Issue of March 2, 2001:
Volume 84, Number Three
Click on a story title to see the story text
News
"Grease" comes to Colton High
Beloved Counselor Leaves
Cal Grant money available
Exciting week-Winter Homecoming
Exit Exam toss-up?
Important Senior Information
Student wins $250 in contestOpinions
CHS does prepare us!
CHS doesn't prepare us!
Hey you! (column)
Letter to editor
Popularity-wassup?
Skateboarding is not a crime
Supervisors not our slaves
TV- get out of the gutter!Features
Career Center
Cheating-who does it?
Colleges- private vs. public
Join the Military!
Public affection on campus
Scholarships are out there
Is School Harder now than then?
Sex Ed still a hot topic
The Agony of Rape
What's Your Anti Drug?Diversions
Coldplay CD review
Disney' s CA Adventure review
Hungry for Hannibal
Leah's Musik column- pax 217
Playing at the Station-gaming column
Saving Silverman movie review
Switchfoot rocks!Los Detalles (En Español)
Desastre en El Salvador
Horoscopos en Español
Concierto al RescateSports
Basketball star Kevin Pinkney
boys varsity soccer
boys varsity basketball
girls varsity soccer
ladyjacket basketball
girls waterpolo
Grease comes to Colton High
Veronica Sanchez/Brenda Ureno
March 2, 2001
For all you Greasers and Pink Ladies, director Joey Mercado, drama teacher here at Colton High, and assistant director, English teacher, Stacey Jay, present the 50’s play Grease. Although the play isn’t exactly like the 1978 movie, it is somewhat similar. A few of the songs from the movie are going to be performed in the play, but not all.
The actors and actresses work very hard to make the production a success, putting in over 200 hours of their time. The cast is made up of 35 students. Usually, the cast members create their own set with the help of Chuck and Tony Lio, but this year, Mercado plans to rent the set from Riverside Community College. “I wanted to take some of the pressure off this year,” said Mercado. Between Parent Theatre Group, Troupers, choreographing, directing, publicity, etc., she wants to take a bit of a rest. Chuck and Tony have created many other sets, such as the one from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, I Remember Mama, Bye Bye Byrdie, and Hillbilly Weddin’. Tony is Mercado’s “Guardian Angel,” according to Mercado.
Choosing the cast is not all that easy, especially when there are lots of exceptional players auditioning. “There are a lot of talented kids in the school, they are all such a great bunch,” Mercado says. She enjoys working with her students and is also very close to them. “ I love my job and I love the kids.”
The two lead roles of Danny and Sandy are played by Senior Raul Salcedo and Sophomore Sommer Snowden. Grease is a play about high school seniors and all of their relationships as the school year progresses.
The teaser of the play will be March 15, during 7th period by invitation only. The play debuts on the evenings of March 22, 23, and 24. Pre-sale tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children and students with ASB cards. Tickets at the door wil be $8 for adults and $5 for children and students with ASB cards.
Mercado believes this play will be a success. “The cast is great and very funny. It is going to be a lot of fun, and I hope to see all of you there!”
Beloved Counselor leaving after 18 years
Brenda Quintero
March 2, 2001
Everyone’s familiar with the counselor who always got us out of problems; that sweet smiling man behind his desk. Of course, you’ve got it, Jesus Carreon, or Mr. Carreon as we all have come to know and love, has gone from counseling teens to counseling pre-teens.
Directly after his high school years, Carreon joined the Navy—things didn’t turn out as he expected—but he got waived through college, then graduated with his degrees. Although working with students wasn’t in his plans, he stumbled into teaching and then decided to become a counselor: “Helping others is a great feeling that brings satisfaction everyday,” smiled Carreon.
After being here at Colton High School for 18 years, Carreon thought that it would be a brand new experience if he would go and be a counselor at a middle school, since he had accomplished almost everything that he wanted to. His last day at C.H.S. was Friday December 15, 2000. He is currently a counselor at Terrace Hills Middle School Mondays and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at Colton Middle School and Wednesdays he alternates between schools.
Diana Carreon, Carreon’s daughter says that she misses him being here at C.H.S., “We worked for a year together and it was a real precious time working with him.” Mr. Carreon is a good example not only for the students, but for his daughter as well. Mr. Carreon and Ms. Carreon have a great relationship as father and daughter. It is said that Mr. Carreon is still doing counseling with Colton High School students via telephone. Because students appreciate his ability to help others so much, they cannot accept his going away.
Cal Grant moneey for Seniors
by Jennifer Logan
March 2, 2001
Still worrying about money for college? Don’t! Governor Gray Davis has passed hundreds of new laws for graduating seniors of the class of 2001. One law, in particular, will guarantee college aid for students who finish high school with a C average or better. According to the Sun newspaper, the new expanded Cal Grant program is expected to serve more than 100,000 students beginning with the 2001 spring graduating class; one-third more than was served in 2000.
Students with a B or higher grade point average will be guaranteed a Cal Grant A, enough for full tuition at a California State University or University of California campus, or $9,700 a year at any private university in California. Income eligibility maximums will be from $23,500 for independent students to $74,100 for students in families of six or more.
Students with a C or higher grade point average who meet more strict income requirements, a maximum of $33,700, will be awarded Cal Grant B, providing $1,551—enough money for fees, books and some living expenses at a California State University or community college campus.
If you’re thinking, “My parents didn’t go to college and they’re doing fine, I don’t have to go, either.” WRONG! Be the first in your family to graduate and get even more money! There are scholarships all over our libraries, the Internet; they’re posted in almost every classroom, and in the counselor’s office. There is no excuse why everyone at Colton High School cannot obtain money for college. Recent studies show that students with a college degree and graduates earn twice as much, if not more than a high school graduate.
Governor Davis’ proposals for higher education this year, if passed, will total $11.6 billion. $128 million of those monies are going to expand the Cal Grant program alone and, at the same time, anticipates no increase in student fees.
Here’s another incentive for all of you under-class persons to do better in school this semester: under the law starting January 1, 2001, 9th, 10th and 11th graders who score in the top five percent statewide or the top 10 percent at their high schools on standardized tests qualify for $1,000 toward college. Students who score well on Advanced Placement exams qualify for $2,500 scholarships.
So, get to those books and they will, literally, pay out in the long run.
Homecoming week!
Ashley Jay
March 2, 2001
Another mystic week here at Colton High as the Winter Homecoming presented six full days of good clean fun. We were dazzled by things such as DJ’s, contests, a pep-assembly, and the most important thing of all, the announcement of court. Five lucky girls and boys had their dreams come true at Colton’s Winter Formal 2001.
Monday started off the week with the announcement of the nominees for Winter Homecoming King and Queen. Seniors Megan Reiter, Anya Espinoza, Kira Holmes, Amber Baker, Valorie Lopez, Matt Ramirez, Kevin Pinkney, Sammy Marquez, Richie Underwood, and Joe Hernandez, walked down the hello walk arm in arm, while the announcer gave a brief introduction to each candidate’s personality and future goals.
Tuesday became a mess with a pie eating contest, accompanied by our very own D.J.
Wednesday was the highlight of the week. The day that we all hope and wait for, CARNIVAL DAY! The variety at this carnival was larger than usual. There were cheese burgers, cotton candy, chili cheese fritos, sundaes, huge brownies, large pretzels, and much more. This time they hauled in a giant blow up jousting ring and let the brave go at it.
Thursday’s pep assembly spread school spirit throughout the day. The Homecoming Court had a chance to show off their moves in front of the school while seniors, Jessica Aguilar, Janina Garraway, and Junior, Sheena Garraway were, once again, the highlight of the assemblies. Those girls are so talented!
Friday ended the week with a DJ at lunch time.
Saturday night was the big event at Edwards Mansion. From 8:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m., the fun never stopped. There was plenty of good music and dancing. The big moment of announcing the King and Queen came with the presentation of the winners of Winter Homecoming Court. Megan Reiter is our 2001 Winter Formal Queen, and Matt Ramirez is our king. Congratulations guys!
Paul Lopez
High School Exit Exam toss-up
March 2, 2001
It’s coming in March, freshmen, and your graduation will depend on it: It’s the High School Exit Exam.
While this first administration of the test will be purely for practice, next year starts the real deal.
What is the High School Exit Exam, (HSEE), and why do we have to take it all of a sudden?
California Governor Gray Davis and the state legislators passed a bill to start the testing. Two years ago Davis spoke about the exam when he was running for governer and requested it from the legislators who passed his proposal. California is not the only state that has a exit exam; there are 28 other states that have their own type of exam. In all states, the stakes are high: pass it or you don’t graduate.
There is a slight difference with this examand the STAR test that we take during the spring time. The STAR tests are to rank a school’s position on an education level compared to other schools in the state. Unlike the STAR test, this exam is one you can’t afford to blow because of its importance to your future. And also, unlike the STAR test, each student gets a number of times to pass. Every year each student gets three chances to pass, starting from their sophomore year to their senior year.
“By time the freshmen are in their junior year, they would be more likely to pass the exam because there is nothing on the exam that the students haven’t been exposed to,” says Assistant Principal Dave Walters.
This year the freshmen will start their first testing session on March 13 with the math portion, followed by language arts on March 17. The test will consist mainly of multiple choice and essay questions. Preparations for this test will be principally on the teachers to get the students ready for what will be covered. At this time a preparation class is not necessary, but in the future a class may be considered.
Freshmen aren’t the only class that are required to be taking the exam; if there is a sophomore of this year that becomes a fifth year senior after his senior year, he will be required to take the exam. There is now going to be a lot of pressure on high school students because not only will you have to meet the requirement of having 230 credits, but you will have to pass the exam. No one is treated differently by this exam, it is the same for all even if you are in a special educational advancement program or a non-English speaker.
To Walters, the students who skip classes and don’t take school seriously will have to get a new point of view on their education. The school has not yet decided on what to do if people fail the exam. They don’t know whether to sign a certificate of completion, offer a fifth year senior status, or give them additional times to pass. The reason is that the governor, state board, and board of education are not clear on what to do.
At this time, no problems with concerned parents have surfaced, but by the time the test results start coming in and students are starting to be denied graduation, it may be a different story.
This exam was tested last fall with randomly selected sophomores of Colton High. These students were tested on the language arts section of the test. Unfortunately the testing company gathered the results but did not release the information to the school. Nobody has an idea of how the students did because the testing company wasn’t required to return the results.
To find the answers that went unanswered go on-line at http://goldmine.cde.ca.gov.
Kristiana Segura
Important Senior Information
March 2, 2001
We understand that many of you seniors didn’t pay much attention to the front of the auditorium during the recent senior assembly, so listen up, here’s the run down of the changes being made for the sparkling class of 2001.
Senior dues are $55, this money goes to our cap and gown, the senior brunch, and senior activities. Despite the scare of having graduation at the Stampede Stadium, graduation will be held at the football field. Unlike the pervious years, seniors will be given 11 tickets. No more, no less, eleven that’s all.
The issue of grad night was a heated discussion. ASB met with the school board, and pitched the idea of a cruise of the Newport Harbor instead of going to Disneyland. But, the final decision was for Disneyland.
Tryouts will be held for those wanting to: speak, sing, or sign at the graduation ceremony.
There is a plethora of other senior info that - if you’re a senior - you should have, so get down to the ASB room and get the calendar, and other informing handouts. Assistant Principal, Diana Carreon’s office is the “contact place for graduation”, so any questions or concerns from you or you parents can be directed to her.
Kristiana Segura
Joshphine Guisa wins $250 in art contest
March 2, 2001
“I didn’t really want to enter, at first,” says junior Josephine Guisa. But enter she did, winning an Honorable Mention in a major poster contest.
As an assignment from Patricia Hughes in her Art III class, Josephine was asked to come up with a poster for the 2001 Spotlight Awards. The award is presented by the Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles and funded by the Bank of America. The theme for this year’s competition was “emphasizing the importance of the performing arts as a communicator of feeling and ideas.” Based on “originality, appropriateness to theme, and skillful execution,” Josephine had some high expectations to meet. If that wasn’t enough the contest was being judged by a panel of professionals in the arts community.
So where does someone come up with a winning idea with such an abstract topic? Well while reading a magazine Josephine read an article about a singer, and that’s when she decided she could do her poster of a singer with a mike. The poster is truly amazing, with the right amount of abstract shaped it’s reminiscent of cubism - the idea of breaking down objects into their primary shapes. The colors chosen are vibrant and jump off the page, is it any wonder that it jumped out to the judges eyes? Along with being invited to be recognized January 21 and another invitation to a jazz concert in April, Josephine was awarded $250, not a scholarship, just the money. So where will this money go? Well Josephine hasn’t quite decided, but it will go to either savings, or of course the call of the mall may get the better of her.
Josephine wants to stay in Colton and is looking at law enforcement as a possible career option. She couldn’t believe that she won and above all she wants to thank Hughes for all that she has taught her over the years. Congratulations Josephine.
Is Colton High really preparing us for college? (YES!)
Amy Yarnell
March 2, 2001
Imagine, you’re about twelve years old. You go on a walk down this street and end up at a carnival. For some reason, (magical perhaps) every booth is giving out free stuffed animals, free candy and free admisson to rides. The only effort that must be exerted, the little work that must be made, is for you to go up to the person in charge and ask for your candy, stuffed animals, etc. You walk through the whole park without taking one thing. Later you are walking home kicking the rocks and yapping your jaw off because you hadn’t made the effort.
Who is to blame?
Most likely it is you. All these opportunitues are at your finger tips and well, you don’t take them, it’s your pathetic fault.
So now the seniors are preparing to graduate and probably only 20% have taken advantage of CHS’s college help. “What’s the point?” a lot of them say. Well, there are many people out there who are so lazy that if they’re lying in bed and get hungry they won’t eat because they have to get up to get it. They will just stay hungry and continue to pride themselves on being lazy bums.
Likewise, seniors at Colton are probably just putting off the whole college ordeal, thinking, “I have plenty of time.” Well you don’t! College won’t wait for you. Going with the mind set that you can wait to go to college is exactly what our staff is trying to prevent from happening.
There have been announcemets about college over the intercom and the counseling office is full of information on scholarships and grants available. The Career Center is packed with every book on every college in the United States. The library has the Internet on which you can find everything else! There have been representatives on campus from universities such as University of San Diego, Boston University, UC Santa Barbra. These people came and discussed their colleges to give insight to people who are interested.
To just accept that we have been in no mans land through our adult life is a cop out. By saying that, it is like we are just accepting that mostly everyone has been “out of it” since, well, since the beginning of high school.
When it all comes down to it, Colton High has laid out plenty of opportunites; we just have not been motivated to take them.
There are myraid reasons why people don’t act when they are struck with a pertinent descion regarding their life. But when it all comes down to it, the reasons are all lame excuses.
Is Colton High really preparing us for college? (NO!)
Marisa Gutierrez
March 2, 2001
Nowadays, there is high demand for more educated people in the real world. The American dream is for our fair youth to attend top universities and achieve success. So, isn’t it just convenient that high schools were given the responsibility of preparing America’s youth for the rigorous transition?
When all things are considered, high school can’t prepare students anymore than students can prepare themselves. I am not trying to place blame on anyone < oh, heavens no! > I’m just trying to point out an inevitable truth. High schoolers are unluckily traumatized with an inescapable dilemma. Since we are caught in a no man’s land between childhood and adulthood, we just can’t help but be confused. We are terribly impressionable to everything; this trait makes us very indecisive about the future. That alone brings up the million-dollar question: Why should we take high school, or even college for that matter, seriously?
Frankly, we are not obligated to and most of the time we don’t. But our lack of academic motivation only pushes high school standards up another notch. New scholastic measures are employed in order to detract our attention from all those unhealthy distractions and make us focus on our academic pursuits. These measures range anywhere from new required exams [such as the high school exit exam] to a stricter dress code [where numbers on clothes are even illegal!]. However, contrary to what high schools are attempting to achieve, their efforts to enrich students academically is sadly in vain. High school standards just seem to shoot up every year, and to an average student; this can make high schools seem extremely overbearing. Eventually, the ultimate result is that students are overwhelmed by all the excess pressure and just feel more and more sluggish and unmotivated. Then distractions come along and tempestuously offer escape from a monotonous existence filled with high, unattainable expectations.
Therefore, it seems pretty obvious that both parties have their faults; but, either way, the outcome never changes: high school doesn’t prepare students for college as well as it should. On the flipside, students don’t respond to high school as well as they should. For these reasons, it is pretty easy to assume that college is not one of the first things on a typical high schooler’s mind; instead, they would think of anything but college due to their challenge-complexes which were contracted in high school. Trying to force students to prepare for college isn’t the way to handle the problem, but unfortunately, no one has learned this lesson yet. The American ideal was short-lived; and will probably amount to nothing more than a mere fantasy.
Column: Hey you! Read this!
Kristiana Segura
March 2, 2001
IT WAS A TOSS UP.
I couldn’t decide whether to write on Scooby Doo or sex. I mean it is around Valentine’s Day and all that crap, but I’ve been home sick and watching Scooby Doo.
Last week was Valentine’s Day, and although it is just kind of cheesy if you need a holiday to tell someone how much they mean to you with either a candy heart or a hundred long stemmed red roses and card compliments of Hallmark, you have originality issues, I can’t beat the need to talk about it. I heard once that more people lose their virginity on Valentine’s day than any other day of the year. Does this little fact really surprise anyone? It is still a little disturbing. Coming into journalism I learned that this issue of the newspaper is lovingly referred to as the “sex issue”. And to sound completely corny and possibly like someone’s mother, sex is an issue. In the past two issues of the Pepper Bough, sex has been talked about, primarily through the discussion of teen pregnancies. But no one is really talking about sex anymore, merely the repercussions.
So in the words of that infamous rap song “Let’s talk about sex baby”. Sex is everywhere, it’s been sold out to the media and mass production of the WB shows like Dawson’s Creek and Jack and Jill. It’s run of the mill. Sex is used and viewed as entertainment, jokes, and the like, on sitcoms daily. Sex is most often where the punch line is, lying in the undertones of Friends and cartoons even. In the 50s people could barely kiss on screen. The line of indiscretion has been drawn and redrawn and I believe erased from the world today.
But above that, I’m not concerned with the media, well at least not this issue; what I am concerned about is what we’re doing (pun intended). I’m not going to preach about saving yourselves for your future spouse, because those are the choices I believe people must figure out for themselves, but I am asking you to think about something for a moment—something I realized for myself. When I was younger I decided to wait until I got married to have sex. When I became a Christian my freshman year, that fact was reinstated into my heart. A decision that was purely mine to make. Most people think, “Well so I won’t have sex, but everything else is OK. . . .” It’s a common thought. It’s a comforting thought. But something hit me a couple of months ago. Everything that I do with someone now, however far I go with a guy now, is something that I can’t do with my husband for the first time. That thought killed me. I realized this not even in the act of a physically intimate moment, but an emotional one. All that I have shared with another guy is something that won’t be shared only with my husband. Just think about that for a moment this Valentine’s season.
So should I have stuck to the Scooby Doo discussion after all?
Letter to the Editor
Bryan Long, Senior
March 2, 2001
Dear Pepper Bough Editors:
A recent article, “How do non-Christians feel during Christmas season?” was supposed to engage a discussion of non-Christians who do not celebrate Christmas. Such non-Christian religions might include Buddhists, Hindus or Muslims, to name a few. However your article was directed at Jehovah’s Witnesses, who are Christians. As Jehovah’s Witnesses, we believe that Jesus is Jehovah God’s son, and he is now ruling as king of God’s kingdom. One definition of a Christian is someone who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jehovah’s Witnesses follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. But why do Jehovah’s Witnesses not celebrate Christmas?
Jesus Christ was not born on December 25. McClintock and Strong’s Cyclopedia says: “The observance of Christmas is not of divine appointment, nor is it of N[ew] T[estament] origin. The day of Christ’s birth cannot be ascertained from the N[ew] T[estament], or, indeed, from any other source.” (New York, 1871), Vol. II, p. 276.
So why do many people believe that Jesus was born on December 25? The New Catholic Encyclopedia acknowledges: the birth of Christ was assigned the date of the winter solstice (December 25 in the Julian calendar), because on this day, as the sun began its return to northern skies, the pagan devotees of Mithra celebrated the dies natalis Solis Invicti (birthday of the invincible sun). On Dec. 25, 274, Aurelian had proclaimed the sun-god principal patron of the empire and dedicated a temple to him in the Campus Martius.
Jesus’ disciples did not celebrate his birth (Christmas.) There is no record that Jesus even told the disciples his date of birth.It was not Jesus’ birth but his death and its history-making significance which he commanded his followers to commemorate. (Luke 22:19, 20) No, it was not as a helpless baby in a manger that Jesus wished to be remembered, for he is nothing of the kind now.
Also, the first person interviewed was representing Jehovah’s Witnesses. But by her comments, she indicated she was not a dedicated Witness. Her mom may be a dedicated Witness, but she said, “I am stuck in the middle.” Her credibility is also unreliable because she wished to remain anonymous. Estella Diaz, however, is a reliable source, and represented the Witnesses well in her comments.
What should be done to resolve these two errors? A retraction of the title and a real explanation as to the reasons why Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate Christmas is hereby requested. Thank you for your consideration.Bryan Long, Senior
Popularity: Is it really all that it's cracked up to be?
Maya Minwary
March 2, 2001
It starts, perhaps, in elementary school, becoming noticeable in middle school; it’s definetly prevalent in high schools all around the country. What “it” is: popularity.The dictionary defines popularity as: the quality or state of being widely admired or sought after.
But for many students, popularity goes beyond, and even deeper than what the dictionary defines it as. Though no one really knows what it takes to be popular, from my own personal observation it has something to do with wearing the right clothes, knowing the right people, driving the right car, and saying the right things.
Most students, at some point, have wanted to be popular and have seeked it’s glory. We all want to be liked, and we all just want to fit in.So, we get up every morning worrying about wearing the right clothes, the right hair style, the right car simply for the “popular kids” to notice and accept us. Some will be accepted, and they will probably fit in right away, but for many who aren’t, they will be left feeling sad and depressed.
“I can remember a time in my life when I just wanted to fit in,” says a junior who wishes not to be identified. “I bought clothes that all the popular kids were wearing, I tried being nice to them, I even dumped my real friends for them, but for some reason, they never really accepted me.”
This, in my opinion, is the biggest problem with popularity, shunning people who the “popular kids” don’t accept, and leaving them feeling lonely and secluded. “They would have parties and not invite me, talk with each other and not include me in their conversation,” she says.
In turn, these “outcasts” feel bitter, angry, and depressed. Some even feel so angry that they become violent and want to lash out. Maybe if troubled teens weren’t left feeling like that by their peers, perhaps tragedies like Columbine might not have happened (not to condone what those boys did).
Another problem with popularity is that most students who are or are trying to be popular aren’t being themselves.They put on a masquarade of someone they don’t want to be, but have to be. Many start conforming to what everyone else is doing. Wearing yellow when you don’t even like yellow, or buying a CD when, only a week ago, you were saying how much you despise the band.Eventhough sometimes many students don’t feel comfortable doing these certain things, they don’t really do anything about it because they’re afraid to challenge themselves and their peers; they’re afraid that if they speak out, then the “popular kids” might retaliate and shun them out of the “in” crowd, and they’ll end up being a “nobody” once more.
The truth is that popularity will always exist, probably ‘till the end of time, and there’s really nothing that anyone can do to stop it.But if people will realize that being popular isn’t all that its cracked up to be then maybe things will start changing. The way you act towards that nerdy guy that everyone makes fun of at lunch does matter!
You never know that he could be a cool guy unless you take the time to get to know him.Who cares what others, especially the popular kids, think about you. In the long run, are what your peers think of you now going to matter later?
In the real world no one is going to care if you had the right clothes, the right friends, the right car in high school Think about it...if the popular kids were your true, genuine friends then they would accept you no matter what you say or do, and you wouldn’t be afraid to be yourself
Is skateboarding really a crime?
Kimberly Powell
March 2, 2001
Okay, so here I am, writing another skateboarding story. But bear with me guys- this one’s for you. The rants and raves you are about to read are in support of my fellow students and their activities, and an effort to achieve fairness for everyone. Well, here it is; the most unfair and unnecessary rule at Colton High- the “no skateboards at school” rule.
So let’s discuss the sheer impracticallity of this rule. There are many ways of getting to school: driving, walking, carpool, etc. Say, however, that you don’t have a car, you are unable to get a ride all the time, and walking distance is just a bit too far for your comfort. Naturally, being the resourceful person you are, you decide to ride your trusty skateboard to school, which is twice the fun and half the time of walking. But alas, skateboards are not allowed at school. They’re a distraction, they’re unsafe, the teachers can’t ride them, and a handful of other reasons that prove skateboards are evil. Too bad you don’t have a bicycle, because, as we all know, bicycles are allowed at school. Allow me to explain why. According to our principal, Mr. Almendarez, we students do not know how to be responsible and handle our skateboards properly. We would probably distract or possibly harm ourselves or other students by riding our boards during and after school, and attempting to perform stunts in which we could hurt ourselves, or, more importantly, school property. Almendarez stated that he has previously allowed students to store their boards in his office, but they failed to retrieve them after school. Understandably, this created a problem, but of course, I had an answer for it.Why doesn’t the school install a rack for students to store their skateboards on, the way they provide racks for commuters on bikes? There are ways of locking your skateboard up so that it won’t get stolen, trust me. It was then that I explained to Mr. Almendarez that we students,being well mannered citizens and respectful of authorative structure (no matter how ridiculous it may be), do have the ability to follow rules. If we locked up our skateboards and refrained from riding them through the school, would it be possible to do away with the anti- skateboarding policy? “First, we would have to get it passed by the school board and get approval to install the rack,” said Almendarez.Then we’d think about it.”Will the school ever really make an effort to pursue our much needed skateboard rack?
Will this criminally stupid rule ever be cast aside so that we can just bloody get to school and be happy? Probably not. But hey, I’ve said my piece, and I said it for you guys. Don’t say I never did anything for you.
Campus Supervisors are not here to pick up our mess
Amany Hajyassin
March 2, 2001
I’ve been a student at Colton High School for almost 4 years now and I’ve always heard somebody say, ‘this school sucks!’ or ‘this school is ghetto’ or this school this and this school that. Most of our complaints are about how dirty and ‘trashy’ our school is and we tend to blame it on our supervisors. The only people to blame for our school looking ‘trashy’ and dirty is us.
A campus supervisor is one who watches our for the safety of the students and the staff. “You’re my slave, you pick up my trash.” Does that line seem to be part of the definition of a supervisor? Umm...no!
That line was actually said to John Sachs, who is one of our campus supervisors. Dude, talk about rude. Sachs feels it’s our attitude that supervisors are our slaves and they should do what we want them to. Like picking up our trash. It shouldn’t be like that. Our campus supervisors deserve the same respect as they show us.
Before we come to school, notice how it’s always nice and clean. And then it gets dirty and while we are in 2nd period, they go and clean. After both lunches, our school tends to look like a dump. I made a quick stop to the cafeteria after 2nd lunch, and I could not believe the mess. It was like “hello? can’t you people throw away your own trash?” Someone, like one of our supervisors, will throw it away, but let’s try doing that ourselves for a change.
Our supervisors get so frustrated about picking up our trash. The trash that is left all over during both lunches and the dirty restrooms and new painted walls that get written on. Man, its no joke! It’s we the students of Colton High that make it ‘ghetto.’
Because the situation is bad, Greg Letterly, another one of our supervisors, doesn’t even know what to do. He has even thought of giving detentions, but it didn’t work. The funny this is, he takes this problem to his home and ‘Colton High looking ghetto’ becomes a conversation at dinner time. “Something needs to be done,” says Letterly. He adds, “It amazes me to see the students attitude about throwing away their own trash.”
Sachs actually left one table with all of 1st lunches trash on it. He wanted to see what the people of 2nd lunch would do, and to his surprise, those kids just piled up the trash and ate their lunch and left their trash on top of it.
“They would eat in their own filth,” says Sachs.
Attention all television writers: get you mind out of the gutter
Steve Perez
March 2, 2001What’s happened to television? What happened to the T.V. shows that taught morality; the shows where Greg Brady gave the money back to the lunch lady. The shows that saw the whole Cleaver family come together in a time of crisis. That was good wholesome television.
Today we have Temptation Island, Jerry Springer, and just about every show on MTV. Programs which teach everything from adultery to how to act like a “Jackass” in front of millions of veiwers. It is seemingly impossible to watch a program that is not without a black box in the upper right corner with the letters “TV-MA”. The lives of America’s youth have thus been corrupted by a combination of sex, violence, and a lack of responsibility.
Temptation Island. A haven for couples who wish to put themselves to the ultimate test, temptation. An interesting concept for a television series, however, it seems the creators left out one thing in the outline for this show: morality. It’s a show of nothing but prostitutes and adulterers. These men and women who account for the temptation are paid for the arousal, and possible break-up of these couples. The couples, in turn, display their loyalty (or complete lack thereof) in their dates with the tempters and temptresses. It has mild porn written all over it. Jerry Springer. A forum in which complete wackos are put on full display for millions of viewers. When two girls aren’t ripping eachothers clothes off, there’s a midget having an affair with a homosexual man, who’s boyfriend is dating a sixteen year old girl. Absolutely disgusting. Are talk shows designed to provide a place where people can openly discuss thier problems, or a platform to combine both sex and violence.
MTV. What won’t this network show? In a one-hour segment a person can view a special on breast-implants (which might not be so bad if not for the fact that the editors must have misplaced their editing buttons during scenes of nudity), and “Jackass”. This program, which portrays young men acting like complete idiots, once showed star Johnny Knoxville jump into a port-a-potty at full (FULL) capacity, which was then turned upside down. For everyone who didn’t see this episode, yes, feces (both human and animal) were spewed all over Mr. Knoxville.I just don’t understand television.Do these programs enjoy creating a mockery of morals? Are they really intent on corrupting the lives of our youth? Why not step up to the plate and accept responsibility for the affects these shows have on America? Well, in answer, no, I don’t believe these networks enjoy what they are doing. But they will never accept responsibility. What’s most important is the amount of money in the pockets of T.V. producers and executives. They will continue to push the limit of what is acceptable in censorship. Gone are the days when a whole family could sit down and watch a television show; they are instead replaced by the idiocy of Johnny Knoxville and the debacle of the Jerry Springer Show. T.V. has truly ventured too far.
The Career Center; it's Resourceful
by Andrew Herrera
March 2, 2001Now, I know you’ve heard this before and this won’t be the last but I’m going to tell you again that the Career Center is one of the most valuable resources on our campus. Students need take the time to visit the Career Center and obtain some of the plethora of information available to them. The Career Center is the place to go to get information if your planning to do anything after High School, whether it be to go straight into the workforce, to join the service or attend college.
If you’re planing on going straight into the workforce you should consider taking an ROP class that can help you get experience and skills in the type of work you’re planning to do. The Career Center has dozens of pamphlets on ROP classes that are available to student if they are interested in starting work right after school. The Career Center can be a helpful tool in locating a job due to the help of various business in the area sometimes needing employees and coming here for them.
For those of you interested in going into the military life the Career Center has cards that you can fill out to get more information on joining the military. Also, recruiters come in on occasion that you can talk to find out more information on what life in the service is really like and you can see if you really want to join. There is also access to various other material about the various military academies that you may want information about also.
Now, if you are planning on furthering your education after Colton High School, the Career Center has various books for many colleges through out California and the nation. The Career Center also can help you find out the various costs of going to your college of choice and give you an approximate tuition. There are also many resources for students to look at and read as well as the computers which have the COIN system them that can tell you about thousands of scholarship that can help lessen the burden of paying for college.
All in all the Career Center is a great place to find information on various jobs to do after high school as well as get help in your decision making on joining the service. The Career Center is also helpful in deciding what colleges you may want to attend and find out helpful information on paying for your college. Visit soon and take advantage of all they have to offer.
How Often Do You Cheat?
by Reneee Negrete
and Brenda Ureno
March 2, 2001Cheating! Have you done it? When Colton High students were asked if they had ever cheated on anything, it wasn’t surprising to discover that a large majority of students addmitted to have cheated at least once during their time here at Colton High.
The questionnaire consisted of 50 students which asked to remain anonymous. It was only two, out of those 50 students, which stated they never attempted to cheat. We continued to ask several of the students why they felt they had a need to cheat. Several of the students stated that they felt that there is a lot of pressure in doing good in high school in order to get accepted to college.
Junior Rosa DeLorea admitted that she had cheated before. “I can’t remember specifically in what I cheated, but I know I have copied homework when I forgot to do mine. DeLorea said “that sometimes you need to take shortcuts,” and that is why people tend to cheat, including herself.
DeLorea was not the only one to admit their bad habits. Sophomore Carlos Perez also states “I think it is good to cheat sometimes, but you should not make it a habit.” You should try to work around
Private college vs. Public College
by Ismael Zamora
March 2, 2001
So what’s the difference between a private college and a public college? There’s a big difference between them. For example let’s take a straight A student who is academically sure in what they want to do and wants a good college education. Of course with that the straight A is going to be looking toward a good college which is most likely a private college. With that the A student will have to go up against the college standards which probably would be hard, and if they do try to go toward the standards it’s still not a guarantee because private colleges expect so much.
Public colleges may have the reputation of not being as tough, and in addition don’t cost much either and you could still receive a good education. They are somewhat easier to get into which is really great for a person who can’t afford a high priced school such as a private college.
Basically the difference between the both of them is that a public college is owned by the state and a private college is privately owned and have been around for many years maybe hundreds of years. That is why it is so hard to get into a private college and besides that that, costs are way different and there’s a huge distance factor which could probably be used to an advantage of getting out of your house and seeing new places.
In the end I guess there’s really no big difference: a private school just expects more from the student than a public college, so if you’re ever in a situation of picking colleges, look into it and choose wisely; because remember, it’s your future.
Is High School Harder than it Used to Be
Megan Holden
March 2, 2001“Back In my day, we had to walk 15 miles in the snow just to get to school. Then....” Does that sound familiar to anyone? I’m sure we’ve all heard it at least once in our lives, whether it be from a movie, television show, book, or even your own parent. But times are changing and so is High School. And now these same individuals that used to say when they were our age they had it harder, are now beginning to reevaluate what they used to think.
In High School now, there is SO MUCH more to worry about: peer pressure, sports, SAT’s, worrying about colleges, and all the while having parents that seem to expect perfect teens. And freshman now have more to worry about with the upcoming High School Exit Exams. Sure they may be easy like some teachers have said, but what about the OTHER teachers that think they are actually quite hard? Who’s to say weather they are hard or not? No one older then a freshman has to take them so of course this exam already makes it harder for them to be in High School.
Imagine this, you’re a freshmen, and have straight A’s all four years in High School, then you go to take that Exit Exam and you fail it? Then what? Well, I’ll tell you what. You DON’T graduate! You CAN’T graduate! Well, at least not until you pass that Exam! Sure that may be an unlikely event, but it is possible and that’s the whole point. Our parents and teachers and grandparents never had to deal with any of that. So just that alone is harder then having to walk those 15 miles in the snow.
If you’re still thinking “Yeah so? That’s the Freshmen.” Then what would you say if I told you that out of six teachers interviewed, three said that High School now is harder? Our very own Principal Jerry Almanderez, who used to attend Colton High, said that we today have it harder because of those very Exit Exams. And also that the standards for a High School student to get into college are harder because their expectations are greater and more specific.
English teachers Lucy Kharillah and Glen Mitchell both agree with Almanderez about the Exit Exams making it tougher for students; but also, they think that the standards for students in regular classes have increased and became much harder, expecting more from them than High School did ten to twenty years ago. However, they think that the standards for students in AP and Honors classes have been as hard as ever and the expectations and requirements are still the same. They say this because people in the AP classes have always been expected to excel in class, and are used to always doing well so it’s no surprise that these classes haven’t gotten harder because they were already hard and had high expectations to begin with.
But as in every case, not everyone always agrees. The other three teachers interviewed think that it’s the same or even easier. English teacher Steve Goodyear say’s “it’s different, not harder.” While Science teacher Larry Pierce says that high school today is just like it was when he was in High School. History teacher Kelly on the other hand thinks that it’s easier now because of all the opportunities schools now offer. As an example, she uses getting into college: today it’s easier to get into one because of all the financial aid, scholarships, and loans that there are out there. These teachers also agree that the standards seem to have gone down, and that schools today are more relaxed.
Although all these teachers interviewed have slightly different ideas, they all agree about the fact that the disciplinary actions have decreased and students have a lot more leeway about what they do, because there are hardly any discipline actions being taken.
All in all there is no set agreement, and there never will be; each individual has their own trials in High School. One girl might think that High School was the easiest and most carefree time of her life, while another girl may later remember High School as one of the hardest times of her life.
I guess that it’s what you make of High School and how YOU handle it. But whatever battle you have to face remember that THERE IS AT LEAST SOMEONE who is having their own troubles to deal with too!
Join the Military
by April Valenti
March 2, 2001
What do you want to be when you “grow up”? What are you going to do with your life? How much money will you earn? Have you ever been asked these questions and answer with a blank stare and an “I don’t know”? Well here is a solution that might solve everything: the military. Have you ever considered joining one of the five services?
A misconception that many people have about the military is that it is just a way to “put off” your life and schooling. In reality, through the services, you have numerous opportunities to pursue a college degree, for little to no cost, while working and earning money.
One thing that is offered to you is called the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB). This works as a kind of agreement between you and the government. During active duty (a commitment to full-time service), you can receive up to $19,296 during a three-year period as long as you contribute $100 a month for one year to your personal college fund. A College Fund, when combined with the MGIB, can accumulate as much as $50,000.
Two other programs that will help with “money for college” are the military’s Tuition Assistance and Loan Repayment Programs. Tuition assistance pays for 75% of your tuition fees. They will provide up to $187.50 per semester hour credit with a personal maximum of $3,500 per fiscal year per student. The Loan Repayment Program will let, qualifying, active duty Army soldiers to have their student loans paid for. Qualifying Navy sailors on active duty have a $10,000 loan repayment program available.
In the military you will be trained in one of over 4,100 specific jobs, 88% of witch has civilian counterparts. The twelve occupational groups range from science and technical,to combat specialty, and even construction. Now-a- days, each service makes an honest effort to assign recruits to the job thy want. However the possibility does arise of not being placed in your wished upon job training, when your Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) scores or the needs of the military services, contradict your request.
The ASVAB test, mentioned above, is a test that is required for you to take in order to enlist. Its job is to find out were your aptitudes and abilities stand compared to your peers. This test takes about three hours and helps you decide whether you should go to college, choose a private vocational-technical school, enter the working world, join the military, or yet another road. The ASVAB test is typically taken during the high school Junior or Senior year, but it has to be taken no more than two years before your date of enlistment. With your permission the ASVAB results will be shared with the military. According to Army Seargent Officer Ulloa, the test consists of math, english, mechanics, electronics, and post office skills. You do have the option to re-take the test to see if you can get a higher score, but the most resent score is the one that will count, not the highest.
The recruiters’ job is to find qualified candidates for their service. They are to give the information about the service and give you reasons why you should join their branch. When you go to speak with a recruiter be sure to know what you want to know. When both you and the recruiter come to the conclusion that this is a good plan for your life, he will ask for your social security number, drivers license, original birth certificate (This is to verify your U.S. citizenship.), and proof of high school graduation (an equivalent will also work). Then your physical status, moral beliefs, and aptitude will be screened. When the final decision is made, you will take a trip to the Military Entrance Processing station (Meps), to be physically examined, have a pre-enlistment interview, and finally take the oath of enlistment. If you have any doubts or questions, find out more BEFORE you sign. This is an important part of your future and you want to be absolutely sure this is what you want to do before you make such a tremendous commitment.
Some of the benifits of joining the military is great salary, medical and dental cair, thirty days paid vacation, career training, husing, food suppies, travl bennifits,and educational opportunities. To enlist in the army you also have to be academically, physically, and morally qualified.
“No other service branch—and certainly no civilian career- offers as much breadth and depth in its scale of careers then the Air Force.,” states WWW. AirForce.com. The benefits are as follows, life insurance, recreational facilities, free academic testing, and great promotion opportunities.
The Army is a job to be proud of. Sargeant Ulloa recommends the army because “everything that is offered is guaranteed. Everything you choose is written out. After you see it, you sign the contract.” Although it was his choice he is sure to advise you to “go check out all the other services. The Army isn’t for everyone.” Also, 93% of the jobs are available for women solders.
4,380 lives saved, 65,700 rescue missions completed, $2.6 billion worth of narcotics kept from hitting American streets, 11,680 environmental cleanups, tens of thousands of illegal migrants stopped. Who is responsible for those yearly averages? Yes, it’s the United States Coast Guard. To be a part of the Coast Guard you must be a citizen of the United States or a resident alien, between the ages of 17 and 27 (If you enlist at 17, in any branch, you need a parent’s signature). The benefits of this branch are, tax advantages, uniform maintenance, survivor benefits and veteran benefits and all offered careers are open to women.
Integrity, mutual respect, teamwork, accountability, excellence, customer-focus, and communication are the guiding principals of the Marines. Tom Leon, a Colton High groundsman and former Marine says, “The Marines is a mix of what all the services do.” The benefits of being in the Marines are, the major college opportunities, leadership, management, technical skills, character advancement, personal development, pride,sense of belonging, and self-direction. “The Marines is America’s 911 force,” Said Gunnery Sergeant and recruiter Efren Carrillo. You must be between 17-21, have a high school diploma, and American citizenship. 94% of the marines’ jobs are offered to women.
The Navy’s job is to help protect and defend the U.S. it’s allies to move freely on oceans and to protect our country against enemies. The navy offers 96% of its jobs to women. Two things that make the Naval jobs special is that they don’t require experience and they have a wide variety of challenging, exciting, and in many cases, vastly different jobs then those found elsewhere. To be apart of the Navy you are required to be at least 17, not be older then 34 and have a high school diploma. The benefits of being on a naval crew is, life insurance, retirement program, leisure programs, non-taxable benefits.
Public Displays of Affection
by Stephanie Farrior and Lisa Humphery
March 2, 2001Anyone that has had the unfortunate experience of arriving late to class can catch a glimpse of kids kissing, fondling, hugging and loving on campus. Now this is all good and fine when you are watching an R rated movie; however, when you are in a ‘learning environment’, for some, it is a distraction. “I think it is disrespectful.” responds senior Sarah Stewart.
Daily we stroll the halls, to find them littered with couples publicly displaying their affection. Everything from pecks- to touching- to passionate groping can be seen all over campus. Where are the lines drawn on what is appropriate? Junior Manuel Cornova and sophomore Patricia Perez (dating four months) agree that the groping is a little much. “That’s not appropriate, it makes people feel uncomfortable. They [the students] have a right to be upset.” comments Cornova.
So, what are the rules outlined by the district for this sort of affection? In the Education code, rule 4900 K states that disrupting school activities or defying authority of supervisors, teachers, or other school officials engaged in performing their duties is grounds for discipline. This rule is very broad, however. In researching the district’s guidelines, we found no written policy that specifically deals with public displays of affection while on school grounds. It seems that the enforcement is left up to individual adminstrators and their own views. According to Principal Jerry Almendarez he is “not offended by a quick peck, or holding hands, it’s the 30 second make-out sessions that are not tolerable for school.”
According to some couples, school is the only place they can see each other. “Some people can’t have a boyfriend or girlfriend,” comments sophomore Josh Heaton, “What parents don’t know can’t hurt them.”
Campus supervisor Greg Letterly feels that parents have a right to know what their students do on campus. “I tell the students, ‘How would you like me to get your mom or dad on the phone and tell them how you are acting?’ “ If you don’t want a call home, save the “disgusting stuff” for later, as senior Seth Purcell refers to it.
Some students feel they are often singled out when it comes to disciplining this routine. According to senior Ariana Flores there is “very selective enforcement” when it comes to these policies. Senior Holly Thompson, Flores’ partner, agrees. “They try to bend the rules, we’ve gotten in trouble for holding hands or a quick hug.”
Scholarships
by Amber Arakaki
March 2, 2001Many college-bound students are thrilled to seek greater enlightenment and gain new exciting experiences once they graduate from high school, but then, all of a sudden, they have to face one of their greatest adversaries of life: MONEY . . . . or the lack of, in other words.
There are so many complicated processes, forms, and applications needed in order to receive scholarships, loans, or grants. Literary jargon complicates it even further. Have you subtracted your EFC from your COA to find your total financial need? To find your EFC, you need to consider your family’s AGI. Don’t forget to complete your FAFSA, CAR, and GPA verication form by the appointed date. These ideas can be very confusing, however, I’ll try to simplify everything for you, so that you can understand more about FA: financial aide.
The first thing you should do, as every scholarship resource guide would tell you, is to find your total financial need by subtracting your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), or how much money you and your parents are individually investing in your education from the Cost of Attendance (COA), of the college you are planning to go to. From there you can look into sources in which to receive money to make up from the difference.
The Federal government supplies billions of dollars into grants and loans. The best way to receive money is by filling out your FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. By doing so, you will be automatically qualified to receive the Pell Grant or the Subsidized Stafford, or Direct Student Loan. The Pell Grant is for lower income students (mostly those below $30,000). Grants are free money, however, they come with liabilities, such as maintaining a “satisfactory academic progress as defined at school of attendance,” so to speak. Through the FAFSA, you may also be eligible for Cal Grants. These grants are offered to low income students mostly, but they do also consider academic merit as well. Remember to turn in the California Aid Report (CAR) and the GPA Verication Form also. You can fill out the FAFSA by form or you can go to www.fafsa.com to send it via the internet. The final due date to send it in is on March 1st.
When you think of loans, you might say “ugh” , but you shouldn’t really worry, as long as you follow up on your payments. The Perkins Loan is the best bet because it is subsidized, in which the government will pay the interest for you. Also, the interest is only at 5%. When you receive a Stafford Loan, you don’t have to pay interest until you graduate from college. From there, they give you ten years to repay your loan at 7.59% interest. There’s also the unsubsidized Stafford and Direct Loans which you have to pay during enrollment at 6.86% interest during that time. After you graduate it jumps up to 7.59%. Parents may also apply for loans for you. These are called Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). You can apply for loans at Bank of America.
Scholarships are what students really want. Don’t get deterred from high competition or essay writing, though. There are millions of scholarships out there, you just have to find the right ones for you. There are several ways to find these. Through experience, I would say your best bet is to go to the counselor’s office. They offer many local as well as national scholarships and provide financial resources and scholarship web sites. You may also go to the local library to find more about regional scholarships. If you really want to invest your time, you can always go on the internet.
Here’s a list of the best web sites, in which you can find out more information: Click away!
www. fastweb.com
www.collegequest.com
www. collegenet.com
Sex Education in Schools
by Jennifer Logan
March 2, 2001Teenagers today a growing up and maturing at a much faster rate than any other time in history. But the question remains: can their emotions and wisdom keep up worth their blossoming sexuality?
We’ve all heard of the explosion of teen pregnancies and the proliferation of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). We need look no further than out own campus to see evidence of the cliché “babies having babies.”
So what are we supposed to do to stop the insanity? Buy chastity belts in bulk and distribute them to seventh graders along with their schedules?
Approximately 1,000 question are submitted every month to “Ask the Experts” section of the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality, staffed by sex educators. Diane Sorace, a program manager for a teen sexuality site (www.sxetc.org), sponsored by Rutgers University, says that despite the hip demeanor adolescents display, “they’re asking elementary stuff. They don’t understand the mechanics.” Sorace reported on a random sample of students from 14 to 17 years old, discussing pregnancy, sexual response, birth control and STDs, body image, and confidentiality. Going to a web site for needed facts is “not ideal,” she says, “but they seem to really need the answers, and if they’re not getting them anywhere else, it’s better than nothing.”
So what responsibilities do the school system and parents hold in all of this confusion? As far as educating kids about sex goes, the Colton Joint Unified School District’s perspective is “conservative,” says Dr. Pat Gopperton, assistant superintendent of cirriculum and instruction. District policy states: The Colton Joint Unified School District offers an abstinence-based educational program for pupils in grades 7-12
The cirriculum set by the school district in both science and some P.E. classes will help students understand the biological, psychological, social, moral, and ethical aspects of human sexuality.
Dr. Gopperton says,” We (the school district) have the responsibility to educate students. It is the parent’s responsibility to raise the child.”
So are parents living up to their role in society? Recent studies say, for the most part, yes. A random pole of 50 seniors taken here at Colton High where a little over half of boys and girls said they had “the talk” with their parents about sex. 99% of boys and 100% of girls say that condoms are not 100% effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy or STDs and 100% of both boys and girls say that STDs can be transmitted through oral sex. But wait - if only half of teenagers talk with their parents about the “S” word, then where do the other half get their information?
“Society: friends, TV., radio,” says senior, Amy Yarnall. “People will find out one way or another. Sex is everywhere.” These teenagers seem to be rightly informed, but the cold hard truth is that teens are going to make decisions about having or not having sex no matter how many percentages are thrown in their face. People have the free will to do what they want and, most of the time, their is no stopping it.
Well then, let’s take a look at contraceptives. The Centers for Disease control found that 70% of teenagers talk to their mothers about condoms. Interestingly enough, most had done so at an early age - 13 for boys and 13 and-a-half for girls. The teens that sat down and had “the talk” before they ever had sex were more likely to actually use a condom than teens who never sat down with mom. And this, ladies and gentlemen can mean a whole lot more than you think! Half of all new HIV infections happen to people under the age of 25. PARENTS: you may think that your kids won’t listen to anything you have to say about sex, but nothing could be further from the truth. Talk may be cheap, but this little chat could be a life-saver.
In our previously mentioned survey, teens have admitted that condoms are not 100% protective. They have become the most popular form of birth control in teens since the ’80s but is it worth it? The success rates for male condoms are 90% and 79% for females. I don’t know about the rest of you, but these numbers just aren’t high enough for me. I want to be absolutely, without a doubt sure that my body is safe. I hate to bust your bubble, but abstinence is the only 100% effective form of “safe sex”. It is the SAFEST sex.
“Where’s the fun in that?” you may say. The school board as well as sex educators has found in past years that sexual intercourse is often unlawful (statutory rape, or “date rape), unhealthy, and results in the loss of self-esteem and school attendance, teen pregnancy, and increases the risk of acquiring HIV-AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Abstinence is the smart thing to do.
Avoiding the Torment of Rape
by Megan Rieter and Lindsay Graham
March 2, 2001What is rape? How can we prevent it? According to the Dean of Students Office for Women’s Resources and Services at the University of Illinois, rape is described as,” a violent crime, an invasion, a frightening experience {that} affects all women.” With the proper acknowledgment, women can reduce the risk of being raped.
Even with all of the proper precautions, becoming a rape victim can’t always be prevented. There are many ways that a women can prepare herself for such an action. If you’re in your car, you should automatically lock your doors. Always leave the car locked, have your keys in hand when returning and check the interior of the car before entering. If you’re being followed into your driveway, stay in your car with the doors locked while sounding the horn to get the attention of neighbors or to scare off the intruder.
When you’re on the street, the #1 rule is to NEVER HITCHHIKE or PICK UP A HITCHHIKER!!!! Be observant and on your toes, avoid short cuts through parking lots and alleys, and whenever possible walk with a friend. To prevent being pushed into a secluded area, walk near the curb and avoid shrubbery, dark doorways, or any places of concealment. Whenever you feel threatened by an approaching car, scream and run in the direction opposite of the car.
You would think that being at home would be safe, well think again. That’s where the majority of rate crimes are committed. The main thing is again to keep your doors locked, all entrances and garages should be well-lit, and when someone is at the door ask for a name while looking to see whom it is. Never feel obligated to open a door, if you feel uneasy don’t open it.
One thing that should be very important is the awareness of the reality of rape and that it could happen to you. Always educate yourself concerning rape prevention and find out where community rape prevention and counseling offices are located. Take notice where rape crimes may generally occur and try to avoid them.
Let’s get one thing straight, this is nothing to mess about especially if the attacker has a weapon. If you find yourself in this situation STAY CALM. Don’t do any thing irrational to upset the trespasser, show sympathy and pretend to understand, and make that person see you as a individual, not an object. But, if the attacker is unarmed create a disturbance and fight back. Run toward areas with people and try to remember the identification of the assailant. Directly go to the police and report the incident.
If you become a rape victim despite all of the precautions, here is a checklist for victims of sexual assault:
1. Report the crime immediately to the police.
2. Do not shower, douche, or change clothing.
3. Have a medical exam and internal gynecological exam as soon as possible. Any delay in time may destroy evidence.
a) Semen smears must be taken by a clinician.
b) Inform clinician of exact acts committed upon you and have them note any medical evidence.
c) Have any bruises or injuries bleeding, lacerations, etc.) external or internal.
d) Have a test done for venereal diseases ( and pregnancy later, if relevant).
4. Do not disturb the scene of the assault.
5. Inform police of all details of attack, however intimate, and of anything unusual you may have noted about the attacker. Remember what the person said and how they said it. It may lead to the arrest of the assailant.
6. Show police any visible bruises or injuries resulting from the attack.
7. Police may request your clothes for purpose of evidence.
8. Inform the police if you remember anything that was not previously reported.
If you are sexually assaulted the best resistance you can use against an attacker is your common sense. Keep one thing in mind; “Rapists commit rape....NOT VICTIMS!!!!”
What's your Anti-Drug?
by Amany Hajyassin
March 2, 2001
What would it be like if you had no stress? Sounds pretty nice huh? But every teenager has their days when they just stress out, or just seem to be having a bad day. What do you do when you feel stressed? Who or what do you turn to? Do you talk to your friends? family? Or do you turn to narcotic drugs?
There are many things that can help you to relieve your stress. It is good to speak with family and friends, because they could really help you. If you ever thought of doing any type of narcotic drug to make you feel better, well, in reality, it doesn’t.
“They think that they don’t have family or friends to turn to. They feel drugs can help them solve their problems, but in reality, it can hurt them,” says LaRena Garcia, a senior at Colton High School. Garica finds comfort in coloring and writing out the way she feels. “If you need someone to talk to, come to Peer Assistance,” Garcia adds.
So what exactly is an anti-drug? An anti-drug is opposing drugs. Like you would rather chose to do sports when your feeling down or stressed out rather than doing drugs.
Believe it or not, there were students at Colton High who chose to do activities that did not involve drugs. They found other solutions that would help them feel better about themselves and to solve their problem. Out of these categories, 4 Colton High students chose Religion as an anti-drug, 5 chose Sex, 8 said they eat, 10 said they like to play their favorite sport, another 10 said they enjoy singing, dancing and listening to their music, 15 said they talk to their friends and family and 14 said they like to do other things. Most said they watch t.v, and some actually cry their stress out and feel better afterwards.
Most Colton High students chose friends and family as their anti-drug. There is someone you can always talk to, even at times when you think someone isn’t listening...someone is. You cant get away from stress completely. Some stress is good for you, but don’t punish yourself. Don’t stress over things that is out of your control. Don’t spend time on things you can’t change. Taking narcotic drugs is the way cowards slove their problems. There are other ways to feel better about yourself and to relieve stress and drugs doesn’t have to be one of them. There are millions of things you can do.
Trying making a list of things you like to do. For example, I like to read and write out my feelings. I like to listen to my favorite type of music, and I like talking to my friends. Again, make a list and see where that takes you.
So...What’s your Anti-Drug?
Coldplay CD review
Ishmael Zamora
March 2, 1001Parachutes is the titled debut album from British band Coldplay, a band who’s receiving much play here in America with their hit single “Yellow,” a track that’s getting a lot of air time on radio stations every where making them known and increasing their popularity nation wide.
Coldplay are Guy Berryman, Jon Buckland, Will Champion, and Chris Martin, four men who wanted to make a great album and have succeeded with Parachutes, ten songs of pure greatness bringing a soft mellow vibe of rock n’ roll and lyrics dealing with everyday life situations.
Parachutes is an album I really recommend for music listeners everywhere. The CD contains ten songs from their hit single “Yellow,” to other great tracks like “Don’t Panic,” “Spies,” “We Never Change,” and my favorite song “Everything’s Not Lost.”
If you haven’t really heard of Coldplay I suggest you check out their web site at www.coldplay.com to find out all about their background information; or, if you want to see the band live and see what they have to offer you could see them on tour. You could also check for local listings on their web site.
So next time your at a record store browsing, I recommend you pick up Coldplay’s Parachutes for it is truly a great album and really worth buying cause if you like mellow rock with songs that could communicate, then this album is for you
Disney's California Adventures Park review
Charissa Six
March 2, 2001Throughout your lifetime you have had the opportunity to notice that when things are going slowly and there’s nothing new to do around town, in comes the Disney corporation with a fun, new, exciting movie with all new characters and an all new theme. For a while now, Disney has been sitting in its quiet little corner developing something, along with “The Emporor’s New Groove”, that focuses more on the people that it has entertained for many generations.
That development is a theme park called Disney’s California Adventure. It was placed adjacent to Disneyland. In fact, the Disneyland Resort Hotel is adding over 100 more rooms to accommodate the expected increase of visitors. However, it’s not your average run-o-the-mill theme park that tries to accumulate customers by higher or faster rides. Don’t get me wrong, they have some rides, but they don’t appear to be the main focus for Disney. Many of the rides were, in fact, copied from the original that’s either at Disney World, or Disneyland. Realistically though, it’s a theme park that shows Californians what hidden treasures California really has to offer. It may seem odd to have a theme park about our own state, but Disney’s approach was to take the stressed out, busy people of this state and show them what they haven’t yet had time to see in their lifetime. Disney wanted to provide the people of Southern California with a look at the marvels and wonder that this state beholds- once one travels beyond the busy streets and cities. Disney wanted to re- live the past, present the present, and embrace the future of this rapidly growing state.
They reveal all of this variety in three new, diverse “lands”. They are the Golden State, Paradise Pier, and Hollywood Pictures Backlot. Among them, Californians will find that every facet of the people’s interests are presented and fulfilled. There’s enough entertainment to stimulate your imagination and numerous attractions that will enlighten you about the hidden wonders of this state. For instance, if you want to eat, there are over 50 dining areas that serve just about anything your stomach desires. The visitor can find corn dog stands, burritos, hamburger joints, and all kinds of seafood, an ice cream shop named “Catch a Flave”, and a seafood restaurant by Wolfgang Puck.
Of course, a theme park wouldn’t be a theme park without souvenir shops. Disney provides park- goers with a shop right around every corner. Such souvenir shops are called “Souvenir 66” and “Man, Hat, N’ Beach”. The restaurants and shops were set up with stylish and flashy colored designs. Their signs can’t be missed with their bright colors and weird shaped trademarks.
All of this temptation, however, is preceded by the parking, admission, and possibly annual passport costs. Parking for an automobile will be $7.00, $8.00 for oversized vehicles, campers, and trailers, and $9.00 for buses. Admission prices for adults it’s $43.00, and for kids, ages 3-9, it costs $33.00. The annual passport costs are as follows: “Premium” annual passport for 365 days: Disneyland- $199.00 and 2-park- $299.00; “Deluxe” annual passport for 320 pre-selected days: Disneyland: $139.00 and 2-park- $199.00; “Southern California” annual passport for 205 pre-selected days: Disneyland $89.00 and 2-park- $149.00. A “2-park” is a pass that will allow you to travel from Disneyland to California Adventure and vice versa. Remember though, if you want to travel from one park to the other, you either need to have a 2-park pass or be a guest at the Disney Resort Hotels. Otherwise, you will have to pay $43.00 at the entrance of both parks.
Herman Marcial
Hungry for Hannibal
MARCH 2, 2001
After a decade of silence, Hannibal “the Cannibal” Lecter returns to satisfy his fans’ hunger for drama and scenes of graphic mutalations keeping the reputation of a brilliant yet disturbed man. Anthony Hopkins again portrays the character that gave him an Oscar in 1991, providing movie-goers with the character everyone has awaited.
Although Jodie Foster did not return in this sequel, Julianne Moore did a great job in portraying an older, more experienced Clarice Starling. Audiences will notice a change in Starling as she manages to put up a smart-mouth attitude that diminishes throughout the film. A noticeable difference is seen between the Clarice Starling played by Moore and the one Foster created back in 1990. In Silence of the Lambs, Starling seemed a more naive, nervous FBI agent (probably because she was new to the operation). But, in Hannibal, Starling seemed more focused and deeply experienced in her field. Many would connect it to the fact that it’s been cerca 10 years and Clarice Starling would indeed have changed.
The film basically depicts the life of Hannibal Lecter living comfortably in Florence, Italy making a living as a librarian, with three different people out to get him for different purposes. An Italian detective discovers Hannibal is one of the FBI’s ten most wanted and is worth three million big ones if captured alive. A horribly disfigured man who was once a victim of Mr. Lecter is also out for him with nasty tortures in mind.. And of course, who could forget Clarice Starling who can’t go 20 minutes without thinking of the brilliant Hannibal.
The film intensifies when people begin dying around mid-film. The gore audiences expected is a plus as demonstrated in a scene when Hannibal Lecter slices a man’s gut open, hangs him off a balcony and his bowels come spilling out onto the street below. And the fun isn’t over there. The end scene at the dinner table, one can only imagine the exquisite menu being provided- especially since Hannibal is doing the cooking.
“I havn’t even seen Silence of the Lambs and I liked this one”, commented Senior Alex Fernandez. This film was not at all a disapointment, but a good extension to the first movie. “It was good but it will never beat the first” also stated Senior Matt Karns which just goes to show the loyalty of fans towards Silence of the Lambs and signals that a good sequel is hard to make.
The intense, edge of your seat thrills weren’t as dramatic as the first, but this film managed to satisfy everyone’s need for drama, suspense, gore and in some cases, even a laugh or two with little inside jokes. Out of four stars, I give it a three and a half. A movie that makes 58 million in it’s opening weekend could not be that bad.
Leah's column- Pax 217 rawks!
Leah Sandell
March 2, 2001Come on, come rawk and check the 217(the PAX217). PAX217 is a Christian band from southern California. They consist of Dave Tosti, the adorable lead vocalist, who[sorry ladies]just recently tied the knot. Aaron “Skwid” Tosti(Dave’s brother), Jesse Craig, Josh Auer, and tearin’ it up on the drums Joey Marchiano(one of Colton’s own graduates).
They played a show down in sunny California(which wasn’t very sunny) at Calvery Chapel of Laguna Beach, Dave and Skwid’s home church. The show began at about 7:00pm. It started out with a quick interview by the pastor, then PAX217 did what they do best, make some rad beats.
At first the audience was shy(but not still) to PAX217’s abstract style, but then Dave softened the mood and their hearts with a song called “Skwid” which was written for Dave’s little brother (Aaron AKA “Skwid”). When he was born the doctors said that he would be severely hadicapted. Now seventeen, and not a thing wrong, Skwid is a perfectly healthy kid. After this song followed by an explanation, the audience took to the band and let the rhythm take them.
The show ended with everyone in the front at the edge of the stage. With every foot jumping and every head moving the crowd sang along in unity with Dave and the rest of PAX217.
PAX217 has a way to connect with the audience. Their passion is alluring and incredible. They not only have love for the music but love for the people. Even so, the audience could have been more rowdy for such a talented band. So, on a scale from one to ten I give the audience a five, and the band an eleven. In other words, PAX217 rawked the boat..
Marisa Gutierrez
Playing at the Station (Video Game Column)
March 2, 2001
It’s not often that you pick up a controller to play a game and realize that it just feels perfect in your hands. Where every motion feels so smooth that you never have to think twice about the buttons you press. Rare as this may be, such games do exist and Konami’s Zone of the Enders [Z.O.E.] is definitely one of them. The second you pick up the controller to play, you know it’s just something truly fresh, original, and spectacular.
Z.O.E.’s graphics are stunning. The attention to detail is mind-blowing. Scrape the bottom of your mech along a building and sparks will fly with a trail of ash following. Look down to the city streets and see moving cars and streetlights. Just as incredible is that everything can be destroyed, spewing lights and fire everywhere.
The objective of Z.O.E. director and scenario writer Noriaki Okamura was to emulate the way mechs move about in Japanese anime films. The controls are naturally fluid, yet their complexity never confuses the player. You never feel overwhelmed and you certainly never think about what you are doing. There’s no time to. You boost right, swing left, dodge below and don’t even catch a breath-you can only focus on what’s ahead.
Z.O.E.’s futuristic story revolves around three central characters, Leo Stenbuck, Viola, and Celvice Klein. Leo, whom you control, is a youth who has difficulties getting along with others. Viola plays the part of the main antagonist, as she is an adjunct battery officer for the Bahram army. Lastly, Celvice is a girl who volunteers to look after orphaned kids at a church. Celvice will be with Leo throughout the most of the story. Another relationship that isn’t yet clear is the one that develops between Leo and the Jehuty’s (the mech suit) ADA artificial intelligence. Leo and the AI develop together and the AI adapts and evolves as their relationship develops. Ultimately, how the AI develops will depend upon Leo and his actions.
One of the main themes of Z.O.E. is human morality, a realm few games ever delve into. Throughout the game, you will be faced with decisions that will affect your relationships with others, including Jehuty’s AI. Each character has a different background, therefore a different perspective on this theme. For example, Leo sees other kids die in front of him, ergo he feels guilty about his inaction to save them.
According to Okamura, the game even tests the player’s morals. Now consider this situation, your health is low and you know where to go to regain life, but you see fire and hear the screams of people below. If you leave to replenish your health, they will surely die. Tough decisions such as these comprise Okamura’s vision of a realistic, deep, and emotionally-moving storyline.
Z.O.E. isn’t slated to release in the U.S. until early March of 2001. However, this is one mech epic worth waiting for!
"Saving Silverman" movie review
Veronica Sanchez
March 2, 2001“Saving Silverman” is, so far, the funniest comdey, romance movie in 2001, starring Jason Biggs, Steve Zahn, Jack Black, Amanda Peet, and Amanda Detmer.
Saving Silverman is about three buddies, Darren, Wayne, and J.D., friends since fifth grade, now in their early 20’s, who grew up together sharing a passion of Neil Diamond. From grade school to high school (when Wayne played football, J.D. was the team’s Mascot and Darren was its star cheerleader) rocking side by side in “Diamonds in the Rough”, their Neil Diamond cover band, these guys have always stuck together. Their was no great loss to their love of music, until Darren falls in love with Judith Snodgrass-Fessbeggler, and gets engaged.
His two pals make an effort to save their friend. They kidnap Judith, convince Darren she is dead and arrange for him to meet his first love, Sandy Perkus, who is studying to be a nun. Judith, however, doesn’t stay down for long, coming back with karate moves that leave her captors in the dust, escapes and pulls Darren back under her control. Just before the couple takes their wedding vows, the hero Neil Diamond, who is recruited by J.D. and Wayne, come to help save the day.
I give it 3 out of 4 stars. I recommend it for the people who enjoy comidies, and like to laugh.
Switchfoot is the coolest band on earth!
Maya Minwary
March 2, 2001From the outside, Switchfoot might look like another ordinary San Diego-based surf-rocking band, but once you hear their music, you’ll see that they are much more. When Switchfoot (consisting of brothers Jon & Tim Foreman, and drummer Chad Butler) first started a couple years ago it wasn’t long before fans and critics everywhere noticed their talent for music. Learning to Breath is the band’s latest compilation. The album has a theme of “movement”, and contains 11 brand new recordings from the group.
“These are melodies of change,” says songwriter and frontman Jon Foreman about the band’s new album, “songs of expectancy. I desire to see God’s kingdom in my life and in the world around me. This hope rests on the tension between the fallen world and a redemptive God who cries out, ‘Behold I make all things new.’”
With deep lyrics, crisp rhythms, rich vocals, and catchy tunes it’s no surprise that Learning to Breath has just recently been nominated for the Grammy’s for best Christian rock album of the year and their song, “I Dare You To Move”, for best Christian rock song of the year. Jon’s ability to write this award winning music comes from no other place than his fervent belief and faith and God’s grace. While “Love Is The Movement” sets the album’s theme, their opening song “I Dare You To Move” shows a new beginning in a believer’s life promised by Christ in the Bible.
Even though they are a Christian band, Switchfoot has also become very popular in the mainstream music area. Their songs can be heard on various TV shows from “Dawson’s Creek” to “Grosse Point” to “Party of Five”. They won San Diego’s best new band of the year (the award was previously won by Jewel). Perhaps it is because Switchfoot’s songs are universal and gets people thinking about more than just every day life. From their song “Incomplete” (on last album New Way To Be Human) they ask the question about who you ultimately are inside and how, even though you may have everything, you can still be left feeling incomplete. Their latest song “Paparazzi” is an ironic reference to the overwhelming impact the negativity in the media.
Switchfoot is ready to set on tour with the Orange County Supertones and Reliant K. What a great show that’ll be! Learning to Breath is definitely their best album yet. It’ll be way worth your money to check out this awesome band. Remember to check out www.switchfoot.com, their cool, way awesome site to find out more information, chat with other swithcfoot fans, or just surf around.
DESASTRE EN EL SALVADOR
por Fernanda Cerda
Issue 4El pasado 13 de Enero El Salvador se vio destrozado por un terremoto de 8.2 grados en la escala de Richter. El epicentro de este se localizo en la ciudad de Guatemala.
El terremoto destrozo gran parte del patrimonio cultural de El Salvador, es decir, iglesias, bibliotecas, edificios coloniales. Los daños materiales son incontables y las perdidas humanas ya rebasan los miles. La tragedia que hoy en dia vive el salvador es dramatica, ya que el pais esta en vias de desarrollo y no es un pais con una economia envidiable.
A las pocas horas de darse a conocer la noticia de lo sucedido varios paises como Estados Unidos, Mexico, España, Italia, entre otros, enviaron ayuda en forma de viveres (comida enlatada, agua embotellada, leche en polvo, ropa).
Los albergues que dan alojo a los miles de damnificados no se dan a vasto para atender a las miles de personas con necesidad y mucha gente se ha visto en la penosa situacion de tomar la calle como su nuevo hogar.
El miedo de que una seri de epidemias sacuda a los damnificados es enorme, ya que la sanidad no es una de las prioridades de esta gente tan necesitada.
El pasado 11 de Febrero se llevo a cabo un Teleton en el cual partaciciparon figuras artisticas y se logaron recaudar mas de un millon de dolares.
La tragedia que hoy viven los salvadorenos es tremenda y es nuestro deber moral ayudarles en la medida de nuestras posibilidades asi que no los detengamos en buscar la institucion mas cercana para aportar un poco de lo mucho que tenemos.
HOROSCOPES
por Brenda Ureno y Renee Negrete
2 de Marzo 2001
PISCIS-FEBRERO 19-MARZO 20
Tu vida se presta a discusion. Si no tienes un amor, una reconcilacion o rrencuentro con alguien podria crear una atmosfera intima. Jupiter (progreso) ayuda a que los tramites y asuntos de dinero rindan mejores frutos.CANCER-JUNIO 22-JULIO 22
Estas en condiciones de rehacer tu vida. Este es el mes para extender ese amor a alguien igual que tu y darle algunos suenos a tu corazon. Unos vinculos influyentes te ayudaran a preverir algunos tropiezos monetarios.ESCORPION-OCTUBRE 23-NOVIEMBRE 21
Piensa con mayor seriedad en tus propositos de trabajo y dinero. Vendran rachas de ofrecimientos aue debes aprovechar. Triunfan la insistencia y el talento. Evita distanciamientos por falta de comunicacio con tu pareja.Aries-MARZO 21-ABRIL 20
Mes para encender un romance o para resolver problems sentimentales. Evita los delirios de grandeza y podras lucir positiva en citas y en el amor. Comcreata resoluciones sobre negocios, estudios y asuntos de trabajo.LEO-JULIO 23-AGOSTO 22
Llegan respuestas que son comolas piezas que le faltan al rompecabezas de tu vida sentimental. Este mes podras compartir las responsabilidades de una relacion amorosa. La luna llena del dia 9 destaca el plano economico.SAGITARIO-NOVIEMBER 22-DICIENBRE 21
Algunas disputas podrian revivir viejos rencores. Planteate unplan factible y practico para enfrentar tus objetivos materiales y profesionales. Estas en visperas de un clima de intensas satisfocciones en tu vida romantica.TAURO-ABRIL 21-MAYO 20
Al aprovechar los buenos auspicios de Venus, pones una nota de madurez en favor del amor y las pasas bien acompanada. Analiza ofertas sobre combios de trabajo y de salario. La impaciencia solo pofria traerte mas tropiezos.Virgo-AGOSTO 23-SEPTIEMBRE 22
La luna llena del dia 9 da inicio a una temporada de diversiones e invitaciones. Este me no necesitas de distraces para se atenta y expresar una comvivencia animada y amorosa. Tendras mas suerte en los asuntos de dinero.CAPRICORNIO-DICIENBRE 22-ENERO 19
Entras en una mayor madurez emocional que te ayudara a rocobrar la paz interior. Mes para cautivar y para difinir asuntos delicados en el amor. A partir del dia 17 empieza una variedad de oportunidades monetarias.GEMINIS-MAYO 21-JUNIO 21
Jupiter aporta un magnetismo fisico que da paso a apasionados encuentros y reencuentros. Llega la oportunidad de encauzar tu vida sentimental. Se realista en lo monetario, eso te permite llevar a cabo iniciativas suspendidas.LIBRA-SEPTIEMBER 23-OCTUBRE 22
Con Venus retrogado, no comviene comfiar demasiado en el terreno del amor. Si las cosas no caminan como deseas, tampoco debes apresurarte. La luna mueva del dia 24 bein puede comvertirse en un alivio a tus preocupaciones.ACUARIO-ENERO 20-FEBRERO 18
Habra motivaciones para seguir adelante, sin apresurarte. Se advierte progreso en tu vida sentimental profesional. La luna nueva del dia 24 depierta el espiritu de aventura y naceran relaciones romanticas perdurables.
CONCIERTO AL RESCATE
por Fernanda Cerda
2 de Marzo, 2001El pasado 15 al 23 de Enero se llevo a cabo en Rio de Janeiro, Brazil un festival de musica cuyo proposito fue recaudar fondos para erradicar la pobreza infantil, evitar la deforestacion y promover la paz mundial.
A este magno evento acudieron personalidaes de la talla de REM, Sting, Britney Spears, ‘NSYNC, asi como personalidaes nacionales como Denisse (cantante de samba). El acto preferido de la multitud fue sin duda el de los Red Hot Chili Peppers.
El festival fue todo un exito y los percanses sufridos durante este fueron minimos, por lo que ya se esta pensando en su recopilacion el ano siguiente.
Los artistas que asistieron mostraron gran satisfaccion por su participacion y agradecidos con el publico brasileno por su calidez.
Kevin Pinkney is taller than you
by Steve Ramirez
3-2-01
Who’s six foot nine, male, a Colton High school Senior, Yellow Jacket Varsity basketball center, and 2001 McDonald’s All-American high school basketball team nominee? Yes, it’s the one and only Kevin Pinkney, who on January 24 of this year was informed that he is one of only 1,800 high school basketball players nationwide to be nominated to the All-American team. “That’s the epitome of a high school career, just to be nominated is the highest honor that a high school player can get,” says Pinkney’s father Belvis Pinkney.
Kevin has been recognized because of his aggressive ball playing and height advantage over other high school ball players. “He gives us a definite inside presence, he’s an aggressive rebounder, great shot blocker, and he singlehandily deterred the other teams offense,” explains Varsity basketball coach Byron Wesley. In accomplishing this, Kevin is the highest scorer, shot blocker, and rebounder on his team. He is also one of the top scorers in San Bernardino county.
Colleges that have noticed Kevin’s talent are Sacramento State, New York University, University of Irvine, California State University Fullerton, North Iowa, California State University Dominguez, and Cal State San Bernardino. “They (college recruiters) think I’ll fit in right, they think I’m an excellent player and they said they’re looking for a player like me, a player that will help their team and program,” says Kevin, who doesn’t know yet what college he wants to go to. He will see how he likes the campuses in the spring when he visits them to get a closer look at college life.
Kevin is an excellent player, but according to coach Wesley he still has things he needs to improve on before he plays college ball. “I think he needs to get in the weight room and develop his body, then he will become a heck of a ball player,” says Wesley.
This is Kevin’s last high school year and he is rollin’ first class with the rest of the 2001 seniors. “I want people to know who I was, for putting Colton on the map, for letting people know that it’s not the school you go to, but how you perform there, improving the school, I think I did my best at that,” he explains.
The All-American high school basketball team will be named on February 26, during half time of a men’s NCAA basketball game on ESPN. The All-American game will be played March 28 at 6 p.m. in Durham, North Carolina, and broadcasted live on ESPN. “It’s incredible, it never ever crossed my mind, I never thought in a million years I’d get nominated for that. I don’t think anyone from Colton has ever done that,” says Kevin.
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Boy's Soccer
by Oscar Garcia
3-2-01It’s always a tradition at Colton High to have a good soccer team but this year saw a change. Coached by Joe Archer, the boys soccer season came to an end with a fifth place finish in the S.A.L.
Although their overall record wasn’t satisfactory, Coach Archer has some good hopes for the upcoming years. “We were unlucky, we had a young team and I don’t think we were leveled up to the other teams on the preparation part but many times we were close to beating many teams.”
However not everything was disappointing for the Yellowjackets; they had the chance to make major improvements in scoring and they learned to work as a team.
Senior Bill Campbell and sophomore Anthony Hamilton were the leading scorers. “I think we can definitely get back up to where we were in the previous years,” continued Archer. He also agrees that they had a lot of talent and lack of preparation pulled them back from having a better performance.
Boys Basketball
by Jason "Indiana" Jones
3-2-01
Colton High is in the playoffs. Who would have thought after coming back from a season of 0-10 in leauge last year, Colton varsity basketball team has made the playoffs with a record of 5-5 in league and 13-12 for the season. Colton basketball has not been playoff bound for six years. After having to petition their way into playoffs, Colton would go on to face the North Huskies who had a record of 12-11 for the season and the number one seed in their conference.
The crowd was unbelievably loud. The roar could be heard a mile away. The fans were knock’n and the gym was rock’n. Everyone Knew that it was playoff time at North High. It was thirty-two minutes of playoff action. The crowd was screaming and the cheerleaders were cheering as Colton High and North battled in the first rounds of playoffs.
The adrenaline was pumping in the players veins. The intensity level was through the roof as the Yellowjackets took an early lead in the first quarter 18-11. The jacket’s 2-3 zone defense proved to be too much for the Huskies in the first half of the game. The jackets would go on to hold the lead going into the half 36-28. With Colton fired up, the team was ready to get back on the court to do battle. Although the jackets were glad to have the early lead, they knew that the game was not over and North was looking to come back agressive. The Colton High Varsity Basketball Coach Byron Wesley trys to keep his team focused with these words, “ The second half is what it is all about. It’s not who starts the game but who finishes it.” With these words in the minds of the players. They were ready for war.
At the start of the second half the noise level was even greater than befor as the crowd cheered on their team as they came out of the locker room. “This is a game that every player works for. When you finally get there, it’s amazing. There is no better feeling in the world,” said junior shooting guard Mark Vingua. As soon as the whistle blew to play, the players were back at it. The third quarter was a quarter of runs. The Yellowjackets would go on to build on their lead advancing their score 40-30. But the Huskies were not surrendering. They would battle back to catch Colton to trail by three with five minutes to go in the third quarter. North was fired up and so were their fans at the run that they had made to get back in the game making the score 40-37. But Colton didn’t let their run get to them, they made a little run of their own.Senior Kevin Pinkney would get inside to score four easy points and junior Jason Wilcox would make a short jumper to boost the lead 46-37 with two minutes to go in the third. The Huskies did not yield, they came back to score 3 three pointers against the Colton Zone making the score 46-46 at the end of the third.
With one more quarter to go, the jackets were hyped up. The crowd was intense. The Huskies would build on their leadat the start of the fourth quarter advancing the score 58-48 with five minutes to go. But Pinkney and Senior point guard Jason Jones would get their team back in the game. Down by ten, Colton would come back to within four points.The game would go on to have a score 61-60 in favor of the Huskies with Jones’ four quick points to get them at sixty. With fourteen seconds left on the shot clock, the jackets would get the ball for the last shot to win the game. Jones with the ball would find a lane straight to the basket. The Huskies collapsed on him to strip the ball on his way up for the win. The play was a foul that was never called and in desperation the jackets would foul a north player for some hope that he might miss but both free throws were made ending the game 64-61 the Huskies.
Colton would fall out of the playoffs with a record of 13-13. “We went from being a no spot in the top ten to being number eight,” said Wesley. As colton reflected on the year they had, it is something to remember. The team has really been through a lot of adversity this year, losing two of their starters early in the season. They have really come together to get where they were. They had one of the most dominating centers in league. Pinkney averaged twenty-five points and sixteen rebounds. But Pinkney was not alone in his contributions to the team.Jones averaged sixteen points and six rebounds, Vingua averaged twelve points and three rebounds, and Senior Martin Alonzo averaged eight points and two rebounds.
This year’s team has made a name for Colton High for the next year to come. But now its time to get ready for next year. Congratulations Colton Varsity Basketball
Girls Vasrsity Soccer
by Steve Perez
3-2-01A bad call, a fluke goal and just like that the Girls Varsity soccer team was eliminated from the first-round of the CIF playoffs by Temecula Valley with a final score of 1-0. The loss concluded an extremely succesful season; a season which saw the Jackets repeat as San Andreas League Champions and post an overall record of 21-3.
The loss came as an upset to the girls, who despite being ranked 2nd San Bernardino County with an “expolsive” offense, could find no goal support against Temecula Valley.”I thought we were the better team going into the game,” said senior defender Amy Yarnall. “I guess we just came out a little flat and never recovered.”
The game was in stark contrast to the rest of the Jacket’s season. The girls rolled through non-league play, winning the championship at the Riverside North Tournament and the consolation championship at the San Gorgonio Tournament. SAL opponents didn’t match up much better; the girls cut through league play like a knife through butter en route to posting a 9-1 record. The lone defeat was to the upstart Yucaipa Thunderbirds by a final score of 2-0.
Senior sweeper Dana Krell was named SAL MVP. The award (given annually to the best player in the San Andreas League) marks the third time in as many years a Yellowjacktet was the winner. Among all-league recepients were forward/captain Courtney Burns, midfielder Megan Reiter, defender Amy Yarnall (all seniors); junior midfielder Shannon Garcia and freshman forward Jessica Aquino.
Girls Waterpolo
by Megan Holden
3-2-01Waterpolo is a lot harder then it looks!” says returning player and Sophomore Melissia Nicks. And she’s right. Waterpolo consists of lots of swimming, catching a ball with one hand, helping your goalie defend your goal, and at the same time trying to score another, while having girls swim all over you, while they are trying to do the same thing as you. There’s no doubt about it, it is a tough sport.
This is only the third year Colton High has had an all girls waterpolo team so they have nothing to do but try to get people to play and build a team. And that they did, built up a team. This year was the largest team of girls yet, and although their record was 0-10, they worked hard and are satisfied with all their work. New player and Sophomore Sabrina Escalara says “this year there were a lot of new players, so before we could win, we had to learn to play, and the only way to accomplish that was by playing in competitive games!”
Earlier in the season, Coach James Vickers said that this year was one for rebuilding, and the girls did just that, built a foundation of players to return next year with experience. They look forward to a better seasons in the coming years.
Lady Jacket Basketball
by Brenda Ureno
3-2-01
As the season of girls basketball comes to an end the Ladyjackets were placed 6th in the San Andreas League. Coach Chris Burner admits that they could have done better. “Over the season we improved on our effort level,” says Burner. As the season progressed on the Ladyjackets got closer, and learned from their mistakes. Burner said, “If we could have scored more points and put the ball in the basket more we could of done better.”
Some of the Ladyjackets weakness were turnovers, and scoring. They need to work on ball handling, footwork, passing, and shooting. The captains for this season were Senior Petra Kassouf and Sophomore Lindsay Parkes. “This season was more of a bounding experience then a winning experience, we never give up on each other that what kept us as a team,” says Kassouf.
The Ladyjackets didn’t do to well this season but they always have next season for improvement. “It’s funny because last year we almost went to the playoffs and this year the boys basketball team is going to the playoffs, so its like we switched this year,” commented Parkes.