Haven't passed the CAHSEE? Help is on the way!
by Jeanine Hernandez
    Hey YellowJackets, did you know CAHSEE is now a graduation requirement? Well now you do. So here's your chance to pass. Selected Tuesdays are reserved to give the English/Language Arts portion, so don't miss your time.
    Seniors go November. 1-2, 2005 and March. 21-22, 2006.
Juniors and Sophomores are scheduled for February 7-8, 2006 and May 9-10, 2006.
    Don't worry, you'll get your results in 8-9 weeks after the CAHSEE. Now you can't say you didn't know. So study hard, but wait-- do you need help studying for the CAHSEE? Why not take a CAHSEE ACADEMY CLASS! What do you have to lose? Get that extra help, and get prepared for the CAHSEE. So starting September 26-October 27, the English Language Arts classes will be held in room 629 with Englilsh teacher Lucas Drake period 7, Monday through Thursday from 2:00pm- 3:00pm, or you could go Saturdays on October 1 - October 29, with English teacher Heidi Wilson in room 503, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.
    Math help is available from October 1 , 2005 to October 29, 2005 Saturdays with Ms.Davalos, in Room 552, Ms. Wilkinson in Room 555, or with Ms. Folta in Room 564. If you're interested in getting help for the CAHSEE, please call Assistant Principal Sandy Torres at 580-5005, x2316, to enroll or come down to room 503. So get enrolled and get prepared.

Back to Table of Contents

Fleeing Katrina: Mississippi Student lands in Yellowjacketland
by Amanda Miller
    Imagine being away from your home, your friends, and your parents. Would you adapt well? Harshad Patel, a sophomore, who was affected by Hurricane Katrina, adapted just fine. Her parents, who are still back home in Waveland, Mississippi, sent her to Colton to live with her Aunt, Uncle, and cousin. Harshad knew she was going to have to move when the hurricane came. "It didn't bother me, I knew I was going to move."
    When she arrived in California she was greeted with a shining sun and warm weather, which was much different from the cool temperatures and cold winters of Mississippi. Harshad, who attended Bay High in Mississippi, made friends fast at C.H.S.
    She was sent to Colton High with her cousin, who is a freshman, due to school being postponed in Mississippi until November. So what are some differences between Bay High and Colton? The campus is much larger here, lunch is outside at Colton, school is released later at Bay, around 4 p.m. and they had four classes instead of six. Not much of a difference. Harshad plans to finish her sophomore year here at C.H.S. and return to Bay High next summer to return to what she misses most, her friends.

Back to Table of Contents

Katrina destroys lives, brings questions
by Ana Gonzalez
    Some say it's a dream, some say it's a nightmare, some say, "Oh God, this can't be happening!" This is reality. And it really happened; the BIGGEST natural disaster in U.S. history since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. That storm is Hurricane Katrina.
    Katrina started off as "TD #12" (Tropical Depression 12) on August 23. Also, it was sitting on the Bahamas. But Katrina strengthened and on the 24th, it rapidly became a hurricane. Katrina made landfall in Florida. It produced 14 inches of rain! As Katrina exited the coast, it started to strengthen again. In just three days, Katrina went from a category 1 to a category 5! On the 28th, Katrina was headed to Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and the panhandle of Florida. Residents were forced to evacuate. Others refused to go.
    Reporters from every channel like CBS, NBC, CNN, MSNBC, The Weather Channel, just to name a few, were on the scene. They were prepared and ready to face the fury. Katrina made its 2nd and 3rd landfall as a category 4 (winds of 135 mph) on Louisiana and Mississippi. It pounded the coast and flooding was a major problem. Katrina rapidly downgraded to a tropical storm and became extra-tropical, producing heavy rain to the northeast.
    Katrina damaged to the gulf coast; even New Orleans Superdome was destroyed. They all need relief.
    Since Hurricane Katrina caused major damage, it also made CHS major drama, too. The ASB raised over $3,000 for hurricane relief.
     Students and teachers here in CHS have loved ones over the hard hit areas.   "My son is over there right now," said Activities Director Ellen Green, "He's in the army and he has been delayed by this hurricane too many times."
    World History Teacher Nadine Torres-Kelly's aunt will start a program of feeding families that were hit by Hurricane Katrina. "I feel that the victims need to start over," she says, "The government has failed to look forward to the victims because people had lost their lives."
    Junior Cherie Arceneaux has her aunt, uncle, and her 2 cousins over there right now and has not contacted them since Katrina hit. "The last time I had contact with them was a month ago, before the hurricane made landfall," she says.
     The students and teachers in CHS also had thoughts about Hurricane Katrina and the government. Junior Ashley Bethem says, "I think it's horrible. President Bush and the government should get off their butts and do something!"
    On September 3, NBC, CNBC and MSNBC had a telethon for hurricane relief. R&B singer Kanye West said, "If I was in that tragedy, I would live with no food, no water, and no shelter." Then he finished, "Bush does not care about black people!"
The controversial declaration made big news.
    This hurricane was the BIGGEST natural disaster in U.S. history. Everyone will remember this for a long time. Torres-Kelly says, "This is a world event. I feel that the victims need to look at the bright side. The Government has failed to respond. For the most part, families lost their children."
    "It's pretty sad. Everyone is dying. My aunt's house went down," says Arceneaux.
        August 29,2005 is the day the world will never forget Hurricane Katrina. If you are going to be a reporter and you have to be out there during a storm like Katrina, bring a helmet. Torres-Kelly finishes, "We can't forget until we are reminded again. It can happen to any state. We have to realize that."

Back to Table of Contents

Pepperbough gets a makeover
By Vanessa Hill
Sept. 30, 2005

This year, the CHS Pepper Bough is getting a new look. In case you haven't noticed, we are printing in color now. We also have some new cameras that take excellent pictures. With more pages, we're also able to put in more of the stories that interest you as readers. "We've never printed an issue in color before. We figured we'd start the year off with a bang," says advisor Dave Rainey on the paper's new look. Although having the upgrade is nice, there is a price to pay, and it isn't cheap. Printing a twelve-page issue in color will cost the Pepper Bough about $692.00. On the cost of printing, Rainey wanted to warn that "every issue may not be printed in color, we don't know yet."
The Pepper Bough staff is working very hard to raise the money to keep this new look. Advertising and fund raising are the key ideas, but neither one can guarantee the amount needed. We may also have to cut down on the number of papers printed going from 3,000 papers to 2,000 each time a new issue comes out. So if there isn't enough for everyone in your class, you'll have to share. When you're finished reading it, pass it along! You can be sure that the Pepper Bough staff is doing everything they can in order to provide you with a more interesting and more attractive newspaper.

Back to Table of Contents

School modernization brings new challenges for students, staff alike
by Divya Joseph
Construction work that started over the summer, though cause for improvement, has altered life in Colton High School. A lot of changes have been made to the functioning of the school. Why is Colton High School getting reconstructed? According to Assistant Principal Oliver Wong, "The school is old and it needs construction to set a better learning environment." The construction started over the summer and was delayed because of the complexity of its nature. The places that are getting reconstructed are; the rooms542-565, Hubbs and McIntosh Gyms, Locker rooms, rooms 350-407and restrooms (construction on these rooms started in July and was supposed to finish in August'07), rooms 31-33,200-217,safety center (construction on these is said to start on October and to finish in January '06), rooms502-513 (starts June'06and to finish August), rooms100-105/library/Admin./Counseling/ Nurse/Reception/Staff lounge, parking area, piping, open trenches (starts June'06 and to finish byMay'07) . Demolition and construction on the Science wing is still questionable but is hopeful to start on June '07. Overall the construction is said to last for three years.
    The general opinion is that the construction has brought with it a lot of complications and the most affected by this is P.E and so I went up to confirm this by talking to people at the P.E area and a very enthusiastic sophomore, Arielle Manuel says," I think they need to get going with my aerobics, this is aerobics class and I don't want to walk the track." And also Junior, Arima Williams says that she doesn't like the construction because it makes less room for the overcrowded students. Another problem is the dust that is, said to be caused because of construction. "There has been a lot of dust and on hot days, when students are sweating we can see mud on their faces?" says Angela Reynolds, P.E teacher.
             Even though there were some negative remarks, there were also a few people who are positive, such as sophomore, Elizabeth Carpenter: "I think the construction is helpful because it will make me proud to say that this is my school. Right now it is a little trashy and so it is embarrassing." And there are a very few like Sophomore Alexis Banks who says, "I don't have a problem with P.E. arrangements. It's just as fine here, as it would have been normally." Overall teachers are saying that although students could have made a big fuss about the construction they didn't and are cooperating with the teachers. "Students have been very good and they realize that there is nothing we can do about (the construction)," says Sandra Guidi, P.E. teacher. The administration has also greatly appreciated the cooperation on the students' part.

Back to Table of Contents

Should we HAVE to say the Pledge?
I should say not
Senior Jonathan Carasco

America is looked on as one of the most capitalistic countries because of the freedom to choose. Now I ask you, are we as students being forced by teachers and other administrators to give up our freedom of choice during the flag salute? True, the flag is a symbol that should be acknowledged not only out of respect, but out of patriotism as well. However that does not mean that we are all supposed to praise and gawk at it whenever someone says, "I pledge allegiance." The old girl has been through a lot. Okay, I understand that, but do you go around saluting your great aunt Mildred every time she gets up to get a glass of prune juice? Do you have an aunt Mildred? Do you have prune juice?
The answer to your questions is no. Things get old. I know that, and it's not a bad thing to admit it. But if our nation is not built on freedom, if it is not built on choice, if the only thing that our entire countries foundation really consists of is stars, stripes, and fabric then I weep for the future. Americans are constantly pushing there beliefs on others, if the flag salute is meant for Americans then why is the public school system forcing it on everyone. There is not much more to say, but we are not a bunch of mindless drones praising a symbol, but we should rather be looked on as one nation under god indivisible with liberty and justice for all. ?

Back to Table of Contents

Should we HAVE to say the Pledge of Allegiance?
Dear Heavens, Yes!
Senior Vanessa Hill

Everyday, when the flag salute is said over the intercom, I am shocked at how few students say the Pledge of Allegiance, or even stand up for it. In my opinion, it shows respect for our country when we recite the flag salute. I do understand how some people may feel uncomfortable saying it, and I agree that no one should have to recite it if they do not wish to. But as a sign of respect, I think students should at least stand up while it is being said.
I have heard people saying that it is their "right as an American" to do, or not be forced to do, something. Yet these very same people refuse to acknowledge the meaning of the flag salute. Standing for the Pledge shouldn't be thought of as embarrassing or un-cool, but as patriotic and polite. What is so wrong with being proud of living in America? I personally have never been mocked, at least not to my knowledge, for showing my American pride. Adults and children alike should have a certain amount of respect for the Pledge of Allegiance, and there is no reason to feel embarrassed when you stand up and say it.
Think about what America offers its citizens, think of how we need to constantly show support for the country we live in. Not standing for the pledge is like not doing what our parents ask of us. (I know, a silly comparison, but hear me out.) Not standing meaning that we do not respect our country, and not doing what is asked of us is not respecting out parents. This is just something that I wish was done by everyone in order to show how united our country really could be.

Back to Table of Contents

College acceptance process full of hoops
by Vanessa Hill
One of the hardest things for a senior in high school to do is think about college. Once you reach the last year of your high school career, you realize how much you actually have to do. Think about it, the SAT, the ACT, the scholarships, the applications, and what if you miss a deadline, whoa, it's stressful. If you are not a perfect student holding a steady 4.0, it can become discouraging. Recruiters come into the class rooms telling students that it is a necessity to go to college these days. We know that, most of us have been told that all our lives. But it's true; you can't get very far in a career without a college degree. So why is it so hard to actually get to college? California has gotten way out of hand; the price of tuition is outrageous. You might as well go to an out of state school and pay for room and board. You'd be paying the same amount if you went some where in California and commuted there.
    Scholarships are pretty hard to come by. True, there are thousands available to anybody; all you have to do is apply. But I've come to find that because there are millions applying for the same scholarship, it's just impossible to win. The odds just aren't pretty. It seems that applying for a scholarship is becoming more like entering a sweepstakes to Hawaii, it's a crapshoot. It's not just the price of admittance, but the actual process that really scares me. Like I said, if you don't have an extremely high GPA, or score high on the tests, how can you feel confidant that you will get in? Someone will always be smarter than you, or better at something, but that's life. You just have to deal with it.
    I have been planning on going to college since elementary school, and now that I am a senior, I feel like I have wasted the past nine years of my life. I think everybody worries about what the future holds, but knowing that your future lies inside an acceptance or denial letter, scares me. I think the universities in California should let up on some of the red tape surrounding the acceptance process. Everyone is entitled to an education, and like I said before, it's hard to get anywhere when you have not attended college, so why is it so hard for the average student to get in? Is it really that hard, or are they (I don't know who they are, but they're pretty powerful people) just trying to scare students? And why? Somebody please tell me why we have to worry about pursuing a degree when is it almost a necessity if you want to work somewhere.
    So to all you college bound seniors reading this, I understand. This is stressful. I'm sure some of you think I'm crazy, but this is life. Well, some peoples lives anyways. Our counselors know so much about getting into the right college or university, they can even give you an awesome pep talk about applying, but they cannot get you in. Only you can. I guess I should have had my priorities in the right order when I was in kindergarten, in order to be prepared academically now. Doesn't this sound ridiculous? To me, it is. It is just to hard to get into, pay for, and graduate from a university or college in California nowadays. I bet a million dollars that the number of college graduates will just go down from here, maybe even diminish in seven years.
    Although it is hard, you should strive to go get a college education. Nothing bad can come from it. Unless you don't like that whole warm feeling of accomplishment thing. Maybe this whole thing is blown out of proportion, but it is stressful. As seniors in high school we are met with many challenges, getting into college shouldn't be this scary. But what can we do but suck it up and try? We really have nothing to lose; we can always apply out of state.

Back to Table of Contents

My Turn
by Ericka Gonzales

How do we know what is the truth? How do we know if our life is nothing but a lie? No one knows, exactly. What if our girlfriends, our boyfriends, mom, or dad, our families, or our friends are telling us a lie but we don't even know it? How do we know who we are? Are we even lying to ourselves? Or are we living in a secret that nobody knows?
Ruth Villarama said, "We are not living in a lie. Just try to be honest with your friends." John Mcdonald says, "No, I have my life the way I want." Mellisa Roberson says, "no, I hate poseurs."
Sometimes I do think we are living a lie. Sometimes I think we are because we might not be able to handle the truth. Sometimes the truth can hurt badly and could make you think that the friends you knew aren't really your friends, and make us think that the people we thought we could trust can't be trusted. But then, sometimes I think we aren't, because the people who love you so much would never do anything to hurt you or would never let anything happened to you.
I think the real question here is: why do we even lie in the first place? Why can we just for once tell the truth. I think it would make everyone feel better if we could just tell the truth.

Back to Table of Contents

What's the deal with Power Bracelets?
by Janae Johnson

One glance around campus assures me that most of you are familiar with "power band bracelets". You know, those colorful rubber bands with little words or phrases sprawled across the sides? You could say they have become sort of a new "trend". You can't go far without seeing one on a wrist or for sale in a local store. So what's so good about them anyway? Are there deeper meanings behind the once innocent bracelets?
    Livestrong wristbands represent unity in the battle against cancer and hope for those who are struggling with it. They are all yellow to further represent the unity between everyone who supports people all over the world fighting against cancer. They were inspired by Lance Armstrong and funded by Nike. Armstrong is an extraordinary bicyclist who has already won six tours in his lifetime. This year he will race in the Tour De France going for his seventh tour win. He is a remarkable person who fought through his cancer and came out strong. He is an inspiration to every person who is fighting with this terrible sickness.
    Since the Livestrong bracelets got popular there have been many companies and causes that have adopted the idea. They have apparently become very popular for whatever reason. They are sold in various stores and online. You can get 12 together on e-bay for about $15.25 all with different inspirational words such as, hope, challenge, faith, respect, freedom, and peace. There are also personalized bands that you can get. One of my family friends recently got cancer and got her own bracelets made to give out. They say believe on the side alone with her initials. Celebrities have also caught onto thise trend. The lead singer of the band Something Corporate, Andrew McMahon, was recently diagnosed with leukemia. He decided to use the bracelets to spread awareness of this deathly illness and also raise money for charity. His bands are orange in color, which is the official Leukemia color, and say "I will fight" on the side. They are for sale online at absolutepunk.net.
    Most of these bracelets are deliberate in their meanings. Yet it has been said that some have different meanings associated with different colors. Do you remember the news story last February that claimed that there were hidden messages behind teenagers' jewelry? Colored bracelets supposedly indicated different things about the individual wearing them. They have recently rendered the name "sex bracelets". These have even called for a game to go along with them. As the story goes, break someone's orange bracelet (or purple, in some cases) and you get a kiss. Red, a lap dance, Black, intercourse. And so on. I'm not really sure if this "sex bracelet" craze has yet to hit Colton High. Personally I haven't seen guys running around trying to snap girls black bracelets off. But then again I might not see a lot of things that go on around this campus.
    Basically, these bracelets can be interpreted in a good or bad way. Overall it has to do with opinion I guess. You could take a positive look at bracelets and use these to promote awareness of aids, cancer and other sorts of diseases that a very common today. Or, you can totally twist the meanings around and have the bracelets coincide with sexual availability and what not. I hope that most of you are mature enough to not take part in these little "games", but then again, that might just be my optimism getting the best of me.

Back to Table of Contents

We’ve all heard it, we’ve all said it, and we’re all surrounded by it everyday. What might “it” be you may ask? Swearing.

It is a known fact that high school students swear. Everyday we walk onto campus and throughout the course of the day, we will hear a swear word here or there. I didn’t realize how many swear words I actually hear everyday. That was until I decided to take a day in which, while walking around campus quietly, I listened to the chit chat between students during the passing periods.

I guess I have just grown immune to vulgar language. I have never realized how much it is said. Swear words are used in songs on the radio. They are used in everyday television shoes. Some people even use this type of language to greet their friends. Now for me, I would hate to be greeted as something so negative. I know that some people may argue that it isn’t negative to greet your friend a certain way because it’s how you’ve always done it. But I don’t agree with that. If someone walked up to you and greeted you with a swear word, if it was your friend, yes, you would act one way. But if it were someone you barely knew, you would act completely different. So why would it be okay for one person to greet you one way but not okay for someone else. I loathe walking around campus hearing four letter filth words that have no meaning.

Foul language is used so randomly. If we drop our folder on the way to class, out comes a four-letter word. If someone does seomething we don’t like, their name is changed to a female dog phrase.

We have taken many four leetter words and with each generation, we give them new meaning. “Vulgar language” isn’t just random phrases any longer. Sadly, it is becoming a part of our vocabluary and we don’t even realize it.

We have all heard it spun a thousand different ways, but not matter what fancy and sophisticated words you use it’s still abortion. It comes down to prolife or prochoice. Now most prolifers are usually Republican and those of a higher bracket. Pro-life means you believe a women should keep her baby no matter what. Depending on how far you are to the right that “no matter what” is up for debate.

Pro-choice is usually for the more liberal. Pro-choice is far more controversial; it gives the woman the right to choose to abort the baby as long as its before the 2nd trimester. Then there is the gray area that everyone seems to be a part of. This allows you to politically correct. It allows you to say a woman can have an abortion if she is raped. If that wasn’t allowed, it could pose a serious threat to livelihood of both the mother and the child.

Personally, I belive in ‘pro-choice’ idealism, but that doesn’t mean I’m also promurder. I simply believe that a woman and her doctor should choose, because I have no right what to tell her what to do with her child. I won’t be there at 3:30 in the morning when the child has a 101 degree fever and their diaper needs to changed. I won’t be able to support her when she needs food. Its easy to judge and condemn a mother who wants an abortion, but when you’re walking in her shoes it puts a completely different perspective on it. Whether you’re pro-life or pro-choice remember to be careful and not so quick to judge.

Activity Director Ellen ready to paint the school Green
by Ana Gonzalez

A new year has begun. Looks like our new activities director has a lot of plans to do for the whole year.
    Ellen Green has been working here for 12 years and she is happy that she's the new activities director. "I like the other teachers that are helping students and the students are doing a great job," she says.
    Born in San Francisco, Green likes to listen to music, read books and walk 5 miles (that's too much!). She has 4 sons (one of them is out there in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina). She teaches math/Pre-calculus and used to teach Geometry for summer school. "I LOVE math!!!" She comments, "I wanted to be a mathematician when I was a child, so now I am a math 'teacher'"
    Green's goal is to "hoping to do something of value". She got her education in Rogers University in Rhode Island, and Cal State Chapman University. Right now she's working on her Masters degree in Education.    Green loves dogs. She has 3 dogs: Johnny, Jerry and Gigi.
    "What I like myself as a teacher is that I love the kids here and I love to see how they grow," she says. Green's previous jobs are a Real Estate Broker for 6 years and used to be a waitress. "I don't consider myself as a cool person. I'm just the way I am," she says.

Back to Table of Contents

Donovan Marshall's Roman Holiday
by Alyssa Isgett

If you had an opportunity to spend a year in a different country, go to school and live with people you barely knew, would you do it? This past year, senior Donovan Marshall did just that. He applied for the chance to be a foreign exchange student. He was chosen to go to Italy for an entire year in which he visited places such as Rome, Siena, and Milan. "My favorite place to visit was Venice because it is so unique," says Marshall. "There is no other place like it."
Marshall lived in Ivrea, which is about 40 minutes outside of Turin. Although he says being away from his family for so long wasn't that hard, the transition was not that easy at first. "The first month or so it was kind of strange," explains Marshall, "but after that, it was great. I love them. They are like my family"
Still being a student, Marshall attended school while living in Ivrea. However, it was a little different. "I went to 'Liced Linóustico Gramsci'," says Marshall, "where I studied French, German, Latin, Greek, math, and Biology (where the teachers taught in French)." The school systems in Italy differed from high schools such as Colton High. "In Italy people go to the schools they want to. If you like math, you go to a math school and study math. If you like language, you go to a language school and study language. Another cool thing is that the students stay in the same class all day and the teachers change rooms. I liked it better that way."
Although the schools were harder than what he had experienced before, he still had time to hang out and have fun. "We went to the movies and coffee shops. I also went to Milú, it's a night club where we would go dancing."
This past year a lot of political things have been happening all around the world. "Sivio Berlusconi, the President of Italy, was sending a lot of troops to Iraq. It created a lot of problems in Italy. You have to be in the military if you are a guy."
One has a lot to take away from an experience such as this: "It's hard to say what the most important thing I've learned is," says Marshall, "I think new culture because it made me be more open minded."

Back to Table of Contents

An Exchange Student from Germany compares countries
Coming to America (ahwaaoh)
by Tobias "Tobi" Steenweg

I arrived to the USA one month ago to spend the next year here in this country. The country with a lot of difference to Germany, almost everything is different from language of course, the cars, the school, the laws or the different metric system. That is really unusual for me, because all my life I used the Europe metric system with (km, m, cm, etc.) and suddenly I'm 6 foot 2 tall, statt 1,85 m. And then there's the problem with the degrees in Germany. It is normal around 25 degrees Celsius, and suddenly that's 65 degrees Fahrenheit. 65 degrees, you see that is not really warm, here in California you have often over 100 degrees at this time in summer, so you can imagine that it was at first amazing for me to have such hot weather. In Germany we don't have air conditioning in school and so we get out earlier if the weather is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The German school system is quite different than the school system here in the U.S. You start school with six years and then you have to go to school for 12 years, if you want to go to a university, but you can still leave school after 9th or 10th grade. It's different in Germany you can get lower graduates, but with these graduations you're not allowed to go to a university, so you have to get an education for a job. But that doesn't mean you don't go to school, because you already know that you have to go for 12 years. In your education you go the halftime to your work and the other time to a specific school and there you learn special stuff about your job. Now, doesn't it sound good that you go for just 2- 5 days for school than the normal 5 days a week and you also earn money (between 300 -500 EU) per month in your first year. The only problem is that you can't choose some jobs, so to get your dream job you'll need a better school education. The other problem is that you don't earn as much money. Now I will come to the different schools. We have at first 4 years Grundschule, you can compare it with elementary school, you learn reading and writing. But after that it's pretty different. We have three different schools (Hauptschule, Realschule and Gymnasium).
These different schools are for children with different learning skills. So if you need a lot of time to understand school stuff or you're just lazy then you go to the Hauptschule, this school goes until the 9th grade. The Realschule is between the other schools, you go here if you are not one of the best students or not one of the worst ones. This school goes until the 10th grade, if you have a good education you can go to the gymnasium and get your education for university there. And then we have the Gymnasium, here you are attend if you want to go to a university, but you have the opportunity to take vocational training, so your doors will be open to everything.
Something about the school Alltag. School starts at 8 a.m. and goes until 1:05 p.m., but we have still six periods, the difference is that a period in Germany is not a full hour, sopmetimes 45 minutes. Your schedule is different every day, we have some subjects more than other ones. For example I had Art twice a week, and every day an hour of English (it depends how important a subject is.) That schedule is for one class. This is really different in Germany, we have approximately 20 students and every student in this class has the same schedule, so you have a schedule for the class and not for every student. Every class has their own class room, so the teachers change the rooms, so you can einrichten your room as you like it. I think that's the most important fact about school in Germany, but that is just one of differences.
When I left the airport in L.A. I noticed so many big cars (trucks, pickup's etc.) that confused me, because in Germany we only have little cars. Driving a pickup would be too expensive in Germany, because a liter of gas costs approximately 1.20 EU. So a Gallon (3,785l.) costs 5.50 EU and you see that is almost double than here in the United States.
But still some cars I was used to it and they were the German cars (the VW Golf or Jetta or the Beetle.) But it wasn't only the Volkswagon that I recognized, also the Mercedes or BMW I have seen before of course.

Back to Table of Contents

Horoscopes
Propheseyed from the stars
Robert Campos
Ilka Hernando

Virgo : Aug. 24 - Sep. 23
    Movies were also meant to be watched. Keep your snake in the cage for an hour.

Libra : Sep. 24 - Oct. 23
    If you had bigger ears, your mouth would follow suit. Don't let it.

Scorpio : Oct. 24 - Nov. 22
    The only things worth doing are the things you will later regret.

Sagittarius : Nov. 23 - Dec. 22
    Stop looking, you've found it.

Capricorn : Dec. 23 - Jan. 19
    Save your breath and just smile ^_^

Aquarius : Jan. 20 - Feb. 19
    Good god money bags, she isn't a happy meal, take her out for an actual meal.

Pisces : Feb. 20 - Mar. 20
    You're living your life too much by the computer. PUT DOWN THE MYSPACE!

Aries : Mar. 21 - April 20
    Social interaction isn't always a good thing.

Taurus : April 20 - May 21
    Try to keep a straight face when lying; it'll help.

Gemini : May 22 - June 22
    Keep in mind that how you feel should matter.

Cancer : June 23 - July 23
    Don't wait for the stars to align, take it into your own hands.

Leo : July 24 - Aug. 23
    You've been a lamb all summer, it's time to let your animal loose.

*The writers are not responsible for actions taken by readers and highly recommends they think for themselves and laugh at the balderdash of horoscopes written by completely inexperienced astrologists (rolls eyes). Have fun.

Back to Table of Contents

Los Detalles
por Adeline Tellez

   Hola mi nombre es Adilene y esta nota es sobre el problema de hablar enfrente de la clase. Algunas beses cuando tienes que dar un discurso en publico te da terror hacerlo, este es un problema que todos tenemos. Alguna vez te has parado enfrente del salo'n y te has puesto muy nervioso? La vos sete empieza a cortar, comienzas a sudar frió y hasta a temblar. Muchas personas sufren de esta bronca, sin embargo sabias que el hablar en publico es una de las técnicas mas importantes que puedes aprender en tus anos en la escuela? Mas adelante, alolargo de tu vida tendras que hablar en publico, ya sea en el trabajo, frente aun nutrido auditorio o hasta con tus vesinos o amigos, asi que mejor trata de superar tus miedos y empiza a practicar haora. El prinsipal miedo de las personas al hablar en publico es haser el ridiculo frente alos demas, pero como seba asiendo comun que los maestros te califique por ello, esmejor intentarlo de una buena vez.Para evitar ponerte nervioso y haser el ridiculo, deves seguir los siguentes consejos:
1.    Aprende todo lo que puedas del tema del que bas hablar.
2.    Practica loque vas a desir.
3.    Ten un plan de emergensia porsisete pone la mente en blanco.
4.    Piensa que tu audiensia no estan espesial.
5.    Ten mucha comfiansa en ti mismo.
6.    Practica,practica y practica.


Back to Table of Contents

New APs join administrative team
Three new Assistant Principals join Principal Cokes' team, making for an all male administration
by Alyssa Isgett

Colton High School is starting out the new school year with new faces in hopes to bring CHS to the top. With three brand new Assistant Principals, (AP's) coming to the school this year, and one returning after only being an AP at CHS for part of last year, Principal John Steven Coke, is expecting a fantastic year: "The four new AP's are well qualified and are excited about helping Colton High becoming great."
All of the AP's come from different backgrounds and they all have different jobs. For instance, Robert Verdi grew up in the La Verne area and attended U.S.C. where he received a bachelor's degree in English Literature and a degree in Journalism. "I wanted to be a sports writer. I was Journalism major off the bat but I loved English. I tried law but I didn't like it. I chose to teach because it doesn't feel like work to me." Verdi has been in education for ten years and is looking forward to a great year. "I have been very impressed with Colton High. I came from a relatively small school," says Verdi "I am impressed with student dedication. The kids are excited about the year and the teachers are energetic. I'd like to stay put for a while. I want to achieve goals. I'm in for the long haul." Verdi's job is to be the AP responsible for some discipline, the lower half of the alphabet and working with Athletic Director Kirk McVey and Activities Director Ellen Green. "I'm happy to be here. Anything I can do to help, my door is always open. We're all here for you guys."
If you are walking around campus and hear a British accent, chances are it may be Assistant Principal, Olivier Wong. He is from London, England and is really enjoying his job as a new AP. "The best part of my job is meeting positive people," Wong explains. "Good things are being done here. It is a lovely community and there are a lot of good things. Our administrative team is very close. We interact closely. This helps ensure the school runs properly because of strong leadership." Wong's job is to be in charge of A-L discipline, discipline in general, facilities and safety, and student welfare, a primary importance. "Our job is to also ensure that students are getting educated properly in the classroom. Certain things need to be seen and done when we go in there. So we are given certain departments to overlook."
Nuh Kimbwala is another new face you will see on campus. If you are involved in any kind of special program such as special education, English Language Learners, AVID, or NJROTC, you have probably already met him. He is responsible for the special programs as well as technology at the school and the counseling department in terms of communicating with parents. Although he may be new, he has had plenty of experience dealing with young people. "I was AP in Pomona Unified School District. I have been working with minors for 15 years. This if my fourth year as a formal AP," says Kimbwala. "I taught prior as an elementary and secondary teacher. Before that I was a probation officer, so I think I've got it covered." Kimbwala is excited about the job he now has. "I felt I was a good match because the school is making steps toward the right directions as far as student achievement and support, community feeling and you can tell there is an opportunity to really make an impact as far as program quality and I always look for equity and quality," he says. "We are here to serve and I'm grateful for that opportunity."
For those of you who were here last year, you will recognize the familiar face of Sandy Torres. He is the AP in charge of curriculum, instruction and special projects. "Our job is to help maintain a safe school environment to make sure policies are enforced." Torres grew up in Colton, graduated from CHS in 1984, was involved in ASB, and in 1990, returned to Colton district as a substitute teacher. He has taught at Colton Middle and Terrace Hills, as well as being an AP at both. He also taught math at Colton High School and then transferred to Bloomington High School in 1995. In 2003, Torres became a full time AP at Terrace Hills Middle School and returned to Colton High as an AP in February 2005. "Coming in mid-year last year, I really didn't know how everything was run," says Torres, "This year I have a full picture of what is ahead of me. Overall I think the staff has a better feel of administration. We're all on the same page. I love the fact that I am able to interact with the students, not only the bad but good too. I get to visit with them one on one."
As the new year begins, students see a lot of changes that are happening. A big change other than the new faces on campus is the modernization. There are also some policies that aren't necessarily new, but are going to be enforced more strictly. One policy that is going to be better enforced, says Torres, is kids taking double lunches. "Truancies are a problem and if you are out of class with out a teachers pass, you can be ticketed," he says.
All of the AP's agree that whatever is in the handbook are the rules. "I think systems-wise we've seen a lot of changes. I can't compare to anything else because I don't know what the contrast has been prior," says Kimbwala, "but I know that Mr. Coke has done a phenomenal job in ensuring that the systems are there and that the thought has been there prior to us making changes."
All of the assistant principals have an open door policy. Verdi, Kimbwala and Wong can be found in the quad at the front of the school and Torres can be found in 503. These four men are all looking forward to an exciting year and are expecting the best out of Colton High School.

Back to Table of Contents

Shayne's World
column, by Shayne Robinson

Shayne's world, Shayne's world, party time, excellent. Hurray, I'm back! People told me it couldn't be done, some people even tried to stop me, but after fighting off a plethora of fake Ninja's… I have it, my column (insert evil laugh here)! On top of all that my picture is in color, is that shwanky or what?
    This summer was pretty…I didn't have to go to school which is always nice and I didn't break anything which also is always nice. Walking around school I look around and see that things are changing, I'm a senior now and the Colton of today is not the Colton I used to know. I mean there were always hairy guys no one talked to but now they're all over and destroying our school.
    So like I said I'm a senior now and after three years here the only thing that I think I have really learned is how to ditch class and sleep with my head up. (Not really, sometimes I put my head down when I sleep.)
    There are so many "gangsters" going to Colton this year. You see them all around with their T-shirts that could also be worn as dresses. You know they buy shirts in sizes like XXXXXLT or something like that. Then there are all these, "I'm so bad" freshman, they walk around and are like "I'm the Man I just smoked a fatty, then I jumped some fool, blah blah blah…I'm so bad." You're like 14 or 15, how bad can you really be, plus you go to Colton. I mean you're here at school, if you are so bad then get the hell out of here. I don't want to know what you do; you don't have to go around yelling it. Just shut up, no one cares. Now I know some people are gonna come up and be like "You're stupid and…umm…I didn't like what you wrote." But like I said earlier I don't care and if you don't like what I write then you suck.
    I remember freshman year; I had no school spirit, but every year I get a little more and now I have so much school spirit I could beat some one to death with it.
     In closing '06 is the greatest, and if you have a problem with that come and see! And Colton football is going to kick the dog poo poo out of Fontana.

Back to Table of Contents

Summer sights that shouldn't be seen
by Saige Downs


There are things that are definately not meant to be seen. Take for example when
you're at the beach just relaxing, a man sits right in front of you with three inches of
hair all over his body (including his arms, back, and shoulders.) So much for a         beautiful day at the beach, huh?
    We asked several Yellowjackets to describe some of their summer
lowlights. Read on, if you dare. But maybe not while you're eating lunch!

        Ronnie Burker, Sophomore, "I saw my heavy weight neighbor bend over
and pick up the newspaper"

Chris Ho, Junior, "Getting a pig's head chopped off."

Katie Hernandez, Sophomore, "Seeing more of a bigger girl
than I want to"

Sophmore Anouria Ashely, "I saw a guy riding a bike and his pants were way
too low with no underwear--his butt crack was showing!"

Junior Jairo Trujillo, "Lighting my pants on fire."

Junior Chris Sanchez, "My grandmother's neighbor who is an older woman
and doesn't shave her legs."

Junior Genevieve Garcia, "I saw my teacher's thong."

Sophomore Cliff Sunde, "Seeing my girlfriend's mom in a thong."

Freshman Jarrett Newton, "My teacher was wearing a white shirt and when
she raised her arms, the armpits of the shirt were all yellow."

Senior Ann Cannon, "Jack Nicholson's smirk."
        Some things are pretty gross and not meant to be seen. But, life goes on
        and you see more gross things. Hopefully, they won't scar you for life.

Back to Table of Contents

Summer fashion makes students call for originality
by Stephanie Rossano

During the two months after summer, the majority of you came back in a whole different look. It's normal to change over the summer and attempt to show up to school looking different. Although, you end up looking very similar to at least one other person.
    "I like the way you cut your hair short, and the way your pants got tighter," says Junior Kerry Marshall, "oh, and those youth medium shirts, I like the way they barely fit you. We can't forget those beat up Converse of yours, that you intentionally put holes in. We have to add that Mac make up you lay across your flaws, so that you look perfect."
    "Every classroom I enter, there's always someone who looks a lot like another person," says another student.
    Number one: You can't expect everyone to be different. Number two: Keep thinking about number one. Everyone, or at least someone is going to like how you wear something, or how you do your hair. Tighter clothing has become really well known this year, but there are other things that are also worn daily, such as brand names, dress jackets, jean jackets/skirts, and other sorts of ordinary clothing. It seems as though those shorter jackets have been worn around campus a lot lately. Not everyone is exactly the same, as some refer to it, there are just a lot of similarities.
    "Dressing the same doesn't mean your personalities are the same," says another student.
    It is true that the way people appear to you, you judge them first thing, without even getting the chance to know how they really are. I agree and I disagree too. I do think appearance matters, and the way you look is how you really are. It's how people see what you're like, and if interested, take it further to start starting conversations. I also think it's wrong to judge someone from appearance. Most of the time, people look at you as a 'fake' or a 'poseur' and if you got to know the person you would probably change your mind. I think the only problem this year is that band tees 'beat up converse' and tighter pants have caught a lot of more people's attention. Especially to the ones who have been dressing this particular way since junior high. But what can I say, it's basically the main trend now a days.
    In the end of it all, I would like to see something original. I would even like to see myself original, but someone's is bond to like what you do.

Back to Table of Contents

Bands know how to hit it
by Justine Plemons

How did you jump start your summer? Sleeping till noon, going to the beach, vacationing somewhere or summer school? For some it was attending what seemed to be the biggest two concerts of the summer: Ozzfest and Warped Tour. For those of you that don't know, both concerts are held in huge venues everywhere from Ventura Beach, California to Northampton, Massachusetts. There are booths of food and band promotions where you can often meet the band. Stages are set up throughout the venue where bands perform at different times during the day. Although the set ups are very similar the music is quite different. Ozzfest is prominently metal and hard core such as Rob Zombie, As I Lay Dying, A Dozen Furies, It Dies Today, Kill Switch Engage and Black Sabbath. "The best things about being at Ozzfest was meeting As I Lay Dying, but the worst thing was all the dust from the mosh pits," says senior Michael Ramirez. This is also known to be Ozzy's last tour due to illness.
Warped Tour is mostly punk with a few alternative bands. The Transplants, Drop Kick Murphy's, All-American Rejects, Fall Out Boy, MXPX, The Offspring and My Chemical Romance, (pictured, center) and more. When I went to Warped Tour in Ventura Beach it was filled with an overwhelming amount of people I had to wait in a line of 500 people just to get into the venue. The first band played at 12:00 p.m. and the last band played at 8:00 p.m. mind you, I didn't put any sunscreen on and it was overcast. Although there were people that were worst off then I was. It was one of the greatest musical experiences I have witnessed. Now it's no Rolling Stones or KISS but for my generation these concerts are the equivalent.
Another concert that took place this summer was Spirit West Coast Del Mar, which was a Christian based concert. This also has the same setup as Ozzfest and Warped Tour but some of the bands include Newboys, Third Day, Audio Adrenaline, Delirious and Jeremy Camp. Team Faith also took center stage a Christian motorcycle team. Team Faith performs some of the biggest Freestyle Motocross tricks with enthusiasm and professionalism, yet represents themselves as positive role models, recognizing the opportunities they have to influence young people for the glory of God. Hundreds of young people gathered in Delmar for a weekend of faith, concerts and fellowship with other kids their age.
Now that the headache is gone and my sunburn has faded it was well worth the experience.

Back to Table of Contents

Movie Review: Your invitation to the wedding of the "Corpse Bride"
by Ilka Hernando

The drama, the music, the love, and, oh yeah, the dead wife; all coming from the mastermind of Tim Burton smashed together to compose this unique love story, Corpse Bride. The gothic edge that is walked on numerous times in different ways starting with Edward Scissorhands (starring Johnny Depp), and the more recent Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (starring Johnny Depp, again), and now he goes back to his The Nightmare Before Christmas flavor with his new movie (starring, guess who, the one and only greatest actor J.D.).
From the grave Burton rises up to relive his better days of that Christmas. The interesting characters and original story sets his new movie apart from the Nightmare. With songs that stand on their own that appeal to the older audience instead of the sing-songy of Before. He shows his courage by going back in time and bringing a certain style back, not sure whether or not it will be accepted. His risk-taking at investing in a project that is far from any other type of movie proves to us that he's still got it.
Get touched in your heart for once, and relive the age that we all remember.

Back to Table of Contents

Rock out with your "Cause" out
By Jeanine Hernandez

Rock out to help out. On Sunday, September 18, the hottest bands from the Inland Empire and Orange County united on the stage at The Vibe bar and grill in Riverside, for the punk rock relief, presented by Inland Empire Hardcore (IEHC). Punk rock bands coming together to perform to support American Red Cross efforts to help survivors of hurricane Katrina. The punk rock relief was held at The Vibe at 12:30 p.m. to
7 p.m., admission was $5; everything they raised was donated to the Red Cross. The relief show featured some of the hottest bands such as The Giggaloops, Broken Society, Sars & the kick me's, Error Collective, Malice of forethought, All of nothing H.C., and last but not least Red Tape.
These Bands all came together to support the cause. As each band got on the stage one at a time, Rocking out in their own way with their great beats and unique lyrics, the crowd went wild forming mosh pits in the middle of the floor.
This relief show was great, about 79 people came out to rock out for the cause. The music was loud blasting through the bar, I loved it, these bands wasted no time, they used every minute they had on the stage, showing the people what they're made of, and what rocking out meant to them, doing what they could to help out. In the end the Relief show raised about $395 to donate to the Red Cross. I thought that this show was an awesome idea, just people coming together trying to help out the cause. A big Thank you to all those Yellowjackets who contributed to helping out the victims of Hurricane Katrina in any way.

Back to Table of Contents

Into Scarling.s heart
by Robert Campos

Scarling.- Middle English, from Old English scaerlinc, from scar+ -ling, -linc -ling; akin to Old High German von scar, Latin scarnos
First appeared 1999
1. the smallest mark on your heart left by the healing of a severe injury.
2. he or she who is scarred densely almost emotionless
3. a mentally challenged/physically handicapped sibling of a normal star
4. a band from Los Angeles

From the macabre imagination of former Jack off Jill front woman Jessicka, comes the lush sound of Scarling. (the (.) being mandatory). The band (including guitarists Christian Hejnal and Rickey Lime, bassist Derik Snell, and drummer Beth Gordon) first saw the light of day with their debut release Sweet Heart Dealer and have recently released a new disc by the name of So Long, Scarecrow. Ranging from a wide spectrum of sounds, from a fragile tone seen on the discs' title track, to a more upbeat, dancy tempo seen on single Bummer and City Noise. Recently I had the chance to interview the band about some of the surface details that most people tend to ask about them…

Where did the band name come from?
Jessicka came up with the name and definition sometime in…1999?

What are some of your BIGGEST influences?
Being all very separate individuals it would be very difficult to pinpoint one source of grand inspiration. I think it's all of the things that inspire us personally, that allows us to create our certain sound. But If I had to say something for everybody it would probably be this;
Often our inspiration doesn't come from conventional sources. Experiences, dreams, and fictional events are often more inspiring then anything we may hear coming out of any of our speakers.

OK, Jessicka, what do you think that Scarling. offers to fans that Jack Off Jill didn't?
What Scarling. has that JOJ lacked would most noticeably be swelling, lush, layered sounds. Scarling uses abstract fuzz instead of simple punk metal chords.

Do you think that Scarling is a band that sounds better live or on a CD?
With the new line up most certainly live.

You guys recently got a new drummer and bassist, what do you think that they bring to Scarling. That wasn't there before?
Intelligence, Professionalism, and Grace Under Fire

Back to Table of Contents

Wake up to the sounds of The Dreaming
by Robert Campos

Dabbling in a musical spectrum that includes industrial, alternative, and screamo comes The Dreaming. Packed on their four-song demo is a whirlwind of fragile and aggressive emotion that needs more than to be heard. It needs to be absorbed. Bassist Brent Burnett elaborates, "New bands like My Chemical Romance, and AFI are big influences on us, but we also pull from older bands like The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, and Led Zeppelin."
The Dreaming's demo opens with a track called "Let it Burn," a song that has the perfect mixture of sensitivity and brooding hatred. Live, the song's energy is tenfold, which Burnett says is something that fans notice when seeing the band up close and personal. "When people see us live, they're usually blown away. I think people definitely notice and appreciate that. We like to put on a SHOW, not stand onstage and play seven songs."
Fronting the band is Christopher Hall, who you may or may not remember as the former singer of the industrial group Stabbing Westward. "We've mostly been known as The Dreaming feat. Christopher Hall, former lead singer of Stabbing Westward, but that's kind of a long name for a band," jokes Burnett. Rounding out the rest of the band is Diego Russo on guitars, Johnny Haro on drums and Burnett on bass.
Closing the EP is a more famous track called Beautiful. The song was used on the recent Jennifer Garner film Elektra, helping the band to reach a more massive audience. Since then, and after their introduction to myspace.com, the band has completely sold out of demos, and is currently ranked amongst the best on the site. "We should start recording our debut album sometime here [L.A] in the next few moths, and the main goal is to get it as live sounding as possible," explains Burnett. For more info on The Dreaming, visit their website www.thedreamingonline.com or check them out on myspace at www.myspace.com/thedreaming.

Back to Table of Contents

Cross Country: Self determination and endurance
by Samantha Carbajal

"Achievement without struggle isn't rewarding"
-Heather Fuhr
    Would you get up everyday and run four, five, maybe ten miles a day, in this heat? You must be crazy! Well not only has the cross country team run throughout the summer in Colton and Grand Terrace, they also run in Mammoth for a week out of the summer, through the mountains, and thin air-all just to train! Talk about taking a breath, huh?
        I know you're thinking oh, cross-country is not even a real sport, but in all reality Cross-Country does more than many sports do! What's great about Cross Country is it isn't about who can hit the most home runs or who can shoot the most baskets, its all about self-determination and endurance.
        Last year, senior Mario Alvarez led the team to CIF. After talking to the coaches, Karen Lazarus and John Lunt, they explained they have high hopes for this year too, maybe to place in the top three of the league.
      Although they lost seniors from last year there are still many returning runners as well as new. Coach Lazarus was pleased to say two exchange students; Tobias Steenweg (senior) and Anthony Marshall (frosh) have also joined the team.
        So far the cross-country team has had three meets and their 38th annual SWARM invitational. Their next home meet will be on Wednesday, October 5th at 3:15 across the street on the track. The rest of the schedule is as follows:
            10/12/05 Wed. Colton @ Rialto
            10/19/05 Wed. Miller @ Colton
            10/26/05 Wed. Colton @ REV
The finals will be held on November 12th at Yucaipa high school. Come show your support for the team!

Back to Table of Contents

Golf has the drive
by, Stephanie Rossano

Golf doesn't seem to be much of an enjoyable game to watch when you compare it to something like football or basketball. Although, it is enjoyable when you play, even though you may not expect it.
    I had an interesting conversation with seniors Suzy Gentili and Krista Reid. I realize now that golf can be just as competitive as any other sport. There's a lot of encouragement between teammates, they give each other advice when they play, and of course they want to win. When asked about the coaching, Suzy Gentili says, "Mainez is the man. Kristy says he's my nizzle dizzle." Thanks to the well taught coaching, they have competed against Yucaipa, San G, and Serrano and have gone 2 and 2. The team that Gentili and Reid think who is most challenging is Yucaipa, mainly because they were really accurate with their shots and putts. They drove the ball well also. Comparing last years scoring to this year looks like these girls have improved. "Heck yeah, 10 strokes," mentions Gentili. They are ready for some more.
    Golf can be considered an individual sport but these girls work together as a team. They practice and work hard to get ready for competition. They strive to do better personally each game to help Colton win.


Back to Table of Contents

Shareece Wright looks to the future
by Samantha Hollwedel
As the 2005 season of football starts, what comes to mind when you hear the name Shareece Wright? Ambitious? Future celebrity? A good friend? Or maybe you don't know him. Here's your chance to find out all about Shareece Wright, or as many of you know him "Deuce" (a reference to his jersey number, "2") the up and coming star.
He was born April 8, 1987 in San Bernardino, and moved to Colton when he was in the third grade. He started playing football seven years ago which started the beginning of his future. Shareece is undecided about where he will attend college. It's easy to see the reason for this indecision: some of the many schools that want Shareece are Arizona State, Oregon State, Cal Berkeley, LSU, USC, UCLA, Washington State, and many more.
Shareece has accomplished a lot here at Colton High School. He helped his football team win San Andreas League and Citrus Belt League titles over the past two years. He has run one yard for every person at this school and has seemingly made as many touchdowns as there are fans in the stands. Even though he has accomplished a lot, Shareece still feels like he could have worked harder and winning league is only a small part of what he wants to accomplish. One of Shareece's biggest inspirations is Deion Sanders, a former NFL player who came back to play for the Baltimore Ravens. Shareece says, "Deion has accomplished a lot, and is a good man." Many have no doubt Shareece will do the same. There are so many people that support Shareece that he can't name one person that is his biggest fan, from the fans in the stands, to the guys on the team, and even the coaches. Shareece said with a smile on his face that he and the guys are "close, a little too close at times." Which is one of the reason they play so well together. You've probably heard many stories of how it feels to play "under the lights" every Friday, and how many people get nervous. But Shareece says he's "always relaxed" and just wants to win. Even before the game he says he gets excited but never scared or nervous. Shareece has always wanted to play for the NFL, and when he leaves next year to start his future he has no doubt that the team will do well without him. With nothing in his way you can look forward to watching Shareece every Friday night doing what he loves the most.

Back to Table of Contents

Tennis makes changes for the new year
by Samantha Carbajal
         Tennis: hours and hours of practice trying to get that dang serve right, the way your coach wants it, talk about FRUSTRATION! The girl's tennis team takes a step up for the new year. With a new coach and new team players-they have a whole new attitude and high expectations for the season.
           Not only are there new players, there are a couple changes for the girls to go by for the season. The biggest being THE TENNIS COURTS ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION! What are tennis players to do without courts? Well for the time being they are practicing at SBVC and The Hutton Center. Also they have a new coach, Coach Urban, which they are very happy about.
           "The team has lots of experience and new and good attitudes. There's a good chance as to making the playoffs," says Coach Urban. Last year's team did not hold the greatest record but that's all the more reason and motivation to show the league all they've worked for. "We hope to go all the way," says senior Maria Gutierrez.
          The scheduled games are as follows:

      10/4/05    Tues.     Colton @ REV             3:15
      10/6/05    Thur.      Colton @ Fohi             3:15
      10/11/05 Tues.     Yucaipa @ Colton       3:15
      10/13/05 Thur.      Redlands @ Colton     3:15
      10/18/05 Tues.    Colton @ Eisenhower   3:15
      10/25/05 Tues.    Colton @ Miller             3:15
      10/27/05 Thur.     REV @ Colton              3:15
And the Prelims and finals will be at U of R on October 31 and November 1, 2005.

Back to Table of Contents

Varsity set to crank it up against FoHi
Looks to bounce back after last week's tough loss at Crenshaw
by Vanessa Hill
Tonight's football game against Fontana high school should be a breeze. Varsity player Shareece Wright joked that tonight's game "should go just like last year's." Wright is talking about last year's 50-0 game that pushed the Yellowjackets further up in the league. But what about this year? On this year's team Wright says that "The defense is stepping up, and our offense is pretty good." Colton's first game against Rancho Buena Vista proved this to be true with a final score of 52-37. Coach Harold Strauss says, "The team still needs work, but they are proving themselves more each week." The Yellowjackets came out victorious in their second game of the season against Paso Robles, "The team played much better," commented Strauss, and with a final score of 64-28, everyone can agree. The team was pretty anxious about their game against Crenshaw, and for good reason. Crenshaw was the only team to defeat the Yellowjackets last year. And this year, the game's outcome wasn't much different. The final score was 43-26 making Colton's record 2-1. Everyone was a little nervous about playing a game in L.A., weather it was the actual team, or the atmosphere, both the team and the fans felt the tension.
The team is ready to move on and get over the pre-season games. Tonight's game against Fontana will be the first league game for the Yellowjackets, and the team is pumped. Strauss said, "The Fontana game should go okay, I'm very proud of how the guys have been playing." Wright wanted to add that the bigger the crowd, the better the game, "Big crowds make us play better. When everyone comes out to see us, we want to put on a good show." Tonight 's home game is against Fontana at 7:30 pm, and by the way the team has been playing so far, it should prove to be an exciting game.

Back to Table of Contents