Issue of March 20, 1998: Volume 81,
Number Four
Click on a story title to see the text of the story
News
Academic Decathlon
AVID road trip
Campus beautification
CareerFair
Fiddler on the Roof play review
Homecoming vote
Jeremy Marks has all the tools
Opinion
Cloning is wrong!
Dress Code
He Said/Clinton Should Go!
He Said/Clinton Should Stay!
Send in the dogs!
Shot of Wiski/Column/
Staff Editorial::Everyone at Colton is stupid!
Teen Curfews
Features
Cheerleaders @ SuperBowl
Dropping out
Interview with a dropout
LA County museum
Oscar Predictions by CHS
Teen,parent communication
Whacha doin' Sping Break?
Diversions
Big bad voodoo daddy CD review
Dungeon Keeper/video review
Man in the Iron Mask movie review
Sports
Badminton
Baseball
Boys Soccer
Boys tennis
Girls soccer
Softball
Swimming
Track
Wrestling
Academic Decathlon
Danielle Hunt
March 20, 1998Colton High students scored individual bests and the school itself took a fifth place at the annual Academic Decathlon on February 7. The teams have been preparing since last May for the event, held on the campus of Cal State San Bernardino. Two teams, eighteen students in all, participated.
This year’s Decathlon held the theme Global Economics. Public and private schools from the whole county competed in this theme. “It’s the sixth time in a row we have made it to the top county, and I’m proud,” said Social Studies teacher Bob DeGroff, coach of the students.
The students were involved in ten events such as math, science, art, music, language, literature, and social studies. Junior Brian Kim took first in all divisions on the super quiz and took third place in language and literature. “I had fun, but I’m glad it’s over,” says Kim.
Junior Stephanie Patrick won the high score on the team. “I had been working on it since September and finally all that work paid off,” she said. The students each strove for 1000 points in each event, a total of 10,000 points, giving speeches and taking tests until 6:30 p.m.
Colton High took fifth place rolling along after Redlands in first, Etiwanda in 2nd, and Apple Valley at third.
The students were chosen for the Academic Decathlon in October of 1996. It is not necessary to be a “straight A” student in order to participate. Teachers choose three A, B, and C students for each team. The students all worked very hard preparing for this event. They have been taking a series of tests and practicing every Saturday since May.
“I won awards in Music and Literature, it was a lot of hard work; but it all paid off because I won something,” says sophomore Kelly Baden, who took second place in both categories.Back to top
AVID Road Trip
Jeanine Medrano
March 20, 1998
Colton High juniors involved in the AVID program returned Saturday from a four day road trip. Four days on a charter bus, touring California, the trip’s purpose was to give the students a chance to visit college campuses.
Students visited the campuses of Cal State Bakersfield, Fresno State, Cal State Stanislaus, University of Pacific Stockton, UC Davis, Chico State, UC Berkely, San Fransisco State, Stanford University, and San Jose State University. They slept in dorms of the colleges and hotels.
Their trip was packed with tours of the campuses and lectures about each college. Students were informed about all aspects of college life: costs, including tuition and books; the nuts and bolts of living on campus; class sizes and availability; and entry level requirements. At some of the colleges, the juniors got to sit in on an actual college class, to experience the classroom environment.
AVID freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, all had fund-raisers to fund the trip, and every year, the AVID juniors take the trip. The juniors take the trip because the seniors are already filling out applications for acceptance. The junior year is the most important year of high school, as colleges look at G.P.A’s and SAT scores, which are traditionally taken in your junior year.
AVID teacher Holly Lacy says “The trip gave students a chance to explore different colleges and universities.” Now that the students have a better view on college life, the benefit of the actual AVID class comes in. Junior Violeta Negrete said “College life is harder than I expected, now I know how to prepare for it.”
AVID teacher Shannon Rooney, who chaperoned the trip said “We had a great time, the trip gave the students a chance to experience college life at a variety of universities.” Some end results of the road trip, “Now I see what college life is about, I have a better idea of what kind of college I want to attend,” says junior Laurenda Ornelas.Back to top
Badminton
Milgem Rabanera
March 20, 1998Badminton. Admit it people...when you hear the name of this sport, you imagine it as a fradulent rip off on tennis, the sport for wimps. This may be the case for teams at other high schools, but at Colton High, that stereotype is broken. No one would dare call any of the teammates wimps on the Colton team for fear of getting “waffle face syndrome” from a smack in the head with a racket.
From watching the team members during their practices, it isn’t hard to believe that they’ve been league champions for the past two years. From 1994 to 1997, Colton High’s Badmintion team has been undefeated, with the exception of 1995, where they came in ranking a close second place in league.
So who do we owe this skill and agility to? The question isn’t “who,” it’s “what.” Dedication. That’s all there is to it. Well, that, plus the putting to use the new strategies enforced by coaches Sandra Guidi and Ed Matanga. According to Guidi, “We still have lots of work to do. Doubles and mixed doubles teamates are still getting comfortable, looking to find the combination that suits them.” When asked how well she thinks the team is going she replied with “It’s hard to give an estimate of how we’re going to do until we see how the other teams are like.”
So far this season the Badminton team has lost to Century 5-14, but came back strong, winning against Alta Loma 10-9, and Riverside Poly 18-1. There’s a reason for the loss to Century High. Certain key players who hadn’t been able to brush up on their badminton skills since they had been away at C.I.F. playoffs for soccer, returned to the badminton courts with only three days to warm up for the big game. This put the team at a disadvantage, but they still put up a pretty mean fight, and usually lost by a couple of points in the last set of three. Although the team had that disheartening loss, its wins showed that they didn’t need that much time to get into gear.
Another accompishment which should be noted was the triumph at a recent tournament. Sophomore Cathy Villanueva easily won the girls singles championships at the Troy freshman/sophomore tourney. There was also a game on Tuesday against Redlands East Valley and another Thursday against Etiwanda. Unfortuantely results were not available at press time. If anyone would like to see these players in action,(and fill up on candy from the snackbar at a low price) all they have to do is go to the games on Tuesdays and Thursdays.Back to top
Varsity baseball kicks off season
by Sarah Gama
March 20, 1998Varsity baseball kicked off its season on the last day of February, with the home opener scrimmage against Bloomington High School. The score for this game is not available because of C.I.F. rules which says that you aren’t suppose to keep score of a scrimmage.
This year’s Varsity team consists of twelve returning players, along with Coach Chad Bishop leading them hopefully to a shot at winning the Citrus Belt League title this year. But in order to do that they need to beat Redlands, A.B. Miller, Rialto, Eishenhower, andFontana,
Out of last year’s team come five leaders who are all seniors: Ricky Sanders, Mark Ayala, Teddy Sutton, Bracken Neely and Ernie Cabrera.
According to Coach Bishop the biggest improvement that the team needs to make is that they have to play as a team this year.
On March 7 and March 8, the team participated in the annual Chino Tournament.. Friday they lost 19-3 in five innings and on Monday lost the second game 5-4. For the next game on March 11, they played at Fontana High School, due to the lost on Monday’s game.Back to top
Big Bad VooDoo Daddy cd review
by Matt Penna
March 20, 1998It’s swingin', man!
The Big Bad Voodoo Daddy self-titled major label debut album is astonishing with it’s swinging and brilliant sound that revives the 1940’s swing era.
Back in 1989 guitarist/ lead singer Scotty Morris started a three-piece swing combo, including drummer Kurt Sodergren, playing every where in the Ventura-Santa Barbara area. They added Dirk Shumaker on string bass and to add horns Morris got a couple of surf buddies, including Andy Rowley (saxophone). By 1992 they were officially dubbed Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. The name comes from when Morris went to an Albert Collins concert, and when he asked for his autograph the legendary blues guitarist signed it ‘’to the big bad voodoo daddy.’
In 1993 they released their first album from the indie distributor Hep Cat. Within a week all the copies they printed sold out and they kept selling out. Before the band took up residence in 1995 at the Derby in Hollywood they wanted a bigger and better sound. Glen “The Kid” Marhevka replaced the former trumpet player, Jeff Harris was added on trombone, and Karl Hunter came on board on saxophone and clarinet. Finally added was pianist Josh Levy. Later in 1995 they released their second self-produced album Whatchu’ Want For Christmas?
The band then attacked Hollywood by storm, appearing in the hit film Swingers , on the shows Party of Five and Melrose Place. They’ve played Bruce Willis and Demi Moore’s New Year Eve Party, the Billboard Awards, premieres for The Godfather, Titanic and As Good As It Gets, along with the opening of the art world’s Getty Center and this year’s Super Bowl.
Their new self-titled album off of Coolsville records is great. Its swing sound makes people want to groove. The up-beat snappy sounds of “Mr. Pinstripe Suit,” “King of Swing,” and “Mambo Swing,” are cool. The CD also includes an amazing cover of Cab Calloway’s classic swing song from the 30s “Minnie the Moocher.” “You & Me & the Bottle Makes Three Tonight”, “Jump With My Baby”, and “Jumpin’ Jack” have a faster pace with an awesome sound, “Maddest Kind of Love” and “Please Baby” are mellow with a cool tone.
This album all around is one of the best of 1998. People of all ages and all clics can dig this music. Even if you don’t like swing you’ll like this one. This music could make the worst dancer want to move. Just listen to it once and it will hook you in for an endless ride through many grooves, beats, and snappy sounds that keeps going.Back to top
Boys Soccer
Brian Espinoza
March 20, 1998
This year’s Boys varsity soccer team reached the quarterfinals of the C.I.F. playoffs for only the second time in history. Playing the number one seed, Riverside Poly, the Jackets took it all the way to sudden death before being scored on with three minutes left to play and losing 1-0.
The two teams battled for more than 110 minutes giving it their all to stay alive and score that one crucial goal to move on to the next round. Both the Jackets and Poly exchanged scoring opportunities to no avail. Playing on a terrible, bumpy field that had been torn up from the rain, a lot of the passes and shots were difficult to control.
Colton’s best chance came in the second half when senior forward Dominick Heredia took the ball towards the goal and passed the ball off to his right to junior midfielder Anthony Coronado, who shot the ball just over the cross bar from about 15 yards away. After this it looked as if the Jackets were going to be able to get through and get a goal. The only bright note was when the referee missed a hand ball in the penalty area which would have put Poly into the lead.
After the 80 minutes of regulation time had expired, the players on both teams started to battle fatigue and leg cramps. With the Jackets tiring, their solid defense and goalkeeping seemed to be getting stronger. Junior goalkeeper Chris Sanchez made 15 saves and stopped a crucial breakaway from a Poly forward.
The Poly coach was mightily impressed by the spunk and drive shown by the upstart Yellowjackets. “ This should have been the championship game,” he said. “This was the best game I have seen all season.” Many spectators agreed with his assessment. Despite ending up on the short end, it was a thrilling match both to be a part of and to watch.
Before losing to Poly in the quarterfinals the Jackets faced Riverside North at home in the first round. Colton clearly dominated the game from the beginning when Heredia received a long pass and beat the keeper just outside the six yard line. About ten minutes later junior Xavier Serrano scored on a header off of a long throw-in from sophomore Brian Pope. Heredia put the game away when he scored his second goal early in the second half to make the final score 3-1.
“We controlled the game from the beginning and shut down their key player which gave us an easier victory,” said junior Jon Hunt.
Colton next had to travel all the way to Palm Springs for their second round match. Quickly into the match the Jackets began to take control with fast and hard play. However the Palm Springs squad was very physical and made a lot of hard fouls. But the Jackets didn’t stumble and senior midfielder Brian Espinoza scored off a pass from Serrano. Just a few minutes later Heredia lined up a direct kick from 24 yards out and struck just over the wall of defenders and into the goal. The Jackets needed to get one more just before half time and Heredia was able to break through and put the ball just by the goalkeeper. Goooooooaaaaaaaaalllllllllllllllllll!Back to top
Anthony Cornado
Boys tennis
March 20, 1998
The Boys Tennis team will open league on Tuesday March 31 against A.B. Miller High School. The Yellowjackets swept the Rebels last year on their route to third place in league. The Jackets are looking at a much improved Citrus Belt League this year with many quality teams in their path of repeating their playoff run. The team was left with five returning players from their playoff team from a year ago to try and repeat.
They began their season with a forgettable loss to a more prepared Pacific High School team, 16-2. With a week to practice the team looked to all league returning senior Mike Hughes, to help them find their old winning ways. As hoped the Yellowjackets bounced back against Cajon High School 11-7. Mike Hughes lead the way winning three matches. The Jackets also got doubles team of juniors Kris Collins and Joe Manlolo.
Yesterday the netters played a match against Norco High School. Stats were not available during press time.
Campus beautification
by David Keeling
March 20, 1998Oh how beautiful the school looks in the morning. You see bits of trash here and there. Graffiti all across the walls . The deteriorating streets and sidewalks all around. Well the Campus Beautification committee wants to change that dirty picture of the school. Lead by Art teacher Patricia Hughes, the committee will bring teachers and students together to beautify the school campus.
The committee has made a five year plan to make the school as beautiful as it was when it first opened and try to bring campus pride back. The plan consists of incentive programs, participating in “National Make a Difference Day,” creating a museum of our school’s long history, and many other things to beautify the school.
The committee plans to get everyone involved in beautifying Colton High. They want parents and community support all the way so that everyone may know the pride that Colton High has to keep it’s campus clean.
The first activity the committee plans to do is to make a trash incentive. The committee will talk to vendors and businesses all around to get discounts for food, entertainment, etc., to encourage student use of the trash and recycling containers. The committee wants the students motivated so they will participate in the activities.
When asked about what he would do to beautify the school, freshman Jason Jones said, “I would tear this school down and make a new one.”
“Hell yeah, the school needs to be cleaned up!” says freshman Steven Perez when asked if the school needs to be cleaned up.
There is also another issue on if the trashy environment of the school can affect a students learning. “I don’t really look at the school so I don’t think it really affects my learning on the school.” says freshman Chris Howard.
Hughes says that “National Make a Difference day” will really help out the effort to beautify the school campus. “The more involvement the students on campus have the more they will have pride of their campus.”
The museum will be another big priority with the committee. They want to commemorate the school’s centennial and open some of the areas up that have been closed off. “There are a lot of old things around here that the school has stuffed away” says Hughes.
If the committee gets approved and everything goes as scheduled then next year will be the start off year for the beautification committee. The committee is looking forward to cleaning up and restoring pride to the school.Back to top
Career Fair
Liz Yarnell
March 20, 1998Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA) arranged to have certain military branches such as the, Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, and Dewalt Power Tools, construction company of Anaheim, at the annual Career Fair on February 12.
VICA arranged to have the different branches and the construction company present at both lunches.
The purpose of this fair was to inform students of options, other than college, after high school.
“Many students look at the military as an option in life,” said Ken Solano, a senior.
A lot of times people go into the military directly after high school. Yet that is not always the case.
For Air Force recruiter Henry Rodriquez the thought just didn’t come to mind. “I’ve been in the airforce for twelve years. I really had no intention of joining, I just stumbled into the ROTC program while attending San Diego State University.”
One reason for joining the service is the money it offers. “I love it , it’s made me strong, but most of all it’s paid for my degree,” said Rodriquez.
Recruiter Osias Castrence has been in the navy for eighteen years, and just recently signed up for three more. Also at the career fair was Navy recruit Jack Moyer.
“I’m in the Navy to get an education and to see the world,” said Moyer.
Colton High student Ishmael Gonzalez is currently a Dep Member for the Navy. A Dep member is a recruit who is trained for boot camp. Like many members , Gonzalez was excited to tell us, “I’m real excited, this will help me in the future.” Gonzalez ships out on July 20.
All of the service booths were filled with interested students.“I want to either join the Marines or the Army because they interest me more then the other branches and offer the training that I can use in my future,” said senior Sal Munoz.Back to top
Cheerleaders
Diana Simental
March 20, 1998This January’s Super Bowl game will be remembered as more than just a great football game, especially by the Colton High Cheer Squad. That’s because the group performed in the half-time show.
And even though they weren’t visible, you may have been looking for them in the Pro Bowl in Hawaii, since they strutted their Yellowjacket stuff there as well.
These two once-in-a-lifetime experiences were arranges when the squad attended a summer camp in San Diego. Radio City Productions arranged with United Spirit Association (U.S.A.) to invite all summer camp participants to perform in the Super Bowl which was held in San Diego.
Each school needed to provide their own transportation to and from practice about three to four times a week for about four hours of practice. This was not possible for all the cheerleaders so only twenty of the squad participated. These cheerleaders were: Maria Fernandez, Christina Aguirre, Lizzie Lemus, Marie Garcia, Angel Rincon, Dianna Camacho, Tiffany Avant, Marisa Gerber, Valerie Wilkins, Sam Holmes, Monica Colunga, Aubrianne Negrete, Jennifer Smith, Renee Casarez, Leticia Martinez, Anita Barrera, Amanda Truitt, Kathy Croy, Kathleen Garcia and Rena Ramirez.
The cheerleaders got to meet some of the stars that performed during the show which included Motown legends Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves, and The Temptations.
“I felt like such a celebrity,” said sophomore Kathy Croy. The cheerleaders didn’t get to watch the game live but they did get to perform in the show which not many people can say. Junior Renee Casarez said, “It was the greatest experience I’ll have in high school.”
The cheerleaders were also invited to perform in the NFL Pro Bowl half time show in Hawaii. It was not possible for all the cheerleaders to attend because of the cost to participate. Each participant had to pay $800 for the hotel, uniforms and tours organized by U.S.A. plus they had to pay for their airline fares.
The cheerleaders that were able to attend were: seniors Tom Vasquez, Mike Avila, and Leticia Martinez, juniors Monica Lengkong, Lizzy Lemus, Deanna Mercado, Chandra Bachman, Dawn Parker, Sampaguita Holmes, Renee Casarez, Angel Rincon, Candace Moore and Melissa Feeley, and sophomores Jessy Garcia, Rena Ramirez, Maria Fernandez and Aubriann Negrete.
While in Hawaii the cheerleaders did more than just practice and lie on the beach. They were able to take a tour of Pearl Harbor and they got to visit the memorial. “It was very touching,” said junior Monica Lengkong. The cheerleaders were also able to dine at Planet Hollywood and attended Germaine’s Luau. They were also encountered Salt from Salt-N-Pepa.
“The girls have been working four nights a week. “They are a very talented group and they look better against professionals.”said adviser Darcy Vickers.Back to top
Cloning cloning is is wrong wrong
by Jason Valenzuela
March 20, 1998In this day and age almost anything seems possible. We’ve launched probes to Mars, increased computer technology, advanced medical science, and even cloned sheep and monkeys. But where do we stop, and when do we draw the line?
Ever since Dolly, the Scottish sheep, was cloned, what seems like a science fiction fantasy has become a reality. The way things are going, we may be moving towards human cloning. Personally, I think cloning of any kind is a big mistake.
Imagine herds of sheep and cows that produce the best milk and wool. It sounds like a good idea, but what happened to the other animals? Those who couldn’t keep up with the clones would no longer be needed. Now the gene pool of the livestock has been greatly reduced or at least flooded with a few sets of genes, also causing a decrease. If anything should happen and the animals might need to reproduce normally, what will happen with only clones? One more thing is that so much easily made beef, wool, milk, and other things would flood the market and upset the economic balance.
If that isn’t bad enough, imagine what human cloning could do. The Earth right now has billions of people arising from normal means alone. Do we really need to artificially bring more people onto it? Cloning could cause an even greater increase in population, and create a smaller human gene pool.
What could happen if someone got hold of your DNA without your knowing? All it would take would be a bit of hair, a fingernail, or skin, and you could be cloned. Your clone would have everything you had. It would have your DNA, blood type, and fingerprints. Now, how easy would it be for someone with this clone to frame you for a crime?
Once you are cloned you are no longer unique. It almost makes me want to go out and get “Original” tattooed on my hide. One of the qualities I’m most proud of is the fact that I am me and no one else is ever going to be me again. Cloning cheapens human life.
Now think of a human soldier, he/she is the greatest soldier ever seen. Now imagine a hundred. No, wait—why not a thousand? Soon you have an invincible army of these “super soldiers.” What happens if they die? Oh well! Clone up the next batch, after all, they’re only clones. The military applications are numerous. Here once more human life is cheapened and individuality is lost.
If you want to think religiously, does a clone have a soul? After all it is only a copy, isn’t it? We believe we all have souls, but how can we think that clones might as well? They aren’t like anyone else. They are made in a lab, we created them, we played God, but can we give them a soul? We went against nature and created something in a way that perhaps was never meant to be. Will that effect our chances, or even the clones, at a place in heaven?
As for cloning to be able to make organs for medical purposes, what right do we have? Surely we can create life, but once done do we have the right to destroy it as well? Cloning for organ transplants sounds good, but when examined is deliberate, premeditated murder.
Would clones be treated the same as normal people? There will always be some people will think cloning to be wrong and unnatural, and any clones will be the target of those thoughts. With all the conflict over blacks, whites, Mexicans, and all other nationalities, what would happen if clones were introduced? Clones might be separated because they are different and perhaps even “unnatural.” It is human nature to be afraid of anything different. Clones are definitely different—or perhaps just too eerily the same.
I like who I am, who everyone is. Everyone is different and unique. I think cloning has more negatives then positives.
The problem with humankind is that when we have the power it is always used. All we can hope is that it isn’t abused. Life is precious and unique, so much so that many believe that we are the only ones in the universe. Our actions are moving closer to those considered God-like. We now can create life, kill thousands at a time, and destroy the one thing thought to always be untouchable: one’s uniqueness. The problem is, and this is why I’m afraid, is that so often is power abused that it seems we aren’t ready for most of the power we achieve.
Even with laws and restrictions I think cloning will soon become a problem, even if put in check. The ball has started rolling and it will continue to do so. All we can do at this point is jump out of the way and hope we don’t get flattened.Back to top
Another Anti-Dress code editorial
by Ryan Lynch
March 20, 1998When was the last time you got shot at for wearing a Lakers hat? What? It never happened? Well, when was the last time that you got beat up for wearing a Giants jersey? That never happened to you either? I know, I know. They say that the dress code is in place for our protection, but don’t you think that it is a little bit outdated? When was the last time you saw gangstas wearing stuff like that? It was probably about five or six years ago.
We can’t even wear hats. Say it’s a very bright day, I want to wear my hat, but they won’t let me. It isn’t a distraction. Nothing is very distracting when the dude next to you is wearing a safety pin in his nose. If it is the sports logo that they don’t like, then how about letting us wear simple and plain hats with no logos or pictures or words? How about if I wear my Colton High hat? That’s showing my school spirit, but they won’t even let you do that.
The most ridiculous is the banning of beanies, or stocking caps. These are used to keep you warm, and therefore, healthy, in a cold environment. This winter everyone, including myself, started wearing beanies. They weren’t wearing them because they were from a crew. We needed to keep warm for gosh sake! It was pretty darn cold over the last few months, and it still is rather cold. If I become ill as a result of the cold, then I can not attend school. As a result of this the school loses money because one more student didn’t show up to school again. It isn’t a safety matter, it is a health matter.
Students have tried before to abolish the dress code, or at least parts of it. They have tried walk-outs, but that didn’t work. Whenever students walkout, the faculty tells them that they we’ll take a meeting with the leaders to discuss revision of the dress code if all of the students go back to class. They don’t realize that they’ve been had. When this meeting comes and goes, nothing changes. The dress code has won, students are left feeling that they can’t win.
The only way a walkout willwin is if it done constantly. The students must refuse to go back to class until they have what they want in writing. Students must be willing to not go to their classes for days,until their demands are met. In addition students must come out in full force. Thirty or a hundred people will get nothing done. At least twothirds of the school has to walkout to make an effective demonstationBack to top
Dropping Out
Rose Terracciano
March 20. 1998
A high school diploma. To most it is essential, but there are still those who do not understand its importance, and end up dropping out of school thinking that they can make it with out one.
For a very few minority, this best case scenario of a high school dropout may be true. But for most, well lets just say that they don’t necessarily end up with the best that life has to offer. According to a computer program called CoinView available in the school’s library, and in the Career Guidance Center, people who never graduate from high school have a very little if any at all chance to become successful in today’s society. This program shows that there are only 30 jobs available for employment seekers without a diploma. What’s really scary is if a high school dropout wanted to make an average salary of approximately $25,000 to $32,000 a year, there are only three jobs that they could apply for. Three jobs that are extremely dangerous: Chemical Operator, Fisher/Hunter/Trapper, and Freight, stock, and Material Mover.
Some students who consider dropping out of school think that if worse comes to worse they can always get their G.E.D (General Education Diploma), and join a military branch.
Carol Drury, the Career Guidance Specialist here at Colton High, says otherwise. “There is a small window of opportunity for entering the military on a G.E.D,” she notes, and no chance at all without any form of educational completion. Drury says that its probably not a good idea to rely on it.
The Career Guidance Center is very useful to students who are having trouble making up their minds about what they want to do with their lives. “I look for their interests,” comments Drury. If she can find what a student is interested in, whether its art or business, she can attempt to convince them to stay in school. The Career Guidance Center also provides additional computer programs, books, and brochures on career choices and other employment opportunities.
High school can be a tough environment for some students, and at times very intimidating. This can led to low self-esteem, and according to a video produced by the US Army, “Tough Decisions,” studies have shown that low self-esteem leads to dropping out. Students start to feel inadequate and “beneath” the intelligence level of students their age. They figure that they have “better things to do.” This video shows portrayals of people who have experienced similar situations and have dropped out of school. Eventually each of them realized that they had made a terrible mistake, and ended up going back to school to get their diploma.
Junior Ryan Gentilcore says that his reasons for staying in school go beyond the fear of not having a future. “Dropping out is a lot like suicide. You’re just taking the easy way out.” Gentilcore thinks that success comes from hard work and high expectations. “I would never dropout because the expectations I have set for myself wouldn’t allow it.” Other than that he says he would be missing out on “being involved” in your everyday high school experiences.
How could someone be defined as a dropout? Recent statistics say that a dropout is a student who meets the following criteria:
* Was formerly enrolled in grades seven through twelve.
* Was formerly enrolled in a school program leading to a high school diploma or its equivalent.
* Was under 21 years of age.
* Has left school for 45 consecutive school days, and has not enrolled in another private or public educational institution or school program.
* Has not received a high school diploma or its equivalent.
* Has not re-enrolled in the school.
It usually takes a person to hit “rock bottom” before they come to their senses and realize that its too hard to make it in life without that little piece of paper.
“Most students who dropout don’t see how school relates to their futures,” says Kathy (last name not given), a spokesperson for “Tough Decisions.” These people don’t understand how important it is for them to graduate until its too late. By the time they realize it and get their diploma, they are already looking back on their lives in regret of not doing it sooner.
Research shows that teenage girls who become pregnant before they graduate have an 80% chance of dropping out. That is a rather high rate. There are other options that they can consider first. The Career Guidance Center and school counselors are here to help. They urge young women who are pregnant to keep an open mind about their futures. Because a person becomes pregnant doesn’t mean that the rest of their lives are ruined. There are people and places that will help.
Fortunately over the last ten years, California schools have been reducing their dropout rates by offering alternative programs to students at risk of failure. These programs provide students with individualized learning options and allow the students to finish their high school studies through other means.
Dropping out of school is a serious matter that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Studies have confirmed that high school dropouts are twice as likely to be unemployed. That’s a lot of people without jobs and living on the streets. A lot of people who could have made better lives for themselves.Back to top
Dungeon Keeper
David Keeling
March 20, 1998"Yippee!” the imp says as you drop him into the dungeon to do your dirty work for you. The imp didn’t go where you wanted him to go, so you take your Hand of Evil and give the imp the backhand. It goes faster than ever to place you wanted it to go and works fast to make you happy.
Dungeon Keeper is an interactive strategy game created by Bullfrog where you turn the tables and become a master of a dungeon and reek terror over all that is good. I have played it for about a month and I really like it. You can play a one player game or you can play someone else over a modem. You start your first level by digging rooms and caverns to draw creatures over to your side to kill all heroes who dare try to destroy you and your dungeon. If you are successful then you take over the land and go to the next town that needs a little terrorizing.
Dungeon Keeper combines the strategy of Warcraft with the 3D action of Doom. You are able to cast spells to make you creatures unstoppable or to hurt the enemy coming after you. You can recruit many creatures from the giant fly to a fire breathing dragon. You are able to do so much that you have to play the game over and over to experience everything the game has to offer. The game is sold at any electronics store for about $39.95.
I suggest this game to all the people who love games like Warcraft 2, or Command and Conquer. This game has a lot of action, blood and gore. If you don’t like that stuff then this game is not for you but everyone else will like this game. Have a happy time playing.
Fiddler on the Roof premieres to acclaim
Ryan Lynch
March 20, 1998Tension is rampant backstage at the Whitmer Auditorium. It is epitomized by director Joey Mercado, as she rushes around giving last minute instructions. “We ran out of programs!” she tells me, as if the world was about to end.
She has good reason to be concerned. The house is packed for Colton High’s production of Fiddler on the Roof. It’s a story of arranged marriage gone awry in a small Jewish-populated, Russian village. Federico Zamora stars as Tevye, with Monique LeCompte playing his wife, Golde. Anne Jones, Megan Loewy, and Janelle Neill are featured as their daughters, Tzeitel, Hodel, and Chava, respectively.
Each cast member delivers an excellent performance, but it is Zamora who steals the show. He holds the crowd in the palm of his hand, as they laugh at his every joke.
Meanwhile, as the play goes on, the stage crew rushes around frantically, preparing for the next change of scenery. The shorthanded crew has to content with impatient cast members and difficult sets for three straight, three-hour-long performances. “I busted my ass,” stated one fatigued crewman.
It isn’t all stress and pressure. Assistant director, and English teacher Stacy Jay, manages to take the whole experience in stride, and keeps spirits high. The cast jokes around, and sings along backstage when they aren’t on the stage, performing. They have practiced so long and hard that they know each other’s lines inside and out.
The orchestra cannot afford to take it so easy, because they must be ready to go at a moment’s notice. Luis Gonzalez’ jazz band sets the perfect moods throughout the play. Their all around excellent performance keeps the audience attentive all night.
The play is enjoyed by all. The audience claps along during the dance numbers, and crack up at the well delivered punch lines. They leave the Whiter auditorium wanting more; many well return for the next play as a result of tonight’s excellent performance. One woman who has seen the play sums it all up. Outside the auditorium, on the steps, directly after the show, she tells me with a satisfied smile, “It was fabulous!”Back to top
Girls soccer
by Brian EspinozaMarch 20, 1998
The Lady Jackets Varsity Soccer team made it all the way to the CIF Division One first round game, only to succumb to a talented Hart High School squad. But up to the season ending loss, the team advanced through a season of thrills that won’t soon be forgotten.
The LadyJackets received their playoff berth after finishing third in the Citrus Belt League. They faced off against Moreno Valley High School at home in the C. I. F. Division I wild card game.
The teams went back and fourth trying to exchange shots and scoring opportunities but the match was scoreless until senior forward Marissa Ramirez broke through on the left side and put a shot easily by the Moreno Valley goal keeper. After the first goal Colton began to get comfortable and take control of the game.
Not to far into the second half the ball was sent through all the way to the far post and sophomore midfielder Mandy Gomez hit a shot from about eight yards out and just inside post to give the LadyJackets a two-goal lead. Moreno Valley tried to pick up the pace and get back into the game—except sophomore goalkeeper Stephanie Greenlea made save after save to protect her shot out.
With Moreno Valley still pressuring, freshmen forward Courtney Burns dribbled the ball down the right side and into the penalty area. Just as it looked as if she was going to lose the ball she made another quick move to beat a defender. Burns finished it off by placing a shot into the back of the net to give the Lady Jackets a 3- 0 victory.
The Lady Jackets next had to travel all the way to Hart High School out in Valencia for their first round game. Sophomore midfielder Jaylin Boyd scored the only goal during a disappointing 8-1 loss to an extremely talented Hart squad.Back to top
President Should Go!
By Jason Meaney
He Said
March 20, 1998Should president Clinton be inpeached if he is found guilty of the sex scandal? My answer is yes. First of all, lets start with the act of adultery itself.
Not only is adultery “unholy,” but immoral as well. Bill Clinton is a married man, and as such, he should remain a faithful husband to his wife. This country cannot have a leader who is a poor role model for its youth or a leader that will make decisions based on favoritism. Clinton should be doing things to please the people of this country and to make this country more productive, not to please himself. What kind of example would the United States government be setting for future generations if it allowed a dishonest, adulterous man who holds the most powerful office in the world to continue running this nation?
If Clinton can lie to what should be the most important person in his life—his wife—then he can lie to congress, and to the American people. Not only that, but with his kind of executive power, he could break and bend laws to get away with just about anything. Surely a man with so much compromising character and a bad history with women shouldn’t be in office.
The ongoing Paula Jones case mainly establishes a time honored pattern of sexual misconduct as well as cover-up and denial. With Monica Lewinsky, a pattern of bribery was established, coercion was used, and pay-offs such as jewelry and clothing were offered. Clinton had hoped to keep her quiet with these gifts and these gifts prove he intended to influence her testimony. Much evidence indicates Clinton’s habit is to deny and foster such behavior among other parties in each scandal. Actual recordings exist in which he told Jennifer Flowers in so many words to deny the charges against him and to blame the Republican party.
Recently, Clinton told his private secretary Betty Currie to be sure to deny that he and Lewinsky were ever alone in the Oval Office (“We were never alone right?” were his coached words to her indirectly suggesting she backup his story in deposition a day before).
Obstruction of justice occurs whenever there is intentional interference with the course of a criminal investigation. Clinton’s asking people to lie, deny, alter and create versions of the truth to make his story plausible is a clear cut case of such. Moreover, these examples constitute a real, provable, and prosecutable case against the highest public official in our country, the president. Engaging in high crimes and misdemeanors are the constitutional criteria for impeaching William Jefferson Clinton.Back to top
Clinton Should Stay!
by Emily LeMay
She Said
March 20, 1998Should Clinton be impeached if he really did have the alleged trysts with intern Monica Lewinsky? My answer, like many other Americans, is no. Should he be impeached if he clearly committed perjury? I still think not. America needs a president, especially at a time like this. Let sleeping dogs (or in this case, presidents) lie.
In several polls conducted by prominent news publications such as Time and Newsweek, the public voiced an opinion similar to mine. Bill Clinton is popular with the people. He has accomplished something that hasn’t been done since 1969: he balanced the American budget. Not only that, but presently Clinton has the highest peace-time approval ratings of a president ever.
We are rapidly entering a time of war. Suppose Clinton was impeached. What would happen then? Americans need a sense of stability (especially against that nutcase Saddam Hussein).
Keeping Clinton in office would not only be beneficial to our country, but the Republican party as well. Were Clinton to be removed, they who would have to run against an incumbent president, Al Gore, in the year 2000. Never an easy task.
This is Clinton’s last term in office. Perhaps a more logical, ideal solution would be to let him finish with the last bit of dignity he has. Not only that, it’s a heck of a lot cheaper. Ken Starr, Independent Council, seems more interested in dragging Clinton’s name through the mud with all of his leaks than anything else.
Personally, I don’t give a rat’s fanny about Clinton’s alleged “indiscretions” or that he has a huge weakness for women. I think our government would be run much smoother if the skeletons were left in the closet.
Everybody has been scratching their collective heads, trying to figure out why Clinton has maintained such high approval ratings in the face of such a media onslaught. Polls continue to show that while they approve of his presidency, many still believe that he did have an affair with Monica Lewinsky. If he’s lying, why not boot him out? I think the answer lies in not how bad the president’s extracurricular activities are, but how good the country is going at present. The economy is strong, and whether you think it’s because of Clinton’s policies or not, he gets the credit for it. As long as the economy stays strong, Clinton can stick around. Because people seem to be more concerned about Dow Jones than about Paula Jones.Back to top
Homecoming Vote based on popularity
by Anne Jones
March 20, 1998Do you ever look at the homecoming ballot, and say, “Gee, all these people are popular?” Well I do, and I’m wondering if that’s the main reason why they are on the ballot. If you think about it, popularity and beauty are good reasons to be on the ballot, but when only the most popular win, we as the students of Colton High get discouraged.
I would do away with homecoming court all together. I mean, do we really need a King and Queen to have a good time? Sure, it makes the winner feel high and mighty, but again, they are already popular (referring to the most recent fall homecoming) and it takes away from the fun of homecoming. When someone is either class president or ASB president, most popular, and gets awarded with the homecoming crown, what about the little people, i.e., the other nominees?
All I’m saying is that in this democratic school, I find it funny and discouraging that the same people with at the least a 2.1 GPA are raking up the votes only because they have connections inside. I just feel that there are many students out there who have never gotten the chance to be on the court let alone homecomming royalty. Maybe there will be a day when we can all be kings and queens.Back to top
Interview with a dropout
by Jason Durdle
March 20, 1998Mike Raya and Teddy Sundeen are both dropouts that attended Colton High. Mike says he dropped out because he was bored with school and wanted to pursue his music further and have a full time job. Teddy on the other hand was forced to drop out. Early second semester of Teddy’s senior year he turned eighteen and was kicked out of his house. He had to quit school to maintain a full time job to pay for an apartment and buy food.
“The whole thing stunk,” said Teddy.
Mike went back to school and received his G.E.D. and now works a full time job. The rest of his time is spent playing drums and partying. He says he misses school a little bit but he still has the same friends so it’s not so bad.
Mike says “Without education you won’t be able to get anywhere in life.”
Teddy is now in independent studies and works a full time job. In his free time Teddy is found at the gym working out. Mike admits he does not regret dropping out of high school because he has his G.E.D. and works full time. Teddy wishes he would of been able to stay in school. He says it is hard to find good job without a high school diploma. Teddy’s advice to students is to stay in school, it will be worth it in the long run.Back to top
Jeremy Marks has all the tools
Jeanine Medrano
March 20, 1998
Jeremy Marks, a senior at Colton High, was chosen from a pool of applicants to participate in a state competition for Tools for Tomorrow.
Marks, was nominated by his teacher, filled out an application, signed all the forms and sent them off to Tools for Tomorrow. Tools for Tomorrow is a program to give students the tools they need to be competitive in today’s job market.
According to Paul Pentz, president and CEO of Tru Serv Corporation, ‘“Many business leaders are challenged by the lack of skilled workers in today’s workforce, but they aren’t taking action to solve the problem.”
Involved in vocational classes, industrial classes, and electronics computer repair classes, Marks beat out a number of fellow Colton High students with his impressive application. Now, along with winning $100 Savings Bond, his application has now been sent to state competition.
Marks, who is now representing Colton High School in the All-American Vocational Student Awards program, is now being “judged by a panel of Vocational experts.” says Pentz.
One winner shall be chosen in every state, and each will receive a $500 U.S. Savings Bond and an all expense paid trip to attend the National Awards Ceremony in Dallas, Texas in April.
“I want to go to Cal Poly, it specializes in electronics and engineering. The savings bonds will probably go towards my education,” Marks said.Back to top
LA County Museum Of Art is the Place to BE
by Ana Gonzalaz
March 20, 1998The Southland got a delicious taste of “Mexican Masterpieces” at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) from November 23, 1997 to February 16, 1998. Now these masterpieces will be part of its permanent collection.
The “Mexican Masterpieces” collection was a gift from Bernard and Edith Lewin, German-born refugee art collectors, to LACMA. The collection consists of more than two thousand, primarily twentieth century, Mexican paintings, sculptures, and works on paper.
This gift was not only for LACMA, but for the people in the area. A pamphlet from the LACMA states, “The area’s numerous Latin American communities are at home in a region with deep historical and urgent contemporary ties to Mexico, To become a leading museum for the future, LACMA must be reflective of the character of Los Angeles and of its aspirations as a world center...art [is] a vital part of our mission.”
For decades the Lewins made the art available to the public in their gallery; originally in Beverlly Hills and then moved to Palm Springs.
The actual exhibition included 97 works from the greatest of Mexican artists; Rafael Coronel, Jose Luis Cuevas, Frida Kahlo, Carlos Merida, Jose Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Rufino Tamayo.
Works like Rivera’s “Capitalism”, Siqueiros’ “March of humanity in Latin America”, and Tamayo’s “Cloistered” seem fitting in Los Angeles. The artists, and their artwork, represent a time period in Mexico’s political and social history like no other. Some artists, like Kahlo, Rivera, and Siqueiros to name a few, were passionate political activists, and their art shows it. Others, like Tamayo and Merida, experimented with pure abstraction rather than politics. But this collection is much more than a history of Mexico and art. It is, as Margarita Nieto, professor at California State University, Northridge, put it, “a microscopic vision of a vast new universe of images, of creations that broaden our world view.”
Luckily, permanent gallery space in the LACMA will be devoted to this collection. It will accompany other masterpieces from the permanent collection such as American Art, Ancient and Islamic Art, Far Eastern Art, Indian/Southeast Asian Art, Photography, and much more. As the largest art museum west of the Mississippi River, the acquisition of these masterpieces is something not to miss.Back to top
The Man in the Iron Mask
by Linnette Lee
Movie Review
March 20, 1998Two Leos for the price of one sounds like a great deal. Leonardo Dicaprio is suddenly becoming the hottest young actor in Hollywood. The Man in the Iron Mask is the new movie featuring Dicaprio.
I’ll admit the real reason I went and saw The Man in the Iron Mask was to see Dicaprio. Yet it was four veteran actors that kept me in the theater. Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich, Gerald Depardieu and Gabriel Byrne all play up their strengths in The Man in the Iron Mask. The fact that director Randall Wallace snagged Dicaprio for the part of King Louis XIV was great timing; using the older and more experienced actors was thoughtful casting.
If you are into authenticity you might have a problem with The Man in the Iron Mask. Except for Depardieu, who just happens to be French, nobody else attempts a French accent. Dicaprio and Malkovich seem to be speaking twentieth century American English in Alexandre Dumas’ tale of 1660 France.
This isn’t accurate, but it is movie smart. It allows viewers to pay attention to the plot without being bothered by an actors bad and confusing mimicry skills. Unfortunately it still bugs.
The story within The Man in the Iron Mask is interesting. Dicaprio plays King Louis XIV, a monarch who cares little to nothing about anyone besides himself. Outside of the palace gates the rest of France is on the brink of a revolution. Irons, Depardieu and Malkovich all play aging musketeers.
After Malkovich’s son is killed the musketeers begin planning a way to overthrow the king. In comes the Man in the Iron Mask, another side of Dicaprio. Unfortunately another musketeer enters into the picture, Byrne. Byrne is loyal to Dicaprio, thus the story begins.
In the first few minutes of The Man in the Iron Mask it looks like the actors are engaging in a fancy costume party. The movie starts out slow, but later begins to pick up speed. The characters soon find their niche.
Depardieu is especially enjoyable to watch. Within the musketeer Porthos, played by Depardieu, there is lots of laughs. As for Dicaprio, the man who draws millions of young girls to the movies everyday, it takes him awhile to fill at home with the role of King Louis XIV. His character improves when the masked man’s identity is revealed.
Director Randall Wallace wrote the screenplay for the Academy Award winning Braveheart. Last weekend The Man in the Iron Mask passed the first hurdle, it tied Titanic for grossing the same amount of money.
Everyone is wondering if The Man in the Iron Mask will have the lasting power of Titanic. Obviously the answer is no. Still if you’re looking for a good movie go see it. Just don’t expect another Titanic.Back to top
Oscars predictions
by Donna chavez and Rose terracciano
March 20. 1998Colton High School has predicted that “Titanic” will be able to stay afloat in the icy waters of the Oscars.
For those Titaniacs out there, if the Academy Awards measure up to Colton High’s “Predicting the Oscars Poll,” then you will be very pleased. The poll covered all the major Oscar categories and “Titanic” received an overwhelming percentage of the vote for all categories in which it was included. Students’ predictions for Oscar night say “Titanic” will strike gold for Best Picture, Best Director- James Cameron, Best Actress- Kate Winslet, Best Supporting Actress- Gloria Stuart, and Best Original Song- “My Heart Will Go On.” The only division where the film didn’t come out on top was Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. The majority of students chose Jack Nicholson and Robin Williams, respectively.
The experts concur with Colton High’s crystal gazing. For Best Picture it is “as much of a lock as it has ever been,” according to critic Rob Lurie of the “Rob Lurie Show.”
“Titanic is going to win it in a walk.”However, Good Will Hunting is also destined to receive some recognition, because it is a “film that is very beloved,” says Lurie.
“Titanic” will prove to be the “ship of dreams” in the end. “ It is the perfect Oscar film,” according to Lurie.
After the February 10 announcement of the nominations for the 70th annual Academy Awards, there were many shocks and surprises. One of the biggest was the decision to exclude Steven Spielberg’s historical drama, “Amistad,” from the best picture category. However, the film did receive four nominations, including one for Best Supporting Actor- Anthony Hopkins.
“The Full Monty” is the oddball movie, which even “flabbergasted” its producer, Uberto Pasolini, with Best Picture and Best Director nominations.
“Titanic,” the film which knocked “Star Wars” out of the number one spot for the top grossing films of all time, got an “expected” 14 nomination grab. This includes Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress.
Incidentally, the 14 nomination snatch tied the 1950 film “All About Eve” for the most Oscar nominations ever. “All About Eve” ended up taking home six Oscars.
It seemed like the end of the world when Leonardo DiCaprio didn’t receive a Best Actor nomination, but Cameron isn’t surprised. “What,” you say, “no support from the big guy?” Well, Cameron believes this happened because of “his teen- idol image” and the resentment in the movie industry of “too much stardom too fast.”
Just because DiCaprio isn’t recognized doesn’t mean you shouldn’t watch the Awards. They will be held on March 23 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and can be seen on T.V. at 6p.m. on Channel 7.
A little factoid about this year’s Academy Awards: this year marks a return to big studio films. While last year was known as the “year of the independent film,” most of the big nominees this year are just the opposite.
Hopefully, the long awaited Oscar night will be gratifying for worthy movie artists and crazed fans. We’ll see come Monday.Back to top
Send in the drug dogs!
by Tariq Warsi
March 20, 1998When was the last time that you were confronted with the offering of drugs? If you are like the normal Colton High School student, it just may have been last period. It may have been last year. Or it may never have happened at all. But there is one thing for sure, there is a definite drug problem on our campus. Over the past year there has been a significant increase in the use of marijuana in our school. You may not think that this story effects you in any way, but believe me it is a big part of your life. We need to have a more efficient way of dealing with the substance abuse problem on our campus. The usual crackdown by the people with the walkie-talkies just isn’t cutting it anymore. I think that there needs to be more drastic measures taken when the dealing with such a large topic.
So, what does happen when someone is caught with drugs on our campus? Well, if a student is caught with a drug or look-a-like drug, they don’t get expelled, they are suspended for five days. A police report will be written up, the student must attend traffic court, they must take “drug classes” and write as essay as part of the rehabilitation process. The student will also be recommended to the discipline panel of our district. The discipline panel at our district office then decides what happens to the student after the rehab has kicked in; usually the student gets an all-expense paid trip to Washington or Slover. As of right now, a student is only expelled if they are caught with an ounce or more of marijuana, and that is only if the discipline panel approves of the expulsion.
So basically a student who is caught with three or more grams of marijuana on school grounds gets a “five day vacation,” apologizes for what they have done to a few important people, takes a class, writes an essay, and in about one semester we’ll see them back on our campus. Is this taking care of the problem or is it merely delaying the problem for a few months? Why is it that we can’t get rid of the people that don’t take their education seriously, and expel them for the violations once and for all? I’ll tell you why.
Money. It’s all about money, as most things are in this cruel world.
The reason we’ll never get tough on drugs is because the district wouldn’t want us to. Say that our school were to put in effect a “zero tolerance” policy that would expel a person on first conviction. I estimate that about a quarter of our school population would be gone very soon. So Colton High will stand to lose about $5000 a year for each student expelled due to the possession of drugs. This amount is the money the school gets from the state of California to educate each of us.
But there may be a light at the end of the tunnel. As recently reported in the San Bernardino Sun, the Colton School District trustees are considering the use of drug-sniffing dogs on a regular basis. These bud-sniffing hounds would be put to use here as well as at Bloomington, Washington, Slover, Colton Middle School, Ruth O. Harris Middle School, and Terrace Hills Middle School. The dogs would be fully trained golden retrievers, the kind used by Customs agents, contracted through a company called InterQuest Detection Canine Inc. The cost to the school for one day would be $300. If you ask me, it’s worth the price. So that means soon enough we would actually will have a schoolwith a decrease in drug use. After the first round of expulsions, I’m certain that the word would get out not to come to school with your bud. Word like that travels quickly.
So what is this saying about our school? I’m not trying to say that our school is infested with potheads, but what I am trying to say is that we should try to make an attempt at getting slackers out of our school and leaving a place where education is respected without the hassle of drug dogs twice a month. I will guarantee that there is at least one student reading this article that has smoked a joint, probably even today, so this could be directed especially to you. The time has come for our school to take initiative, and if that means that you will get caught and thrown out of our district, then good riddance to bad rubbish. And if that means I’ll be saying bye to some of my friendsBack to top
A Shot Of Wiski
by Linnette Lee
Column
March 20, 1998Religion is a topic I’ve always been taught to avoid discussing, especially in public schools. Yet, as I always say, rules were made to be . . .uh, challenged.
Separation of Church and State is more than just a phrase we learn in history. There is a fine line between what can and cannot be discussed in public schools. The problem is that everyone sees a different line.
What is happening to our society? One minute we are changing the name of Christmas Break to Winter Break. The next minute we are discussing religion and morals like there is no tomorrow. What happened to thine own self be true?
Holidays are an industry of their own. I mean look, they now have Easter Trees. Is it just me or weren’t trees reserved for Christmas?
Holidays are by tradition unique, but the overabundance of commercialization is putting a stop to this. Yesterday I actually saw a person buy “shamrock lights.” Hello people, are those for your oversized shamrock-shaped tree?
Practically every holiday has religious roots, yet the average American doesn’t know the stories behind them. Society has reduced Easter to the Easter Bunny. Buyer Beware: Hallmark is out to take over the world!
We can flaunt our Christian values from here to Kingdom Come (pun intended), yet a large group of people don’t even know what they are flaunting. Am I the only one who has a problem with this?
Currently commercialization of religion is the fast track for big money. The new trend seems to be “WWJD” apparel and accessories. For those of you who are WWJD illiterate, it stands for “What Would Jesus Do?” For a not so small price, a person can buy anything from ties and shoestrings to jewelry with the WWJD logo on it.
It’s sad that something as sacred as religion is becoming the next big money maker. There are Christian Bookstores, Christian Coffee Houses and even Christian Dating Clubs. (All for a nominal fee, of course—the power of the American dollar at work.)
So confronted with all this commercialization in His name, what would Jesus do? Is this something of which he would approve? I believe he said something along the lines of love thy neighbor, don’t exploit them.
The American people seem to be worshipping a new god. His name is not God, Jesus Christ or Allah. His name is “The Dollar.” Maybe the founders of this new religion will have the motto “What Would Jesus Do?” For an added touch the denominations of money could be in Jesuses, Marys and Josephs. And maybe, just maybe, if we pray hard enough, we will stop robbing Peter to pay Paul.Back to top
Softball competes for title
by Brian Espinoza
March 20, 1998The LadyJackets softball team should be competing for a playoff spot this year. With many returning players from last year’s squad and new rising stars the team should be ready to avenge their last place finish from last year and use their experience to try and dominate the Citrus Belt League.
This year’s squad will be led behind their strong pitching staff of juniors Diana Sutton and Candice Hernandez and freshmen Desiree Serrano. They will be backed up by a stingy defense from junior shortstop Selena Olvera and senior second baseman Maral Mata and sophomore Racheal Leon. Senior Kristi Gallo, a returning starter from last years team, will return after an injury which occurred during soccer season.
The Lady Jackets began their season with a double header against Riverside Arlington and La Sierra. Against Arlington they went all the way to 12 innings before coming up just short with a 7-5 loss. Against La Sierra they again came up short by a score of 6-1.
Next facing off against Temecula Valley Sutton threw a two hitter but despite her effort they lost 3-1.Back to top
Colton Kids Are Stoopid!
Staff Editorial
March 20, 1998Everyone at Colton High School is stupid. There was another gang fight last week where someone was fatally wounded. A kid we know got caught with the possession of drugs and a loaded gun. All the girls that go here get pregnant and drop out sooner or later. The TIR room is a torture chamber. The school is a cesspool of lousy teachers, indifferent students, and gang killings. It ought to be burned to the ground.
What’s this, you say? Has the Pepper Bough finally gone off the deep end? No, we haven’t. Hold on a minute.
That first paragraph an example of the negative things you probably hear about Colton High. We don’t know about you, but we here at the Pepper Bough are tired of the ill-founded stereotypes and negative reputation Colton High receives from people who most likely never have visited the campus. There are many positive things that go on here that go unrecognized. And despite what some people would like to believe, we are glad to trumpet them when they do occur. And they do.
For example, during the 1996-1997 school year, 50% of Colton High graduates successfully completed the University of California A-F requirements. Compared to previous years, like the 18% completion rate during the1993-1994 school year, this number is both amazing and encouraging. Someone, it seems, must be doing something right.
And there’s more. The California State University English Placement Test (EPT) indicates that 66% of those who took the exam in 1997 scored high. The English Department has also shown high scores in the Advanced Placement (AP) examinations. Last year 88% of those who took the Literature test got a score of 3 or higher, which gives them college credit. Sixty-eight percent of those who took the Language portion passed as well.
In addition to this, Colton High’s individual students have shown what kind of education can be had here. Four 1997 graduates were awarded Golden State Seal Merit Diplomas for high achievement on a number of exams during their high school careers. The award was given for the first time in June 1997 to seniors across California. Katherine Amaral, Lorin Burleson, Jeffrey Patrick, and Pear Utrapiromsuk were presented certificates at the school district’s December 11 Board of Education meeting. To qualify for the honor, students had to take at least six Golden State Examinations and score 4, 5, or 6 level on each test. Required exams included American History, mathematics (algebra or geometry), written composition, science (biology, chemistry or coordinated science) and two additional tests either in economics, a second math offering or a second science offering. The four Golden State scholars had special insignias affixed to their diplomas. This appeared in the Daily Bulletin several times. Why it hasn’t appeared in the local papers is another editorial.
And after grads leave, they continue to excel. What is often overlooked is how the average students do once they get out of here. Sure, the honor students do well, everyone says, but what about the non-college prep kids?
Listen to this: Students who took the American Collegiate Test (ACT) last school year also showed good scores. But what’s wonderful is that all across the board—in English, mathematics, reading, science reasoning, and the composite score—non-college preparatory students consistently had higher average scores than both the state and national average ACT scores. We’ll say that again: Higher than both state and national average.
All this must mean something. Students don’t do good on national examinations by chance. Unless these students have taken a miracle drug that enhances intelligence—which has not been medically found—then it must be the school that is helping the students achieve theseBack to top
Swimming
Liz Nicks
March 20, 1998Cannon Ball!!! That’s the sound of this years swim team diving into practices which started mid February at the New Hutton Center Pool. With only James Vickers on deck as the coach, the team must work hard together to achieve any goals they plan to set for themselves.
Swimmers new to this years team began practicing on February 9 while the returning varsity squad started February 17. This gave Coach Vickers a chance to see what he had in store for him for this swim season. Due to a foot injury, Coach Eileen Potterton has been unable to report to the pool deck to help Vickers at practices. Yet instead of leaving the team entirely she has decided to stay and do the behind the scenes work.
This season the team started off with around 40 swimmers and have now narrowed it down to 35. Yet only 7 of these 35 swimmers are guys; the fact that the team is predominantly female is unusual and will make for some interesting challenges this year.
“We need to get the team going and recruiting more swimmers or else next year we won’t have enough to make even one team,” said Potterton.
With the team so small there have been numerous complaints about practices being boring and many not even showing up.
“If we got more swimmers, like we had last year, people would want to go to practices and swim because it would be much more fun,” said sophomore Beth Mleczko.
The team’s first meet was on March 10 at Ramona High School. Individually, returning swimmers, seniors John Silva, Matt Gomez, and Liz Nicks and sophomores Katy Giroux and Beth Mleczko, took home first in their events, helping the team to come close in points. Yet Ramona had the size to take the lead, winning the overall meet.
The first home meet was on March 12 at the Terrace Hills Middle School against Pacific, and again the returning swimmers placed well. Yesterday the team swam against Rubidoux but we were unable to get the results in time to meet deadline.
Next week’s meets are on Tuesday against Eisenhower at home and Thursday at East Valley.Back to top
Teen Curfews
by Ramon Rodriguez
March 20, 1998It’s eleven o’clock and your walking home from a party. You know what this means. Of course your stopped by the cops. Surprised? Not really, how could anyone forget about the City of Colton’s annoying curfew. Or is it?
A lot of teens have the curfew seen as a bad thing, but it’s really not, it’s actually a lot different than people see it. Okay, so ten is early for us to be wrapping up a night, but you don’t have to. The curfew is set for ten, but as long as your not walking the streets, the authorities wont bother you. Say your at a friend’s house, and it’s way past ten...not a problem. As long as your in doors and off the streets your okay. What the police do look for are the groups hanging out at a lampost down an alley at one or two in the morning!
Plus, some think that if your under 18 and driving past ten your dead meat. Right?, wrong! The police won’t even look at you, as long as your not driving around and up to no good. If your going or coming from a party, your not doing anything wrong. Also, what if you’re not at a house and your out at a public area? It’s still okay, if your out having fun, and not making trouble, you wont have to deal with any problems. So the curfew for us isn’t the best, but I think it could be a lot worse. There’s only a problem when you’re traveling on foot, otherwise, I think it might actually be good.
As long as the cops are picking up the kids on foot it lowers the probability of late night fights, or keeps from drunk drivers hitting the innocent kid on the side walk at one in the morning. Making it more safe to stay out and have fun. The safety of the kids out there is vastly more important than trying to get away from the cops. The curvews are out there so that our society may coexist without the fear of vandals, or parents won’t have to fear for their own childs life.
There’s only one thing that I think should be changed. Some other cities have later curfews, some up to twelve midnight. The only reason Colton’s curfew can’t be that great is because it’s not safe enough to extend to eleven or twelve. If it was extended that late you would have even more kids walking around, making it more dangerous for all of them. The curfew keeps those night roamers somewhat in line.
So don’t think of the curfew as a bad thing. Stick to the safe points of the law, like staying in doors, and not roaming the streets. As long as this is followed I think it’s still easy to go out and have a good time.Back to top
Teen/Parent communication
by Ana Gonzalez
March 20, 1998Teenage runaways, rape, pregnancy, suicide, anorexia, bulimia, drugs, alcohol, gangs, AIDS—there is no doubt that teens today face more problems than previous generations. However, like everything in life, these societal problems have one thing in common. At core, parent-teen communication is the biggest dilemma facing America’s youth.
Communication needs an understandable speaker and an understanding listener. It is not just hearing someone else’s words, it is comprehending those words, says Elizabeth A. Ryan in her book Straight Talk About Parents. We communicate through actions, gestures, posture, and silence. Too often silence is the case.
“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them,” James Baldwin once said.
During growth, teenagers undergo personal development that mainly involves independence. Most teens feel their parents “just don’t understand.” While feeling misunderstood, teens are also experiencing peer pressure, stress, and the rest of the teenage problem. Yet, teens are expected to adapt to these changes.
But teens are not the only ones with conflicts. At the same time their kids are going through psychological turmoil, parents may also be experiencing their own problems. Facing middle age, advancing in a career, marriage, and realizing that their kids are not kids any more are some foibles parents have.
Although both parents and teens have problems, most often they do not speak about them. Not only do teens find it difficult to identify with their parents, but parents may also find it uncomfortable confessing their fears to their own kids. This inability to identify with each other is the main source of a communication breakdown.
Fear is another reason. Many teens, and even parents, are afraid of verbally expressing their emotions. In her book, Ryan points out some excuses used to not communicate: I’ll be criticized for my opinions. Mom/Dad will really let me have it if they find out I think this way. No one could possibly understand why I feel this way.
“Most kids don’t know how to talk, they think no one will understand them,” says freshman Irma Galindo. “You just have to know when to approach your parents. If they’re busy, they’ll just ignore you.”
Like it or not, effective communication is the key to a healthy parent-teen relationship. As Margaret Hill explains in Coping With Family Expectations, “talking about emotions can bring families closer together if the members are careful about how they express themselves.”
Because communication is twofold—speaking and listening—it is important to be both a good speaker and a good listener. Some suggestions Ryan offers for an open, honest communication include sticking to the point, staying away from insults, and being sure that you are understanding to the other person’s point of view ands letting the other person know that you understand.
In order to be a good listener, you must ask yourself several questions: Am I hearing this communication in the most positive way? Am I making up my own interpretation of what is going on? Have I given up on having a pleasant conversation before the conversation has begun? What can I do to help the other person be clear about what he/she is saying?
“Between work and home, I don’t have enough time to sit down and talk to my kids,” says a parent of a Colton High teen. “I wish I could have more time to talk to my kid, or find a way to talk to my kid, but life is just too fast paced.”
Sometimes taking these steps may seem too difficult at first. For this reason, there are special groups and organizations that help parents and teens cope with each other. For example, Raising Today’s Teens is a national help line for parents raising teens. It is a free, private, and confidential on-line and phone counseling service created by the Marion Foundation. It was created to help with problem solving and to provide support. Parents can call 1-800-475-TALK to speak with a trained parent counselor.
Teens can take their first step by calling the local teen counseling programs. Teen to Teen Hotline, at 475-5200, and San Bernardino Family Services, at 886-6737, are ways to get help with ones problems in San Bernardino County.
Another option is to go to your very own counselor.
“A lot of students have good communication with their parents,” said counselor James C. Bengston. “But when students start to slack off in school work and attendence, communication breaks down.”
One method counselors use to promote honest communication are conferences.
“When parents come to us for help, counselors hold conferences with the parent and teen. We ask the student to set goals for the future and to think of how their parents can help them realize that goal.”Back to top
Track Team!
by Danielle Hunt
March 20, 1998
Colton High School’s track team faces off against Bloomington today at 3:00, continuing a season that will have them facing new challenges. Coach Wayne Weeks puts it this way: “We are competing aginst some of the top teams in the state, and it’s going to be a challenging season.”
Colton achieved second in CIF last year which puts the runners in a spot of high expectations.
The squad has already faced two challenging matches aginst San Bernardino and San Gergonio , going down to defeat in both. Despite the losses of these two duel meets the team is still up and ready for more.
Junior Corey Butner, who won first place in the high jump aginst San Bernardino and San Gorgonio, says,”Things are going pretty good, we have a good team.”
Junior Maryana Vasquez agrees: ”I think that we are doing great, it doesn’t matter if we lost our two last meets; we still have a great team!” Maryana won first in the 3200 aginst San Bernardino and also won first place in the mile aginst San Gorgonio.Back to top
Spring break
Eric Luna & Matt Gomez
March 20, 1998
Hey there kids. Tired of school? Tired of the monotony of watching TV and sitting on your fat booty at home?Well here’s the story for you.What’s that you say?You wish you had a life so you had something to do on spring break?Well this just mayt be your lucky day, so for all you guys that turned your brain off early, here are some ideas.
Now we know what you’re thinking, but this article does have to focus on the legal range of activities and also activities that are available for the under eighteen crowd, sorry guys, I know it hurts but you’ll just have to think up that idea of going to the Spearmint Rhino by yourself.Now that being said, let’s go!
Now how about some places to where we all can experience a good time and still keep it legal. First thing that comes to mind, with the season probably going to be giving us some hot weather, is the beach. Heck yeah! With all the nice scenery walking by, and hopefully some tight sets, you could be set for the day. But for those who could give a you know what, and for those who are all sprung on the ones who aren’t, there’s always building sand castles. So with those ideas in mind let’s depart from this, and see what else there is.
For all you couples, there’s always the movies and very romantic dinner spots, where you and your hunny can eat by a candlelight dinner.Or you could be economical and save up for prom, which could either please or displease your girl or guy, but isn’t that always how it is?
Well do you want to please your parents?Now I know you do, so how about staying home and studying or just spend quality time with dear old dad while he sits and watches Tv and complains about his job.If anything this will make you enjoy your school life even more.Heck, it it could be worse, you could be him.
Now here are the greatest ideas (legal ones at least) in history for spring break. So children, feed upon our knowledge and have a fun one.I know we will, but of course, we’re eighteen.Back to top
Wrestling scores behind Rocha
By Brian Espinoza
March 20, 1998Senior Larry Rocha finished sixth in the 114 pound weight class at the C. I. F. Individuals meet at Canyon Springs High School on Feburary 21 to advance to the Masters. The top six finishers in each weight class and division advance.
The Masters were held at Fountain Valley High School in Huntington Beach on Feburary 28. Being the only wrestler to advance, Rocha traveled every day to Canyon Springs with coach Troy Knudsvig to train and practice. Rocha practiced all week long with the opponent that he would face in his first match at the Masters. This should have been an advantage to Rocha, considering he was being able to beat his opponent every day in practice. Also, if he wanted to advance out of his bracket, Rocha had to win his first match or he was eliminated.
Just a few minutes into the match Rocha’s opponent was able to put him into a quick move and pin him. This was a surprise to everyone and Rocha was in disbelief.
“I beat that guy all week long in practice and he gets lucky. I was mad but I’m happy that I got the chance to compete in the Masters,” said Rocha.
Overall, Rocha had an outstanding season with a
40-9 record, only having been pinned twice the entire season. He also took All-League honors in the Citrus Belt League by finishing first in League Finals.
Other notables on the team included the Ramirez brothers, Gabe (140 pounds) and Efren (135 pounds), who both took All League Honors by winning their weight divisions. As a team they finished 33 with 21 1/2 points in the C.I.F. duals.