Issue of February 22, 2002
Volume 85, No. 3
Click on the links in the table of contents to view the story
News
ASB partners up with Peer Assistance to promote peace on campus
Cheerleaders lead the way
Choir lends voices to CHS
DECA scores BIG!
The 411 on Student Aid
Hats now allowed…but…
Student leadership team forms
Winter Homecoming rocks Pharoah's KingdomOpinions
As I See it (Column)
Can you really trust CHS with your precious Automobile?
District implements their own final exams--Ugh!!
Measure B: Where's our share?
Can't we all just get along?
Let's change the 2.0 GPA rule for activities
Teens and their stressed out lives
Both Sides Now: Death to Osama
Both Sides Now: Don't make Osama a martyrFeatures
Good Samaritans? At Colton High?
Little Shop of Horrors play preview
Party we must (Must we party?)
Putting the HIGH in High School
Students Rock and Roll
Skateboarding
Sports after school
Teen Dads are part of the equation
Teens getting more jobs
Youth Group aims high
How do you know when you're in love?Diversions
Hoobastank CD review
Horoscopes for February
Hot new tour coming to a concert hall near you
No Doubt CD review
The Battle of Late Night TVSports
Soccer gets Medieval on opponents
Boys Basketball ends season
Cary Akins--star!
Girls Waterpolo make the splash
Girls Basketball
ASB partners up with Peer Assistance to promote peace on campus
by Lisa NamnathThe week before break was a difficult time on the CHS campus. Fights between groups of students put the whole campus on edge, threatening to negate the usual pre-holiday goodwill we usually feel at this time of the year. While the fighting made news, what perhaps should be reported even more was the positive response by several campus organizations to bring us all together in the wake of the racial unrest.
We all witnessed the relentless fighting and the Yellow Submarine posters, but who was really behind all the slogans and posters? "Peace week" was the first time that Peer Assistance had partnered up with ASB, and all parties agree it was a success. We all saw the more than obvious butcher-paper posters around campus, the Christmas decor and the music during lunch, but the less publicized responses by our student organizations are the ones that made the difference.
It all began when the fights started. Even though the fights started over something trivial, they escalated. ASB originally approached Peer Assistance to help come up with suggestions to promote the peace on campus. "Peace week" was the result of an afternoon of brainstorming by the "Peers", ASB and Nadine Kelly's Multi-Cultural class. Most of the Peace week posters were made by Peers and Peers in training.
Not only was it Peer Assistant's posters all over campus declaring, "We all live in a Yellow Submarine," but they counseled countless students who were experiencing difficulties with the occurrences. ASB contributed time, came up with ideas like adorning the school with Christmas decor and they even called the meeting between the Peers, the multi-cultural class and themselves. Peer Assistants contributed a lot as well and should receive credit as well.
Junior Kerry Ortloff, a Peer Assistant who was inducted on February 7 states, "Peer Assistance is all about getting people to unite and I think it's great that Peer Assistance and ASB came together to help the students during a difficult time."
Peer Assistance issued a notice to the teachers on December 17, the Monday of the week before break, telling them about Peace week and asking them to participate by discussing peace with their students. Over all, Peer Assistance advisor, English teacher Carol Miller, agreed the school as a whole, teachers, students, administrators and student organizations, came together in a way she hadn't witnessed before, it was a great accomplishment for all parties involved.
Cheerleaders lead the way
By Jenny Orozco
Feb. 22, 2002Whether or not you would like to admit it cheerleading is a sport. Colton high cheerleaders, led by Captains Lorena Amador and Erin Rendleman, demonstrate it is a sport that requires determination and hard work. "I know that all the girls on the team are good and they prove that when it comes down to getting serious at practice and competition." says Erin in the great team work of the squad. They proved just that winning first place at two separate competitions: Santa Margarita and Ezperanza High in January. Cheerleaders have the choice to be in the competition or not. There is more practice for the routine, which can last up to 3 hours. " Its a lot of hard work but I think it all pays off in the end," says Sophomore Isabel Mata.
Another great example of hard work and guts is Sophomore Monique Martinez who also took first and qualified for nationals. Mascots Lauren Oliver, Laura Holt and Julie Sheret qualified for Nationals as well. Nationals will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center and Disneyland March 14-17.
Choir lends voices to CHS
By Sara Abusiraj
Feb. 22, 2002The definition of a choir is a group of people learning how to sing together in harmony. To join the school's choir you would have to make a one on one audition with Michael Simpson, the director, to see what group you would be placed into. There are three groups; beginning classes for people who are still getting the idea of how to use their vocals, honors chorale for the intermediate vocalists, and vocal ensemble for the advanced persons. The basis on what group you will be put into is by how high and low you can sing.
The classes help you sing in different areas, "Since I started the classes I can sing in different pitches high and low," said Jeanette Krejcik as she was talking about how you need to put effort into your voice. Another good thing to know is that you should have a lot of heart if you want to be apart of this group/class you take for several months.
During Christmas the choir went around classroom-to-classroom singing Christmas carols because Simpson thought it would be a good idea to bring Christmas cheer. In case you did not get the chance to see them in action they have many concerts coming up.
While on the subject of concerts, many of the singers have leads in the upcoming spring musical, "Little Shop of Horrors." Some of their performances take place around the district like; Colton Middle, Lincoln Elementary, Colton's Women's Club, Wal-Mart, RCC, San Bernardino Valley College, and many other places.
Each concert ranges form classical to pop to jazz and on February 22, 2002 there is a combined concert with the Colton High Band at Whitmer Auditorium at 7p.m. As said by Mr. Simpson everything comes from within their hearts and classmates which is, "The culmination of all what they have learned in class."
The choir is recording their first CD in April. Although they put a lot of time and effort into their voice, it pays off because a lot comes from being dedicated to what is right for you. And for choir, it is their voice all together.
DECA scores BIG!
By Kristi Trinidad
Feb. 22, 2002DECA, Distributive Educational Clubs of America, what kind of club is it? It is an organization aimed at helping students in marketing and teaching them the economic aspects of business as well as performing community service. Sound kind of boring? Not one bit. DECA does a lot of fund raising and is also able to work the carnivals. They have meetings every other week. During their meetings they discuss upcoming conferences, fundraising and community service projects. Did I mention that they get to travel around and stay in nice hotels to go and compete against other schools and represent our school?
Recently on January 12 through the 14 all of the active DECA members went to the Ontario Marriott to compete in a conference. They brought home 33 awards that they had won. Everyone was very excited and happy. Carol Tsushima, known to all as "Mrs. T," one of the DECA advisors, said that she was "very happy" and also "very proud of everyone". She also stated that it wasn't like this in the beginning of the year. At one of their first conferences they only brought back four awards. Mrs. T. said that they were determined to study and work harder form that point on.
On the first weekend of March DECA plans to go to state. "State will be a lot harder because you're running up against close to 2000 different kids, but I am confident that we will do well." Veronica Lopez is excited to go to State, "DECA is a lot of fun, but in order to be successful you must be determined and study hard." Good luck DECA, keep up the good work, Colton is proud of you.
The 411 on Student Aid
By Ashley Jay
Feb. 22, 2002
F.A.F.S.A. (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) has been a big help to college bound students. This application gives students an opportunity to receive aid from grants, loans, and work-study.
To receive this aid, you must first pick up a form either in the counseling office from Counselor Dr. Clark's secretary. The office is only giving one copy per student. So it is suggested that you fill it out in light pencil first.
You will need to have your parents fill out a full tax information section. This is the reason that students could not fill the F.A.F.S.A. out sooner than before W-2 reports came out for April of this year. You may also sign up electronically. The website is located at http:// www.fafsa.ed.gov.
An SAR (Student Aid Report) and an expected family contribution (EFC) will be calculated and sent to you. Your EFC will be used to develop a financial aid packet to help you determine your financial need. This is the difference between your EFC and your school's cost. Special personal/family circumstance will also be considered, so if your financial situation changes after you have sent in your F.A.F.S.A., contact all of the schools you have considered. Each schools policies are different.
The suggested date to have in your application is as soon after January 1, 2002, as possible. Although schools will each have their own expected due date, Colton High is suggesting that you have it in before March.
Even if you think that your parents do not need the financial help, still apply!
For any more information on F.A.F.S.A you can call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4FED-AID(1-800-433-3243)
Hats now allowed…but…
By Ali Dostal
Feb. 22, 2002
It's been a long time since students have been able to wear hats on campus. But as of January 1, 2002 students are allowed to wear hats and protective clothing according to a Senate Bill 310 signed by Grey Davis, Governor of California. Until this bill was passed Colton Joint Unified School District's dress code did not allow hats, caps, hairnets or any other types of head coverings.
Although the bill allowed protective clothing, Colton Joint Unified School District placed limits on the type of hat. The requirements for this hat include: plain white, with a two inch to four inch rim, flexible, cannot be altered or customized, and may only be worn as sun protective gear (not inside). Any hat that doesn't meet these specifications is a dress code. The purpose of this is to protect children's skin from sun exposure, which has been proven to cause skin cancer. The reason for the specific conditions of the hats is so there is no gang related attire at the school.
Student leadership team forms
By Megan Holden
Feb. 22, 2002Hate the way your teacher teaches? Or feel your ideas on ways to improve the school are going unheard? Relax, because over the course of the last two years, a team of faculty members has been hard at work coming up with a way to let students make their thoughts about the issues involving the school. The student team is finally here. Together the students and faculty will work closely to improve the school's curriculum and improve academic performance.
Teachers nominated students, those students were narrowed down, and finally voted upon. Only 12 students, made the final cut. As of January 29, 2002, these students were notified of their selection, and like any other club or sport at Colton, the members of this team are required a 2.0 GPA.
The 12 students named to the team are; Amber Adger, Jerry Ayala, Jennifer Goodward, Fransiska Harsono, Mary Heidner, Monica Hernandez, Jane Kim, Monique Martinez, Lisa Namnath, Nikita Rojos, James Urrea, April Valenti, and are lead by English teachers Lucy Khairullah and Kristen Tornero. All of which are eager to make a difference. Junior member Lisa Namnath says, "It's a great chance for students to give input to the School Leadership Team, and hopefully this will further help improve the school."
Meetings are held once a week, and you are urged to contact any student member or teacher with your suggestions, complaints, or ideas.
Winter Homecoming rocks Pharoah's Kingdom
By Ryan Rivera
Feb. 22, 2002
Seniors Jonathon Ramirez and Alicia Trujillo were crowned Winter Homecoming king and queen at the annual dance at Pharaoh's Lost Kingdom on Saturday, Feb. 2, capping off a blustery but successful homecoming week.
Winter homecoming got kicked off with the announcement of court. Couples walked down the hello walk to be presented to the student body. During the week there was a carnival. Despite the cold weather, many classes and clubs participated in the winter homecoming carnival. Gusty winds and freezing temperatures made it quite difficult for many. The senior class had their own table and sold Subway sandwiches. Later on in the day, they learned that they had won the carnival taste test with the best food. Many other things such as the fajitas, hamburgers, smoothies, virgin margaritas, coffee, and cotton candy were doled out by the clubs and sold to the carnival-goers.
At the end of the week, there was a pep assembly. Once again the court members were presented to the students, but this time in costume. All couples dressed up in costume and walked down the red paper. Various groups of cheerleaders gave great performances as well. It was almost as if they were doing a tribute to music and how it has evolved over time. They started from the seventies and gradually worked up to the sounds of today's music.
But all that was merely a prelude and was leading up to the big night out. The winter homecoming dance was on Saturday and served as a fitting conclusion of homecoming week.
This year, the winter homecoming dance was held at Pharaohs Lost Kingdom. The dance was a four hour event which included games, rides, dancing, and picture taking. Although very few tickets were sold, the dance lived up to its theme, "Time Of Our Lives."
One huge factor that helped make the dance a success was the DJ. A great DJ almost always leads to a great dance. Music was roaring from one room to another and helped kick things off. Every style of music was being played to satisfy everyone's needs. Music ranged from hip-hop to pop, and even to the Latin beats. You could tell the dance was going to be a success due to the fact that there were no tables full of people. Everybody was on the dance floor with thier friends having a super great time .
If you looked hard e nough through crowds on the dance floor, you could plainly see that the fun and happiness was being passed along. Principal Jerry Almanderez was also seen out on the dance floor having a great time.
As I See it
by Amy Carrillo
Feb. 22, 2002
THERE ARE ALWAYS three main elements to a typical teen movie. They all are based on sex, drugs, and rumors. Rumors? Yes, you heard me right, rumors. How do you think that Jim's afternoon with Nadia in 'American Pie' was seen by his entire school? Even here at Colton High those juicy rumors are just dying to explode from people's mouths and begin a commotion through the hallways. No day would be complete without hearing who's dating whom and who's arguing with whom.
One morning some friends and I were talking about just how fast rumors do travel. So we decided to figure out for ourselves exactly how fast news travels. We began drawing stars on people's hands first thing in the morning. There was no rhyme or reason to the star; it was just to see how fast that rumors would travel. Each period we drew stars on people's hands and instructed them to do the same. Throughout the day the number of star-free hands was dwindling and we could barely find anyone left who wasn't marked with our star. After school I met my sister in the usual place by the student parking lot to go home when she said, "Oh, you got the star too!" Yes, that's right folks, those three little stars that we had drawn on in the morning had not only been transferred to the freshman class, but it had also adopted a story. Suddenly our meaningless star had become a wish, and your wish would come true only if you drew stars on people's hands corresponding to the time the star was drawn on your hand.
Not only did our "rumor" spread, but the truth and the meaning behind it had been distorted. We realized that no matter how stupid or important something was, the truth was hard to be found, and it always traveled fast. It is kind of like that game you used to play when you were little called 'telephone'. Do you remember that game where you and all your friends sat in a line and one person whispered something into someone's ear and you had to repeat it down the line? Magically "I don't like broccoli" turned into "Your brother likes me". It is just like that stupid game. Little did we know then that ten years later we would be playing a much bigger version of the game, except today, there really isn't enough time to correct the rumors before they spread through the halls and everyone is talking about it.
Can you really trust CHS with your precious Automobile?
By Marisa Cortez
Feb. 22, 2002
Do you drive to school? If you do you may have a concern about the safety of your car. Many students park in the student parking lot, and they feel a campus supervisor will watch their car. But the truth about it is that they can't be there to supervise the parking lot at all times. Just recently we had an incident where students vandalized a few cars with shaving cream. Who's to blame for this occurrence? Shouldn't there be someone protecting our cars? I mean we are paying money. And does anyone actually know what that money is going towards? I sure don't. I made several attempts to speak to a campus supervisor who supposedly should be watching the parking lot, however they were not there.
At the same time we can't place all the blame on the school for things like this happening. We as students also share a big role in this problem. If students want their cars to be safe they shouldn't go out and vandalize others cars. This just adds to the problem.
Some students also feel the same way. Junior Sandy Lim commented, "Sometimes I feel my car is safe, but not most of the time." Many students feel security doesn't care, and generally are not there. Junior Daniel Pedrosa feels, "Vandalism could happen anywhere." This is very true. You have the same chance of someone breaking into your car at school as you do if you parked it in any other public area. As for the vandalizers, Daniel would like to say, "What goes around comes around."
What we need is some kind of resolution. If the students weren't trying to ruin each other's cars, and the campus supervisors were more accessable, there would no longer be an issue with car safety.
What it really comes down to are the students. We wouldn't have to worry about our cars being safe if we didn't have students who gave us the reason to feel this way. Things like this happen so often that you don't know whether it's the school to blame or the people in it. Or maybe it's just a combination of both.
District implements their own final exams
By Kristi Trinidad
Feb. 22, 2002
District final exams, isn't it what we all look forward to? Heck no! How many tests do we already have? Then of course they decide to add another one. Oh joy. Thank goodness I'm a senior and only have one more semester to go. I honestly feel bad for our freshmen and sophomores, they now have the wonderful exit exam.
Recently they added the quarter assessment test to our long list. Oh yes, the quarter assessment, what's the point of that again? To stress students out even more? Oh wait no, that's finals. According to Mrs. Abbott, head of the English department, the quarter assessment is to help students, parents, and teachers know where we students need help. It is not a placement test. It helps to let us all know where we struggle. Sounds like a good idea, right? Not really. I know that the district means well, but I hate the fact that we have another test to worry about. The majority of students don't even know what the purpose of it is. I myself had no idea what it was for and more than half the students in my class didn't as well. To us, it's just another test.
Why is the district going to give every student the same exact test? Slover and Colton take the same exam as well as every English class, from honors to modern literature. I believe that students should be challenged and when a continuation school gets the same test as us Colton students that doesn't necessarily seem like a challenge to me. Oh, and there is one more thing, this test is taken at every quarter, it's on top of finals. The test isn't on anything that we've covered over the past quarters and it can either help you, or really hurt you. So like I asked before, what's the point of this again?
Measure B: Where's our share?
By Paul Lopez
Feb. 22, 2002
Early in the beginning of this school year Measure B was put onto ballots and was passed by the citizens of the city of Colton. This bond stated that there would be some remodeling done to the current schools in the district and would promise to build new schools where they are needed. The $102 million bond will also be used to buy books and desks for the students.
But the question that I have is where are they going to put these desks?
This bond promises that there would be some new schools constructed. But I believe that this bond will be merely an excuse for purchasing and placing more portable classrooms onto every campus and removing any form of movement and space from a campus. Our beautiful campus has been over-run by these portable classrooms. Many of the elementary schools and middle schools have been taken by these portable "leeches". Colton Middle School has lost its large lunch area, and Terrace Hills Middle School has lost ground due by portables.
So I have noticed that the city of Colton really needs to have a new middle school and high school because of the population boom. But in November the public was told through a newsletter that there have been lots bought in Rialto and Bloomington, but there has been no talk about land being negotiated in the city of Colton. These lots are said to be used to build elementary and middle schools. I do believe that these cities might really need these schools and I'm not attacking the plans, but what I am trying get across here is that there are no new elementary schools or middle schools being built in the city that really needs the help most.
There was land open near Reche Canyon for a high school but there was a problem with a fault line and the district had to abandon the idea. But the current Colton High School has the same threat of a fault line, and what makes that even better the school harbors a natural gas line. There are other sites open; for example, Fairview holds ground that is being used for nothing and seems to be abandoned. There is a lot of land open in Colton but the district and city are taking their time to negotiate some type of resolution to this school population problem. I just wish they'd hurry up. Perhaps they'd get to work on this problem if they were the ones who had to walk down these crowded halls.
Can't we all just get along?
By Ashley Ellison
Feb. 22, 2002
When we were in elementary school we would have friends of all different types. No one cared about what color the other kid's skin was, their religious belief, or where their ancestors came from. They chose their friends based on their personality. Then in middle school every one began to split up. Not necessarily a split between races, but more along the lines of their different social groups. Rivalries also began. You know, "skaters" vs. "bladers" and so on.
Now that it is my second year in high school, I finally realized that I am in the middle of a battlefield between teenagers. Every one belongs to their little group. Each person hangs out with his or her own race, his or her own religion and with people who share his or her common interests. Why do we not get along with each other on campus? Colton High is such a small area filled with so much hate and fear. School would be so much better if we could all just get along. Every one could walk through the halls knowing they are safe and not one person would ever be paranoid on campus again.
Elementary school students may be a lot younger and not as smart as us, but they could teach us a few things, to judge people by their personality and not by their race. It is great that every one is proud of where they came from, but we don't have to fight to prove a point of who is better then some one else.
We are all equal in this school. Every one is responsible for causing this war we are living in, thoughout Colton High School. This also means we can also be responsible for ending it. All of our fighting needs to stop before more people get hurt.
Let's change the 2.0 GPA rule for activities
By Megan Holden
Feb. 22, 2002It's nothing new to any of us that we go to Colton High, home of the Yellow Jackets, but even though this is our school, most of us are guilty of putting it down. We gripe about the work we get, the lack of teacher-student help, the small amount of books we have, the "ghetto" lab equipment and so on.
You wouldn't believe the number of times I've heard a student say, "(teachers name here) is so easy, all you have to do is show up and you'll pass." But honestly it's rather sad that most of the students complaining about the school are the ones that are getting bad grades (an average grade is a 2.0 or "C"). So here's my question to you, if we aren't getting any homework, then why doesn't everyone have at LEAST a 2.0???
Recently our school put into effect a new rule, in order to attend any school function, such as homecoming, winter formal, and most importantly for us Juniors and Seniors, PROM, you need a cumulative GPA of a 2.0. This isn't new to students in sports and clubs, they're already required to have a 2.0 in order to participate, but it's new to those who aren't active in our school's extra curricular activities.
When I first started to write this article, I was in favor of the idea, I thought why should some of us bust our butts, just to be packed into a room with people who obviously don't care about their grades? I'm the first to admit that I don't have top grades at Colton, but even though I hardly ever do homework, I still maintain a GPA above a 2.0, so I don't see how you can't.
An argument with my mom changed all that, I came home late one day with a friend, and my mom was going to take my car away, I was really upset because my car had nothing to do with me being late, that was my own irresponsibility, I chose to come in late knowing I would get into trouble. Then I got to thinking; this whole 2.0 thing is like me getting in trouble.
I believe to match the punishment with the crime: instead of my mom taking away my car, which I wasn't even using at the time, my mom should have grounded me from hanging out with that friend for a week or something like that. Homecoming, or winter formal, prom or anything like that all take place on the weekends, not on a school day, and since most teachers don't give homework on the weekends anyway, how is going to or not going to Homecoming going to help me get better grades?
If you want to really crack down and get students to strive to get better grades, take away something they want… a day out of school! Marine Biology has already been on two full day field trips this year, one trip was to the beach, and another was whale watching. Why is the school allowing students to miss entire classes if they can't maintain a 2.0? I mean the school is trying to reason that ALL students want to go to prom, therefore, they're enforcing this 2.0 thing, but in all reality, not that many people care about prom either way. Sure, it should be a fun filled night with friends, but I for one almost think it's a waste to go to prom, spend hundreds upon hundreds of dollars to dance in a room with people you don't even know (come on let's face it, no matter WHO you are or how popular you are, you don't know everyone here at school).
Taking away school events that happen on weekends (Friday nights, Saturdays or Sundays) from students with less then a 2.0 is a bad idea. I mean really, shouldn't it be for the parents to decide weather or not their kid should be able to attend a dance or not? Come on, most of us know that if we do bad in school, more then likely, we'll get the thing we want most taken away from us… and in most cases for Juniors and Seniors, what we want is prom. I for one know that if I didn't have a 2.0 my mother wouldn't allow me to go to prom, even if it was my senior year.
The school shouldn't be enforcing something that they have no right to interfere with. You don't see other high school doing this, so why is ours? If you think our grades are making our school look bad, think again, because they're not, other schools, like Riverside Poly and Redlands East Valley, don't look down on Colton because of our test scores, they don't KNOWanything about our academic achievements or flops. They know what they hear about, the infant center, the number of gang related fights and so much more, but our test scores isn't one of them. If you want to make Colton succeed better academically, maybe we should work on other things first.
Teens and their stressed out lives
By Heather Weppler
Feb. 22, 2002Today's youth faces more than meets the eye. Sure, each kid faces the average problems…parents, grades, and friends. Too much of the high school population feels that high school is nothing but a bunch of drama. So much more happens then what people expect, things that people don't see. A lot of the teens of this generation aren't taken seriously. It's either because adults don't believe what their children say or they just don't think that they're kids handle some of the stuff they do. Don't get me wrong, not all adults are like that. It's just that kids have a hard time trusting adults because they're afraid of what they might do, or afraid that they won't understand. So where do kids turn? Where do we go with our problems?
Most kids turn to their friends; someone they can confide in. There is no one a teen trusts more than his or her best friend. Friends are there to comfort and reassure you that everything will be all right. Sometimes there is something too big for a friend to handle. There is only so much a kid can take before they break. Sometimes they need help from an adult.
One of the greatest problems a teen faces is being loved. We are always looking to be loved, which is completely natural. Everyone wants to feel that they are special; that they are loved. I think often times we go looking for love in the wrong places. We try to find acceptance from our peers. This is a major problem that faces kids. It goes deeper than the surface. If someone gets rejected it can hurt for an unbelievable amount of time. We hold onto things a lot longer than most people think. A lot of what happens to us will be carried into our future lives as adults.
What someone says to us today can change the way we see life. Students are harsh, often callous to each other, like when teens constantly make fun of each other because someone likes N'Sync. They prey on each other's weaknesses. Teens often find flaws in each other so they can use that against them, like teasing someone about the clothes they wear-things like that could really bruise their self-esteem and possibly their outlook on life. There are so many teens that dread coming to school because they don't want to deal with the coldness of their peers.
In my opinion too much is bothering teens. I think that teens spend all their time waiting to grow, but when they do, they find themselves wishing they were a teen again. I think that we need to learn how to deal with our problems, instead of running from them. We need to appreciate the freedom and ease of being a teen.
There is help. There are presently seven counselors on campus. There are also Teen Aid Cards located in the counseling office which provide hotline numbers for such problems as abuse/rape/sexual molestation, Alcohol and Drug mistreatment, Birth Control/Pregnancy Testing and Counseling, and Emergency Food/Shelter. Teens do deal with a lot, but there are many ways we can solve our common problems, and ways to work through the ones that are not so easy. We just need to know where the help is, and have the courage to ask for it.
Death to Osama
By Kerry Ortloff
Feb. 22, 2002Osama Bin Laden should be executed after he is captured. I can see no reason why he should deserve the privilege of being kept alive. Why should he be allowed to breathe, feel, think, and see, when he took the joy of living away from so many Americans?
Justice needs to be served. This does not include allowing him to live out the rest of his horrible existence, even if it is in a dirty little prison cell. How can we assume he would spend all those long hours, thinking about the awful attacks he plotted? The way I see it, Osama Bin Laden would do all he could to enjoy every second of his remaining years, just to spite the American people.
Even if he lived in a prison cell Osama Bin Laden could continue to be a threat. For example, any of his conspirators could take a group of innocent people hostage, to try and negotiate with authorities to set Osama Bin Laden free. On the other hand if he were dead, we wouldn't have to face that problem. He wouldn't be able to hurt anymore people.
It is ridiculous to think, that by killing this one man, will no longer be threatened by terrorists attacks; of course we will. There are plenty of people around the world who hate the United States. So while it's true, killing Osama Bin Laden won't stop terrorism, that doesn't mean we shouldn't kill him. As I said before it has to do with justice, we are punishing him for his crime, and considering his crime affected the whole nation, death is more than fitting.
Maybe you think that if we go through with killing Osama Bin Laden, it will just make more of these terrorists angry. Well, so what if it does? It's not like there aren't enough people who don't agree with what the United States does. Should we refrain from doing the right thing just because it will make certain disillusioned persons, feel like getting revenge?
What about all the soldiers who have already gone to fight in Afghanistan? Do you think they would like to find out that after all their trauma and turmoil American had decided to just let Osama Bin Laden live out the rest of his life in a prison cell, that is heated, where he is fed, and clothed? Probably not. Honestly, that seems to defeat the purpose, of sending our troops over seas.
As you can see, Osama Bin Laden deserves to be given the death penalty.
Don't make Osama a martyr
By Napa Utrapiromsuk
Feb. 22, 2002Close your eyes and think of time when Osama Bin Laden is captured. Voices of millions singing "God Bless America" become the only thing heard. Then the question that begins to rip the country into two: "What should be done with Osama Bin Laden?" Images of September 11th flood our minds, the thousandths that died bring anger and hate to us. The first seemingly reasonable response would be to kill him: "After what he has done what other punishment would be fair?" Others believing that killing him will not solve the problems that Bin Laden has created. Two sides to every question yet the answer would affect millions of people on how they view America, and forever have a place in the history books.
Executing Bin Laden would only give another reason for people not only in the Middle East but also all over the world to be against America. Killing Bin Laden would just buy us time before they place a new leader in power. Osama Bin Laden having so many influences on millions of people, his death would make him a martyr to his followers, causing their "crusade" to become filled with more passion and more reason to keep fighting. Putting him in prison (one that is designed like the prisons in the Middle East) in isolation would be a fairer punishment than death. To me it seems that death would be an easy way out, placing him in prison would force him to think about what he did, and the pain that he caused, proving that we are above the terrorists by acting with reason; not thinking for the moment by thinking for the future. What will the history books say about America, and the execution of Bin Laden? Personally, I would rather have it say, "Osama Bin Laden, leader of the terrorist group that caused the World Trade Center bombing on September 11, 2001 died at the age of 101 in a dirt-infested, yet high security prison where he realized the agony that he caused by his actions."
It was once said that life is the worse punishment, however we are forgetting about "hell." Because none of us have ever been there before, without the Bible most of us would never know what hell is. The only sure way we can secure Bin Laden's misery is to keep him alive where we can make sure that he will suffer for what he has done.
Good Samaritans? At Colton High?
By Priscilla Montgomery
Feb. 22, 2002Our intrepid reporter Priscilla goes around campus dropping stuff, sitting alone, etc. to see if anyone will help her out. The results may surprise you. Or, maybe not. Anyway…
Tuesday January 8
Day one of my undercover work. My biggest fear was that no one will help me and I'll look like a nerd, picking it up all by myself. But as I ran into someone, dropping my stuff everywhere, one person turned around to help out. Well, that is not a lot, but it is something to start off of.
Friday January 11
I'm seeing a good trend happening. Today, my friend left her wallet in one of her classes, without realizing it. Now this wasn't a boring wallet, this was a good wallet with important letters, money and a Disneyland passport worth about $200. Someone, in the goodness of his or her heart returned that wallet to the teacher, to the relief of my friend.
I also dropped my stuff again, during a passing period. I had better results than Tuesday. This time, three girls stopped their conversation to help pick up the few scattered papers. After quickly joking about my clumsiness, I left with a good feeling from them
Wednesday January 16
Today was the worst day in my quest to find good Samaritans as I dropped my stuff today. Okay, yes, I had a friend push my books out of my hands but that wasn't point. The point was I had to collect my stuff all by myself! Not one person stopped to help or for that matter, even turned around. It was in the middle of a passing period, when I was totally surround by people so they had no excuse not to help. Come on Colton High students, don't do this!
Monday January 21
My faith is completely restored in Colton High! Today I sat by myself in the middle of the lunch area during 2nd lunch just to see what would happen. At first, it was horrible. I sat completely alone. No one stopped or said hello or anything, even though I saw at least five people I sort of knew. The conversations all around me ranged from movies to sport teams to what happened over the weekend and yet no one bothered to include the lonely student. Finally, with ten minutes left of lunch and all was looking bleak, two girls sat across from me and started talking. Both Kristen Rodriguez and Sophia Rocha had enough courage to do what one fourth of the rest of the student population could not do, including many of those so-called "popular kids" who sat around me. Remember students, the first step is saying hello.
Tuesday January 22
We have some very pathetic people here at Colton. Today I left an old, ugly purse in the girls lockers room and when I went back for it, it was gone. How could they? I mean, this purse was so old, I was sure no one would want it. The makeup was old and used, why would anyone want it??!! Maybe someone conscience will get to them and they will return it later.
Friday January 25
Still no sign of the purse. I guess they really needed old lip gloss. Anyway, I had the most interesting results today when I decided to drop my stuff during passing period. This time I was walking around and I "accidently" bumped into someone. A true embarrasing moment as my stuff went flying. But to make matters worse, the girl I ran into kept on walking! She turned, looked at me and with a wave of her hand, continued on her way. I hope she remembers that and felt bad that she did not stop to help. But luckily, there were others that stopped to offer a helping hand. As they criticezed the girl who kept walking, I felt much better.
Thursday January 31
Now as I end of this undercover assignment it is time to give my statistical. One thing I kept track of was the number of times people said bless you. Did you know that in your daily class an average of 2 people say bless you each time you sneeze? But after the person says thank you (if they do) not one person said you're welcome. Now, although this is not really a matter of a good Samaritan, it is a matter of good manners, which is something we all need.
So overall, I have found those much needed results from my fellow Colton High students. Living proof that kindness is still there in the most unexpected places. Good Samaritains walk around, helping when books are dropped, talking to you when you sit alone. As the famous Anne Frank once said, "I still believe that in spite of everything, there is still some good left in everybody."
Little Shop of Horrors play preview
By Leticia Zamora
Feb. 22, 2002This years spring musical, Little Shop of Horrors, will be Stacey Jay's first full length musical with out the assistance/ guidance of Joey Mercado. Jay is very hopeful that this musical will be a crowd pleaser . The show runs April 17- 20 at the Whitmer Auditorium. Showtimes are 7 pm.
With Vocal Ensemble and Honors Chorale members stealing the leads, the music in the Little Shop of Horrors is shaping up to be quite appealing. Jay commented, " I am very pleased with the vocal abilities. " This being a musical, our school's choir director Michael Simpson is handling most, if not all of the music.
Little Shop of Horrors' story line is centered a round a small cast. A floral assistant turns out to be an overnight phenomenon when he comes across an unusual plant. This "exotic" plant begins to crave fresh blood, so the plant offers the floral assistant "fame and fortune" in exchange for feeding it's progressing appetite. In actuality, the plant is an alien life form that's set out for global domination.
With the small cast, and intricate set designing, along with the great music, Little Shop of Horrors will prove to be a success for Jay, Troupers, and the cast of the musical, as well as for Colton High.
Party we must (Must we party?)
By Leticia Zamora
Feb. 22, 2002
Flyer parties, birthday beer bashes, keggers, kick backs, call them what you will. Youth today flock to them like seagulls to bread. Why is partying so essential in a teens' life? Teens are just looking for a place to party on weekends so they can cut loose and take a break from the anxiety/ stress that school/ work/ home cause during the week. As well as to hang out with friends and be free of parental supervision for a few hours. While some prefer to spend their time studying, hanging out at the mall, or the movies, many of today's high school students are choosing the high profile party scene as opposed to the good, clean cut old fashioned type of fun.
Why on Earth would any one find standing around in the cold late at night fun? Some say they go to the parties just about every weekend because they simply have nothing better to do. Others say it is because they feel empty and seek a sense of belonging. Furthermore, at this time in our lives, many of us teens are in search of some thing more than what life is offering. We are satisfying our hunger for rebellion by consuming far too much alcohol, and doing way too many drugs. We party because we can.
Partying is just one technique teens have of escaping the harsh reality known as life. When at a party, no one and nothing really matters. The only things you have to worry about are whether or not there is a porta-potty in the back or the cops breaking it up. Curiosity, pleasure, and the desire to be accepted throw many teens in to a world they just aren't ready for.
Many of us view the age 21 as true freedom because 21 year olds are able to purchase alcohol with out a fake I.D. If you look at the life styles of many 21 year olds, not too many of them party every weekend. Some find partying, as well as its extras to be enjoyable now because some of these extras are not legal. Staying out past curfew, drinking, and doing drugs are considered fun because we're not suppose to engage in such terrible acts as young adults.
From hanging out behind some one's house, getting drunk with your best friends, taking a hit off the pipe of the guy with spikey hair and disturbing stench, dancing to the too loud music, making out in the dark bushy corners, poppin-a-squat, fleeing from the cops, chugging a beer, getting the number of that one amazingly hot member of the opposite sex, finding a ride home at the end of the night, to getting the 411 on next weekends big party. Some times the party scene gets to be too much too fast. This life style isn't for everyone. Some teens are thinking ahead and choose not to party for sake of their health in years to come. Some aren't looking past the moment in which they're living and end up abusing what ever they're into. What ever your reasons are for partying, make sure they're the right reasons. Are there right reasons?
Putting the HIGH in High School
By April Lewis
Feb. 22, 2002Some students apparently want to add another "R" to the "Three R's": REEFER
When you think of going to school many things probably come to mind: all of your boring classes, seeing your friends, homework, the upcoming dance, your grade point average, that cute girl/guy in your fourth period, your mean teacher, that detention you forgot to serve, getting high in the bathroom. What? You mean you don't think of getting high everyday? Well, some students at Colton High School have been doing just that: they have been putting the HIGH in High School, literally. There has been some talk around campus that students often go into the bathroom before school, during passing periods, even at lunch and get high. Weed is a very popular drug for the students on campus, but isn't there a time and a place for everything? Weed is not only illegal but don't you think if you were doing something illegal already you wouldn't want to chance getting caught, especially at school where you get your education.
Some students don't care they think that there is nothing wrong with getting high on campus. Three students on campus that don't care were interviewed about why they do it. Because of their views they wish their names withheld. The first student said, "I love getting high; being high is the best feeling in the world. I get high on campus because school is boring and if you are high at least you can have a few laughs at school instead of just sitting there learning things you wont even need later on in life." The second student had this to say about getting high on campus: "What is the big deal with getting high on campus? I smoke anywhere and everywhere so why would I stop doing it just because I am at school." The third student agrees: "There is nothing else in the world like being high, when I am high I don't get stressed out about the things in high school that normal teenagers stress about. I will get high at school and will keep getting high at school no matter what the cost." But Junior Danielle Mcgayhey disagrees with these students choices to get high on campus. Mcgayhey says, "People who get high on campus are just people with nothing better to do. They are stupid to put drugs before their education."
No matter if you agree or disagree with the matter of getting high on campus the consequences if you get caught are the same for everyone. Section 48900(c) of the Colton Joint Unifies School District discipline guide lines states that any student who "Unlawfully possessed, used or otherwise furnished, or been under the influence of any controlled substance" will lead to a referral, parent notification, and parent conference. In addition, you will be sent to a substance abuse counseling, reported to the police, have your herb confiscated, be sent to the discipline panel, and get a five day suspension just on your first offense. When vice principal Diana Carreon was asked about the matter she said, " No matter how much I like the kids their punishment is out of my hands." Is drug use on campus increasing or decreasing? Carreon said, "The people who come around with the drug dogs say that C.H.S has an excellent reputation with the company. They rarely find anything." Carreon also stated, " Some students at Colton High School may not like us for the job we do but they know we are fair."
So next time you think about getting high on campus stop and ask yourself: is it really worth it?
Students Rock and Roll
by Victor Valdez
Feb. 22, 2002Musicians have been around for thousands of years. It's a great thing to get into. Many students on this campus play instruments and some are even in the school band or their own band. People all have different reasons for starting. Sophomore Andrew Hernandez said "I started playing drums because when I was in the 4th grade I wanted to play the saxophone. My dad said that we didn't have enough money so I asked to play the drums instead and he said yes. I have playing drums to this day." As many of you can see walking around campus many students play guitar. Sophomore Richard Duran said," I play the guitar, I play it because it is fun, gives you something to do, and you gain a new talent." Not everyone plays an instrument you would see in a rock band though. Some students play in the school band and some just choose to play classical music instead. Freshman Mark Saldana said, " I play the piano, I choose to play the piano because when I was little I used to hear my mom and dad playing classical music. That's what got me interested in playing." Junior Matthew Saldana said, " my biggest influence is my dad. Also when I was a kid I saw a professional pianist in concert." Many people play instruments, but if you start playing an instrument and you get really good at it go with it. Because according to junior Richard Partida," the worst thing in life is wasted talent."
Skateboarding
By Victor Valdez
Feb. 22, 2002
Skateboarding has been a past time around the world for many years. It has changed a lot since it started. From two by fours with steel wheels, to fishtail boards, to what you see today. Skateboarding has become so popular in the past couple years that it is not uncommon to see someone skating by. Being a pro skater is many skaters dreams. Getting paid for what you love to do, but only few will get there. Sophomore Matthew Alva said, " what influenced me to start skating was that my brother brought over a skate video called 'Zoo York Mix Tape', and I watched and I was like that's bad. So I started. I got my first board at Wal-mart."
Senior Samuel Alva said, " I started skating because it looked challenging and I wanted to try it. Skateboarding is very challenging. You don't just pick up a skateboard and do a kick flip first try, it takes time and patience. Most pro skaters have been skating for at least 10 years. Some have been skating for decades.
Skateboarding can be, "fun" as freshman Robert Enriquez put it. When someone treats it as a crime and you as a criminal it can be annoying. When police kick you out of a school or a park because you're skating there, they say its because your trespassing, but 20 minutes later someone in plays basketball in that same area are they trespassing? Some cops will take it as far as saying you can't skate in the street. If skateboarding on the street is such a problem for the people of Colton why not build a skate park for the skaters in this city, instead of making us find a way to get to Rialto for their skate park. Next time you see someone on a skateboard, don't treat them as a criminal because as so many shirts amd stickers say, SKATEBOARDING IS NOT A CRIME.
Sports after school
By Sara Abusiraj
Feb. 22. 2002
As you know after school is the best time to hang out with your friends, go home or play sports. Although they don't have to interact with one of the school's programs, some of the time people get together and just play for fun. Others have some kind of practice to attend to. Sophomore Erica Lizardi Prepares to go to practice for softball at the park. She says, "Softball is a great sport and you can excersise alot." For instance, soccer people meet at the field outside Hubbs and McIntosh gym, wrestlers share the gym with the basketball players, and for those who don't like playing for the can bring a football to toss around or play basketball on the main courts outside. As the discussion of sports was being tossed around Ismail Adams started talking avout basketball and said, "I love the game!" Because there are many seasonal sports, you have time to join the ones you would like to do and for the rest of the time you have for yourself to do homework so your grades don't happen to slip. You have to remember to keep a G.P.A of 2.0 or more to participate in any school activities. Many people have said they don't have time for sports because they are to busy with something else like an after school club, but as long as you are comfortable, there is no need to join a sport, but make sure you spend extra time doing something that will get you somewhere. Like sophomore Bionka King, "I like softball and I think the more you play sports and extra ciricular activities, the better high school will be." Occupying yourself with one of these programs is good, because you never know what the outcome of doing things like this can turn out. "Football and wrestling are the only sports to live," commented Greg Salazar on how he is trying to stay in shape. For example, maybe you like to swim. Well you have two options, you can involve yourself, in the swim team or water polo, and it's never too late. Even if you don't know how to swim very well, there is always room for improvement.
Joining a sport after school can keep you from doing things you shouldn't be doing in the first place, and it even benefits your health in ways you wouldn't have even figured. "I like basketball because I'm good at it and because it is a competitive sport in which you work at it, you can get good at it, and it's more of a mental sport than physical," said Epher Hernandez as he told about how he likes to play ball on the weekends with his friends.
Teen Dads are part of the equation
By Megan Holden
Feb. 22, 2002
"Look at that slut, I can't believe she's in high school and already has a baby." As harsh as it is to hear, it's been said and heard, behind the backs and even to the faces of teen mothers on campus. Weather or not these mothers planned to become mothers, or something beyond their control happened, it is nobody's business but theirs.
Walking around campus in the morning before school, everyone seems to notice the mothers walking or carrying their children to the nursery. But has anyone ever stopped to wonder about the dads? When you hear things about the children at school no one ever talks about the dad, it's always…. "Yeah, the girls' a slut, she should have kept her legs closed and said no," ummm, but, didn't your parents ever tell you it takes two to tango?
So with that said, my question to you is, why is the girl is always talked about? I mean it's her job, she's a mother now, you should be respecting not judging her, I don't see you going to school and raising a baby. Come to think of it, I don't see the children's fathers doing much of the raising part either and if the father isn't taking responsibility of his child here at school, would he really do it at home, outside of school?
I admit, there are a few guys here who take care of their kids, and to those guys, I commend you on being a teen dad, and not following the path so many other teen dads have set. For the rest of you "men", you should be ashamed, if you are too freaked out about having a baby to take care of, for whatever reason, you should stop to think for a moment how the mother feels. She has to either carry a baby around for nine months during what should be the time of her life, or have an abortion, which isn't nearly as simple as most men think it to be. I mean how manly is it to run away from your responsibilities. This all could have been eliminated by using a condom, or not having sex at all.
I already respect all the teen mothers out there, so this isn't for them. This is to the guys, the guys that have children and don't seem to care. If you can't handle the risks of having sex, then maybe you shouldn't be having it. Having sex can do a lot to a person, especially if you have a baby, it makes you have to grow up, a lot faster then some people ever will. So, if your not ready to grow up don't pretend you are, things happen, and a lot of the time, it's not the way you want, if you don't believe me, just ask some teen mothers around campus if they planned on having a child and how much it's affected their lives.
Teens getting more jobs
By Andrew Quiroz
Feb. 22, 2002
Many teens nowadays have jobs to create their own living environment. But then, there are many types of jobs in which teens work. As most people know, minimum wage increased by 50 cents an hour, which brought pay up from $6.25 an hour to $6.75 an hour, and sales tax went back up also from 7.5% to 7.75% at the first of the year. As many people may know also, the legal minimum age to work is 16 years of age as long as he or she can provide a workers permit that allows them to work. We asked some students at Colton High School that currently have jobs and what they do there. Here is what they had to say.
Apryl Thompson, a senior at Colton High School, works at Blockbuster Video. She keeps herself busy as a stocker, cashier and even a customer service representative. Blockbuster Video is located at the corner of Washington Avenue and Cooley Drive in Colton. She said that she likes her job because she actually gets to go out and buy her own clothes instead of relying on her parents. She also said that it affects her social life because when her friends ask her if she wants to go out and go see a movie, she has to tell them that she has to go to work.
Kate Heidner is also a senior at Colton High and she works at McDonald's Restaurant in Colton. She also works as a cashier. It is located at the corner of Valley Boulevard and Seventh Street. She has been working there for a year and ten months. She also likes her job a lot because of the fact that her boyfriend, John Martinez, a senior at Colton High School works there also.
Senior Cristina Garcia works at Claire's Accessories in the Carousel Mall. She is a cashier and she also pierces ears. Her money is spent on bills such as her cellular phone and others as well. "Having a job does affect my social life, because when my friends want to go out, I have to tell them that I have to work," said Cristina. But, she is grateful because her job enables her to purchase items with her own money. She has put applications in elsewhere, one of which includes Wal-Mart.
Senior Sandra Pearson works at Stater Bros. Market in Cooley Ranch. She is a bag person. She enjoys her job very much and she likes it, that she can buy all of her own things, without always relying on her parents. Sandra also keeps herself busy with ASB. She is the ASB Vice-President and she loves her job there as well.
Carlos Perez, the ASB Treasurer, works at Del Taco, which is located at the corner of Valley Boulevard and Rancho Avenue. He does everything from working the cash register, to the drive-thru window. Although he does have a job, his other job as ASB Treasurer, does keep him busy as well, and he is dedicated to his job.
Youth Group aims high
By Raylene Carrillo
Feb. 22, 2002
What is Uth GroOp (Youth Group) all about? Mike Barnett is the "Uth" pastor for Uth GroOp at Colton First Baptist (CFB). He's the guy who has been seen around school with a video camera asking kids his "question of the week". Barnett says "Uth GroOp is about you and God...it's a great place where kids are discovering the answers to life's questions."
On Wednesdays they begin at six o'clock. They start off by worshiping God, then Pastor Mike gets up and talks about a certain topic. After they break off into little groups and together discussed more about what Pastor Mike lectured on about with a Uth GroOp volunteer. On the first Wednesday of every month they have this thing called wild Wednesday. On those Wednesdays they have a Christian band come play or they will do something out of the ordinary relating to God.
On Sunday mornings they meet in the Uth room. They worship and after have a bible study in two different groups. Each group studies a different topic. Sometimes they will have series to the topic.
Students go to CFB for fellowship. Going there helps them to get to know God better. Junior Adam Welch says "Church is a great place to meet God and new friends. There is nothing better than living for God."
Uth GroOp is starting a brand new and totally different church service for teens called Sunday night S.L.A.M. S.L.A.M. will have: a 13ft by 15ft video screen, a great worship band called GroOp Therapy, and interactive messages where each week Pastor Mike will also answer any questions students might have about God, The Bible and Christian life.
Students enjoy worshiping God and encourage anyone who isn't and is a believer to come join. Junior Sabrina Escalera's favorite scripture is Psalm 34:18 which says " The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Senior Holly Brown another strong believer says " I give my life to God so I can gain it back again." God blesses those who believe. " One cross, three nails equals four-given." -anonymous
How do you know when you're in love?
By Wendy Quinonez and Renee Negrete
Feb. 22, 2002
Everyone wants to have that feeling of being in love. Those feeling of butterflies in your stomach, sweaty palms, and nervousness conquering your whole body, which makes you want to take part in a relationship. You can't help but to smile with joy every time you see that special someone. Couples have their own specific way of showing affection; the small things are what really matter. Even though being in love seems all nice and pretty it's just sometimes hard to describe it.
We questioned several couples here at Colton High and asked, "How do you know when you're in love?"
Junior Brittany Leibelt and Sophomore Moses Mendoza are a couple who are not afraid to admit their true feelings for one another. Leibelt responded, "Every time I see him I get little butterflies in my stomach. Classes seem so long when we're apart."
Mendoza didn't have much to say, so he commented, "There are no words to describe what I feel about her."
Another couple, Anna Tidwell and Shad Liebelt, both sophomores, explains how they feel about each other. Tidwell says, "When I get to see him I'm happy. He makes me feel good about myself when I'm around him." When asked about when you know you are in love, all Liebelt could say was; " You just know. It's hard to explain, but you just know."
Senior Cassandra Gomez and Sophomore Andrew Hernandez are so in love that they already knew what they were going to say about each other. Gomez explained how she's' know when she fell in love, " When he's the first and last thing you think about in the day. When you're around them your happy and they always put a smile on your face." Hernandez has to say just as much as Gomez and here is his response: "She makes me feel happy. It's cool being around her. It's also exciting every time I see or think about her."
One happy couple that we interviewed, Senior Valerie Williams and Senior Albert Salazar openly shared their feeling for one another. "She is constantly on my mind. Everything reminds me of her. When I see the sparkle in her eyes I know. I just get this warm feeling inside, even on cold days," said Salazar about the love of his life. After a year and four months you think a couple would get tried of each other… but not in this case.
"No matter how long we've being going out I still get those little butterflies in my stomach. We respect each other's wishes. And you can talk and talk without ever getting board," expressed Williams.
All these couples' responses were mutual and they seemed very pleased with each other. So when we asked them how do they know when there in love? They answered without hesitation. No relationship is perfect but as long as you're willing to work at it the outcome will be well worth the wait. However, if you haven't found that special someone, there are plenty of fish in the sea.
Hoobastank CD review
By Narmin Shahin
Feb. 22, 2002
Hoobastank has hit us by total surprise. These boys have an awesome sound that a lot of people would like. They have a SKA, rock kind of sound. Their long awaited album was supposed to be released on September 11 but due to the fatal attack on the USA it was actually released on October 2nd. This album brought nothing but good news to the boys. They are on TRL and almost every station is talking about them.
You're probably wondering where their name came from. The original name was hoobustank but due to the constant mispronunciation it was changed. Now it's Hoobastank, which in jive records means, "whose butt stinks". The band said they wanted a original name because a lot of bands have similar names now a day. I think their mission is accomplished.
Although they have had a very tough start. They owe a lot of what they have to incubus. They both grew up in the same part of LA and that's why their music resembles each other so much. That's all they were used to listening to. Incubus helped them get discovered by introducing them to a recording agent and let them join on their European tour. There has been rumors that the lead singers of both bands are related although they do look alike they are not related that's just what they were used to looking like in their town. They offer an honest and new sound to the music. It' a great sound and I would totally recommend for anyone to check it out. It has a lot of variety of songs. Some great songs on the CD include pieces, running away and to be with you. This band is currently on tour so go check them out. Or if you want to just go listen to some of their music their CD is in all stores. This band gets four stars it's awesome.
Horoscopes for February
By Madame Cleo (AKA Veronica Sanchez)
Feb. 22, 2002
Aries 3/21-4/19
Adventurous day. Do you feel like having an adventure? Well today, you're more likely to have an adventure when you go no a short journey. No need to go very far, just someplace you've wanted to go before, yet never been. Today is also a good day to surprise a close friend with news or a small gift.
Taurus 4/20-5/20
Different strokes for different folks. Today, more people around you will differ in their beliefs from yours. Rather than clash with all of them, listen respectfully to their opinions. Then only if absolutely necessary, try explaining your position. Great day to expose yourself to other points of view.
Gemini 5/21-6/21
Shiny happy person. Today your individuality will really shine. So for the best day possible, try showing off the qualities that make you different and unique. That could involve wearing you favorite clothes, sharing your hobbies and collections, or even telling others our most unique desires.
Cancer 6/22-7/22
Take time for both. Today you'll have dual needs. On one hand, you'll want to take part in social activities. And at the same time, you'll need some time alone. Fortunately, you can and should do both! Today plan time with others, and also try to find someplace quiet where you can spend an hour alone.
Leo 7/23-8/22
People power. To feel your best today, spend more time socializing with others. Attending a party would fit the bill perfectly! But, that's not the only solution. You can also go to any crowded public place where you can mingle with lots of people. Great day to go to a popular restaurant, movie theater or store.
Virgo 8/23-9/22
Out in front. Today your leadership skills are stronger than usual. So much so, that you should put yourself into situations where you can take a greater leadership role. You'll find you're especially effective when you get out in front and lead others by example. Great day to invite friends to join you.
Libra 9/23-10/22
Make up your mind! Today spending too long making decisions won't benefit you. In fact, it could cause you some unnecessary grief. That's because today you'll tend to overanalyze your options. The simple solution to this problem is to make decisions more quickly, especially on unimportant matters.
Scorpio 10/23-11/21
Can you avoid money? Today you may want to try! That's because today your judgment regarding the use of money is at below normal levels. Try putting off any major purchases or investments. You'll also want to avoid advising others how to spend their money. Tomorrow things will be back to normal.
Sagittarius 11/22-12/21
Relationship elevator going up. Today you'll want to spend more time with someone you find special. That's because today the stage is set for your relationships to improve and mature. If possible, try planning something unique with that someone special. And don't let outside influences interrupt your time together.
Capricorn 12/22-1/19
Better shape. Great day to focus on bettering your health. That's because today your health and physical well being are in stronger focus. To help achieve the best results today, try to focus mostly on eating healthy foods, and on getting enough rest for your body to rebuild its natural defenses.
Aquarius 1/20-2/18
The language of love. Today romance is a much greater possibility! So what can you do to improve your chances? You needn't say a word. That's because today your nonverbal signals are the key to improving your chances of making a love connection. When meeting people today, let your eyes and smile express your true intentions.
Pisces 2/19-3/20
Back to the simple things. Today, simplicity is your key to having the most successful and satisfying day. That means you'll want to avoid situations that seem that overly complex. Instead, choose to do things in the simplest manner possible. It's also a great day to focus your time on favorite places, activities and people.
Hot new tour coming to a concert hall near you
By Jennifer Montgomery
Feb. 22, 2002
Just a month ago, Likin Park announced they would take a well-deserved break after finishing their countdown revolution tour. After their most recent tour was over, they thought that they were having too much fun to call it quits already. So they coordinated the "Projekt Revolution Tour" which will also feature Cypress Hill, Adema and DJ Z-Trip.
The tour is expected to begin in mid-January and run through the end of February.
"What makes this tour great is the collaboration of the heavy guitars and drums along with the hip-hop," Cypress Hill rapper B-Real said. "Not only are you getting Linkin Park, a band that does the fusion hip-hop/metal stuff, you got Cypress Hill that 's hip-hop and dabbles with the metal. So we cover all the bases".
The Projekt Revolution Tour launches January 29 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the World Arena and winds up in San Diego at the Cox Arena on February 24 . To experience this exciting event, go to your ticket agency near you and buy your tickets today!
No Doubt CD review
By Jennifer Montgomery
Feb. 22, 2002
The American people didn't take too long to get bored with the ska boom of 1996, which came and went even faster than ska booms usually do. But we still haven't gotten over No Doubt's Gwen Stefani, who lingers around the radio like the last of the hot-pink rock chicks. Her let's-go enthusiasm makes her an excellent sound effect, even on other people's records. She had her Valley Girl sass to Moby's "South Side", she blew ya mind with Eve in "let me Blow Ya Mind", which showed just how much fun it can be to be a Hip-Hop girl and New Wave girl, if both of the beats are right.
Then after a matter of time the band asked themselves: Why can't we have this much fun on our own records? And so they finally do on Rock Steady, No Doubt's fifth album. They bash away with reggae, funk and new party grooves on their new album, that their old one, return of Saturn did not have. They also pulled a looser and friskier album this time. As you'd expect from the titles like "Hey Baby" which cranks up the dance-hall-style party beats, with guest from Bounty Killer. Also there's "Platinum Blonde Life" which takes Elastica to funk school. "Waiting Room", is a juicy duet with Prince. Overall, No Doubt got their balance after the Return of Saturn album, it sounds like a relief. Rock Steady, is now out with their fifth album in your local music store today.
The Battle of Late Night TV
By Denise Alcantar
Feb. 22, 2002The Battle is on! It's the famous huge chin versus those huge two front teeth. Come on people, I'm talking about Leno versus Letterman: who's the best Late Night Show host?
It's been found out that a lot of people don't even know, or watch these men. When asked, students were like, "What…Who?" So let me clarify.
At 11:35 p.m. every night The Tonight Show comes on NBC with Jay Leno as does The Late Show with David Letterman. The common bough between these two shows is that they talk to the stars.
The shows are just like The Rosie O 'Donnell Show, except they are actually funny. The hosts interview their guests; a singer, actor, or director, any one famous. They also have music guests.
Now what Leno is pretty famous for is his 15 minute opening, he tells about the news in a, shall we say, different way than the real Reporters. He starts off with a real headline or story, or something that everyone knows about at the time. Then he makes hilarious jokes about the story. This is so funny. It's one of the reasons why I think Leno wins this round. He's telling the news to people who might have missed it(or for old people) then he livens it up for maybe younger people, or for people who just want to laugh.
But who's the better star talker? I actually think that Letterman wins this round, he talks to his guests, he asks the "forbidden" questions, that everyone wants to hear. Leno just acts kind of bored most of the time.
Round two goes to Letterman. One to one, tied, we're at the third and final round; Who is everyone watching? The answer is obvious,(except for the clueless students at Colton High School, who seem to be completely oblivious of these funny men) for all the rest of America, The Late Night leader is……Jay Leno. I guess the chin beats the teeth this time. If you don't, you should tune in sometime, everyone can use stars, music, and laughs at the end of a very hard and tiresome week, whether from work…or school!
Soccer gets Medieval on opponents
By Sandy Brown
Feb. 22, 2002
Soccer season's over and the results are in. Girls Varsity ended the season in third with Coaches Rosa Quiroz and Roy Nix and Captains Jennifer Montgomery, Shannon Garcia and Carla Rivera helping them make their way to CIF playoffs, after having a season with 6 wins and 4 losses. At press time, the results for the playoff were not in yet. But we do know they won their first playoff game against Rancho Verde, by a score of 5-2. They then headed into another CIF match against Redlands.
As for the girls JV soccer team they placed second in league with Coach Nicole and Captains Jade Percel and Regina Castro, behind their team all the way. Even though there are not CIF playoffs for the JV team they still had a great season.
Boy soccer did not have as good of a season as the girls, but they tried hard to make their way to the top. Varsity boys placed fifth in the league with Captains Jeff Doolittle Anthony Hamelton, and Hector Calderon; the team was led by Coach Joe Archer. Coach Archer says, "We didn't have a very good season. The ball just didn't bounce our way." He also said that next year they will have a good team to lead to a great season because of our very strong freshman class this year. As for the JV boys, they placed fourth in their season with 8 wins, 6 losses, and 4 ties. Placing second in the Poly tournament was a pretty good turnout for the boys. Coach Lawrence helped the team to be as strong as they could.
Boys Basketball ends season
By Andrew Quiroz
Feb. 22, 2002
The Colton High School Boys Basketball Team went 8 and 18 overall and 1and 9 the San Andreas League. Led by the teams' captains, Abrahim Robbin and Bryan Sorenson, the Yellow Jackets have done fairly well this year. Throughout the whole year, there were very many improvements and for next year, Coach Byron Wesley is depending on most of his juniors from this year. Among those juniors are, Pierre Celestin, Anthony Garcia, Chris Garcia, Daniel Evans and Bryan Sorenson.
When asked about the best individual performances, Junior Daniel Evans stated that he was the best along with Junior Bryan Sorenson. Since the last issue, the Jackets have won three games and have been proud of their performance in each of the games. "The best game that we have had was against the Eisenhower High School Eagles," said junior Chris Garcia who had to sit out for the remaining games due to a sprained ankle.
During the Christmas Break, the Boys and Girls team practiced day and night to help out their game skills. It really was not much of a Christmas Break. With practice six days a week and a tournament that they did well in, the practice that they got really helped their overall performance.
Although the Yellow Jackets did not make it to CIF (California Interscholastic Federation), they played a good season and this time that they have, they are going to try and work on some strategic solutions for next year. Some of their plans for next year include passing the ball more to the two main players and leading scorers, Daniel Evans and Bryan Sorenson. The Yellow Jackets hope to do very well for the season next year and by the looks of it, they will exceed that limit.
Cary Akins-Star!
By Raylene Carrillo
Feb. 22, 2002
As Senior Cary Akins ends her third and last season on the girls water polo team; she prepares herself for her last season as the softball team's short stop. Coach Vickers has been coaching Cary all her three years. Her sophomore year she played on Jv and Varsity. Last year she made 36 goals throughout the season. This year she has made 24 goals and the season still isn't over.
Although she plays water polo; it's not her first love. What she really devotes her life to is softball. She has been playing since she was six years old. The reason for her joining the water polo team, was for her to get in shape after band for the softball season. She likes the fact that water polo is a very competitive and aggressive sport. She says she likes the sport, " because it requires a lot of work, but we still have fun."
The only thing she doesn't like about water polo is that she dreads playing Cajon because their school "plays the dirtiest". She rather forfeit than play them. On the other hand her favorite memory of playing water polo was this year; the first game they played was Ramona High school and it was their first win.
Her first year on the team she played goalie. This year she is positioned as point. She loves playing defense, but when playing defense she gets ejected a lot more.
Girls Waterpolo make the splash
By Priscilla Montgomery
Feb. 22, 2002
Even when it's 50 degrees outside, those girls are still in the water. They practice two hours a day, everyday plus up to four games a week. The girl's water polo team is back and ready for another season. "I think this year we were a lot stronger and we are getting along so much better," says senior Kalina Estrada.
When the season first started, the girls were gearing up for an awesome season when tragedy struck the team. They lost a good friend and fellow teammate, Whitney Rodgers to a tragic accident on November 10, 2001. Rodgers had been an active player on the team since her freshman year and was very loved by each member of the team. In honor of her, the team has retired her number, #7. While the team was thrown off guard by this accident, they soon recovered. "This year we had extra motivation, we wanted to win this season for Whitney!" claims sophomore Liz Morgan.
And they managed to start the season off right by winning their first game against Ramona, 7-6. But as the season continued, winning wasn't happening as the girls ended the season with a record of 2-15, overall. "I don't think it really is matter of whether we won or not, but rather if we had fun, which we did," says co-captain Cary Akins. According to their coach, James Vickers, the girls have improved a lot, especially in comparison to last year.
There are also many other setbacks that affect the waterpolo team, including not having a pool on campus. This takes away the chance to practice during the school day and having longer practices. "Not having a pool on campus is a bit hard but I think we are good enough to overcome the adversity," said Akins. Another factor that plauges the team is a big lack of participation.
The average waterpolo team needs about ten people on the team to have three substitues, but at most of the games the varsity team has up to eight people. This causes the players to become exhausted quickly, and having no back up, must continue to play until the end and slowing their performance. "Waterpolo is a hard sport, it may look confusing but in the end it is alot of fun," says junior Sabrina Escalera.
After losing a few players last year, the varsity team welcomed backed seniors Cary Akins, Megan Williams, Katie Graff, Kalina Estrada and Cristina Zamora. In addition, the team includes juniors Melissa Nicks and Sabrina Escalera and sophomores Mandy Zulman and Liz Morgan.
This season will be hard but according to senior Cristina Zamora, "I think we did very well."
Girls Basketball
By Sara Abusiraj
Feb. 22, 2002
The Girls Varsity Basketball Team had an altogether okay season. Most people said there was a lot of improvements and others said there is room for improvement. A lot of things occurred during the year like people getting dropped from the team, compromises, and arguments, which were resolved as a team. "There was a lot more inspiration to win," said Chara Garrett when she was asked about the whole season.
As for their last big game, it was controversial because people said it was Fontana High and other people thought it was San Bernardino, but the one that was agreed on most was Bloomington for who they did the best against. For that game they came out prepared and were up the whole game.
When asked about the best individual performances, there was a lot of different replies. For example, Sara Itani was quoted as very dedicated throughout the whole season and is an all around good person. Another said Victoria Villarreal because of a game against Norte Vista, and last was Jennifer Gonzales who had a game with three three-pointers and when questioned she pointed out, "Practice and hard work pays off in the end, first it's failure, then it's triumph."
During Christmas break, there wasn't really a break for the basketball team. With practice six days a week and a tournament in which they placed in 5th, the practice helped improve in many areas. But most importantly, one of their new game plans was to have fun, and they did, and it worked. Trying to state a point, Fallon Richards exclaimed, "Winning is not everything, JUST HAVE FUN!"