Issue of December 21, 2001:
Volume 85, Number Two
Click on a story title to see the story text
News
Academic Comp: Word to your mother
Goodbye, Dear Friend Whitney
Marching Band continues successes
New Crop of Teachers Set Sights on Innovation, Results
Pharaoh's the Hot Spot for Winter Formal Dance
Somebody's Watching You
Test Scores Down; teachers and administrators plan changes
War on Terrorism Update: Should We Care?Opinions
Anthrax scare has nation ajitter
As I see it…(Column)
Both Sides Now-Reverse Racism? Yes
Both Sides Now-Reverse Racism? No
Are girls more judgmental than guys ?
Rap vs. Rock...music's big battle
Saturday School: a good idea, badly implemented
Infant Center Playground an accident waiting to happen
Video Surveillance smacks of Big Brother, 1984Features
Advertising is very Clever
All I want for Christmas is….to graduate?
Day in the Life of a Navy recruiter
It's Beginning to Look a Lot like….Kwanzaa
Jackets reveal fave Xmas Stories
Local Eateries pour on the food
Pepper Bough: Paper with a history
Saturday School opens its doors
Thinkwave: are you online yet?
Tis the Season for Service
To be a Muslim is to be misunderstood
Favorite Christmas Gifts (Survey)
When a book turns into a movie
Winter Break Plans (Survey)Diversions
Britney Spears CD review
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Review
Holiday Movie Preview
Horoscopes for December
Kittie CD review
Not Another Teen Movie review
What is Love?Sports
Boys Basketball
Boys Soccer
Fall Sports Rewind
Girls Basketball
Girls beginning to compete in boys' sports
Girls Soccer
The Wrestling Team
Academic Comp: Word to your mother
By: Melissa McElroy and Amy Carrillo
December 21, 2001
Academic Competition has been a part of Colton High School for many years. But surprisingly some people don't know anything about this competitive activity. Academic Competition is broken down into three different activities: Academic Decathlon, Mock Trial, and Speech. Students compete in tournaments all over southern California and just recently students visited Cal State Fullerton for a three day competition. Each student competes in one of the events and scores a certain amount of points in each round. Every participant ultimately strives to make it to state finals to compete with the best of the best.
As of now, junior Tim McGinnis and senior Harmony McMillin are leading the pack as the highest scoring members of Academic Competition with social science teachers Bob DeGroff and Holly Lacy leading them to victory as their coaches. Academic Competition isn't easy though. These students write their own speeches and as if that isn't hard enough, they have to read their speeches in front a panel of judges...without notes. That's a right folk, these speeches must be memorized or you lose points.
Goodbye, Dear Friend
by Priscilla Montgomery
December 21, 2001
Friday, November 10 was a bittersweet night for all of Colton High. Although the football team won against Cajon to make CIF playoffs, we had to say good-bye to a truly remarkable person. Whitney Rogers was crossing Valley Blvd. with her friend Larissa Huff, when a car struck them. Both students were taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Larissa was released later that night but Whitney wasn't as lucky.
Funeral services were held on Thursday November 15 at Montecito Memorial Park. Family members, friends and teachers fondly remembered Whitney as a smart, funny girl who was very involved in marching band, water polo and the swim team, as well as keeping up her grades in order to make Honor Society. The marching band also played Whitney's favorite songs while the girl's water polo team had Whitney's number pinned to their shirts. "She's always been a really good person and I've never had any problems with her," says Kyle Peck.
A Whitney Rogers Band Scholarship Fund was established in her memory. If anyone wants to make a contribution, they should contact Dr. Gonzalez for more information.
Marching Band
by Andrew Quiroz
December 21, 2001
They work all seventh period and after school. They play in the sun and the rain and at the various parades. Our Colton High Marching Band is an Award winning Band and they deserve it. The Colton High School Marching Band is off once again to an amazing start. Led by Dr. Gonzalez, the CHS Marching Band has competed at the Eisenhower High School Invitational and just recently they have competed in a Las Vegas Tournament. Kate Heidner, the Band Council President, said, "Being in band for four years, has taught me that life should not be taken so seriously. Defeat does not mean it is over, it means to pick yourself up and try harder the next time." Kate plays the flute as well as the tuba. She enjoys being in band, because it has taught her leadership skills, problem solving techniques and organization skills. The Colton High School Marching Band's Drum Major is Cary Akins. She has also been in band for four years and plays the trumpet. "Being in band has helped me develop a better work ethic when I am practicing my instrument. No matter what, it teaches me to overcome adversity," says Akins. According to Kate Heidner, the Colton High School Marching Band has been doing very well at most of the competitions held at various locations. Some of the locations where the band has recently played are none other than the Eisenhower Invitational held at Eisenhower High School.
You can check out the Official Website of the CHS Marching Band at http://www.glplaza.route66.net/chsmarchingband/. The Colton High School Marching Band also has a Co-Drum Major, junior Michael Manzo. He has been in band for three years and he plays the trombone, euphonium and the electric bass. "Band is a good way to gain experience in parts: to meet new people, become part of a family, and earn your spot in life," he said. They work all seventh period and after school. They play in the sun and the rain and at the various parades.
New Crop Teachers Set Sights on Innovation, Results
By Andrew Quiroz
December 21, 2001This year, Colton High School has 14 new teachers who have set many goals that they plan to achieve with the help of their students.
Most of the new teachers like CHS because they say that the rumors that they hear about are not true—you know, rumors such as "If you go to Colton High School, you do not get the same education as others do" and "all Colton High School is famous for are making babies." Here we present several of the new faces on campus:
"I think that all students are awesome. When they walk into my classroom, I think of them all as college-bound students," says Veronica Elder who teaches Algebra II and I. Elder wants all of her students to walk out of her class saying ‘I like math’, and to feel that they have had a positive experience with it.
Justin Solis who teaches Algebra I also, says that his year has been "pretty cool." He is also happy with all of the new changes on the campus such as the fresh new coat of paint and the mural on the side of the receptionist’s office.
Gail Wilkinson, another new addition to the math department, likes her students "because they are very friendly and eager to learn. I am trying to get my students to want to succeed. If they want to do well, it will make my job easier," she says.
Colleen Dykstra, a math teacher who teaches Algebra IA, IB, and I said that she wants to learn how to have a consistent routine. "I want students to know basic math. I would like to see my students expect more out of themselves and to strive for excellence. I also want to see more of my students at football games and for them to have more school spirit."
Luis Checo teaches Biology at CHS and he enjoys his job also. "It is a great place to teach if you are dedicated to teaching," he says. He also says that he enjoys all of the new changes here at CHS. He likes the fact that there are hidden cameras because he feels that it will make Colton High School a safer campus. Checo said, "I would like to use standards instead of the textbook. I want to use the textbook for resource purposes only."
Martin Delgado of the Social Science department was formerly a substitute at CHS. He happened to drop by the District Office and he saw a flyer advertising for a History teacher. He then came to Colton High School to pursue his career. Delgado loves his job here as well and enjoys all of the familiar faces from the time that he was a substitute.
Wray Finks is an English teacher who likes his job because he feels that all of the changes being made to Colton High School are necessary. He realizes that there is a lot of student progress being made, and is excited about seeing it happen. "I would also like to incorporate technology such as teaching students how to use the Internet more effectively and how to also use Microsoft PowerPoint," says Finks. He also said that all of the students here at Colton High School are just like any other students at Cajon or A.B. Miller High School.
Rosa Booth is not actually a teacher but she is the brains behind the Computer Lab. She said that some of the students that have come in the lab during lunch and after school are very respectful towards her and she thanks them for that. "I would like to see more classes coming in and using the computer lab to help get all of their information for projects," says Booth. You can go to the Computer Lab before, during your lunch or after school until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Just have your Internet card and Student ID Card.
Fernando Villalpando is a Spanish teacher originally from Calexico, California. "I feel that I can relate to the students here because being young myself, I know what they are going through," he says. His goals this year are to get settled down, and learn from what he has already done.
Pharaoh's the Hot Spot for Winter Formal Dance
by Renee Negrete
December 21, 2001
As clubs and sports begin to prepare for the famous carnivals, a lot of questions are coming up. Like, where's the dance at? If this sounds like you then continue reading. Here are some helpful tips to make this dance one to remember. Winter Formal is going to be held at Pharaoh's Lost Kingdom on Saturday, February 2, 2002, from 8:00PM to 12:00AM. The Winter Formal is actually going to be a semi-formal "fun" dance. This year's theme is "Time of Your Life".
Some may say, that since it is going to be at a theme park it isn't going to be any good. However, many don't know that they will benefit by going to Pharaoh's. For one thing, the ticket prices are only $35 dollars with an ASB card and $40 dollars without. Also, you will receive unlimited rides and attractions at no additional cost, as well as free parking, a DJ inside with club lighting that will be upstairs in the Private Ballroom. This Ballroom will be decorated with many things resembling Mardi Gras. Like all other dances there will be free food and beverages served all night. For those that wish to take their pictures before the dance there will be Early Bird Pictures available from 7:00-8:00 PM. If you plan on attending this "fun" dance, be sure to purchase your tickets early due to the limited amount available.
Somebody's Watching You
by Jennifer Orozco
December 21, 2001
If you are shopping at the mall, supermarket or just walking to your car in a parking lot chances is that if you look up you will see security cameras. But now you'll most likely see them walking to class or eating lunch. These cameras are being put up to keep the students and staff safe. Since the shootings at Columbine and Santee High School cameras seem to be found in almost every high school. They are not only to keep you and your property safe but also to catch people tagging, vandalism and even people smoking pot. And that is just what these cameras are doing. Even Principal Jerry Almendarez has noticed the changes. For example, according to Almendarez, a large fight occured during first lunch last week, and the cameras helped identify some of the perpetrators, who were suspended. Although Almendarez supports this technology, others like sophomore Kathy Morales disagree: "The cameras are just a big waste of money, I still see the same people smoking pot in the same places and ditching."
The cameras are also there to identify a shooter and proceed with a lock out in case of a shooting rampage. The cameras also help kids who leave their cars in the student parking lot like James Chavez "I feel much better that more then just a campus supervisor is watching my car"
There are many people that oppose the new changes like Saturday school, the new late policy and the surveillance cameras that now help protect our students and staff. There are just a s many people that think the cameras are a good idea. Only time will tell if these cameras are a good idea or if they are only going to bring more problems in the future.
Test Scores Down
Sandy Brown
December 21, 2001
Colton High's academic performance scores decreased by 33 points because of last years low test scores, even after there were predictions made that they were going to increase by 12 points. Principle Jerry Almendarez and the Colton School Board decided that they had to try to get the test scores raised to a higher and more appropriate level.
If you have not already noticed things are a little different this year in certain classes, such as English. Now teachers have certain standards they have to accomplish by the end of each quarter. They have to teach at the same major concepts and they even have to use almost the same assessment at the end of each quarter.
Principal Almendarez stated, "We hope to see better test results this year." So if you have realized that you and your friends area learning the same things or reading the same literature at the same time in your English classes, but you don't even have the same teacher, now you know why. The curriculum standards from Colton High have changed for the good of the students learning.
Some parents are happy to see these changes. Guadalupe Orozco say, "I'm relieved to find out that the district is doing something about the low test scores." On the other hand here are also parents such as Annette Ramos which say, "I'm happy that principle Almendarez is taking action to improve test scores, but I know problems like this don't happen over night." From a Colton High students point of view, April Lewis says, "It's not just Mr. Almendarez's job to get the test scores up, all the students have to be willing and ready to improve, until they are ready, nothing will change."
War Update: Should We Care
By: Amy Carrillo
December 21, 2001Terms like anthrax, suicide bombings and war have all been myths to our vocabulary for some time. People used to think that the United States was unstoppable, but lately people have come to the revelation that we are all at risk of tragedy. Suddenly in one quick instant these mythical terms have become our reality as this 'War on Terrorism' gets underway. Several Colton High Students are enlisting and doing what they can to try to serve their country.
The Northern Alliance is quickly gaining territory as a series of intense bombings has been going underway in Afghanistan since October. Most recently, video footage has been discovered directly relating Osama Bin Laden to the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center. Trials have already begun in regards to those involved with the attacks. With the bombings of Afghanistan being so severe the government is becoming confident in the Northern Alliances' victory.
Many classes on campus have been discussing our ongoing "War on Terrorism", especially the multicultural perspectives class taught by Nadine Kelley. Recently, the class performed a school wide survey to see how students across campus felt about the recent September 11 tragedy. The survey proved that those who were keeping track of what was going on in Afghanistan exhibited sheer anger toward Osama Bin Laden and his followers. When asked what should be done to Bin Laden if, and when he is found, one student stated, "He should be put to death on live TV". But not all Colton High students felt so strongly about putting Bin Laden to death; a few people felt that Bin Laden does have the right to a fair trial and should be given it.
Some Colton High students took a more reasonable, and confident approach in its faith in the good ol' USA. "They should pay for what they did. They should learn respect to the higher authority [the United States]. They should bow down to the leaders," states senior Kyle Gatlin, with Travis Vasquez eagerly nodding his head in agreement.
Anthrax scare has nation ajitter
By Denise Alcantar
December 21, 2001I'm sure anyone who gets the newspaper or watches the television has heard something about the deadly disease that is trying to overtake our country, anthrax. Just hearing the word makes me cringe, it sounds so horrifying. This disease is new to Americans unlike other places, where anthrax is considered a regular pest. In fact Dr. Ottorino Cosiui says that anthrax thrives in cattle, sheep, and goats, he says it's "an accident of nature". Well this is one "accident" that is not being taken seriously enough.
Eight people are dead, 17 infected. I don't think Americans are taking this seriously enough. I also think Doctors are at fault. Joe Corseen, a postal worker in the Brentwood facility wasn't feeling well, he went to the hospital and they didn't ask where he worked, even though he had symptoms of anthrax. The Doctors diagnosed him with the flu. Then they just sent him home. He died the next morning. Some might say this was just an accident. Yes, but how many "mistakes" can and will the doctors make?
In Washington a postal worker who died of inhalation of anthrax last month, knew he had been exposed to a suspicious letter and he tried to tell postal officials, to no avail. In a 911 call just hours before his death, Morris requested an ambulance and described symptoms consistent with the inhalation form of the disease. Morris, 55, an employee of the Brentwood Processing Center in Washington, said a woman working near him had found a letter with powder in it on Oct. 13."They never let us know whether this thing was anthrax or not," Morris told the 911 dispatcher.Before he made the last attempt to save his own life, Morris had gone to a Doctor and the Doctor thought that he just had some virus. Another person mistaken and another life gone.
The FBI has received sharp criticism on Capitol Hill for it's handling of the anthrax attacks being sent in the U.S. mail. At a senate hearing on the threat of bio-terroism, Panel Chairman senator Diane Feinstein, D- California, said she was "Surprised the FBI hasn't make more progress" in tracing the sources of the potentially deadly bacteria. She said there are "limited places anthrax could have come from." What is preposterous though, is that the expert on this has not been talked to. Why is this so important? He knows more about anthrax than anyone in the world, he could actually be of service. I mean unlike Doctors obviously he will actually know the symptoms of anthrax and might save a life.
And what about Americans? How could they possibly be at fault you ask? Well, It's all those darn hoaxes. I don't understand why anyone would want to call the police stations or postal offices and pretend they have anthrax in their care.
Even neighbors are getting in on the fun. The FBI has actually responded to 7,089 "suspicious anthrax letters", since mid October. The Postal inspection service has received more than 8,600 hoax threats. That's an average of 578 hoaxes a day. And get this; there are even people putting white powders in envelopes of their friends or coworkers as jokes! I can't believe it! It is so stupid and wrong.
I mean people are dying and Americans are playing jokes on each other. A neighbor was arrested for planting white powder in his neighbor's mail. A man even tried to use anthrax as a hoax to get deported to his native country. People are actually dying and all America can do is make disrespect the memory of those who have died and their families. Everyone needs to get serious and work to find out how to stop it.
As I see it…
Amy Carrillo
December 21, 2001
"It's the most wonderful time of the year." Christmas songs seem to say it all these days. They will tell you everything the artist wants from their two front teeth to their one true love. But it seems as though people are forgetting what we should all want for Christmas… peace on earth and goodwill towards men.
It seems as though materialism has grown rapidly and instead of receiving sentimental gifts from the heart, people seek out the most expensive colognes, or that really rare and hard to find new Roxy watch. I don't know about you, but when I think of Christmas I picture Christmas Eve at my Grandma's house with all of my family sharing Christmas dinner. It is always so loud that you can barely even hear yourself think because besides Easter, this is the only other holiday where the whole family gets to see each other.
I remember back in the seventh grade I had to write a paper on what I would do with a million dollars. But there was a catch, you couldn't keep anything you bought, and you only had one day to spend the money. It is kind of like "Brewster's Millions" except for the fact that he had to get rid of a lot more money in a lot less time. You could do whatever you wanted with it, but if you get something material, you couldn't keep it. So what it came down to was that you would have to do something that would leave you with memories of having a good time with the people that you care about. By the time you were finished writing you story of what you would have done, you begin to realize that it isn't the material things that matter, it is family and friends that are always going to be there for you. Not that new pair of DVS'. A wise man once said, "He who dies with the most toys is nonetheless dead."
Lately, Colton High School has been hit by tragedy after tragedy. First the World Trade Center bombings, followed by the death of Joseph Galvez, and then Whitney Rodgers. In spite of this Christmas season, we must remember the good that they have brought. Whitney and Joseph mean more than some stupid new shoes. The memories that you make will last a lifetime and that is what really matters. We need to realize that tomorrow is not just tomorrow, tomorrow is as uncertain as what Jennifer Lopez is going to wear to the Grammy's. Carpe Diam…meaning seize the day, seems to say it all. I think that these tragedies have begun to put everything into perspective and we need to realize just how precious life is.
Both Sides Now-Reverse Racism No
By April Lewis
Dec. 21, 2001
Lately there has been a lot of discussion about "reverse racism." Supposedly, this is when white people are kept from achieving or kept out of jobs and schools due to being white. I really don't understand this argument. For one thing, racism is rooted in power. In order to be racist, you have to be the one in power. Historically this has been the white race.
We all know the history of abuses heaped upon minorities by white people, so I won't repeat all that here. But what is important to acknowledge is that from my standpoint there is no such thing as reverse racism. In other words, it only works one way: from those in power, against those on the bottom. Therefore, African-Americans and Latinos and Asians cannot be racist, by this definition of racism, since they do not have the power nor the numbers.
Consider this: look at the heads of all the major corporations in this country, at congress, the senate, the House of Representatives, all the billionaires. Look at any place of power in this country, and you'll still see a majority of white faces, not minorities.
Being a white person myself I would never want to wear a "White Pride" t-shirt. I do not feel that white people as a race should have so much pride to wear such a shirt. You should not be ashamed to be white, but what racial challenges have we over come that we should be proud of?
Thirty years ago African-Americans couldn't even drink out of the same water fountain as white people. Therefore they can wear their "Black Pride" shirt and be proud of it they have come along way. White people have always had the same rights all throughout history and even today. No one said that white people can not wear "white pride" t-shirts but if you look around most likely the only people you see wearing those shirts are the skinhead KKK members.
It is not right for a white person to call a black person "Nigger." It is not necessarily the word, but how the word is said. If two African-Americans are talking and they call each other "Niggers" they don't take offense because they are both black; but if a white person says it of course they are going to take offense. It's not the word, it's how it is used.
YOU ARE NOT BLACK SO YOU HAVE NO BUSINESS CALLING ANY BLACK PERSON A "NIGGER."
White people have never been put in the minority's shoes, we have never experienced what it is like to be without power. When white people can say that they have been enslaved, segregated, beaten, and with held from jobs because of the color of their skin, that is the day white people can say they have experienced racism.
Until that day whites should try to see the minority point of view. It would be great to live in a world where no one sees color; but hey, let's face it, the world's not color blind.
Both Sides Now-Reverse Racism?
By Megan Holden
Dec. 21, 2001
When you hear the word racism, the thought of whites hating blacks instantly pops into mind. People just assume that when you are racist, you hate blacks, Mexicans, homosexuals, Asians, and so on. But that always isn't the case. I am white and have to deal with racism everyday. There have been many times where I get a test back with a good grade, and someone of another race will mutter something along the lines of "oh, she only got that grade because she's white." Ummm, I have news for you, it's not because I'm white. It's because I studied my butt off to EARN that grade.
I get really irritated seeing people walking down the street wearing clothing with things such as "Black Pride, Brown Pride, Gay Pride, Asian Pride," and so on, because I know if I was to wear that same type of clothing with "White Pride" on it, I would offend anyone that isn't of white descent, and become a white supremacist. Why is that? Why is it offensive when a white person has pride about their race, but okay to be black and wear a "Black Pride" shirt?
Recently, in a conversation with Principal Jerry Almandarez, I asked him if a white person was to call a black person a "Nigger" would they would get into as much trouble as a black person that said it. He said that both would get into trouble if caught, but "it (the punishment) wouldn't be as severe" for the black person. I find it appalling that African Americans, Mexicans, and so on, can joke about their own race, calling themselves "niggers" and "wetbacks" but become extremely offended when a white person says it. I myself have had such people (blacks, Mexicans, etc.) sit there and make fun of white people, but when they do it it's okay. I've got news for you… IT'S JUST AS OFFENSIVE TO A WHITE PERSON AS IT IS FOR A WHITE PERSON TO CALL YOU A "NIGGER."
We've all heard that age-old expression, "two wrongs don't make a right." Which basically means that if someone does wrong to you, don't try to get even and make it right by doing wrong back. African Americans seem to feel that white people are still racist against them, like white people once were when slavery and segregation were still around. Obviously that made the minorities mad, but if you're a minority and don't like it, why do you do it to white people? If people are stuck in things that happened in the past, then we are all still ignorant, and shall never become the people that we THINK we are. If you truly want racism to end maybe you shouldn't be racist yourself. Me being white doesn't make me any better then someone that is black, no matter what anyone says.
My ancestors may have been racist and in the KKK, but that doesn't mean I am. Or for all you know one of my ancestors could have been a soldier that DIED in the Civil War, FIGHTING AGAINST SLAVERY! Don't call me racist, don't call me a gringa, don't call me white trash. Don't "segregate" me just because it happened towards minorites years ago. Minorities are now accepted as EQUALS, and that's all that should matter. If you can't get over it, then YOU my friend are the one that is racist, not me.
Are girls more judgmental than guys ?
Priscilla Montgomery
December 21, 2001
Ew! Look at what she's wearing!" "Guess what I heard about so-so?" I'm sure almost every girl out there is guilty of using that or a similar expression. It's true, girls gossip, I myself am guilty of commenting negatively on someone else's clothing or hair. But to tell you the truth I find it amusing that us girls complain about how hard we have it, but yet, I think we bring it on ourselves.
Think about it, a guy can sleep with 8 different girls, and he's a "pimp", "player", "mac-daddy" and so on. But, if a girl sleep with one guy, and her whole reputation goes down the drain. She becomes a "slut" "hoe" "whore" and any other word that people can think of. But you know what? Girls are the ones that do that to each other.
A friend of mine, junior Megan Holden says "my boyfriend has seen me without make up, so when we go out, I don't put make-up on to impress him, I put it on so that I won't be given dirty looks by other girls." She feels that girls get up and get dressed in the morning, put on their make-up and do their hair, so they won't be the object of some girls discussion later on. She would rather hang out with a group of guys then she would girls because "guys just don't care about the things girls waste their time on, like clothes, hair, make-up gossip and so on." She also thinks "girls gossip about other people's flaws because they don't want to think about their own."
Girls do have a ton to deal with, I admit that, but a lot of it could be eliminated if girls would just stop judging someone based on what they wear. Besides, a majority of the time, gossip is just that, gossip! It usually it has little to no truth, and because you want something to talk about, you target the first person that comes to mind. Guy's can get away with wearing sweats to school, and on one thinks anything of it. But, when a girl does it she's labeled "ghetto" "trailer trash" or whatever else.
Girls are judged a lot more then guys are, but girls are the ones doing it to each other. So here's an idea, every time you want to "label" someone, remember they are probably labeling you.
Rap VS Rock
By Wendy Quinonez
December 21, 2001
Rap for me is the most influential music you can listen to It appeals to many levels of variety so much so that you can never be fed up with it. I think that rap is better than any other type of music. I still listen to other types, for example alternative, contemporary rock, Spanish music and many others. All of them have their own charisma and equivalent desired taste-in their own unique way of course; however, I think rap is still better in both categories.
A lot of controversy comes to mind when you probably think of rap or hip-hop. Rappers get a bad rap, if you'll excuse the pun, for excessive talk about sex, violence, drugs and many other graphic subjects you probably wouldn't listen too. Well you know what? Rock doesn't have the most interesting material to sing about either. They run out of material so fast that's why they're yelling during half of the song.
I just think I relate more to hip-hop, their way of dancing, language and style attracts me more than other type of music that tries to get my attention. Even if rap songs do talk a lot about sex, violence, and drugs, so what? They're really talking about their lives and what they had to go though in their time of torment. After what they have gone though, why shouldn't they be big -headed about what they've got now? All the guys can't complain about what they have either, girls, bills, and mansions to live in. That's all a guys' fantasy and if one doesn't congratulate on another's accomplishment then there's only one reason. Hater!
That's for all of you that think rap music is all about that one subject. Many rappers have been inspirational to most of the population who are into that kind of music. For example Tupac Shakur (2pac) has meant a lot to me ever since I started hearing his music. His songs aren't all about girls, money, or drugs. Most are, but that's not the point. The point is he's not just a rapper, he is also a poet. 2pac touched so many people's lives though his encouragement of his songs. He made a very well known song called "dear mama" it was about his mom and even though she was a drug addict he still loved her because she was always there for Pac. Even the most known song with the worst language called "hit em up" has a meaning behind it: Don't mess with him.
So if you think rap isn't good enough just try to pay attention to his songs and you'll probably like it cause I love it. I, of course know that the rock listeners have their own "inspirational" group or person they listen too. From my observations Slipknot is one of the rock groups allegedly most liked. It's all about Slipknot, right? Wrong, I don't see what's the big deal with them; all they do is yell, yell, and yell. One of their popular songs "People equal s-" makes no sense at all. If I wanted to hear yelling I might as well listen to my own.
"It never stops- you can't be everything to everyone, -contagion-I'm sitting at the side of Satan," goes one of their lyrics. Excuse me; I'm confused and speechless. For some reason they must have something about them that everybody adores, and I give props to Slipknot and any other rock bands that do something to keep that music alive. But it just isn't for me.
Rock vs. Rap is a big controversy deciding which is better, but since times are changing more and more artists from different music groups are coming together and exploring each other's variety, which makes us come in more together. Rappers are using rock singers and the other way around making us more of a diverse population. It just shows how much we can appreciate other people's talent. So in overall, Rock can be just as good as Rap, but since this is my opinion, Rock sucks!
Saturday School: a good idea, badly implemented
By Marisa Cortez
Dec. 21, 2001
What do you think about Saturday school? It's the new policy for Colton and Bloomington districts, that says after six truancies or tardies you will be assigned to school on Saturday. Well if you ask most students here at Colton High their answer is obvious. Junior Narmin Shahim shared her thoughts, "It's a little drastic because some kids can't help that they get to school late." Junior Megan Holden also had strong views on the subject; "It's stupid because everyone thinks it's going to be like The Breakfast Club." However the district feels somewhat different. They see it as a well-strategized plan developed in order to keep students from being truant or tardy.
The real question about this policy is will it work? In my opinion it's unpromising. Its entire purpose is to keep students in school, but how will that be successful if most of the students won't go to Saturday school anyway? They'll only get suspended and not be in school, which is what they wanted in the first place. How is this a good idea? I say instead of punishing students for bad behavior, why not reward them for good behavior. Give them positive insentives instead of negative. People don't like to be given ultimatums, and this new policy is exactly that.
Nevertheless the district is hopeful. Assistant Principal Diane Carreon is looking for great improvement. However she did say, " It won't help the students who don't come to school. We're targeting the fairly good kids." She believes they just need a wake up call to let them know they can't continue with this behavior. Campus Supervisor John Sachs feels, " Any attempt to get students to class is a good idea." This may be true but it's not the only thing they can do.
Playground an accident waiting to happen
By Paul Lopez
December 21, 2001
Every morning I walk past the infant center, as many of you also do, and I noticed that there is now a new play area; a little something that the school has added on. Then I started to think, it really doesn't look too safe.
The reasons why the playground doesn't please me is because of the surrounding hazards of the grounds. The surrounding area of the playground is covered by wood pieces and concrete that pose a health issue of a child falling or eating one of these pieces of wood. This can happen if a child is not being supervised, and I know that the children will be supervised at all times by the trusted ladies of the infant center, but there is also the reality that they can't watch every child at every moment.
The wood chips that the playground is covered with can actually be swallowed by an infant of any age. These wood chips pose a chocking hazard to any child near it. Then there is also the hazard of the children slipping and falling onto the hard concrete surface and badly injuring themselves. There is also a metal trailer whose location should be considered by the school. This too also poses a threat because it will be in the way of child traffic. A child could fall right in front of this trailer and hit his head on the metal wall.
I'm sure that the administration and the infant center staff will agree with me on these issues. After all, we all have the same goal: child safety. Let's not clean up a bad situation after a tragedy occurs…let's do it now before something bad happens.
Video Surveillance tastes like Big Brother
By Aubrie Patterson
December 21, 2001
Have you ever wondered, as you are walking through the halls, whether or not you are alone? The next time you just happen to find yourself alone out in the halls, take a look around, and you'll begin to really value your privacy. Did you know that the whole time we've been in school this year, we've had nine security cameras peeking at us as we innocently hurry off to class? Yes, you heard me- there are nine, and they are in every way an invasion of our rights as citizens, and of our privacy.
First of all, how many of us actually tag on the walls, try to ditch school and do drugs in the halls between classes? You might think there is a great percentage of this going on, but in reality there is not much. So the whole school is under this ongoing watch, like we're all a bunch of criminals, for a couple of kids that got caught last year. Is it me, or is there something wrong here? There was never any kind of meeting, any announcement that asked or even informed us of their installing these things. The way I heard about them, as well as most people I know, was rumor.
We have rights to know that this is going on, whether or not we have rights to not be silently video taped (which, by the way, there is nothing in civil law that permits it). There is just this small factor: What do we want, as CHS students? There was never a little ballot passed around during second period asking whether or not we think it's fair that we have to live under constant suspicion, or shall I say, great lack of trust and respect, when all we are here for is an education. Come on, what with all of these seven-foot high fences and big locks on the gates already guarded by a few campus security guards, it's really not necessary for 9 strategically placed surveillance cameras set for "seek and suspend." If you ask me, a prison is the last thing Colton needs to make it a more enjoyable place.
So the next time you're wandering around between classes, think about what you do. After all, you never know if you really are alone, or if someone in another building is watching closely your every move.
Advertising is very Clever
By Heather Weppler
December 21, 2001
Have you ever found yourself wanting something? Okay, try this: have you ever found yourself wanting something and not even knowing why? Well that happens because of advertising. It seems that now everywhere you turn there's a soda or cigarette commercial or billboard. Advertising is the way companies get us to buy things. They could have the worst product and make thousands because they're commercial was "cool" or just played so often that you couldn't get it out of your head.
Advertising plays a big role in a company. It's what brings in the money to: make what they're selling, pays the employees, and supports their families…and the more they sell the better. Advertising has become more than a simple commercial, it's become a game with tons of competition.
A lot of the advertisers rely on how bad the competing product is, so that they look even better. Advertisers are only out for themselves very rarely you see a commercial that advertises two different products.
Speaking of looking good, you might have noticed lately that just about every company is now sporting the American flag. Some do it because they are proud of their country and others do it just to look good. They think that having the flag in their commercial shows how patriotic they can be and sets a good impression in the viewers mind. "Using the flag to make yourself look good is kind of wrong, if your product doesn't make the cut don't degrade the flag by using it to make yourself look better," says junior Priscilla Montgomery.
Advertising can sometimes change the way we view something. There are many times we a strong in an opinion and someone who is advertising can turn everything around. Advertisers find ways to manipulate the way you see things. Television tells us: how we should look, what we should wear and how we should talk.
Some people feel that advertising doesn't affect them but most teenage girls have confidence problems because of what certain advertisements show is beautiful, and if you don't look the same then you're not. Each year more and more is becoming viewable by the public eye, to some one of any age, and any gender. So who is holding the controller: us, or the ad agencies?
All I want for Christmas is….to graduate?
By Raquel Ramos
December 21, 2001When you were at the age of six all it used to be was your two front teeth, but now as teenagers the two front teeth become cars promise rings and money.What do you want for Christmas?
Marleana Roman: "For the Raiders to win the Super Bowl."
Chris Garcia: "To be with my family, that special girl, and the day off."
Charlie Nhep: "A skateboard, and a car."
Ryan Rivera: "To have a girlfriend and a car."
Paul Lopez: "Bin Ladden's head on a platter!"
Leticia Zamora: "A new Stereo."
Jenny Orozco: "Malibu Barbie."
Shelly Carnero: "JC underneath my Christmas tree."
Ismael Adams: "A motorcycle!"
April Lewis: "I already have everything I want as long as I have my little Kitty."
Vanessa Moreno: "To graduate."
Ashley Ellison: "A hot pink Barbie Corvette."
Brianna Martinez: "I want a hot guy with tatts, piercings, and bulging guns (muscles)."
Sandy Brown: "To be in the arms of that one special person."
Erica Fuerte: "World peace."
Day in the Life of a Navy recruiter
by Melissa Cera
Special to the Pepperbough
December 21, 2001
ATTENTION SENIORS: I am sure by now, almost all of you have been called, approached, poked, prodded, and/or pestered about joining the United States Military. Who hasn't? Most of us are at least seventeen, planning to graduate, and have moderate intentions to go to college after high school.
What do you do when you encounter military recruiters? "I listen to what they have to say," declares eighteen-year-old senior Matthew Campbell. "I am not particularly interested in the military right now, but I know that they all have their job to do. The least I can do is listen, and then politely decline."
Petty Officer Alan Fuentes of the U.S. Navy agrees. "If you are not interested, let us know. We'll leave you alone."
On a quest to prove the importance of a recruiter's duties, I followed Petty Officer Fuentes around for a day to see what being a recruiter was all about.
Our day begins at 0600. A light work out of a half-mile jog, sixty jumping jacks, and endless sit-ups gives us energy to burn off through out the course of the quest.
By 0800 hours, we have changed from our work out gear to something a little more professional and head for our first school for presentations. Much to my surprise, a great majority of the students have been interested in joining the military ever since the September 11 attacks. Most of their interest boils down to serving America, not just blowing stuff up. A few students I talked to briefly stated that they never knew that the military had so much to offer. "Most people think that the military is about killing people, strenuous boot camps, and waking up at the crack of dawn every day… but it's not," says Fuentes.
The military really does have a lot to offer. You can get 75 to 100 percent of your college paid for, full medical and dental coverage, housing, food, and on top of it all, a monthly paycheck. And that's just the basics.
Upon departing the first school, we leave many a student more informed about the glories of the Navy. Petty Officer Fuentes has a large smile plastered on his face and a fist full of interested students' numbers that he exchanged for frisbees and clicky pens.
At 1130 hours, we find ourselves at another school, but this time during lunch. As soon as people saw the uniform, students began to swarm around, asking questions about joining up to serve America.
As 1400 hours nears, we arrive back at the San Bernardino Recruiting Station located across the street from the Carousel Mall. Various recruits and prospective joiners filter in and out of the station, and pretty soon, Petty Officer Moore, another recruiter, snags one and begins to interview him. In less then an hour, he has obtained interests, goals, and settled rumors that may have been a concern in the past. Petty Officer Fuentes starts in on his calls to the people who submitted their phone numbers earlier in the day.
Three hours later: 1700 hours. Time to go home. Regardless of what most people think, being a recruiter is hard work. To become a recruiter, you need to have a recommendation by your commanding officer, have a good evaluation, and have a ranking of E-4 or above. You also have to go to a school in Pensacola, Florida that specialized in recruiting. And like any other professional, he has a monthly quota to meet.
Petty Officer Fuentes wants every one to know that a recruiter does not get paid based on who they can sucker into enlisting. "If the Navy is not for you, then it's not for you. If you express an interest in joining the Marines, Sergeant Perez's office is next door. I'll give him your number."
Catherine Thompson, another eighteen-year-old senior, joined the Marines in early September. "It all started when Sergeant Perez called me. I just listened to be nice, but in the end, I made an excellent decision that will forever alter my life."
The next time a recruiter calls you on the phone and you aren't interested, let them know. If you don't, you could be wasting both your time and theirs. Otherwise, if you do express an interest, go to the recruiting station nearest you: It could be the best choice you have ever made.
It's Starting to Look a Lot like….Kwanzaa
By Leticia Zamora
December 21, 2001Winter has long been a time of celebration around the world, whether the holiday be Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or even the world renowned Christmas. December in general is a time for celebration no matter what religion or race you are. What is the story behind the holidays? Well, most of us know where Christmas originated from, but who or what is responsible for the creation of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa traditions?
Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, created Kwanzaa in 1966. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits." Kwanzaa is a non-religious African American holiday that celebrates family, community, and culture. The celebration lasts for several days. The festivities begin on December 26 and lasts thru January 1. These festivities include: songs, dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal called a Karamu on December 31. Yes indeed, Kwanzaa is truly a unique holiday.
Hanukkah on the other hand goes a bit farther back in its origin than Kwanzaa. In 165 B.C., the Jews proclaimed victory over the Syrian armies. After that ancient battle was won, the Jewish soldiers went to a Holy Temple. When they got there they were saddened because many sacred things were either missing or broken. Including the Golden Menorah. They cleaned and fixed the Holy Temple. When they were done, they decided to have a dedication ceremony. For this celebration, the Jews wanted to light the menorah. They searched everywhere for oil, luckily someone found a small flask that contained enough oil for one night. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days. This miracle gave the Jews enough time to obtain new oil to keep the menorah lit. Today Jews celebrate Hanukkah for eight days by lighting candles in a menorah every night commemorating the eight-day miracle.
As for Christmas, who doesn't know the story of Christmas? The baby Jesus was born to those believed to be Mary and Joseph in a manger in Bethlehem. Days later 3 kings of the Orient visited the babe and brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. But where did the traditions come from? Well, the first eggnog to be consumed in the United States was consumed in the 1607 Jamestown settlement. Now the use of poinsettias goes back to 1828 when the American minister to Mexico, Joel R. Poinsett, brought the red and green plant from Mexico to America. In 1870, New York stores began to sell them at Christmas and by 1900, they were a universal symbol of the holiday. Ah, mistletoe! This custom was founded in the Victorian era; the English would hang sprigs of mistletoe. If someone were found standing under the mistletoe, someone in the room would kiss them, behavior not usually demonstrated in Victorian society. The year 1224 was the year that St. Francis of Assisi created the first living nativity; he did so to help explain the birth of Jesus to his followers. There are many more traditions and customs that have evolved over time, but as for Santa Clause, let's just leave him as he is. I wouldn't want to ruin the true spirit of Christmas for any one.
Jackets reveal fave Xmas Stories
By Napa Utrapiromsuk
December 21, 2001
Ralphie, Scrooge, Rudolph and some other characters are what makes people feel like it's the Christmas season. Besides your neighbors bright Christmas lights flashing in your window at night you know it's December when: TNT replays the Christmas Story all week long, when ABC puts out their own version of 'A Christmas Carol', and the line "When a bells rings, and angel gets its wings" is all over the TV. With all of these Christmas flicks competing to be the number one classic Christmas movie we at the Pepperbough went out and asked students at Colton High School, what their favorite Christmas movie was.
1. The Christmas Story-20%
2. Miracle on 34th Street-15%
3. A Christmas Carol- 12%
4. The Grinch- 23%
5. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer- 10%
6. It's A Wonderful Life- 20%
Local Eateries pour on the food
By Jennifer Montgomery
December 21, 2001If you're looking for a local spot to cool your heels while you're waiting for that big test, or a place to meet after school for a snack, or just a place to go for a good meal sometime, there are a number of good places within walking distance of Colton High that serve fast, fresh, good food. Here's a sampling of the good eatin' to be had less than a block from where you're sitting right now.
Wienerschnietzal, located on 801 Valley Blvd. Colton, is a fast food restaurant we all see as we go in and out of school everyday. Famous for their hot dogs and chili cheese fries, they seem to keep their venue filled when it is time to eat. The combo meals are a variety of hamburgers and fries, chili cheese dogs and fries and of course your choice of drink, all ranging under five dollars. The place is kept up really well and is clean every time a customer walks in there. Their service is great as well as their food.
A terrific find, Del Taco manages to succeed where other restaurants fail-even though it's fast food, the environment is nice to make you want to linger over a meal. The simple interior manages to create a warm welcoming environment. Their Quesadillas are superior and are sold at good prices. Their food ranges from ($2.59-5.59) for an individual. Their chili cheese fries tasty and tender, enough to make your taste buds dance. Their average unit volume is 22% higher than taco bell.
You may have a tough time ordering at the "El Rancho" Mexican restaurant. There are so many things to choose from. Thankfully, all the "Especialidades" dinner items have good descriptions right on the menu. "Especial del Ranchoone" ($10.99), which includes steak, chicken breast, shrimp and chorizo sautéed with onions, bell peppers, tomatoes and green onions, proved to be a good choice. Everything there is homemade, and made fresh everyday.
The restaurants full menu includes 25 combination dinners ($5.49-5.99), 30 "Especialidades" dinners ($6.50-10.99), and five vegetarian combinations ($5.25-5.99). The place is warm and welcoming, and their food is very tasty.
When you think of Tom's restaurant, you think of their hamburgers, their fries, and you know…all their tasty foods. They have a variety of things to choose from. Once you walk in, the place is very warming and you will see that it's venue is quite full. They serve breakfast lunch and dinner. Their prices range from $2.79-$5.49, for about all their meals throughout the day. The service is great, and you can either eat there or out. Overall, their food is served great and cheap, and you will enjoy eating what you ordered from there.
Leno's Rico Taco located on 549 West Valley Boulevard is a restaurant we all see everyday that always seems to fill its venue every time we pass it. A family/ children outdoor dining establishment, Leno's Rico Taco has a very warm welcoming enviorment. Open from 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. everyday of the week, they serve lunch and dinner. Their Mexican food served fresh ranges their prices from $4.99 and up. Their facility holds up to over 100 people, and they meet people's needs by having smoking and non-smoking sections. Their service types are sit down or carry-out and their food is more than just great.
So when your appetite is ragin' and you just can't wait for Mom's home cooking, or you're out with friends this holiday season and you're near good ole CHS, stop in at one or more of our local eateries.
Pepper Bough: Paper with a history
By Ashley Jay
December 21, 2001
"What's a Pepper Bough?" The question that every staff member has been asked at least twenty times while sporting their logo sweatshirts or t-shirts. There is a simple answer to such a simple question. The "Pepper" refers to the legendary and long gone pepper trees that used to be scattered around the campus and the city. A "Bough" is just another name for branch. So you can see how the name would have been self-explanatory back when the paper was first introduced.
Established in 1917, the paper held one adviser for a whole 48 years! The late Christina Davies Beeson is the reigning queen of the paper. Her legendary presence was well known in her days. From 1932-1980 Beeson ran the paper and proceeded to win numerous awards. Her accomplishments were said to have literally filled an entire room. Amazingly enough, Christina Beeson's efforts can be traced as a historical reference. She led the paper through the Great Depression. A time when the simplest pleasures were almost impossible to come by. She passed through the 30s and 40s guiding her students through World War II. "The Beeson Years" were of great importance on into the 80s. Can you imagine the kind of stories that women helped revise? From Roosevelt to Reagan, from the big band era to New Wave. She won the coveted "Outstanding Journalism teacher in the state of California" award in 1970. Sadly, in 1997 Christina Davies Beeson passed away. Her memory lives on with the Christina Davies Beeson Memorial Journalism Scholarship, given each year to a senior who shows exemplary talent and who wants to continue a career in communications or journalism in college.
The next adviser was Patricia Ishida. From 1980-1990, Ishida proved her place as a journalism adviser by helping her students to earn the George Gallup Award from the Quill and Scroll Society of Professional Journalists. She taught her students to go beyond the usual efforts by getting involved in the Inland Journalism Education Association write-offs, winning numerous awards. Ishida is now working as a Resource Specialist teacher working at the district office.
Current Freshman Honors teacher Glenn Mitchell organized the Pepper Bough pack from 1990-1995. Mitchell put much of his time into upgrading the technology in the classroom. His focus on computers and technology made the process of putting out a paper more efficient and open. His presence is still felt each time a reporter opens up a word processing or Pagemaker file to create the paper.
After Mitchell's five-year stay with the staff, English teacher Dave Rainey took over. Rainey's experience thrived from his past work with small community newspapers and in majoring in Journalism for a time at Cal State Long Beach. Rainey also helped with the Pepper Bough's technology by doubling the number of computers in his classroom. The Pepper Bough came in second place in the annual San Bernardino Country Sun "Best High School Newspaper in the country" in 1998. After Rainey's second year, the paper came in first place and was invited to intern and produce two pages for the Sun. Just this year, our staff is proud to say that the Pepper Bough room is supplied with fifteen brand new Gateway computers not including Rainey's own stationary system. Currently, Rainey runs the show along with hard working Editor-in-Chief, senior Amy Carrillo, a four year veteran of the staff..
Saturday School opens its doors
By Paul Lopez
December 21, 2001
In mid- November the district board passed a bill to allow Saturday school to be mandatory for those students that skip class too many times. Once a student collects more than six truancies in a single class, the teacher of this class may call the parents of the student to inform them that their child has to attend mandatory Saturday school.
When students go to Saturday school they have to have enough work to keep them busy for the four long hours they are there. If a student walks through the door of the classroom without work, an administrating teacher could assign the work to him. The students could get some work from their teachers or if they don't receive any work the students could bring a book that they can have finished by the end of the four hours.
If a student thinks that he could completely skip Saturday school just to sleep in or do something more to his liking, he must think that no one would notice his absents but he will be suspended from school the following Tuesday. Why Tuesday? Well like Mr. Walters says, "I don't like giving three day weekends".
So now skipping class comes with its consequences, and skipping the consequence comes with its own consequence. So now the students have to start taking their attendance more seriously and these stories of not having enough time to make it to class will not be accepted. As if they ever were.
Thinkwave: are you online yet?
By Aubie Patterson
December 21, 2001
When your grades are getting low, your parents and teacher are usually thinking, "phone call." When they don't trust you, a conference usually comes to mind. But what would you think if you knew that your teacher didn't have to make anymore phone calls, or set up conferences at all? What would you think if you knew that never again will you have to ask the teacher "what did I miss while I was absent?" Well, you're just about to find out, because ThinkWave has just taken a great leap into the ".com" industry. ThinkWave.com, the center of communication between students, teachers and parents, has a lot more in store than meets the eye. Established in 1997 in Pacifica, California, ThinkWave has more to it than that of some bogus site built by a couple of bored kids during the summer. You can check your grades, get assignments, email your teachers, and more. It's probably the best site to be on, in fact. Here's how it works:
1) Your teacher uses ThinkWave to create an online grade book with each individual student's information.
2) ThinkWave automatically creates secure online accounts for each student.
3) Your teacher gives you a handout, for you and your parent.
4) You and your parents go online to ThinkWave.com, and you each make a personal ID by typing in your start key and password your teacher provided.
5) Parents and students can log on anytime to check grades, attendance, and any upcoming assignments or handouts.
With ThinkWave, there is no worry of missing assignments because you were absent. "I get my work off the internet," says Megan Niermann, a sophomore. Bill Webb, geometry teacher, agrees with Niermann. "ThinkWave is a place for students and parents to check their own progress, to get a sick child's assignments." Webb has absolute confidence in the ThinkWave program. However, there are people who don't.
According to Lucy Khairullah, English teacher, "It's not practical." She thinks that it's too much trouble for the administrators to come into the classroom and install it. "We have that program, we just can't use it," she says. Stevie Seibert, sophomore, has her own problems with using ThinkWave. "It's inconvenient," she argues. "I know what my grades are, and sometimes when I'm unsure, I just ask my teacher." Time is also a factor when using the internet. "I don't have time to go online, unless I make it," says Seibert.
There are people who would love to use a great thing like ThinkWave, like Webb and Niermann, as there are people like Seibert and Khairullah who think it's just a big inconvenience. But looking at it any way, you can see how (if it were installed and you had the time) good it would be to just log on and see what's there. Like Webb says, "It has everything in the grade book and more." The only problem he has is that there are still some people who aren't using it.
Tis the Season for Service
By Adriane Munoz
December 21, 2001Christmas time can be described as the season of service; a time when man turns to their fellow man to help them out in this benevolent season. ASB decided to show that they care by collecting canned food for their annual food drive. Junior Class President Brandi Dorado, as well as the rest of ASB, is willing to help out more than ever this year. Dorado says enthusiastically, "It's like our school was trying to do something." When it comes to community service, ASB shows us that Christmas is truly the season of giving.
It turns out that ASB isn't the only one doing something to help out this holiday season. We have National Honor Society (NHS) who is having a fundraiser through Souplantation. The Souplantation fund-raiser is supposed to help raise money for scholarships for the graduating seniors this year. The money raised will also be used for honor societies annual induction ceremony, which can cost up to seven hundred dollars. Crystal Aston, a Souplantation employee brought the idea to Sharon Halter-Day's attention and she loved the idea, and the opportunity to raise money for her outgoing NHS members. "Yes! National Honor Society is an organization that embraces good scholarship, leadership, and services," she also adds, "It's serving our good communities and our school and character. If there was one change to be made in this world it would be for everyone that want to go to college should go for it. In general we would want to understand and appreciate people's differences." Not only is it a great way to raise money, it is a great way for NHS to get out into the community and lend a helping hand to those in need.
DECA on the other hand did something to help out, too. On December 15, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., DECA held a giant yard sale where they sold everything from baked goods to old trinkets that were donated to the group. President of DECA, Lisa Powers, organized the event to raise money for the Make a Wish Foundation. Powers saw this opportunity as a chance to help out other people in need this holiday season.
To be a Muslim is to be misunderstood
By Narmin Shahin
December 21, 2001
Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the Unites States, and the second largest next to Christianity. Although this is true, not many understand what this religion really is. Muslims are the followers of Islam. This religion began in the seventh century, when the prophet Gabriel came down and brought the holy book (the Koran) to a man soon to be prophet, named Muhammad. This all took place in a city called Mecca located in the present day country of Saudi Arabia. This city is considered holy to Muslims. A Mecca is a place that is holy, mostly used as a gathering place to pray, when the Muslim people were persecuted for their beliefs. Muslims believe in one god and share a lot of the same traditions as Judaism and Christianity, but believe in many prophets or messengers of God. Not all Muslims are of Arabic descent, and not all Arabs are Muslim (for example, there are some are Christian Arabs in the middle east.) In fact, the country with the largest Islamic populations is not even an Arabic country. It's Indonesia, an Asian country..
The similarities between Christianity, Judaism and the Muslim religion are many.Muslims gather at a mosque every Friday for a prayer, which resembles church for Christian people. Muslim people are taught to be kind, polite, helpful and gracious to all. And contrary to what many people may be saying lately, faithful Muslims are opposed to suicide and murder.
One of the many traditions in the Muslim religion is fasting; this occurs once a year. At age 8 children begin to fast from sunrise to sunset. The purpose is to help people be grateful for the fact that after the 12 hours they have food, and that many people don't. While there are many similarities between religions, they are not the same.
To understand what it means to be a Muslim, you must keep an open mind and realize that this religion is based upon centuries of strict rules, laws and traditions. Before you judge a religion make sure you know the whole story and take everything you discover in a fair point of view.
Favorite Christmas Gifts (Survey)
December 21, 2001
Christmas is the best holiday to give and receive gifts. But as the saying goes " It's always better to give then to receive." Christmas is more exciting as a kid because when you're still young, you make a wish list, hoping that Santa will bring you everything on your list. Then you go to bed earlier than usual hoping Christmas day comes faster. As you get older, you come to find out that Santa isn't real, and your parent(s) is the real Santa. Recording to the Colton High Students the best Christmas gifts are as followed:
1. Money- 33%
2. Clothes- 21%
3. Jewelry- 17%
4. Gift Certificate- 15%
5. C.D.'s- 14%
When a book turns into a movie
By Megan Holden
December 21, 2001
Never, and I repeat… NEVER… read a book for pleasure and then see the movie.
In third grade, my class read "Where the Red Fern Grows," and it ended up being my all time favorite book. For a treat, our teacher brought in the movie and we got to watch it in class, but even then, I hated it. The movie couldn't even BEGIN to compare to the actual book. Scenes were totally changed from the authors original works, and other scenes where taken out completely. It really sucked.
In eighth grade I read, and thoroughly enjoyed, Michael Crichton's "Sphere." Against my better judgment I saw the movie a few months later and was totally disappointed. The end of the book had lead you to believe that the "alien manifestation," caused by the sphere, had not left their bodies, it kept you thinking about the book long after you were finished. While in the movie, once the people surfaced, the movie ended with no mention of anything to keep you pondering.
However, if you're stuck in a heavy class that requires you read about 15 books a year, I recommend that you watch the movie BEFORE you read the book. I'm not saying to just watch the movie though, because I have found out with past experiences, movies and books are not exactly alike. Watching the movie before you read a book for class helps me get "into" the book, because when I attempt to read a long boring book like "Moby Dick," I tend to drift off and think of everything else BUT what I'm reading. And trust me, that is not something you want to do when your grade depends on it. I've learned though, that if I watch the movie before I read the book, it helps me get a visual of the book, so it's easier for me to follow along with the plot and setting. I mean who wouldn't rather sit back and watch Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" for a few hours, and then go read the book with a greater understanding, then if you hadn't seen the movie and just read the book?
I think people go to the movies because they think there is no way a book could show the goryness of a war, or the beautiful "damsel in distress," or the nice cars, and so on. The sad truth of the matter is, if you're one of those people, you're missing out. Yeah, movies are good, I admit that, they're somewhere to go with your date, if you don't want to talk to him or her. The multiplex is somewhere you can go with your friends… for about 9 bucks a ticket, and have to be quiet for 2 hours or so, unless that is if you WANT to be kicked out.
I realized in third grade that books are way better then movies, and I'm sure I'll still think that when I'm a 96 year-old woman.
I warn you now, if you read a book, and like it… DO NOT, and I repeat DO NOT, see the movie, because you WILL be greatly disappointed.
Winter Break Plans (Survey)
December 21, 2001
Winter break: that time that all of us students look forward to every year. A chance to get away from all of the school work for two whole weeks. I had a chance to ask students what they planned to do for their winter vacation. Here are some of their replies.
Jonathan Albiso 10th
I plan to work, have some fun with my family, and see people I haven't seen in awhile.Andrew Yonkey 12th
My parents plan on renting a cabin in Big Bear for the whole weekend I also plan to hit the ski slopes and Adrienne Bennett 9th
I plan to meet every single one of my relatives before this year is over because I've never really met them all.Travis Boyd 9th
I plan to go to the mountains with my girlfriend, go snowboarding, and stay in my friends cabin.Audrie Wiscowiche 12th
I plan on going to the mountains, take snowboarding lessons, and chill.Ruben Colunga 9th
Staying up late and trying to unwrap presents before Christmas to see what I got.
help my little nephew build his first snowman.Solvina Angon 9th
I plan mostly on going snowboarding. I also would like to go out with friends, and I can't wait till Christmas so I can get new clothes.Melissa Zendejas 12th
I plan to have a lot of fun, spend time with friends and family, and have a great Christmas.Carlos Perez 11th
Stay home, work, hang out with friends, and go Christmas shopping. Oh! And I'm going to Disneyland.Raymond Mendoza 11th
I'm going to New Jersey to visit my cousin who is mentally disabled. Every winter break I go to his hospital to do some community service, like helping people learn their ABC's.Samuel Alva 12th
I plan to spend time with my grandma, get big and fat, and go window-shopping because I can't afford anything.Mike Duran 12th
I'm going to try to get with as many girls as I can.
Britney Spears CD review
By Jennifer Montgomery
December 21, 2001
Her upcoming record release Britney shows that her reign as a teen pop star comes to a close. Britney's music has become more daring and grown-up then ever before.
"I wanted to make [Britney] nastier and funkier," she told MTV in October. Her mission was accomplished. In this new album she explores new musical styles that include funk, soul, and rock. Not to mention songwriting-Britney wrote five of the songs on her album herself.
Highlights include the rockering "Overprotected". Not since Janet Jackson's "Control" has there been such a danceable declaration of independence from a rising pop star. "Lonely" reveals Brit's expletory side with a funky rhythm. "Boy's" is reminiscent of seventies soul with a little prince thrown in it.
Britney's cover of Joan Jett's "I love Rock 'n' Roll" is not a disappointment, with Brit's sassy voice against such tough girl guitar riffs. In "Cinderella" she's singing to a boy who took her for granted. That has a relationship with last years "Stronger". This song, along with others like the girl power anthem "Anticipating" proves that Britney is, now more than ever, a force to be reckoned with.
But don't just take my word for it-check it out yourself-Britney is now in music stores everywhere!
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Review
By Ryan Rivera
December 21, 2001Was the play a success or a flop? All that was heard from the audience was laughter and applause. You would think the play was a success by listening to the audience, but was it really? Mixed reactions were expressed on the days following days after the play...but that's what you might expect from such an ambitious production. Some loved it, others had reservations.
Junior Kelly Promnitz loved the play: "I thought the play was excellent and very funny. I also thought the part where Woody came out of the TV screen was the funniest part." Remember there are always two sides to everything. " I think the play could have been better and the scenery should have been more colorful," stated Junior Brenda Ureno.
The way the play was started was somewhat different. Although, it was a great way because the cast did a wonderful job in making it seem real. The audience also seemed to like the beginning of the play because of the interaction between the cast members and themselves.
"The props should have been better than they were," expressed Junior Alyssa Roque. The props and scenery on stage seemed a bit plain. The stage almost seemed empty due to the lack of additional props. The much needed props would have given the audience a better understanding of the scenes. Junior Tarin Benevente argued, "The strobe lights had a very good effect on the scenes."
Between the scenes were probably the best out of the whole play. As the music started playing, the umpalumpas came marching out, singing on stage. Costumes and makeup were also among the successes of the play.
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory was a play full of laughter from the jokes and applause from the audience. As to whether or not the play was a success, I would have to say that the play was very successful and liked by the viewers. Congratulations to all involved.
Holiday Movie Preview
By Veronica Sanchez and Ryan Rivera
December 21, 2001
The holiday season is upon us once again! As in previous years, this holiday season is going to prove to be a success for the movie indusrty. The flicks listed are going to skyrocket in popularity and become huge box office hits
Lord of the Rings
Action/Adventure and DramaSet in mythic pre-historic times, the story of a desperate battle against encroaching evil that pits young hobbit Frodo, who has inherited a magic ring from his elderly cousin Bilbo, against the Dark Lord Sauron, who desperately wants the ring because it will enable him to enslave the people of Middle Earth. In his effort to thwart Sauron, Frodo recruits a fellowship of friends and a wizard, elf, dwarf and others on a mission to destroy the ring by casting it into the volcanic fires in the Crack of Doom, although the ring unleashes its own power in the struggle.
Rating: PG-13 for epic battle sequences and some scary images.Release Date: December 19, 2001
Ali
DramaWith Muhammad Ali's athletic genius, defiant rage, and inner grace the American landscape changed forever. Fighting all comers, Ali took on the law, conventions and the war - as well as the fists in front of him. Ali both ignited and mirrored the conflicts of his time and ours to become one of the most admired fighters in the world. Forget what you think you know. Behind Ali's seismic accomplishments, actor Will Smith and director/writer Michael Mann will take you into the heart and life of the boxer, the legend, and more importantly, the man.
Rating: Not Rated.Release Date: December 25, 2001
The Majestic
Drama, Comedy and Romance
In this Capra-esque drama set during the 1950's blacklist, a young, ambitious Hollywood screenwriter (Jim Carrey) loses his job and his identity, only to find new courage, love and the power of conviction in the heart of a small town's life.
Rating: Not Rated.
Release Date: December 21, 2001Impostor
Science Fiction/Fantasy and Action/Adventure
Spencer Olham, an unsuspecting scientist with a loving family and beautiful wife, must clear his name after unexpectedly being accused of being an alien spy-public enemy number-one. Now Spencer has to do everything in his power to prove his identity and innocence in a future where nothing is as it seems, and paranoia is everywhere. His mission leads to alien battles and thusly, the creation of an ultimate weapon.
Rating: PG-13 for intense sci-fi violence, some sexuality and language.
Release Date: December 25, 2001
Horoscopes for December
By Madame Cleo (aka Ashley Ellison)
December 21, 2001
Sagittarius
November 23- December 21Hey, it is your birthday and as you get older, you long to be wiser about yourself and what you want out of life. Box up your fears that have been holding you back and start on your journey of self discovery.
Capricorn
December 22- January 20It is time for giving and you are being extra generous. By spreading all your goodness, you will enjoy the smiles of others and also get to spend time with people who share your interests.
.Aquarius
January 21- February 19There is a mystery for you to solve this month and the clues are everywhere. Keep those peepers peeled for any unusual happenings that will lead you to an explanation. Don't jump to conclusions too quickly because the answers you are looking for are not right in front of you.
Pisces
February 20- March 20It is cold outside but you're feeling warm and fuzzy, and it is not just because you are wearing a cozy sweater. You have just fallen for the super cutie and that cutie likes you too. The effects of first love are ruling you this winter, and it all begins on the 1st with the full moon making the atmosphere romantic.
Aries
March 21- April 20
You should start charging for all the advice you've been dishing out. This relationship drama that you've been dealing with puts you at the center of your once friendly crew. But don't choose sides because that would get hairy. Just stay neutral and deal out your wisdom until the problem makers come to their senses. When the battle is over, you'll turn out to be the hero and branded to be the level headed one again.Taurus
April 21- May 21Get all your studying out of the way early, because when winter break comes along, you will be holiday party hopping.
Gemini
May 22- June 21It is about resolution time, but before you make any new promises to yourself, you need to take a look back. Glancing at the past will help you find out what you really want to accomplish this year.
Cancer
June 22- July 23
Winter weather is blowing in lots of questions for you to answer, and they are not of the multiple choice kind. Life is urging you to get up close and personal with your special someone or crush, but it may be too much, too soon. Family and friends are full of opinions on the subject, so seek their advice.Leo
July 24- August 23When winter break begins, any kind of road trip puts you in a playful mood, even if it involves a family gathering. Pack up your bags, it is vacation time.
Virgo
August 24- September 23You are content to be your own person, but this month has you wondering how others see you. It might be a good time for some heart to heart chats to find out.
Libra
September 24- October 23You need to start thinking about yourself this winter. Pull away from that person who makes you do all the work. Your time is to precious to worry about that on person and their temper tantrums. Instead, spend quality time with a new love: yourself!
Scorpio
October 24- November 22Feeling flirty? It's happy holiday time for you and you should spend time with your special crush.
Kittie CD review
By Victor Valdez
December 21, 2001
The highly anticipated album from Kittie titled Oracle was released on October 30. Oracle opens with two heavy songs "Oracle" and " Mouthful of Poison". Then it kind of gets you wondering where Kittie was going with this album; it goes from heavy to soft several different times and Kittie had said that the album was going to be heavier. Don't get me wrong, the songs that are on the album are heavier. There are as many soft songs as there are hard. Maybe the loss of guitarist Fallon Bowman is to blame.
Whatever the reason you wonder why Kittie turned to this form of expression. The album is good despite the fallbacks. The album bombed in the record charts the debut week but it's a good album if you like Kittie's old stuff. Even if you weren't a fan of Kittie before you may like them now for the mellow songs. Another thing notice besides the change of style in the music is the style of the artists themselves. Older Kittie fans may have remembered frontwoman Morgan Lander with her short blenched blonde or black hair, or bassist Talena Atfield with her black hair with red streaks.
In the newest music video release from Kittie we see Lander with a sort of reddish brown hair and Atfield with big hooped earrings and a sort of curly little top. They to have gotten more "girlier" and more mature at the same time. Maybe this is the cause for the change. They did say the songs on their debut album "spit" were five years old. Whatever the reasons I still like them it's a well-put together album that maybe lacking some qualities but the ones it does have are good and if you like heavy music then this one is for you.
Not Another Teen Movie review
By Napa Utrapiromsuk
December 21, 2001
Not Another Teen Movie is a parody of the typical teen movie. The stereotypical "too cool jock" makes a bet that he can turn the biggest nerd at school into the Prom Queen. The story line is stolen from She's All That,along with some other popular coming to age flicks like Bring it On, Can't Hardly Wait, American Pie, Never Been Kissed, and Cruel Intentions.
This film includes many guest appearances by Molly Ringwald (the Redheaded Queen of 80's teen movies Pretty in Pink, Breakfast Club, and Sixteen Candles.). Teen pictures with the nerdy girl getting the hottest guy at school always do well at the box office. Mixing the same formula as Scary Movie, Not Another Teen Movie pokes fun at the ridicules situations of the nerdy girl taking off the glass and ponytail, and then suddenly turning into the hottest girl at school. Wondering weather this movie is right for you, take a account if you are a person who has never seen half the flicks made fun of might not be able to understand some of the jokes or what the actors are talking about. If you're a big fan of American Pie and Scary Movie, then Not Another Teen Movie is definitely for you. Personally, I think that besides the graphic scenes, and cheap storyline, this movie was not that bad, but a little disappointing.
What is Love?
by Lisa Namnath
December 21, 2001
The single word that is so commonly used, that people really don't know the meaning of, or they choose to use it to mean whatever they wish, to get whatever they want. As I racked my brain for a word for this article I found myself stumbling on suggestions like gay and wench. They were good answers to the simple question, (What is a word we use all the time but don't really know what it means?) but not what I was looking for. Love wasn't necessarily what I was looking for either.
According to more than a few current dictionaries, love is attraction based on sexual desire. When did the definition change? This word so commonly used to replace lust because of the connotation, when did we lose love's true meaning. In the past it used to mean someone you truly cared for, not just someone that you're physically attracted to, though surely that was some part of it. "I love her body," is more truthful than "I love her." A phrase so repeated, it is almost devoid of meaning. I asked a few of the Colton High student body to see if my views were shared by others here at Colton. Senior Adam Botello states, " I love my Mom, Hometown Buffet, Kool-Aid, Spiderman and Britney Spears". Junior Heather Weppler said "Love nowadays is perceived by one's eyes instead of the heart. It is degrading to see that happen to love in general."
Junior Megan Holden also states that love has changed from its true meaning. "It varies from person to person. I don't love my brother the same way as I love my boyfriend and I don't love my boyfriend the way I love my friends. The love I think you're talking about, to me, is hard to explain. To me it means you are happy with every aspect of a person. That means accepting their faults without judgement. Trusting a person unconditionally with everything. People tend to confuse love and lust. They think that by being intimate they are in love. That is not the case."
Well in any case, Love has been dreadfully misunderstood. Love is subject to everyone's own interpretation as with any word or feeling. But it is with amazement and awe that I see love used in such a context as to taint a perfectly beautiful word and all it stands for. Hopefully in the future the word will regain its wonderful simplicity.
Boys Basketball
by Sara Abusiraj
December 21, 2001With a winning record of 13-13 the Boys Varsity Basketball team made their way to the playoffs last year for the first time in a whole decade. As soon as school started, the boys started training. The difference from last year to this year was the height, weight, and speed. Plans for this year are being made and they all hope to get a better record and go to the playoffs again. There maybe a possibility, but only time can tell.
The returners from last year are seniors Jason Wilcox, Abrahim Robbin, Mark Vingua, Khrishna Farquharson, Chris Garcia who is injured, and juniors Daniel Evans, Pierre Celestine, and Bryan Sorenson. New to the team is senior Anthony Haskins; juniors Anthony Garcia and Anthony Long, and sophomore Joseph Beard.
There are a lot of plays and strategies to work on, but mostly defense. "Offense wins games, defense wins championships," said Abrahim Robbin. Even though some things have gone wrong, Coach Byron Wesley is counting on junior Bryan Sorenson and others to work some magic, and so far they have been doing a good job of it. The players have to experience the knowledge of the game, but Coach Wesley is looking forward to the challenge of building confidence and making everything work. "All members of my team have a lot of space for improvement," said Coach Wesley as he was watching his team practice and pointing out all of their mistakes. He continues with, "If these kids play for me, then they will play hard."
After practice some of the guys were asked about the most unforgettable times of last year. One answered, "The time when we had to make three sets of ten free throws in a row and on the last set Kevin Pinkney would do a little dance to make everyone laugh so they would miss the last one and would have to start all over." The coach replied about the time they went to the playoffs and how he enjoyed the crazy atmosphere. He also liked seeing the kids in that environment. But there will be even more fans and excitement this year because the great team that was put together.
Boys Soccer
by Marisa Cortez and Priscilla Montgomery
December 21, 2001"It is a relatively young team but I'm expecting them to win league." This is how Coach Joe Archer feels about the boys this year. There are twenty-two players on this year's varsity team, half are returning from last year's squad.
They have had a rough start especially with the recent injury of star player Junior Anthony Hamilton who sprained his ankle and has yet to play. However, he still has a positive outlook. "In order to improve we have to play with our hearts." He also feels that the team is really young and "it's going to take a while for us to come together as a team."
Leading the team this year as captains are Jeff Doolittle, Anthony Hamilton and Hector Calderon, all who have played since freshman year. They are some of the many star players on the team and are looked to for leadership.
Already, the boys have played Yucaipa and won, while tieing Rialto and Hesperia. They lost two games against Granite Hills and Highland. "We're off to a bad start but we hope to start league off right with Anthony coming off his injury," comments senior Jeff Doolittle.
Some of the most challenging teams they will face this year are San G, Yucaipa, and Pacific. Coach Archer is looking forward to playing them all, and hopes for success.
These boys also have the support of their coach, who not only looks for talent and ability when choosing his players, but also what kind of student they are. He feels this is one of the most important things and wants to be sure they keep up with their academic studies first and foremost.
Colton's Boys Varsity soccer has ranked top ten two years in a row and there is no doubt in any one of their minds that they will win league. Junior Cody Moore comments "Play as hard as you can everyday and get some huevos." With this kind of attitude, Colton is sure to be victorious.
Fall Sports Rewind
By Lisa Namnath
December 21, 2001
Fall sports' final season tallies.
Team Wins Losses
Football
Varsity 8 2
JV 7 3
Frosh 5 5
Cross Country
Varsity Girls 5 15
Varsity Boys 14 6
Girl's Golf
Varsity 8 5
Volleyball
Varsity 2 8
JV 4 6
Boy's Water polo
Varsity 3 13
The Varsity football team advanced to finals against Corona's Santiago High, but lost the game 42 to 16. The JV team did their best to keep up with the amazing season the varsity had and ended up with a commendable record.
The Boys' Varsity Cross Country team finished second in the league, next year more of the team will be returnees and Coach Halley thinks the scores will be even better.
HIGHLIGHT: Junior Jennifer Gonzales went to CIF's for her scores in the league finals for Varsity Golf. The team narrowly missed CIF's by 6 strokes, to the disappointment of all the players. Now they are even more
determined to win.The volleyball team faced the loss of many of their returning players last year and had to start off the season fresh, the players feel as though they just need to become more of a team to succeed.
Boys' water polo had a poor season but the players are getting more confident in their skills and feel that they are improving.
Girls Basketball
by Sara Abusiraj
December 21, 2001Last year the Girls Varsity Basketball team went 5-19, but this year the coach expects a whole lot more. Coach Chris Burner has said that he is trying to get his team in shape and working together so there wouldn't be as many "mess-ups." The thing that needs most practice is the offense.
The top teams in the league this year are San Bernardino, Cajon, and Yucaipa. A lot of things can change in a year. "Maybe things will be looking up for us this season," said Burner talking about his varsity team, which includes seniors Carol Rodriguez, Raquel Ramirez, Heidi Schmidt, and Victoria Villareal; .juniors Trinity McGinnis, Jennifer Gonzales, Lindsay Parkes, Sara Itani and sophomores Fallon Richards and Chara Garrett.
Some of the main goals for the girls are to improve on everything. A losing team is not an option. "There are many ways to lose a game, but there is only one way to win, and it's called teamwork," said Sophomore Fallon Richards. All the girls believe they can turn into one; they can get better as long as they keep working as a team. It takes a lot of time and practice to get where this team is headed, but anything can happen. Having long hours of practice and a couple games a week helps the process. Captain Carol Rodriguez mentions all the work there is to be done in a certain amount of time and says, "I wish my team could just keep working hard like they do." When they were asked if they are going to make the playoffs this year, they answered a definite yes.
Some of the memorable moments that the girls have had included memories that could live on for many years. Sharing his favorite moment, Coach Burner told about the time they beat Ramona at home. Colton was behind, but they came back in the fourth quarter and out scored Ramona 20-17. The final score was 54-50 in Colton's favor. "That's what I mean by saying go hard or go home," said Burner.
Girls beginning to compete in boys' sports
By Renee Negrete
December 21, 2001Have you ever wondered why a girl would play a "man's" sport? Many students' reactions to seeing a girl within a sport like football and wrestling is "what are they thinking?" or "All they want is attension". It is obvious that the males are going to be even harder on the girls then on other male teammates. So then why would they do it; you ask? On Colton High's Wrestling Team there has been at least four female wrestlers. One of these students is senior Angelica Delgadillo who wrestled last year. Why doesn't she participate anymore? "My parents wouldn't allow me to wrestle any longer because they felt it wasn't safe," commented Delgadillo. Even though Delgadillo isn't on the team anymore she misses it. "I miss the feeling of winning against somebody of the opposite sex. It gives me a rush that I can't get anywhere else."
"I wanted something challenging and that would give me a good workout," says Junior Shelly Graff, another female wrestler. "Also, because someone once told me that girls couldn't wrestle, so I wanted to prove them wrong." Graff has been wrestling for ten months, and won a medal in her last tournament.
Delgadillo and Graff aren't the only female wrestlers here at Colton High. Senior Gisela Quintero and Junior Melissa McElroy have both wrestled over the past year. Not only have all of these females participated in a man's sport, but have proven themselves to be exceptional athletes. It takes someone with strength, endurance, capability, and discipline to be an athlete. It takes heart for a girl to break the mold and surpass boundaries.
Girls Soccer
by Narmin Shahin
December 21, 2001Girl's soccer has started and they are pumped and ready for another great season. The girls have a great reputation of three years in a row S.A.L champions. "We're going to surprise a lot of people and show them we're not what they think," says the varsity co-captain Jennifer Montgomery.
They started out by playing Martin Luther King and although they lost 1-0 it was a very close game. The following Thursday they played Rim of the World and won, 4-1. At the North Tournament the girls managed to snag two wins, first playing Ramona (6-0) and then Perris (5-2). The next league home game you can catch is on January 4; Redlands vs. Colton. Coach Roy Nicks has a positive attitude about his team, stating, "I think by the time league starts we'll be ready for the run of the championships." The three captains of the girl's varsity soccer are seniors Jennifer Montgomery, Shannon Garcia, and Carla Rivera, leading the team for their first time ever. The girls have a great bond on and off the field, helping them to be such a good team. Junior Nicole Miller says, "We're like a family, we have to learn to depend on each other."
J.V is also doing great as well, lead by first time coach Nicole Neville. Captain Jade Purcell says " We have a lot of good players this year and I think were going have a good season." The team has a good turn out this year with 15 players on the team, including four freshman, six sophomores and five juniors. The girls have a good start so far with two wins, two loses. The girls' next game will be January fourth, a home game against Redlands.
Trying out for the soccer team was not an easy task. The girls were pushed to the limit and made to give 105% of their all, but as always the coach has the final say and picks the players that work the best together. Our soccer team has a great reputation and has worked hard to get this far we should be proud and honored to have such a great team represent us so well.
Lets hope they continue their strike of being the best and have an awesome season.
The Wrestling Team
By Melissa McElroy
December 21, 2001This years wrestling team has begun the year with major accomplishments. This year they are trying to have as many wrestlers as possible qualify for CIF Championship. To make this happen the wrestling team coach Joe Trevino is going demand more accountability from each individual wrestler. Also to have the wrestlers practice way more and way harder. Wrestling is a sport that you are constantly moving and it is a mind game. To the wrestlers, the best part they like about is wrestling in the tournaments. And also when they win a match, and bet there opponent by a lot of points. If you're a wrestler you need to be really dedicated and willing a lot of your time to practices. The more practice the better you get.
Binyam Waldemariam is one excellent and dedicated wrestler. This is he's third year wrestling and he has learned a whole lot. He knows all the moves, and is really good at what he does. When he wrestles against other people he is really aggressive. The past tournaments he has went to, he usually places 1st, 2nd or 3rd. He always places in tournaments because he puts all effort into wrestling and never gives up.
The wrestling team had a Colton Christmas classic tournament, which had 34 teams from all over C.A. on December 14, and 15, 2001. Waldemariam placed in 119-wieght class. He did really well at the tournament.