Issue of December 15, 2000:
Volume 84, Number Two
Click on a story title to see the story text
News
Amanda Boon's mission
ASB toy and food drive
Love-A-Lion project
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Marching Band's success
Scholars Awards to top 1%
Teacher Shortage
Opinions
Con-Prayer on campus
Pro-Prayer on campus
Locking the lot ...
Hey You! Read This!
When they cry, i cry
Features
Cell phones everywhere!
Cliques identify us
Ditching-who does it?
From España, with love
Hidden places on campus
New teacher adjusts to CHS
Non celebrators @ xmas
Survey- Fave Xmas film
Teen dads
Teen moms
The Skater culture revealed
What do U want 4 Xmas?
What happens at Raves?
Xmas jobs
Diversions
Book review- Clancy's Net Force
CD review/dc talk
Final Fantasy IX-game review
Leah's Column-Fall of ska music
Movie Review- The Grinch
We're not all size OO, ok?
Los Detalles
Ayudando a los Demas
El Punto de Vista de Un Padre
U.E.F.A. Champions League
Una Historia de Una Madre Adole
Una Ojeada A La Navidad
Sports
Boys Basketball
Girls Soccer
Wrestling
Boys Soccer
Girls Waterpolo
Girls Basketball
Football Rewind
Amanda Boon
by Amber Arakaki
December 15, 2000
Many students in Colton High could only dream of making changes in school. One student, however, was able to do so by appealing to the California State Board of Education to resolve the problems concerning the Colton Joint Unified District and Colton High in an exciting five day adventure to Sacramento.
Senior Amanda Boon was given the exciting opportunity to make a difference by giving the State Board a student’s perspective on the issues that affect Colton High. On November 4, Boon sped on an airplane to our state’s capital. Then, for four days, she met with other students from all over the state of California.They brought all their ideas together and formed five proposals on what they wanted to change in California’s education system. This student board, including Boon, researched day and night searching for statistics and data that would aid their presentation. On the fifth day the group proposed their ideas, and the State Board passed three of their proposals- including issues concerning text books, class sizes and teacher incentives. Boon believes that she said all she wanted to say, despite being a little nervous. “I think I did a really good job,” she says proudly.
Boon was presented by this great opportunity through her involvement in the Hoby Seminar with the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership during her sophomore year. Before-hand, she prepared for the event by interviewing teachers and students about their thoughts. “I’ve talked to teachers and administrators about class sizes, teacher salaries, lack of books, lack of funding for activities, and much more,” says Boon. Moreover, she had to pay $415 to participate and a $150 plane ticket, however, she says that it was well worth it.
Going into the conference, Boon says that she hoped to have a better understanding of how the California State Board of Education runs and decides things that affect the students. Inversely, she wanted to give them a student’s perspective so that they might understand what students go through. After the conference, she believes that these expectations have been met. Boon gained more insight from the conference, too. She found out that there are many other schools in California that are worse off than Colton High. The conference also made her realize that she wants to become a politician one day.
Boon plans to be more involved in the education system later on as well. She plans to appeal to our own Colton School District because she believes that the students’ rights are being violated because they’re not represented in Board Meetings. Boon also plans going back to Sacramento in February to appeal to the Legislative Board of Education to hopefully persuade them to make new laws concerning deeper issues . She continues to make a difference in the school system so that teachers and students can work and learn more efficiently.
Boon states emphatically, “I felt our education system needed a change, and I wanted to be a part of that change.”
ASB's Toy and Food Drive
Maya Minwary and Marisa Gutierrez
December 15, 2000
ASB conducted its annual toy and food drive during the weeks of November 13-25.
The food, money, and toy donations received will be distributed to various needy elementary school students as well as shelters.
The toy and food drive was a great success on account that ASB received numerous donations from students and teachers alike. Class competitions were held to motivate Colton High students to donate. The top four classes with the most donations were awarded a pizza party. Colton High students responded positively to the challenge and donated to the best of their ability. Students and faculty were able to raise $2,426.19 in donations and money. The top four third period classes that received the pizza party were: James Verhoeven, Holy Lacy, Steve Goodyear, and Bill Webb.
Appointed coordinators of the toy and food drive were seniors Briana Rojas and Sasha Juarez. Both coordinators were in charge of certain parts of the drive. Juarez was solely in charge of the food drive, while Rojas was in charge of the toy drive.
Both coordinators were equally optimistic about the drive, as well as the donations received.
“Thanks for all your donations! CHS has really made a difference!” exclaimed Rojas.
Love-a-lion
Brenda Quintero
December 15, 2000
Making a difference with a heart of a lion..
The Love a Lion Project was a great idea started by our very own aerobics instructor Angela Reynolds. The idea was to encourage students to use the opportunity to assist the community and change the image of our school. Not only was this a great way for our students to gain community service, but it is also an unforgettable experience. When the time in your life to give something to someone less fortunate than yourself comes, is a wonderful opportunity that shouldn’t be passed up. What better way than to help your school, your community, and your personal benefit?
You start off by selling a ticket for $15. Each ticket represents a GUND lion that will be donated to Loma Linda Children’s Hospital. In return, for each stuffed animal, the donor will receive nearly $50 in restaurant and business discounts from the Colton and Grand Terrace area.
Last year on December 14th , Colton High School students were able to deliver 344 GUND Teddy Bears to the hospital. On the day the bears were delivered 273 hospitalized chilren received bears. The remainder of the bears were used for other occasions or programs related to the hospital. Colton High School raised some money (since $5.00 from the bear or lion comes back to us) by this project we were able to donate $2,500 to Grant Elementary School Library, in Colton.
“This year our goal is to surpass last year’s and demonstrate to the rest of the communities that Colton can make an even bigger difference,” says Reynolds.
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Amy Yarnall
December 15, 2000
Think of a little girl, age nine. Her light brown hair swaying on her shoulders as she joyfully swings upon the monkey bars. Her green eyes glisten in the sun. The little girl is healthy and her spirit twinkles like Christmas lights.
Now take all of that away.
Thousands of innocent children, like her, are being taken out of their normal lives and placed amongst a group labled “cancer patients”. The types of cancer differs among each individual, but one thing still remains; the way cancer can infulence a person’s beliefs and actions, leaving some with no hope and others, a better outlook on life.
Putting a smile on a person’s face and gift-giving are deemed two of the most esteemed acts of kindness. What joy it could bring a person to know that they were able to give another one moment of unforgettable bliss. These acts of kindness are just what the “Make a Wish Foundation” does for children with cancer.
This girl is not a fictional character, but a girl that the student body of Colton High can indentify with at a much closer range. Senior Christy Hernandez is the little girl described above. The theme depicts a girl in the fourth grade who is diagnosed with a terminal disease which has the power to either make or break her.
The Los Angeles Make a Wish Foundation grants wishes to children with terminal illnesses. Over 3,500 wishes have been given out to children who fit the profile. The goal of Make a Wish is to “create a magical wish experience for the child that will last a lifetime.” Hernandez says, “All I knew about my sickness was that I had to go through a process to get better,” she looks at me and the childlike innocence is apparent in her eyes.
“You want to know about my wish?” Theres a chuckle and a smile, then Hernandez confesses, “well, I was going to meet Andrew Keegan, or spend a week on Nickelodeon’s ‘Dude Ranch’. I ended up getting a computer that broke down six months later.”
Hernandez notes that “I know people who have gone to DisneyWorld and met stars and taken pictures... that sounded really cool. But I wanted something that would last.” With Hernandez’s moms help she chose a computer. The memories Hernandez has of having all of these boxes delivered was exciting, “I didn’t know where they were coming from.”
While the wish for Hernandez didn’t turn out as grand as she had planned, Make a Wish has successfully delivered unforgettable memories for many others. Molly from Santa Monica was able to fly like TinkerBell in Disney’s Peter Pan. If Hernandez could do it all over again, she said, “ I definetly would have chosen Andrew Keegan.”
Marching Band
April Valenti and Brenda Ureno
December 15, 2000
Ask Colton High Marching Band’s Senior Drum major Shannon Comer what her most memorable moment this year in band was, and she doesn’t hesitate: “Sweeping Las Vegas this year.” Out of five sections of this competion, the Band won four sweepstakes awards, leading ahead of first place prize. They towered over bands that had up to two hundred musicians. This year they have won a cumulative total of nine sweepstakes: three in Barstow, one in Apple Valley, one in Eisenhower, and four in Las Vegas.
Being in Marching Band is no piece of cake. How hard is it? “Not only do they have to play their instruments, they have to march in step and in time. Plus they also have to do visual maneuvers with their instruments all at the same time,” says Luis Gonzalez, director of Colton High marching band. To accomplish this task marching band rehearses about a half an hour a day on their own and, during marching season, they practice two and a half hours, Monday through Thursday at school. When the fall season ends marching band musicians carry out the year in concert band where they practice seventh period.
The band consists of sixty-five people including the eight color guards, the drum major, and the thirty new members. They play a variety of instruments ranging from four different types of brass, three wood winds, and five percussions. In order to be on the marching band they have to pass an audition in March. They are required to play scale exercises, prepare music, and preform sight music, which is playing music they have never seen before. The assistant drum major, senior Justin Peck, puts it this way: “Band teaches you how to be real people. The marching band gets graduation credits. After competition season they participate in the Colton Christmas parade and the Disneyland’s Christmas parade.” In the spring they preform concerts at our school, at band festivals, and combined concerts with other schools.
“Most challenging thing is getting everyone to work together,” says Gonzalez. He has been teaching for 24 years, six of which are at Colton High. His education consists of a Bachelors degree from The University of Pacific in 1977; in 1981 he received his Masters. He is currently working on a P.h.D. and expects to graduate in June 2001. In tenth grade Gonzalez realized his passion to teach music. His high school band teacher was very inspirational in this decicion. “He loved his job and was very positive.”
Band students volunteer to be on Color Guard. They all have to play an instrument in order to play on the concert band after the marching season. Eight girls make up the Color Guard squad. Junior April Lewis, Color Guard captain, has been playing the flute and participating in Color Guard for three years. “The band and Color Guard has grown a lot together since my freshmen year. Its like we’re more of a family.”
Scholars Awards
Julie Connor
December 15, 2000
Six Colton High seniors were honored on November 9 with “The Scholars Award” for academic acheivements. This award is given to the top 1% of students in every high school in San Bernardino County. The event was sponsored by The Press Enterprise newspaper and Cal State San Bernardino. Honored were seniors Maya Minwary, Brandon Hillpot, Amber Arakaki, Sylvia Valdez, Marisa Gutierrez, and Wanda Padilla.
“It seemed like a big honor because everything was so fancy and prestigious,” commented Arakaki. Congratulations on behalf of the Pepper Bough!
Teacher Shortage
Steve Perez
December 15, 2000
New teachers roaming campus with all their materials slung over a shoulder, without a permanent classroom. Classes full of kids wanting to learn but with no assigned instructor, since the start of the year, only daily substitutes. Teachers old and new having to work during their planning period. Yes, Colton High heads into the Christmas break this year in the midst of the crisis known as the “teacher shortage.”
With two math positions unstaffed since the beginning of the year, district and school administrators alike find themselves in a frenzy to locate qualified applicants.
“We have two math positions that we cannot fill,” says Principal Jerry Almendarez. “At the beginning of the year there were two math positions, two social studies postions, two English positions and one RSP position.”
Almendarez contends the problem stems from, quite simply, a lack of qualified applicants and a sudden drop in interest in the profession of teaching. The opinions, however, on the reasons why are varied. Math teacher Bill Webb believes that above all, district admistrators hold the blame. “As far as I’m concerned,” says Webb, “the school board and the district office is to blame. It’s clear to me they haven’t made it an attractive position in terms of salary and position.”
What Webb alludes to is the pay scale of first-year teachers from Colton High in relation to surrounding high schools. New teachers wishing to become part of the Yellowjacket teaching staff would have to accept a contract for about $31,000 a year. In contrast, beginning teachers from the Rialto and Redlands can make anywhere from $35,000 to $37,000. Webb’s question is simple: “Where would any logical person wish to work?” Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that several first-year teachers quit only several weeks into this school year because of apparent stress. Not only were these first-year teachers required to teach six classes, they were also made to “roam.” When a teacher “roams” they travel from classroom to classroom throughout the day, not having a classroom to call their own and keep their materials in.
“New teachers are going to have to be displaced,” says Almendarez. “The departments came up with that policy so new teachers must roam.”
The reason for all of this is that there is also a shortage of classrooms, to compliment the shortage of teachers, thus new teachers are required to roam.
“That again is the district’s fault,” counters Webb. “They knew how many students we had returning and they knew how many we had coming in. You don’t have to be a math major to realize that we do not have enough classrooms in our current situation. Did the facilities director make this comment to the superintendent? Obviously not.”
Also helping to scare the new teachers away is a lack of prep period (period during the day when teachers don’t have to teach). Many teachers must work as much as nine hours a day; whereas, they get paid for only seven and a quarter.
“Because teachers don’t have a prep period, they must come to school early to xerox papers and stay after to tutor students and grade papers,” says Webb.
The Pepper Bough tried on several occasions to get in contact with superintendent of personnel Daniel Carrasco to get the district’s point of view on this issue. However, we could not receive any comment.
BSN: Con-Should prayer be allowed on campus?
Steve Aguilar
12-15-00What is prayer? Is it simply the act of “speaking” to a higher being? If so, then prayer itself is subjective, because in essence someone could consider the devil a higher being and choose to pray to that being. This, my friends, is where the problem of prayer in public schools lies.
When we speak of prayer, what tends to come to mind? Not Hindu prayer or Buddhist prayer, but Christian prayer. This is due to the fact that we live in a country which is dominated by the Christian faith. Because of this, any prayer that is spoken will more likely than not be a Christian one. Where does this leave any Hindus, Buddhists, or even Satanists and Non-Religious people? It leaves them in an uncomfortable position, a position that in turn might affect their ability to learn. Public schools were intended to be institutions of learning , not of worship.
What if open prayer was allowed to go on? Obviously there would be tensions among the student body because of conflicting beliefs. And these conflicts simply do not belong in a public institution. That is the reason behind the separation between Church and State.
Our forefathers learned from experience that these two separate entities don’t mix well; I really see no reason why a select few choose to ignore history and be foolhardy enough to think that prayer in schools will somehow go on without causing any sort of conflicts. I offer an example:
What would these select few do if they saw their fellow classmates dressed in black cloaks gathered around a huge cauldron chanting “Double, double, toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble”? Followed by the tossing of a sacrificial freshman into the cauldron as an offering to their god, whomever that might be.
Wouldn’t this bother them for at least part of the day thus affecting their ability to learn for that day and maybe a few more days to come?
What if someone is just as affected by Christian prayer? For all they know there could be a non-religious person who feels appalled at their prayers just as much as they feel appalled by his lack of faith.
It has could also be said that “silent” prayer would not offend anyone. However this is assuming that all the prayer that could go on at school is silent. This clearly leaves out certin non-christian groups which might not be able to pray silently.
In fact many prayers might require a loud chanting of some sort, how would the advocates of prayer respond to this? They would of course feel somewhat uncomfortable, and that would be bad.
A good example of prayer innapropriate is the type of prayer that would need to go on if The Church of Native Americans were allowed to pray in their own way. This would have to involve the consumption of payote. Payote is halusinigenic mushroom which acts much like marajauana.
It would be such a beautiful sight seeing native americans get high on school campus, wouldn’t it? Of coutrse not because school is not a place of worshop, regardless of the religion. One must learn in school, not eat and regergitate payote in it.
Which brings me to my next point. Where shall non-religious people fall in an environment where they see people openly praying? These people might feel the most uncomfortable, especially since they’re in the vast minority.
However because their numbers are few does not mean that they’re best interests should be ignored. And allowing open prayer in a place which was intended to be neutral when it comes to religion would cause just that.
I’ve mostly used extreme opposites up until now (Satanists and Christians) however Protestantism has so many divisions among itself that two different “Christian” groups might not like each other, and that is not even taking into account non-Christian religions such as Buddhists and Muslims that might also be affected.
School should be a place where students of diverse backgrounds come together and learn, not a place where they are torn apart because of their religious beliefs.
Learning in a public school needs to take place on sound “neutral” territory if students are expected to feel comfortable enough to learn and study. Let us not make the mistake of allowing open prayer in such a unique environment, doing so would only serve to taint it.
Locking the lot just leads to breakfast
Julie Connor
12-15-00
It’s 7:43 a.m. After waiting for the train for ten minutes, you’re running a bit late. You pull up to the student parking lot (the same student parking lot which you pay fifteen dollars to park in) only to find it locked. You settle for a curbside parking space and hurry around the front of the school to go in the front office. While approaching you notice a rather large group of students standing outside. As you walk past them and enter the front door, you are told that you will have to wait until third period starts until they will let you in. At this point you are more than a little pissed off as you think of the essay you are missing in your second period. You refuse to spend the next half hour standing outside in the grass. While walking back to your car, you see fellow classmates in the same predicament. As you discuss the ridiculousness of this school and its policies, together you come to a mutual decision. If you’re going to be out of class you might as well be warm and eat good food while you’re at it. So you take a trip to Denny’s.
Meanwhile, the administrators seem to overlook the growing crowd of kids outside the front office sending a silent message to the community: Yes, we would rather have our students frolicking around the streets of Colton for an hour just because they were a few minutes late than let them inside the gates where they are supervised. Yes, and why wouldn’t they want the people of Colton to know they do that to us, it’s a perfectly sensible policy. From a student’s point of view
(and I can assure you I am not alone in this standpoint), the minute they tell me to wait outside for the remainder of the hour, is right around the same time I laugh at the suggestion, mumble something about how incredibly bureaucratic this school is, and decide if I feel like an Egg Mcmuffin™ or a Grand Slam® for breakfast. This 7:30 tardy policy is in every way completely disfunctional and achieves no other purpose than the fact that by the time 7:50 rolls around you have enough students outside to have a football game.
If we can remember back to the effectiveness of the Tardy Intervention Room, well no, I guess that just wasn’t effective at all. The only difference between this new tardy policy and T.I.R is that T.I.R. was supervised. Kids still miss an entire class period and have an hour which they consider social time with their friends.
If administration is trying to prevent the driving population of this school from leaving second period to go to breakfast by locking the student parking lot, let me be the first one to say that if a person wants to get out of this school there are definately enough ways. The gates and the security guards look nice and secure but I think the old saying “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” is applicable here. What they are doing is preventing kids who are a little late from going to school.
I realize this policy is an attempt to tell us that being late is unacceptable and is a means of forcing us to get here on time, but tell me one person who doesn’t run a bit behind schedule every once in a while, I mean throw us a frickin bone here.
Hey You! Read This! (column)
Kristiana Segura
12-15-00
So Christmas time is coming and joy will fill the air, actually since we are not living in a Dr. Suess book the truth is far from the fairy tale. The air around Colton High just seems to get thicker and thicker. The dissatisfaction of the school seems to be coming from all angles. So who’s to blame? And what are we supposed to do about it?
Teachers are getting sick of subbing during their prep periods. And who wouldn’t be? It’s been said it’s all right to cover another teacher every once in a while, because the teachers know that they need help periodically; but when the office calls almost everyday, wouldn’t you get upset? And for giving up their prep period, teachers are given $17, like that would make it worth it.
So why can’t we get real subs? I’m not saying that it’s all the districts fault, because the districts around the area had made a pact to keep sub pay at $85 a day, and the other districts have raised their pay . I’m just saying that since I, see an obvious problem, shouldn’t the district see the issue as well?
And why is it that there never seems to be enough classrooms for the teachers? Some teachers don’t mind the roaming, new teachers like the fact that the teachers share rooms and, have good references. English teacher Kristen Tornero says that it is unprofessional to ask a teacher to walk around the campus all throughout the day. “You will never see that happen in business,” she went on to say. “Like, ‘yeah, we’re going to move you over to Tina’s cubicle at 9, and then Bob has a conference to go to for three hours so we’ll move you over there.’ “
It just doesn’t make sense. We need more teachers. More teachers means more classrooms, but money and space are always issues. This campus is packed.
I’m not saying that the fault lies in the hands of any individual group, I believe that it is a product of many things. So what do we do? Nothing, and that’s the problem. If all that are affected by this school acted on their dissapointment, wouldn’t something get done? When everyone stops taking education for granted, like it’s a given, and starts caring and perhaps doing something, maybe just maybe some positive changes will me made.
So what do I want for Christmas? I want people to get off their bums and do something to change what they aren’t happy with, and of course a pony and world peace.
Both Sides Now: Pro- Should prayer be allowed on campus?
Jennifer Logan, Leah Sandell, Kristiana Segura, April Valenti, Denise Alcantar
12-15-00
Imagine for a moment, the Rose Bowl. Thousands of people in the stands, ready to witness the biggest game of the year. In the locker room a professional football player bows his head in reverence to God. “Please, help us to play our best. Keep us safe today.” I can’t remember a football game this school year where our own Yellowjacket football players have not got on their knees and prayed. Whatever religion they may be, one always gets up and gives an invocation. A few clubs on campus also hold voluntary sessions. The drama club holds an organized prayer before every production, but no one is forced to participate. The girl’s soccer team, track and field and softball all lift up a prayer before they compete.
Although it is not widely known, Christians have been meeting together to pray right here on campus. There was a time about two years ago when we met at one or both lunches around the tables in a circle. Teachers and campus supervisors stop, look and sometimes join into the group. They are not allowed to lead, of course, but were encouraged nonetheless. By the end of the year, we had about 40 people in the circle. Others would stare. Some mocked us, but that was OK. We were totally unaware how much gathering together for a cause would impact the people around us.
Today, we write this article not to promote prayer back into public schools, but to challenge all who have put their faith in Jesus Christ to come together in unity. As Christians, we need to stand up for what we believe. No excuses. Praying in a public school setting, especially, is a powerful way to become stronger and utilize our faith and the power we have through Jesus. One may ask, “Why can’t you do it in the privacy of your homes or in church, why in the middle of school?” It is only one way we express ourselves. People who walk around dressed in black wearing the whitest makeup and such are expressing themselves. It’s who they are. Who is to say that Christians gathering in a circle to pray is any more offensive than people who freely express their identity? What is it that defines YOU? What makes you who you are? We as Christians on campus are simply stating a point, which is something anyone else is free to do. Nobody is forcing Christianity on you when they pray.
Speaking of freedom, let’s talk about the Constitution. Apart from just a history lesson, it guarantees us some pretty handy stuff. The First Amendment states that all people have the right to freedom of religion. Christians, as well as anyone else who wish to exercise their freedom of religion by praying or any other act, are protected under the Bill of Rights: “Congress will make no law respecting or an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”
Although the government will not allow a set religion for the entire country, they will not stop us or anyone else from practicing it.
One thing we will address that has become of particular interest to us is anti-Christian bigotry. We seem to be somewhat isolated compared to other religions in this world. If something was said discouraging Buddhists thier right to pray, that is considered discrimination. But when Christians pray, and are looked down on, everything is fine—we are just being overzealous. Discrimination is an interesting thing. People get so caught up in the persecution of Jews in Israel that we are blind to things going on in our own backyard. Recently, when a Jewish daycare center was atttacked by a gunman, wounding small children, it was considered a hate crime. When a homosexual is beaten, that is considered a hate crime. But when a small bible study in Texas is broken into and people are shot, it’s just another shooting. Why is it so different?
We are not whining about our lives as Christians by any means. We have chosen it wholeheartedly, but we are saying that most people who claim to be Christians are too apathetic.
So why don’t people care? Our society is so kicked back, it’s ridiculous. We’re always worried about where the money is going to come from next, or how much more money you have than the next person. What is it to be RICH? Bill Gates? Michael Jordan? Madonna?
Do you know that we, as Americans, are some of the richest people in the world? If you have a roof over your head, food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a bed to sleep in, you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, money in your pocket, and some change in a dish somewhere, you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthiest people.If every morning you wake up with more health than illness, you are better off than the 1 million people that will not survive this week. If you’ve never experienced the endangerment of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pains of starvation, you are better off than the 500 million people.And if you are able to attend a church meeting without harassment, arrest , torture, or death, you are better off than three billion people.
Believe it or not, America is blessed beyond the imagination of so many people. We, at Colton High, believe that, through a team effort, prayer will boost the morale and hopefully lessen violence and hate. It’s amazing what can happen with a little bit of faith. And still, there is so much more to be given.
When they cry, I cry
Amany Hajayssin
12-15-00
Do you care about what kind of a car you drive? I’m sure you do. Do you care about what style of clothing you wear? I’m sure you do.Well, when a country supplies all of our great needs and wants, we won’t have those special things if something major happens in that country.
Most of us don’t pay any attention to what’s going on in the world. If if doesn’t happen in our little Inland Empire World, we tend to ignore it. But Major world events DO have an effect on us, even here in Colton. Take our prices, for example the price of oil-which has already gone up. Take the Middle East clash for another example. Since the clash began on September 28, it has affected our stock market a great deal, because now prices have been decreasing, and we are paying more for things. (Haven’t you noticed?)
Most of the things we live on come from different countries. Toys for the kids, cars we drive, clothes we wear.
Because we usually count on other countries to always supply our needs and wants, most of us have forgotten how to do things on our own.And if we didn’t care about world events, then why do we have allies? Or why do we make business trades? Obviously if we didn’t care about the other countries, then why do we care about what they have?
Let me give you an example of why would current events affect us. I’m Palestinian and what has been going on in the Middle East has affected me a whole lot. It’s hard for me to sleep, and to keep track on things, because I’m always worried about my family and friends back home. These Mideast problems have also affected my friends, who are not Arab as I am, but Hispanic and American. Why? Because they are my great friends and they care about me. Whenever I’m hurt, they’re hurt too.
It’s just like making a big decision. Making a decision could not only affect yourself, but also those who love and care about you. Pay attention to events in the world. If you don’t you might just find them paying attention to you.
Beep! Beep! Cell phones and pagers are everywhere!
by Lisa Humphrey and Stephanie FarriorWe all know that these stylish electronic devices are not permitted at school. So why is it that we see cell phones and pagers popping up all over campus: at the lunch tables, classrooms, and even bathrooms? Perhaps because they are cute, highly available, and even inexpensive to own.
According to the Student handbook, pagers are not permitted on campus; however it is a statewide rule that all electronic signaling devices (this includes cell phones and walky talkies) are prohibited. So what do students think about this rule? “It’s riduculous, because some students need their cell phones for an emergency. I know a lot of teachers who use cell phones during class. The teachers can have them, why can’t students?” chimes senior Kristina Wood.
Teacher Anthony Hudson claims that he needs a cell phone for his other job, stating that he “Couldnt give back to the community without it.”
Okay, there are two points to this issue: that of the students, who argue they need their cell phones for emergencies, and that of teachers, who say the same. So whose priorities are more important? According to Principal Jerry Almendarez, and Hudson, the staff has more responsibilities than a typical student. “For example, I would need my cell phone if a kid gets knocked out by a soccer ball in P.E. I would need to get help,” says Almendarez. “I don’t have a problem with teahers using them (cell phones) during passing period, but if it’s during class in front of the students there’s a problem.”
You have heard us talk about cell phones, but what about pagers? As Almendarez was looking for lotion we noticed a couple of pagers he pulled out of his drawer. Apparently there is more of a problem with pagers. When caught with a pager, it is confiscated, and the student’s parent has to pick it up after school.
If students are caught with a cell phone, they are automatically suspended. “Sometimes I don’t feel right doing what I’m doing,” states Almendarez. He tries to treat every student as if they were his own son or daughter when they come into his office with a problem.”I have to enforce (the Education code) whether I agree or disagree with it”. He tries not to be a policeman.
Almanderez adds, “I would definately want my son or daughter to have a cell phone. There are some cases when we use our judgment rather than the Ed code.”
Cliques: do they define who we are?
by Charissa Six and Kristiana Sequra“Who am I?” A question that many have asked, and few have answered. Many have viewed high school as a way to “find” themselves, but sometimes it seems that they lose sight of who they are while getting caught up in the idea of who others want them to be. Since so many cannot find an answer to that ultimate question, they join a group where they can escape by following a crowd.
So what are these “crowds”? They are a team that has no logo, a group that has no initiation, a subculture that is based primarily on whether you do the things that the majority accepts. They are cliques.“I guess I belong to the ‘cool guy’ group,”- Jason Jones. “I would say gangster I guess,”- Satin Vinson. “Four to five people I know, the rest are cheerleaders, and people from my church,”- Wendy Montgomery. “Basketball, cause I play,”- Petra Kassouf.
We see them everyday, at lunch, during passing periods, different groups of people brought together for whatever reasons under whatever circumstances. Some people come to meet their social circle through other friends or siblings, some by common interests or materialistic dreams and aspirations. And even if we deny at first our own clique, deep down we know we belong to one.
The feelings of teenagers who are involved in cliques may vary, but there’s one dominating link between those seeking to find themselves, or whoever they believe everyone else wants to see. This link, this commonality between people, so seperated by high school society—although unspoken—is prevailent in teenagers, and will probably follow us throughout our lives. It is the need to fit in and be accepted. If people knew who they were, truly knew who they were, they wouldn’t “belong” to any group. If people weren’t afraid to say their opinions, or show who they might really be, there would be more idividuality found in High school. But so many people are caught up in the idea of whether or not others see them as they see themselves, or more so how they want to be seen, that they are too reluctant to cause conflict. “Maybe [who I hang out with] says that I’m not that abrasive. If I was an abrasive person I probably wouln’t be hanging out with them,” says senior Steve Perez.
As long as there are cliques there will be those people who never really fit in, those that hang out with a group, but always feel somewhat seperated from the majority. “I don’t feel comfortable . . . because it’s one of my friends cliques and I feel I don’t belong,” says junior Tonia Boughamer. But yet they stay. They stay because, frankly, people would rather be in place where they perhaps feel they don’t belong than be alone.
“Identity conflicts are more likely in a society in which fears, anxieties, and dreads lie beneath the surface,” said psychologist Erik Erikson. High school is full of all of those things, so is there really any wonder why there are so many cliques? People go where they are comfortable. It’s just the way things work. People like the idea of being accepted, and that is what inevitably forms these separate cliques.
Though many people join groups because they feel lost, lonely, the need to feel accepted by society, or because of common characteristics, many good friendships have come as a result of that conjunction. Whether it be best friends or simply someone to have a link into a clique, there are nonetheless, some friendships that consist because of trust and respect for one another. No one can deny the ultimate joy and safety from friendships. They make us laugh, and cry and all that hallmark stuff. Whether we hang out with them because of a history shared, or merely because they’re fun and enjoyable, the people we hang out with throughout high school have been refered to as our friends, at least once.
So are they your best friend or an acquaintance? Do you stay because you’re comfortable, or because you are scared to be alone? Do your “friends” allow you to be yourself, or is who you are lost somewhere between home and your lunch table?
We ask you, to stop, just for a moment, look around your lunch table, or the people that you talk to in class, and ask yourself one simple question:
“Who am I?”
Ditching, a time honored tradition
by Kim Powell and Julie ConnorIt’s a time honored, classic tradition. The one thing practically every high school student has in common; the one thing that every teacher has had to deal with. It’s what irritates parents and administrators more than anything, and yet, it’s just too much fun to give up. Yes, fellow students, ditching. Students ditch class or ditch school altogether in a quest to find something more valuable, or at least more entertaining, to occupy the time.
Let’s get one thing straight, before the forces of authority fly down for the kill. This story is not promoting or condoning ditching, nor is it a condemnation. To be habitually truant is not a good thing. We understand the frustration teachers feel, and deep down, we really are sorry, but honestly, we don’t care enough to quit. This story is just telling it like it is. Kids ditch school- they always have, and they always will.
There are many reasons that students ditch school. Perhaps the ever so important homework assignment from the night before is, ahem, unfinished. Or, there’s the grade altering test that someone forgot to study for. Psychotic teachers that stress students to the point of a nervous breakdown (Kampman from freshman year), or that simply wear on their nerves and patience, also factor into the equation. Or maybe, just maybe, there’s that something in the air - that special something that convinces people that the beach would just be a bit more fun than school on that particular day. It’s a well known fact that the latter applies particularly during the senior year. Which brings us to our next point.
Seniorfrickinitis... defined by twelfth graders as a rather enjoyable and inevitable disease which must be earned and perfected by the last year of high school. And there seems to be an ongoing epidemic. The most obvious and notorious symptom of senioritis is Senior Ditch Day. Ah, Senior Ditch Day. Such a glorious time of the year. A celebration of our youth and contempt for school and oppression. Such an innocent expression of our inner need to be spontaneous and rebellious . Yet, some teachers who feel the need to be...tight, for lack of a better ( more appropriate ) word, give horrendous assignments which cannot be made up.
We’re good kids (for the most part); every once in a while we just need to take a blasted breather. Is that such a crime? We need to smell the aroma of the salty ocean breeze, feel the soft powdery flakes at Snow Summit in between our overworked fingers. What teacher or parent did not also take this liberty at some point during their youth?
Our point: ¡Dame un chansa! Translation: Give us a break, cut us some slack, don’t get your drawers in a wad....try to understand where we’re coming from. We’re just being kids.
From España with amor
by Jennifer LoganWake up Colton High! We have some new kids on the block. Edgardo and Fernanda Cerda, newly arrived from Madrid, Spain. Edgardo, 16 and Fernanda, 17 are enjoying their senior year here, in our beautiful southern California city of Colton.
“We’ve always wanted to study here,” said Fernanda. They are currently living with their Aunt in Colton, first, because she is family and second, because their parents would never let them stay with strangers. Edgardo and Fernanda spend their time playing soccer and going to the movies. Sometimes their Aunt will get on a wild kick and say,”Get in the car, we’re going to Vegas.”
The Cerda’s outlook on the United States, so far, has been a good one. “America is very liberal,” says Fernanda. “But to us, it’s a good thing. People in Spain are so closed minded.” Predjudice is still so evident in many countries around the world.
They both enjoy the things to do here, but they also want to get out and see more. They have been to Disneyland, San Francisco and, of coarse, Las Vegas. They say that things here move very fast. Isn’t that the truth!
What about life in Spain? “Families are very close,” Edgardo said. “We plan to return home for the holidays, Christmas, New years, and then come back here for the rest of the school year.” In Spain, they also celebrate a holiday held on the sixth of January called the Coming of the Maji (loosely translated in English). On the night of the sixth, a loaf of bread is baked with a tiny plastic baby hidden inside of it. They cut the bread and whoever gets the slice of bread with the baby that evening cooks dinner for the whole family.
Sunday’s are family days in the Cerda’s community. Going to church, the plaza (here we call it “the mall”), or to see “Los Toros en Las Ventas” (bull fighting), or to a soccer game. Both Edgardo and Fernanda enjoy playing soccer and play in their free time.
Roylaty is also something that Spain upholds. They have a King, Juan Carlos I, a Queen, Sophia and a prince, Juan Carlos II who is “unmarried,” Fernanda remarks. Yes, we all know who the Spanish girls are dreaming about. The Changing of the Guard is also something that people may go and watch in Madrid. It’s very similar to the Changing of the Guard in Washington D.C. that happens every hour or so.
For fun, Edgardo and Fernanda went to night clubs and had fun with friends. But actually getting in to the club is a whole other adventure. The dress code is highly enforced, making both guys and girls wear flashy and expensive clothes—Armani, Calvin Klein, Paco Rabbanne, Hugo Boss, Prada, or Zara. If you are not dressed the way guard at the door sees fit, or if you are just plain “ugly”, you won’t be able to enter the club at all that night. “It’s sad, but it’s really funny,” said Fernanda. “Some people try to get in every weekend and they’re rejected every time. This may go on for months.”
Cappuccino and other coffee drinks are also popular in Madrid. The Coffee Factory is the hang-out on Fridays after school. Sushi is popular among girls, wine with cheese is consumed commonly as well as expensive meats. Madrid can closely be related to our Hollywood in the way they eat and dress.
The Cerdas have been to London, England, Rome, Italy and also Florence. “It’s beautiful over there,” said Fernanda. But while they’re here in California, Edgardo and Fernanda would like to attend some rock concerts. Radiohead, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Madonna are some favorites. They would also like to drive and see other states and check out colleges to attend. If they find one here they like, they will continue schooling in the U.S.
Hidden places on campus hold secrets
by Ashley JayTo us Colton High Students, this campus seems boring and average. Little did we know this school contains little hidden secrets in just about every corner. What secrets lurk beneath the bowels of this hallowed and legendary institution? After all, the place is almost 100 years old. Who knows what we would find? The Pepper Bough decided to find out.
We started off the morning by meeting up with head custodian and “keeper of the keys” J.R. Fisher. We asked him to show us any places that “we weren’t supposed to see.” (basements, storage rooms, etc.) We started off in the music building, where we were led down a stair way to a locked door. Being a door that I pass every day, I started to have doubts about any interesting contents. When opened we found a room full of old dusty band trophys.Some dating back as far as 1938 ,and some taller than me.
Next Stop: The science hall. This is the oldest building on campus, outlasting many others which are no longer here. Built during the 1930s, despite its historic appearance, it looks like an every day science building. What you see is what you expect...right? Wrong...the building was once Colton high’s cafeteria. The door that for years I thought was a closet, opened up revealing a dark winding stair way. At the end of about ten steps, there are three doors. One leads to a closet (now used for storage), and one is a closing to an outside passage that formed only a small room. The most interesting was the room that was once a student bathroom and now a storage for a collection of Colton yearbooks.
At the bottom of the second set of stairs we found the real treasures, boxes of our very own long lost Pepper Bough awards along with a very old day to day document of the All Girls League from 1938.
On to the Whitmer Auditorium, completed in the mid 1950s. We were shown a steep set of stairs that we were unable to climb for safety reasons. J.R filled us in. The stairs lead to a set of rafters that leads to a screen positioned above the stage. Students used this for spotlights.
Rumor has it that there’s even a pool on top of the McIntosh Gym...hmmm.
If you’re interested in finding out more about our school’s history, I suggest contacting history teacher Scott Klemm for assistance. Klemm has led historic tours around the campus, and is in charge of archiving old issues of the newspaper and maintaining the campus historical museum, located in Room 256.
New teacher braves the hardships of CHS
by April valentiAs everyone on campus most likely already knows, Colton High’s having a little teacher shortage and teachers are coming to the rescue. These teachers are willing to help expand the academic ability of fellow Coltonoids. One particular teacher is practically fresh from college and coming from the far land of the Southern states to aid us. Her name is Jodi Beckworth.
Beckworth comes froma south town called Barnsville. She went to a private academy and graduated in 1994. Jeremy Beckworth, her high school sweetheart (and now husband) attends medical school in Loma Linda.
Being so young, it can be surprising to find out everything this new teacher has experienced. When asked where was the most interesting place she has traveled to, she responded “Europe, [basically] Italy, Paris, Spain, Switzerland and Germany. I got the trip as a graduation gift for the troubled youth of the area consisting of 34 students.” Although she is a biology major, she also has taught history and English as well as being the counselor of these students. She eventually was promoted to principal position after the former principal became overwhelmed and decided to quit.
Beckworth says she “even chose Colton over Redlands High” because she “wants to help the students here.” She also commented, “I really like the kids, and the staff is great. You are lucky to have [Almendarez] as a principal. He is really going to pull the school up.” It seems though, her only problem is one many of us have also, lunch. She hates having only half an hour for lunch. For example, she feels that once she gets her food, finds a place to eat, she has to get up and return to the classroom.
This might help to understand how much she identifies with teenagers. She enjoys Pop-rock, Christian music, and even listens to 97.5 “La Super Estrella”. She likes to listen to such Latin artists such as Shakira and Elvis Crespo. She enjoys action, comedy, and suspense movies and she just can’t get enough of “My Best Friend’s Wedding”. In her free time
she enjoys rollercoasters and has gone indoor skydiving where they use a giant fan to lift you 20 feet into the air...she is still unsure if she’ll ever go real skydiving though.
This young teacher that has been reading since she was three, is making a great addition the the Colton High staff and will definitly aid in our uprising in success.By the way, she doesn’t think the number 13 is unlucky.
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Some people don't celebrate Christmas
by Denise AlcantarIt’s that time of year again. Bring out the Christmas lights; trees, decorations,music and the most anticipated...presents!.The atmosphere and mood becomes so joyful. Everyone has very busy schedules and many different things to think about. One thought I’m sure rarely comes into the minds of people: what about the people who don’t celebrate Christmas? How do they feel at this time of year? I asked this exact question to a fellow student, (who wishes to remain anonymous). She explained to me her dad doesn’t really have a dedicated religion.Her mom on the other hand,happens to be a Jehovah’s Witness. So using her words, she’s basically,”stuck in the middle.” She and her family do not celebrate Christmas due to her mother’s religion. She said the religion (Jehovah’s Witnesses) basically does not celebrate Christmas because they think it is a worldly non-religious event,that just happens to take place once every year.
She also exclaimed that there’s no proof in the Bible about (the meaning of Christmas) Jesus’s birth, and also says nothing about celebrating anything on December 25. Her mother and family feel very strong about this. She also added that they strongly believe there shouldn’t be one specific/marked day that everyone buys and asks for gifts. People should give gifts any day they feel like it, not because on one certain day ,everyone says to or says that you have to. When asked how she feels about not being able to celebrate Christmas, staring at me and slowly shaking her head, she replies, “I don’t mind.” She said she doesn’t really think about it and therefore does not care. I proceeded to ask her: if she could have one chance to celebrate Christmas, would she? She answered,” yes.” She replied she would if she knew nothing about the religion, because then she would not know what she knows now.
After hearing what she said, some people might think they are privileged to get to celebrate Christmas; others might think “wow, I’ve never thought of that before,” and might question themselves on their reasons they have for celebrating Christmas.
I also talked with fellow sophmore Estela Diaz. She and her family are also Jehovah’s Witnesses. She seemed very strong about her feelings towards Christmas. She believes the history of Christmas came from pagan ideas. (using holly,mistletoe,other stuff which they worshiped) whuich she does not agree with or believe in. She sided with the former student in that she believes that there should not be just one certain day that people ask for or buy gifts for people,and is pretty much a must instead of being nice. She feels that you shouldn’t give gifts because you have to ,but because you want to and feel like it,which can be done any single day of the year. I also asked her if she had the chance to celebrate Christmas, would she? Her response was no, she replied that she feels like she’s missing out on nothing. She says she would still feel like that if she had nothing to do with her religion. Hearing some reasons and feelings of students here at Colton High School who do not celebrate Christmas may change the way you feel about celebrating ,if you do, or it may not. Either way two students had the time to share their thoughts and feelings about not celebrating Christmas. It made me more aware of the very diverse world we live in, wether it has to do with race, color, language or even....celebrating Christmas.
Jackets reveal all time fave Xmas films
by Renee NegreteWhat is your favorite all-time Christmas movie? According to a survey taken here at Colton High, many student’s favorite movies are found to be not only contemporary and comical but traditional and classical as well. One example of a contemporary film is the new release, Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
The Grinch is the students favorite movie because it is not only hilarious, but also life like. Junior, Angelica Miranda says, “It looked so real. I liked it better than the cartoon.” Some other popular choices were movies like, Home Alone and The Santa Clause. Home Alone is a movie about a boy who is left home alone during Christmas time, and while there, outwitted a couple of notorious robbers. The Santa Clause was a movie about “Santa” falling off the roof of a house. The owner, actor Tim Allen, takes his place and proves that Santa is a real person.
The over all totals are listed as follows: The Grinch coming in at 40% with the popular vote, The Santa Clause coming in with 15%, Home Alone coming in with15%, Jingle All the Way with 10%, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation with 10%,and Beavis and Butthead Do Christmas with a not so big 5%, The Nightmare
Student Fathers--the other side of the Infant Center
\by Paul Lopez“Where are the fathers?”
A teenage mother is easy to come by on this campus, but with so many babies and mothers it would make you think that there is something missing in the picture. For senior Brian Hernandez, being the only father on grounds he is unknown to some as being a father. Angel Gomez is an graduate father at the age of seventeen and knows about the responsibilities of being a father as well. Both had a lot to say about teen fatherhood.
“Being a teen father comes with the separate responsibilities of both raising and supporting a child,” says Hernandez. The responsibilities of supporting their children mean getting a job and bring the money home to feed and clothe the babies.
Hernandez’s views the mother as the one who has the most responsibility in the relationship. He feels that the mother has the tiring job of taking care of the child while the father has the time off to go to work and get away from it all. Gomez believes that it’s on both mother and father. Financially the father has control; the mother has it in taking care of the child.
“When there is a baby around that all your attention has to be on the child,” Gomez says. There is a lot less time for the parents to go out like they used to before they had a child. Most of the time they will leave the baby with its grandparents or aunts and uncles to go out to see a quick movie or something. When it comes to school, Hernandez wants to attend school and be able to be close to his son.
Knowing that the mother would naturally want to be close to her child and know that it is safe at all times is a given. But with Hernandez, the tables have been turned. He has the full responsibility of caring for the child because the mother attends school at Pacific High. Pacific offers an infant center, but both mother and father think that “it’s ghetto” with the type of people at the school. They wanted to be sure that their son was in good hands. They both found it easier for the child to stay here at Colton High “with daddy” so that mommy wont have travel a long way to get to school.
Unlike Hernandez, Gomez has to care and support another child that is not his. Before he came along his girlfriend had a baby from another man that happened to not be faithful after some time. Gomez loves the other child, that is now three years old, as if he were his own.
What do you think it takes to be a father? To both they feel it takes being able to stand up to the responsibilities of raising and supporting the child and not running off on the mother. These guys would never leave their girls alone on their own to support the child. Hernandez knows how it feels to take care of a baby and would not want the mother to feel the frustration. He is on a quest to be a better father than his own. Gomez is not thinking of leaving the mother and if he does he would still support the child.
Teen Moms have a tale to tell
by April Valenti and Jennifer LoganAfter the first time I ever held my daughter, I hugged my mom and apologized for all the crap I put her through,” says senior Amber Baker. “I wish I would have listened to her before this happened.”
The United States has the highest rates of teen pregnancy and births in the western industrialized world. Although the percentages are slowly decreasing, girls and boys are still making decisions to, at least, become sexually active, whether the girls become pregnant or not. Based on statistics and recent polls, the majority of both teen boys and teen girls who are sexually active wish they had waited until they were ready.
“Don’t have sex. Wait. Once you get in, there’s no way out,” says Baker. Baker has a 2-year-old daughter, Alyssa, and continues to attend Colton High School with the help of the Infant Center here on campus. She got pregnant when she was 14 years old, and is one of the 1/3 of teen-aged girls in the U.S. who, in becoming pregnant, give birth and stay in school. “It’s been really hard,” she says.
Teen mothers are less likely to complete high school where only 1/3 receive a diploma. Statistics also show that almost 80% of un-married teen-aged mothers are more likely to end up on welfare if they drop-out.
Terry Yanez, the Infant Center Supervisor, sees these girls’ day-to-day struggles. “They have to prove twice as much to people around them that they can succeed [if they want to] and work twice as hard. They have another life to take care of.” But taking this class also helps them to develop, not only the proper child-rearing skills they need, but household chores and responsibilities. “All of the girls are required to learn First Aide training and C.P.R,” says Yanez. “The class builds their self esteem and it’s more of an incentive for them to go on to college and continue their education.”
Discrimination against teen moms does exist, as addressed in our last issue’s article, Teen Mothers on Campus Get No Respect. Girls are treated like they are unwelcome. But they have every right to finish their education despite their decision to have a child. “It’s like they’re being punished,” says principal Jerry Almendarez. Almendarez remembers a time before the Infant Center existed, when a girl became pregnant she was sent to a place called The Cottage and “isolated” in a sense, from society. “The Infant Center is a productive way of helping the mothers and the babies,” he says. Some people now think that having the Infant Center right here on campus as more of a help rather than a hindrance to teen moms. But others still see it as an incentive for girls to get pregnant and count on the fact that Colton High has its own built-in day care center.
Students who are actually in the center, whether they are a parent or not, see it in a different light. Senior David Camarena is a non-parent, but takes Parenting Lab as an elective. He is able to have first hand contact with the children as well as many other duties involved. “I thought it would be an easy class,” he says. But after the first quarter it was “far from it”. Camarena sees exactly what the girls go through in caring for a child. By taking the class, Camarena feels that he relates to the teen mothers—changing diapers, feedings, calming kids down when they cry (which may take hours), folding laundry, vacuuming—and that’s only a taste of the bigger picture. At home is worse! “These moms work hard,” says Camarena.
Something addressed in last issue’s article was the fact that some people just can’t control their “animal instinct” when it comes to making the decision to have sex. It’s fun, exciting, however you want to put it. But just to get the facts straight, instinct and self-control can co-exist, and self-control would be a more accurate factor in these delicate circumstances, rather than their natural instinct.
Baker, among may other teen-moms, admitted that choosing to have sex before she was “ready” had its consequences. “I wish I would have waited until someone more important came along,” she says. One example of her consequences is that she gave birth in a hospital. Including her $500 epideral, total costs on the insurance bill were $25,000. And that’s not including cost for diapers, clothes, food, etc.!
But regardless of the mistake, a life was brought into the world. “It’s a reality check for them,” says Yanez. “It’s not as easy as it looks and any of these girls will admit that. Wait until you know what love is.”
Baker regrets not being more cautious, but not that she, now, has a sweet little girl to go home to. “I think God brought Alyssa to me for a reason. I was so confused before and she’s helped me turn my life around. I know that everything I do affects her and so, I’m back on the right track. I know what I need to do.”
Amber is a straight “A” student, a varsity cheerleader, president of the C.H.I.C club and Peer Assistance, and a two-year, part-time worker at Stater Brothers.
She plans to attend La Sierra University in Riverside in the fall of next year and then to go on to Loma Linda University and major in Sports Medicine, planning a good life for both herself and Alyssa.
“I love my daughter - she’s my life.”
Skater Culture: a study
by Kim PowellWe’ve all seen it; the small white sign emblazeded with big red letters: NO SKATEBOARDING. We’ve seen these signs plastered everywhere—libraries, schools, supermarkets, even parks. Skateboarding has been around for over thirty years, and yet, boarders are still discriminated against in everyday society. Because of the public bias against these kids, skateboarding has gotten a bad rap. Well, starting now, the record is going to be set straight. So here’s the lowdown on the skater scene.
Skateboarding started back in the ’60s, but didn’t really get popular until the 1980s. Skateboarding was for the ’80s what surfing was for the ’60s. Something new, somewhat rebellious, a means of getting around and looking “cool”. Throughout the ’90s, skaters changed in appearance and style. They were no longer Ferris Bueller lookalikes in Converse and cuffed blue jeans, rocking out to Guns N’ Roses and Motley Crue.
They threw out the butt-huggers and threw on the baggies, which absolutely refused to cover their rear views whatsoever. The Chucks and Poison T-shirts were replaced with skate shoes and shirts bearing logos of skate wear companies.
Yes, that’s right—skate shoes. Shoes made especially for skating; shoes with a more rounded, compact shape, with tons of padding and cushion to protect poor little skater tootsies. Countless shoe companies have come about, marketing tons of different shoes. DVS, Osiris, DC, Duffs, Globes.... Some become popular, some don’t. Some become too popular and suffer being dubbed “trendy”. Ouch. To be the poser brand is not a good thing. Shirts and sweatshirts, hats, even socks flag other skate brands. These companies make boards and sponser skaters.
To be sponsored is a good thing. Sponsors will take care of you and send you on tours with other skaters. The December issue of Thrasher, a skateboard magazine, contains a feature on a team of sponsored skaters, the New Deal team, and their tour to Colorado. Some were from around the U.S., one was from Australia, and Fabrizio Santos, came from Brazil. Tours and competitions are always full of foreign skaters. Skateboarding is not just American based.
However, it’s not just the image and the professional level that’s changed in skateboard sub-culture. The reason that skating has escalated to a professional level is that the style and intensity has changed. The skill level among skaters has long surpassed the sidewalk ollies of the ’80s Saved By the Bell crew. Kids use pipes, hydrants, stairway handrails, and anything else that might serve as some new challenge. Kickflips, backsides, nosegrinds.... just a few tricks that might be thrown here and there. But this isn’t always allowed in most areas. Here’s where that blasted sign comes in. Here’s where public rules and enforcement come in.
In the eyes of most of the older generation, skaters are viewed as rebels and delinquent kids, out to get in the way of the public and destroy city property with their reckless behavior. These kids are hassled constantly by local cops and businesses. A local Redlands skater, known simply as Jessie, has had frequent run-ins with the police. “I got guns pulled on me in L.A.,” he laughs. “We were at the public library and like, 30 cops pulled up on us with shotguns.” Just for skateboarding.
The point is, skateboarding isn’t about setting out to make old people miserable. It’s about having a good time. It’s about cutting loose and kicking back, or even just something to do when life gets boring. It’s about pushing limits, breaking records, learning new things. Unlike most popular sports, skateboarding isn’t a team effort. It’s a solo deal where the only competition is yourself, and what you haven’t done yet. There are no rules, no limits, and nothing that can’t be done. It just depends on how far the individual is willing to go. Falls happen. Crashes happen. Breaks happen.
Rudy Felix, age 12, knows all about injury. “I got hit by a car........ like three times,” he says, somehow managing a smile. “I had to go to the hospital, and about a month later, I sprained my ankle and my wrist.” Ray Jones, 18, was also hit by a car, and had metal rods placed in both of his broken legs. He also took a spill while jumping stairs, and suffered a minor brain hemorrhage. Jessie, 19, broke his ankle, and “jacked up both [his] ribs”. Cuts and bruises may not be the general public’s idea of stellar accomplishment, but then again, the general public’s opinion doesn’t rank too high on the priority lists of these kids. Once they heal, they try again.
With all the city restrictions, hassle from cops, and the tendency to mangle valuable body parts, one might wonder why these kids continue to do what they do. “It’s addictive”, says Jessie. “It’s like crack, you always want the rush”. Pretty much everyone had the same answer: they like skateboarding because it’s fun.
All I Want for Christmas is...
by Jason Jones and Steve PerezIt’s Christmas time and it is time to collect. Christmas is a time of giving and also a time of receiving. It’s time to know what all you want for Christmas. “All I want for Christmas is a letter of acceptance from the University of California Riverside”, said senior Chastine Dizon. What happened to the good old toys that we used to play with? The G.I Joes for the guys and Barbies for the girls? Well we’re all grown up now and while some of us have more important things to attend to, we polled eight students who managed to retain some Christmas humor:
“I want a nice, big, muscular man, with dark hair, pouty lips, and I want him to jump out of a box wearing nothing but a bow tie.” -Senior Megan Reiter
“I want a big quesadilla, with soy sauce... and five pencils.” -Junior Krista Kizler
“I want to share a big bowl of nacho cheese with Megan Reiter” - Senior Joe Hernandez [Joe would probably rather share a bowl of nacho cheese with Megan’s sister Nicole -Staff]
“All I want for Christmas is a quesadilla presser, because I’m white and I don’t know how to make them” - Senior Julie Connor
“I want a new hairdo” - Senior Kevinn Pinkney
“I want a girl to actually talk to me for once” - Senior Richard Underwood
“For Christmas, all I want is a letter of acceptance from RCC” -Senior Kristiana Segura
“All I want this Christmas is to graduate” - Senior Meagan Eveland
What really happens at a RAVE?
by Ismael ZamoraLights flashing, people dancing, music pounding, and thousands arriving are the main things you’ll be seeing at a rave. But what other great, strange and unusual things really go on during a rave? I am here to tell all.
Many people that I have spoken to of both older and younger age groups believe that a rave is nothing but a place to take drugs and act stupid, which is not true at all.
Usually people of an older age group really disapprove of a rave because of what happens to young kids; a lot mainly disagree because it has been known that teens take large amounts of mind expanding drugs. Mostly what happens is from an older persons perspective is that they mainly hear the bad things that happen at raves or see what happens from news stories and that is why you hear the negatives spoken about raves and why older people disapprove of them.
But people never hear about the positive things that go on during raves. I’ve been to raves, and from the stuff I’ve seen people really go there for one thing, and that’s to celebrate the greatness of music. Of course there are the certain few people who just go there for the drugs, but very few; other than that it’s all about the music. It is mainly underground music that normal day radio people have never even heard of.
Yes, drugs are a main factor for a rave. To ignore this would be ignoring the truth. The drugs used at a rave range from Weed, to Acid, to the main powerful one “X” or “E” (also known as Ecstasy,) cigarettes and alcohol. But not a lot of alcohol; people at raves really don’t think alcohol mixes with an event such as a rave; they feel it brings you down, making you tired, not enjoying the festival; that is why they turn to other drugs keeping you very awake and very active.
For a first time encounter of exploring a rave, I thought it to be a very great experience, enjoying every last minute of it. Yes, the music was loud and yes, certain people were on some kind of substance; but there was no hate of any kind , everyone was looking out for each other, and security was cracking down on people who were trying to sell drugs. Other than that it was a safe and peaceful place generally the bad things that you hear are over exaggerated by the people who don’t approve of festivals like a rave.
I have spoken to a regular raver, senior Nelson Gomez, who says, “over the last year and half raves, to me, have been a peaceful gathering of kids having fun and expanding their mind by listing to the sounds of music.”
So if you ever want to experience somthing new and appreciate under ground /electronic music, then a rave is what you need.
Christmas break offers jobs
by Napa Utrapironmsik and Amy CarilloWorking during winter break?! Believe it or not tons hundreds of establishments are hiring for seasonal employment. So why are people working over Christmas break? To earn money for this happy yet expensive time of the year.
Working during the Christmas holiday does have its benefits, though. There isn’t the responsibility of holding down a job and keeping up with all of your school work. “How can receive this thing called ‘seasonal job’?” Well you can start by inquiring different establishments on whether or not they have openings. Whether you want to be Santa’s little elf or just a gift wrapper, it’s guaranteed that you’ll find that job if you just go out and get information. It is a good idea to go on your little “job hunt” about mid-October.
Junior Erika DeLa Torre took up one of the many opportunities out there for seasonal employment and was hired on the spot in JCPenny’s gift wrapping department in the Carosel Mall.When asked about he job she states, “It’s ok; but hey, it brings home the bacon.” One of the many perks in having a seasonal job is that your temporary job can turn into a permanent one.
However, it is not all fun and games, it is a job and it is to be taken seriously. Having a job does cut into your shopping times dramatically, and this happy season can easily become a nightmare. Think of all the hustle and bustle out there in those malls and all the demanding parents that need the Power Puff Girls’ dolls.
If you intend on getting a seasonal job but have not searched for one yet, “GOOD LUCK.” Most seasonal jobs are filled by the beginning of November. Hopefully you have some good ideas for next year, and Congratulations to all our “Seasonal Workers” at Colton High School.
Book Review: Tom Clancy's Breaking Point
by Kim PowellFor those of you who high-tech net junkies and science fiction lovers, have I got a book for you. You want action? This book has action. Blood and gore? It's got it's fair share of that too. This book even has a little bit of romance, if that's what you're looking for. So what is this book, anyway, you might ask? The book, my friends, is Breaking Point, the newest story in Tom Clancy's Net Force series.
The story is set in the year 2010, and computers are the world's superpowers. Those who have computer power have world power. To prevent that power from falling into the wrong hands, Congress has created a high-tech computer security agency centered within the FBI. That agency is Net Force, and its commander is Alex Micheals, who is informed that some very interesting Airforce-Navy material has been accessed and downloaded. That "material" being an atmospheric weapon involving low frequency wave generation. Put simply: mind control. Technology has gone too far, and fallen into the wrong hands. And testing has begun.....
Breaking Point is, at first, a very complicated book. Although the actual heart of the story revolves around Micheals, there are various characters involved as well. Each chapter tells a part of the story through the viewpoint of another character. To make it even more complex, there are "sub-chapters" within the chapters, so you may get four different points of view within a single chapter. However, eventually the seperate characters come together, and all the seperate information connects and makes sense. Once the adjustment is made, the different characters actually make the book more interesting, because the separate view points cause plot twists and trick the reader.
Without wanting to give too much away, the book entails such things as power struggles, mind control, technological warfare, espionage, assassins, and, of course, world domination.
Interested yet? This is definetely a book worth setting aside time to read. It covers every reader interest and would appeal to just about anyone. Sure, it's a bit long, (352 pages, to be exact), but hey, most good stories are, right? The point is, Breaking Point is an excellent book, and absolutely worth reading
.Kim’s Rating:
**** (four out of five stars)
CD review: DC Talk
by Maya MinwaryWith so many albums released this year, this month alone dc Talk has done it again...they've made another CD that's sure to top the charts and become certified gold or platinum. This time it's with their eleventh album, Intermission: The Greatest Hits.
After taking a year off from their supernatural tour, Toby McKeehan, Kevin Max, and Michael Tait came together early this year to produce this long, anticipated album that was released on November 2 1. This greatest hit CD includes songs from their three previous albums: their Grammy winning Free At Last, certified double platinum Jesus Freak (one of the best album out there which would explain why most of the songs were from this album), and the critically acclaimed Supernatural. The album also includes two remix versions of their song: "Say The Word," and "The Hardway," and two new brand recordings: "Sugar Coat It," and "Chance." Intermission: The Greatest Hits is among the long line of greatest hits albums being produced by various Christian artists this year; Newsboys' greatest hits CD was just released this October, and Audio Adrenaline is being set to release theirs sometime early next year.
After 12 years of making music together dc Talk still hasn't lost their touch of making God's word relevant, and appealing to a wide variety of audiences. They still have that unique mixture of rap, rock, and pop that makes Christian music definetley not what grandma's used to listening to. Intermission: The Greatest Hits totally rocks! It's sure to become another hit for dc Talk and makes the perfect Christmas present for your friend, brothers, sisters, or yourself :)
Coloumn: Playing at the STation
by Marisa GutierrezChristmas came early to all the hardcore gamers this year. Squaresoft graced us hungry RPGers with the release of the highly anticipated Final Fantasy IX last November, and this gift received a joyous reception from all the FF junkies; including myself.
Looking back on the other games in the phenomenal Final Fantasy series, we come to realize that these games are always breaking new ground in the RPG universe. Final Fantasy IX is no different, in fact, this new epic has actually topped its predecessors in every way imaginable.
The graphics are some of the best that we will ever see on the Playstation console. The CG story sequences are stunning, vibrant, and some of Squaresoft's best work. The characters and environments are virtually detailed to the point of perfection. Finally, to add to the impressive visuals, series composer Nobuo Uematsu skillfully blends magnificent music to create the whimsical atmosphere of Final Fantasy IX.
I have saved the best, most compelling aspect of FFIX for last-the epic tale. If you didn't already know, FFIX takes the look and feel back to its roots, emphasizing the traditional fantasy style rather than the futuristic style of FFVII and VIII.
You begin the game as a 16 year-old bandit named Zidane Tribal, who ultimately finds himself on a quest to understand the origin of life and the relationship between body and soul. To accompany Zidane on his journey toward enlightenment is a lovable cast of seven other characters, each with their own hopes, dreams, and goals.
The story is a very exceptional aspect of this game. The story is so deep, and the characters are developed so well, that even the most cynical video game critic couldn't help falling in love with FFIX.
Even though this is the last installment of the Final Fantasy series to grace the Playstation, it is certainly worthy of praise.
Without a doubt I could proclaim that Final Fantasy IX is the best FF game in a long time.
Musik Column: by Leah SandellI decided to write a little story with symbols and metaphors to try to explain better what I'm about to say. So keep in mind this is all fiction.
Our story begins in 1900(s) B.M.(Before Mainstream) at a show somewhere in Orange County. The MC for the night was Julius "SKA"sar (ska). The crowd really dug him. They were skankin' like never before! There was no tone muchin' or bone crunchin' just some of that good old midget punchin'. He was amazing! He knew all the right bands to play, like the Specials, Wishbone, Five Iron Frenzy, Bimskalabim (and not to mention he could really skank). Him and his good friend "Rude"ark Antony(the rudies; rude boys and rude girls) skanked the night away.
All the while a man named "Media"us Cassius(the media) saw Julius "Ska"sar and ideas started twisting in his head. He then deceived a well-liked and envied guy named "trendy"us Brutus into thinking that Julius "Ska"sar didn't want to go mainstream so the people would be unable to enjoy ska(but really he didn't want it to go mainstream because he knew that the media would play it out and kill it). So, while Julius "Ska"sar was bustin' some mad skankin' moves, "media"us Cassius and "Trendy"us Brutus killed(or played out) Julius "Ska"sar. What "Trendy"us Brutus thought would make things better, only made things worse, and ska fell with Julius "Ska"sar (this was also known as The Rise and Fall of the SKA Empire). But Julius' friend, "Rude"ark Antony saw this and avenged Julius "Ska"sar by keeping ska alive for those who weren't only in it for the trend.
What I'm really trying to say threw this story of symbols and metaphors(and if you caught it a little satiric humor) is that ska was there before it was "in" or "trendy" and it's still here. Like Odie Haiston said, "Ska will always live!" Which is true, as long as there's somebody to enjoy it, it will always live. Even though after it became a fad it might have seemed to have faded. But, there still are some devoted "rudies" who won't let the media tell them what's in and what's not, but just love ska. People listened to it before it was in, and will continue to listen to it.
Film Review: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
by Lindsay GrahamThis holiday season Ron Howard brings Dr. Seuss' classic story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, to life. The infamous Jim Carrey stars as the Grinch, and newcomer Taylor Momsen plays the sweet and adorable Cindy Lou Who.
In this comedy, the audience sees the basic storyline, as well as some extra twists. Little Cindy Lou does her research and discovers interesting facts of the Grinch's childhood in Whoville. She finds that due to the cruel jokes of his fellow classmates and the seemingly unmutual love he has towards Martha May (Christine Baranksi), the Grinch ran into an isolated cave that sits high above Whoville.
As the classic goes, the Grinch then gets his revenge on the town by stealing Christmas. At first look, this seem's like a disaster, but through the help of little Cindy Lou both the Grinch and the town of Whoville, realize the true meaning of Christmas.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas was a hilarious movie with great imagination. This could easily be called one of Carrey's best performances yet. You leave the theater with a smile on your face, and in the mood to go get a Christmas tree.
In short, this movie is well worth your time and money.
We're not all size 00!
by Megan HoldenAccording to recent health studies, if Barbie was a real person she wouldn't be able to walk, she'd have to crawl around to get somewhere, because her proportions are so unrealistic. And did you know that if the mannequins in stores were real they would be too thin to have their menstrual cycle, causing infertility and/or birth defects? Society creates these unrealistic images that women everywhere try to imitate, ultimately leading to decisions leading to anorexia, bulimia, depression, and eventually even suicide. Stores are also responsible for this, they too seem to think that the "normal" woman is thin and between the sizes of 00-5. It's just not true. I am a normal girl, I play sports, I enjoy having fun - hanging out with friends, just like anyone else, except that I'm not a size 5 or smaller.
Ok, now here's my point: since I cannot fit into a size 5, and definitely not anything smaller, I have to visit anywhere between five to ten stores just to find a pair of pants in my right size! I'm not saying that stores ONLY carry sizes between 00 and 5, I'm simply saying that stores don't seem to carry as many larger sizes as smaller ones. It's not right that, when ordering clothes, stores order a majority of small sizes, because that's society's idea of what every women is and/or should be. I'm happy with my body the way it is, I shouldn't have to change it just to find a pair of pants that fit. I mean, if stores only carried clothes in the larger sizes the thin people that fit into the small sizes wouldn't gain weight to fit into them, right? Some people are just made to be thin and others diet to be thin. Some people might be naturally larger, or they don't care to diet.
I think that our society today is hypocritical. America is famous for it's thin models. They're everywhere you look - go to a movie and there's thin women playing the lead or promoting it, same with the television and magazines. I don't understand how society can keep showing us all of the same type of people (thin and beautiful), but yet they SCREAM the ever famous quotes "Everybody is different" or "No two people are alike, be comfortable with who you are," "It's what's inside that counts!" If that is really true then we should have models in various shapes and sizes, not just the thin ones. Stores should carry larger sizes, because, after all, "No two people are alike."
If you're happy with the way you look then that's all that should matter. You are "normal" by being yourself.
Ayudando a los Demas¡Hola Mechistas! Si han estado atendiendo las juntas de M.E.Ch.A. seguramente ya saben del calendario de eventos para esta mes de Deciembre. Si tienen preguntas hagan el favor de communicarse con cualquiera de los officiales de M.E.Ch.A. Para los que no saben lo que M.E.Ch.A.(Movimiento Estudiantil de Chicanos Aztlan) representa, este es un club en la escuela en donde nosotros los hispanos representamos a nuestra raza y nos dedicamos ayudar en la communidad. Tambien nos reunimos para demonstrarles a la communidad y a los demas clubs que somos jovenes activos y que podemos hacer una differencia. Este club se reune cada jueves despues de la escuela en el cuarto 504. Una vez al mes tambien nos reunimos con los Mechistas de otras escuelas locales y de la nacion.
Los planes de este mes son: Juntarnos con NHS y ayudar a cozer almuadas para los niños con cancer de Loma Linda Childrens Hospital, participar en el desfile mas famoso del mundo, el Pasadena Rose Parade y no se olviden que ahora es la fiesta de navidad en la casa de Sal y Maria Lopez. Ayi nos veremos. ¡Feliz Navidad y prospero año nuevo! ¡Herman dice que coman muchos tamales!
El Punto de Vista de Un PadreBrian Hernandez, un studiante de Colton High School que atiende al grado 12, es un estudiante como cualquier otro, pero lo que aveces lo differencea es que es un padre de un hermoso bebe de ocho meses. Brian tiene toda la responsabilidad de su bebe, ya que la madre de el bebe atiende a la escuela de Pacific en San Bernardino. Brian es un padre que ay que admirar porque tiene un papel muy dificil de hacer, alos diezieocho años es madre y padre para su hijo , el unico tiempo que Brian y su bebe tienen para disfrutar con la madre de su bebe es el fin de semana. Brian se encuentra muy ocupado con sus estudios y aparte tiene que tener a su bebe en su casa toda la semana, despertar en la madrugada y preparle su biberon. Hernandez menciono que las responsabilidades de tener un bebe son de encontrar trabajo para mantener a la familia y tener pañales para el bebe.
“Que cosas son requeridas para ser un buen padre?”
Brian contesto que lo requerido para ser un buen padre es tener responsabiliad y no separarse de la madre de su bebe, ya que tener un bebe es muy dificil si eres un joven que atiende la escuela, y aparte tienes que tener toda tu atencion sobre el bebe y a la vez estar atento con tus estudios para no atrasarse uno. Brian decidio no dejar a la madre de su hijo, como muchos otros jovenes hacen, por que el sabe lo dificil que es hacerse acargo de un bebe todos los dias de la semana y si un dia fuera de dejar a la madre, no dejaria de mantener a su bebe.
U.E.F.A. Champions League
por Edgardo Cerda
La U.E.F.A Champions League es el torneo de futbol mas importante en europa y en el mundo ya que reune a los mejoresclubes y a los mejores jugadores del mundo, este torneo es de gran tradicon, honor, y pasion en europoa, por que como todos sabemos en europa el futbol es como una religion en europa el futbol se vive, para ellos en este deporte o se gana o se llora.
Uno de los equipos de mayor tradicion en este torneo es el Real Madrid considerado el mejor equipo del mundo,pero tambien se encuentran equipos como el Manchester United,Juventus,Inter de Milan, Milan, Barcelona, Valencia, Mallorca,Arsenal, Fiorentina,Napoles, PSV, Paris Saint Germain,Bayern Munich, Galatasaray, Sporting de Lisboa por tan solo mencionar a algunos de los mejores pero que decir de los jugadores en estos clubes se encuentran sin duda los mejores jugadores como Zidane,Figo,Davis.Raul,Kluivert,Zenden,Cocu,Canavaro,Los hermabos De Boer fin solo nombre a unos pocos por que la lista es interminable pero si quieres saber mas de este fabuloso torneo visita la pagina en internet de la UEFA en www.uefa.com.
Una Historia de Una Madre Adolescente“Despues de la primera vez que sostuve a mi hija, abraze a mi madre y le pedi discolpas por todo lo que le hize pasar.”-Dice la estudiante Amber Baker. “Deseo habrela escuchado antes que esto sucediera.
Los Estados Unidos (E.E.U.U.) tiene el indice mas alto de embarazo y nacimientos en el mundo industrial del oeste. Aungue el porcentaje a disminuido, los jovenes aun estan tomando la decision de al menos ser sexualmente activos aun cuando ellas se embarazen o no. En base de estadisticas y recientes encuestas, la mayoria de los adolescentes hubieran deseado haber esperado.
“No tengas relaciones. Espera. Una vez que ya entraste, ya no puedes salir.”-Dice Baker. Baker tiene una hija de dos años, Alyssa, y a tiene la preparatoria Colton High con la ayuda de El Centro Infantil (The Infant Center) aqui en el campus. Se embarazo a los 14 años, convirtiendose en una de 1/3 de adolescentes embarazadas en E.E.U.U. el hecho de estar embarazada y cursando la escuela: “Fue muy dificil”-Dice ella.
Madres adolesentes son mas propensas a no terminar la preparatoria donde solo 1/3 reciben un diploma. Las estadisticas muestran que casi el 80% de madres solteras son mas propensas en requerir Welfare si abandonan los estudios.
Terry Yanes, Supervisora del Centro Infantil es testigo de las batallas que diario sufren. “Ellas deben demonstrar a los demas que pueden sobresalir (si quieren) y esforzarse lo doble.” Pero, tomando esta clase se desenvuelven de manera que pueden ser mas responsables y se espcializan en la crianza de sus hijos. Se require que las jovenes aprendan primeros Auxilios (R.C.P.)” Dice Yanez. “La clase les ayuda a construir un amor propio y se convierte en mas que un motivo para ir al colegio y continuar sus estudios.”
La discriminacion contra las madres adolescentes si existe, como habiamos discutido en nuestro ultimo articulo: “Teen mothers on campus get no respect.” Las jovenes son tratadas descortesmente. Pero tienen cada derecho para terminar su educacion aun de haber decidido tener un hijo.” Es como si fueron castigadas.”-Dice el director Jerry Almendarez. Almendarez recuerda cuando aun no existia el centro infantil y una joven que se embarazo fue enviada a un lugar denominado The Cottage (La Casa de campo) y en una forma “aislada de la sociedad. El centro Infantil es una forma productiva para ayudar a las madres y a sus hijos.”-Dice el.
Algunas personas piensan que tener el centro aqui en el campus sirve de ventaja en lugar de ser un impedimento. Pero otros aun lo ven como motivo para que las jovenes que se embarazan,
vean que puden contar con este servicio en la preparatoria. Los estudiantes que se encuentran dentro del centro, ya sea siendo padres adolescentes o no, lo ven de otra forma. David Camarena no es uno de ellos, pero tomo la clase que ofrecen como electiva. Tiene acceso con los niños alli al igual que otros deberes involucrados con el centro. “Pense que iba a ser una clase facial de pasar.”-Dice Camarena. “Pero despues del trimestre descubri que no era lo que pensaba.” Camarena ve exactamente lo que las jovenes tienen que pasar en el cuidado de una criatura. Al tomar la clase, Camarena siente que se indentifaca con las jovenes- cambiando pañales, alimentarles, calmandolos cuando lloran (que por cierto toma unas horas), doblando ropa, aspirar-y eso es tan solo una muestra de la gran obligacion. ¡En casa es peor! “Estas madres trabajan duro”- dice Camarena.
Un tema que se discutio en el ultimo articulo fue el hecho de que algonas personas no pueden controlar su “instinto animal” cuando se trata de sexo. Es divertido, emocionante, sin embargo, quieres hacerlo. Pero para aclarar las cosas, el instinto y el dominio de uno mismo puden co-existir. El dominio personal seria un factor mucho mas adecuando en estas circumstancias, mas que el instinto natural.
Entre las madres adolescentes, Baker admite que el haber tenido relaciones antes de “estar lista” tuvo sus consecuencias. “Deseo haber esperado hasta que alguien mas importante hubiera aparceido.”-Dice ella. Un ejemplo de sus consecuencias es que dio a luz en un hospital. Incluyendo $500 de gastos hospitalarios, los gastos de la aseguranza fueron $25,000. ¡Eso sin incluir los gastos de pañales, ropa, comida, etc!
Pero a pesar del error, una vida fue tradia al mundo. “Es una idea de la realidad para ellos.”-Dice Yanez. No es tan facil como se aparenta y cualquiera de estas jovenes te admitira eso. Espera hasta que descubras lo que amor es.”
Baker lamenta no haber sido mas cautelosa, pero no ahora que tiene una linda niña que la espera en casa. “Creo que Dios me trajo a Alyssa por alguna razon. Estuve confundida al principio pero ella me hizo ver las cosas de otra manera. Se que todo lo que yo haga le afectara a ella, y asi, regrese al camino correcto. Se lo que debo hacer.”
Amber es una estudiante ejemplar con calificaciones de “A”, es porrista del equipo universitario, presidente del club C.H.I.C. y de
Peer Assistance, y empleada de tiempo parcial por dos años en Stater Bros.
Planea atender la Universidad La Sierra en Riverside en el otoño del año entrante y alli piensa asistir a la Univ. de Loma Linda y especilizarse en Medicina Deportiva, planea tener una vida buena a lado de su hija Alyssa. “Amo a mi hija - ella es mi vida.”
Una Ojeada A La NavidadAño tras año esperamos y celebramos la Navidad con mucho entusiasmo, ya que es una epoca en la que recibimos regalos, salimos de viaje, estamos con los amigos y algunas veces nos proponemos no cometer los mismos errores que el año que ya se va. Desafortunadamente con el paso de los años hemos perdido el verdadero significado de esta celebracion. La Navidad en sus inicios, como podrais ver en un momento, no se trataba solo de comprar y regalar si no de celebrar con las personas mas queridas la fortuna de estar juntos un año mas.
Generalmente todos los catolicos entienden la Navidad como la celebracion del nacimiento de Jesus, celebrando Noche Buena el dia 24 y Navidad el 25. Sin embargo pocos saben que la fecha del nacimiento de Jesus segun historiadores fue el 6 de Octubre y no en Diciembre se dice que esta fecha fue escogida para que coincidiera con celebraciones paganas. En estas celebraciones se realizaban intercambios de regalos sobre todo en la fiesta de Saturnalia y tambien se adornaban las calles del pueblo con motivos verdes y rojos.
Santa Claus es una invencion Norteamericana inspirada en San Nicolas. Aunque los ingleses acostumbraban disfrazar a alguien con vestimentas de terciopelo para que visitace sus casas y asi el invierno no fuera tan crudo para las familias que visitaba.
San Nicolas era un obispo en Turquia y provenia de una familia adinerada gustaba de ayudar a niños y marineros, y a su muerte lo adoptaron como su santo. Se dice que despues de muerto se aparecia en la madrugada del 24 de Diciembre vestido como obispo montando un caballo deslumbrante por el cielo y con un libro en su costado en el cual traia escritos los nombres de los ninos que se habian portado bien en el transcurso del ano. Se dice tambien que iba acompanado de un duende negro de nombre Peter encargado de castigar a los ninos que no aparecian en el libro de San Nicolas.
Para el S. XIX el caballo y el duende negro fueron reemplazados por venados, un trineo y duendecillos de apariencia amigable que trabajarian en la fabrica de San Nicolas haciendo juguetes. Anexiones hechas a este mito durante el S. XX incluye a la Sra. Claus.
En cuanto al delicioso pavo aparecio por primera vez en Turquia, aunque tambien se comia cordero o pato en su lugar. El arbol de Navidad data de la fiesta pagana de Saturnalia y la decoracion de este se la debemos a los alemanes.
Como podeis ver la Navidad es una celebracion con gran historia y significado cada una de las cosas que aparecen en esta celebracion tienen un motivo historico, por eso es que la Navidad es algo mas que solo cosas materiales es una epoca en la que debes proponerte hacer cosas que te hagan sentir bien como persona y no que os destruyan, ya que despues de todo de que os sirve el dinero si no teneiss en quien gastarlo?
Lo material va y viene, las personas queridas se van aveces para no volver la siguiente NAVIDAD.
Basketball Preview
By Jason JonesColton Varsity Basketball is starting a new season with six returners: center Kevin Pinkney, forward Justin Bradshaw, guard Brandon Crenshaw, shooting guard Jason Jones, small forward Martin Alonzo, all seniors, and junior shooting guard Mark Vingua.“It’s a whole new season with different players .“We are in a lot better shape than we were last year. We have a chance to go all the way,” said Bradshaw. Coming from a record of 0-10 last season, the Jackets have only room for improvement, and with their hard running practice and determination, they can make this possible.
This year, the Jackets are being driven by a new head coach. Byron Wesley has taken the position of long term varsity basketball coach Cory Sorenson. “Coach Wesley has given us the preparation that we need,” commented Pinkney.
Boy's Soccer
by Oscar Garcia
With nine returning varsity players, the boys soccer team gets ready to battle for the San Andreas League Championship once again. With the help of two senior starters Richie Underwood and Bill Campbell,and sophomores Anthony Hamilton and Cody Moore, the teams first game against REV with a disapointing score of 5-0.“ REV was more organized and had more speed.” expressed Coach Joe Archer. Archer thinks the team can finish in the top three of the leaque and possibly grab the League title.“Only four of my players play club soccer, and it’s hard when you play a team that has most of its players playing club.” continued Archer. . The team really hopes to improve from their third place last year and move on into the playoffs.
Varsity Football rewind
by steven perez
The varsity football team fought through both adversity, and what most would call “one of the toughest schedules in San Bernardino County” to finish the year with a 5-5 overall record. The team narrowly missed a playoff spot by virtue of a tie-breaking (coin flip) loss to the Pacific Pirates.
Despite the coin flip loss, which was conducted immediately following the Jackets 46-25 victory over the San Gorgonio Spartans, the team felt they were deserving of the one wild card spot which was awarded to Temescal Canyon.
“We held non-league wins over [eventual CIF Playoff semi-finalist] Riverside Poly, and Bloomington,” says Junior running back/linebacker Mark Vingua. “Aside from Fontana, we probably had the toughest schedule around.”
League play began with a promising homecoming win over the San Bernardino Cardinals. The Jackets dominated the game with a stifling defense led by Vingua and Junior safety Jason Hanna, which held Cardinals star running back Derek Stotts well below his average. The game ended 22-12.
The three game skid that would follow proved costly as one win would have catapulted the Jackets into the playoffs. Blowouts to both Cajon (41-0) and Yucaipa (41-16), coupled with a heartbreaking last-second loss to Pacific (23-22), seemingly squeezed the life out of the team’s playoff aspirations.
The Jackets did, however rebound to win a thrilling shootout with San Gorgonio. Junior quarterback Hector Calderon scored twice en route to a 49-26 victory for Colton. Senior running back Chester McCullough finished the game with 124 yards ending with over 1,000 for the season.
The victory marked the end of the Jackets rollercoaster year.
“I don’t think we ever really met our potential, because of the success we had at the beginning of the season,” says Senior offensive lineman Joe Hernandez. “That proves that we should have had a better finish.”
Hernandez, along with running back McCullough, was named to the All-SAL first team. Junior center Faiga Taliloa was named to the second team, and Calderon (quarterback) and Vingua (linebacker) were both recognized as honorable mention.
Girl's Soccer
by Megan Reiter
“I think this year is going to prove how [girl’s soccer] is going to come together as a team,” says senior Diana Mckinley. Total unity is what the Yellowjackets want. “Our unity is what keeps us strong,” she says.
With 11 returners and three new players, the team has been predicted to do well. Coaches Roy Nix and Jan Krell expect this year to hit a climax en route to a long run in the playoffs. So far the Yellowjackets are fulfilling their goals with a tournament win at John W. North High School. Having all the speed up front with junior Jennifer Montgomery and freshman Jessica (Frita) Aquino, a strong midfield and controlling defenders, Colton’s chances to advance further in C.I.F. are very good.
Girl's Waterpolo
by Megan Holden
There are less then ten returning girls so“this year is one for rebuilding” says Coach Vickers. Girls waterpolo lost the majority of their Varsity team due to graduation. So this year there were fears of not enough new players trying out. Colton had one of the smallest waterpolo teams last year with 13 players, so not having new players this year could have been a problem. But fears were subsided at the first practice when over twenty girls showed.
The Varsity girl’s first game was on November 30th at home, played at the Hutton Center with a narrow loss of 6-8 against Ramona. This was also the JV girls first game of the season and they tied with a score of 9-9. This year the team plays together and moves more, instead of just waiting for one person to do something” says Coach Vickers. He thinks that this year will be the start of better seasons still to come.
Cross Country
by Oscar Garcia
With one of the most promising Boys Cross Country teams since 1986 the team fell short and finished fourth in the league, due to a disqualification of an athlete for not having grades and still competing in the dual meets. They were in second place throughout the season but that mistake pushed them back to a fourth place and missing the C.I.F. Championships. “ I am really dissapointed at the fact that we worked really hard for four months and we didnt meet our goal of making C.I.F.” expressed Senior Captain Oscar Garcia. The boys team will be loosing three year varsity runners Randy Ceballos, Oscar Garcia, and Bobby Mitchell. Jacob Trevino, Randy Ceballos and Nathan Williams received All League recognition.The girls team missed C.I.F. by two points at league finals and wrapped up their season in with a fourth place finish in the S.AL. Outstanding Sophomore Juanita Martinez missed qualifying individually for C.I.F. by two seconds earning a 7th place finish at League Finals. Most of the girls team were new and learned what it took to compete in races. “ I think what brought them down were many injuries that kept some runners out for most of the season” commented Coach Bill Halley.
I am dissapointed at the fact that we finished up worse than last year”, was coach Marley’s first remark about this year’s tennis team. The tennis team finished fifth in league due to a such young team, with only the experience of senior twins Amber and Kristen Arakaki, who were the teams top players and scored most of the points in every game. The team had an outstanding rookie freshman Christine Macias who helped out the twins. Amber Arakaki was the only one to advance to the quarter finals and was seeded 7th in league.”The Yucaipa coach was surprised at the fact that I played well at the finals and I played to the best of my abilities.”expressed Amber Arakaki. One of the disavantages that the team had was that they played teams that were very experienced and had been playing since they were little. “I hope to move up next year and see some of my kids advance to the semifinals.” said Coach Marley.
With only two years in the league The girls golf team finished fifth in league with a record of 4-10 and were led by sophomores Jennifer Gonzales and Nova Sanchez along with junior Shannon Garcia who all played very hard to move up to the S.A.L. but the team’s youth prevented them to improve this season. “The team struggled by getting everything together on any given day” said Coach Petrie who has hopes for next years team to improve in the S.A.L..”The team lacked senior leadership but they look very promising for the future,” continued Tars Petrie.
The season started of slow, but we had many individual improvements that helped the team work together and played with all of our hearts to do the best we could”. stated Junior Napa Utrapiromsuk. The girls Varsity Volleyball who experieced many disavantages in the beginning of the season like not having a coach until the first week of school. That held things back and they did not have the opportunity to practice during the summer as the other schools did. They also had a very young team finished up the season with a fifth place but not everything was a downfall. They have a lot of talent and show a promising season for the next year.The team will be saying bye to four seniors: Candace Carter, Diana McKinley, Angelica Juarez and Corie O’neal..
Wrestling preview
by Veronica SanchezCould have done better” Coach Trevino said, when asked how last season went. Their record was 2-3, tied 3rd with Pacific and San Bernardino. The Yellowjacket Wrestling team is usually fighting for 1st or 2nd. This season “ We’ll do o.k,” said Trevino. We have 3 or 4 kids who are good - better then average.” Some of the returning players for this season are, Senior Chris Kossman (Captain), Senior Raul Romero (Captain), Junior Jacob Trevino, and Junior Alberto Salazar.
Girl's Basketball
by Brenda Ureno
“ Run like the wind”, is one of the strategies for the girls basketball team this season, or so mentions Chris Burner, coach of the girl’s Varstiy Basketball team. The Ladyjacket’s goals are to make the playoffs and have a winning record this season. The Ladyjackets are working very hard during practice - running everyday and working on passes. Coach Burner is, so far, very pleased with the Ladyjacket’s effort. The team has only four returning varsity players this year including the team’s captain, senior Elvia Escobedo, who is also a starter. Burner has been coaching girl’s Varsity basketball for five years. Last year was their best record ever, 9-13 placing 5th in the San Andreas League. “ I have some high expections this year,” says Burner.