. 13 – Feb. 16) Week by simply being kind. However, we want this as well as the blood drive (Mar. 1). to be something that lasts longer than just a week We also have a charity basketball game at school. If students could continue the kind acts, Gazette photo /Natalie Erickson which will be played on Mar. 8 against nothing but positive things would come out of it. DO (Del Oro High School) at their home court. They can participate in the blood drive by simply giving blood or encouraging others to give blood... Gazette: What’s Knowing you just saved somebody’s life is always Breilh: is on Febyour role in planning these events? rewarding, andThe it isrally definitely worth stepping outruary 17 during side your comfort zone.school. Lugo: My job for these events is basically help wherever needed. If the commisStudents could support (the charity basketball sioners need any extra assistance, I and game) just by coming and cheering on their teachthe rest of the class who’s commissions ers and donating to charity. aren’t in session, are there to support as much as possible.
Gazette photo /SABINA MAHAVNI
Claire Lugo
–Compiled by Sabina Mahavni -Compiled by Sabina Mahavni
Friday, February 9, 2018
w The Granite Bay Gazette
News A5
Interfaith Panel Hotly anticipated forum hosted by IB World Religions class to feature various guest speakers
Gazette illustration /STEPH KANG
BY AHKIL SHAH
I
ashah.gazette@gmail.com
t’s rare to have five different people who believe in five different religions sharing a stage together. But next month, a new Granite Bay High event will do exactly that. David Tastor, IB World Religions teacher at GBHS, along with a group of his students, will host an Interfaith Panel, featuring five speakers representing five different religious faith traditions, from 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13 in the GBHS theater.. The speakers will include Hooper Dunbar (Baha’i), Episcopal priest Sarah Quinney (Christianity), Yin Myo Myo (Buddhism), Rabbi Alan Rabishaw (Judaism), and Imam Azeez (Islam). Students, faculty and members of the Granite Bay community are invited to share an evening consisting of peaceful discussion around significant topics. Although there is no admission fee, attendees are encouraged to bring canned food to support the local Placer Food Bank. The panel’s intentions are to bring awareness and knowledge about various religions.
“It’ll be good for students and adults to sit down and respectfully allow somebody to talk,” principal Jennifer Leighton said. “It teaches respect.” GBHS students are of various faiths and beliefs, and Leighton said “a panel like this allows for the appreciation of cultural and religious diversity.” In the Granite Bay community, Christianity is the faith of a majority of residents, but that often leaves people with little to no knowledge of other religions. “There are stereotypes of Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, whatever it may be,” Tastor said. “So much of it is just false and incorrect in regards to what the religion is.” Attending the panel would likely aid in reducing those stereotypes, Tastor added. Tastor said he believes ignorance about other faiths results in mistreatment of people because of their differences. “A panel like this can help demystify ideas and allow for a reduction of ignorance,” Tastor said. “To know as opposed to assume, that’s important.” The panel is an opportunity to bring clarity to students who are enrolled in history and social science
classes yet don’t have this knowledged embedded in the curriculum. “I’ll make it mandatory for my students,” Advanced Placement human geography teacher Katie Angelone said. “When you don’t, the students who can benefit the most end up not going.” As a teacher and lifelong learner herself, Angelone is looking forward to the panel as much for herself as for her students. “I’m always learning as a teacher,” she said. “Being only the second time I’m teaching human geography, there’s still stuff I don’t know about some religions.” While those who belong to specific faiths might find the panel interesting, people who aren’t religious are equally encouraged to attend the event. “You don’t have to have a religion yourself to understand why other people do,” Leighton said. Tastor added: “We have atheists in this class itself. I think at the very least, it can teach them about people who live in their world.” Numerous students in Tastor’s World Religions class are assisting in setting up the event. “It’s a fun way to get the community to learn more
about various religions,” senior David Song said. Song, who’s assisting with advertising and promotion for the event, said it will be beneficial because “people can be one-sided on how they see things, so it’s a great way to learn more about people you interact with on a daily basis.” Another student assisting in the development of the panel is senior Jacob Weber, who is interested in learning more about all religious expressions. Weber said ignorance of some major world religions contributes to many issues in current events. “We obviously don’t know everything about these religions, so for myself and others, it’s important to continue learning,” he said. Tastor said he especially hopes members of the community who aren’t necessarily students or teachers also decide to attend. “I hope people come and take advantage of this opportunity,” he said. “It’s never been done at Granite Bay High School. To have the three major Abrahamic religions represented, along with two others that not many have even a limited understanding of, it’s a great opportunity.”
Solar panels in parking lot pushed back into future Other projects on the back burners prioritized due to logistical issues BY JACK KEHOE
jkehoe.gazette@gmail.com
Often over the summer months, changes happen to schools in order to make improvements when the next school year comes around. Last summer, Granite Bay High School was supposed to get solar panels installed in the parking lot. The purpose of these panels was to conserve energy as well as provide a shade structure for students’ cars. “We’re planning on having three squarelike structures (in the parking lot),” GBHS
assistant principal Brian McNulty said. “One over the lot closest to the office, and the other two in the lots across from that one.” The solar panels were originally planned to go up during the summer of 2017, but complications as well as other projects the school was working on got in the way. The solar panels have to be made offsite, meaning production goes on elsewhere and they are then brought to the school for final assembly. “The reason (the solar panels are not made at the site) is because they are easier to assemble and put up before they are
shipped off to the location, rather than leaving all the construction equipment on the campus of where they are being installed,” said a representative from a local solar panels. Another reason the solar panels possibly got delayed was the construction of a side walkway near GBHS. It was a small walkway, but it took a good amount of the summer to complete. On top of that, a new field was constructed during the summer, which turned out well and has been used by many sports groups on the GBHS campus. However, GBHS wasn’t the first to think of putting solar panels in the parking lots -- the school drew inspiration from others in the area. “Last I checked, Oakmont was also going to be doing something similar (regarding solar panels) to their parking
“We’re planning on having three square like structures” – Brian McNulty, GBHS assistant principal
lots,” McNulty said. The very first school in the area to get solar panels was Whitney High in Rocklin in 2012. Since then, the idea has spread to schools all around the region. “The solar panels were installed in
2012,” Whitney High principal Justin Cutts said. “They were installed over the summer. For us, the benefits have been covered parking and the improved lighting in the parking lot as well. The district obviously saves money from them as well.” However, GBHS has many projects other than just the solar panels to work on – including a possible new pool. With so many ambitious projects to complete, being behind might forestall the installation of solar panels for some time into the future. However, the fact that the solar panels are being considered as an improvement to the campus is something some observers consider admirabble. “It’s always great to hear other schools are doing the same thing as Whitney has,” Cutts said.
Post-drought legislative action reveals the shortage is not over Agriculture, fish populations, groundwater cleanup and management are still affected BY LAUREN STARGARDTER lstargardter.gazette@gmail.com
When you find yourself in a hole, the first thing you do is stop digging – and Californians have hit rock bottom. From 2011 to 2016, California struggled with the worst drought ever recorded in its history. More than 80 percent of California was stuck in the extreme drought, with the cities of San Francisco, Los Angeles, Fresno and Sacramento impacted the most. Although many parts of the state enjoyed a wet winter in 2016-17, the dry spots left behind from the drought still resonate with many regions of California today. Throughout the drought years, California has experienced drastic changes in water quality degradation, declining surface and groundwater supply and land subsidence. The California drought became so dire that Gov. Jerry Brown imposed forced restrictions on both residential and commercial water, with severe fines for overuse. With California being the nation’s largest agricultural exporter, this isn’t just a California – or even
a solely American – issue. This water crisis has become a global problem. California feeds the nation and the world. The California agriculture district in the Central Valley has been hit the hardest by the drought. It relies on the irrigation systems from natural water sources to provide food for millions of people throughout America and the world. Farmers in the Central Valley area were expected to lose an estimated $810 million to keep the crops growing in their fields, and an extra $453 million was spent pumping water from the groundwater supply in 2013. On top of this, 13,000 agricultural jobs are suffering because of the drought. Typical California cash crops like almonds, tomatoes and rice are not able to be mass produced because of the lack of water reaching 5 percent of the required irrigated cropland, this is food the world needs. If California residents, government or the private sector can’t do their part to conserve the water left in the state, the agriculture district will be left to pay the price, affecting all aspects of one of its proudest industries – the agriculture district centered in places such as the Central and San Joaquin valleys.
NET NEUTRALITY: Its impact on lives Continued from page A4 knowing it (due to the manipulation of goods),” Imrie added. Weidkamp agreed that the effects won’t be very obvious. “People will say that they don’t agree with (net neutrality being repealed), but when it comes down to the day-to-day grind, people won’t put that much effort into it,” Weidkamp said. “They’ll maybe put a post on Facebook, but they’re really more concerned about (having) food on the table and (focusing on) their job and their kids.”
To be sure, throughout the drought the lawmakers in California have been creating innovative solutions to minimize and conserve the effects of the water shortage, according to Eran Hazary, the field representative for State Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica). “Legislative leaders, working with Gov. Brown, have identified available funding for water efficiency projects and have been allocating funding for drought response projects and flood control projects that we can start working on right away,” Hazary said. “In some cases, the funding will help local communities that have no access to clean drinking water.” Hazary noted that regulations are starting to have an efffect. “The California State Water Resources Control Board has put rules in place that order local agencies to restrict how often their consumers can water lawns,” Hazary said. “This is the first time any state’s water agency has taken such action, and it is having an impact.” Although the state has made great strides in water conservation during the drought, the bigger concern is how to continue to maintain a steady water supply in the future. “We need to start planning for a longer drought,” Central Valley farmer Jack Williams said. “This is the new normal with climate change. We must adapt. We have to ensure everyone, including residents, businesses and the agricultural community, take action and does their part.
stand out. read the gazette.
Williams acknowledged the important role agriculture plays in water policy in California. “Farmers like me use 80 percent of California’s water,” Williams said. “As a group we need to do a much better job installing the latest and best irrigation technologies. I’m proud to say we use drip irrigation on 80 percent of our land and will have it installed on 100 percent by the end of the year.” Experts say there needs to be a focus on groundwater cleanup and management, on water-use efficiency, and on replacing lawns with drought resilient landscaping. Nearly 70 percent of residential water use is used for landscaping. Food production assistance and emergency water funding also need to be priorities. Local salmon populations have been suffering because of warmer temperatures and the lack of water conservation. California wildlife conservation groups and local governments have made a valiant effort to maintain fish populations, but the damage done by the drought on their habitats only leaves room for band-aid solutions. “The federal court ruled 10 years ago that there must be fish passages beyond Folsom and Shasta dams to allow adult salmon to reach their traditional spawning grounds, but it hasn’t been done,” said Granite Bay High fish and wildlife teacher Scott Braly. “The local fish hatcheries have used fish ladders and trucking methods, but it still doesn’t solve the whole problem. The salmon are important to California’s economy and tourism sector.”
Friday, February 9, 2018
News
w The Granite Bay Gazette
New, innovative form of currency could be the wave of the financial future Cryptocurrency looks promising as a digital version of money BY DYLAN ROWE
drowe.gazette@gmail.com
A
ll around the world, people are becoming millionaires by buying and selling virtual “coins.” These “coins” are stocklike investments. Once bought or mined, the currency can be traded for real money or used to buy items from online shopping platforms. Cryptocurrency is a digital form of money initially invented to transfer funds in a way that avoids banking systems and government taxes or regulations. These transactions are kept on a list of public records called the blockchain. Blockchain is also where cryptocurrency users mine for virtual “coins.” “If people don’t want to invest any money on buying bitcoins, they can also use blockchain to earn them,” Granite Bay High School sophomore Shereen Golkar said. Golkar added that in order to earn bitcoins, users have to crack a series of different codes and math equations on the blockchain. Created in 2009, the currency didn’t reach its peak of popularity until fall of 2017 and to some is now considered mainstream in 2018. The
currency is being used all over the world and has branched out to make its own separate financial system. With cryptocurrency, the possibilities are endless, and users are able to send to anyone anywhere instantaneously. To many, one outcome of the rise of cryptocurrencies is that the world will be more economically connected than ever. “Cryptocurrency could possibly become the new way of payment for everything,” sophomore Dillon Clements said. “Now that it has become popularized within millennials, people will be able to better understand and use it.” For some crypto consumers, freedom away from the federal government adds another benefit to cryptocurrency. Clements said the reason more people are using the currency is because it is not regulated or taxed by the U.S. government. Not only is the currency free of regulation, but it also appeals to the tech-savvy crowd in society. “Cryptocurrency is fitting for the new generation because of its tech basis,” sophomore Ryan Penkala said. “Millennials and generation Z will be likely to want to use technological wallets rather than paper money in the future.”
As of Jan. 22, one bitcoin was worth $16,500, meaning that if a person owns 10 bitcoins, they would have the equivalent of $165,000. It might seem like a lot of money and a huge gamble, but recent statistics suggest the outcome will most likely end in a positive result. “The time and effort it takes to invest or mine will be completely worth it in the long run,” Clements said. Owning virtual “coins,” the owner will most likely want to keep the coin before cashing out. Every day the value of each “coin” fluctuates but, for now, it has been mostly increasing. Cryptocurrency could be the new “get-rich-quick” scheme of this generation. “Cryptocurrency is going to become the new dot-com boom, but it will have a shelf life,” said Tein Phan, a cryptocurrency expert in Rocklin. As time goes on, more and more young adults will invest in money platforms like this one. Bitcoin and currencies like it could be the inevitable future for the financial system. According to The Telegraph, 19year-old Bitcoin millionaire Erik Finman said Bitcoin and platforms like it will create the biggest transfer of wealth in this generation.
A6
Gazette illustration/ BRAYDEN JOHNK
Grizz Time seen as beneficial for variety of reasons Extra period shortens passing periods, but raises grades BY EMILY HANSEN
ehansen.gazette@gmail.com
T
he implementation of Grizz Time has been a monumental change for both students and faculty at Granite Bay High this year. But one key question – has it actually helped? – hasn’t een completely answered yet. Grizz Time, also known as intervention or priority period, has been a major adjustment. Both classes and passing periods are slightly shorter in order to allot time for the extra period. Many students have considered this a nuisance. “The passing periods do seem shorter,” sophomore Brooke Cassidy said. “I feel like I have to get to class faster.” The ultimate purpose of Grizz Time is to improve
students’ grades, specifically those with Ds or Fs in their classes. Even the name ‘priority period’ indicates the idea behind the change. Students are meant to take this time as an opportunity to prioritize classes where they need extra help. “I’d say my grades have improved somewhat,” junior Ashley Paolucci said. For those who don’t have grades obligating them to go to a certain class, priority period can be used for a variety of reasons. “I usually just go to a class I have with a friend and just work on homework,” Cassidy said. Working on homework is one of the most popular tasks during Grizz Time. Many students take advantage of the free time to relieve their workload at home. Others use this time to complete late work or cram for upcoming tests.
“I usually spend Grizz Time doing my homework that I didn’t finish,” Paolucci said. Many students like to priority periods for classes for which they were previously absent to catch up on what they missed. “Last semester, I went to (government) a few times, and I also went to business, in case I was gone,” senior Dante Tafoya said. The opportunity to complete make-up work during intervention is a huge advantage for students and faculty. Many students said they think this helps reduce the stress of missing class. For teachers, it is easier to catch up students during priority period rather than detract from valuable class time. “Last term, I had about 10 to 20 students every day doing different tasks such as working on homework, making up quizzes or meeting with me for extra help,” English teacher Shannon McCann said. However, some students treat intervention as a socialization period. In the cafeteria, a popular common area, students enjoy the chance to have a snack, chat
with friends or browse social media. These activities are not academically constructive, but they are allowed. For those who prefer a calmer or more regulated environment to study in, the library is also an option. “I do value intervention time, and I found that I miss it when we don’t have it in our schedule on certain days,” McCann said. “However, I miss the 10-minute passing periods.” The most popular opinion around GBHS is that Grizz Time has been instrumental in helping students, especially with their workload. Whether students are using this time to relax, cram or get help, the time is beneficial. “I wasn’t too happy when I first heard about Grizz Time,” Tafoya said, “but after being able to experience it and being able to make up all my work and get more help, it has definitely made my grades rise.”
Comparing IB and AP programs Pros and cons of two academic approaches BY ELLIOTT HYMAN
ehyman.gazette@gmail.com
G
ranite Bay High has a well known International Baccalaureate program that consistently produces high-achieving students who are admitted into top colleges nationwide. The IB program offers a popular alternative to the speed and memorization of the Advanced Placement program with a more analysis-based, holistic approach. The diploma program allows competitive students to take six IB courses at a time over the junior and senior years, and gives them a chance to experience college-level rigor. GBHS Junior Cayla Quinn is in her first year as an IB diploma student and has decided to face its rigors by choice. “I decided to participate in the IB program because the AP program didn’t really fit the way that I learn,” Quinn said. “AP is all about getting the facts down for the test, but I prefer how IB is focused on the learning rather than a letter grade.” To Quinn, IB students can still maintain extracurricular activities while in the program. “I am still involved in the drama program,” Quinn said. “I made sure that if I was going to do IB that I could still participate in theater.” Brandon Dell’Orto teaches Advanced Placement United States history, and despite previously teaching IB History, he still has some questions about the program. “The IB program is an important program, and it is needed, but we need to get it to stand on a bigger level with more kids so there isn’t such a glaring disparity between IB and AP class numbers,” Dell’Orto said. This is a stark difference noticed by just looking at the statistics. “From a pure allocation of resources standpoint, there may be a problem,” Dell’Orto said. “You’ve got an AP teacher teaching 36 kids in a class and an IB teacher teaching three kids in a class.”
Because of AP’s broad time frame and large amount of content to cover, depth and breadth comes at a cost when compared to IB. “The IB program is the antithesis of the AP program,” Dell’Orto said. “In AP, we cover 600 years where in IB they study 100. IB allows you to really dig in deep and analyze stuff.” Chemistry teacher Suchi Krishnaraj teaches both AP and IB chemistry courses and sees advantages and disadvantages to both courses. “Most of my IB kids are more grade oriented,” Krishnaraj said. “I get seniors in my AP class who don’t need to take it but are doing it because it interests them, whereas my IB diploma candidates are sometimes forced to be in it.” But to Krishnaraj, IB holds certain advantages that teachers can’t enjoy teaching only AP. “I get to teach the things I’m really interested in rather than just teaching towards the test like in AP,” Krishnaraj said. “The caliber of kids is so good it makes it worth it.” “The kids not crumbling under the pressure in IB have two things in common – an understanding of the workload before they entered the program and a healthy attitude toward their grades,” Krishnaraj said. She hopes people understand the common myths about what IB does for those enrolled. “Kids sign up not knowing the time requirement that comes with it,” Krishnaraj said. “There’s a misconception that kids think it’s the golden ticket to Berkeley, but it’s not that simple. Being in the IB Program doesn’t make a C kid an A kid.” “The quality of education and the amount of time management skills that you get from being in the IB program – you can’t get elsewhere,” Krishnaraj added. “The benefits of IB come after you graduate, and you need to invest time and effort into that.” Math teacher Scott Becker teaches both IB math and AP calculus. He doesn’t think smaller class sizes in IB are a problem because of the increased workload teachers have for IB. “The difference for teacher workload between IB and AP is the internal assessments,” Becker said. “It’s going to take me about 24 hours of grading to finish 22 IA,s so it evens out the time spent working out-
side of class.” Bernadette Cranmer is in her first year as IB coordinator at GBHS. “There are about 120 IB students on campus with 13 different courses,” Cranmer said. “Our campus is given $75,000 to administer the IB program,. Students apply here every year to take IB from other districts, which is a money stream for the campus IB helps provide. I suspect that money outweighs the money that the district gives us to run the program.” There is some support for those financially needy, however. “Taking one IB class costs (each student) $291 with registration and testing fees,” Cranmer said. “We have financial aid available, and we’ve never turned down anyone who has requested it. It is provided from the $75,000 given by the district and from private donations made to the IB rogram.” According to Cranmer, there is definitely a place for IB on the GBHS campus. “IB is the most rigorous program you can take,” Cranmer said. “Teachers who have taught both AP and IB prefer teaching IB because of the depth of thought required over time. AP courses require a student to memorize and sprint through a course to reach the test, but IB courses allow students to spend more time truly researching what they are interested in.” When IB was first introduced at GBHS, classes were restricted solely to diploma candidates, but Cranmer said this was a mistake. “When we opened the IB Program, we undermined the program from the start by making classes available to only diplomatrack students to make it elite,” Cranmer said. “We have been denying many students the great benefits of IB by not embracing the idea that any student can be a part of IB.” Now IB courses are open for anyone on campus who is interested to enroll. “All of my efforts are geared towards making IB understandable and accessible to every student,” Cranmer said. “We want to make IB, AP and (college prep) work harmoniously together at Granite Bay.”
Friday, February 9, 2018
News A7
w The Granite Bay Gazette
Students have difficulties in changing class schedules Counselors reject requested adjustments BY KEYURI PILLAY
kpillay.gazette@gmail.com
As the spring semester kicks off, many students scramble to quickly switch out of classes or change their schedules to ensure their semester runs smoothly. Some switch their classes with relative ease – but others find it extremely difficult. Students have the opportunity to transfer out of classes within the first week of the new semester. Unfortunately, that was not the case for a senior girl. “My counselor refused to switch my schedule when I went to her after the first day (back from break),” the anonymous senior girl said. “I experienced a lot of unneeded stress because of the class I’m (having to take). ... I am not satisfied with my counselor.” One of her chief concerns is that she knows counselors make accommodations for students who want to take different classes – but her counselor wasn’t willing to do that for her. Jaiden Ng, a senior, said he also had an inconvenient experience with his counselor involving schedule changes. Ng’s counselor was placing pressure on him to take certain classes he did not want to take. “It was hard to convince my counselor I didn’t want to take that class,” Ng said. Like the anonymous senior girl, Ng is also dissatisfied with his counselor’s efforts and advice for him.
“I felt my counselor could’ve helped me plan out my future classes (better),” Ng said. “It would’ve helped me since certain colleges are looking for a required number of courses.” Every year, students are required to attend meetings where their schedules are reviewed by their counselor to make sure all necessary credits will be completed by graduation. However, no specific requirements for certain colleges are discussed, and many students say they are rushed when meeting with their counselor because there are so many students in the sessions. Ng’s reason for requesting a schedule change was mainly because of wanting different teachers. “My counselor is a bit stiff and doesn’t seem approachable, so it (was) hard to ask for a schedule change – especially (since I’ve) heard bad things about the teacher,” Ng said. Overall, Ng said he approached his counselor to talk about his schedule and did not appreciate how his schedule planning was handled. The counselors at GBHS try their best to accommodate their students’ requests, but sometimes it just isn’t possible. “We always try to place students in their first choice of alternate (class) and if that is not available we work our way down the list until we find a course that has open seats,” GBHS counselor Tasman Nicolodi said. “If we run out of options, meaning all five alternates are full, we will
New technology benefits Computer Science class Advanced, technological equipment arrives at GBHS BY ANGELINA KOLOSEY akolosey.gazette@gmail.com
Technology is drastically advancing every single day, and as a result, this new surge of advancement is making its way to Granite Bay High as well. Over the winter break, GBHS received a large amount of new supplies and equipment for the computer science and engineering facilities. Computer science teacher Marc Imrie and GBiT students came in over winter break to set up the new gear in rooms 505 and 513. This process took about a year and a half to fulfill, from receiving the grant to ordering equipment. Imrie coordinated the entire project. The school was given this opportunity as a result of the Career Technical Education grants that funneled in new money to various counties in the state of California including Placer County, ultimately benefiting the GBHS computer science, engineering, media and business programs. The CTE CRANE grant set up an organization within Placer County that provided support, training
and equipment to various CTE programs, including computer science and engineering at GBHS. The second CTE grant that helped provide new equipment – including laptops and TVs as well as other gear – is a three-year grant called CTEIG, which funneled in new money from the state, to the county, and ultimately to the Roseville Joint Union High School District and to GBHS in order to pay for expansion in CTE programs. Many months of meetings, brainstorming and organization went into the project. “It’s been about a year and a half of work from when we originally got the CTEIG grant,” said Imrie, who added that it’s been three years since GBHS received a previous CRANE grant. There was a specific process that Imrie went through in order to be able to obtain the end goal of getting new supplies. “We have to go through what’s called an advisory committee meeting each year where we present our ideas to industry experts, they have to approve it,” Imrie said. “Then it goes to the district CTE steering committee, which approves what
was approved at the advisory meeting. From there, quote requests are made for how much supplies would cost and the purchase order (can then) be put in.” The GBHS computer science and engineering classrooms received an abundance of new resources including LEGO robotics, Arduino kits, Samsung tablets, furniture, laptops and TVs, as well as kits that include other materials that can be helpful to teachers and students. The engineering facility also received a similar computer, furniture, and TV set up, as well as advanced manufacturing machinery – equipment students can use to cut geometric shapes into wood and cut through metal. The grant has also provided an assortment of colorful chairs – something Imrie said is intended to help students develop more creative and collaborative strategies. “There’s a logic and reason behind the colors – each group has a different color, so it allows for randomizing of who presents where and calling on students or grouping them in different and diverse set ups,” Imrie said. CTE engineering teacher Steve Dolan said the grant will pay off for students and staff. “We are taking a huge leap in manufacturing technologies here – kids are making really neat stuff that there’s no way they would have ever
Gazette illustration /MCKENNA ARAM
Trying to fix class schedules can prove difficult for many students entering new semesters. call the student in to take a look at classes that have seats available and try to find a course that they have some interest in.” Counselors review every student’s transcript before they individually meet with them so both the counselor and the student can discuss class requirements. “We work hard to find the best fit for our students and try to have open, honest conversations about our classes, rigor and creating a balanced schedule based on student interest and ability,” Nicolodi said. According to the GBHS counseling department, in December, students have another opportunity to request a
been able to make had we been using the old equipment,” Dolan said. An opportunity such as being able to work in a new environment allows GBHS students in CTE programs to ultimately be able to grow in the areas they have a passion to advance in. “Specifically the furniture, laptops, and TVs, the largest expenses, help create what I call a 21st century collaborative learning environment where students aren’t so dependent on facing the front of the room, working in isolation, listening to the teacher – they’re more in groups, they’re interacting with their team, working together, communicating together, problem solving together, sort of like a real world setting,” Imrie said. The goal of the new setups is to create an environment that is similar to real-world scenarios. Students are given the opportunities to “see the whole design/engineering side of it, which is an application of what a lot of them will see in college,” Dolan said. Opportunities such as these impact student’s futures. “The opportunity to use these new advanced supplies is a great way to learn and interact more with technology,” said sophomore Adil Qureshi, who is taking Advanced Placement Computer Science. “It provides a stepping stool into the working world.” The main concepts taught in these classes remain the same, but there are now more ways available to complete a certain task because of the new up-to-date resources. This new equipment provides students with new ways to work together on projects in more ways
change prior to the spring term beginning in January. Andrew Giambeluca, also a senior, is genuinely satisfied with the effort of his counselor to accommodate his desires when making or shifting his schedule. “Every time I’ve asked for a change, it’s been given to me,” Giambeluca said. “I guess that could be because I try to make it easy for them to change my schedule.” In his opinion, Giambeluca’s experience with some counselor pressure to take an Advanced Placement class had an overall, positive outcome. “I learned a lot,” Giambeluca said, “and thought the class was a lot of fun.”
than used to be true. “Students will see how the same product can be made in two different methods – I think there’s a lot of value in that,” Dolan said. And so far, the students and teachers love the new set up.
“I was very amazed because, before it was more crammed and it didn’t really allow for a lot of collaboration, but the new set up is very much more open,” said Lyann Luu, a junior GBiT student. “(It is) much easier to work in and I really like it.”
Gazette photo /ANGELINA KOLOSEY
AP Computer Science recevied a multitude of new resources.
Safe
New Leaf Senior Transitions assists older adults and their families with the daunting process of downsizing, relocating, or modifying their homes. Planning and implementing such a complex move can be difficult for the entire family. Whether you don’t know where to begin, or are overwhelmed with the process, our trusted team can provide you the help you need.
Organized
Staci Zabell staci@newleafsmm.com | (916) 769-4655 Serving Sacramento, Roseville and all surrounding areas
Compassionate
Woodcreek Dentistry in West Roseville at 7456 Foothills Blvd., No. 14 916-773-0800 wcdentistry@surewest.net
Family-focused dental health ‘We treat our patients like part of our family’
Friday, February 9, 2018
News
w The Granite Bay Gazette
HARASSMENT: Students face the ugly effects of sexual misconduct by teachers A GBHS senior girl who requested anonymity recalled experiences similar to those student comfort and safety take top priority. the Woodcreek 14-year-old student endured. “Most importantly, we must continue “I don’t think (my teacher) was predatory, to remind students to tell a trusted adult but (he) was very weird,” the source said. when they believe they have been sexu- “He would grab my hands. He would always ally assaulted, harassed or feel uncomfort- call (certain girls) ‘Princess.’” able about a particular In spite of unwanted situation or relationship,” massages, remarks and Basham said. “Students uncomfortable nicknames, need to know their safety the senior did not constiand well-being are very tute her teacher’s behavior I don’t think he important to us and that as sexual harassment. considered the their complaint will be “I don’t think he considthoroughly investigated.” ered the way his actions way his actions In the wake of the conaffected us,” the senior affected us. tentious Mason case, other girl said. victims have come forth, Even if she did conwhich begs a range of – GBHS senior girl, sider his behavior sexual bigger and more frightharassment, she said she anonymous ening questions: What doubted any actions she does constitute sexual could take would make a harassment? What are its difference. consequences? If children “I didn’t feel like it cannot feel safe in the very was anything substantial place devoted to their development, where enough to report anyway, but I still wouldn’t and who can we trust to take care of them? have, even if it was more,” she said. If it’s happening all around us, how can we She said there were an abundance of things prevent it – and how haven’t we already? that ran through her head. Continued from page A1
“You stop and you’re like, ‘That’s not normal,’ and then you’re like, ‘Well, I can’t really do anything about it,’” she said. “It’s just what’s expected. If a teacher’s been there for a long time, they have tenure, so it’s difficult for anything to happen to them.” Another female student, who also asked to remain anonymous, encountered similar circumstances but with a different teacher. “When I was new to the Granite Bay campus, I had a teacher who was overly friendly,” the girl said. “He never touched me, (but) it was verbal. He would call me beautiful and approachable – things I don’t think a teacher should be able to call you.” The girl explained how the teacher’s behavior continued throughout the year. “During classes, whenever there was silent work time, he would call me up to his desk and tell me how much he enjoyed having me in his class, and (how) he wanted me to come back and TA for him really badly,” she said. “I was the only one who would ever get called up, so at first I would think I was in trouble, but I realized I’d never done anything wrong.” The girl said anytime her teacher called her to his desk, they never discussed anything pertaining to the class or subject. She also
said it was known that he had a record of asking “pretty girls” to be his TAs and had a tendency to be invasive in relationships with his TAs. “I remember him talking about (his TA’s) boyfriend one time (saying), ‘Oh, he doesn’t deserve you,’” the girl said. So there’s not much doubt that this behavior is creepy at best, is it sexual harassment? “I would say (his behavior) was just really inappropriate,” the girl said. “I think, definitely, some things that happened were borderline sexual harassment, because it’s really hard to define what that is, since it can be so many different things.” Although the student did see many of her teacher’s actions as “crossing the line,” she said she still doubted herself and sometimes trivialized the effects of his behavior. “I think having an authority figure (sexually harass) you makes you think, ‘Oh no, this wasn’t sexual harassment because they’re a respected person, so I’m probably just the one making it weird,” she said. Principal Jennifer Leighton said that while she can certainly identify with some of the uncomfortable experiences many female students face now, even she did not muster up the courage to voice her discomfort until
she was in her 20s. “I did have several male teachers that said inappropriate and actually quite disturbing, in retrospect, things to me, but I didn’t report these comments and interactions because it never dawned on me that there were caring adults that could help me,” Leighton said. “I want (student victims) to know that I’ve been there and understand the embarrassment involved in being on the receiving end of inappropriate, offensive and/or just plain creepy comments or actions. I also understand how much courage it takes to step forward and stand up for yourself.” Leighton said it’s important to support today’s movements advocating both victim and perpetrator awareness, such as the “Time’s Up” and “Me Too” movements. “(The recent wave of female empowerment) has definitely brought awareness and outrage to this issue,” Leighton said. “It’s helped females realize that they deserve to be treated respectfully, and once they see that others have spoken up, it helps to empower them to step forward and speak courageously.”
PSAT: Scores considered invalid after wrong test was given to GBHS students Continued from page A1
(to) let them know what we were doing,” McNulty said, “we unfortunately gave a test that had gone out two weeks prior to the 25th date, unbeknownst to us.” GBHS administrators had overlooked an email from the district testing coordinator that instructed them to inform the College Board of the rescheduled date. “It was just the perfect storm moving into it,” principal Jennifer Leighton said. “We had an administrator (Mike Fischer) move to the district office, and we had a new career tech person. We had people shifting roles and (the email) got lost – some balls got dropped.” Administrators figured out their mistake when they received a call from a family wondering why their student’s scores weren’t showing up on the College Board website when they were supposed to be posted. After several phone calls to the standardized testing organization, it became apparent an error had occurred. “(The College Board) put a hold on the scores, and we had no idea that this had hap-
pened,” Leighton said. “We found out it was because we had given the wrong test on the wrong day.” Because other schools in the nation had already taken the same test version, there was an issue of possible leaks. Therefore, when the scores were eventually released, they could not be validated by the testing agency. “The problem with that is test integrity,” Leighton said. “They were concerned about kids who took it on Oct. 11 releasing something. So (the released scores) were ‘for guidance purposes only,’ meaning ... it’s not an official score.” There was also a dilemma around the mixed results with the scoring of the test. “We had some students who scored exceptionally well,” McNulty said. “And we had some exceptional students, according to their teachers and their parents, that scored exceptionally bad – like 1 to 5 percentile.” It was then determined the incorrect Oct. 25 answer key had likely been used to score the GBHS tests. GBHS administrators requested that the College Board simply rescore the exams using the correct
answer key, but this was not considered a viable option by the testing agency. Immediately, Leighton said administrators sought to mitigate the possible repercussions of the invalid scores, and they began to collaborate on options and alternatives. “At that point, we felt horrible, sat down and brainstormed, ‘OK how can we somewhat fix this,’” Leighton said. After what Leighton called “intensive thought and consideration,” she and her administrative team decided upon a plan. “So we tried to admit our mistake, look at the best possible scenarios ... and we came up with the answer of let’s do a redo,” McNulty said. For freshmen and sophomores who took the test last October, GBHS will offer the spring PSAT as a ‘redo’ on April 19, free of charge for those who would like to retake it. For juniors who took the October PSAT in hopes of qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship, the school will offer the SAT without essay (an accepted NMS alternative on March 21, also voluntary and free of charge.
The PSAT is an important test for students because it is practice for the SAT and is used mainly for academic guidance purposes. For freshmen and sophomores, some college athletic coaches also ask for PSAT scores from possible recruits. As for the juniors, the stakes are a bit higher. Most, if not all, juniors took the PSAT with the National Merit Scholarship as their goal. Juniors cannot currently qualify with these invalid October PSAT scores, but they do have another chance if they undergo an alternate application process and take the offered SAT. “(Juniors can) now take this SAT that’s coming up, the one that we’re offering, and apply to the National Merit Scholarship committee saying, ‘I missed the PSAT opportunity, but I want to have this (SAT score) be considered for the National Merit Scholarship,’” McNulty said. This ‘re-do’ option gives the juniors an equal chance with the rest of the nation in qualifying for the scholarship, while also providing underclassmen with another round of practice. Junior Andrew Yung took the
MARIJUANA: Pot is legal; now what? Continued from page A1 are not the end point. They are they starting point.” As for how these laws will affect teens? Not dramatically, unless they have a medical card authorizing medicinal marijuana use. Although the law is for adults, in this case it specifically applies only to persons 21 years of age and older. A concern among many, specifically parents, is that legalization could cause a greater likelihood for children and young adults to try cannabis. But Armentano said the research is clear. “We see no uptick in young people’s use of marijuana, their access to marijuana or rate of problematic use (by) young people in jurisdictions that have amended the legal status of marijuana for adults,” Armentano said. “That data is definitive.” There is a way, however, that teens and young adults can legally partake in ingesting cannabis. Since Prop. 215 or the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 enacted the legalization of medical marijuana, adults 18 and over – or younger with parent consent – can receive a medical marijuana card if they have a doctor’s recommendation. “I thought legalization was cool, but unneeded,” said a GBHS senior boy who has had his medical marijuana card for about five months and asked to remain anonymous. “The drug had already been medically legal for a while.” Taxes related to the cultivation and sale of marijuana are a focus of the legislation,
and with the high taxes implemented on California dispensaries comes the possibility of a rise in black market sales. “There is a need to control the taxes and pricing of marijuana in the legal market so that it can compete with pricing in the black market,” Armentano said. “What we’ve seen again from other jurisdictions is not necessarily that the underground market will go away completely but that a significant portion of those who previously frequented the underground market will instead frequent the above-ground product.” Armentano emphasized that people often prefer the safety and choice of products in legal markets so much that the small difference in prices in black markets vs. legal dispensaries is not a big concern. California is just one of the many recent states to legalize recreational marijuana, and part of NORML’s job, Armentano said, is to help promote the legalization of cannabis – but that’s hard to do, Armentano added, when there is still a significant stigma against cannabis. The stigma is so negative that it can result in cannabis users losing a job, losing custody battles in divorce cases or be declined medical assistance. “There has been a negative stigma surrounding the drug for quite a while and, although I don’t think (the legalization) will change that notion altogether, it may open some people’s eyes to an experience unknown,” the GBHS senior boy said. “I just don’t really see the point of getting angry when I see my friends using
it, but I just personally don’t want to use it for the risks that could be involved,” senior Elizabeth Swain said. A possible contributor to the criminalization of marijuana is the fact that it is classified as a Schedule 1 drug according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The irony is that marijuana does not fit the description of a Schedule 1 drug, which includes such drugs as heroin, LSD, ecstasy and bath salts. According to the DEA website, Schedule 1 drugs “have a high potential for abuse and the potential to create severe psychological and/or physical dependence.” In 1972, NORML filed a petition to call for the rescheduling of marijuana. “(An) administrative law judge at that time said it would be arbitrary and capricious to keep cannabis in Schedule 1 and that it did not fit the definition of a Schedule 1 drug,” Armentano said. “That verdict was set aside by the DEA itself in 1990. The United States court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in 1994 elected to allow that determination by the DEA to stand.” Despite being listed as a Schedule 1 drug, marijuana continues to be legally more accepted among states. “It’s only when we’re in an environment where cannabis is no longer considered contraband and the transaction in marijuana is no longer considered illegal,” Armentano said, “that we can begin to have a rational discussion.”
It was just the perfect storm moving into it. – Jennifer Leighton, GBHS principal
PSAT last fall and welcomes the opportunity to do a retake. “I think I’ll take it again because I did originally come in wanting to qualify for national merit, so if I can’t qualify with my invalidated scores, then I’ll just redo it,” Yung said. Though not erroneously low like many other students’ scores, Yung’s score “was below my expectations,” he said. He sees the spring SAT makeup as an opportunity instead of a burden. “I like taking standardized tests,” Yung said. “Plus the fact that I didn’t get the score I wanted (and) getting a second
A8
chance really is only positive for me – I don’t really see (the retake) as a morning wasted.” Like Yung, sophomore Pandey, whose invalid score was in the 700s, didn’t receive the score she anticipated, which initially caused her some anxiety. “At first I looked at the score, I looked at my grades, and I was wondering where I went wrong, like how could I miss so many questions on the math section,” Pandey said. “I was obviously really tense and didn’t tell my parents for a few days.” After hearing the news of the scoring errors, Pandey was relieved, but she also hopes history doesn’t repeat itself. “I just don’t want (the PSAT mix up) to happen to anybody else because it is kind of stressful when you see yourself get a score that low,” Pandey said. Pandey isn’t the only one who hopes this doesn’t reoccur. McNulty, Leighton and the rest of the GBHS administrative team have learned a valuable lesson. “We’re going to go through
Featuring the finest in portrait photography @kellymcmenaminphotography on Instagram and Facebook
Kelly McMenamin photography
iCapital Real Estate wants you to read the Gazette
the same set up as what we’ve done for all the SAT/AP/PSAT tests in the past,” McNulty said. “Only we’re going to make sure we read the fine print really, really well.” GBHS promotes a continued, honest and committed relationship between administration and the community, which has been re-confirmed by working through this PSAT problem. “We’re entrusted to make sure we do everything right, and we try to do that to the best of our ability,” McNulty said. “This is one of those unfortunate times where we made a mistake – we took the responsibility that we own the issue of the mistake, nobody else.” Administrators have been transparent and honest about this incident, and Leighton said they are committed to making it right for those involved. “We’ve learned from it,” Leighton said. “I’m really sad and sorry that it happened, and it won’t happen again.”
Friday, February 9, 2018
w The Granite Bay Gazette
News
VAPING: Alternate form of smoking becoming popular and prevalent on campus Continued from page A2
smoking or anything like that whether it’s cigarettes or vaping.” Underage on-campus vaping has evoked complaints from teachers. Drama teacher Kyle Holmes recalled an incident seven years ago during the California Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) examinations. “It was kind of that 20-30 minutes after everyone’s kind of done testing but it’s still testing time so it becomes a study hall, and I had students that were in the back of the room and they … had a vape pen that looked like a pen or pencil or something and were using that, exhaling into their shirts and thought they could get away with it,” Holmes said. Holmes said vaping is not exactly a new fad but definitely a more mainstream one. “It’s definitely discussed more among students,” Holmes said. “It was so new seven years ago, and now I hear it very openly discussed – whereas before, it was
not as discussed.” Just last month, Holmes said he witnessed students vaping in the gymnasium stands at a school basketball game. “I think (vaping) is unfortunately become more accessible for students,” Holmes said. “It seems like the ease with which a student can get ahold of a vape device is a lot easier than it was when they were just trying to get cigarettes or something.” Holmes said age is a major factor that influences student susceptibility to bad influences. “I think vaping affects students the same way any substance affects students where teenagers are too young to have adequate judgment for what can go into their bodies,” Holmes said. Both both McNulty and Holmes highlighted what some see as a silver lining in the vaping trend – a reduction in cigarette smoking. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of adults who smoke cigarettes has decreased
from 42.4 percent in 1965 to 16.8 percent making a lot of pretty good tasting flavors in 2012, which is a milestone improvement. that a lot of people are usually liking.” Vaping has also been known to cause Fish attributes some of this reduction to hallucinatory states of the nicotine in “vapor” mind similar to drugs like that can gradually curb marijuana or THC. smokers’ addictions. “I like vaping because “So a lot of people will when the head rush hits start at a higher level (of It’s definitely you, it feels like you’ve nicotine content in vapes), discussed more entered an alternate uniwork their way down and then once they’ve made amongst students. verse,” said a senior girl it to a zero, they either who asked to remain just keep vaping just as a anonymous. – Kyle Holmes, drama little hobby so they can do Part of the appeal for smoke tricks or build the many teenagers also lies teacher vapes, or some people just in the social aspect of like the flavor,” Fish said. vaping and the cool smoke Fish describes vaping tricks that accompany it. as more of a hobby rather “I really like doing vape than a life-threatening tricks with my friends, addiction, pursued for its such as blowing O’s and supposed health benefits and fun flavors. doing vape tornados,” said the senior girl. “Some of the most popular things that we But according to McNulty, the positive sell … would be juice flavors,” Fish said. feeling and flavor students receive from “There’s a lot of companies out right now inhaling vapor pales in comparison to the
IMMIGRATION: California families may FIRES: Mudslides be affected by future government policies catalyzed by wildfires cause destruction in Southern California Continued from page A2
her and we worked really hard on my pronunciation and my English while I was supporting our family and doing things I have never done before.” Senior Daniel Giles, who emigrated from Durban, South America when he was 12, explains his immigration experience. “(My) experience was positive,” Giles said. “I made friends pretty quickly and I like America more. School was very different because my old South African school made grades almost entirely on testing whereas America (is) just based on busy work and assignments.” Giles then expanded on how immigrating to America changed his perspective on the country. “The people I met were extremely friendly and liked my accent (that I no longer have),” Giles said. “Kids in school were friends with each other regardless of age whereas South Africa had a distinct hierarchy for who you hung out with based on your age and grade. This gave me a positive view of America as a whole.” Li expressed his attitude toward America. “I think it’s a diverse country,” Li said. “Whoever comes here has their own shot, the American Dream, and they can achieve what they want. I believe most immigrants come here for opportunities …, so I think I made the right
choice (immigrating here).” Tulve found some downsides when immigrating to America, but overall enjoyed her experience. “I came here with really high expectations ... (but when) I came here it wasn’t that great culture wise and I feel like people are really individualistic here … (and) it’s really competitive and that’s good but maybe doesn’t let you enjoy high school as much but overall I think (America) is really great and it gives you a lot of opportunities,” Tulve said. “You have a lot more to give and to receive (in America) so I love it here. If I could I would live here forever.” With all of the debate about immigration, Trump has said statements that make people question the topic. “Trump’s a silly one,” Giles said. “I came here because I won a green card lottery, and Trump wants to take that away, so of course I disagree with him.” Tulve questions Trump’s stance on immigration as well. “It hasn’t affected me personally because I don’t identify myself as a Latino,” Tulve said. “But the way he speaks about immigrants makes me sad because I can relate to them more than he can because he’s a white man and he’s a privileged person and I think he’s really judging people based on racists stereotypes and that shouldn’t be the image America is giving to the world. (People immigrating)
probably had a really hard life and they should get credit for that.” Another debatable topic is California recently becoming a sanctuary state. This essentially means that the California police force is prevented from asking people about their immigration status. “(California) can be a sanctuary state but it still might not provide protection for people,” Cordero said. “I definitely like that people who are running California feel like migrant lives matter and they feel that people who are contributing to society should not have to worry about everyone coming to get them and I like the idea of that. (The California government) feels like they need to protect immigrants but does it really make a difference, I don’t know. I think it cuts back on some of the enforcement, but leave (immigration regulation) to the federal government.” Li views this as an opportunity for immigrants. “Everyone deserves an opportunity,” Li said. “People who do not have as many opportunities as we have (should) have at least a chance to change their lives so everyone should have an equal chance to come here and give it a shot.” Immigration policies are going to change according to the plan explained at the State of the Union address this year, so, debate about the topic is undoubtedly here to stay.
Continued from page A2 that finals were canceled, they declared it was too “dangerous” to be outside. The fire especially impacted students because it happened the week of their final exams. As a result, many exams and other campus events were postponed. “A lot of my teachers cancelled their classes, and all of my supplemental groups for classes cancelled their study sessions,” Chan said. “It was just recommended to not be outside at all during this time. Even my sport, rowing, had to cancel practices and push things back
A9
consequences they’ll face if they’re caught vaping on campus. “Just by the mere fact that you’re having a vape pen on campus, it’s going to get you a five-day suspension with that charge,” McNulty said. The school’s jurisdiction to punish vapers doesn’t just end at the edge of campus. “I’m not trying to be the moral police, but we just don’t want it on the campus, and that includes in the cars that people are coming to school with,” McNulty said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re out on the street because the rules apply 1,000 feet from the school.” McNulty encourages students to think twice before they engage in vaping. “It (vaping) also sets a cultural trend… (and) we’re not trying to go that way,” McNulty said. “So for Grizzly pride and personal responsibility … just say no.”
*** Staff writer Jordan Blair contributed to this story.
since the air quality was so bad.” The school also dealt with power outages throughout the time of the fires and mudslides. “We had a total of about 20 power outages – we had like eight of those in one night,” Chan said. Because of the power outages, there were further inconveniences for students. “The poor people on the 10th floor had to walk down the stairs just to get to class,” Franco said. Currently the school is back on schedule, although the clean up after the mudslides is still in progress. Highway 101 reopened on Sunday, Jan. 21, making travel easier. The impact for students as they were in the middle of the fires though, could not be ignored. “I would walk outside, and I just wouldn’t be able to breathe,” Chan said. “It is so difficult studying for finals when you can’t go outside or open the windows. “Plus, we had to wear masks anywhere we went, which honestly reached the point where we should have been sent home already,” Chan added. “It’s so hard to focus when you look outside and it looks like the apocalypse is here.”
Voices
Granite Bay Gazette
GAZETTE The Granite Bay
GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL 1 GRIZZLY WAY GRANITE BAY, CA 95746
Editors-in-Chief: McKenna Aram Katie Cologna Brayden Johnk Steph Kang Sabina Mahavni News Editor: Will Anderson Voices Editor: Samreen Siddiqui Lifestyle Editors: Noelani Nichols Reese Richmond Emily Talmi Sidney Zabell Green Screen Editors: Mackenzie Brown Logan Embree Jack Kehoe Ashley Yung Sports Editors: Spencer Cova Jake Criscione Abbie Gould Max Schwartz Social Media Editors: Milan French Kennedy Healy Online Editor: Bruce Russell Illustrators: Katie Cologna Sabina Mahavni Samreen Siddiqui Staff Writers/ Photographers: Jordan Blair Kavana Gonur Bella Hamilton Emily Hansen Elliott Hyman Angelina Kolosey Ashley Lucia Keyuri Pillay Dylan Rowe Akhil Shah Lauren Stargardter Adviser: Karl Grubaugh The Gazette is published eight times per academic year by students in the advanced journalism class at Granite Bay High School. Content is determined by the staff and does not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Granite Bay High School’s faculty, administration, adviser or student body. Students are protected in their exercise of press freedom by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and California Education Code 48907. Signed editorials and columns reflect the views of the writer. Letters to the editor and guest commentaries are encouraged and must be signed, although anonymity can be granted on a caseby-case basis. The editorial board reviews letters to the editor, advertising and guest commentaries and reserves the right to edit and refuse material. Reasons can include length, clarity, libel, obscenity, material disruption of the educational process at Granite Bay High School or violation of copyright laws.
Send Letters to the Editor to: staff.gazette@gmail.com Identification Statement GRANITE BAY GAZETTE PUBLISHED EIGHT TIMES PER ACADEMIC YEAR c/o Granite Bay High School 1 Grizzly Way Granite Bay, CA 95746 Subscriptions: $25 per year/ $15 per half year
A10
Friday • February 9, 2018
School districts aren’t protecting students W
hen a student goes to class, they have the right to feel as safe as possible. Does our school district agree? After allegations of sexual harassment by Woodcreek High teacher Douglas Mason recently came to light, many people began to voice their opinions via social media, and the Roseville Joint Union High School District released a statement to the public. In this statement, however, the district seemed to care more about the press surrounding the event than the brave students who came forward with their
stories. He never should have Don’t get us wrong been allowed to return – we aren’t saying the to the classroom. district doesn’t care about After the district invesThe voice of the us, but instead we think tigated the claims of a Granite Bay their priorities were not Woodcreek student, a Gazette sorted. 14-year-old girl, Mason After being put on was reassigned to two administrative leave last spring, Mason new schools for the start of the 2017-18 was transferred to a split assignment at school year. The transfer by the RJUHSD Roseville and Oakmont. Then, he was opened up another pool of students to be again put on leave – but not until the potentially harassed by Mason. story of his alleged harassment appeared This is similar to how the Placer Union in the local media and went viral on High School District handled a case of social media. sexual harassment at Del Oro High. A
EDITORIAL
band teacher’s inappropriate conduct led a student to leave school and be isolated from her friends, but the district didn’t put the teacher on leave because the teacher “didn’t do anything criminally wrong” according to a sheriff. Why are students being harassed everywhere by adults they simply can’t avoid? Because school districts aren’t protecting students as they should. And, sadly, our school district is on a long list of public school districts that must rethink how sexual harassment affects students everyday.
School dress codes victim-blame students
Sexual harassers should be punished, not the accusers
I
t’s obvious that school dress codes have become a hot topic in the past few years, and they only become more popular as the school years carry on. However, it appears the intentions behind them have definitely changed. After reading stories pertaining to teachers being accused of sexual harassment and only receiving a slap on the wrist as punishment, it occurred to me that victims were receiving more backlash than accused pedophiles. It appears that each year, not only do new trends come out, but the stories of teachers harassing students are exposed. Then, we get the long speeches of how dress codes will be enforced and taken more seriously during the new school year. I can’t help but wonder if enforcing a more intense and stricter dress code is a way to cover up and prevent what occurred the year before. If so, that is not a moral way of handling the unjust acts of previous years. People would feel safer if they were able to walk around campus with a less-oppressive dress code, rather than having to walk around with their neck and ankles covered, trying to avoid the staff member who treated them in a way that was worth termination. Not only do the victims have to deal with
COMMENTARY
remarks and comments from peers and staff members, but they also have to go to schools where staff khealy.gazette@gmail.com members make them feel like because of what they’re wearing, it’s their fault. It seems there is so much time being put into making, revising and enforcing the dress code. However, I look around and see innocent people still getting harrassed, regardless of what they wear. If school boards put more time into selecting the right staff members for their schools, would this issue still be happening? If school boards did take the time to go through the investigating process of teachers being accused, would this problem still be so prevalent on our campus? Once people consider those questions, it might open the doors to a safer environment for students and staff. Instead of impositioning students with a dress code that if disobeyed screams
kennedy healy
“you’re asking for it,” the administration should create an environment where students do not have to face someone who harassed them. I’m not suggesting that students should get to walk around with inappropriate clothing that exposes us, but I do suggest that staff members need to take the time to consider whether it is the proper repercussion to enforce the dress code, instead of following through on more pressing issues such as teachers putting themselves in inappropriate situations. As someone who believes in wearing appropriate clothing at school, I also believe in moral punishment. If teachers who violate the safety of students were being properly punished, then enforcing dress code would be fine. But we’ve been hyperfocused on the former, and that’s contributed to ignoring the latter. The dress code
Climate change is real This generation needs to help the environment
COMMENTARY
C
by human influence. The rest of them had increased severity as well because of rising temperatures. As global temperatures rise, the Arctic warms at a faster rate than anywhere else, releasing millions of tons of cold water into the ocean, raising water levels and interrupting flow patterns that control how we experience weather. With this shift occurring, huge heat waves, droughts, hurricanes, flooding and blizzards are becoming omnipresent. Humans constantly prove that we will put profits before future life conditions and even the health of our own progeny. Globally we continue to burn fossil fuels that emit huge amounts of carbon into our atmosphere, effectively wrecking global
limate change is a seemingly distant and foreign issue to students at Granite Bay High. Some people are disinterested in it because it is increasingly being seen as a political issue. However, climate change will affect everyone in Gen Z’s lives regardless of their politics or socioeconomic standing. NASA concluded its 2017 findings recently, confirming that the year followed a trend as the fourth straight hottest year in Earth’s history. This continuing trend has massive effects all across the globe on ehyman.gazette@gmail.com weather patterns and on health ecosystems. The extreme weather patterns that people keep labeling as ecosystems. “freak events” are rapidly becoming the new normal, ravagPutting the Trump administration into office is a disaster ing cities and taking lives across the world. for climate change as America, rather than pushing to reOut of 27 major weather events in 2017, three of them duce global carbon emission, is increasing its emissions and were so extreme that they could only have been caused pushing for the glorious rebirth of coal.
elliott hyman
Find your definition of perfect who wants to be a neurosurgeon. I thought I’d been gifted with the ability to achieve all As in every math class I had been in since elementary school. So this one test changed everything. This test pulled me from the sky and reminded me of the true definition of life – and no, I don’t mean the denotation of the word “life” either. From that day on, when I received anything lower than a B (OK, that’s an understatement), I told myself that I had failed. And in the end, I told everyone else I’d failed, too. In fact, even in the world of International Baccalaureate, where lower grades are common and a positive growth mindset is heavily encouraged, I still tell people of my “failures” to this very day. Cut to my first-ever speech tournament, where I had practiced my oratory – my persuasive speech on becoming a “Jack of All Trades” – with all my might. I was convinced I had worked harder than anyone else on the team, and that I would surely break to the final round … and they wouldn’t. For two rounds, I excitedly recited my speeches in front of warm judges and other unique speakers. I still remember myself beginning my speech with a quote from Hillary Clinton. However, when the finalists were posted, I was shocked to fail to see my name on the list. I, who had gone only once defeated in the debate tournament before, had failed to break to the best stage. When I made it home, I cried – cried for a couple of days, in
Be the best person you can be
C
lear your mind and think. What is the one word you’d use to describe the jeans that fit you snugly? What is one word you’d use to describe your friend who seems to have the best grades? What is one word you’d use to describe Justin Bieber? For me, that one word is PERFECT. Okay, maybe not for the last question. The first definition of “perfect” in the MerriamWebster Dictionary is “being entirely without fault or defect.” That’s exactly how I mean to describe almost every perfect thing in the world. And I mean, who wouldn’t? After all, if something is perfect, it must be of special value. Almost. Every. Perfect. Thing. There is one exception to this rule. That is when I turn the focus on myself. Because, you see, I think I am perfect. However, I don’t believe I am the exact denotation of the book. Jump to my sophomore year. I was about to receive my test from my Honors PreCalculus teacher. He finally called my name. “Kavana.” I plucked the test from his hand and, blushing, sat in my seat again. The grade: 65 percent. My reaction: internal screaming. Let’s just say that I don’t fit the Asian stereotype. You see, up until that point, I had never received a failing grade in any class in my life, let alone failed a math test. This is a girl
kavana gonur
should not be upheld as an excuse before addressing sexual harassment – because that is punishing the wrong person. *** Kennedy Healy, a senior, is a Gazette social media editor.
The Republican mantra of “free-market capitalism” is clearly being broken by forcing the resurgence of coal, an industry that is naturally dying as cleaner and more efficient sources of energy push it out. On top of inaction to prevent the expansion of carbon emissions, the president actively worsened the problem by pulling the United States out of the Paris Accords and naming climate change denier Scott Pruitt as the head of the Environmental Protection Agency. Climate change shouldn’t be a political issue with one party denying its existence while another party agrees that it exists and esconses itself in lethargy. Climate change is the greatest issue of our generation – and to prevent it from hugely altering the world we know of, people on both sides of the aisle need to come together and work hard to fix it. As the first generation that will have our lives meaningfully affected by climate change, we need to take action. Volunteer. Switch your house to sustainable energy – like solar. Sign petitions. Call your representative. Most importantly, make your vote count in 2018 and 2020. Know the candidates and choose people who will fight to make positive change to protect the planet and the climate. *** Elliott Hyman, a junior, is a Gazette staff writer.
fact. To make it worse, nearly everyone – four of the six of us – who had entered that event from my school had broken to that final round. I thought the person who didn’t break with me didn’t try on his speech (and it turns out, kgonur.gazette@gmail.com he’s a good debater). I forgot the work I had undertaken to create that speech. I was demoralized and felt like an outcast. Forgive me for my arrogance, but I, who had worked so hard, who deserved that final round, had not been given my due. All because some parent judge … hated me. In the end, I began to stress out over myself. My mistakes turned into “lifelong” flaws, and I stressed over how I had to erase them. To be as good as the freshmen who had broken before me. In this effort, however, I lost my friends. I lost my interest in my extracurriculars and my job (working at a Kumon center). I even lost my family, as my pent-up frustration would often lead to extreme outbursts of emotion whenever they tried to gently remind me of something. My passion for speaking and writing nearly died because of it. However, I was (all right, and still am) not
COMMENTARY
Gazette illustration/SAMREEN SIDDIQUI
the only one case of perfectionism. According to Lisa Natcharian, a consultant in gifted education, 30 percent of the general U.S. population suffers from perfectionism. It doesn’t seem like a lot of people, but believe me, it is. The effects vary from slightly picky, OCDlike tendencies to anorexia and low selfesteem. (In my case, it was a combination of OCD and low self-esteem.) I bet you can picture a few people, perhaps even yourself, who fall into this category. But what if I told you there’s a solution? A solution … to make you turn your mistakes into resolutions? I’ve found that the one thing we can allude to is paper. Every paper turned in to a teacher or a college application or a job application represents a part of us. It will be graded and evaluated holistically and realistically, and thus each part of our work must be flawless. Because, let’s admit it – we humans, who are inherently egoistic, all hate admitting our flaws in front of others. Yet, that is all the reason why we must toss the paper aside and consider ourselves as a puzzle. A puzzle with an infinite number of jigsaw pieces, each a part of our personality. We must accept that as perfectionists we should search WITHIN ourselves to find that inner piece, rather than stress over what society wants us to become. So if you’re missing athleticism, or intelligence or even kindness, you simply need to search for it within yourself. Because yes – even Justin Bieber found his beautiful personality within him. (Although, I’m still not a fan.) *** Kavana Gonur, a junior, is a Gazette staff writer.
Friday, February 9, 2018 w
Voices A11
The Granite Bay Gazette
will be the year of empowerment HEARD 2018 on the BAY Social equality is in our reach I What is your ideal Valentine’s Day gift to receive? Dark chocolate truffles and succulents.
freshman
n 1977, the U.S asked women what they wanted, and 20,000 women gathered for the Women’s Rights Conference. In 2018, the U.S government did not call upon its women – yet millions showed up for the women’s march. “We promise to accept nothing less than justice for every woman,” said civil rights activist Maya Angelou more than 40 years ago. The women marching in the streets today are yelling the same thing. Women still lack equal pay – according to Women’s Policy Research, women earn 80 cents for every dollar earned by men, and minority women an average
of far less than 80 cents. Yet the Equal Pay Act remains poorly enforced. Women still lack affordable healthcare – the U.S is one of the only world powers that still doesn’t guarantee paid maternity leave. Women still lack political representation. More than 50 percent of the U.S population is female, yet only 19 percent of Congress is made up of women. Women have made undeniable progress since 1977 (although it is absurd that the constitution has yet to pass the Equal Rights Amendment). Bureaucratic action will lead
to social reformation – which is what the feminist movement is demanding more than anything. However, the Time’s Up movement has bypassed the bureaucratic mode of change and has reached the hearts of Americans in a truly revolutionizing way. In the last year, a teenage female friend of mine fell victim to rape. It is not just in Hollywood, and it is not just on TV – rape culture is here, and it is in our community. Far too many women have been sexually assaulted at a young age. As reported by Rape, Abuse and Insest National Network, one in six women will be a victim of attempted rape in their
COMMENTARY
spencer cova scova.gazette@gmail.com
lifetime. Sexual assault happens at work, at parties, at home … and by teachers to students at school. Women have lived too many years in a culture unwilling to
provide justice to those who speak up. For too long, women have not been believed by the men controlling the culture. Their voices will be ignored by a male-dominated society no more – their time is up. The change comes in every woman who chooses to march in the streets, it is in every women who says “me too” and it is in every man who chooses to listen. Whether or not the government enforces it, change is here and it is now. Social equality is in our grasp, and revolution is on the horizon. 2018 will be the year of female empowerment. *** Spencer Cova, a junior, is a Gazette sports editor
Fight for change – every voice matters
T
COMMENTARY
here are a lot of things I’ve known family dinners. It is my duty to act, to and advocated for my whole life but promote change, and to speak up. only recently acknowledged through And so I did. my actions. When a sexual harassment case One of those things is the fight for normalizing injustice surfaced in my equality – across genders, races, religions, school district, I refused to choose creeds and callings. silence. On Jan. 20, I attended the Sacramento I tweeted out my frustrations and Women’s March along with at least begged for answers. 35,000 other empowered individuals keen For a long time, I was afraid to stand on transforming equality from a dream to up for myself and my beliefs – that is, a reality. until I realized my silence did more There, I saw frustration, dissatisfaction, damage than good. encouragement and persistence, but within My thread of tweets regarding the all marchers I saw hope. case became my most-liked posts, I marched with Regina Bateson, the with one of the tweets gaining more nnichols.gazette@gmail.com Democratic congressional candidate for than 170 likes and more than 20 the 4th Congressional District, and her retweets. Most of the support came supporters. from people I have never met and might never meet. Among them and all other marchers fighting for When I stood among a sea of thousands of women’s justice, I felt a sense of security. A sense of security rights activists, I didn’t think twice about chanting that a change is, indeed, coming. vehemently with strangers. As a 17-year-old female – quickly approaching my There is power in unity. There is power in diversity. voting years – I feel it is no longer substantial to rant There is power in passion. And when all three of to best friends or speak of political dissatisfaction at these powers meet with a cause – there is action, and
Raha Elahi A huge teddy bear, flowers and chocolate.
noelani nichols
sophomore
there is change. Knowing the sense of empowerment I felt from the Women’s March, I am certain many of the other chanting strangers felt it too. For that reason, I am actively choosing involvement over silence. It is each generation’s duty to pave the way for the next. The foundation I strive to construct is one of strength, compassion and acceptance. But many of these aspirations might get lost in translation if not paired with a voice and an act. I chose to take the initiative rather than leave my efforts on the Capitol grounds in the forms of catchy signs, pictures and pink hats. Now I am directly involved in Regina Bateson’s campaign. I will be volunteering, speaking up, working on the Instagram page and in the Google Drive – but most importantly, I will be making a difference. What I wish I had known at a younger age is that every voice matters. Even the littlest ones – especially the littlest ones. *** Noelani Nichols, a senior, is a Gazette features editor.
Peyton Zimmerman Vinyl records.
junior
Rape culture needs to end Stop it in its tracks
Kyla Miyashiro Roses and a nap.
senior
Jonathan Onyango A picnic by the river.
R
ape culture surrounding teenage girls in high school is an unfortunate reality that often goes unnoticed in the midst of many social issues present among teens in America today. While I personally understand that issues like these stand between both men and women, predominantly speaking, women clearly experience more encounters with this culture. This leads to the question: What really is rape culture, and what can identify as rape culture? Essentially, any physical action or word in which a woman is objectified holds closely to the true meaning of rape culture. Again, this culture can victimize both men and women, but it is most damaging to women. Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of rape culture in general is our failure as a society to identify it – and stop it. When teenage boys utter remarks towards girl, or even proceed to the extent of asking for nude selfies and numerous other things which only degrade women, we as a society simply throw it away as “immaturity.” However, the dismissal of actions like these because of simple “immaturity”
Whether it be social media, in-person isn’t a sufficient reconversations, sports sponse to the demeanpractices and other such ing things some teenage times where groups of boys both do and say. boys are together, they Rape culture is often simply can’t seem to esmisinterpreted, as peocape making derogatory ple believe objectifying remarks toward anyone women isn’t really part of the opposite gender. of rape culture. Slut shaming, catcallIn reality, actions and ing and ridiculing of words play a significant weight and appearance role in the time leading are only some of the deup to any specific rape rogatory remarks made incident, which is why by teenage boys. ashah.gazette@gmail.com this demeaning and obSexual harassment, jectifying culture is referred to as rape too, is included in the conversation of culture. rape culture. Further misconceptions over this culAt GBHS, numerous incidents have ture include the idea that incidents solely occured where teenage boys physically take place at parties, or when alcohol tried to “catch a feel” or even proceed to and drugs are involved. This however, make derogatory actions toward women, remains far from the truth. sometimes even younger teachers. The truth is this: Some boys, in a proAs a student and teenage boy myself, gressive 21st century, believe women I hear remarks like “get some” and “tap are simply not at their level, making that” every day of my high school career. any negative and often sexually oriented As unfortunate, saddening and disapword or action directed toward a girl OK pointing as this might sound, this harsh in their minds. reality exists within the walls of schools At Granite Bay High School, and at and phone screens, which seem to be schools all across this nation, a common powered by teenage boys. theme appears where so called “popular The phrase “respecting women” has and bad boys” indulge in severe mis- been turned into nothing more than a joke, and it’s become the very basis for treatment of women.
COMMENTARY
akhil shah
Humility is needed in life
Gazette photo /NOELANI NICHOLS
the ridiculing of women – and the men who respect women. If you haven’t guessed already, the boys who create mere jokes over this simple phrase are the ones who participate in rape culture themselves. But that shouldn’t surprise anyone. What’s been conditioned into the minds of these groups of boys isn’t just wrong, it’s immensely sickening. To objectify women, demean their bodies and feel no wrong in doing so shows nothing more than a lack of humanity and basic human qualities in which most would feel remorse, guilt and regret. As a teenage boy myself, I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded with male friends who genuinely respect women, their bodies and the equality they share with us. So with that, I hope to make one thing clear – all teenage boys are clearly not at fault for this foul culture. But as a society, it’s more important now than ever before to stand up to this culture. To support and give validation to certain groups of boys who exemplify rape culture is wrong. We all belong to one race. The human race. It’s only fair for all humans, men and women, to be treated equally, respectfully and justly. *** Akhil Shah, a junior, is a Gazette staff writer.
COMMENTARY
poorly written jokes, bear with me. When you are humbled, you are immediately taken back. off that stage after a solid hour of no laughter – “hey, maybe I need You are made uncomfortable, to change things up a bit.” and that usually leads to a difThat’s why humiliation is a necessity. ferent mindset, or a change of Too many people are prancing around on sorts for a person. their high horses like Gandalf and Shadowfax They don’t want to repeat leading the charge at Helms Deep. this action because of the posiIf you didn’t get that reference it is OK – I tion it leaves them in, so they know, I know, I’m not actually as funny as I fix it. think. The blind spots that all of us arrogant, selfBut we all know the only wanderson.gazette@gmail.com righteous people have are about as bad as the way that real change comes ones on a 15-passenger van with tinted winabout is when it is started dows and no rearview mirrors. internally – it has to be initiated and desired by the You would need the neck of a giraffe and the dexterperson attempting to make a change. ity of an owl to see what’s happening around you. *** Meanwhile, I have a neck that is mostly chins and Will Anderson, a senior, is the Gazette news editor. A the dexterity of Stephen Hawking – I have a lot of longer version of this piece can be found on granitethings that I don’t even realize need work. Anyway, there is a little bit more to all of these baytoday.org.
Don’t take yourself too seriously
E staff
Jill Cova Compiled by Lauren Stargardter
veryone at some point in their life either needs to be a janitor or a comedian. These are two humbling experiences – and look yourself in the mirror, everyone could use a bit of humbling. Cleaning up someone else’s feces – which most janitors have had to do at least once – stands at No. 3 on “Will’s most humiliating things a human can do” list. One and two you might ask? Admitting you are wrong or having to clean up your own feces. Anyway, being humbled. Imagine if everyone had to get up on a stage and give a comedy routine. Some important life lessons would happen. The first would be finding out that you really aren’t as funny as you might think. The second, and arguably more important of the two, would occur as you and your somber self are walking
will anderson
Friday, February 9, 2018 w The Granite Bay Gazette
Second look
News A12
Senior 5th Quarter Students enjoy food and hypnotism after home basketball game At Senior 5th Quarter, students were told to do various acts under the power of hypnosis for about two hours. Top left, seniors Matt Barron and Sarah Schulte react to the hypnotist telling them to imagine the audience of students wearing bikinis. Top right, senior Jack McGrail listens to the hypnotist’s instructions telling the students to relax. Below McGrail, Barron imagines he is giving birth to a child after the hypnotist informs all of the males they are giving birth. Middle left, senior Katie Hunter remains asleep on the floor of the theatre. Adjacent to Hunter and below Barron “giving birth”, seniors Ryan Hunter and Jeff Romeo embrace after the hypnotist tells students to hug the person next to them.
Gazette photo /SAMREEN SIDDIQUI
Gazette photo /KATIE COLOGNA
Gazette photo /KATIE COLOGNA
Gazette photo /KATIE COLOGNA
Gazette photo /KATIE COLOGNA
Gazette photo /KATIE COLOGNA
Gazette photos by Katie Cologna and Samreen Siddiqui Bottom right, seniors Samantha Small, Coby Lehman, Jack Powers, Zach Grable, Ian Sergeeff, Johathan Romero, Michael Li, Erin Dougherty, Cheyanne Wilson, Bronson Vanderjack and Jason Dell’Orto respond to the hyponist telling them they’re hearing the funniest joke of their life. Bottom left, senior Nicolette Lewis smirks at her hypnotized classmates as she remains unhypnotized.
Gazette photo/KATIE COLOGNA
Lifestyle
Granite Bay Gazette
B Section
Friday w February 9, 2018
Sadies makes a comeback
COMMENTARY
The famous ‘girls ask guys’ dance returns after six years of absence BY MCKENNA ARAM
reese richmond rrichmond.gazette@gmail.com
The importance of caring people
L
et me just start by saying that the last three months of 2017 was one of the worst times of my life up to this point. Most days were spent on bed rest, not being able to swallow my own saliva, eating endless amounts of strawberry Chobani yogurt, terrified every day that the upcoming night would involve yet another trip to the emergency room. These months were undoubtedly physically and emotionally painful, but it’s times like these that will put my life in perspective and emphasize the importance of the love, support and consideration of the people around me. It started in October when I began to suffer from a throat ache in fourth period. After going to the doctor and receiving a negative strep test, the doctors claimed that I had tonsillitis. After a few days on antibiotics and out of school, it seemed to be getting better until one night when I woke up in writhing in pain. My tonsils had become so enlarged that my airways were blocked, I couldn’t swallow my own saliva, and it felt like needles were piercing through my ears. The next day involved the first of many ER visits. The ER doctor explained that there was a large abscess behind my tonsil that was creating all the problems and pain. He decided it was best to perform a procedure in which he pushed a large needle through my tonsil, hoping to relieve the abscess. Again, after a few days of antibiotics and pain medication, I began to get better. However, the abscess returned, back and worse than ever! A few weeks later, I had my tonsils taken out. Everything seemed to be going fine until one night when I began profusely throwing up blood. My mom rushed me to the ER, where they injected IVs in both my arms. After losing nearly 500 mL of blood, I was on the verge of going unconscious. They then hooked me up to an intubator and rushed me into emergency surgery in which they cauterized my throat again. After this, I slowly started returning back to health. I began to gain back the blood, weight and energy I had lost. By mid-December, I was back to normal. In the heat of all this, it felt inescapable, like it would never end and I would never leave my bed or eat anything with crunch ever again. During this time, I can not thank my friends and family enough for providing their love and support. It’s times like these that remind me how amazing my mom, is, who took so much time off work to stay home with me and make sure I was okay. It’s times like these that remind me how wonderful my friends are, who texted me constantly to ask how I was doing and keep me updated on homework. As cliche as it sounds, it’s important to have struggles because it allowed me to understand and recognize the importance of all the genuine, true and loving people around me.
***
Reese Richmond, a senior, is a Lifestyle editor.
maram.gazette@gmail.com
A
fter six years of absence, the Sadie Hawkins Dance has officially made a return to Granite Bay High School. Student government decided to remove the dance–after successive years of low attendance–in 2012, but has now reimplemented the dance due to high demand of students requesting to have it brought back. “We had the dance ever since we opened the school,” Activities Director Tamara Givens said. “But kids tend to vote with their feet and (they) just weren’t going.” In the winter of 2016, student government drew up a proposal to have the dance added to the school calendar, which was then presented to administration. In May of 2017, the event was officially added for the 2017-2018 year. “We (had) gotten input from outside of student government... so we finally went to administration and said, ‘Hey can we add a dance?’,” Givens said. The defining feature of the dance is the role reversal of females asking males to the dance. The dance also allows all grades to participate. “I like the idea of Sadies because the girls can choose (who) they want to ask,” freshman Alex Davis said. “I’m planning on going with a guy and a couple of my other friends (in) a big group.” As a freshman, Davis may have the opportunity to attend Sadies for all four years of high school. “I think student government will keep it as an annual event (from now on) Gazette illustration /Inspired by Disney characters, Mickey and Minnie Mouse Gazette illustration /REESE RICHMOND because it’s just such a fun dance,” senior Claire Lugo, who is also the lead comStudents dress up as anything that ends in -ER like a characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse when attending Sadies. missioner for Sadies, said. The theme for the dance is “Bett-ER guy, which is hilarious,” senior Bronson 10:30 p.m. which will be the plan forever,” Givens Togeth-ER”, indicating that students can Vanderjack said. The cafeteria will also be open and will said. dress up together in anything ending in The theme also allows for a broader have photo backdrops for students to take The committee that organized the dance ‘ER’ such as a teacher, police officer, variety of costumes, whereas previous pictures in front of. has a goal of 800 students for attendance swimmer, dancer, etc. themes were more limiting. Some past For the first time ever, GBHS is followand hopes that the dance is big enough of “We decided our theme because we themes included “Western”, “Born-in-the- ing in suit of other schools’ dance policies. a hit to maintain the dance as an annual wanted to incorporate (the fact) that you USA”, “Sports” and “Famous Couples”. For Sadies, and every dance after that, event. didn’t have to go with a date if you didn’t “We wanted to make it something there will be a “no-shoes policy” where Now that the Neon Dance is gone for want to,” Lugo said. “(The theme implies) (relatively) simple so (students) can go students wear socks or go barefoot at the the first time, which was around the same going with a group of people or a date and all out if they want... or not,” Givens said. dance. time as the current Sadies dance, high atwe wanted everybody to feel welcome.” tendance is expected since this will be the “We thought this was broad enough that The tarps that are draped over the floor Student government also is currently only dance all students can attend until the students can dress up as whatever they for every dance tend to damage the floor, running an Instagram account called “gbQuad Dance. want.” and administration wants to prevent that. sadies2018” where pictures are posted of “I think (Sadies) is a fun opportunity There will be decorations and a DJ at “We are actually getting the gym floor students’ Sadies proposals to each other. that should never have been stopped in the the dance, which will take place on Feb. 9, redone next summer, but we want to start “Sadies is fun because the girls get to experience the stresses of asking the first place,” Vanderjack said. 2018 in the gymnasium from 7:30 p.m. to the (no-shoe policy) precedent now...
Transfer students share scheduling issues New semester unveils conflicts involving course enrollment BY SIDNEY ZABELL szabell.gazette@gmail.com
I
n high school, students have the freedom to choose their own classes, right? Maybe not. Several Granite Bay High School students say they had little influence on their schedules, some having no involvement in the decisions of what classes they would take. A junior boy, who wished to remain anonymous to keep his thoughts truthful and honest, transferred to GBHS in August 2017. “They printed my schedule without questioning about my classes or anything,” the anonymous student said in a text message. “I thought it was kind of weird; I didn’t even pick my classes.” The student says he didn’t have a choice in his electives, either. “I was hoping to take journalism or some other elective that was listed in the catalog,” the anonymous junior boy said. The student was also discouraged from taking any AP classes, and was placed in standard CP courses instead. “My counselor did not want me to take any AP classes,” the anonymous junior boy said. “She wanted me to ‘acclimate’ to the curriculum here first.” Junior Jillian Conklin was enrolled in a Spanish 3 class, but her teacher later decided she wasn’t yet ready to take
the course. She was instead placed in Spanish 2 again, even after passing it in the past term. “I didn’t want to be in that class because I already passed it with a B,” Conklin said in a text message. “At first, I wasn’t happy because I didn’t want to be placed in another Spanish class… but then we talked it out and both decided it would be best for me if I was in Beginning Piano instead of another academic class.” Conklin said she is very happy in Beginning Piano, and says she felt better when everything was taken care of. Counselor Tiffani Gieck says there are many factors to consider when creating a transfer student’s schedule, including the timing of transfer, availability of classes in the master schedule, credit and graduation requirements. “We try and align the students schedule with where they were coming from,” Gieck said in an email. “We also review to see what they may be deficient in as they need to meet our district grad requirements which may differ from their school.” Students often transfer from schools with traditional schedules with 6-7 classes to the RJUHSD block system, with 4 classes per semester. This further challenges counselors help students adjust well. “We consider the transition to a new school and the challenges with acclimating alongside dropping into academic classes,” Gieck said. “Lastly, it depends on the master schedule and if there is room in specific classes (or) specific periods. We do not want overload class sizes.” When a transfer student is cleared by the district for enrollment, the counseling department tries to place them in classes as soon as possible. If a student’s family is flexible in when to start attending GBHS, counselors try to have them start at the beginning of a grading period to make the transition easier. Gieck says it is easier for students to adjust with a manageable course load. The counseling department assesses a student’s past tran-
Gazette Photo /REESE RICHMOND
Counselors try to make new student’s schedules so that they can acclimate to the new school. script to choose classes that will lead the student to success. Student Government, the Peer Resource Center and Link Crew collaborate to involve the new student into GBHS life. “Changing schools in the middle of the year is difficult in itself,” Gieck said. “Each situation may be different.”
inside lifestyle Wacky Scholarship
B2
Book of the Month
B3
Faculty Focus
B5
Academic Dishonesty
IB at GBHS
Napping Benefits
Students and staff offer various opinions about the Academic Dishonesty List.
The IB program begins including other students.
Sleeping is important, especially for teens.
B2 TCID:BW
B4
B6
B2 Lifestyle
Friday, February 9, 2018
w The Granite Bay Gazette
Consequences of the academic dishonesty list an issue for – it’s an issue for a reason.” Junior Daniel Greene was put on the list for an infraction that took place in his Integrated Math 3 class. A fellow student took a picture of a test for the class and sent it to him, asking Greene to help him solve some of the problems. Greene was going to take a different test, so from his perspective he was only trying to help a friend, not cheat to get ahead. When an administrator found out about his involvement in the incident, Greene said his phone was confiscated and an administrator made him unlock it, which Greene is not even sure is legal. According to information on the American Civil Liberties Union’s website, it is not legal under the California and United States constitutions for school officials to search a phone without the owner’s consent. When he was interrogated, Greene said the administration reassured him that if he was honest with them, he would receive decreased consequences. Under pressure and what he saw as intimidation tactics, Greene was honest with the administration, yet received the same consequences as the student who sent the pictures – a zero on the test, which brought his grade from an A to a B and landed him on the Academic Dishonesty list. “They didn’t seem to value what I said, I told them I was just trying to help a friend
Question has been raised – whether or not cheating is dealt with correctly BY ELLIOTT HYMAN
ehyman.gazette@gmail.com
T
aking shortcuts to get ahead is an ubiquitous issue at high schools across the country – but the problem is exacerbated at highly competitive schools like Granite Bay High School. The question posed to administrations nationwide? How do they deal with the problem. At GBHS, the staff has an Academic Dishonesty list to notify teachers of students with a known track record of cheating, but it’s not put on transcripts sent to colleges. Teachers utilize the list in varying ways. English teacher David Tastor said that he wouldn’t check the list before meeting his students and would only check if a student had already cheated in his class. “I wouldn’t want people to form an opinion of me based off some one-time screw up,” Tastor said. “Why would I do that to a kid? It doesn’t make sense to me.” According to Tastor, the best way to utilize the list is to check it after a student plagiarizes to see if cheating is a recurrent or habitual problem for that student. After
making that discovery, then he can decide what consequence to give to discourage further cheating. “We are an academic institution, so academic integrity is a big issue – and I don’t think having the list is an inherently horrible thing,” Tastor said. Other teachers use the list differently than Tastor and say it’s best to see the list before meeting their students to get an idea of who they need to keep an eye on, like Spanish teacher Ben Soper. “I always check the list when it gets updated,” Soper said, who is very alert to cheating on campus. “I want to know who is trustworthy.” “Taking credit for someone else’s work breeds a mindset of theft,” Soper said. “If you’re on the list, then we won’t write you a letter of recommendation to college. I think that’s important, because you need to be aware that you should do your own work.” Senior Jason Dell’Orto, who isn’t on the school’s academic dishonesty list, isn’t terribly concerned about the school’s compilation of cheaters. “None of my close friends are on the list,” Dell’Orto said. “I don’t think it’s that big of an issue. I think – for kids that it is
and not advance myself, but they just gave me a zero,” Greene said. “They should utilize a more accepting approach,” Greene continued. “They need to understand how much pressure students are under.” Assistant principal Jessup McGregor said the information on how to get on the cheating list should be more widely spread and recommended that students check “page 9 of the student handbook.” “Ideally, the purpose of the list would be as a tool for teachers on campus that had suspicions that a student had been cheating in their class to check the list and see if he or she had a history of cheating,” McGregor said. “The list Gazette illustration/MCKENNA ARAM would help them decide to pursue A list requiring the names of students who investigating it or not.” have been caught in the act of cheating. For lower-level infractions, teachers and administrators Although these students may feel don’t do very much investigating because slighted by the system, McGregor said he there are not significant repercussions. Administration relies on the word of the does not agree that the list is malicious. teacher. This can create problems when “It’s a judgment call,” McGregor said. students believe they are being falsely ac“It’s the worst part of our job – having to cused and are included on the list without make calls like that.” getting the time to properly argue their side of the story.
Is grade obsession a real issue?
Students are affected by the rigorous academic standards BY ASHLEY LUCIA
alucia.gazette@gmail.com
Y
our eyes grow increasingly heavy as time passes, and the black font on the white paper begins to blur. You are midway through an all nighter. And it isn’t going well. It’s no secret that Granite Bay High School is known for having rigorous academics. From the International Baccalaureate program to the extensive Advanced Placement classes, the school offers it all – but at what cost? When students are hit with the consequences of putting too much stress on their grades, their sleep habits, relationships and overall health can be affected. “They need to chill a little bit,” said Mike Valentine, who teaches AP European history. When students become consumed by the outcome of their grades, it can prompt observers to wonder if the joy of learning has left. Junior Sameer Kazim said our environment controls our outlooks. “Lots of kids prioritize their academic success over their health or relationships,” Kazim said. “I think it’s unfortunate that it has come to the point where the culture influences you.”
On a campus with such high standards, it can become easy to fall into the trap of others’ judgment. Many students say they fear they won’t be accepted for failing to achieve at the same level as other students. Sophomore Peyton Zimmerman said she can relate. “People don’t look at it as trying your best and working hard,” Zimmerman said. “They judge you for the grade you get rather than how hard you work for it.” With the judgment of others as a driving force for her work ethic, Zimmerman said she can see how this will negatively affect her in the long run. “If you get an A but you didn’t work hard for it, you may feel guilty,” Zimmerman said. While some students let the culture overtake them, others can block it all out. Junior Devin Manzo is one of these people. “I’m not obsessed with my grades,” Manzo said. “All I really do is hope that I do well.” Instead of letting the environment control him, Manzo says he’s able to see the consequences his friends face and let that guide his recipe for success. “You should care more about your personal life, and trying to keep you happy rather than keeping your grades happy,” Manzo said.
Wacky Scholarship of the Month Duck Brand Stuck at Prom
Gazette illustration /KATIE COLOGNA
Student is left upset after receiving a grade she didn’t want. The desire for academic success happy medium for yourself, many can be so strong that students can students say, it is much easier to lose themselves in the process, live a more fulfilling lifestyle. but young people still need to al Kazim knows this, and says he low themselves to make mistakes believes all students need an ocand grow as people rather than focusing all of their energy on the casional reminder of where grades grades they receive. will stand in the bigger picture. Kazim has been able to discover “There’s more to life than the happy medium of where his just your Aeries grades because attention to grades should be that doesn’t determine you as a minimized. “I think a healthy amount of atperson,” Kazim said. “I think the tention paid to grades is okay, but way you conduct yourself and I think there is a clear boundary your outlook towards others and between prioritizing things like yourself is important. sleep and health over academic “Don’t let that letter define success,” Kazim said. Once you are able to find the you.”
Requirements: You must be enrolled in a high school for a full calendar year and make a prom dress or suit made completely out of duct tape. Scholarship awarded: $1,000 to $10,000 Who offers: Duck Brand Deadline: May 31st - Researched by Bella Hamilton
Random... Facts
Club Club Name Make a Wish Club Club President Huda Ajaz :
BY NATASHA CHANDA
nchanda.gazette@gmail.com
:
Gazette: What inspired you to join the club?
1) A small child could swim through the veins of a blue whale.
Student Gazette photo /KEYURI PILLAY
Brandy Masyk Jackson
Gazette: What is the best part of being a part of band for you?
2) The Twitter bird’s name is Larry.
Huda: I joined the club because I wanted to give back to young children who have faced hard times due to life threatening diseases.
3) Slugs have four noses.
Gazette: When do you meet?
Gazette: What instruments do you play?
4) A single ant can live up to 29 years.
Huda: Meetings are dependent on events.
Brandy: “In the Granite Bay band I am a percussionist, more specifically a part of the drumline. Outside of school I also play the clarinet and piano.”
5) A crocodile can’t stick its tongue out. 6) Cherophobia is the fear of fun. 7.) There is a species of spider called Hobo Spider
- Compiled by Emily Talmi
Gazette: What do you and your club do at a typical meeting? Huda: It’s mainly information about fundraisers or brainstorming fundraisers and assigning duties. - Compiled by Lauren Stargardter
Brandy: “I think the best part of being in band is getting to do something I love – music.”
Gazette: Do you recommend to incoming freshmen that they do band? Brandy: I definitely recommend. - Compiled by Keyuri Pillay
Friday, February 9, 2018
w
The Granite Bay Gazette
Lifestyle B3
Accepted to prestigious colleges Two students meet the rigorous standards BY REESE RICHMOND
T
rrichmond.gazette@gmail.com
here are a few schools that are notoriously regarded by the general populous as nearly impossible to get into. With acceptance rates like 4.65% at Stanford University and 12.9% at Harvey Mudd University, chance and probability of getting accepted are extremely low. However, a few Granite Bay High School seniors have managed to receive an acceptance to these schools and become part of their small percentage. When applying to Stanford, it makes sense that David Song was intimidated by applying to such a competitive school, especially considering his major. “Especially with being Asian and applying for computer science. I just went with ‘It’s worth a shot,’ and didn’t expect anything,” Song said. Although he didn’t expect anything, Song was soon accepted to Stanford through early decision. “It was absolutely unreal. I didn’t really believe (it) for a few days,” Song said. “My parents didn’t believe (it) until they saw the screen for themselves.” With Stanford being one of the hardest universities to get accepted to in the world, applicants must have qualities and applications that stand out from the thousands of others. “(I) definitely got pretty lucky. I think I had a solid interview and really showed my passion for entrepreneurship and robotics in my application,” Song said.
Keyvon Adelzadeh, who got accepted to Harvey Mudd, believes it was his essay that allowed him to stand out against the majority. “In my essay, I essentially explained how I, as a person, represent Harvey Mudd,” Adelzadeh said. I am a math and science focused student who values the humanities just like Harvey Mudd.” Along with his subject interests, Adelzadeh discussed his ability to work with those around him. “Most importantly, as Harvey Mudd works together with the other Claremont schools to educate its students, I work with my peers, classmates and friends to become more well rounded, while also opening my eyes to other perspectives,” Adelzadeh said. Harvey Mudd’s low acceptance rate was slightly discouraging for Adelzadeh, but that didn’t stop him from applying. “To me, it was a reach school, so I was willing to put in the effort,” Adelzadeh said. When looking back on what he believes helped him get accepted into his dream school, Adelzadeh credits his “own self realization and understanding.” “During middle school, I would consistently underachieve and get somewhat poor grades, but the summer before GB I really sat down and thought what worked for me and what didn’t,” Adelzadeh said. “Often times my teachers and parents would try and force me to learn a certain way, study a certain way, etc. but what I realized was to be successful I would have to study and learn in my ways,” Adelzadeh said.
Book of the Month Title: It’s Kind of a Funny Story Author: Ned Vizzini
Amazon.com
BY SAMREEN SIDDIQUI ssiddiqui.gazette@gmail.com
When someone asks you to think of a perfect setting for a horror film, a psychiatric hospital is a place that comes to mind. These places, according to assumptions, are filled with creepy hospital rooms and lunatics who don’t know what’s good for them. But, Ned Vizzini’s book, “It’s Kind of a Funny Story”, brings a realistic take on psychiatric hospitals, as he wrote a semi autobiographical take on his own visit to an adult psych ward. This book is close to my heart, as I read it for the first time when I was going through mental health struggles of my own, and I related to the characters on a deep level. Greg, the main character, is a realistic example of a depressed teenager, as he is stressed out about his grades at his prestigious high school and his unrequited crush on his best friend’s girlfriend. But what makes him especially relatable, however, is that he has no real reasoning for his depression, other than
Along with personal effort and drive, it’s important to have people support others in pursuing their goals. “I definitely got a lot of support from my parents to pursue my interests,” Song said. Song also had access to many resources that allowed him to further his passions. “The robotics club also helped me with this accomplishment as it provided an environment to learn from other students and mentors during this journey,” Song said. “The AP classes offered at school also helped build my application.” Getting into top schools of Special to the Gazette /SAM KHIEU course results in plenty of David Song and Aryan Suri pose at Stanford’s engineering lab. “congratulations” and complifeel like their goals are unrealistic. ments. “Strive to do what you find important. If you don’t “I really do appreciate all the kind comments and think grades are what will bring you success, don’t congratulations and will be even happier when I see beat yourself up over low scores, instead find what everyone get into their colleges of choice,” Song you think will lead you to success,” Adelzadeh said. said. “Not everyone’s dreams are the same so embrace However, Song hopes that his acceptance to Stanyour own and don’t be ashamed of it.” ford won’t turn into a “status symbol, like someone Song emphasizes the importance of finding somebeing superior or smarter because of their admittance thing you love and chasing after that. to a college.” “Choose something you are interested in studying After being accepted to the schools of their dreams, in college and pursuing afterwards,” Song said. Adelzadeh and Song have advice for those who may
he feels that way. Noelle, the teenage girl he meets at the hospital, is a chronic cutter who caused scars on her face from scissors. While this is more of a dramatic interpretation of teenage depression, I still found her story line relatable, as Vizzini found multiple ways to make the character realistic. Noelle, according to Vizzini, was tired of thinking about what society thought about her, so she needed a way to show everyone visibly how broken inside she was. This realism affects the readers as a whole, and expresses how brilliant of a writer Vizzini was. He understood how teenagers with depression feel, and it’s upsetting to know that Vizzini committed suicide in 2013, 7 years after the book was published. The main topics of his book are ones people avoid, so I love how revolutionary his book was for its time. It opened up the conversation about mental health, and brought attention to how serious the issue is. So while Vizzini didn’t win his own battle with mental health issues, it’s comforting to know the legacy he left, and the influence he had on young adult readers.
GBHS welcomes new freshmen
Faculty brings eighth graders on a tour to show them the campus BY ASHLEY YUNG
E
If you really knew me,
you would know...
Teague Dilbeck
If you really knew me, you would know both my parents are teachers.
Mikayla DeBlaquiere
If you really knew me, you would know that I like movies.
ayung.gazette@gmail.com
ntering high school can be overwhelming, however, every year, Granite Bay High School faculty makes sure to prepare incoming freshman for the experience. Assistant principal Jessup McGregor is responsible for overseeing the Olympus and Cavitt tour days. “The purpose of the tour days is to begin the orientation process for new students to help ensure the best… experience at GBHS,” McGregor said. He believes the orientation can help accomplish this in many ways. “For some students, just seeing the Gazette photo /BELLA HAMILTON campus and getting the feel of it can Assistant principal Jessup Mcgregor informs incoming freshmen about Granite reduce some level of anxiety,” McGregor Bay High School’s expectations and requirements they must meet. said. However, going to these high school Perhaps most excited of all are the eighth dances and join the Tribe,” Herrenschmidt preview days also allows eighth graders a graders themselves. said. taste of what high school has to offer them. OJHS eighth grader Katie Nimtz is looking Herrenschmidt anticipates being academi “The tours provide context for eighth grad- forward to reuniting with parted friends who cally challenged in high school. ers as they start to make their initial choices went to Cavitt while she went to Olympus. “I am looking forward to learning more about what classes and programs they want Nimtz says she is also excited that GBHS things,” Herrenschmidt said. to participate in,” McGregor said. has a soccer team, unlike the junior high Understandably, high school will be a step Sean Healy, the principal of Olympus Juschools in the area. up academically and socially for incoming nior High School, says their staff works hard “I look forward to playing soccer, hopeful- freshman. to prepare students for high school. ly varsity (like) my sister does,” Nimtz said. “High school should take the foundational “We pride ourselves on challenging our Overall, Nimtz says she thinks that high skills students learn through eighth grade students with a rigorous academic program,” school will be a positive experience. and build them towards deeper understandHealy said about OJHS. “I think high school will be more fun ings,” McGregor said. This includes learning about “data based because of the bigger environment,” Nimtz He says that the purpose of high school is questions” and backing up claims with evisaid. to help guide kids in whatever direction they dence, a skill needed in high school. Another eighth grader, Jenna Herrenpursue. Healy believes eighth graders at OJHS are “(Our goal) is to prepare (students) for schmidt, has high hopes for high school. fully prepared for the next academic step. Herrenschmidt says she is looking forward whatever step is next,” McGregor said, “The majority of students meet or exceed to the variety of social events GBHS puts on “whether (it be) college, a career, the milithe standards for eighth grade (and are) tary, or anything else.” throughout the school year. ready for high school,” Healy said. “I am.... excited to attend the school
Michael Zagynov
If you really knew me, you would know I do track and field.
Paisley Specht
If you really knew me, you would know I play basketball. - By Abbie Gould
Lifestyle B4
Friday, February 9, 2018
w
The Granite Bay Gazette
Is the IB program exclusive of all other students? Some participants feel they are treated differently than IB Diploma candidates BY STEPH KANG
skang.gazette@gmail.com
T
he International Baccalaureate program is attempting to close the infamous social chasm between diploma candidates and other IB students. “With the DP (diploma program) students and other students taking IB classes, I feel like some IBDP students feel like they’re not ‘real’ IB students,” Samantha Manalo, a Granite Bay High School senior who has been in the program for two years, said. “DP students tend to associate themselves with (each other) because they’ve known each other for a long time.” This is amplified by the even larger gap between AP and IB students. “(IB Diploma candidates and other IB students) can’t really relate to each other and most of the time, those who only take one or
two classes are likely AP oriented students,” senior Chloie Flores, one of the two representatives for the IB program, said. “(With) AP students versus IB students… there’s a big gap in terms of academia.” A brief examination of the online meme culture surrounding IB corroborates this claim – even within the IB program itself, there is a separation between those who decide to take more challenging classes and those who choose much easier ones. On one account, known as @ibkids on Instagram, Math Studies students are the brunt of every joke and are said to be the joke class of IB, not “really” IB students. Yet what seems to be fundamental to the division isn’t that it’s necessarily set up only by diploma candidates themselves, but also other IB students. “I think the diploma kids have it much harder because they have so much work-
load,” Manvi Bhapkhar, a junior who takes IB Spanish SL, said. “For example, an IB student whose only taking one class would only have to do one IA (Individual Analysis) or WA (Written Assessment) versus an IB diploma student who would have to do one for each of their classes.” Bhapkhar said the beliefs of separation between students are valid. “I feel like it’s justified to believe that there is a barrier between the IB diploma students and regular IB students because the regular IB students don’t have the same amount of pressure,” Bhapkhar said. Although it can be said that there is differentiation between IB students in workload, many agree this mindset is problematic to the IB program as a whole. Because so many students are discouraged by the infamous workload and lack of immediate payoff, GBHS specifically doesn’t have the class variety seen in other schools, with certain students needing to take certain courses outside of class to compensate for a singularly focused program. A shift in this culture to include more variety in classes for future generations of IB
Senior 5th Quarter serves as night of post-game fun
Students are hypnotized after a basketball game against Woodcreek BY KEYURI PILLAY
kpillay.gazette@gmail.com
T
here is overwhelming skepticism of the topic of hypnotism – is it real, or is it all an elaborate hoax? The senior class of Granite Bay High School has experienced the power of hypnotism and formulated their own opinions of it. There are many people that doubt
the power of hypnotism is real, but some students strongly believe in it. “I don’t have much knowledge of hypnotism but I do believe in it… (and) I think it does work.” senior Pierce Van Fleet-Koger said. “ If someone is opened to being hypnotized and that state of mind, it will work.” Van Fleet-Koger has heard plenty of stories of people falling under hypnosis and says the main details
often include not remembering mush after the induction process. Van Fleet-Koger is not the only student to have a conviction in hypnotism. Senior Angikaar Chana also has trust in hypnotism and its power. “I choose to believe in the hypnosis simply because it has been used in medical and psychiatric purposes,” Chana said. The American Psychological Association has endorsed hypnotherapy as an effective method of relieving pain and helping patients with Dissociative Identity Disorder. According to recent studies, hypnosis can be used to alleviate
Gazette illustration /SIDNEY ZABELL
The IB Program is known to be challenging, but many say there is still a wide seperation between those taking IB classes and who are IB Diploma Candidates. students is something IB ambassadors are attempting to catalyze, and is something that is an incredibly challenging task. “I’ve met people who are taking one or two (IB) classes and versus those who take three, they get the full, rounded IB experi-
chronic pains and can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms but it should not be used for all cases, such as memory retrieval. The process of hypnosis starts with induction. Participants are put into a very relaxed state and put to sleep before the hypnotist told them to do anything. Senior Alec Parker was hypnotized during Senior 5th Quarter, but says he wasn’t fully hypnotized. “The sleep thing was effective, however, ‘Now imagine you’re a five year old riding a tricycle at 100 miles per hour’ was far too out there… (and) someone kneed me in the thigh, so that woke me up a bit,” Parker said. Parker was originally skeptical about how hypnotism worked. After experiencing the relaxed, sleeping stage, he says he believes in hypnosis to an extent because it is difficult to tell whether people were truly under hypnosis or acting.
ence,” Flores said. “I don’t want to make it a minimum requirement of three, but when you just take one you’re not really engaging with the program and the opportunities it has to offer.”
Not everyone can experience or fully under. fall under hypnosis – it is a method This means there is a possibility that can influthat some of their ence some, actions were just but not all, merely acting, supaccording to porting beliefs that the American hypnosis is not real. PsychologiRead’s view It was fun to see cal Associaof hypnotism is how everyone was tion. unchanged, and Senior even after Senior reacting to being Karlee Read 5th Quarter, she still under hypnosis. had her believes that people doubts about might have faked it. hypnotism Because Read Karlee Read, Senior validity. has still not been “I do parhypnotized, she tially believe will continue to in hypnotism have her doubts but I feel like until experiencing it I would have firsthand. to experience it first hand so see if it “My experience at 5th Quarter is real,” Read said was mainly entertaining,” Read Participants at Senior 5th quarter said. “It was fun to see how everyexperienced the relaxed deep state one was reacting to being under of the hypnotism, but not all went hypnosis.”
National Park of the Month Redwood National and State Parks • Established Oct. 2, 1968 and is located on California’s northern coast near Eureka • Contains approximately half of old growth redwood forests left • Hosts coast redwoods, the tallest trees on Earth, which can reach more than 300 feet tall and live close to 2000 years • Suffered from large-scale logging which clear-cut half of the land within the protected park by the time it was bought by environmental groups and the government. • The Save the Redwoods League and various environmental organizations protected these wonderful trees after hearing loggers had cut 95 percent of old growth forests
Gazette photo /BRAYDEN JOHNK
Gazette photo /BRAYDEN JOHNK
Special to the Gazette /HUMBOLDT COUNTY CVB
– by Brayden Johnk, co-editor-in-chief
Student
Spotlight
Aspiring singer shares goals
Redwood trees, known as some of the tallest on earth, were saved by evironmental organizations like Save the Redwoods League and the federal government to preserve and protect their natural beauty for all to see.
How long have you been singing? I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. When I actually realized I had some potential, I got a coach which was around age 8. What is your favorite part about singing and performing? I can dip out of reality for the time being and let my emotions carry me through a song. What are your future goals? Work more on my craft, get stronger and more confident as a performer, and to challenge myself What do you think is unique that sets you apart from other students?
Gazette photo /ASHLEY LUCIA
Morgan Peterson
I put myself out there and want to see how people react to my music. By having a singing account on Instagram, I get to see how people like and relate to it. -Compiled by Ashley Lucia
Friday, February 9, 2018
Lifestyle
w The Granite Bay Gazette
Students have parents as their teachers Several staff members are teaching their children in a class this term BY LAUREN STARGARDTER lstargardter.gazette@gmail.com
"It’s the equivalent of ‘take your kid to work day,’ but your kid is there for the whole class,” Advanced Placement U.S. History teacher Brandon Dell’Orto said. His son, Jason Dell’Orto, a senior at Granite Bay High School, attended his dad’s AP U.S. History class as a junior. Having a parent as a teacher is an uncommon experience. This unique relationship presents a variety of challenges for both the parent and their child. International Baccalaureate World Religions teacher David Tastor’s daughter, Maddie, is currently in her father’s AP Literature and Composition class. “This is the first time that my daughter is in my class,” Tastor said. “Now I have someone who knows me well.” There are still challenges involved in teaching one’s own child. “It’s hard because sometimes I see my daughter has had a rough day and I just want to hug her,” Tastor said. “But she has to work her way through life, and her mom and I are here for guidance.” While Tastor and his daughter have a good relationship, there is still a stigma associated with a parent and their child in the same class. “I think it’s hard. I want her to be herself, but I don’t want her to be just Mr. Tastor’s kid,” Tastor said. “I want to be here when she needs me, but not be in her face.”
For many, however, this has been an enlightening experience. “It’s been kind of fun to let your own kid see you on a daily basis and what you do,” Brandon Dell’Orto said. Children can also get a sense of why their parent loves their job as much as they do. “My favorite part is talking about the literature in the car on the way to school and on the way home sometimes,” AP Language and Composition teacher Shannon McCann said. Having a teacher has its perks. “I can go home and ask my mom questions about concepts from the actual class,” junior Emma McCann said. “I can bounce ideas off of her when I’m reading and doing the homework that she’s assigned us, so it’s really nice to have that option.” For others, it’s a completely different yet valuable learning experience. It can be a mutually beneficial experience that both the parent and child, teacher and student, can enjoy together. “Lately, we have sometimes been tossing around ideas for lesson plans,” Shannon McCann said. “For instance, we would discuss whether it would be good to have a socratic seminar or a Q&A session.” Sometimes, it’s handy to have a parent nearby. “If I have something I need to get off my chest or just need someone to
Brunch. Always brunch.
Gazette photo /BELLA HAMILTON
English teacher Shannon McCann and her daughter, Emma, work to grade papers one afternoon. Emma is in her mother’s English class. talk to, I go to (my dad),” senior Jason Dell’Orto said. “He’s always there for me, inside and out of the classroom.” For some, it’s interesting to see how different their child’s high school experience is compared to their own. “I don’t see aspects of myself as a student in my child now,” Shannon McCann said. “Emma is her own person, (and) although we look alike and we have a lot in common, we are different as students. It’s a unique experience.” Both the parent and the child in these relationships have gained first hand experience of what truly goes on around campus. “I’ve been doing a better job of just remembering what it was like to be a stu-
Teachers attempt to involve tech in curriculum BY KENNEDY HEALY
A
s the modern age, filled with new technology, creeps upon us, many begin to wonder whether it is helpful or slowly destroying us. On the Granite Bay High School campus, technology has become a very prevalent force. From Chromebooks to Blackboard online, students have seen many challenges and setbacks. However, they are still ruled overall as useful for the education of students. Senior Ryan Hunter, a member of the technology-based program on campus known as GBIT, said he believes the technology on campus truly enhances the education students are receiving. “I think technology is helping education,” Hunter said. “It makes the admin side of teaching easier, it allows students to work together better, and it opens access to educational resources that we wouldn’t normally be able to use. “That being said, many classes have no use for it. There seems to be a general push to get more tech in classrooms, but there’s a limit to its benefits, especially with certain classes, and it should be left up to the teachers to figure out how more technology gets involved in their class.” Senior Matthew Luckenbihl, a student in International Baccalaureate Business, agreed. “I think overall, technology helps education, mainly in the way of plagiarism, regulation, interactive lecturing and more engaging classroom activities,”
Luckenbihl said. Senior Cole Diemer, also a member of GBIT, said there are more benefits of technology than downsides. “Technology increases the students’ ability to learn, because they have more ways to learn online,” Diemer said. “Technology is helping education.” One of the downsides that people have discovered with technology in an educational setting is the lack of understanding people often have with it. Hunter said those who are more comfortable with technology find themselves able to utilize it in class, while others might be better off with a more traditional route. “Teachers’ capability varies pretty drastically,” Hunter said. “Some teachers have it down naturally, a lot have taken time to be trained to use it and there are a lot who haven’t been trained and are totally lost. The difference between who knows technology and who doesn’t is usually fairly clear to the students. “Technology is very reliable if you understand how to use it. The teachers who regularly use technology or have gone to trainings are able to work past the small issues that are sometimes associated with ‘unreliability.’ That being said, you can’t get much more reliable than a textbook and whiteboard.” Diemer said teachers are sometimes challenged by an inability to keep up with the ever-changing nature of modern technology. “Capability of using technol-
TOP Valentine’s Day Date Ideas
dent in the middle of all this,” Brandon Dell’Orto said. “Honestly, grades were the most important thing in my life and everyone else was telling me that grades were important. Since I’ve had my son in my classroom, I’ve tried to listen, and that’s helped Jason and my relationship.” Both members of the relationship are adapting to the complexity of sharing a classroom and enjoying a greater empathy for each other’s daily lives and experiences. High school is like a roller coaster – it has its ups and downs, but having a parent to accompany their child in their class benefits both in the sense that they can stay steady, learn, and be inspired, making the ride even more exhilarating.
Technology in classrooms more common khealy.gazette@gmail.com
B5
ogy by staff members varies, but many are very behind,” Diemer said. Luckenbihl said technology takes time to learn, and without taking the time, it’s useless. “Within reason, I think any new addition to the classroom, if deemed useful or necessary, can be fully utilized by an instructor as long as appropriate education is provided,” Luckenbihl said. “I have seen many teachers who are very fluent in the use of their SMART Boards thanks to extensive training, which really helps move things along in the learning process. Districts can’t simply throw new tools in and expect self-sufficiency. A significant time investment must
be made, or these additions go to waste.” Users’ ability to understand and utilize technology has its perks, but for those who cannot keep up, technology can more distracting than helpful. However, some GBHS students noted that only certains parts of technology are aiding the educational process, while others only waste time. “I think how much educational technology benefits student learning depends on the class,” Hunter said. “For example, in AP Stats, we have the ability to gather data from everyone and then analyze it together almost instantly because of the Chromebooks. That kind of hands-on group work is done so easily assisted by technology and adds a lot to students’
understanding. “However, in classes like AP Euro and AP Gov, the easiest way for most to consume that information is with lectures and discussions, not an application or website. … For example, it’s just better to teach some classes with lectures and discussions than a Chromebook. I would even go as far as to say that I think some classes are being hurt by the pressure to use technology that isn’t needed.” Luckenbihl said the secret is to use technology selectively. “I do think technology helps in education, but only certain applications,” he said. “When it comes to the SMART Boards, (technology is) expediting lectures and allowing for more interactive teaching methods.”
Have a picnic
Take a day trip
Go to an art museum
Go on a hike and explore a new place
Make a home-cooked meal together
Watch a live music or sports event
Gazette photo /KENNEDY HEALY
Chromebooks are often used in classrooms to aid learning, but some students say the technology can be more helpful than hurtful in certain teaching situations.
Have a movie marathon night together
Faculty Focus Roller skating or ice skating
What is your favorite activity outside of school? Cooking, watching Law and Order and reading mystery books. What do you like most about teaching? The challenge of teaching high level courses and inspiring kids to pursue science. Also, I love how no two days are the same. What’s a lesson you’ve learned through teaching? Prepare for the unexpected and you learn more from your failures than your successes. If you hadn’t been a teacher, what job would you have wanted to have and why? A chef because I love feeding people or a police officer because I think justice is important.
Gazette photo /ELLIOTT HYMAN
Suchi Krishnaraj - By Elliott Hyman
Walk your dogs together — even if it’s not Valentine’s day, just do it. - Compiled by Noelani Nichols
B6 Lifestyle
Friday, February 9, 2018
w The Granite Bay Gazette
Gazette illustration /NOELANI NICHOLS
Students often overwork themselves in school and extracurriculars resulting in a neglected sleep schedule — the common result is a mid-day nap.
When in doubt, nap it out Research says a snooze can benefit the sleep deprived BY ANGELINA KOLOSEY
J
akolosey.gazette@gmail.com
ust hearing the alarm ring in the morning to get up for school brings immediate thoughts of exhaustion and dreading the day ahead — seemingly every teenager knows the feeling. Busy schedules are one of the many factors that cause teens to sacrifice the proper amount of sleep they should be receiving. Sleep deprivation in teens is at high and unhealthy levels today. According to Granite Bay High School health teacher, Terry Stafford, insufficient sleep can lead to serious health consequences. “(Sleep deprivation can cause) a lack of energy, short term memory being affected, study habits being affected, and it can lead to depression,” Stafford said. Sleep is a vital part of life that helps heal and develop a teen’s body until the age of 25. It’s important for teenagers to get anywhere from eight to 10 hours of sleep per night. If sleep is such an important need, then why are so many teens not getting the recommended amount?
Aside from busy schedules, teens are more demonstrates the benefits napping. Every day prone to go to sleep late at night and wake later in Spanish people take a 45-minute to one-hour the day because their circadian rhythms have not break from work, school, etc. developed yet. Naps of just 40 minutes have been proven to Yes, teens are prone to staying up late, but what increase performance by 34 percent and alertness else contributes to sleep deprivation? by 100 percent according to a study conducted Senior Laura Berthelsen said on military pilots. getting enough sleep is definitely If a nap can improve a pilot’s something she needs to work on. performance, it can improve a Studying, homework, hangstudent’s performance. We think that ing out with friends, and zero “I rarely take naps, but when I period band are some factors that do a lot better after, and I sleep’s a luxury – tendI feel contribute to Berthelsen’s lack to focus more,” junior Hanbut it affects of sleep. nah Chavez said. Teenagers do their best to hold Naps are also great stress everybody. up their social, academic, and relievers. physical lives, leading to them Getting enough sleep is crucial – Mary Van Hoomissen, sacrificing a few hours of sleep — even if it means taking a every night in order to be able to power nap. school nurse keep up in each area. Enough sleep also has more Although it’s best to get all specific benefits for students, 8-10 hours of sleep at once, such as better test performance napping is an alternative for and a decreased rate in mood students who are lacking sleep during the school swings. week. “I think if I took more naps I’d be more rested A 45-minute to one-hour nap can be beneficial and wouldn’t feel as tired,” sophomore Jake for sleep deprived students. Cochran said. School Nurse Mary Van Hoomissen said Cochran believes, with the right amount of although sleeping for the full amount of time is sleep, he would be more aware and focused. best, naps could be short term beneficial. “We think that sleep’s a luxury,” Van Hoomissen In fact, the country of Spain perfectly said. “(But) it affects everybody.”
Sports
Granite Bay Gazette
COMMENTARY
max schwartz
Stabberts leave their mark Friday w February 9, 2018
Three brothers play multiple sports in high school BY MAX SCHWARTZ
mschwartz.gazette@gmail.com
Parenting in sports creates a longlasting effect
I
C Section
mschwartz.gazette@gmail.com
In the history of Granite Bay High School, star athletes have shown through each sport, leaving a legacy behind. Three of these athletes come from the same last name – Stabbert. The beginning of the athletic careers of the Stabbert brothers began in Pennsylvania before they came to Granite Bay, where new sports were introduced were introduced to them. “Living in Philadelphia definitely contributed to my pursuance of lacrosse,” Will Stabbert, the middle of the Stabbert brothers, said. The wide popularity of lacrosse on the east coast was new to the family before moving to Philadelphia. “Nobody in my family had ever heard of the sport,” Will said. “When I told them I wanted to play lacrosse they didn’t know what to think. Luckily they were supportive of it.” This support system that the brothers received were a large factor of their success. “We owe all of our success in sports to our parents. Our parents put in so much time coaching our teams, and helping us after practice,” Will said. This is one of the main driving factors towards Will’s success. “(My parents) have invested so much time, money, and effort in all of us athletically, so in that right I always felt the need to make sure I put in the same amount of effort into being the best I could (in sports),”
n my “athletic career” so far, the influence that parents have on their child’s sports has been very prevalent to me. Most of the time a child is put into a sport because of the parent wanting, or a better word, encouraging them to do so. No, I am not talking about the typical Tee ball or soccer REC teams that kids take part in, as every kid does that at a young age. Parents find joy watching their kids bump into each other and score on their own goal, so I would look at this as an exception. I am more talking about the parents pushing their kid to play a sport that they admire or played when they were younger. While this level of encouragement can range from the word itself to exSpecial to the Gazette /LISA STABBERT pecting them to perform and to be at Will Stabbert, the second oldest Stabbert brother, cradles ball down the field while playing defense. the top of their team. Me personally, Watching his older brothers play sports age as well. Unlike Will however, Nolan Will said. my experience couldn’t be further was a large role into what he played. specialized in wrestling. Coming to Granite Bay, Will was autofrom the latter. My parents never “(I wanted to play lacrosse) after watching “Wrestling has always been a main sport matically implemented into the lacrosse pushed me to play a sport, and when my brother Will play, there was one play I went in one, they were just happy since I was five years old,” Nolan said. team due to his past experiences in Philain particular that got me and that was when I was participating in it, and to be “My dad signed me up for the local wresdelphia. he ran up and leveled this one kid. After honest there are times where I wish it The second youngest brother, Nolan Stab- tling club and after my first practice I was that I stopped playing baseball and started wasn’t as far as it is. hooked.” bert, began playing his sports at a young Believe me, I am incredibly grateSee STABBERT BROTHERS, page C4 ful for the non-stop love and support that my parents have always given me in any activity. My point isn’t to combat this. the women’s. University said. “For some reaFrom what I have observed in BY EMILI TALMI son, male sports seem to get more “I think female sports are vastly wrestling, a sport I have thoroughly etalmi.gazette@gmail.com enjoyed in the three years I have attention and attraction with audi- underrated and under-covered Compared to men, women sigbeen apart of the team, parents play ence sizes and support. It makes world-wide,” Vivaldi said. “ a giant role in drive. Wrestling is a nificantly face more bias in the sense to schedule boys’ games at U.S. media culture only perpetuhuge ego driven sport. I mean, how workforce, school and athletics. the more hype times when more ates this type of culture, which could it not be? You are genuinely According to the Women’s spectators can attend.” is unfortunate. Females should the only person out there on the mat. Sports Foundation, only six to Biologically, men remain on be championed and looked at as A match will either make or break eight percent of total media sports average to be larger and stronger equal to their male counter-parts.” you. Whoever wins is the one who coverage is devoted to [women’s] than women – the deeply rooted The use of social media for wants it more. athletics, even though approxitrait has sparked the stereotype the means of promoting a sports While natural drive comes from mately 40 percent of sport and that men are more athletic than game is extremely impactful in how someone’s brain works and physical activity participants are women. today’s tech-filled world. everyone is different, environmental women. I think our culture is based Almost all professional sports factors affect it as well. My parents The lack of media coverage and widely around male dominated teams own a social media acnever raised me to be a competifan turnout for female games can sports – basketball, football, base- count. High school student tive athlete, my natural drive in this be attributed to people’s tastes ball – so the minimal recognition sections in addition partake in category wasn’t there. My own drive and preferences and undesirable of women’s sports is ingrained the promoting of their own sports had to come from my molding from game times. into our society,” Adrienne Rusteams. my sports. “Women’s sporting events tend sell, a GBHS senior and female “Men’s games are widely more I’ve seen parents parade their to be at earlier, less prime-time basketball player said. advertised so a lot more people Gazette Photo /SIDNEY ZABELL child’s skills around like a trophy, hours compared to males,” ColDue to this stereotype, many know about them,” Russell said. somehow bringing them in every Shayla Boley dribbles the ball down the court against Woodsports fans tend to lean more leen Vivaldi, a Granite Bay High conversation. Most of these kids See BIAS, page C2 creek high school. towards men’s sports, rather than graduate and athlete at American have been pushed since they were six to perform well in their sports. While this seems so awful and just sad, knowing that the parents are wrestling through the kids so they basketball games, however, I would say can achieve what they weren’t able that the Tribe makes more of an impact on to when they were younger. momentum.” This is obviously an extreme, Despite the smaller turnout of students a common extreme, but still an during the basketball season, the indoor extreme nonetheless. I think this atmosphere and fast–paced style of basketeventually causes the kid to be burnt BY JAKE CRISCIONE ball allows the Tribe to really enhance the out and proceed to rebel in spite of jcriscione.gazette@gmail.com energy in the athletes. their parents. The sport that they “The Tribe during basketball games is once genuinely enjoyed is ruined by The clock hits zero. With all hope and more thrilling because we’re closer together the parent. voices lost, the Granite Bay student section, and right next to the action while the Tribe My parents never wanted this for during football games is far away in the me, while I am incredibly glad, there “Tribe,” watches the Sac-Joaquin Section Champ Grizzlies fall short of a Division bleachers,” junior Jack Stinson said. “Also, was a lack of drive and competitiveII Nor-Cal victory. Along the sidelines of Jack Powers brings a lot more energy to ness inside of me.Making whenever the football field, the incredible season full the Tribe now that he’s not playing football I left my comfort zone, it wouldn’t of energy, chanting, and outrageous outfits anymore.” be far. comes to an end. Stinson has attended numerous football Upon thinking about this, the two Though football attracts a tremendous and basketball games in his three years of poles of parent involvement in sports portion of the student body as a unithigh school and expressed his preference can be balanced, and should for the ing force, what’s often overlooked is the for basketball games. matter. What I’ve learned is where continuation of the Tribe in the winter with drive comes from can be easily per“Basketball games have great chants and Gazette photo /JAKE CRISCONE verted on either side of the spectrum, basketball. With a whole new environment, everything is closer together. It makes you despite original intention. PArents the Tribe transforms into a similar yet com- feel like you’re a part of one, big, collective The Granite Bay Tribe cheers on the boys’ basketball team in a rivalry game can either make or break your sucpletely different energetic crowd. atmosphere to cheer on our team,” Stinson against Del Oro High School on Jan. 23, 2018. cess, only you can control how you “I would say that football games are said. happening in the tribe.” handle it. about getting together to create something Senior basketball player Ryan Haug beSimilar to Stinson, Haug is aware of the very special. Having 1000 students in the lieves that the presence of the Tribe intensi- “It’s very exciting and helps us get pumped *** Max Schwartz, a junior, is a sports end zone is something exciting to see,” fies the spirit of the game and motivation in up before and during the game,” Haug said. See TRIBE, page C3 editor. Tribe leader Kyle Sisco said. “During the “We can also actually hear and see what’s the athletes’ minds.
Female athletics unappreciated all around
Athletes reflect on the lack of attention their sports receive
Tribe rolls from football to basketball season Student section brings new energy
inside sports
C3
Fan of the Month
C4
Grizz Quiz
Athlete of the Month C5
Stunt
Advertisements
Sport recognized by CIF for the first time.
Local businesses lose money from scammers.
C2
C4
Winter Sports Update Grizzlies continue on to playoffs.
C6
Friday, February 9, 2018
Sports C2
w The Granite Bay Gazette
Stunt recognized as official sport by CIF Activity added to the spring list at California high schools BY DYLAN ROWE
drowe.gazette@gmail.com
This year, Granite Bay High School welcomes a new CIF sport to the spring sports roster. Stunt was just recently certified as an official sport in the United States, and it made its way onto the Granite Bay High School campus in 2016 before receiving its label as a sport. “I’m excited to see how stunt works in relation to cheerleading. I’ve done cheer for three years now, but it’s still intimidating to pioneer a brand new sport,” said Lily Rafanan, sophomore at GBHS and stunt team member. Similar to cheerleading, the new sport involves tumbling and the act of holding team members up in the air. Instead of simply performing in front of a crowd, two stunt teams compete in head-to-head four round tournaments, where both teams attempt to perform the same routine. Whichever team best executes the routine wins the round, gaining a certain amount of points for each team. “I think it’s really cool that stunt is being taken seriously, it’s a common misconception that cheer related activities don’t involve any actual work, this will help prove cheerleaders are just as hardworking as other athletes.” said Charin Smith, a junior at GBHS. Now that the legality has been finalized, participation in the sport has soared across the country. Most likely due to the preexisting popularity of regular Sideline and All-Star Cheer. Gazette photo /DYLAN ROWE Along with highschool teams, 36 colleges have adopted the sport and have GBHS senior Hannah Mortenson and junior Caroline Guidera practice heel stretches with the new GBHS stunt team.
teams actively participating. The sport is easy to understand and interesting to watch, which makes it appealing to attend matches. Stunt gives young athletes another opportunity to gain scholarships and participate in a real sport. Senior stunt member Hannah Mortensen said that stunt “really emphasizes the athlete portion of cheer while adding the competition component into it.” Stunt members also believe that having the competition publicized, will give hard working athletes the recognition they deserve. Along with the confirmation of stunt, the team has a new set of coaches that have been selected to lead the beginning of a new era of cheerleading at GBHS. New coaches Briana Eigenmann and Brisha Romero plan to take on the team with confidence and hope to make playoffs this season. So far, stunt and cheer athletes have positively reacted towards the coaches. Smith, shares that she “[has] always loved the sport, but it’s nice to have an encouraging environment to work on and help us in whatever challenges life throws at us cheer related, or not.” The stunt coaches were also new to coaching the cheer program and Junior Emily Hansen said, “The 2017 cheer season went fairly well, mostly as result of the chemistry between the cheerleaders and coaches.”
Future firefighter juggles school, work and lacrosse Orbea tackles busy schedule with a goal in mind BY AKHIL SHAH
ashah.gazette@gmail.com
As the spring term is officially underway, seniors have begun preparation for life after high school. For senior Colbie Orbea, this preparation began much earlier. An ex-lacrosse player herself, Orbea managed the strenuous task of playing lacrosse, managing school, and working numerous jobs last year. Orbea played lacrosse for three years, but recently decided to quit to better manage school, work and other activities. From freshman year alone, Orbea’s independence has remained unquestionable. “By freshman year, I had to give up a lot of kid-like things. It’s shown
me to mature faster and be an adult,” Orbea said. Orbea didn’t choose to take on numerous jobs either. “It was more of something that was put on me,” Orbea said. Her plans for the future include college, and she’s been working hard to get there. Working different jobs throughout high school has allowed Orbea to save money for college. In fact, she has been taking an EMT class at Sacramento State University so she can enter the Fire Academy directly after High School. Many seniors struggle with the last term of high school, as they’re only days away from graduating. But Orbea allows her motivation to guide her. “I know that I’ll have a better outcome, and I know I do have a future beyond high school,” Orbea said. For underclassmen in similar situations as her, she recognizes the challenge that lies ahead. “I want kids in a similar situation who don’t necessarily have everything that others have or just have stuff going on to know that you can push through it, and to have hope through it all,” Orbea said.
Her optimism, positivity and kindness have allowed her to successfully navigate her way through work, school and athletics. Glimpsing into the future, Granite Bay’s rising star has aspirations of being a firefighter, as she’s already well along her path to become one.
BIAS: Sports scheduling could potentially be influenced by gender Continued from page C1 “When the Tribe tweets about an upcoming game on a Friday night, they don’t even mention that the girls are playing at the same venue right before the boys.” Kyle Sisco, one of the Tribe leaders at GBHS, believes there is a gender bias pertaining to sports, prefacing his statement saying that there are understandable reasons. “I think that they are just going to go off probable ticket sales,” Sisco said. “The games we try to promote are the games where the most people are going to go. Even though we do promote women’s sporting events, we look at college sports and see how those go, and the biggest sports are going to be men’s basketball and football.” The lack of promotion for women’s sports in turn perpetuates the lack of public consumption – creating a destructive and endless cycle. The government and schools alike have
tried to remedy this issue by enacting laws like Title IX: where no person on the basis of sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. “Concerning basketball games on Friday night, the change was made a couple of years ago to create a Friday night double header so both genders could experience the excitement of a Friday night game,” Jason Sitterud, the GBHS men’s varsity basketball coach said. In hopes of eliminating gender biased game times, the basketball team adopted a system that was meant to create an equal atmosphere. The issue however remains prevalent in today’s society, and the only question left is when will it change? “From what I have seen, there has been growth in the participation and support of women’s sports, both locally and across the country, and it will only continue to grow,” Sitterud said.
Gazette photo /LOGAN EMBREE
GBHS junior Vanessa Contreras cradles the lacrosse ball during a JV lacrosse practice.
Don’t drown in fake news...
Read The Gazette
Friday, February 9, 2018
w The Granite Bay Gazette
Sports C3
Grizz Quiz Compiled by Emily Hansen
Nicole Gober Cheer
Jake Finsthwait Lacrosse
Kai Singleton Baseball
Ashley Byars Soccer
Alyssa Sewell Track & Field
What is your favorite Valentine’s themed candy?
Sweethearts
Fun Dip
Valentine’s Day Kit Kats
Sweehearts
Dove chocolates
What is your favorite flower?
Dahlias
Daisies
Tulips
Sunflowers
Tulips
What is your favorite Spring sport?
Baseball
Lacrosse
Baseball
Baseball
Track & Field
What is your favorite romantic movie?
“Me Before You” or “Titanic”
I don’t watch romantic movies
“The Notebook”
“Titanic”
“Hitch” or “The Proposal”
Handing out my gifts, going to dinner and watching a movie
Not sure yet
Nothing
Just chilling
Nothing
Do you have anything planned for Valentine’s Day?
TRIBE: Granite Bay’s student section transitions to basketball Continued from page C1
Gazette photo /KATIE COLOGNA
difference between the Tribe in football and basketball environments. “(The Tribe) is much closer and more involved in the action. Football is more about hanging out with friends whereas basketball is more focused on the game itself,” Haug said. Nonetheless, the Tribe undoubtedly focuses mostly on football with basketball right behind. Despite this apparent bias, student sections are beginning to form as fans venture out to other sports such as soccer, baseball
and lacrosse. The Tribe leaders rarely attend these other sports, yet heavily promote students to take part in them as they stress the support of all Granite Bay Athletics. “We really do try and do our best, but we are busy. So we hope that students go out to other sports such as soccer or other spring sports,” Sisco said. “I really hope that students go to as many games as possible. Part of what makes the Tribe special is that it doesn’t need to be the leaders going to it.”
The pink themed GBHS Tribe celebrates during a 64 to 35 victory against Woodcreek High School on Feb. 2.
Stage set for spring sports Teams looking to build off of last year’s success BY MILAN FRENCH
mfrench.gazette@gmail.com
With fall sports coming to a close, it means the start of spring sports. Swim season is one of the new sports to kick off. It officially starts on February 5th, and their first meet is February 9th. “Last season we lost a bunch of seniors, so we had to work hard to make sure that everyone stepped up to fill in those spots,” said Granite Bay High School senior Spencer Richard. This year the team hopes to win a section title. “We have a lot of fast people this year and I think if everyone trains hard over these next couple months we have a good shot (at winning),” Richard said. Next in line for the new season is boys’ tennis. Last year the boys tennis team finished their season strong with a WLT record of 8-0-0 in their games. “This year we have a lot of experience coming back,”said varsity tennis player Jake Trythall. “We had a team last year that 90% of the players were underclassmen, and we are looking forward to coming back better than ever.” Boys’ tennis is under new leadership this year. “Mrs Dickson will be the coach (this season) and we are looking forward to having her as the coach,” Trythall said. Their strategy this season is to simply “ball out.” Another sport up to bat is softball. “The biggest goal of the season is to work together to create an environment that engenders a drive to succeed both on and off the field,” said GBHS varsity softball coach Michele Granger. This season for tryouts the team had over 12 freshmen come out. “This is huge for us because we typically don’t have a great turnout, but I’m excited to see who can play,” said varsity softball player Brittney Baisden. Not only did the team have a great turnout at tryouts but they also have had more experienced players tryout out for the team this year than ever before. “I look forward to putting a team on the field that will compete hard in every at bat, to field every ball and fight to get each out for seven innings,” Coach Granger said. Boys volleyball is also ready to start an ace of a season. Due to many of the players graduating in 2015, last season there were no returning starters and therefore a slow start to the season. “We had to figure out positions and what worked well for us,” said varsity volleyball player Bob Morehouse. Granite Bay had a target on their back last season. “We also had to deal with the fact that every team in the section had a main goal to beat Granite Bay,” Moorehouse said. This season the team is looking to improve and push forward from last year.
Special to the Gazette /MATT HANDY
Last year’s GBHS varsity boys’ tennis team taking a team picture after winning the Sierra Foothill League.
“I think we’ll have more of an all around style of game compared to last season, where our bread and butter was forcing the sets to the outside” Moorehouse said. Boys’ golf is looking to drive their way to a section championship this season. The team will play in their first tournament this season on February 16th at Jesuit High School. From last season the boys’ golf team is looking to improve on team chemistry. “I feel like we needed to build more of team atmosphere (to have) everyone connecting and being a family,” said senior Nico Maggio, a member of the jv golf team last year. The golf team has also gained many new players compared to last season. “This season we have more younger guys that will have to step up to make a difference,” said varsity golf player Jordan Bliss. This year boys lacrosse is ready to face-off against the competition. Last season the boys’ lacrosse team finished with an overall WLT record of 14-4-0 ranking them 27th in state. “The biggest difference (between this season and last) will be that the players will be able to work better together (...) and the chemistry will be much better than last year,” said varsity lacrosse player Kabe Teague The team this year is looking forward to sections which are in May. “We won league my freshman year but sophomore year we just missed it so hopefully we can step up and get it back,” Teague said. The track and field season is off to a sprinting start in mid February as the team is going to be competing in finals on June first and second.
“I’m excited [for the upcoming season] because I am stronger and ready to throw farther,” says track and field discus thrower Eric Werner. As a new strategy this season, the team is looking to show off their team chemistry. “Our biggest strategy is to look united and show a lot of spirit at meets to intimidate the other schools,” said track and field runner Mia Taylor. This year the boys’ baseball team is looking to make their season a home run. “We were all friends (last year) but when people made mistakes we quickly got upset with each other,” said varsity baseball player Breaden Holliday. “This year I’m looking forward to playing with Blake and Trevor because they weren’t able to play last year,” said Holliday. “These two guys were stars on JV and freshman and I hope they can bring it back for one more year.” The girls’ lacrosse team has a new strategy of ending their relaxing time off by starting their pre season in the weight room to prevent injuries. They will also have a new team dynamic. “This season we have a lot less players returning so we’re going to be recruiting more new players and having a wider variety of grades on varsity” said varsity lacrosse player Lainey Sorgea. The teams first game is February 23rd. “I️ think our biggest goal as a team is to win sections and beat Oakridge by working hard during practice and pushing ourselves to our best abilities,” Sorgea said.
Sports C4
Friday, February 9, 2018
w The Granite Bay Gazette
Local businesses scammed by sports advertising A Texas company tricks three local businesses with false publicizing through emails
sent them to the school, I contacted them after every game,” Little said. As the season ended Little never aclyn Little, a real estate received the items she had payed agent for Realty One Group for, and continued contacting the in Granite Bay was recently company. scammed by a company claim“They said they would give me ing to work for Granite Bay High new balls for next year, and the School. The company goes by girl ended up getting nasty with the name of ‘Boost Sports’ and is me and said it wasn’t even their based in Texas. fault the school lost the balls.” Through an email, Little claims Little said. the company had emailed her After this, Little was unable to over the summer saying they were get in contact with the company fundraising for GBHS’s basketball and reached out to GBHS Princiteam. pal Jennifer Leighton and athletic The company sent her an email director Tim Healy. saying she could purchase cups, tTogether they contacted Officer shirts, banners, and mini footballs Hopping. “I was told I was the third with her companies ad displayed. person to be scammed by this “I was excited about this becompany,” Little said. cause I already sponsor football Healy had previously contacted and my son plays (football),” Boost Sports after being informed Little said. about the scam. After purchasing the “Special “They acted like a legitimate Package” along with footballs for company and continued acting as $1400, she was sent to the comif they worked with the school. pany’s art department to design We know nothing about (Boost her ad. Sports).” Healy said. However Little never saw her Even though the company advertisement at the high school. scammed other business, they “Once football season started ended up sending posters. I never saw the balls and imme“For two of the three (Boost diately contacted the company, Sports) sent us cheap posters to which claimed they had already BY JORDAN BLAIR
jblair.gazette@gmail.com
J
Gazette illustration /ABBIE GOULD
Texas company, Boost Sports, has scammed three local Granite Bay businesses through fake advertising in emails to clients.
put up.” Healy said. However, as Boost Sports did
not have any ties to GBHS the posters that were never put up.
“The contract link is to a nonexistent domain. If you google
the company you will find fraud claims” Healy said.
Yean expresses her love of watching ice skating BY KAVANA GONUR
kgonur.gazette@gmail.com
On first look, ice skating might not be considered a sport, more so an art. However, Kasey Yean, a Granite Bay High School senior, considers it to be both. Although she doesn’t participate in ice skating herself, it’s still a sport she enjoys watching with her family and friends. “I love watching figure skating, I think it’s one of the most beautiful sports out there,” said Yean. “Sports take a lot of concentration, but to me, the thing that’s so captivating about (figure skating) is the uniforms they wear when they
perform and (how they do) the tricks and flips.” Yean says she is amazed at how much strength and power a figure skater has, as well as the strong mindset they bear doing this incredibly technical sport. However, the one technique she’d take from an ice skater is focus. “If there was one skill I could inherit from all these ice skaters, it would be focus,” Yean said. “When you’re ice skating, the balance and the technique has to go smooth, almost near perfect. It takes a lot of skills and a lot of time to develop these skills.” Yean doesn’t have a favorite athlete. However, she does enjoy watching the ladies short
and long program. She says she enjoys watching the National Championships, where athletes compete to qualify for the Olympics. Yean says she is especially empowered whenever she sees a skater of a differing ethnicity, such as an African American skater, on the ice. Seeing skaters of different ethnicities “are really inspiring and encouraging (to me), said Yean, “and I just love to see women and men of ethnicity step out into the spotlight, it’s a really cool thing to see.”
Kasey Yean Leading up to the Winter Olympics, Feb. 9-25, Yean watches the qualifying rounds in anticipation.
STABBERT BROTHERS: Athletic siblings thrive in sports at GBHS Continued from page C1
Branch out. Put your voice in The Gazette.
Cameron Smith directs the USC defense against Utah.
lacrosse.” The oldest Stabbert brother, Andrew, has had a lot of success in Granite Bay athletics, playing soccer and track. William Pink, the Granite Bay varsity lacrosse head coach, has seen Nolan and Will go through the program. “They have made great contributions to our lacrosse program,” Pink said. Nolan and Will are both multisport athletes – Nolan playing football, lacrosse and wrestling, and Will with lacrosse and football. These sports tie in with each other, adding an element to each of their play. Coach Pink noted that the brothers playing multiple sports have assisted his lacrosse skills, more specifically face offs, where Nolan is nationally ranked in. “Nolan’s experience with wrestling makes him an outstanding face off man because he can utilize the skills of leverage and power,” Pink said. Pink, however, is not the only coach of the Stabberts to notice this. “If you look at the top players in most of our sports, you will see multi-sport athletes,” Jeff Evans, the head coach of Granite Bay varsity football, said. “The mental and physical toughness, along with the focus that another sport requires (benefitted them in football).” The often questioned comparison between an older and younger brother is definitely prevalent, but Evans looks at them through a different scope. “Will was Will. (He was) a great player for football and lacrosse. Nolan is Nolan, one of the top wrestlers in the section, in one of
the most difficult weight classes and an all-league football player along with his brother,” Evans said. The success Will had in high school lacrosse, gave him the opportunity to play college lacrosse for Drexel University, one of the top programs in the United States. “It makes us very proud to have helped nurture and develop a player that has achieved success in lacrosse after high school,” Pink said. The achievements Andrew, Will and Nolan are leaving Granite Bay with, has paved way for the youngest brother, James. “James has a lot to live up to when he comes through these halls,” Evans said.
Despite these expectations, Evans believes he will fill them due to who is behind him. “Knowing the parents and having coached both Nolan and Will, I have little doubt in his ability to create his own legacy here at Granite Bay,” Evans said. The legacy that stands behind the Stabbert name is overwhelmingly positive, which is well deserved, but more than athletics stands out. “The only legacy I would want the Stabbert name to have is that more than being good at sports, we were good kids, and respectful to coaches and teachers. That will go way farther than being good at high school sports,” Will said.
Gazette photo /Lisa Stabbert
Andrew Stabbert played soccer for all four years at GBHS.
Friday, February 9, 2018
Sports C5
w The Granite Bay Gazette
To P.E. or not to P.E.?
Controversy over athletes having to take course BY ABBIE GOULD
W
a.gould2.gazette@gmail.com
hether you are a freshman or sophomore at Granite Bay High School, you are required to take physical education both years, even if you are an athlete at the school. Many students say they wonder why athletes have to take part in this class even when they are comP.E.ting in extracirruclar activities for a GBHS sports team. Other schools in close proximity to GBHS have different systems for their P.E. program. Rocklin High School requires freshmen to take P.E. their first year at the school, similar to GBHS, but after that it is a different system. Students are required to take three years of physical education. “For Rocklin high school P.E, your freshman year you are to take regular P.E,” said Tanya Bills, a junior at Rocklin High School. “After that, for athletes you are supposed to take weights, given you didn’t fail freshman P.E.” However athletes who play a high school sport for four years get excused from one of their three years of P.E. “Four year athletes only have to take two years of P.E,” Bills said. Unlike Rocklin High School, athletes at GBHS are not excused from P.E. GBHS senior Zach Wong says that he wishes athletes did not have to participate in physical education at the school.
“ “In P.E. you want to give it 100% effort,” said Wong, “and if you don’t try, [your] grades reflect that.” Wong said that it is difficult for him to be able to give his all in his high school soccer games and practices after school because he is tired from participating in P.E. “I would think that being involved in an activity after school should let you have an excuse to skip P.E, or have an adjusted P.E. schedule,” Wong said. However, there are some benefits to engaging in P.E. “Physical education has a variety of activities that are different, physically and socially” physical education teacher, Angie Pozzi said. “[Students] learn how to work with each other and try new things.” P.E. gives students the opportunity to be pushed out of their comfort zone. “P.E. here is part fitness and part sports,” said Linda Dickson, a GBHS P.E. teacher, “Kids are introduced to new sports in P.E. that they wouldn’t be taught in their particular sport.” Also, P.E. at GBHS is an elective, so teachers say it has a laid back vibe. “In P.E. in general, the culture here is you are not going to a gym, it is low energy,” Dickson said. “Because class sizes are so big, teachers use fitness as exercise because it is the easiest.” Due to the excess number of students in a physical education class, teachers have a difficult time making the class more demanding, thus giving it a relaxed
Sophomore athlete finds her passion in playing basketball GBHS varsity player Briana Lambey thrives on the court BY ASHLEY LUCIA
alucia.gazette@gmail.com
When you walk in you are hit with a great force, an electric energy. Nothing compares to the intensity of the ball slamming the ground as a player bounds down the court. The bleachers pound as the buzzer sounds and the last shot makes a swoosh. The anticipation erupts in sidelines. This eccentric energy is home for some students like sophomore Briana Lambey who has been playing on the varsity girls basketball
team since she was a freshmen. Lambey can still remember the moment she received the news, and describes the time in humble words. “I was proud and happy,” said Lambey. With any big change such as playing with new teammates there can be nerves accompanying the excitement. “The biggest obstacle was just starting out,” said Lambey. However, Lambey adapted quickly to her new environment and is happy to have found her passion. She can still recall how she came to discover her natural connection to basketball. “I’ve been playing since I was four, and my brothers also played, so we would always play together and I thought it was a lot of fun,” said Lambey. Not only did her family help her find
Gazette photo/ ABBIE GOULD
Mr Smith’s P.E Class warms up for class feel. Even though teachers say P.E. is less demanding than high school sports, there are differing views on whether athletes should participate in the class or not. Pozzi said that she thinks athletes should have to take P.E. because it allows students to branch out from their own sport. They learn to work well with others and try new activities. On the other hand, Dickson said that she would prefer if athletes could have a free period instead of
participating in physical education. “I came from the bay area, after my first 10 years of teaching, and if you were a varsity athlete, you didn’t have to do P.E,” said Dickson,“I loved it because kids then can maybe be a TA (for) a period and get homework done because sports are too much of a demand on kids time.” “The trade off for me is that the demanding academic load here and the demands of club sports with high school sports is just asking a lot.”
Briana Lambey Sophomore excels as underclassman on varsity
her interest in basketball, but they have also supported her up to this point and beyond. “My parents really want me to succeed which is really nice,” said Lambey. Even with an intense basketball schedule of practice two hours everyday, including weekends, Lambey still has her heart in the game.“The pace of a game is really quick and it can always feel a little scary, but it’s still really fun,” said Lambey. With her strong work ethic and dedication to her craft, Lambey hopes to continue to pursue basketball beyond GBHS.
Boosters bring unparalleled support
Parent platform helps make athletics at GBHS possible BY AKHIL SHAH
I
ashah.gazette@gmail.com
t’s Friday night- a rivalry game vs Del Oro seems to have brought the whole community to the Granite Bay. The Tribe stands together in the cold cheering on. All while some parents, coaches and administration hold relief in making it all happen, once again. Booster support in high school athletics goes unnoticed. Without their help, operations of numerous programs wouldn’t be as effective, leading to an obvious decline in program performance. Granite Bay High School depends heavily on it’s booster support to aid with additional funding of nearly all athletic and several extra-curricular programs on campus. At Granite Bay High School, a master board facilitates each participating program’s individual booster club. Athletic Director Tim Healy said that Granite Bay has a master board who are tasked with oversight. Their jobs are to make sure the school and its programs remain compliant with the laws as they relate to boosters. Individual booster clubs aid their programs with transportation, equipment, activities, and other such costs directed to benefit students. “The whole point of a booster organization is to make the experience for the kids better,” both Healy and head football coach Jeff Evans said. Booster programs in high schools are primarily in place to financially support programs. However, all programs hold different financial needs. The football program at Granite Bay High School is a prime example of a program which need’s remain significantly different than others. “Football is a lot bigger of a production because of the size of the games (and) the amount of people in the stands,” Evans said. “It fluctuates (the cost), but it’s a lot of money–a staggering amount. You’d be surprised at how much it takes.” Due to the demands of the football program football requires significantly more funding than other programs. Although all programs generate different amounts of money through fundraisers facilitated by their individual booster clubs, “every program should raise enough money to execute what it is they want to do.” Healy said,“some programs do raise more money than others.” Assistant Principal and non-voting board member of the booster program, Brian McNulty, confirmed that needs for all programs are relatively different. But that doesn’t necessarily
mean programs are given more or less importance over others. The booster program, run mainly by parents, consists of parent volunteers who attempt to ensure their kids have a good experience. “We’re very lucky here at Granite Bay to have parents involved,” Principal Jennifer Leighton said. “A lot of the boosters we have are parents of kids in the program,” Evans said. “They’re not doing it for me, or to be in the spotlight, they’re doing it for their kids.” Concerns surrounding boosters include how spending is determined, whether or not programs are viewed equally, can or if booster board members dictate how funds are spent, and how to access any booster’s funds. Granite Bay High School, being a public institution, holds specific laws regarding boosters, implemented by the California Department of Education. To ensure those laws remain in line, “I’m primarily there to make sure that we follow the rules and regulations for booster organizations,” McNulty said. Leighton and Healy added how individual booster clubs primarily reach out to the master board for nothing more than mere advice on where to direct spending towards. To further support of laws and regulations laid out by the California Department of Education, “You can go ask the boosters for records of spending. It’s absolutely transparent,” Healy said. “Our booster finances are open to public scrutiny– it’s transparent,” McNulty said. Boosters also are available to aid in educational needs. However, the school district usually provides the necessary funds for each educational department. “That’s why you don’t have a social science department going to boosters asking for money.” Leighton said. Granite Bay High School’s boosters make the many athletic and extracurricular activities possible. With the assistance provided by parent volunteers, “The supports been there, it’s always been there. We think it’ll continue to be there. But not just for football, but for all sports and extracurriculars,” Evans said. Though there remains an abundance of support, “we always need new volunteers, there’s attrition, the senior parents are always going to move on, this is a volunteer organization and we could always use some help,” McNulty said. Boosters in Granite Bay High School have and continue to facilitate the needs of many programs, with the unnoticed efforts of parent volunteers, and the large commutal support Granite Bay holds.
Don’t read the playbook... Read The Gazette
Gazette illustration /BRAYDEN JOHNK
C6
Friday, February 9, 2018
w The Granite Bay Gazette
SECOND LOOK
Grizzlies skip hibernation for winter playoffs BY SPENCER COVA scova.gazette@gmail.com
Girls’ Soccer
This team knows how to win. They have been striding through regular season rolling teams and only taking one loss. “We’re first in the Winter Sports league right now,” Update junior player Hana Rosenblatt said. This statement speaks volumes in the highly competitive Sierra Foothill League as the SFL champ tends to earn the section title. “We have a lot of talent on our team and work well together,” Rosenblatt said, “but our strength is in the amount of effort we put into games and practices.” The team will need to step up their work ethic further as, “we’re losing a couple of our seniors to club season when section playoffs start,” Rosenblatt said. “Filling their shoes will be difficult.” The girls have been shown another obstacle to hurdle, though there is no doubt that the team will find a way to get dubs.
Gazette photo /JAKE CRISCIONE
Gazette photo /JAKE CRISCIONE
Boys’ Soccer
The boys have showed nothing short of an impressive outing this season as the most cohesive team the program has seen in years. “The team chemistry this season is much better than the chemistry last season,” senior player Zach Wong said. “There are 16 seniors on the team and everyone gets along really well.” Due to their excellent teamwork they have earned their 4-2-1 league record. First year head coach Bashar Alsakati should also be given credit for the success. “Bashar is great, everyone really likes him,” Wong said. With a few key adjustments the team is looking at a serious run in the playoffs starting in mid-February. “I think if we can become more clinical up top and finish our shots we will finish strong and have a great shot in playoffs,” Wong said. Gazette photo /JAKE CRISCIONE
Boys’ Basketball
wJunior Adam Honer, top left, shoots a pull–up three–pointer as sophomore Cobe Weeks crashes the key for a rebound against rival Del Oro High School. Senior Danielle Sims, top right, dribbles past a Nevada Union defender during a 10-0 victory. Senior Andy Pham, middle, prepares to makes a move against Del Oro defender in 65-70 loss. Senior Ryan Smith, bottom right, reaches for the ball in tip off in rivalry matchup. Senior Nolan Stabbert, bottom left, wrestles agaisnt Rocklin opponent in 172 lbs division. Junior Kelli Litchfield dribbles downfield looking to make a pass against Nevada Union, left.
The boys have bricked a few games this season, but that hasn’t stopped them from balling out as of late. The team is at a cozy 12-11 overall, but if they don’t step up the league play the team may not have a chance at a playoff run. “The season is going good, but I still think the team could be doing much better,” junior player Preston Fu said. As of now the team has a 3-5 league schedule and is ranked 5. The team has great talent but has struggled in tying together the loose ends. “Our team chemistry could be better, but we’re working on it,” said Fu. The has the capabilities and skill to pull off a player spot, but it is going to take a lot of hard work and communication. “Before playoffs we definitely need to work on team chemistry, taking care of the ball and limit turnovers,” Fu said.
Girls’ Basketball
The team has been playing a well versed season only losing one nonleague game. But they have yet to get the ball rolling in league play. The team is 16-7 overall and 2-6 in league play–oddly lopsided numbers. “Our biggest struggle is getting the ball up the court fast enough as well as scoring,” freshman player Paisley Specht said. Though the team has maintained high moral throughout the controversy. “The season has been super fun I’ve enjoyed spending time with the girls on the team,” Specht said. That is due to the team’s cohesive teamwork. “We all get along well and we have good team chemistry.” The team is ranked 5 in league at the moment and it will take a miracle to pull through with a playoff spot.
Gazette photo /JAKE CRISCIONE
Wrestling
The Grizzlies have been owning the mat this season. Late in June the team traveled to Rodriguez High School in Vacaville and placed third overall in the tournament. The team is 4-2 overall in regular season and ranked 3 in the SFL. The boys look to dominate in league and section playoffs later this month.
Gazette photo /SIDNEY ZABELL
Gazette photo /JAKE CRISCIONE
GS The Gazette’s arts and entertainment guide.
February 2018
GREENSCREEN A look into potentially the most depressing holiday
PAGES 8&9 Gazette photo /LOGAN EMBREE & BRUCE RUSSELL
Page 2
February 2018
sneak peek.
Gazette illustration /MACKENZIE BROWN
wSee page 5 V2
Gazette illustration /JACK KEHOE
wSee pages 8-9 Valentine’s Day Gone Wrong
wSee page 16 Chinese New Year
Appreciation for the hometown
T
COMME NTARY
Upcoming GBHS Events for Februrary and March
mackenzie brown
Februrary 19 President’s Day
The movie “Ladybird” inspires reflection on Granite Bay
he movie Ladybird has quickly become a heartfelt yet funny coming-of-age movie loved by many across the coun-
I’ve met so many fantastic people who I’m lucky enough to call my friends, spent countless hours with my family, and have try. had my fair share of venturing out around While I connect with it because it accurately the local area, realizing what cool things portrays the ups and downs of growing up, my home has to offer if you’re just willing and figuring out who you are, it has also afto look for them. fected me on a deeper level. It has made me It has provided me a well-rounded setting look back and reflect on how my hometown of to grow up in, filled with extracurricular Granite Bay has had a large role of making me opportunities that I now realize not everywho I am today, whether I like it or not. where else has. Greta Gerwig depicts what it feels like to be The small things I take for granted eva teen growing up in Northern California, and eryday would easily be considered as large I found myself connecting with the complaints blessings to many other kids my age, and mbrown.gazette@gmail.com and surface-level grievances about the ‘borit’s taken me a long time to realize that. ingness’ of growing up in a rural, small city Granite Bay has been the place where area. I’ve learned the important life lessons taught through experienc But, by the end of the film, I suddenly found myself being aping adolescence. preciative of Granite Bay, and the life it has provided for me. Although the ‘smallness’ and ‘dullness’ (adjectives 13 year old I realized that I wouldn’t be who I am now without all of the me would use to describe Granite Bay…) of this small city, I’ve unique experiences I was able to gain from this suburbia. now learned to cherish the simplicity in growing up in a place And I know it sounds hard to believe… How could I have had that isn’t exactly dazzling nor extraordinary. these idiosyncratic times while living in the suburbs, a place I appreciate my hometown now. I see it as a place of fond where everything is so cookie-cutter and uniform? memories and a special form of austerity. And although in my Granite Bay to me is definitely partially how it is portrayed life I might not be overly eager to constantly return and visit, it in Ladybird… There are many kids who possess the spoiled will forever hold a special place in my heart. attitude of the character Jenna, and there are also a few unmoti So, thank you to Greta Gerwig, who relayed the message to vated ones like in any school. her audience that your home shapes who you are… The choice But now, getting ready to pack up and leave for college after to make it either a negative or positive aspect of your life is up living in Granite Bay my whole life, I can finally and truly com- to you. prehend what a blessing it has been to live here. *** mackenzie, a senior, is a Gazette Greenscreen editor.
Guide to Green Screen Page 3 iphoneX Page 4 Food Reviews
Gazette illustration /ASHLEY YUNG
Februrary 24 Guard/Drum Invitational March 1-3 Wresting Tournament
Page 5 V2
Page 8 Valentine’s Day
Page 11 Lost Trends
Page 14 Movies
Page 6 Gez-Z
Page 9 Valentine’s Day
Page 12 Music Reviews
Page 15 Chinny & Wandy
Page 7 Top Tweets
Page 10 Mixtape
Page 13 Casaba
Page 16 Chinese New Year
Page 3
February 2018
iphone 10.
iPhone X - Flop or not? Students weigh in on the new device from Apple
BY KAVANA GONUR
kgonur.gazette@gmail.com
I
magine you are the head of the richest company in the world. You look at your sleek Macbook Pro and remember once again that you’ve accumulated a whopping $52.6 billion in the final quarter of 2017 – that’s a 12 percent increase from last quarter’s sales. Your company has been responsible for creating some of the most technologically advanced devices of the year, perhaps of the decade. You are the CEO of Apple. In a report from the Apple Newsroom, Tim Cook said fourth-quarter sales – which are typical for the tech giant – can be credited to the “fantastic new products including iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.” However, these phones weren’t the main interest to the public. Rather, the star of the show happens to be their successor, the iPhone X. To name a few key features, the iPhone X is the first iPhone to boast an edge-to-edge OLED display, feature Face ID recognition and include what Apple has dubbed the “Super Retina Display.” According to students at Granite Bay High, however, Apple’s claim that the new iPhone X is the future of the smartphone is debatable. The iPhone X has gained mixed reviews from the high school community. Some students favor the fresh design but dislike the price tag “The iPhone X is probably a really good phone, I just think that it’s not worth what it’s worth,” said Martina Reubarino, a sophomore who currently uses an iPhone 5C. “I think it should be a little less than it is, because they removed one of the best features the iPhone could ever have.” Indeed, the iPhone has a price tag ranging anywhere from $999 to $1,149, hence dubbing it a “flagship device.” This is a nominal price jump considering that the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus were priced between $649 and $769 when they were released. Others, however, reject the remodeled aesthetic entirely. “(The iPhone X) has too thin of a border, and it doesn’t have a home button which I think is kind of awkward,” said Gabriel Feng, a junior who currently uses the iPhone 8. “You have to press the volume button in order to access the home button menu … and I think that’s very strange.”
The once iconic home button, which was a feature for the entire 10 years of the iPhone’s existence, has been replaced by a vertical white bar that can be manipulated to access multiple screens.
Despite the generally positive reviews, experts don’t seem to think the new device’s release will increase sales now, or anytime soon. Sinolink Securities Co. analyst Zhang Bin said in a report that iPhone X shipments in the first quarter of 2018 might be as low as 35 million units, or 10 million less than he previously estimated. Here in the Granite Bay bubble, however, students are aware that owning an iPhone is simply fitting the social norm – and plenty of students are carrying around the latest iPhones in their pockets. “People in our community like Apple because most kids who own phones have iPhones,” said Tristan Lee, a junior who owns an iPhone 7. “It’s seen as a trend that you must have what your friends have.” There are other reasons for the decline among some consumers of sales of the iPhone X. Apple also recently admitted that it had been throttling iPhone batteries of old phones and phones with degrading batteries. Although the company said its intentions were for the best, Apple claimed it wouldn’t do anything to shorten the life of one of its products. Nonetheless, some GBHS students question whether that’s entirely true. “I wouldn’t (buy the iPhone X) because I don’t like Apple’s ethics of slowing down the speeds of older models to promote their newest phone,” Lee said. “I would never go back to Apple if they changed my battery for their personal gain.” And although Lee personally hasn’t experienced issues with his battery, students like junior Manvi Bhapkar – who uses an iPhone 6S – certainly have. “I was driving to Berkeley and my phone was at 72 percent,” Bhapkar said. “All of a sudden I click it and it’s dead, so I had to wait a few minutes. I turned it back on and then it was at 20 percent. I don’t know what’s going on with Apple, but they need to fix it.” Apple has long been the richest tech company in the world. According to Forbes magazine, the company was worth around $217 billion in sales in 2017. To put this into perspective: Snapchat, one of the most popular social media platforms for teenagers, earned only around $643 million in 2017. Yet ultimately, the tech giant’s future success will depend on whether it, through its actions, end up biting the apple or biting the dust.
Gazette illustration/ BRUCE RUSSELL & LOGAN EMBREE
Page 4
In pizza we crust
The Gazette staff shares places that will steal a pizza your heart.
Campelli’s BY ANGELINA KOLOSEY akolosey.gazette@gmail.com
W
hen it comes to pizza, most people look for a great crust, lots of flavor and an amazing combination of toppings. Campelli’s is the perfect restaurant to find these qualities. Located on Foothills blvd. in Roseville, Campelli’s is a pizza gold mine in the center of the plaza. As soon as I walked in, there was an aroma of fresh pizza baking in the oven. The restaurant was designed in an appealing rustic, yet modern interior which makes it stand out from others. The menu contained a variety of foods and different kinds of pizzas. You can make your own pizza with chosen toppings or you can order one of their original combinations that they offer. I ordered the Margherita pizza which was made up of a very crispy thin crust lathered in a light olive and oregano sauce, red sauce, melted mozzarella, fresh basil, tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar to add a special touch of. The staff was very kind and informed about all of their combinations and ingredients. I even got to watch my pizza be created in front of my eyes as I sat at a counter in front of the pizza oven. As a waited for my pizza I was able to enjoy clever portraits of well known paintings with a twist, such as the Mona Lisa eating pizza. The restaurant had a warm and welcoming vibe, as well as a lot of space to be
February 2018
knead some dough?
Trademark seated anywhere you desire. My pizza was finished in less than 15 minutes and as I was handed the pizza box the baker didn’t hesitate to ask me if I wanted any parmesan cheese or sauce to go. As soon as I opened the box, my eyes lit up. The pizza looked extremely appetizing. All the toppings were neatly placed and the cheese was perfectly melted. The crust was also baked to crispy perfection. After a bite, I was completely satisfied. There was a perfect amount of each topping, with each slice bursting with flavor. The pizza was more on the pricey side but I would definitely say it was worth it because of its taste. Campelli’s is the perfect place to enjoy an authentic, freshly made, brick oven baked box of goodness.
Gazette photo /ANGELINA KOLOSEY
Campelli’s offers traditional pizza with a modern twist.
BY LOGAN EMBREE
T
lembree.gazette@gmail.com
his issue I was faced with the challenge of reviewing a single restaurant’s ability to produce one of the most beloved meals in America. Pizza. After being recommended by a close friend I had high hopes for Trademark pizza. I entered the restaurant with an empty stomach and a big appetite. Directly upon entering I was met with a warm and welcoming environment topped off with the bountiful and delicious scent of pizza that slowly wafted around the room. There were several people in front of me when I entered the line but it did not last very long as the employees and their system was rather efficient. I would best describe Trademark pizza as the subway of pizza places. When ordering you walk down the counter pointing out all ingredients and toppings that you desire. My fairly standard pepperoni pizza with bits of bacon sprinkled on top was assembled by a very kind employee. After you finish designing your pizza, you pay and then sit back and watch as your pizza is cooked right there in front of you. Pricing seems rather average to me as I ended up spending a total of around $10 for a personal pizza and a fountain drink. Although I did not partake, salads were also available to order special or purchase a previously designed one. I received my pizza only shortly after ordering and I was surprised by the
flavor. The pizza was a little greasy but this being completely normal for pizza, especially those fresh out of the oven, it was very easy to manage with the ample supply of napkins available. Trademark pizza brought a fast food style speed to the pizza industry. While the entire process did not take nearly as long as you would expect it seemed to me as if no quality was sacrificed in the name of efficiency. I was very surprised by the quality of the pizza considering the time in which it was prepared and the amount that it cost. I left Trademark pizza satisfied and happy with a smile on my face and a pep in my step. I would recommend Trademark to anyone looking for quick, quality pizza that is not going to break the bank.
TRADEMARKPIZZA.COM
Trademark provides make-yourown pizza at an affordable price.
Dominick’s BY KEYURI PILLAY
kpillay.gazette@gmail.com
I
have never been a huge fan of pizza, but Dominick’s Italian Market and Deli has definitely found a spot on my favorites list. Located on Auburn Folsom Road in Granite Bay, Dominick’s is open on weekdays from 10:30-7:00 p.m, and weekends from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. There is a plethora of other restaurants and chains that inventively take on the classic dish loved by many. Dominick’s isn’t designated for only pizza lovers, it has something for everyone to enjoy. Deli sandwiches are great alternatives for those days when you are craving something different. Paninis are also an option for those that aren’t totally in love with pizza, soups and salads are also served at Dominick’s. The atmosphere at Dominick’s is extremely friendly and warm. As soon as I walked through the doors I was greeted with the aroma of pizza baking in the
oven and the staff was very attentive and eager to take my order. The dedication to my satisfaction with my food and comfort made my experience at the restaurant all the more better. After carefully reviewing the variety of pizzas on the menu I decided that I would have the Dominick’s Favoritei Pizza. The pizza was very filling and a great way to end a rainy day. I thoroughly enjoyed the flavor of the pizzait exceeded my expectations and brought a sense of comfort in the cold weather. The pizza crust was crispy and not extremely doughy as other pizzas I have had before. The quality work and preparation time dedicated to preparing this meal was obvious. Topped with house made tomato sauce, pepperoni, fresh sausage, herbs, ham, salami and mozzarella the Italian Deli Pizza is bound to satisfy. The herbs on the pizza compliment the other toppings and really brings it all together in the end.
In addition to the pizza I loved the desserts that were also sold there. There were cannolis and other assorted sweets. I was very surprised with the different ways that the restaurant generated business. Not only was food sold there but also Italian wines, oil, pastas and meats. Based on my pleasant experience at Dominick’s Italian Market and Deli I will definitely be returning and trying out what else they have to offer on their menu.
Gazette photo /KEYURI PILLAY
Dominick’s is an Italian deli that serves a variety of pizza.
February 2018
Page 5
do it for the vine.
V2: The Return of Vine
Social media app notorious for its six-second videos is back Hi my name is Trey I have a baskteball game tomorrow
Umm... I never went to Oovoo Javer
, Happy birthday Raven!
Adam!
Two bros the h chillin’ in ot tu b...
What up I’m Jared, I’m 19...
BY SPENCER COVA
scova.gazette@gmail.com
V
ine may have left us–but our love for it never will. Just over a year ago we mourned the parting of the platform that molded our youth culture, that gave us so many laughs, the app that defined our generation. Today we mourn no more as the hope in V2 sits on the horizon. The original Vine app is a video hosting service owned by Twitter that allowed users to create and share six-second looping videos. Shortly after its release in 2012, it took youth culture by storm. “Vine consumed almost all of my time,” said junior and avid Vine enthusiast Lamont Mason, “I got all my vocabulary from vine.” Just six months after the creation of vine the app rallied 13 million active users, and three months after that vine community tripled in size. The beloved social media app was so popular partly because it provided a lighthearted mode of escape from everyday stressors
Gazette illustrations /MACKENZIE BROWN
that high school “be like.” “I loved making vines with my friends and doing something really dumb and putting it into a six second video.” senior Kasey Yean said, “Vine never failed to make me laugh.” Vine was never created to have a deep narrative, it was created to show flashes of daily life and out of that sparked the creation of Vine stars. Vine stars were the hugely popular and iconic characters like Gavin–the internet’s child and Nick Colletti–the man who revolutionized comedy. Our vine stars provided us with unforgettable content like “what is up Kyle,” by Colletti, “Jesus Christ hotline,” by Zach Piona and “what’s up I’m Jared,” by Josh Kennedy. Yet it is argued that the best of vine came from the one hit wonders such as “run in here and get y’all juice” and “I coulda dropped my croissant.” If the rise of vine was so immediate, what made it collapse even faster? The problem was that its popularity extended to the youth only and not much further, which
resulted in Vine becoming a non profitable company after four years. At the same time that vine began to plateau in growth, Instagram released a new 15-second video feature–in the end Instagram ate Vine. Vine’s usage exponentially declined and in January 2017 Vine was retracted from the App Store. Teens across the nation were devastated to hear the news. “What don’t I miss about vine?” junior Brayden Schauer said, “Vine is the best thing to happen in my existence.” 2017 was a dark year for Internet humor, as we relied entirely on the Twitter community and washed up Vine compilations on YouTube. “Now we’re stuck with all the vines of the past, which are still funny but we don’t have anything new anymore,” said Schauer. Recently, light has been restored on our dark web. On Dec. 6 the internet nearly broke when Vine’s original creator, Dom Hoffman, announced that he was working on a new project called “V2.” “When I first heard about V2
I think I almost fainted,” Mason said. As of now the details on V2 are mostly speculation. But one thing is for certain, it is coming. “I’m most excited to lie in bed at night and and not being able to go to sleep because I am laughing so much,” said junior Brad Roe in anticipation for the release of vines second coming. V2 is expected to make minor changes like extending the video lengths, and banning past Vine stars Lele Pons and the Paul brothers due to an overwhelmingly popular petition. “Okay, good,” said Mason. “They’re off to a great start if they do.” Yet, students are still worried that V2 will suffer the same outcome as it’s previous project. “I’m afraid that vine is going to die again and history will repeat itself,” said Mason commenting on the matter. The solution to the scare is to consistently show vine the attention it deserves. Miss Keisha may be gone forever, but Vine is here to live again.
Page 6
February 2018
a new era.
The Rising Gen-Z
What will the future generation be remembered for?
Gazette illustration /ASHLEY YUNG
Gazette illustration /KATIE COLOGNA
BY ASHLEY LUCIA
alucia.gazette@gmail.com
It’s no secret that millennials have shaped the technological world, but a new generation is up and coming– Generation Z, ages five to 19. Generation Z is expected to be one of great influence. As an up and coming generation, they have been lucky enough to have a strong example from their predecessors of what is achievable. Millenials have not only served as the first more progressive generation, but they have also implemented a valuable tool into society– technology. “ I feel like (millenials) ventured into the internet and set it up for us,” sophomore Tanya Barot said. Having the internet at our fingertips broad-
ens the potential for future advancements. “I think we’ll see lots of advancements in technology on the environmental side because there's going to be more of a push towards conservation,” junior Bethany Brooding said. Not only have millenials advanced society in a technological setting, but they have also focused on the needs of individuals. “ I feel like they've raised awareness for mental health to be a priority. Older generations have the ideals that you should just shut up (around others) and get over it, and that's not healthy,” Brooding said. The millenials have been successful in placing the roots for our society to grow. But, there will always be room for improvement. “(Generation Z ) has the weight of saving the world and fixing our past mistakes,” the New York Times said. Sophomore, Emily Mayotte has high hopes for what progressive steps Generation
Z will achieve. “I feel we do have a lot of weight, on our shoulders to fix what is broken right now,” Mayotte said. “I think given the intelligence we’ve proven to have, we can accomplish it.” Even though their generation has a name and newfound place in society, it can be common for older generations to have negative preconceived notions of Generation Z. “I think that the previous generations need to take our generation... seriously because we will be entering the workforce soon,” Barot said. Generation Z is still young, but they can focus on what has been ignored. “The older generations tend to care only about economy and profit. I think that the younger generations will... focus on loving everybody,” Brooding said.
Page 7
February 2018
current.
Top Tweets Spirited tweets by Granite Bay High School students BY KENNEDY HEALY
khealy.gazette@gmail.com
Netflix Picks BY BELLA HAMILTON
bhamilton.gazette@gmail.com
1. Dead Men Tell no Tales This highly anticipated movie is the latest installment in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. The movie’s plot revolves around Jack Sparrow and some others who are vying to find the coveted Poseidon’s trident that has been hidden somewhere in the Caribbean. In this exciting, action-packed movie, there is no shortage of hilarious scenarios. I would recommend this movie to anyone that needs an action-comedy mood booster.
I don’t know what hell looks like, but I can assure you that Denny’s at 2:30 in the morning is pretty close.
Will Anderson @offcialbilliam
2. Forensic Files Forensic Files is a reality crime show that started in the 1990’s and has gained a following for their detail and factual accounts of mysterious murders across the country. There is over 14 seasons and a wide variety of crimes (ranging from mysterious disappearances to triple homicides) solved by forensic sciences and DNA evidence. This is a great show to watch if you want to get scared with your friends or if you’re into mysteries and murders. 3. 90210 90210 is a remaking of a teen show from 2008. The story is set in Beverly Hills and follows the lives of high schoolers who try to find love and happiness while spending lots of money. As the characters grow up, there are many ups and downs that keep the show filled with drama, parties and secrets. I 10/10 recommend this to people who are in the need for a classic teen drama show.
0 Retweet
11 Likes
12 Retweets
37 Likes
It’s so easy to be a kind person
Trevor Johnson @trevyj_15
IMPORTANT NOTICE: GBHS Senior @Braedenholliday will be serving a one game suspension for tomorrow nights basketball game @ Oak Ridge due to prior actions as a member of the Tribe. #pennygate
GBHS TRIBE @TRIBEGBHS
11 Retweets 61 Likes
Picture this. It is 20 yrs from now. You’re married. Nice home. Good job. It’s Christmas. Your kids are asleep. You & your spouse are on the couch having a drink & watching tv. It’s snowing. Net neutrality is saved because you texted NET to 384-387. Everything is okay. You made it.
Max Schwartz
@itsspelledmacks
5 Retweets
35 Likes
Hangout Location of the Month:
“Shady coffee and tea” What is it? In the heart of downtown Roseville stands a
What to Look Out For •
little building by the name of Shady Coffee and Tea. Decorated in bright lights during the
rustic yet modern style. •
evening and full of many cozy seating areas,
the perfect place to have coffee, tea, and food.
perform on Friday nights; it’s a judge free and inviting zone. •
and sandwiches.
Shady is a big supporter of local coffee and artists who are looking for a place to display their work.
Their menu includes a variety of coffee roasts, teas, and other drinks. They also have pastries
On open mic nights, the shop is completely packed with people, including Granite Bay High School students. Anyone can
Shady is a popular place for GBHS students. Shady is open every day of the week and is
Shady has a very interesting and unique atmosphere, with a
•
The aroma of fresh coffee, friends, and music from local musicians produces a pleasant ambience for customers to enjoy.
Gazette photo/ ANGELINA KOLOSEY
BY ANGELINA KOLOSEY akolosey.gazette@gmail.com
Pages 8 & 9
love at an all time low.
Valentine’s Day. . . Gone Wrong
Students share experiences with the holiday enjoyed by some and hated by others BY KENNEDY HEALY khealy.gazette@gmail.com
V
Gazette Illustrations /JACK KEHOE
alentines Day has a very light-hearted connotation that usually lingers around it. However, with the good always comes the bad. Unfortunately, the bad just tends to hurt a little more on the day dedicated
to love. Many people in the Granite Bay community have experienced the hopefulness, awkwardness, and sadness, that comes along with a true Valentine’s Day gone wrong. Jordan Riggs, a senior a Granite Bay High, found a positive side to her strange Valentines Day, and plans on making it a tradition. “One time on Valentine’s Day all of my friends and I watched ‘Zombeavers’ until midnight then ate cookie dough, because it was my birthday. The end,” Riggs said. “I plan on doing the same thing again this year!” Along with the odd memories people have correlated with Valentine’s Day, there are also very somber ones. Gifts are a great way to express your feelings towards someone on Valentine’s Day, or so people thought. Evan Tattersall, a senior at GBHS, had a heartbreaking experience in his youth. “I tried to give my 6th grade crush a Valentines Day necklace, and she rejected me,” Tattersal said. Similar to Tattersall, Candyce Junaid, another GBHS senior, went through a tough Valentines Day when attempting to give her crush a present. “In 8th grade I bought my crush a cake pop from Starbucks for valentine’s Day, and I was really really nervous about giving it to him. I gave it to him at the end of math class without saying anything besides ‘here’ and as we were leaving class I saw him slip the cake pop into the trash. Ever since then, I’ve hated Valentine’s Day and it made me feel so bad about myself.
Recently my views have changed because my boyfriend made me feel really special last Valentine’s Day,” Junaid said. Another person hopeful that gift-giving could create a future love connection was Jason Dell’orto, senior at GBHS, during his adolescent years. “So in 6th grade, there was this girl I really liked, and I bought her a single rose. I was nervous as (heck) . I gave it to her in sixth period and then left, because I was so nervous,” Dell’Orto said. For some, it is just as hard rejecting the gifts as it is giving them. Hannah Mortenson, a senior at GBHS, tasted true loves bitterness on Valentine’s Day years ago, when she realized she didn’t want a particular gift. “In 6th Grade Dean Wilson wrote me a song on Valentine’s Day, so I broke up with him,” Mortensen said. Luckily as time passes, she realized it wasn’t so bad after all. “We joke about it all the time,” Mortensen said. Unfortunately, Valentines Day can start very positively, but have a cruel twist of an ending. Pavlina Clem, a senior at GBHS, was having an amazing time with her friends, when tragedy struck. “I was having fun, ice skating with my friend, and we were going around when I saw my boyfriend walking with another girl. I thought they were friends, and then I saw them kiss,” Clem said. As upsetting as many of the Valentine’s Day stories are, it doesn’t have to be a total disaster. Going into the day without too high of expectations may set the tone for the holiday. Senior at GBHS, Joshua Fu, is hopeful to have this Valentine’s Day as great as he can. “My favorite Valentines day memory is getting a lot of candy from my friends, and them being around me,” Fu said. “I plan of having fun with my friends and enjoying it this year.”
February 2018
February 2018
Page 10
current.
Mixtape - Sunday Morning Classics
Artist of the Month Ashlyn miles 1) What got you into the art program? “I decided to join the GBHS art program because I discovered art was a passion of mine in middle school and finally got to take my first art course at GB.”
2) What has been your favorite project in art class?
BY SIDNEY ZABELL
szabell.gazette@gmail.com
1. “Best Friend” by Rex Orange County An adorable song that is always sure to make you smile. 2. “See You Again” by Tyler, the Creator The most sing-able song of all time? Probably.
“I would have to say my favorite project in my art class would be my Gazette photo /SAMREEN SIDDIQUI my first acrylic painting because it showed me that I was capable of creating extravagant pieces and it set the tone for the remainder of the two year course.” 3) What do you like most about being in the art program?
3. “Great Dane” by Cosmo Pyke Perfect for driving down Douglas as the sun sets. 4. “Forever” by Noname A song celebrating how important it is to believe in yourself – honestly, what more could I ask for? 5. “Awkward” by Tyler, the Creator The cutest song I’ll ever listen to, no questions asked.
“My favorite part of the art program is the freedom that Mr. Stephens encourages in the IB Visual Arts course to create and experiment any artistic goals we may have.” 4) Do you want to pursue some sort of career that has to do with art when you graduate? “I just finished applying to colleges as an art major to pursue my passion. I couldn’t be more thankful to have been apart of the GBHS program to prepare me.”
Compiled by Dylan Rowe
Follow @carlyywallace for cute pictures and clever captions
Follow Friday
Compiled by Milan French
FRESHMAN 2022 v s. VS. SENIOR 2018 Who is your favorite music artist?
Reese: “Ed Sheeran or Post Malone.”
Catherine: “Rihanna or Frank Ocean.” Gazette photo /REESE RICHMOND
Reese Mattley, GBHS freshman
Gazette photo /MILAN FRENCH
Catherine Rubino, GBHS senior Compiled by Milan French
February 2018
Page 11
forecast of the future.
Predictions for 2018 Editors from the Gazette staff give their opinions on defining moments for the upcoming year
Movies
Music
Who will win film of the year at the Oscars?
Who will win album of the year at the Billboard Music Awards?
Richmond: “Lady Bird.” It portrays a realistic depiction of the common teen and their family—showing the troubles, love, heartache, confusion and triumphs of growing up. Cova: I think “Dunkirk” deserves the award because director Christopher Nolan mastered mixing both the artistic and action filled aspects of filmmaking into one movie. Russell: “Dunkirk” deserves best picture for its experimental plot structure and marvelous action sequences. Anderson: “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.” “Baby Driver.” “Lady Bird.” “Dunkirk.” Incredible year in film, the academy should split the award between those four works of art. French: “Dunkirk,” the picture quality and realism was so beautiful. Also, Harry Styles...
Richmond: “Melodrama” by Lorde. I believe that music is art and that this album was art in its music, lyrics and vocals. It’s lyrics describe all human emotions and portray the beauty of learning and growing through such emotions. Cova: Daniel Caesar, the man is an angel on Earth. Russell: Childish Gambino – the man is a living legend. Anderson: It should be “Flower Boy” (Tyler, the Creator), “Freudian” (Daniel Caesar), or “BlkSwn” (Smino), but it will be “DAMN” because Kendrick is the GOAT and has the industry in his favor. French: My money is on Kendrick.
Pop Culture
Sports
What will be the biggest online trend of 2018?
Who will win the Winter Olympics?
Gazette illustration /MACKENZIE BROWN
Richmond: USA, we have a lot of strong athletes. Cova: Russia, they’re juiced up. Russell: United States – we’re the best at winter sports. Anderson: Jamaica. Bobsledding has never been done better. French: USA... we be boolin’ this winter.
Reese Richmond, Features editor
Spencer Cova, Sports editor
Richmond: Self deprecation—people love feeling bad about and making fun of themselves. Cova: Mobile drone hammocks—it’s gonna happen. Russell: The Resistance movement. Anderson: A chain of government conspiracies will be exposed by meticulous hackers and internet trolls – the world as we know it will crumble and our capitalistic society will fall deeply into the clutches of communism. But I’ll leave internet trends up to the Zuckerberg’s of the world. French: V2... It really be like that...
Bruce Russell, Green Screen editor
Will Anderson, News editor
Milan French, Social Media editor
Compiled by Mackenzie Brown
Page 12
February 2018
tune in.
The Go! Team Semicircle BY JACK KEHOE
jkehoe.gazette@gmail.com
M
usic is meant to be enjoyed by all, and when a album manages to include many genres, it attracts listeners. “Semicircle” comes from The Go! Team’s vast experience with genres, and founder Ian Parton couldn’t be happier doing what he’s doing. The music captures an exuberant, happygo-lucky lifestyle that will make anyone have a smile on their face. The tracks range from rock to R&B, so lots of people can end up satisfied. One of the more notable tracks in the album is titled “Mayday” which is filled with soul and intensity that’ll, again, put a smile
on anyone’s face. It’s quite amazing how many genres are thrown into the album; R&B, soul, hip-hop, indie pop and much more. Patron definitely did his homework and gathered great people to produce music for the album. The Go! Team’s amount of people often fluctuates, but together they are a huge group who all enjoy making great music. They attract listeners from all around due to their massive genre spectrum. Nothing exactly like this has been done before for an album in this particular way, gathering not just four of five people but a whole room of people to accomplish the task. Not only that, but everyone on the team has good relationships and gets along well. The music fits any lifestyle and can be
listened to anywhere, which adds to its value. Turning on any song from the album and having a good time was the main goal of the team, and they for sure accomplished that. “Chain Link Fence” happens to be another excellent track on the album, and it captures the R&B feeling tied with the voice of an original team member who goes by the name Ninja. Lots of the songs in the album have obscure sounds in order to make a smooth beat. It all works together in a organized manner. Whatever the genre may be that you like, The Go! Team’s will have you covered with their vast selection of tunes in “Semicircle.” Everyone’s bound to find a track they can jam along to.
pitchfork
Semicircle was released on January 19, 2018.
B+
Skip to: “Mayday”
Migos Culture II BY DYLAN ROWE
drowe.gazette@gmail.com
M
The Coli
Culture II was released on January 26, 2018.
C-
Skip to: “Motorsport”
igos, the Atlanta hip hop trio, just recently released the new album “Culture II”, following their latest album “Culture.” This album quickly followed the last after the popularity of “Culture” was established. In most of their albums Migos views of quantity over quality is transparent, while in their 2017 album the style changed from over two dozen songs to a condensed thirteen. This album was a hit, and displayed what is arguably their best work. Upon the announcement of the new album, fans were excited to hear the
refined version of “Culture.” However, “Culture II” features 24 songs, and essentially turned into a glorified playlist. One of the better songs on the album “Motorsport,” has already hit the top charts for being the ‘bop’ song it is. Whether this popularity is because of Cardi B and Nicki Minaj being featured on the song or because of the eloquence of the song itself is up for debate. Almost all of the songs on the album are repetitive and have the same track beat. Lyrically, all of the songs lack diversity and are mostly boasting about money and women. Along with the lyrics and beat, the ad libs on each track are noticeably similar, causing most songs on the album to sound the alike. Over half of the songs
have a repetitive chorus that takes over the entirety of the listening time. “Culture II” isn’t all bad though, like all of their previous tracks there are a few hidden hits in them. Migos could easily make fantastic albums if they cut out all of the music that sounds reliviley the same and tried a few new things. The trio would benefit from waiting and taking the time to develop less songs, rather than hitting copy paste a few times. Migos has been a favorite of pop culture listeners and will have a place in every trap lovers heart, but this album was released too quickly and should have been given enough time for it to become a great album.
BØRNS Blue Madonna BY EMILY HANSEN
A
dhansen.gazette@gmail.com
t the end of 2017, the Los Angelesbased singer-songwriter, BØRNS, offered a preview of his 2018 album, “Blue Madonna”, by releasing a song called “Sweet Dreams”. The song was immediately popular with BØRNS’ alternative rock-loving fans. BØRNS is best known for his single “Electric Love”, released in 2015, but his other songs have proven just as worthy, establishing him as a prominent figure in the alternative and indie genre. Keeping with the usual vibe of his music, one of the main themes in “Blue Madonna” is, of course, love. The very first song released off of the album, “Sweet Dreams”, is a bittersweet song about a loved one leaving. The lyrics describe the unexpected departure of a love, without
even saying “sweet dreams.” One of the most popular and powerful songs in the album is “God Save Our Young Blood”.”This song, featuring vocals from Lana Del Rey, calls attention to the rapid pace at which today’s society lives. The title, repeated in the chorus, is a cry to hold on to a carefree, youthful mindset. The lyrics reference the feeling of being overwhelmed by an influx of responsibilities and social expectations, to which high school students can certainly relate. “We Don’t Care” is another song with a message about societal faults. The lyric “we’re face to face with our faces” comments on the use of technology in modern communication, without actual human interaction. Of course the song with the same namesake as the album, “Blue Madonna,” is worth a listen. The song uses slightly unorthodox comparisons to create a story. The soft instrumentals make it soothing and relaxing. All of BØRNS’ music can be complicated
to understand, but this is not by accident. BØRNS specifically designs his songs to have deep meanings, illustrated in unconventional ways.ere are some faults. The themes in this album become repetitive very quickly. Multiple songs are focused on an infatuated description of a girl. The monotonous topics makes it less than desirable to listen to the album on shuffle. However, I do find this album to be my personal favorite from BØRNS. The 2015 album, “Dopamine”, lacked in terms of appealing acoustics. All things considered, the new album was definitely a success for BØRNS. BØRNS has an ethereal way of describing even the simplest of moments. The lyrics incorporate imagery that creates a soulful experience. “Blue Madonna” shows that BØRNS is capable of more than just the hit “Electric Love.” BØRNS has a true talent for discreetly acknowledging community issues and this album is no exception.
directlyrics
Blue Madonna was released on January 12, 2018.
A
Skip to: “God Save Our Young Blood”
February 2018
Page 13
new ways to jam.
Casaba: What it’s all about
Students at other schools share their experiences at dances
Gazette Illustration/ JACK KEHOE
BY BELLA HAMILTON
A
bhamilton.gazette@gmail.com
lmost every school in our district has a form of winter formal. At Granite Bay High School, it’s Winter Ball, and at Roseville it’s called the Casaba, but what exactly is this Casaba notion? Students who have been a year or two in the past can consider themselves experienced with the tradition that takes place at Roseville High School and the other schools in RJUHSD. Casaba at RHS is just like the GBHS winter ball, with the formal wear, loud music and crowds of people going outside to escape the inevitable heat that gets trapped in the gyms. There is an obvious difference between the GBHS and Roseville dances, though. The students were all dancing and it was a very high energy atmosphere– it’s similar to the Decades dance at GBHS. “Everyone loves going to the dances [at Roseville]. There’s so much school spirit and I love going to the dances every year,” junior at RHS Emily Fisher said. At Granite Bay, there’s always those few groups of people who don’t dance, sit in the bleachers, or just hover at the snack bar, which isn’t as common at Roseville’s dances. Roseville isn’t the only school that has multiple formal dances for underclassmen, though. Woodcreek calls it Aurora, Oakmont and Antelope call it winter ball, but there is one difference between our schools’ dances. Granite Bay schedules their dances before the winter break while every other school in the district has it in late January or early February. Does it make any difference? “I don’t get why we only have one formal dance when all the other schools get two,” GBHS junior Katarina Skrbec said. Oakmont, Roseville, Antelope and Woodcreek have a formal home-
coming, which Granite Bay doesn’t have, but they also have a winter formal of some kind, which raises the question; why doesn’t GB have one? Student government has faced this question time and time again from students. They are using reasons for only having one formal dance such as ‘getting the time to know other students’ and letting homecoming be ‘solely for the football aspect.’ Some students don’t really have a preference either way. “I don’t really care about formal dances. They’re not my thing,” GBHS senior Matt Abilla said. But for the students that do like going to dances, there are always chances to go to other schools’ dances by acquiring a dance bid to homecoming, prom, or winter ball. “I’ve been to Oakmont’s homecoming and Granite Bay’s winter ball. I always have a fun time meeting new students and making new experiences at the dances,” Fisher said. Students at the other schools are used to the fact that they have two formal dances and are more indifferent towards the difference between winter ball and homecoming. “Winter ball is just like homecoming but a little colder,” junior at Oakmont high school Ashley Chinn said. Winter is an exciting time at all the high schools in the district and there is no shortage of the winter dances all across the district. “I love having two formal dances a year,” Chinn said “It’s pretty much an excuse to get dressed up two times a year.”
A
Page 14
film.
WALT DISNEY STUDIO
A
20TH CENTURY FOX
Rated: PG-13
Rated: PG-13
By: Bruce Russell brussell.gazette@gmail.com
By: Ashley Yung ayung2.gazette@gmail.com
the post: A-
fter hearing that Steven Spielberg had directed “The Post,” I was excited to see what could become another one of his timeless masterpieces. Ironically, I was more drawn to the message “The Post” conveyed, rather than the cinematography and composition I had originally expected to be outstanding. In the beginning, I found the movie slow with dialogue that was difficult to interpret. I found many scenes uneventful and unnecessary to the overarching plot. In addition, I typically enjoy seeing reputable actors in films. That was part of the reason why I was so excited to watch “The Post.” However, I found it hard to see beyond the two leads as Meryl Streep or Tom Hanks and into the characters they were trying to portray. In my opinion, they had a mediocre performance that merely imitated past roles I’ve seen them play far too many times. However, I was able to overlook the occasional confusion and boredom simply because of the outstanding message and the deliverance of some stirring quotes. “The Post” is centered around a true story about a decision that changed the course of American history. Prior to watching “The Post,” I had always viewed the Vietnam War as just another event in history. But while watching the film, Katharine Graham’s publication of the Pentagon Papers became a compelling story that resonates with people in present society. I think that is why “The Post” is so empowering. It serves to bring the younger generation (such as I) awareness on the importance of our first amendment right. The idea that the freedom of the press was once in jeopardy makes me feel gratitude towards the dedicated work of past journalists that lead to our present day freedom. It gives me a sense of American duty to preserve this sacred right and use it for good. In the respect of being a compelling reminder and message for the American people, I think “The Post” was outstanding. However, if you are someone seeking the typical action-packed movie, I don’t think “The Post” is for you.
the Last Jedi: C
s a lifelong fan of the most famous franchise in entertainment history, I had high hopes for the eighth film in the saga – “Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi,” and the promise of a fresh vision after its monotonous predecessor. Following the events of “The Force Awakens,” “The Last Jedi” unites Rey and Luke Skywalker, while the First Order, led by Kylo Ren, launches an assault on the fleeing Resistance. “The Last Jedi” has many obstacles to overcome. Being the middle chapter in the sequel trilogy, Episode VIII has to not only answer proposed questions arising from “The Force Awakens,” but also expand and introduce new characters, locations and plotlines. What resulted was a mixed bag of wonder, uncertainty and sheer anger. From a visual perspective, the movie impresses; the cinematography is absolutely breathtaking. Seeing Director Rian Johnson using actual locations such as shooting on Skellig Michael, an island in the Republic of Ireland, as opposed to perpetual CGI creations is assuring. The largest drawback of the movie consists of its tone. Transitioning interchangeably between serious, humorous, and didactic, all without hesitation, “The Last Jedi” made me repeatedly question if I was viewing an extended fan fiction cut rather than the $200 million blockbuster it’s meant to be. A lack of vision throughout the new trilogy leaves much to be desired. Plot threads introduced previously are either carelessly resolved or left untouched, awaiting Episode VIII in two years to tie up the many loose ends. The marvelous efficiency at continuing the development and relationships of the sequel trilogies’ characters is where “The Last Jedi” finds its footing. Where the humor and vision failed, Johnson’s writing excels in crafting interesting stories from Rey and Kylo. Driver and Ridley’s committed performances in selling these interactions were a high point of the film. It is not the worst film in the franchise, nor is it feasibly great. “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” is flawed, miscalculated and too experimental for its own
I
TSG ENTERTAINMENT
’m always looking forward to different types of films. The recurring action or superhero flick blasted on TV commercials time and time again is starting to become a bit stale. Therefore I was hyped for Guillermo del Toro’s new groundbreaking film – “The Shape of Water” to hopefully fulfill my desires. Not only is this movie artistically creative and unlike anything in Hollywood today, “The Shape of Water” is expertly written, acted and filmed. The “Shape of Water” follows Elisa, a mute woman who befriends an amphibious alien creature being held captive at a top-secret laboratory in the 1960s United States. The plot’s refreshingly experimental and interesting structure made me ponder what was going to happen next. I genuinely cared about Elisa’s characterization ‒ her inability to conform to society’s demands and expectations, as well as her relationship with the creature. Even more impressive was “The Shape of Water’s” cinematography. The color palette fits the period of the 1960s perfectly, and unique point of view angles adds to the visionary nature of the film. The score is also a highlight – wildly innovative without being too out of place. It’s a testament to del Toro’s plot and artistic direction to why the movie succeeds so well; not only is the meaning one of encouragement and pride, it is also ideal to our 21st century values. Symbolic of dissentient ideals in a hyperactive, always adapting society, “The Shape of Water” tells us that love is not limitless. Love is not bound to time nor place, with the ability to bind anyone together regardless if they are different. Elisa is not unlike us; sure she can’t hear or speak, but her aspirations are clearly relatable. In her life, without a sense of belonging, she finds something – something special. Many moviegoers will argue this film is overrated, undeserving of its whooping 13 nominations and its place as frontrunner for best picture. Not only is “The Shape of Water” worthy of its place in the upcoming Academy Awards, it should be commended for its genre-defying effort, one of true imagination and artistic transcendence.
Rated: R By: Logan Embree lembree.gazette@gmail.com
the shape of water: A
February 2018
February 2018
Page 15
this isn’t the 70’s?
Fabulous and Amazing Artists
The Weinstein Company
Atlantic Records
BY BRUCE RUSSELL
brussell.gazette@gmail.com
“
The Hateful Eight” is an exception in the western genre. This tale of vengeance, treachery, and prejudice is not only a masterclass in production design and tension, but also an illuminating reminder of our nation’s historical struggle with racism. Legendary Director Quentin Tarantino’s story of revenge and deceit set in the post Civil War is a monumental effort to reveal our not so beautiful American past. Reflecting the split of our nation at the time, characters and the motivations they carry are entrenched in their culture, creating a sense of national uncertainty. The plot revolves around the interactions of eight ensemble characters and their interactions at “Minnie’s Haberdashery,” a general store in the middle of Colorado during an intense snowstorm. The expertise of the writing lies with the details of each main character. Everyone has a backstory and reason for why they are at Minnies. There is no simple “good or bad” quality of our expertly-acted cast of characters. The film instead instead relies on the underlying and intrinsic issues between the north and south to settle any moral and ambiguous quandaries. The visual aspect of film is equally impressive. Ennio Morricone’s beautifully crafted score, along with an unusual 70mm format is exceptionally unique. Even more original is the movie’s narrative structure, divided into 5 time-alternating chapters which explain the events of the past and present. It’s a testament to Tarantino’s artistic collaborations as to why and how “The Hateful Eight” succeeds in defying the western genres tried-and-true tropes. Tarantino refuses to adhere to the methods of westerns, hiding the thematic questions of the effects of the Reconstruction Era under the disguise of an Agatha Christie mystery. It is quite difficult to describe Tarantino’s most recent film. It feels stylized yet somber. The discourse often overstays its welcome, and the conclusion may be anticlimactic to some expecting Tarantino’s usual glorification of violence. Regardless, “The Hateful Eight” is an immensely satisfying departure in nearly every way, more proof that Tarantino is one of the best living directors on the planet.
BY LOGAN EMBREE
O
lembree.gazette@gmail.com
h how I long to be a young teen in the 1970’s ripping down the open road in my beloved trans-am with windows down and AC/DC blaring on the radio. The 70’s. Oh what a time to be alive. Although I unfortunately was not born in the era of boundary pushing, fret sliding and stereo breaking rock and roll, listening to the many remnants left behind is still one of my favorite pastimes. While there are hundreds of rock and roll artists that have been loved and lost, the one thing that the majority of them still being enjoyed today have in common is that it is true music. Music is defined as “vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) combined in such a way as to produce beauty of form, harmony and expression of emotion.” Classic rock brings back a time where music was not the watered down, computer generated and emotionless combinations of homophones that are listened to and somehow enjoyed by so many today. Songs such as “Thunderstruck” and “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC were not designed on a computer but crafted by many group sessions spent with a pencil, paper and most likely some other substances very popular in the 70’s. What surprises many about AC/ DC is the recording quality of their music. Being so popular gave them access to some of the best producers and programs of the decade. And the result? Songs that get you moving and feeling from the first note. Songs that you can understand and comprehend in real time without having to decipher what the main singer is saying. “Back in Black” gets your blood pumping and makes you feel unstoppable. American Pie (Don McLean) puts you in a chevy and takes you to the levy. You can almost smell the fresh air while listening to “Sweet Home Alabama”. Classic rock has a much stronger ability to make people feel and experience new things. All without leaving your car, home or wherever you might be. This kind of music much better stimulates your brain and emotions. When you listen to classic rock you are experiencing one of the best things to come out the 1970’s.
Gazette illustration/LOGAN EMBREE
February 2018
Page 16
celebration.
Chinese New Year
Students Look Forward to the Start of their New Year
BY EMILY HANSEN
ehansen.gazette@gmail.com
J
an. 1 is not the start of the new year for everyone. Chinese New Year will fall on Feb.16 this year, and for many students on the Granite Bay High campus, it is an anticipated day. This year’s Chinese zodiac sign will be the Dog, the 11th animal in the cycle of 12. The Chinese zodiac signs that accompany each year offer an explanation for a person’s character traits. “My Chinese zodiac sign is a goat,” sophomore Emma Chinn said. “ I think it’s significant to who I am because they are generally believed to be pretty calm, persevering people with a kind heart.” Despite popular belief, when a person’s Chinese zodiac sign comes around, it is actually supposed to bring bad luck. The best way to evade this bad luck is to wear something red, given to them by an elder. As with all holidays, Chinese New Year has a culturally rich history behind it. Over the years, different legends have evolved to explain modern Chinese New Year traditions. The most common story illustrating the origin of Chinese New Year describes the legend of a monster named Nian. The horrid creature tormented a village every year, eating all the livestock, grain and even the children. One particular night, an elderly man visited the village and offered his guidance to protect the villagers. He told the people the monster could be scared off by the color red and loud noises. Thus began the traditions of red decorations and lighting firecrackers. GBHS students are excited for the holiday’s
Gazette illustration /SABINA MAHAVANI
festivities. “I get red envelopes with money from my grandma,” junior Chloe Ralli said. These traditional red envelopes, called “hong bao” in Mandarin, are a symbol of good luck for the new year. Typically, these envelopes are filled with money and then given to children. The red color of the packet is perhaps the most prominent symbol of Chinese New Year. Red symbolizes happiness, safety and good fortune. Another common gift exchanged during the new year is clothes. The new year is a fresh start for all. What better way to show that than with a new outfit? Each person has their own favorite traditions they look forward to during the start of the new year. “My favorite part is probably the fact that we get to celebrate a fresh start to the new year,” said Chinn, whose family always celebrates the holiday. “It’s a really fun and unique way to kick off the year!” For most students, family dinners are the best
part of celebrating Chinese New Year. “My favorite part is probably the food and fireworks,” junior Dallas Fuller said. Food is certainly a large part of the celebration of Chinese New Year. One of the typical dishes eaten on Chinese New Year is fish. Fish symbolizes a surplus for the upcoming year. Also popular are dumplings, shaped to symbolize money. Supposedly, the more people eat, the more money they’ll receive. Usually, dinner is eaten with extended family. Preparing a meal together can be a great way to kick off the celebration. “My grandma usually makes potstickers,” said Ralli, who added that the popular dish is a typical part of her family’s Chinese New Year tradition. Even though not everyone in the Granite Bay community celebrates Chinese New Year, for those who do, it is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with family. “Chinese New Year is a time where I learn more about my Asian culture,” Ralli said.
Gazette illustration /ASHLEY YUNG