Issue of February 12, 1998: Volume 81,
Number Three
Click on a story title to see the text of the story
News
Winter Homecoming
1997- the year in review
College Night
Manzanar Assembly
New clubs premeiere on campus
New Laws that will affect you
New TIR
Oscar de la Hoya
Parking Lot controversy
Opinion
A shot of Wiski--Column
He Said/Whose fault when a nerd snaps?
She said/Whose fault when a nerd snaps?
Society sucks! (An editorial)
Features
Girls and Steroids
Making fun of nerds not nice
Nerds gone bad
Nerds looks
Dear hunny/advice column
Tattooing not a new art form
Titanic biggest ever film?
Will you be my Valentine?
Diversions
CD review /Luniz
Duke nukem/game review
Sports
Boys Soccer scores
Neal returns for Senior season
Super bowl memories
1997--the year in review
by Donna Chavez
February 12, 1998There were many events in 1997 that grabbed our attention, captured our hearts, and turned our stomachs.
Who can forget the untimely death of Diana, Princess of Wales? Her tragic end seemed to shock the world. It wasn’t just because of the fact the she was charitable or charming, but also because she was an everyday woman. She voiced her opinion, she made mistakes, and she loved her boys. Maybe that’s one reason a lot of us felt sad when we learned of her death.
How about the death of Mother Teresa, only a few days later? Although the passing of this saintly figure caused just as much pain it didn’t seem as shocking. She was a wonderful philanthropist who lived a long and fruitful life.
Then there’s Chris Farley. Even though he died from an overdose, his comedic performances from Saturday Night Live and in an abundance of movies will remain with us. For a while anyway.
Where there’s death, there’s life. The November birth of the septuplets to Bobbi and Kenny MaCaughey sparked stories everywhere. This event was unique because it had never happened before. However, without the use of fertility drugs it probably wouldn’t have happened. So I don’t think this was as spectacular as many viewed it, or not great enough to deserve a free house and a lifetime supply of diapers , just two of the scores of donations that the MaCaugheys received.
While I’m on the subject of reproduction, isn’t cloning wrong? Well, I think so. Even though Dolly, the cloned ewe, was a success, I still don’t think it was right. What’s next, humans? Doctors say no, but at the moment there are fertility clinics using techniques identical to cloning. By the time I get old enough to have children, all I might have to do is submit what characteristics I want my child to have and a day later I’ll have my custom-made baby. Sick, huh?
Speaking of animals, how will you remember Mike Tyson? Champion fighter, convicted felon, world wrestler, or hungry beast? His little nibble was definitely in bad taste.
There were other noteworthy sports events though. The World Series surely had baseball fans on the edge of their seats. The Florida Marlins, who have only been in existance for five years, caught an early and well deserved title. With sloppy playing and very bad weather the Cleveland Indians seemed to be on somebody’s voodoo list. Either way, the 11-inning seventh game was definitely a keeper.
Court trials were sort of on the silent side this year. Where were you when you heard Timothy McViegh was sentenced to death for the bombing of the Oklahoma city building? Well, it doesn’t matter, as long as the victims and survivors of the blast feel there was justice.
The last event I’ll mention is the emergence of the Spice Girls. Some of you will hardly think this is worth reading, others may, and still others won’t care either way. Even though they’re not the best singers in music, I must say I found them intriguing, but for reasons I’m not quite sure of. It could be something about their clothes, pictures, or those nifty accents, but they definitely have my vote. They must be doing something right. They’ve already racked up $47,000,000. Way to go!
1997 must have caught your attention at one point or another. I apologize if I haven’t mentioned one of your favorite or most memorable events, there were just so many. Oh well, get over it. It’s 1998!Back to top
A Shot of Wiski/Column
by Wiski Linnette Lee
February 12, 1998Attention students! Have you yet been warned about parking in the student parking lot without a parking pass? Well now not only do we have to register our cars in the office, but we have to pay a $10 fee for parking passes as well. Assistant Principal Dave Gomez, who is in charge of the parking lot fees, attributes this fee to the ongoing problem of vandalism to students' cars while parked in the student parking lot.
Many parents have called in complaining about vandalism committed on their students' cars while supposedly safely parked during school hours. Every one takes a chance when they park in the student parking lot, and the administration thinks it would be a good idea to tax us hard working students to pay for a fence that would completely surround the parking lot. This would ensure students parking in the school parking lot that their cars will be safe while parked on campus. This fee would also be used to pay for any maintenance on the parking lot, and help to make it an overall better parking lot in every aspect. The main goal of this fee was to fund any improvements and so that students and parents both will know that when they come to school with their cars they will be safe.
This fee is a pretty good idea if you ask me; it’s worth it to have the security to know that someone isn’t messing with my car while I’m in class because I stepped on his shoe during passing period or something stupid like that.
Think about it. The fee is only ten bucks. That works out to roughly five cents a day. Chump change. You can’t even buy a sucker for a nickel anymore. try parking your car in any ohter secured lot around town for a nickel. If students want to park in a secure parking lot they’re going to have to pay the fee; if not they can park on the street or at the Ken Hubbs lot. Mr. Gomez also told me that they would be open to any ideas or possible alternatives, other than a $10 fee.
So far the administration and the campus supervisors have been very lenient in warning students about this new policy. It seems as though students are cooperating with this policy and most seem to think it’s a good idea to pay a small fee in exchange for the security to know their cars are o.k. Will this fee ever change? It’s quite possible. Each year all policies are put up for review, and this one could possibly be changed. Hopefully this fee will not continue to be in effect next year.Back to top
Boys Soccer Near the Top
by Anthony Coronado
2/12/98The Colton Boys Soccer team started their season with a four game winning streak before tying to Hesperia High School and then eventually losing to Chaffey High School. The team beat Jurupa Valley High School, Cajon High, Apple Valley, and Division II C.I.F. Finalist and rival San Gorgonio High School in that four game span.
The boys team convincingly won the Rialto tournament, and nearly took the Pacific Tournament as well, even though injuries plagued the Colton High team with three players with ankle injuries, two of which were starters.
With high expectations for this Colton high team going into league ranked 6 in C.I.F. Division II, pressure lingered. Colton tied their league opener at home 1-1 against a much weaker A.B. Miller team. Colton pulled out of their scoring drought defeating Fontana High School 5-2.
Colton entered the game of the week against Redlands with a 1-0-1 record. With both teams evenly pumped for the game spectators awaited a well fought game. Redlands capitalized on a Colton mistake in their own box three minutes into the game. Colton kept pounding but a Redlands corner kick found the net again leaving the Colton team down 2-0 at half-time. With several opportunities, Colton failed to score in the second half as well, as Redlands found the back of the goal one more time, giving Redlands a 3-0 victory at home against a devastated Colton team. “The Sun newspaper miswrote the article on that game,” said Junior Midfielder Jon Hunt, “It was a good game, they got some lucky goals on our mistakes, we’ll get them at home.”
After the devastating loss to Redlands Colton bounced back with a 3-0 victory over Eisenhower , and a 4-2 victory over Rialto. As a result of Fontana defeating Redlands on the last game of the first half of league, they opened the door for Colton. Colton needs only a five game winning streak to dethrone Redlands as Citrus Belt League Champions.Back to top
CD review/Luniz
by Matt Gomez
February 12, 1998
It’s 1998 and the self proclaimed “highest ni**az in the industry” are back with another flowing album to bump in your ride. Yukmouth (Smoke-a-Lot) and Numskull (Drink-a-Lot), better known as the Luniz, are flowing in the 9-8 with LUNITIK MUZIK. This album has surpassed the talent shown in their debut record, Operation Stackola. LUNITIK MUZIK is just about their hardest stuff out.
On their new album, the Luniz showcase whole new styles that no one knew they had. They are able to keep up with the fast New York dance beat style of the “nasty as they wanna be” 2 Live Crew. They flow with Redman on the smooth track “Hypnotize”. The luniz have certainly had the time to improve on their coastal relations with East Coast artists, which is certainly good in the wake of the death of artists Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur. In fact, there is even a song dedicated to the two, properly titled “Why Do Thugz Die.”
Perhaps this is just another sign of the new age of rap music. With artists making peace with each other and settling all beefs, the artists are able to put out better music and focus on the true form of the art of rap. Even the Luniz, with their long standing beef with fellow Oakland rapper Too Short, have settled all problems and did a track together, aptly titled “Funkin’ Over Nuthin’”.
The Luniz have kept to their old antics also. While they can make peace and have different East Coast voices felt on a West Coast album, they still stay true to their wild style of sex rap and their favorite of all subjects, marijuana. “Handcuff Your Hoes” is one of the lighter tracks on the album that showcase the Luniz perceived prowess with women. And of course you couldn’t have a Luniz album without a song about marijuana, and they bring it down with E-40 and B-Legit from “The Click”. They complement each other very well on the track “Highest Ni**az in the Industry”.
This is truly a classic rap album straight out from the streets of Oakland, California. I highly suggest fans of West Coast rap music purchase this CD. If you’re tired of the played out Puff Daddy and Mase, get the Luniz who keep it real, Oaktown style.Back to top
College Night
Linnette Lee
2/12/98Students, parents, teachers, and administrators from the Colton Unified School District got together on January 21, 1998 for “Countdown to College.”
“Countdown to College” was a district wide effort to inform, motivate and encourage children of all ages to go to college. The Keynote speaker was Dr. Raymond Orbach, the Chancellor of University of California Riverside.
“If you work, then you can go to college,” Orbach stated early in his address.
He later went on to discuss preparation for college and financial matters.
What made the event successful was the fact that it included participants from all areas, ages and ethnicities within the district.
“I’m very pleased to see the efforts we are doing to include all parents,” said Yolanda Cabrera, District Director of Bilingual Education. “We gave out approximately 100 headphones translating the presentations into Spanish.”
The event was well received by parents and students as well.
“I think it is especially nice that you included children,” said grandmother Charlene Randolph.
Before the Keynote address parents along with their children were invited to visit informational booths. The booths included UCR, Cal State San Bernardino, cal Poly Pomona, University of Redlands, Cal Baptist College, San Bernardino Valley College and Riverside Community College. There were also booths on hand to answer questions dealing with financial aid and general college requirements.
“It’s about choices,” said Alfredo Figueroa, the Director of Chicano Student Services at UCR. Figueroa was one of the people present to assist curious onlookers.
The district made every convenience possible. Buses from elementary schools were used to assist transportation and day care centers were provided to help parents.
During his introductory remarks Superintendent Dr. Herbert Fischer said, “This is a very positive statement, I’m thrilled.”
Members of the National Honor Society as well as Avid members volunteered their services. Some were guides, some served refreshments and others were go-fers.
“I feel energized,” said NHS member Katrina Clifford.
The Colton High Jazz Band and the musical group America Sings! from Terrace View Elementary School performed.
Lyrics from America Sing! included the lines, “We can make a difference, at least we know we will try.”Back to top
Dear Hunny
Advice Column by Anne Jones
February 12, 1998Dear Hunny,
I have a big problem in the relationship area. I just broke up with a guy that I have been dating for three years, who recently asked me to marry him. The reason why I broke up with him, (there’s a few) is because he went to jail with a possible two year sentence. Two, I’ve met this other guy five months ago and so far he has done way more for me; he’s taken me way more places, and most of all when we first started talking he made me feel like a queen, I was so happy with him. Now that I’m starting to get feelings for him the love triangle is starting to get more complicated.
He lives in Moreno Valley, and I live in Colton, and every time I go somewhere he gets mad because he thinks some guys are going to try and talk to me, even when I go to school. The only time he’s happy and doesn’t worry about me is when we’re together. I tell him minute for minute what happened in my day and this is everyday because I want to be totally trusted by him. He had just gotten over a bad break up and he feels that if he confesses his feelings for me I’ll do the same thing to him that she did. Questions: Did I make the correct decision by breaking up with the first guy for the second one? How can I gain his total trust? How can I show him that I will stay with him no matter how strong his feelings are for me?
My friends tell me that I’m in love with the guy in Moreno Valley because I’m constantly talking about him and I’ve never been so happy before. He treats me with total respect and he makes me feel safe. How do you know when you’re truly in love? Am I?
Yours and mine, TLBDear TLB,
Surely you can’t juggle the idea of getting involved with anyone who wants to marry you while still in high school! And what’s more, he was in jail! Breaking up with him might just have been one great idea. But because of his record, please be careful.
About your new love interest: my advice is-don’t put all your eggs in one basket. No one can tell you that you’re either in love or not. You’re young, “love” shouldn’t be a something you say everyday. It should be a word you keep close to your heart, Get to know this new guy a little bit better before making any long term plans. Also, if he doesn’t trust you, and you are definitely far from being guilty, maybe you should look at some other fish, if you catch my drift. Live your life, but live it safe, and don’t sell yourself short.
Sincerely, HunnyBack to top
Duke Nukem Review
Jason Durdle
February 12, 1998
Duke Nukem 3D has been a very popular computer game for the last couple years and now is also out for the Nintendo 64. Duke Nukem has the same gameplay as its predecessors Wolfenstein and Doom. Even though Duke is a shoot ‘em up-type game the creators 3D Realms also added some humor into the gameplay.
The gameplay in Duke is a lot more exciting and fun because of 3D Realms’ adding the humorous taunts and funny quotes. The weapons in Duke are great too. Players can get weapons anywhere from a shotgun to a rocket launcher. 3D Realms also added some fun guns such as the ice gun and the shrinker.
Modem Play for Duke is great. You can take many different approaches to attacking your opponent. The levels have hiding places so you can act as a sniper for you take your opponent head on. There are also a series of taunts you can send you opponent to make the gameplay even more fun. Fans of wisecracking duke are familiar with jibes such as “Kill em all, Let God sort ‘em out!” and “Who wants some?”
There are now a series of Duke Nukem add-ons people can buy, such as Duke it out in D.C. which has a series of levels that take place in Washington D.C.
Overall Duke is a great 3D fighting game. It has great action as well as humor and is a fun to play game. As Duke would say, Come get some!Back to top
Girls and Steriods. A Growing Problem
by Diana Simental
2/12/98Steroids. When people think of this illegal muscle building substance they connect the use with boys everywhere trying to be a little more masculine and a little bit stronger. What many don’t know is that more and more girls are now starting to use this drug.
A study published in December’s issue of Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine show that as many as 175,000 high school girls have used steroids at least once. This is 2.4 percent of girls on the nation. This doesn’t seem like a large number but this number has increased drastically over the past five years.
In 1991, 0.5 percent of sophomore girls had used steroids at least once. This grew to 1.1 percent on the year 1996. Also 0.8 percent of eighth grade girls reported using steroids in 1991 but now 1.4 percent have used steroids at least once.
Anabolic steroids are a synthetic version of the hormone, testosterone. This hormone stimulates bone and muscle development and promote skin and hair growth. When the body has too much testosterone in the body, it shuts down certain functions like bone growth. This causes stunted growth. This is only one of the side effects.
Girls using steroids experience decreased breast size, increased body hair and menstrual irregularities. Other permanent side effects are reproductive and liver illnesses.
So why would anyone want to use these drugs? Because they want to compete in higher level of sports or because they want to have less body fat. This is due to the image given by the media that the perfect women’s body is skinny. This image is seen everywhere, magazines, movies, and even in business industries.
Another reason that girls use steroids is that they don’t know the dangers of using anabolic steroids. This is because these lessons are usually taught to boys because they are more likely to use steroids.
Think about it.Back to top
He Said/Are nerds responsible when they snap?
by Allen Eley
February 12, 1998
Nerds aren’t born nerds. There has to be some reason why they choose to withdraw themselves from society. Perhaps they were brought up in families where they didn’t get enough attention. They really don’t have friends so they stick to themselves or other nerds but when they are in the comfort of their own home, their best friend (stereotypically) is their computer and they spend the majority of their time with it by playing video games or other things. Another “nerdy” stereotype is that when nerds go to school they usually ride the bus and sit quietly by themselves next to the window and sometimes they get laughed at or picked on by other kids sometimes even smaller or younger than them.
Nerds become somewhat reclusive, and with other people picking on them they start thinking peculiar things and sometimes they snap like the “Kentucky murderer”, Michael Carneal, who snapped and killed a few of his fellow students for picking on him. Nerds shouldn’t be blamed for who they are, after all, we make them who they are. It’s mainly societiy’s fault for isolating them into their own corner where they patiently wait for the day when they can be themselves and not have to worry about what people are thinking. If we didn’t pick on them they probably wouldn’t be in this predicament. In essence, if society didn’t isolate them to their own kind they would have a better chance of assimilation.
Until we as a society stop the discrimination and picking on people just because they don’t fit in to our preconceived idea of what’s cool or normal, we’ll keep having situations like Paducah, Kentucky. Nerds will continue to sit in their rooms and seethe, awaiting the day when they can act out their Basketball Diaries fantasy of blowing everyone away with an AK-47. Only they’re not Leonardo DiCaprio, and it’s not a movie.Back to top
Making fun of nerds
by Matt Gomez
2/12/98Nerd. Now imagine hearing this all day everyday for your whole educational residency. Is that enough to cause a person to go nuts? That is what the case seems to be. When 14 year old Michael Carneal killed three classmates and injured five others, it sent a shock wave throughout the world. What kind of abuse might this poor boy have suffered to go through with these horrific actions?
It seems that Carneal went through daily abuse and suffering just for the simple social crime of looking and acting different. Friends said that he wore loud clothes and was a computer nerd, the type who was outcast among just about every social circle that you could think of, but he was also a boy of very high intelligence. A smart kid, that was simply pushed over the edge.
Let me ask you, the reader, a question. Do you ever make fun of someone on a daily basis, and if not daily, just the occasional snicker at their basic existence? Think of how they must feel after hearing that day in and day out, when the only escape is the solitude of their own home, where they know that the only people that accept them is their parents, and absolutely no one else. Have you ever had that certain person in class that tries to impress others to think he\she is cool, but just ends up looking all that much stupider? It happens to me all the time. I feel a sense of pity for these poor souls as they do me. Can you imagine being an outcast day in and day out? The insults alone would be enough to make these people go over the edge.
Why are we so mean to these people? Daily I hear the insults shouted at these people as they wander aimlessly through the halls at lunch, nowhere to sit because they have no friends, not even the others like them, because they all think that they are better than others actually judge them. They are constantly in their own world where it is a state of peace. Then suddenly there is one insult too many, and the “nerd” snaps. Then you have another case of poor Michael Carneal.
Think about it the next time you make fun of that poor kid in the halls or during class. You never know what you are capable of once you are driven to insanity.Back to top
Manzanar Assembly
Ana Nayelli Gonzalez
2/12/98Spawned by the interest of English teacher Tami Preciado to bring more insight to her students about the book Farewell To Manzanar, sophomore students and sophomore class English teachers gathered at the Whitmer Auditorium January 7 to learn more about Japanese internment camps.
Preciado developed the idea to bring a speaker to Colton High because she thought having a guest speaker would make the students appreciate more what they read. Farwell to Manzanar is all about the World War II camps, most located in the Western United States, in which loyal, innocent Japanese Americans, victims of war hysteria and racism, were held against their will. It has long been regarded as a sad chapter in American Civil Rights.
Through family contacts, Preciado met Lloyd Kajikawa, education specialist at the Japanese American National Museum. Preciado invited Kajikawa to give a presentation about the internment camps, the setting of the book. He agreed to volunteer his time.
Initially Kajikawa was to appear only in Preciado’s sophomore English classes. However, since other sophomore classes besides hers also read the book, Preciado and other teachers agreed to have the presentation together.
“I wanted the students to not just put the book on their shelves and just think of it as an autobiography,” said Preciado. “It has a lot to do with Japanese culture and how we as people react to distressing situations. I thinks many people can identify with what happened in the book.”
The presentation began with a brief summary of the camps by sophomore Robert Ogawa, whose grandparents were sent to the Tule Lake camp here in California. Kajikawa’s presentation did not solely center on Manzanar; instead he showed life at various camps. Equipped with a short film of footage recorded by actual internment camp members, slides, and a microphone, Kajikawa taught students about why Japanese Americans were sent to camps, how they lived in the camps, and how they reacted to being held against their will.
Although Farewell To Manzanar, written by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston, is a true story about how Jeanne and her family attempted to survive the indignities of the forced detention, there is much more to this darker side of United States history.
After the shock of the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese Imperial Navy on December 7, 1941, a “wartime hysteria” arose. A few months later, in February 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 and later Executive Order 9102 which empowered Lt. General John L. De Witt to round up 70,000 US. citizens of Japanese descent and 42,000 Japanese resident aliens and assemble them for relocation in camps across the country. For more information about the camps, Kajikawa suggested a visit to the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, (213) 625-0414, or a visit to www.lausd.k12.ca.us/janm.
“I enjoyed my experience and was especially impressed by the students and how well behaved they were as an audience,” said Kajikawa. “It is important to make known the Japanese American experience as an integral part of our nation’s heritage and to imprive the understanding and appreciation for American ethnic and cultural diversity. The fact that these many students read the book is good.”
After the assembly, some teachers had their students quickwrite about what the had learned from the presentation. These quickwrites will be put into an album and sent to Kajikawa as a token of appreciation for his volunteered service.
“The book was interesting, but sad to see how innocent people were discriminated against,” said sophomore Danielle DeMone. “I think the presentation was a good idea. People should know about what the government did to them.” Teachers agreed.
“It went well,” said Preciado. “I had a lot of positive comments. I’m hoping to have more events like this. It is a great learning experience.Back to top
Neal returns for Senior Season
by Brian Espinoza
2/12/98Last year Colton High senior Earl Neal was about to give up on playing high school basketball. But transferring back to Colton from Redlands High opened doors for his future.
Neal attended Colton High School his freshmen year and started on the freshmen basketball team. After the school year ended he decided to transfer to Redalnds High for personal reasons. Neal went out for the basketball team at Redlands but just couldn’t become comfortable in their program. Neal was having trouble getting playing time because of difference of opinion with the Redlands coach.
Wearing a Terrier blue uniform just wasn’t working out for Neal. Basketball is Neals favorite thing to do, so it made since for him transfer back to Colton for his senior season after two rough seasons during his sophomore and junior season.
Neal who stands 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds has been starting at center all season for the Yellowjackets. Size was something the team was lacking and with Neal on the floor he solved that problem.
“ I had alot of friends here and I fit better into the style play here at Colton than at Redlands. I really like the whole program.”
Neal is averaging about 15 points, eight rebounds, and six blocks per game. Neal is probably one of the best shot blockers in the Citrus Belt League and is drawing a lot of attention from other players. The highlight so far of the season for Neal was playing against Redlands, his former team. Scoring 23 points and slam dunking or “ Banging” as Neal calls it was the exciting part of the game but they lost and a win would of made it all the more sweeter. Other highlights this season were against the Rialto Knights when Neal scored 20 points and pulled down seven reboounds. Although, as a team tha Jackets are winless in league but have been playing well enough to be in the playoff race.
Neal is hoping to receive his acceptance letter from the University of Southern California in the mail in the next couple of months so he can join his sister who already attends. Neal is caring a 3.5 grade point average and is hoping to receive awards for both his basketball and academics to help him in college.Back to top
Nerds gone crazy
by Justin Derrick
February 12, 1998It may be fun to pick on them, it is considered a custom to laugh at them, you might even be related to one of them. Yes, it is now an American pasttime to demean those who we label “nerds.” But when a nerd snaps, their wrath is felt by many in ways that could turn entire cities up-side-down. This is exactly what happened in the town of West Paducah, Kentucky.
Fourteen year-old Michael Carneal, who was a student at Heath High School in Paducah, was a person who can relate to being teased. He was teased his entire life, according to principal Bill Bond of Heath High. Although he was an intelligent student, he had disciplinary problems. Senior Benjamin Strong took a liking to Carneal and said “he just interested me”. Carneal and Strong played in the school band together and Strong was one of the few people Carneal could call a friend.
Strong is the son of a preacher and the leader of the prayer circle at school, but got along well with Carneal and was the only person that Carneal reportedly warned about his scheme. “Don’t be at prayer circle on Monday,” warned Carneal to Strong who took his friends words seriously but did not expect him to do anything like what he did on the Monday after Thanksgiving Break.
On that day, principal Bond was on the phone when he heard three loud gunshots. Once he realized what the sound was he rushed to the lobby where the prayer group met and he saw pools of blood, bodies, and a .22 Ruger on the ground. When it was all over, five were wounded and three girls were dead: Nicole Hadley, 14, Kayce Steger, 15, and Jessica James, 17.
Once he came to his senses Carneal looked into Strong’s eyes and said “kill me, please. I can’t believe I did that.”
The next mourning 300 students showed up for the prayer circle. “I think it’s opened a lot of people,” says Ben Strong. “I think they really know there’s no other place to turn.”Back to top
Nerds? What they look like
by Rose Terracciano
February 12, 1998You look up the word ‘nerd’ in the dictionary it will say: “A clumsy, foolish person.” Is that the true definition of a nerd, or are they really overly intelligent geeks wearing pocket protectors?
The dorkiest looking, Star Trek-watching, computer programming, study freak is who we would generally consider to be a nerd. Stereotypes have taken the name and used it to describe those who are different and who don’t necessarily “fit in.”
Take a look at the Revenge Of The Nerds movies or Screech Powers on "Saved By The Bell" or Urkel on "Family Matters." We’ve all seen these characters and have laughed at their oddity. What kind of message are nerd-related movies and television shows trying to get across? Basically they’re saying to us that by a way a person acts or the way they dress tells us whether or not they can or can’t be branded a nerd.
In most, if not all high schools, fashion is a major issue. Those who buy the most expensive brand name clothes from “the best places to shop” are more likely to be considered popular. They will be accepted as an equal, as opposed to someone who can’t afford pants that are long enough, or shoes with the Nike swoosh or the Sketchers ‘S’, who will be looked at as strange or maybe even abnormal. Now add a smart brain to that less than desirable fashion ensemble and what do you get? Your basic everyday nerd.
So what is a nerd to do? According to the Nerd Liberation Movement (accessible through the internet at http://www.ctyme.com/nim.htm) “In today’s society smart people are persecuted.” Members of this organization encourage others like them to come forth, admit to what they are and be proud of it. They (nerds) believe that with the way things are now they are unable to express their intellect without ridicule.
These people willingly admit to being nerds. Therefore they are also using the stereotype to describe what they are. Whatever happened to being clumsy and foolish? People who belong to an organization called Nerds By Choice say that the name comes from a running joke about some of their earliest members. “They were subject to the usual adolescent barbs, aimed at anyone with an off beat sense of humor or an unusual physical build.” These people or nerds, as they like to be called, believe the name to be a sort of “Victory Trophy” for them.
Since we have this idea of the perfect nerd implanted in our minds, we tend to direct our attention away from those who don’t exactly look like a nerd but are nerds in disguise. These people fit the stereotypical ideal nerd as far as being smart and what they do in their personal lives outside of school, but don’t necessarily dress geeky or show their intelligence to others. They get good grades, study all the time, and program computers in their spare time, but in front of a crowd they are as cool as can be. Those people are neither clumsy nor foolish. They don’t even wear high-waters or keep a personalized mini-notebook in their back pockets at all times, so why would they be considered nerds? It all depends on how you interpret the word and relate it everyday people.Either way, no matter how you look at it there will always be nerds around. Are you sure your not one yourself? Think about it.Back to top
New clubs premiere on campus
by Jason Durdle
2/12/98Students interested in bowling a guitar playing now have an on-campus outlet for their hobbies. The bowling club became official the week before winter break, and the guitar club became approved the week after winter break. These are the two newest clubs on campus.
The guitar club consists of nine members and is looking for new participants. The bowling club has seven members and is also looking for more members. ASB approved bowling club with ease but they doubted approving guitar club because they wondered what they would do for the school. Senior and President of the guitar club Ryan Lynch says, “The guitar club is not beneficial to the school in anyway.”
Senior and President of bowling club David Keeling says during club meetings, “We either hang around or go bowling . . . we usually talk about bowling also.” Lynch says his club’s meetings are for jamming and trading riffs with fellow guitarists. Both clubs are held right after school, guitar club Monday, bowling club on Thursday.
Ryan Lynch says he started the guitar club to have a place to get together and practice. He says it is better to practice with more people because you can learn a lot more. Keeling says he started the bowling club to work on bowling skill, and to help each other out with their game. Both clubs are good because it gives students a place to do what they like and excel at their hobby.Back to top
New Laws
Jeanine Medrano
2/12/98Teenage drivers now have to take a more difficult road to get their licenses—only one of the numerous new laws that will go into effect in 1998.
Teenagers will have to hold their permits for six months, versus the 30 days in 1997. This under the Brady-Jared Teen Driver Safety Act, which goes in effect July 1. Under the same act, drivers under the age 18 are required to have 50 hours of driver training, 10 of which must be taken at night.
Once a teen does earn a license, the battle is still not over. A newly licensed driver will not be able to carry other teenage passengers without an adult over the age of 25 present (family members excluded). This condition will be enforced for the first six months after you have gotten your license.
Also, for the first year, you can’t drive between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. (if curfew doesn’t catch you first). Exemptions will be made for work, family emergencies and school functions.
More than 100 sections of the Vehicle Code have been revised, according to the San Bernardino Sun.
Students here at Colton High don’t necessarily agree with this new law.
“I think that this policy sucks,” says junior Juliana Esparza. “We’ve waited all our lives for the privilege to drive, and now it’s just like having a six month permit, after receiving your license. I just don’t think it’s fair!”NEW GUN SENTENCING LAW
The law has hardened on gun users. California’s new gun sentencing law, the so-called “10-20-life” law, was put into effect January 1.
This law allows judges to tack on 10 years to a prison sentence of anyone who has been convicted of brandishing a gun, in conjunction with committing crimes in any of 17 categories. Also, if the gun was intentionally fired, the prison sentence can be extended twenty more years, and if a victim suffers great bodily injury from a gunshot the added-on years can range from 25 years to life.
Governor Pete Wilson ordered that the Departments of Corrections provide written explanation of this new law. These written explanations are being sent to all state prison and juvenile wards in California Youth Authority facilities.STATE BANS SMOKING IN
PUBLIC BUILDINGSBack in 1995, a ban of smoking in businesses went into effect. Bars and clubs got an extension until 1998. Well, it’s 1998 and smokers are determined to fight for what they believe is an infringement of their rights.
This law, which passed and went into effect new years day, is expected to hurt bar and club businesses. However, since this law is hard to enforce, some clubs and bars are ignoring the law, until of course, they are caught and forced to pay the $100 fine.
Once a business is caught for a second or third time, within the same year, the fines will be extended to $200 and $300. After the third time, the fine rises to $700.
The smoking assembly bill was mainly passed because state health officials are concerned about high cancer and heart disease rates. The dangers from second-hand smoke is also expected to decline in public places because of this law.
Bowing to pressure from bar owners who threatened to turn off their lotto machines in protest, the state assembly last month voted to overturn the ban.
The state senate has yet to join them in their decision to negate the month old ban. Whether or not the law is repealed has not been decided yet, but it’s an issue that will remain in the news and in the public eye for some time.Back to top
New TIR
Jason Valenzuela
2/12/98The new TIR was supposed to bring changes—and it did. An increase in student attendence in TIR has occured since students are required to sit quietly and do their school work (or packets if they don’t have any school work.)
After a parental group criticized TIR as being “cruel and unusual punishment,” much-publicized changes were instituted. Gone was the standing on numbers, back came the desks and work packets.
Were the changes in TIR for the better? That depends on whom you ask.
“Nope,” was all Al Schwartz, TIR lead teacher, had to say when asked if the changes in TIR were for the better. “There are more students in TIR now,” said Schwartz, “because now they can sit down.” Schwartz believes more students will go to TIR because they can do their work and they don’t have to stand.
Student opinions side with Schwartz on at least one point. Most of the students asked believed that more people will go and have gone to TIR since the changes. Unlike Schwartz, though, students do think that TIR has changed for the better.
“It’s better because you can sit and you can do your classwork.” said one student who preferred not to be identified. He also said that a lot more students have come to TIR than before.Back to top
Oscar de la Hoya
Liz Nicks
2/12/98At least once in your life, wouldn't it be thrilling to get the chance of meeting one of the people you look up to in life? Well this one day was just recently for sophomore Cynthia Cabrera. On Thanksgiving weekend Cynthia got the chance to spend the day with boxer Oscar De La Hoya at his home in Big Bear.
Yet Cynthia did not have to stalk De La Hoya in order to find out where he lived to get this once in a lifetime chance. She was given this opportunity from one of her mother’s co-workers who works at the Thrifty’s in Big Bear. Knowing that Cynthia was a big fan of his, De La Hoya welcomed her and her family to come and visit him one day. Like any other fan of a celebrity, Cynthia took up this offer once given and invited her family and four of her father’s friends.
“We got to watch him do his workouts in his gym in the garage,” said Cabrera
After this workout they were given the chance to take pictures, ask questions, and get autographs from De La Hoya.
“I tried to talk to him but nothing came out,” said Cynthia, “I do know that he doesn’t have a girlfriend!"Back to top
Parking Lot Controversy
by Jeremy LeMay
February 12, 1998Attention students! Have you yet been warned about parking in the student parking lot without a parking pass? Well now not only do we have to register our cars in the office, but we have to pay a $10 fee for parking passes as well. Assistant Principal Dave Gomez, who is in charge of the parking lot fees, attributes this fee to the ongoing problem of vandalism to students' cars while parked in the student parking lot.
Many parents have called in complaining about vandalism committed on their students' cars while supposedly safely parked during school hours. Every one takes a chance when they park in the student parking lot, and the administration thinks it would be a good idea to tax us hard working students to pay for a fence that would completely surround the parking lot. This would ensure students parking in the school parking lot that their cars will be safe while parked on campus. This fee would also be used to pay for any maintenance on the parking lot, and help to make it an overall better parking lot in every aspect. The main goal of this fee was to fund any improvements and so that students and parents both will know that when they come to school with their cars they will be safe.
This fee is a pretty good idea if you ask me; it’s worth it to have the security to know that someone isn’t messing with my car while I’m in class because I stepped on his shoe during passing period or something stupid like that.
Think about it. The fee is only ten bucks. That works out to roughly five cents a day. Chump change. You can’t even buy a sucker for a nickel anymore. try parking your car in any ohter secured lot around town for a nickel. If students want to park in a secure parking lot they’re going to have to pay the fee; if not they can park on the street or at the Ken Hubbs lot. Mr. Gomez also told me that they would be open to any ideas or possible alternatives, other than a $10 fee.
So far the administration and the campus supervisors have been very lenient in warning students about this new policy. It seems as though students are cooperating with this policy and most seem to think it’s a good idea to pay a small fee in exchange for the security to know their cars are o.k. Will this fee ever change? It’s quite possible. Each year all policies are put up for review, and this one could possibly be changed. Hopefully this fee will not continue to be in effect next year.Back to top
She Said/Are Nerds responsible when they snap?
by Danielle Hunt
February 12, 1998In life people choose their own destinies, their own roads or ways. It doesn’t matter where you come from—rich or poor. Take Richard Wright, for an example,who came from the south as a poor young boy and had a dream to take his family from poverty to the North—he’s no nerd. Also it doesn’t matter if you’re ugly or pretty. Look at Kate Moss—an ugly model, but she’s a Calvin Klein Model. What I’m trying to say is that people make their own ways, they choose their own destinies. Take that one kid for an example, Micheal Carneal, who killed his three classmates, and injured five others. Sure he was made fun of as a nerd; pushed to the point of insanity—but does that give him the right to take someone else’s life? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that those kids had the right to make fun of him and ridicule him every single day of his life, nobody deserves to be treated that way. Nobody deserves to be killed, either. Nerds are nerds because they choose to be. Hey, maybe some of them like being nerds—maybe they just like being themselves—but nobody wants to except them for themselves. Just because all you non-nerds can’t accept them for who they are doesn’t mean that they are not allowed to be themselves. It’s their own personal responsibility.
You can’t blame your personality on any one else! If we went around and didn’t take responsibility for our actions and blamed them on everybody else I think that Bill Clinton would have been dead by now.
Just as I said before nerds are nerds because they want to be just as surfers surf because they want to. In conclusion I think we should strive to be the best people that we would want to be. So next time you see a nerd instead of making fun of him/her, or saying some crude comment about him/her, try to complement them, for at least having the courage to just be themselves.Back to top
Society Sucks(editorial)
by Tariq Warsi
February 12, 1998Well it's me again, here to give you people some insight into the world that we live in. I just want to ask you one simple question: What the hell is wrong with our society? Today we are faced with hundreds of questions that can be answered in a mere second, but did you ever stop and think about who you are affecting? Our world is so caught up into stereotypes and higher expectations that we sometimes fail to see the outcome of our decisions. And then there are the times when we try to make everyone else feel happy and lose track of our own self interests. I would also like to talk abut the segregated holidays and so-called designated months.
You know people can be very obnoxious at times. They are led to believe in certain flawed characteristics and predetermined mindsets. Certain words such as cracker, beaner, faggot, and nerd are used by people on a regular basis, and you know they just might hurt a little. What is it that makes people think that they can say anything and get away with it? Just to let you know, it will catch up with you one of these days. We are led to believe by the community and our surroundings that we are not capable of overcoming the stupidity that is amongst us.
The people these days think that they don’t have to push themselves to the limit, but rather they hope that everything works out. The expectations that the world revolves around them are so common that the people that I am faced with on an everyday basis make me laugh. You cannot tell me that you honestly have not heard the phrase "I don’t care, it’s not my problem.” It just makes me laugh to see that so many people don’t care about so many things. But people do care when it comes to certain things in their lives.
What was Valentines Day even invented for? I know it wasn’t to send little Elmo cards to each and every person that you know. St. Valentine’s Day is actually a Roman Feast Day, that celebrates two very famous martyrs, one who was a priest and a physician, and the other one was the bishop of Terni. It is their Deaths that we celebrate. Personally I find it kind of funny that we should designate one day to the emotion of love. I think Hallmark bought off Congress and made an official Valentine’s Day ( notice the “St.” was dropped, in order to observe the “holiday”) just so they can boost their chocolate and card sales. And, for heavens sake, have you even looked into Macy's lately? Everything is red and pink, there are little hearts floating in the air, and couples walk by all lovey-dovey—kinda makes you think, what is the store going to look like after the sale is over? What kind of sale is it anyway? If you take special notice, the prices on perfume and roses make a sudden increase right before Valentine’s Day comes around, but as soon as the day comes around the big sale is here and the costs return back to their normal price. Just remember when the big day comes along and you want to by buy a Valentine’s gram for that special someone in your life, remember it is the anniversary of the brutal deaths of two innocent martyrs.
While we are on the topic of designated holidays we have in our country, how about Black History Month. Once again repression and segregation forced the government and schools to observe a month specified to one race. Why can it not be accepted that Black History is a year-round event and to realize that it isn’t a month, but a culture?
Once we come to the revelation that the environment is not merely a bunch of people that have to go to class or work together, but have to live together, maybe we as a society can advance without the fear of hatred or nerds that go on a rampage.Back to top
Super bowl memories
by Erik Luna
February 12, 1998
...Now that you have won the World Title, what are you going to do next? That’s up to the Denver Broncos to decide, after pulling off the biggest upset in the 97-98 Super Bowl.
Through the whole game, the two teams were neck and neck. It was up to both teams to make the first mistake and break open the game. But it wasn’t until the second half, that hints of the game results showed.
For the Half Time Show, there was a variety of Motown music artists who performed, and sang their most popular songs. The artists consisted of Boyz II Men, Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves, and the Vandels. Also participating in the Half Time Show were some of our Colton High cheerleaders.
The game went on and on, until it came down to the last four plays of the game. The Packers were in possession of the ball, and were now with only two plays left, needing a first down. The pressure on Bret Favres’ shoulders was getting heavier and heavier as the opportunities lessened. The Broncos were playing consistent defense which even more difficult for the Packers. Favre step up to the ball, for what would be the last play of the game. Win or Lose! The ball is snapped and with pressure from the defensive line; Favre looks for a pass, sees, and throws. At this moment, everyone, from Qualcom Park to the other side of the country; people held their breath awaiting the results of the pass. When the ball was batted down, the exhale of everyone were exhales of relief, and disbelief. The crowd at Qualcom Park both cheered and sighed.
But all in all, John Elway finally won what he has been trying to win for thirteen seasons. The excitement shown from the face of this well deserving quarterback was even more exciting than the Super Bowl itself. The title was dedicated to him, for his effort and persistence, and faithfulness to the franchise.
As for Terrell Davis, he was the man in this Super Bowl. He ran for over 160 yards. He ran for three touchdowns setting a new Super Bowl Record. And was awarded MVP of the Super Bowl.
It was a gallant effort, but it wasn’t done alone. It was a team effort and that’s what winning is all about. That the way it was for the Packers last year and it may have that way this year, but were out done.Back to top
Tattooing a new art form?
by Daniel Escudero
2/12/98The popularity of tattoo art has increased in the 90s. This trend has become popular to many here at Colton High. So just what is it that drives someone to go through all the pain that is involved when receiving a tattoo? Some do it for the thrill, while others do it as a fashion statement and then you have those who do it so they can look like everyone else. Tattoo art, is it a trend or fashion?
“I feel that tattoos look nice and I like the tatoos on my body,” said senior Terri Nhep.
Senior April Ortiz commented, “I think that certain designs that people get tattooed are trendy, however those who get words and pretty art, do it for their own personal fashion statement.”
Many people express their arts in various ways. I recently interviewed senior Steven Fernandez. This young man is a talented artist with a bright future ahead of him. Steven would like to pursue a career as a tattoo artist. He was introduced to tattoo art from an uncle, who is a tatoo artist. Steven is also interested in becoming an artist for Disneyland and would consider this as a career. Well one thing is for sure, which ever career Steve decides to pursue, I’m sure he will become very successful at either. For all of you that consider getting a tatoo, just remember that this is something on your body for the rest of your life.Back to top
TITANIC--biggest movie ever?
by Molly Rose Jones
February 12, 1998
It was the megabudget (reportedly over $200 million, making it the most expensive movie ever made) and repeatedly postponed release date which gave the action romance film, Titanic its first publicity. But now, being hailed by critics and audiences far and wide as one of the best, if not the best, movie of the year, there is talk that Titanic may become well-acquainted with old Oscar himself at the upcoming Academy Awards.
Director James Cameron did not find that staying within the film’s original $110 million budget was an issue. When the cost of making “Titanic” went overboard, Cameron voluntarily forfeited his director’s fee and all future profits from the film. Cameron is the director of other large budget hit films such as True Lies and Aliens. Always the perfectionist, his basic motto is to make a fabulous movie, no matter what the eventual cost.
‘“Titanic” made its debut in theatres a bit late; Even after a year in the making, including a record 160 camera shooting days, “Titanic” could not make its original July 2, 1997 deadline. This was disappointing to many expectant moviegoers. When the film finally opened over five months later on December 19, the fact that it would take up three hours and fourteen minutes of screen time for one showing seemed to be another potential problem, especially when “Titanic” would face the usual Christmas time competition. The exact problem was that a longer movie meant fewer showings per day, which might mean less of a profit.
‘ Would the over budget, perfection-crazed freak James Cameron be blamed when Titanic flopped? Not as such, because Titanic placed number one in its opening weekend, drowning out Tomorrow Never Dies. As time went by, the buzz about “Titanic” would not die down. The film became popular largely by word of mouth. Consequently, during its fourth straight weekend in the number one spot, Titanic made $29 million, an increase from its profit the weekend it opened. By January 12, it had made a total of over $200 million, the amount spent on making the movie, which investors originally feared would never be earned back. At the Golden Globe Awards on January 18, “Titanic” walked away with four, count ‘em, four awards. This included the award for James Cameron for Best Director, “My Heart Will Go On” for Best Original Song, Best Original Score, and Best Picture- Drama. This was the fifty sixth year for the Golden Globe Awards, and the winners here are many times a predictor of whatthree or four times at least.
I must say, I have a strange unspoken respect for everyone who appreciates “Titanic” as I do. One of the first most noticeable and surprising things about this movie is that it is a lot of fun, with definite comic moments. At times it would cause the packed theatre to be filled with laughter, but it never loses its beautiful romantic charm, present throughout the film. It may be that I am not even seeing straight right now because of my infatuation with Leonardo DiCaprio, but the beautiful scene with Leo and Kate Winslet on deck just before sunset, “the last time Titanic ever saw daylight” goes in the books for its romance, along with the other love scenes in the movie. It is the natural acting ability displayed by the stars of the movie and the attention to detail which make “Titanic” believable and touching.
In a recent survey conducted at Colton High, “Titanic” was named as the best movie to have seen over winter break. Several students categorize “Titanic” as more than that, though. “I think it was the best movie of the year,” says Senior Brian Espinoza.
“It was very historically accurate,” says Senior Heather Heald. “The effects were great and the story was inspiring and emotional. It is now one of my favorite movies.”
One thing which makes “Titanic” so appealing to a large audience is that it is not just a disaster flick as many ignoramuses who haven’t bothered to see the movie suppose. Although there are more than enough special effects-filled action scenes to fascinate during the tragic sinking of the ship, they do not overpower the movie.
Leonardo DiCaprio is simply delicious in his role as steerage passenger Jack Dawson who falls for the upper class Rose DeWitt Bukater, played by Kate Winslet. Billy Zane plays Cal Hockley, Rose’s ruthless fiance, who tries to keep Rose in line. Through his excellent portrayal, Zane easily becomes someone we love to hate.
Cameron says his central goal in making the movie was to film the sequences as if he had actually been on the Titanic at the time of the accident. “You can’t just build one set,” says Cameron. “You have to build a number of sets at different angles because the ship was changing angles continuously over a period of time.” For example, the First Class Dining Saloon and the three story Grand Staircase, both built virtually life-size, were constructed on a hydraulic platform in a 30- foot deep tank, to be flooded with five million gallons of filtered seawater during the ship’s sinking. Also, the ship made for the movie was 775 feet long, only ten percent smaller than the real Titanic.
Among other tactics Cameron used for the movie, he purposely chose the first day of camera shooting to film the scene where Rose poses nude, while Jack sketches her portrait. It was awkward for Leo and Kate, but it gave the scene an almost amusing naturalness.
The powerful, sometimes dreamy and many times heart-wrenching music which makes up the soundtrack of Titanic is essential in giving the movie the lasting effect it has on its audience. It includes excellent instrumental tunes and the love theme from the movie, “My Heart Will go On” performed by Celine Dion.Back to top
Will you be my Valentine?
by Diana Semental
2/12/98“Will you be my valentine?” These are words that we all start to think of at the beginning of February. The search for the perfect valentine also starts with the opening of a new month. Guys and girls everywhere wonder when cupid’s arrow will hit and who they will fall in love with. All this fuss just to spend one day, with someone special, showering them with gifts of candy, flowers and cards.
But why do so many through all this trouble for one day? This tradition started over a thousand years ago in the honor of St. Valentine. On February 14th, 270 A.D., Valentine was beheaded under the order of Claudius II. He was sentenced to his death because he was secretly marrying those forbidden to wed. He later became known as the patron saint of lovers.
This was a tradition lost many years ago due to the hype of buying the perfect gift and spending the most romantic day with your valentine. We no longer remember the story of St. Valentine because we are constantly being reminded that to show your true love you will buy the perfect gift for your sweetheart.
This is where the department and candy stores come in. The pictures of hearts and cupid are posted everywhere you look, but not one reminder of the tradition behind it. This is now just a day to spend giving another gifts and confessing your love for them. Many will take their valentine out for a romantic evening on the town or just stay in with the one of their dreams.
The most popular known gift idea is the bouquet of roses and candy combo. Many guys all over the nation will buy their loved one beautiful red roses to show their love for them. You can also bet on seeing many teddy bears of all sizes with balloon bouquets attached to their hands. All this is done to show everyone how much you love this person.Back to top
Winter Homecoming
by Sarah Gama
2/12/98A stirring victory on the basketball court and the crowning of King and Queen capped off a week of festivities for Winter Homecoming.
The voting for King and Queen took place on Tuesday, January 6, after which the court was announced: Kristi Gallo, Sarah Gama, Marisa Oliveros, Priscilla Rivera, and Diane Valdez for Queen candidates; Ernie Cabera, Jason Gordon, Dominick Heredia, Manuel Lopez, and Larry Rocha for King.
The court was presented on January 7, at both lunches, with the entertainment coming from the cheerleaders, Band’s Drum line, and senior Jeremy Vasquez, who played the National Anthem.
Students generally had good things to say about the entire week. “It was good, best one so far,” said senior Paul Macomber.
“The week of homecoming wasn’t the best but it wasn’t bad either,” said sophomore Zuehngry Montero.
On Thursday January 8, the carnival took place, and a DJ played music at this event; luckily this time it wasn’t inside the gym thanks to the weather.
During the week different clubs and organizations built floats on Radio Flier wagons. Among the clubs that participated were the Senior Class and the Troupers Club.
On Friday January 9 the basketball game took place, where the varsity Yellowjackets beat their opponents from Santiago. At halftime the announcement that everyone was waiting for was made: King, Manuel Lopez, and Queen, Marisa Oliveros. Followed was the presentation for the wagon floats.
Unfortunetly, there’s not going to be a Winter Formal for this Homecoming, so instead A.S.B. is going to organize a Sweetheart Dance. Stay tuned.