News...... 1-2

Opinion...... 3

Sports...... 4-5

Student Life...... 6-7 Who will you vote for? Arts/Entertainment...... 8 pg. 3

Wednesday, October 22, 2008 Homecoming crowning By Amy Balagna pact on Lowry as well as the town of Winnemucca. Halftime of the varsity football After honoring Conner, the royalty game might have drawn as large of a candidates were announced and driven crowd as the game itself. The ceremony onto the field in a procession of vehicles began with an introducion of the flag from Bosch Motors. King candidate carriers. Tyler Cooper, the Humboldt Collin Messerly was the first to be an- County High School Rodeo Queen, car- nounced, followed by queen candidate ried the American flag, Kali Gerhard, Morgen Thacker. Candidates Derrick Junior Princess Rodeo Winnemucca Macliz and Sophie Kristof were intro- 2009, carried the Nevada flag., and duced next, followed by royalty hope- DeeAnna Pasquale, Junior Miss Rodeo fuls Trevor Grant and Stevie Hamilton. Winnemucca, carried Lowry’s flag. All of the candidates are dedicated stu- The dance team and cheerleaders dents and athletes. then filed onto the field as Homecom- After an epic moment of suspense, ing Grand Marshall Doug Conner was as shivering students held their breath announced. Conner has taught at Lowry and crossed their numb fingers, Der- for 26 years and is greatly admired and rick Macliz and Sophie Kristof were respected by the student body. After named Homecoming King and Queen. serving his country in Korea, Conner Last year’s queen, Dixie Richards, and went on to earn his teaching credentials Junior Class President Mary Granath and a Bachelor of Science degree from bestowed majestic crowns upon the Lisa Scott • WINNADA UNR . Conner has had a significant im- beaming King and Queen. Sophie Kristof and Derrick Macliz were selected as Homcoming Queen and King. The Brand prints first edition By Amy Balagna to produce a respectable paper and feels they have succeeded. Lowry High now has a school The students have received advice newspaper produced by the journalism and assistance from the staff of The classes. This is the first of five print Humboldt Sun. In addition to printing editions for the school year. Future and carrying The Brand as an insert on print dates are December 17, February October 24, staff members from The 18, April 8, and May 20. Sun are providing their expertise in the In addition to the print editions, areas of layout, photography, and jour- the class also maintains an online ver- nalistic writing. sion of the newspaper (http://www. “The class is putting together a pro- humboldt.k12.nv.us/lhs/thebrand/). fessional publication that the whole The web site is updated at least twice a school can be proud of. Everyone is week by the Online Editor. still learning about what it takes to be “We put a lot of effort into this a journalist and create a newspaper. newspaper and I’m very proud of it,” Throughout the year our goal is to im- Lisa Scott • WINNADA said Esmeralda Aguilar, a reporter for prove the quality of our work,” said Mr. The Brand staff gathers for a group shot. The Brand. The staff has worked hard Espinola, the instructor of the class. 2 News The Brand, October 22, 2008 Powderpuff game ends in tie The HC-1 bond issue By Amy Balgna of building Grass Valley Elementary School, will be continued by HC-1. When you walk into school do you “A rollover bond is merely an ex- see the many wonderful qualities, the tension of a tax rate that is already in libraries, the qualified staff, or do you place,” explained Superintendent Mike see the deteriorating foundations and Bumgartner. The HC-1 bond will con- the broken windows? Our schools are tinue a tax, not raise existing taxes. old and in desperate need of some se- In fact, even without a bond, “The rious improvements. At each school school district is mandated by law to in Humboldt Count School District repair certain conditions in school (HCSD) there are millions of dollars of throughout the district by 2010. These improvements that need to be made. repairs have to take place whether the Roofs need to be repaired and bond passes or not,” said Mary Keith, floors and ceilings need to be entirely president of the Humboldt County replaced. In addition, recent technol- Education Association. Since HCSD ogy has placed a significant strain on must make the improvements with or the twentieth century wiring of older without a bond, the money will likey Amy Balagna•THE BRAND schools in the district. These are only come from a new tax or come from the Senior Stephanie Cochrane runs the ball as senior Katy Granath blocks. a few of the problems that plague the district’s operating budget. schools. Unfortunately, the renova- These improvements needed in By Chloe Rusconi team even held a practice just before tions needed to correct these problems Humboldt Country School District are the game. are expensive. This is where a bond not trivial, they are crucial to the well- In a defensive struggle that hasn’t “ Things are going so-so but I think like HC-1 comes in as it is specifically being and safety of current and future been seen since 300 Spartans defended we can pick things up in the second set aside to improve the physical con- students and educational staff. With- the pass of Thermopylae against the half, I think we need to run the ball dition of Humboldt County schools. out HC-1, our community’s schools invading Persians, the Sophomore-Ju- more efficiently and pass more,” said a A percentage of tax money will go will further deteriorate, causing an un- nior team played the Freshman-Senior weary junior Skylar Estes. directly to help pay for these needed comfortable, and possibly dangerous team to a stalemate. “The first half has been back and projects. An existing bond, voted learning environment, for Humboldt Freshman-Senior coach, Derrick forth, a defensive struggle, I would into effect with the original purpose County’s youth. Macliz, stated, “Our defense is tearing like to see more offense going,” re- it up.” plied Sophomore-Junior coach Matt During the fifty-minute game, both Felshaw. teams struggled to move the ball. The Macliz said, “They [girls] are play- longest run of the game was made ing like boys and that is the way we by senior Missy McKinnon, who ad- like it.” On the last play of the game the vanced forty yards until she was taken Sophomore-Junior quaterback threw a down by Junior Abbey Haaglund. Hail Mary pass, but the ball slipped Although the Freshman-Senior through the receiver’s hands as the team was at a disadvantage with only buzzer sounded. seventeen players compared to the “Some girl kicked me in the jaw,” Sophomore-Junior team of thirty, they said senior Erica Graham during in- worked hard and held their own. The tense game. Even though the game was

teams both practiced six times in the a battle, the players relished the chal- Courtesy Photo last two weeks. The Freshman-Senior lenge and look forward to next year. Above are examples of some of the repairs that need to be made to HCSD schools. Pig wrestling: “Clean, dirty, fun.” By Stephanie Hageman and Teams of four entered the competi- One of the winning team’s members, Mallorie Leal tion for a fee of twenty dollars, and the Barton, commented that he had a fun money collected was awarded to the and exciting time. Slipping and sliding, mud flying, winning team as prize money. Twelve The team of teachers came in fourth students and teachers united to take teams participated in the competition place. The teachers who took part in down one thing, little pink pigs. On including one team of Lowry teachers. pig wrestling were Mrs. Kim Brooks, Wednesday, Lowry’s FFA chapter The objective of this competition Mrs. Rebecca Hill, Mrs. Joyce Knight, held a pig wrestling competition on was to tie a ribbon to the pig’s legs, and and Ms. Amy Godinez. Lowry’s softball field. The equipment, race back to the gate as fast as possible. “Clean, dirty, fun,” remarked including the pen where the wrestling First place was taken by a team entitled Brooks about her overall experience took place, was lent to the FFA by the Irish, which consisted of sopho- with pig wrestling. Everyone is look-

Carwill and the pigs were provided by mores Mateo Echeveria, Alejo Alar- ing forward to next year’s pig wrestling Stephanie Hageman•THE BRAND Lance Thompson. con, Joel Barton, and Dylan Ongert. competition...except the pigs. Lowry students participate in pig wrestling. The Brand, October 22, 2008 Opinions 3 Where do the candidates stand? Democrat Barack Obama Republican John McCain By Camille Lyon are the key to energy independence. By Katy Granath his plan weight, but McCain’s record Immigration is an issue which of- also speaks against him. McCain has The presidential election ten divides our nation. Obama feels On November four, mil- often voted against regulation and re- is rapidly approaching. On that U.S. borders need to be secured. lions of American citi- form, contradicting his current support November 4th Americans He also believes the U.S. should sup- zens will vote in a historic for putting strong regulation in place. will be asked to make one port economic development in Mexi- presidential election. An Our next president will have no of the most important de- co, which would sharply decrease the informed voter has the choice but to confront the growing cisions in decades. Many number of immigrants crossing the power to directly influ- threats of both global warming and our are still undecided and are wonder- border illegally. ence the future of our country with a dependence on foreign oil. McCain ad- ing what the candidates are all about. Just as many American disagree ballot. With this in mind, take a look at vocates an “all-of-the-above approach” Voters want the knowledge necessary about what should be done in Iraq, so do the Republican presidential candidate, to both the environmental and energy to make an informed decision for the Obama and McCain. Obama believes Senator John McCain, and his stance crises. McCain’s goals involve reduc- betterment of our future. Presidential the war was wrong in its conception. on several key issues: the economy, ing American dependence on foreign candidate Barack Obama’s plan for Further, Obama believes in a phased our environmental and energy issues, oil by exploring the possibility of do- change involves improving the stag- withdrawal from Iraq where troops are US immigration policy, and the war in mestic drilling on and off shore as well nant economy, addressing the energy removed systematically. Withdrawing the Iraq. as investing in alternate, clean, energy crisis, immigration reform, and the war from Iraq carefully will allow the Unit- The United States economy is on sources like nuclear power. However, in Iraq. ed States to end the war in Iraq, which a slippery slope, however, McCain is the detrimental effects of offshore drill- The US has not seen such fluctua- has proved to be not only financially wholly confident that his plan is the ing are not yet known. tion in the Dow Jones Industrial Aver- expensive, but which has cost the lives key to revitalizing the US economy. Immigration is one of the most con- age since the Great Depression. People of thousands of soldiers. McCain’s experience certainly lends troversial topics in the state of Nevada. are out of work, banks are failing and Senator McCain’s position on this issue gas prices remain high. But Obama is one of delicate balance, taking into hopes to turn it around by implement- account the need to better protect our ing tax cuts for working families and borders, while not forgetting America’s the middle-class. As wages remain low, dependence on low-wage workers. prices for basic necessities are rising. Although many originally criticized Obama’s economic plan will provide Senator McCain for advocating a surge millions of jobs for US workers. He in Iraq, the strategy has saved countless intends to employ trade policies and in- lives. Since its implementation, ethnic crease the export of American goods to violence has fallen by 90 percent, and give a boost to the economy. civilian and coalition force deaths are America’s energy crisis is becoming down 70 percent. McCain has a clear more pressing. Obama plans to provide advantage of military experience on short-term relief to families suffer- his side, which is an important quality ing from high gas prices by utilizing a for a president who will be thrust into windfall profits tax to provide a $1,000 the fierce vortex of tense world diplo- emergency energy rebate. Obama be- macy and politics. lieves renewable fuels and clean coal Why Advisory? The Brand By Camille Lyon see what they felt was needed to improve the school. Many Ron Espinola, Advisor Katy Granath, Managing Editor staff members felt they needed to connect with the students Amy Balagna, News Editor As advisory started last year, many students had non-academically. Stephanie Cochrane, Sports Editor Mallorie Leal, Student Life Editor mixed feelings about this supposedly helpful Many other schools have an advisory class within their Chloe Rusconi, Arts & Entertainment Editor Brett Schaffner, Online Editor class. We all saw the posters blatantly stating establishments. Lowry’s administration decided to bring Esmeralda Aguilar, Student Life that each student would be cared for by at least this idea to our school. The school Mr. Welter previously Rachelle Dennis, Student Life Mary Granath, Sports one Lowry teacher. But did anyone ask the stu- worked for had a successful advisory program. With the Stephanie Hageman, News dents what they wanted? changing of the bell schedule, advisory seemed to fit. Jayna Hill, Sports Jacob Kolkman, Arts & Entertainment Advisory started out shaky for me. Besides its use as a Anytime we change the schedule for an event, advisory Camille Lyon, Opinions study hall I didn’t find it at all helpful, nor I do not feel as is always what is sacrificed. If advisory is supposed to be http://www.humblodt.k12.nv.us/lhs/thebrand if I am being “cared for”. I know my advisor tries to make fundamental, why is it always being used for our activities? the class worthwhile, but advisory is not where I’d choose I have no problem with skipping advisory to attend a pep The Brand is interested in what you think. Please contact us at: to spend so much of my time. assembly, but it still raises the question, is advisory nec- [email protected]

So where did the idea for advisory originate? Vice Prin- essary? I suppose still have some hope for advisory. This 5375 Kluncy Canyon Road cipal Welter was able to shed light on advisory’s begin- program is only a year old and maybe there will be more Winnemucca, NV 89445 nings. Last year a questionnaire was given to the staff to improvements to it throughout its many years. 775-623-8130 ext 305 4 Sports The Brand, October 22, 2008 Lowry boy’s soccer conquers Dayton in homecoming game on a rebound off the Dayton goalkeep- vantage. er in the third minute. Midfielder Ty- After Dayton’s second yellow card, ler Spriet scored six minutes later and midfielder Jordan Sloan scored the first brought the score to 2-0. goal of his high school soccer on a pen- Dayton then responded by scoring alty shot. After Sloan made the shot the their first goal of the game in the 15th entire team rushed to the field and dog- minute. piled him. This resulted in one yellow Lowry came back moments later card for everyone on the bench. when Sterling Snow scored in the 23rd The Dayton coach then received a minute on an assist from Cain Avila for red card. Less than five minutes later a 3-1 lead. Sloan received a yellow card for un- Soon after Snow scored his goal, sportsmanlike conduct as well. Mary Granath•THE BRAND the first yellow card of the game was Dayton added a goal in the 75th Sterling Snow scores a goal in Lowry’s 6-3 win over Dayton on October 19, 2008. handed to the Dayton goalkeeper. Two minute. But Lowry answered back By Mary Granath “There is a special intensity for minutes later Mendoza was given a yel- when Snow scored his second goal of Dayton,” stated head coach Steve low card for unsportsmanlike conduct. the game in the 80th minute. The Lowry soccer field was turned Swanson, “They have this way of play- The second half began with the Dayton added on more goal late in into a battleground on Saturday as ing that frustrates us and they didn’t same intensity as the first. Mendoza the game to finish the scoring at 6-3. Lowry defeated Dayton 6-3. The ri- frustrate us today.” scored once more in the 43rd minute However, even though the game was valry match resulted in over 10 yellow The Bucks took the lead early when of the game on an assist from Andy over, Dayton’s goalkeeper managed to cards and 2 red cards. midfielder Salvador Mendoza scored Hernandez giving the Bucks a 4-1 ad- receive a red card. Lowry suffers tough loss to Fernley, 51-0 Girls soccer earns tie against Dust Devils By Stephanie Cochrane By Jayna Hill

Lowry’s varsity football team kept Tied games usually end with dis- their heads up Friday night to battle satisfaction, but when the Bucks had to through the homecoming game against fight to earn one Saturday, they were Fernley. pleased. Head Coach Tim Billingsley knew The varsity girl’s soccer coach Jose it was going to be tough because of in- Sapien said, “I was satisfied with the juries. “We got stuck by the injury bug tie, the girls played well.” Jayna Hill•THE BRAND Senior Becky Noonan. early in the season.” Ron Espinola•THE BRAND Dayton had several shots-on-goal Among the injured is senior Collin Joel Barton drags a Fernley defender. in the first half, but Lowry goalkeep- In the 20th minute of the second- Messerly, and standing on the sidelines Joel Barton accounted for Lowry’s er Ashley Okuma turned them away. half, the Bucks tied the score when doesn’t fit his personality. “It’s hor- biggest play of the game with a 37-yard Dayton scored in the 25th minute of Kirsti Ingle slipped the ball by the rible, I feel helpless watching the team run in the second quarter. the game and Lowry quickly countered Dayton goalie. struggle.” Defensively, Macliz put on a show with its own shot, but the ball was de- Dayton added the go-ahead goal to A touchdown combined with a and played from his heart. “I just go flected by Dayton’s keeper. make the score 2-1, but Lowry battled successful two-point conversion six hard every play. I’ve always said, go Lowry had other opportunities to back to even the score. minutes into the game set the pace for hard or go home.” tie the score including a penalty shot. Sapien said that the girls played Fernley. With seconds left, Fernley Coach Billingsley stated, “We have But the attempt by midfielder Becky much better than in their last game and managed to score another touchdown, two games left this season and we are Noonan sailed wide of the goal. expects the final games to go well. ending the quarter 16-0. looking to take them both.” The Brand, October 22, 2008 Sports 5 Where did all of our athletes go? Senior Spotlight By Mary Granath ously. I had a more determined out- look on life.” Bobby Jones is currently Interest in high school sports seems playing baseball for Shasta College in to be fading. We may take school ath- Redding California. Athletes agree that letics for granted. Those that came sports can change a person. “Athletics before us poured all their time, energy, made me who I am today; they made and sweat into athletics. They explain me more mature and forced me to put why it is important to revitalize the in- forth some effort,” stated Brooks. terest in the athletic programs. With the strong feelings former Why be interested in sports in the Lowry athletes have it’s hard to un- first place? Lowry graduate of 2008, derstand the sudden lack of interest in Joe Brooks answers, “I’m competi- sports. The administration is consider- tive so I do it for myself; but I do it ing cutting all freshmen sports at Low- for others too, for the betterment of ry because there simply aren’t enough the team.” Brooks played football and athletes to make a team. “There are a wrestled for four years at Lowry and lot more extracurricular activities now.

Ron Espinola•THE BRAND is now wrestling at Lassen College in People find too many distractions and Seniors Tanner Schmidt and Sophie Kristof at Friday’s pep assembly. California. Others said they just grew don’t think sports are as important,” ad- By Mary Granath ways. “It made me more of a team up around athletics. “It was the thing to mitted Jones. “Kids are lazy,” Brooks player.” When asked what he would do,” said Justin Grant, who graduated believes. Perhaps It feels as though so much of the miss the most Sloan responded, “The from Lowry in 2006. it is a combination year has gone by already. Autumn is great pep talks from the great Safety Some teens are convinced that they of these things that approaching its end, and winter is be- Steve Swanson.” aren’t “sports material”. Grant argued have brought about ginning. For seniors who play a fall Laura Ochoa-Mata is a libero on with this saying, “It’s the heart that the declining inter- sport this means that their final season the Varsity Volleyball team at Lowry. makes the athlete.” Grant now wrestles est in Lowry ath- of playing that sport at Lowry is com- Playing volleyball has had a large im- for Colorado State University. Brooks letics. Maybe teens ing to a close. Some feel sad, others re- pact on her life. “Playing helped me and Grant agree that you don’t have to don’t understand or Joe Brooks lieved, but all admit that they will miss set more goals.” Ochoa-Mata will miss be good at a sport to be a good athlete. have forgotten the being part of the Lowry team. a lot of things about Lowry athletics. 2007 Lowry Grad, Bobby Jones be- benefits of playing a sport. “I started “It has definitely “I will probably miss the comfort. If lieves a good athlete is, “Someone who to value what I had a lot more than I made me more open I start playing somewhere else it may provides for the team before they pro- did before playing,” Jones remembers, and involved,” said be different.” Self confidence was the vide for themselves.” “people develop good relationships.” Dance Team cap- greatest thing she took from her experi- For students who are interested in Grant strongly believes students can tain Hayley Noble. ence. Her departing words for her fel- becoming more of take a lot from playing a sport, “You a leader, perhaps learn work ethic.” Hayley Noble “I will miss all the low teammates were, “Work hard…” energy.” “I’m going to miss being part of playing a sport Lowry has a longstanding, tradi- Noble has been on the high school the team,” admitted Sophie Kristof, a could teach them tional athletic program that deserves dance team since hersophomore year. midfielder for the varsity girl’s soccer how. Jones said respect. However, without the athletes She believes students should be in- team. Playing soccer helped Kristof ac- “They [sports] to hold up that tradition it will crumble. volved. “When you’re involved you complish many things. “It taught me to influenced me to This is a call to all potential athletes, learn to be responsible.” An important manage my time well,” she said. Most take on more of don’t be afraid to try out for a sport; message Noble feels her team should importantly, Kristof learned to work a leadership role playing will benefit you, Lowry, and remember is that you can achieve hard. “Just because we play for Lowry than I had previ- Bobby Jones the community. greatness, “but know you have to work doesn’t mean we can’t make it to state,” at it.” Kristof joked. “Soccer is a great sport,” said Jor- Tanner Schmidt has played football dan Sloan. Sloan is a defensive mid- for four years. He is a linebacker on fielder on the varsity boy’s soccer the varsity team and runs the defense. team. Sloan has a great appreciation for “It taught me to be more responsible,” the sport despite not having played for stated Schmidt. The main influence very long. “I started on Schmidt’s decision to play foot- last year as a newbie. ball came from home. “My dad played My friends helped me football in high school, so I just kind from the start to grad- of grew up around it.” Schmidt has ually build up. At first learned many important lessons from I didn’t even know football but one he will always remem- how to pass a ball,” Jordan Sloan ber is to never give up. To his team confessed Sloan. Schmidt says, “Don’t let me down; I’m Soccer has changed him in many expecting you guys to win.” 6 Student Life The Brand, October 22, 2008 Homecoming Week activities By Amy Balagna, Mallorie Leal, find each other’s shoes and Esmeralda Aguilar On Wednesday, the seniors broke the sophomore winning streak in the “Drag Fernley around cuz this is Drag Em’ Around activity. In a close our town”, was this years Homecoming race the seniors edged the juniors in theme. Walking in the Lowry halls this dragging a teammate through an ob- week would have been a sight to see; stacle course. there were different colors, hobos, cra- The juniors broke through with a zy hair, and blue and gold everywhere. win in Friday’s Defend Your Sphere. The dress up days at Lowry were taken The objective of the game was to de- Chloe Rusconi•THE BRAND Esmeralda Aguilar•THE BRAND very seriously, each day students and fend their class balloon, while trying to teachers took part to make sure they knock off the other classes’ balloons. showed their spirit. Monday was Color War Day; every Monday’s pep assembly was a hit class had a different color to represent. with the crowd. Homecoming king Each class came up with creative ways candidates Collin Messerly, Trevor to show off their chosen color. Tues- Grant, and Derrick Macliz, along with day the halls were filled with dirty, queen candidates Morgen Thacker, rugged, and shabby looking hobos, for Stevie Hamilton, and Sophie Kristof, Hobo Day. Wednesday’s dress up day were announced to four, wildly cheer- was easy since it was Pajama Day. ing classes. Insane hair and mismatching clothes The shopping cart-float parade was was the stule for Thursday and could a highlight of Friday’s pep assembly. only mean Crazy Hair and Clash Day. Both clubs and classes participated in Ron Espinola•THE BRAND Ron Espinola•THE BRAND Powderpuff’s “Queen” candidates Brandon Eldodt, Mateo Echeverria, and Gerardo Co- To support our Bucks, Friday was Blue a competition which inspired no end of varrubias. (Top Left); Adam Serfoss went all out for Hobo Day (Top Right); Mrs. Corak and Gold Day. Students and teachers intuitive designs. The assembly ended performing “Thriller” (Bottom Left). The seniors weren’t shy about voicing their spirit at took part in showing off Lowry’s col- with a surprise from some of Lowry’s Friday’s assembly (Bottom Right). ors. favorite ladies. Students were amazed to see faculty members Janet Kenne- Class rivalries are not uncommon, dy, Marie-Jeanne Dawson, and other Sophomores win He-Man In the consolation bracket, the se- but during Homecoming the rivalries Lowry teachers and faculty dance to By Rachelle Dennis niors played the freshman in a surpris- usually escalate. Lunchtime activities Michael Jackson’s Thriller in zombie ingly close game. The score bounced certainly added to the competitiveness garb. Kennedy pulled senior Jamie Monday, October 13, Lowry High back and forth in both teams’ favor. At of 2008’s Homecoming week. Walton into the fray, and the gym floor School hosted a He-Man tournament. last the seniors managed to pull ahead Monday the sophomores won the soon filled with students and faculty Each class boasted their own team of while the teams were tied 25-25, mak- Explore Your Inner Egyptian compe- grooving to the smooth tunes of Mi- brash young guys with little volleyball ing the final score 27-25 for the seniors tition. They were the fastest class to chael Jackson. After the dance orgy experience. The freshmen competed after a long and intense game. build a six person pyramid. was over, the pep assembly concluded against the juniors, and the sopho- During the last game between On Tuesday, the competition was with point announcements and students mores went up against the seniors. The classes, the junior team confronted the Find Your Sole. The sophomore team left the gym in high spirits, excited to consolation bracket later consisted of sophomores in a fierce volleyball bat- won again as they were the quickest to finish out their Homecoming week. the senior playing the freshmen as the juniors played the sophomores for the tle. The game remained close during its championship. start, but the sophomores soon began During the first game, the junior and to dominate the court. Even though the freshman teams faced off. Junior David juniors came out strong, they fell short. Eastman let loose his wicked serve on The sophomore team had come to win, the freshmen. After five of Eastman’s and win they did. The score was a blis- fireball serves, junior Brandon Eldodt tering 25-16. finalized the junior’s lead with a kill, In the champi- establishing the score at 14-13. The onship game, the freshman team continued to work hard, sophomores had to but remained unable to score again establish their win- against the more experienced junior ning title by play- team, leaving the final score at 25-13. ing the faculty team. The second game began with a Although the faculty huge introduction for the senior team. played well, considering their inexpe- Rachelle Dennis•THE BRAND Esmeralda Aguilar•THE BRAND But four years of experience was not rience with volleyball, they too fell to Some of the action from He-Man Volleyball (Left). Students show their spirit on enough to keep the freshmen from win- the sophomore’s superior team. The fi- Monday’s Color War Day (Right). ing 25-14. nal score was 25-20. The Brand, October 22, 2008 Student Life 7 A dance to remember Open Your Eyes By Stephanie Cochrane ica has grown into a system of success different than any other. Diversity is Customs, traditions, and America’s middle name; we are called rituals are prevalent to the Melting Pot for a reason. each culture in the world; Because Americans emigrated from yet some cultures express nations all over the world, religious uni- themselves in ways that ty will never exist. We are not a nation others do not understand. Religious of Hindus working together toward a practices and social customs direct the spiritual transmigration of the soul; we being of many cultures. American cul- are a nation of everyone working to- ture is led by the drive for economic ward a better future. Each person in the success while many other cultures United States would have a different definition for what they think is a bet- Ron Espinola•THE BRAND around the world follow religious be- Line dancing to “Cotton Eyed Joe”. liefs. Why is it that America does not ter future. Some may say they believe live predominantly by one religion and a better future is peace, others may say By Mary Granath favorite part of the week was Color other nations do? prosperity. America is a religious na- War Day, “Because it seemed like India is known as the land of spiri- tion; it is not a nation of one religion. Students eagerly waited outside everyone participated.” tuality and philosophy. Hinduism is America will never live by one reli- Lowry High School gym in the Homecoming for the seniors is followed by 80% of Indians; America’s gion and that should not be taken as an cool October evening for the clock even more meaningful because it greatest religious majority is the Prot- inauspicious notion. It is enticing that to strike 8:30. “I was excited to get was their last homecoming at Low- estant religion at 52%. Large countries Americans can learn from each others inside and dance the night away,” ry. “Knowing that I got to spend like India can be prosperous and per- beliefs and work together to blend them confessed Senior Jayme Poole. The my last homecoming with my sonify unity in religious beliefs. Small into something unique; that is why so reward was well worth the wait. friends was amazing, even though I countries may not be prosperous yet many people leave their homelands for The gym had an array of was sad when it was over,” admit- personify that same religious unity. It ours. This country does not need one is a sink or swim way of life. Wide- dominant religion to be united; it is an decorations however there was no ted Poole. spread religious devotion may breed always changing perfect blend of simi- theme. “We try to keep it [decora- Homecoming 2008 has offi- success yet it may breed failure. Amer- larly different visionaries. tions] simple yet fun for the kids,” cially come to an end, but it was stated teacher Marie-Jeanne Daw- certainly one to remember. son. West Coast Entertainment Is cheerleading a sport? provided the music and the DJ for the night. There were some classic By Jayna Hill be a cheerleader,” but they are greatly songs such as “Cotton Eyed Joe” mistaken. Many people think cheerlead- Who decides what a sport is? What and “Sandstorm”; but there were ing is not a sport. Cheerlead- is it that makes a sport a sport anyway? some unfamiliar songs as well. ers wear cute outfits and wave Is it the ball? Well, wrestlers don’t play Throughout the dance students around pompoms. But, there with a ball like football or basketball, recalled their favorite memories is much more to cheerleading or baseball, but wrestling is still con- from the week. “The homecom- than just how one looks. Cheerlead- sidered a sport. Is it the sweat? Well, ing pep assembly on Friday was ing involves physical and mental abili- cheerleaders sweat, too. So, maybe it’s amazing,” declared Junior Suzi Ron Espinola•THE BRAND ties. To be a cheerleader you must be the practice? Oh wait, but cheerleaders Jones. Senior Tim Principe said his dedicated and loyal to your squad and practice just as hard as or harder than yourself. And, just like any other sport, other activities considered “sports.” cheerleading takes practice and it’s not Does it take dedication to qualify as a as easy as it may look. sport? Because cheerleaders are defi- The dictionary definition of a sport nitely dedicated. Cheerleading is clear- is: an athletic activity requiring skill or ly a sport, why then do some continue physical prowess and often of a com- to deny it? petitive nature. Cheerleaders meet the exact same Cheerleading most definitely falls qualifications as other sports do; we under all of these categories. First, one practice; we develop strength, stamina, needs to be in top physical condition and skills; we have rules for competi- to be a cheerleader. Throwing someone tion; we bring home trophies; we get eight feet up in the air then catching injuries and we are dedicated to con- them in a “cradle”, without anyone get- stantly improving the sport of cheer- ting hurt, takes physical skill and con- leading. So maybe you should think ditioning, both for the base and for the twice next time when asked if cheer- flyer completing an extension while in leading is a sport. the air. Some people say ‘any one can 8 Arts and Entertainment The Brand, October 22, 2008 Left From Center: Texting, texting, texting it’s all about the texting! Rap vs. Rock By Jacob Kolkman By Jacob Kolkman These days with the inno- vations of the cell phone For decades there has been conversing regularly on the a harsh debate on which is phone is starting to become the better genre of music; a thing of the past. These rock or rap. While both days its all about the texting and the genres have worked to- “lol” and the “omg”. To some this new gether to produce such hits as Public way of conversation is like a new re- Enemy and Anthrax doing Public Ene- ligion or way of life while they sit at my’s “Bring the Noise” and Aerosmith home at night resting sore thumbs. To and Run-DMC combining to perform others it dumbing down the youth of “Walk this Way”. Despite the coali- today and erasing the way that we as age of technology have had to battle School and asked around to see what the tions the feud has still continued to this humans communicate on a daily basis for the attention of their students over big deal about this texting thing. Fresh- day. while destroying the king’s English. iPods and texting while in class. It has man, Jalynn Sauer says that, “It’s just a Rock had been the dominant form No matter what your point of view become such a problem that even the fun and easy way to talk to people. Plus of music for more than 40 years ever on the subject is, people seem to have mere hint of a cell phone in one of their its a good way to keep in touch with since the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. gone completely crazy for texting. student’s hands has caused the school people that you don’t get to talk to all Starting back in the 1950’s with blues- While you used to have to pass a hand- to adopt the policy of confiscating it on the time.” Senior, Eric Robertson uses rock musicians like Chuck Berry and written note across the class room hop- site. The question that is etched into the the line, “Texting is like Pringles once Bo Diddley and finally progressing to ing that one of the couriers doesn’t read minds of teachers and administrators in you pop you just can’t stop.” new age and grunge musicians like the message, and taking minutes to get this school is simple, “why oh why are So will we ever truly now why peo- Kurt Cobain and Adam Jones. Then in half a conversation in before the end of these kids so obsessed with texting?” ple are so “obsessed” with this texting the early 1980’s in the undergrounds of class. Texting has offered a new handy Is texting the new form of legal phenomenon. Or is it not obsession like New York City started the revolution little way through your cell phone to drug to today’s youth or is it not ad- some of us believe it to be but an actual of rap, much like the revolution of rock get the message not only to one person dicting as some would say? While I addiction like the crack epidemic in the in the late 1960’s, with artists like Pub- but you can have conversations with say that it is a great invention to simply 1980’s. Unless the government does lic Enemy, Run-DMC, and Ice-T, and it multiple people. In my book that makes pass quick messages back and forth at some kind of study to prove why kids remained in the underground until the paper and pencil-0 and texting-1. satellite enabled speed, spending hours and adults alike are going crazy about early and late 1990’s with the coming While texting has been a godsend at a time waiting for the next message texting I don’t think we will ever know of Tupac, Biggie Smalls, and NWA. to students and teenagers everywhere like you’re about to receive the key to the true cause of it all. But until then To settle this decades-long debate, it has been just as much of a burden the universe is something entirely dif- I guess just go with it and text your I went out to the campus of Lowry to teachers. Teachers who in this new ferent. So this reporter went out into brains out before they find out it causes High School to get some of the opin- the texting jungle we call Lowry High carpal tunnel or something. ions of the students to see what they though about this. Sophomore, Steph- What’s your beat? Anderson is “Old School” anie Hageman gives her vote to rap By Chloe Rusconi By Katy Granath stating that, “I like the rhythm of rap and how it makes me want to dance.” At Lowry there are many different Andy Anderson has been an art Junior, Chance Billows quotes AC-DC tastes in music. We don’t always agree teacher at Lowry High School for three saying that, “Rock and Roll ain’t noise on what to listen to, but we can agree years. His cartoon series, “Old School”, pollution.” Freshman, Destiny Kolk- that music influences our lives. The re- is based on his experiences as a high man supports rap saying, “The beat sults for our Top 10 iPod play list: school teacher. Anderson has drawn and rhymes of rap beats all the scream 1. “Live Your Life,” TI featuring Rhi- and illustrated three of these cartoons singing and guitars of rock.” anna each year he has spent at Lowry. An- I guess this debate will never end, in 2. “When I Grow Up,” The Pussycat derson says he draws “Old School” to my opinion however rock will always Dolls make fun of himself. be better. More than any other type of 3. “Picture to Burn,” Taylor Swift Each of Anderson’s one-panel gag music it has influenced our culture, in- 4. “I Kissed a Girl,” Katy Perry cartoons, is meant to poke fun at him- citing revolutions that no one will ever 5. “Hey Jude,” The Beatles self. Anderson, like the character of forget. However, rap will also never be 6. “Before He Cheats,” Carrie Under- “Old School”, often misuses teenage forgotten. While it hasn’t ignited such wood lingo in his classroom. These awkward monumental revolutions, it has had an 7. “Fall for You,” Second Hand Ser moments, have provided him with an impact on our culture. Give me some enade abundance of funny stories as inspira- Public Enemy or NWA. and I’ll be 8. “Gold Digger,” Kanye West Featur- tion for his cartoon. Chuckling about right there getting jiggy with the rest of ing Jamie Foxx saying “fo shizzle” in class, Anderson them. So the great musical debate still 9. “With You,” Chris Brown laughs, “My students say, ‘no, Mr. An- rages on and probably will never be re- 10. “Cupids Chokehold,” Gym Class derson, just don’t.’” solved; to this reporter’s dismay. Heroes