No Child Left Behind, Increasing Diversity Pages 8-9 Love Yourself

LAKE STEVENS HIGH SCHOOL / DECEMBER 18,2013 / [email protected] VOLUME 86 ISSUE 4 the Valhalla

No child left behind, increasing diversity pages 8-9 Love yourself instead of bashing others page 12 2 NEWS DECEMBER 18, 2013 FOLLOW US @LSHSVALHALLA ON TWITTER School trail causes safety issues for students by Teddy Gaspar At LSHS there’s a small trail on. Staff Reporter that connects Cedar road to “It’s not fenced off and there’s woods on one side portable ten. Some kids use the and houses on the other,” senior Madaline Hansford path and never think twice about it, but is it really that said. safe? There is always the danger of trees or branches Even though the trail is relatively hidden from view, falling and blocking the pathway or hurting a student. it is still visible end to end. While there is a lamp post Also, the only source of light seems to be coming from out there, it doesn’t always work. And although the the neighboring houses. Without the house lights there school has put some chain link fencing near the por- isn’t any way to light the path without a fl ashlight. tables it doesn’t extend very far down the path, and a This time of year the sun is coming out earlier than section has been knocked down. Tree roots have torn usual, so students do not have to worry. But on the fl ip up parts of the path, making it uneven. side it’s getting darker earlier in the afternoon so when Even though technically the trail is on city property, kids walk to and from school activities students should the custodians occasionally clean up the end of the trail walk in groups. Also as it nears to February it’s darker near the portables. PHOTO BY MCKENZIE GRANT in the morning and the weather will worsen the trail, “I do not feel safe walking that path in the morning,” Watch your step: Students who walk the Cedar trail walk the unkempt treail daily. Uneven concrete, overgrown trees and poor lighting are the problem. which may not be the best of place for students to walk senior Tyler Granston said. New delicious twist on school food Lake Stevens High School adopts a new lunch menu by Kayleen Fredrickson On November 13, the Lake Stevens High “It’s real food,” junior Lauren Hanford said. Staff Reporter School Kitchen Staff was excited to release a The new line has been a hit among students, and it is not uncommon to whole new “Fresh for You” menu complete hear how good lunch was while walking in the halls since its debut. STAFF with new entrée choices and toppings. “I like it because it gives us an option of different delicious foods,” junior After the “Fresh for You” line was piloted at Cavelero Mid High last year, Jazmin McSparran said. Editor-in-chief and Sports Editor it was decided that the new program would be put in place at the high school Students will most likely be leaving those PB&J sandwiches at home and MEREDITH BROWN as well. buying lunch at the new “Fresh for You” line. Design Editor and Leikr Editor “Through student focus groups, we realized that students want their “The portion sizes are good, and you can actually feel full now,” junior IRIS FAVOREAL lunch made fresh right in front of them. They want to select the combina- Austin Haynes said. tions and choose their toppings and garnishes. This new line is fully built Features Editors around that concept. We make it the way each student wants it,” Food and ALEXANDRA MULVANEY BRITTY LAMBERTY Nutrition Services Supervisor, Mollie Langum said. There is a different menu for each day of the week in the “Fresh for You” Opinion Editor line. KAYLEE NUNLEY “You get to pick what you want and you have better options,” junior Stacy A&E Editor and News Editor Ralph said. MACKENZIE MCLEOD Each Monday, students can buy food from the Pasta Bar, choosing be- Photographers tween chicken alfredo, marinara, or parmesan chicken. On Tuesdays and TYLER BAGGS Thursdays, students can choose from a burrito, taco salad, rice bowl or na- MCKENZIE GRANT chos from the Fiesta Bar. Each entrée can be made with seasoned chicken, CHLOE ROWLAND beef, beans, or cheese and topped with countless fresh toppings including JACK PETTERBORG cilantro. Wednesdays and Fridays bring Soaring Dragon, an assortment of Asian entrées. Students can choose among steamed broccoli, brown rice, Staff Reporters KAYLEEN FREDRICKSON homemade fried rice, beef and soba noodles and two other delicious chicken TEDDY GASPAR options that change weekly. So far, students have seen General Tso chicken, JESSICA MATTHIAS honey fi re chicken, mandarin orange chicken, sweet and sour chicken, cher- ANASTASIA SMITH-BUSTILLO ry blossom chicken, teriyaki chicken, and teriyaki beef dippers. PHOTO BY JACK PETTERBORG HANNAH MULVEY NEFTALI RODRIGUEZ BRITTNEY SWANK ESTHER MCCOY NOEL GASCA Adviser Club fair winners take the gold JULIE HENGGELER

by Alexandra Mulvaney This year’s club fair ed in the fun activities there are to do at One Voice. Staff Reporter winners were One Voice On average about forty people attend each meeting. and Journalism. The “Students benefi t from One Voice because it’s a club fair was October 31, during all three lunches. great place to hangout, meet some new friends, and Every club made a table or booth, passed out candy be a part of something great!” Baker added. and prizes, and tried to spread the word about their Journalism was also very excited to be runner clubs to the student body. One Voice was very ex- up. Receiving second place possibly means attract- cited to be the winners for all the hard work they put ing more students who want to be involved in their into organizing their club. school, enjoy writing, and make new friends. Jour- “The club fair was such a huge success for us this nalism is a very interactive class and club that would year. We went into it hoping to get more people in- love to have new faces be a part of the Valhalla. volved and spread the word about One Voice,” se- “I’m happy that our club had the opportunity to nior Hayden Baker said. represent ourselves and receive a prize to help our Prizes were awarded for many different reasons; club,” senior Kaylee Nunley said about Journalism. One Voice received fi rst place for best decorations. Both of these clubs were honored to win, and are As one of the biggest clubs on campus, they were excited to gain more members from being club fair PHOTO COURTESY OF MEREDITH BROWN happy to win some money to get more kids interest- winners. Senior Hayden Baker, a leader of One Voice, speaks to the attending students a message about her life. FOLLOW US @LSHSVALHALLA ON TWITTER news DECEMBER 18, 2013 3 LSHS food drive helps families during the holidays Students come together to collect canned food for local organizations by Esther McCoy At Lake Stevens High School the annual food drive began December Staff Reporter 2, and students began bringing cans of food and nonperishable items to support the Lake Stevens Food Bank, Lake Stevens Fam- ily Center, Lil’ Hungry Hearts and more non-profit organizations to help the community. “People should donate out of the good of their heart for people that need food, we need extra help since Flan- ders and Knutson aren’t participating. Clubs and groups around school are doing more of a team effort to collect food, it might be seen as a competition like it usually is because there are prizes at the end, but if everyone partici- pates, we can reach our goal,” junior Morgan Patten said. Groups rallied this season to compete. Lake Stevens goes all out to have fun and motivate everyone to participate. This year’s goal was to collect 50,000 items. Groups of students canvased various Lake Stevens neighborhoods for Blitz night December 11, bringing in 5,582 items. Beyond food, another way to help around the holidays is to participate in the Giving Tree Present Drive. Stu- dents selected paper ornaments from the Christmas tree in The Cove and the cafeteria with a child’s age and a general idea for a gift. “The gifts are not hard to get during the holidays, they are small, simple things that will make children happy and it is a great way to give back to the kids and community,” senior Lauren Jones said. This was a considerate way to help out the community by giving to children who may not receive gifts this PHOTO BY JACK PETTERBORG Christmas. It could very easily be done to make an effort Holiday helping hand: Each day students sort the donations into boxes where they are kept in the cafeteria during the food drive. and help a child out this winter. The Lake Stevens Food Bank and Lil’ Hungry Hearts are two non-profit organizations that provide food for residents in need. Drop off location changes Street and neighborhood parking shut down by Brittney Swank To increase road “If we put more people in the parking Staff Reporter safety, Officer Da- lot, doesn’t that increase the likelihood of vid Carter has spent people getting into accidents in an already the last two months over-crowded parking lot?” senior Ryan working with the administration and the DuPape said. city to insert a new drop-off at the north Students weren’t the only group of peo- end of the school on 30th Street and 113th Avenue. Signs have been posted saying, “No parking between 7 a.m.-3 p.m.” That way there’s sufficient parking for after school activities and the homeowners on these roads. “I envisioned this much like the SeaTac airport. When you’re dropping someone off at the airport, you pull over to the right and they get out. There’s no parking,”

Carter said. PHOTO BY JACK PETTERBORG Not everyone envisions this addition to the school the way Carter does. “First of all, I think it’s a bad idea because a lot of us don’t have parking passes and have to park along that area,” senior Marcela Gaspar said. Students who parked along that area and now no longer have a place to park, will most likely have to buy a parking pass, which cost 25 dollars each. ple that the school was trying to increase “I know that the Marysville School Dis- safety for, however. trict is either $60-$65 a semester, so the “We want it to be much easier for the cost is nil,” Carter said. buses, and the flow should be better for Officer Carter also said that the safety everybody on the road. So after school you will increase if more students parked in guys won’t have a problem getting out of the parking lots and not along the streets. your lot because of all the cars,” Janet Al- Some students would have to disagree. bee said. 4 SPORTS DECEMBER 18, 2013 FOLLOW US @LSHSVALHALLA ON TWITTER Time to hit the slopes Continuing tradition Weather drives boarders to the pass Wrestlers train hard for success by Mackenzie McLeod Winter was 11 years old. Since there wasn’t anyone by Hannah Mulvey This season, and to myself,” said, senior, Zach Hunt- A&E and News Editor weather is roll- in her immediate family who was already Staff Reporter wrestling con- ley. ing in and se- involved in the sport, it was difficult for her tinues its legacy Some of the wrestlers are changing nior Sean Da- to begin without a mentor until a friend at as one of LSHS’ how they performed, so there is a higher vidson is ready for long day of snowboarding school helped Klein. biggest sports. Many of the athletes chance of going to state again. at Stevens Pass. Davidson was influenced to “My friend started which helped push have trained for a long time and hope to “Last season I was a freshman and snowboard by his family; it seems to run in me into it and the next year I went up [to achieve what they did last season. The didn’t really realize how hard it was to be the genes. the pass] for the first time,” Klein said. “I wrestlers have been giving their all since a high school wrestler. But now I know “My parents and brother all ski and started because I wanted to learn so I joined practice started on Monday and are ex- what to do. It’s just going to be a better snowboard, so I grew up around it. It was a group and we meet up every weekend.” cited for upcoming matches that start in season for me,” Granquist said. just expected that I Snowboarding is very dif- December. As for the other wrestlers, they feel would start and I fell in ferent from other winter “I’m trying to start off with a healthy last season they accomplished much love with it,” Davidson sports. It requires great core diet and trying to keep weight down,” more than they expected. said. balance and has many diffi- said junior Devian Jones. “I worked hard and showed up every Davidson participat- cult maneuvers. Snowboard- Starting off the season right is a huge day and put my effort forth,” Huntley ed in a big air competi- ing pants commonly have part for the wrestling team. The littlest said. tion for skiing and has reinforced knees and pad- things can change the outcome for the Wrestlers need mental awareness in loved both skiing and ding because of how often matches. Training this season is rigor- a sport like this. They never know what snowboarding since he they fall. ous and is going to was young. “It’s an entirely different coaches happen. “I was right [around] culture. It doesn’t matter expect They all ten when I started what your skill set is, what players I worked hard and showed are im- snowboarding and two your gender, age, race is or to take it up every day and put my proving when I started skiing,” where you’re from. Everyone very se- effort forth. what they Davidson said. is there to have fun, and ev- riously. - senior Zach Huntley already Snowboarding is an erybody helps one another know to important part of many out with tips and seeing if “Well, we’re doing two a days now, succeed. To the wrestlers, wrestling is students’ lives in Lake each other are okay after a practice in the morning and practice one of the hardest sports. Stevens, especially since spill. Often you end up meet- after school for about two hours and “All the timing that it takes and how it is so close to Stevens ing new friends, and it’s re- just watching our diet and just staying much work you have to put into it,” Pass. Stevens Pass Re- ally just a blast being on the healthy,” sophomore Collin Granquist Douglas said, explaining the challenges sort recreation area is mountain,” Ahola said. said. of wrestling. located approximately Snowboarding is an in- To prepare, many athletes have made Practice is huge for improvement and 100 miles east of Lake herently dangerous sport some serious cuts in their daily routine. winning. Stevens off Highway 2, mixing high speeds with air They all agree that it will help in the up- “We start out with drills and warm at the base elevation of time. Because of the risk coming matches. Reliability is key to be- ups and in the later part of the season 4,061 feet, it offers day taking nature of the sport, ing successful“ in any sport, especially“” in we drill on our ”own and then we work on and night skiing and snowboarders who excel and sport where you work on your own. moves,” said Jones. snowboarding. Leaven- PHOTO COURTESY OF COURTNEY KLEIN compete in the Olympics The wrestlers did so well last season They all agree that the practice that Snow day: Junior Courtney Klein prac- worth is the closest town tices her snowboarding skills on the pass. also commonly compete in that they don’t want to make any mis- they do helps them more than anyone to the resort. the X-Games. Shaun White, takes. They want to be just as successful would think. Wrestling hopes to be “Snowboarding is my stress reliever, so 27, is considered one of the best known this season, so they can make it back to successful with strong athletes. Viking when I go up [to Stevens Pass] and get out snowboarders in the world and exhibits all state. wrestling is keeping up with its winning on the mountain I just feel at peace with the qualities of a great athlete, having won “By being reliable for my teammates tradition. myself and everything around me,” David- two Olympic gold medals and currently son said. holding the record for gold medals and Davidson isn’t the only boarder at Lake overall medal count in the Winter X-Games. Stevens High School; junior Courtney Klein “I admire Shaun White because of his and senior Tristen Ahola also have experi- ability to snowboard so well, and be able ence in snowboarding. to get to the level he did and get gold in the “Because I am in the mountains and Olympics,” Klein said. snowboarding itself is just an extremely fun It’s safe to say Klein, Ahola and Davidson sport where you can always progress in skill; are looking forward to watching their favor- [there is] always something to work on,” ite snowboarders during the events at the Ahola said. next Winter Olympics, which will be held in Klein began snowboarding when she Sochi, Russia, February 7-23, 2014.

PHOTO BY MCKENZIE GRANT Takedown: Sophomore wrestler Michael Soler pins down his opponent in a match against Kamiak. The wrestling team dominated on Tuesday, December 10 against Ka- miak and Mount Lake Terrace. They beat Kamiak with a score of 60-16, and the score against Mount Lake Terrace was 60-9. The team this year is stacked with talent and is working hard on becoming stronger and cutting weight. The boys hope to fulfill the Lake Stevens High School expectation for the wrestling team. FOLLOW US @LSHSVALHALLA ON TWITTER DECEMBER 18, 2013 SPORTS 5 Basketball hopes to fill the fans expectations LSHS basketball players are working hard for a successfull season by Meredith Brown The and better. Especially defen- Editor-in-Chief boys sively, there has been a lot and of progress. We have a lot of girls basketball teams are work to do, but we have a lot preparing for the twists and of potential,” Jacobson said. turns of the upcoming sea- The teams are practicing son. Both teams are stacked hard for their big competi- with young talented play- tors. The girl’s biggest com- ers with only a few seniors petitor this year is Arlington on each team. With all the and Snohomish. The boys young talent, it requires the are looking forward to a older players to really step tough game against Jackson, up and take a leadership who went to state last year role. and have some talented se- “Since we only have four niors this year. The boys are returners, [coach Randy going to have to work hard Edens] expects that we step for this win, and also for up, and we need to involve their other ambitions for the the freshmen because there post season. are so many of them,” junior “Our team goals are to Emily Vandegrift said. win Wesco and go to play- The girls’ team has some offs,” sophomore Joshua great leaders who are dedi- Perry said. cated players and great role Not only does it take hard models for the younger play- work and dedication from ers. Senior Ivy Jacobson is the players to be successful, one of those leaders with the but Coaches Mark Hein and mindset of a loyal teammate. Edens play a huge role in the “For the team, I person- teams’ mentality. ally want to score and be an “They expect us to give a offensive threat. Practice has 100% at practice and give it PHOTO BY TYLER BAGGS PHOTO BY MCKENZIE GRANT gone really good so far. Each all in the games,” junior Neil Drive to the hoop: Freshman Trey Pavitt drives the ball into the key against Wood- Jump! Senior Ivy Jacobson goes for a ball against Shorewood. inville High school. They played a tough game, the fi nal score was Lake Stevens The team put up a good fight, but lost to Shorewood 35-40. day we are getting better Blaine said. 41 and Woodinville 63. The boys look build consistency throughout the season.

SHOUT OUT Boys team swimming along Congratulations to the Girls Swim and Dive team. They had a great District meet November 9-10 at Kamiak High school. The Vikings placed third out of Swimmers are eager for a successful season ten teams and advanced four swimmers, one diver and four alternates to the State Championships, by Alexandra Mulvaney The boys swim which are held at the King County Aquatic Center in Features Editor team has been practic- Federal Way. ing very hard every day after school to prepare for their season that started December 12. These boys are very excited to compete in the different Steve’s Lake Stevens Barbers events, and have set personal goals and as well as 425-334-3304 team goal. “My goal is to go to districts then state, and the “Your Hometown Barbers” teams goal is to win meets and go to state,” senior Cody Mulligan said. Bring in this ad for $2.00 This year’s seniors (Duncan Mattingly, Cody off your next haircut Mulligan, Zach Kinder, Tyler Collins, Jordan Ben- nett, and Tanner Bailey) are also excited to start 9433 4th St. NE #103 competing with the new boys on the team; there Lake Stevens, WA 98258 are a lot of swimmers. Getting to know each other Visit us on Facebook.com as a team is very important. They have a strong “Steve’s Lake Stevens Barber Shop” support system, and the swimmers are hoping to see some big wins. “We have a lot of younger swimmers this year and we should be looking good this season,” senior Tanner Bailey said. The senior swimmers want to leave their swimming careers at LSHS with a bang, and set up the underclassmen with a good record. They also want to build friendships within the team. “My favorite part about being on the swim team is just having a great time with my team mates,”

Bailey added. PHOTO BY TYLER BAGGS LSHS is ready to support our swimmers this Pushing for state: Junior Austin King takes a breath between but- year as they dive in to their season. terﬂ y strokes at practice. This year the boys swim team is push- “I’m excited for our fi rst meet and to see how ing to see how far they can make it in districts. Last year some of the far we go this season,” Bailey said. swimmers made it to state, and this year they want to win it. With great coaching and hard work this is a reachable goal for these boys. 6 FEATURES DECEMBER 18, 2013 FOLLOW US @LSHSVALHALLA ON TWITTER New Vikings Face in the crowd feel welcome Denise Diaz looks ahead to nursing by Esther McCoy Walking Junior Victoria Villani moved by Chloe Rowland Before senior De- “Currently I am in Sno-Isle to become a Staff Reporter on a new here from Arizona, and the band News Editor nise Diaz moved to nursing assistant. You get certified in Nursing school cam- at Lake Stevens has been very Lake Stevens four Assisting and you get five college credits. I just pus can feel welcoming. years ago, she resided started this year, and I really enjoy it. It’s a fun uneasy, and fitting in may be an “The band feels like a family, in Marysville for two years after moving from way to meet people and help people. I want to obstacle for students who transfer I feel welcome, and I am happy I San Diego, California. Now she lives in Lake pursue nursing so it’s a good start. My grandma from other states or schools. Usu- moved here” Villani said. Stevens, WA and is enrolled to begin a career as was an RN at a hospital in L.A., and she’s in her ally, being yanked out of a com- Lake Stevens is also known for a registered nurse. 60’s and she said she really enjoyed nursing, fort zone or home leaves kids feel- the insane pep rallies and super- “My favorite part of living in California was that’s what caught my eye,” Diaz said. ing uncomfortable about moving fans at football games. being close to my family and being able to do Diaz being a down to earth, humorous and fun activities all the time. I swim. The swim exceptionally bright young lady with a great team down there is outdoor and I like that be- looking future and a supportive family, has The band feels like a fam- cause it was always hot. You could actually go characteristics that make anyone who knows places without it raining there all the time,” her, love being around her. ily, I feel welcome, and I Diaz said. “I hang out with friends when I can, I lis- Washington State, however, separates Diaz ten to music. I prefer heavy music, thrash mu- am happy I moved here from a majority of her extended family, with sic. Heavy music like: Iron Maiden, Judaist whom she is very close. Priest, Slayer and other bands in that forward in a new place. Junior Michael Erickson rec- “At home it’s my mom, who is a con- genre. I enjoy 80’s music, 80’s thrash Participating in clubs and ac- ognized this and appreciated it as cierge, my step dad, he’s in the navy. I bands. I can cook really well, espe- tivities in school is a good way to a way to pump up the students. have a little brother Diego and a younger cially Mexican food. I’ve done lifeguard find people with similar interests. “The pep rallies are different sister Monica. I have yet to meet my real training. Other than that I’m really Lake Stevens High School does than ours (from Alaska) I like how dad, my mom and step dad got mar- good at making people laugh,” Diaz the best it can to accept new stu- the fans dress up a lot. It shows ried when I was five years old i n said. dents to our district. school spirit,” Erickson said. Nevada. My grandma and A face is like a cover to I are really close, she is re- a book, the story is unex- ally funny and I get along plained until one takes with her really well because the time to look into it. “ “” ” when I was little she took care What makes Diaz a face of me because my mom was worth recognizing in the still going to school. I spent crowd, is not a matter more time with her as I was based on looks, popular- growing up, so she taught ity or achievements. Diaz me right from wrong and to is worth recognizing for be a good person,” Diaz said. her family values and As family is an important ambitious attitude to- value that Denise Diaz holds ward achieving what close, she is fully supported she wants to do with her

PHOTO BY MCKENZIE GRANT by her loved ones in her in- education. Junior Michael Erickson and junior Victoria Villani are new to the school, terests to become a nurse. if you see them around campus be sure to give them a welcoming hello. PHOTO BY CHLOE ROWLAND December Bolded events are home games. Go Vikings! Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Wrestling 1 2 3 4 5 6 @LSHS 7 Food Drive starts boys basketball girls basketball girls basketball boys basketball boys basketball @LSHS @ LSHS @ LSHS @CAV @ LSHS girls basketball Wresting @MPHS 8 9 10 @LSHS 11 12 13 14

boys basketball boys swim @MPHS wrestling @ Decatur @LSHS

boys basketball winter break starts girls basketball 15 16 17 18 @SnoHS 19 21 20boys basketball @ArlHS @LSHS girls basketball Wrestling Tri State boys swim @KamHS boys swim @LSHS girls basketball @LSHS @LSHS Tournament

girls basketball wrestling @ 22 23 24 25 26 27 @WEN 28 LSHS boys basketball boys basketball @WEN @WEN girls basketball @WEN 29 30 31 FOLLOW US @LSHSVALHALLA ON TWITTER DECEMBER 18, 2013 FEATURES 7 Facing a moving experience Student from the Philippines adjusts to new life by Neftali Rodriguez If stu- making friends wasn’t going to be for a little bit and say, ‘I miss you,’ Staff Reporter dents in too diffi cult. and I cry. So sad. I still cry because I Lake Ste- “I think she is really cute, and she miss them so much. It’s the hardest vens high school feel incredible seems like a nice person and I would thing,” Coranes said. amounts of pressure from their jobs like to know her,” senior Miriam People do not realize everything and school work, impressing their Price said. a new student has to go through, parents, and being accepted by Even though making new friends especially if they originate from a Leaving home: Junior Sarsi Coranes ﬂ ew to the USA with her mother, two peers, imagine students that come was one less thing Coranes had different country. Getting used to brothers and her stepfather. Here, she was pictured with her cousins at a Phil- here from different countries like to worry about, the culture shock a different country, language, at- ippine airport on a day she recalls as “an emotional day.” junior Sarsi Coranes. She moved wasn’t any less subtle. When Cor- mosphere, and weather can be ex- PHOTOS COURTESY OF SARSI CORANES here in January 2013 along with her anes fi rst got here, she didn’t under- tremely hard. mom, stepfather and her two broth- stand how the school worked and “To all new students like me, ers. Moving to a different country is her classes confused her. don’t give up and don’t forget to an extreme culture shock because it “It’s a really hard thing. All my pray to God. If I can do it, you can involves drastic changes. grades were so low,” Coranes said. do it too,” Coranes said. “It’s a good difference because in She didn’t just face the struggle But luckily, Coranes doesn’t need the Philippines, when you move to a of having to learn English and get- to wait that much longer because new school, you don’t have friends. ting the hang on how everything she and her family are planning to But people here are so friendly; they around here works, she also faced visit the Philippines on April 15 for are like ‘Hi! Hello! What is your the struggles to understand the ma- her eighteenth birthday. name? How are you?’ They intro- terial that is being taught. Moreover, “Sometimes I want to go back to duce themselves and they talk to she had to accept the simple fact the Philippines because I miss my you [even though] they don’t know that she missed her family that was friends. But sometimes, I don’t want you,” Coranes said. still in the Philippines. She admitted to go back because it’s kind of cool Reunited: On January 18, 2012, Coranes left her country of birth and where The kindness that welcomed she was home sick. here, but something is missing—I she grew up. She was reunited with her relatives including her grandmother Coranes has made her transition “The hardest thing is when they don’t know what it is though,” Cor- who she hadn’t seen for three years prior to her move to the USA. a little better because she saw that call me every week. They call me anes said. Growing up in Italy Mexico to USA by Esther McCoy Junior job opportunities. Student trots all over Europe Staff Reporter Tania “I think all the teachers, stu- by Britty Lamberty Exposure U.S. The way people live their every- Cota dents and classes are different. Features Editor to different day lives differs so much from here in Quintero moved to Lake Ste- The teachers understand me, countries and America. The Italian culture was rich vens, Washington with her and they have patience. I feel cultures all around the world and a in almost every aspect of their lives,” family from Mexico to fi nish accepted because some stu- new way of life has been nothing but Isaia said. her high school education. Be- dents help me in the classroom normal for junior Ashlyn Isaia. With For as long as Isaia has been trav- fore she moved here, Tania was and explain questions, and oth- a dad in the military, Ashlyn’s family eling in her life, she has easily transi- a dancer. She practiced two ers help me locate classrooms,” has moved across the U.S. and to Italy tioned to life in the U.S. again since hours a day and she did this for Cota Quintero said. since she was born. she moved back here in the seventh about 12 years. Dancing was a Students are good at being Raised in San Diego, Isaia moved grade. Making new friends and adjust- passion for Tania; she danced outgoing, plus in general, ev- to the island of Sicily, Italy, when she ing to life elsewhere is essential for her ballet, jazz and folk. Mov- eryone is understand- was only nine years old. The exposure to successfully survive by constantly ing here, Tania has ing. The English to a completely different country was traveling. had to quickly ad- language is not something unique at her age. “Having lived in Italy has really just to the lan- something easy Growing up in Italy for three years opened my eyes to a completely dif- guage, people to learn and until Isaia was twelve was a huge ad- ferent culture. I feel so lucky to have and environ- comprehend justment for her. Since beforehand, had that opportunity, having traveled ment of the quickly; she had lived in the U.S. growing up. all around Europe. I see life differently United States. however For Isaia, learning a new language and than someone who has stayed in the “The hard- Tania is do- lifestyle was essential to survive in Italy same place their whole life,” Isaia said. est part for ing very well, as an American. Given the chance, Isaia says she me in the US even with its “Italy is so much different than the would easily live in Italy again. is the language, challenges. climate and the “The most PHOTO BY TYLER BAGGS difference in tradi- diffi cult part is tions...here it’s very translating the whole cold: Mexico is very hot… assignment from English to Thanksgiving is new for me; Spanish then back to English, I they do not celebrate Thanks- like the challenge because it’s giving in Mexico,” Cota Quin- better for me. I need to learn tero said. more English and I need more Lake Stevens stands out practice.” Cota Quintero said. to Tania as it is different than She is beginning to feel what she is used to. Also, she comfortable in Lake Stevens thinks the teachers are nice and making great progress. Lake her peers are easy to get along Stevens High School students with. Tania wanted to learn and teachers set a good exam- English and graduate from a ple by supporting those who Distant shores: Junior Ashlyn Isaia, who comes from a military family, has been all over US high school in hopes that it are struggling in the best ways Europe besides the USA. She remembers Italy for its rich culture and during her 3-year could provide her with better they can. stay in the country, she learned to speak Italian. Students’ cultural backgrounds advance them in school by Noel Gasca For many students, language they still face diffi culties. Bilingual students often say that Staff Reporter classes are just a credit requirement it’s diffi cult during conversation between peers or in reg- in for a university. Many will end up ular class settings because they have to think differently. forgetting all the Spanish, French, or German they’ve “It’s a different mindset. There has been a couple times learned before they can even travel to a country where where I’ve gotten mixed up. Sometimes I know how to they can practice their skills. A large number of students say things in Tagalog, but not in English,” Peralta said. struggle with language classes because they’ve never had Another advantage of coming from a bilingual back- to learn a language before, but for some students at LSHS, ground is that there is a plethora of job opportunities taking a language class doesn’t mean they’ll be adding a open to these students when they decide to enter the job PHOTOS BY second language to their repertoire, it means they’ll be market. According to a survey taken by the New York TYLER BAGGS, adding a third or even forth. While many may think that Times, 26% of American adults speak more than one MCKENZIE GRANT, it’s easier for these students to add a third language, it language, and according to a study done by the National AND TEDDY adds its own set of unique challenges and strengths most Foreign Language Center, 66% of job recruiters agree GASPAR people cannot comprehend. that being bilingual will be increasingly important in the Sophomore Manuel Rodriguez claims that his bilin- next 10 years. The study also found that those who speak gual background has helped him greatly in his fi rst year more than one foreign language on average earn more of French. than $100,000 a year. Sophomore Alicia Gaspar knows “French is very similar to Spanish, so when we’re that her bilingual background will help her when it comes learning new things there are a lot of similarities,” Rodri- to getting a job. guez said. “One of the nice things about being able to speak two LSHS’ increasing diversity enriches educational learning Sophomore Liana Peralta had an easier time in her languages is that there are a lot of job opportunities for by Iris Favoreal With the na- lish Language Learners (ELL). previous Spanish classes, thanks to her Tagalog back- when you grow up. You can get a pretty well paying job, Design Editor tion’s diversity As a result, the staff is working ground. like being an interpreter,” Gaspar said. rates growing, together to fi nd a way to help all “Tagalog and Spanish have a lot of similar words, and While the conjugations and vocabulary most students LSHS is no exception. Over the students. so I found it a lot easier when I took Spanish last year,” learned in high School will quickly become something of years, diversity has slowly in- “The work we are doing is try- Peralta said. the past, for many LSHS students, it is an integral part of creased with 23.9% of the current ing to increase English language While their language skills may help them in class, their life and identity. student population belonging to acquisition and college and ca- different ethnicities other than reer readiness. We also want to the Whites, a 13.1% increase from reduce drop-out factors by help- 2003. Not only has this shift al- ing support these students and I am Manuel tered the school’s dynamics in keep their grades up and their Rodriguez. how they consider their educa- credits up. The teachers and the tional purposes and responsibili- educational assistants have done ties, but it has also increased the an outstanding job of identifying school community’s openness to skills we need to develop, a plan and understanding of other cul- to develop those skills and mea- Puedo hablar español tures. sures to determine effectiveness,” LSHS’ racial make-up now Principal Eric Cahan said. con fluidez. includes American Indians/Alas- Being surrounded by other kan Natives, Asians, Native Ha- people who come from an en- waiians/Pacifi c Islanders, African tirely different background full of Americans, and Hispanics. Not rich traditions and cultures is a Je peux only has the ethnic diversity in- chance for the rest of the student creased, so have the numbers of body to learn beyond their own parler français immigrants moving into the Lake world. également. Stevens. One course in particular “Diversity is affecting our has been added to meet the needs school by helping us see that the of students who have moved here world is larger than just Lake Ste- from other countries. English as a ven’s many ideas and opinions. PHOTO BY JACK PETTERBORG Second Language supports Eng- Being introduced to many dif-

Foreign exchange students uncover the American experience by Brittney Swank Lake Stevens High they talk with us,” Spoede said. her opinion of the food here differs from Staff Reporter School is hosting fi ve Although she is enjoying herself, there Spoede’s. foreign exchange stu- are a few differences that she’s still adjust- “The food is a lot healthier than I expect- dents from three different countries: Hol- ing to, such as our food and drinks. ed. I thought there was a lot more bad stuff land, Germany, and Palestine. These stu- “[The] tap water tastes like a swimming in it, but [American food has] good stuff,” dents live with an American family for the pool,” Spoede said. van Dam said. school year to experience life in the United It’s no surprise that an exchange student Van Dam loves soccer and parties. She States. While in the U.S, they go to school would fi nd American food odd, since our played on the Lake Stevens junior varsity and participate in activities just as any other food is altered so much, unlike theirs. soccer team, and says American soccer dif- student would. Although our regular rou- “It’s fun to see them try new things like fers from Dutch soccer, but she still enjoys it tines may seem normal to us, our everyday new foods. It’s funny,” sophomore Destiny all the same. Van Dam and all of the foreign lives may seem strange to the exchange stu- Romano said. exchange students are dying to get out and dents. Madow would have to agree with Ro- have some real American fun. Don’t be shy Kaitlin Spoede is a 16-year-old junior mano on that one. She fi nds it amusing to and take them out to a baseball game! German exchange student hosted by junior watch “her German,” as she refers to Spo- “I think it’s interesting because you get Emily Madow. Some of her hobbies include ede, react to the new experiences. to learn more about where they’re from and cooking, skiing, hanging out with friends, “They don’t have Costco, so we took her you can ask them a whole bunch of ques- and cheerleading. Spoede even joined the the fi rst week she got here and she freaked tions and learn how they do things differ- Lake Stevens Galaxy All-Stars, which is a out. She was like, ‘Why is this place so big?! ently than here. Since they’re in Washington PHOTO BY competition cheer squad. I don’t get it!’” Madow said. I think they should go to Seattle at least, and MCKENZIE “I love it here. It’s so easy and all the peo- Senior Marije van Dam who is from Hol- go to the Space Needle, and the Gum Wall, GRANT ple are nice, and the teachers care about us; land also enjoys trying new foods, although where a lot of people go,” Romano said. ESL helps students broaden the English language by Tyler Baggs Most students’ dents are required to take a placement Staff Reporter experience with a test that either qualifi es students for an foreign language ESL course or not. Konnichiwa! happens from taking German, Span- “It could be a matter of one test and ish, or French classes that are required you’re out. If you don’t pass the test for admission to a university. Howev- then you receive ELL services and will er, there are some students who have a receive them for an entire year. Then wealth of knowledge in a foreign lan- in early spring you take another test Chào! guage and are taking English as a sec- that determines if you continue to be ond or third language and not a fi rst. in ELL services or not,” ESL teacher Students who move to Lake Stevens Malorie Wolk said. from other countries and need to learn As any test there are different levels English take a course called English as of the test. Students who score as “Ad- a Second Language (ESL). vanced” tend to opt out of ELL services Kumusta? In addition to the acronym ESL because they have demonstrated that there is another term that must be un- they can succeed in their other courses derstood, which is English Language without the ESL class. In this case, par- Learner (ELL). This acronym is used ents must sign a document opting out to describe a person who is learning of services. This year at LSHS, approxi- LSHS’ increasing diversity enriches educational learning Привет! English as a second or third language. mately 25% of students who qualify for lish Language Learners (ELL). ferent opinions and beliefs in an Students enrolled in ESL get help with ELL services are opting out of the ESL As a result, the staff is working everyday social-setting is great and learn reading, writing, and vo- class. together to fi nd a way to help all for students to better refi ne their cabulary. The ESL class also provides “English is harder for me because students. [own] ideas or beliefs and be way students with time to work on other I was born with Spanish fi rst. So they “The work we are doing is try- more accepting of others even if homework. put me in ELL and it’s helped a lot,” ju- ing to increase English language they don’t agree with them,” ju- ¡Hola! “It’s a class for students that are nior Brianna Gutierrez. acquisition and college and ca- nior Cody Anderson said. from another country and to help them Currently, about 75% of students reer readiness. We also want to From here on, LSHS will only learn English, as a second language. I taking ESL are Spanish speakers and reduce drop-out factors by help- continue to grow in its diversity, like it because it’s easy and helps my the remaining students speak Tagalog ing support these students and increasing the community’s tol- English get better, but I don’t like it be- (spoken in Philippines), Vietnamese keep their grades up and their erance of others, awareness of cause I’ve been in there for four years,” and Laotian. credits up. The teachers and the different lifestyles and wisdom Bonjour! senior Phuc Tran said. ESL has been offered off and on at educational assistants have done about different perspectives. It Taking this class earns elective cred- LSHS. Currently there are two staff an outstanding job of identifying will enrich the educational ex- it and is a state requirement. When a members qualifi ed to teach the course: skills we need to develop, a plan perience through promoting student from another country enrolls Malorie Wolk and Kristin Odegaard. to develop those skills and mea- critical-thinking by challenging into an American school, they must fi ll Previously a lack of qualifi ed staff has sures to determine effectiveness,” pre-conceived stereotypes and Hallo! out a form that asks them to identify been an issue in providing services, but Principal Eric Cahan said. uniting a community together their home language. If any language the school has made the ELL commu- Being surrounded by other by providing a chance to develop other than English is specifi ed, stu- nity a priority to serve. people who come from an en- mutual respect for others. tirely different background full of “Anytime a population, wheth- rich traditions and cultures is a er it be a school, a workplace, or chance for the rest of the student a community, has a culturally body to learn beyond their own diverse population, it improves world. our opportunities to learn from “Diversity is affecting our one another. It is important that school by helping us see that the we understand, respect and value LSHS students reﬂ ect on what it means to be Muslim in America world is larger than just Lake Ste- cultural diversity and that our by Noel Gasca In the United States, there is no religion lowers of a religion varies; Islam is the same. While many Mus- ven’s many ideas and opinions. schools are inclusive,” Superin- Staff Reporter persecuted more in American media and lim women wear the hijab, a traditional head covering which Being introduced to many dif- tendent Amy Beth Cook said. society than the religion with 1.6 billion fol- dates back to 627 C.E., many young female Muslims in America lowers currently: Islam. American Muslims today face intrusive today do not wear it. questioning at the airport, and even face infi ltration and surveil- “My parents are more laid back, in comparison to the stricter

PHOTO BY JACK PETTERBORG lance in mosques at times of worship. However, very few Ameri- parents... my mom doesn’t even wear one, and neither does any- cans know anything about Islam beyond what they think they’ve body in my family,” said senior Delvene Ali. learned through the news or what they learned in school. Events Since the September 11 attacks, and the invasions of Iraq and such as 9/11, which involved a group of Muslim radicals, have Afghanistan, many Americans have persecuted and committed caused many Americans to look at Islam in a harsh, unfa- hate crimes against the Muslims in their community. This vorable way. Many people today also think that they discrimination spreads all across The United States don’t know a Muslim or there aren’t any Muslims of America. Much of this intolerance is based on in- in their community, because they aren’t easily accurate information spread by the media, as identifi able as the Muslims seen on TV from and as a result viewers believe this infor- conservative Muslim countries such as Iraq, mation to be true, and share it with others. Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iran, Yemen and Others are just simply miseducated and tell Syria. Many LSHS students probably think others what they think they know about Is- the same thing about our school. Howev- lam, no matter how incorrect their informa- er, the campus is much more diverse they tion is. would think. I’ve been called [a terrorist] before, but I One common misconception about Islam don’t even come from a part of Iraq that has ter- is that it’s extremely restrictive. Although Is- rorists. Kurdistan isn’t even Arabic. They don’t lam has a set of rules and regulations like Chris- speak Arabic either, they speak Kurdish,” Ali said. tianity, Judaism, and Mormonism, it’s not nearly Although there are people in the world who be- as strict as most people may think. It is true, however lieve that Islam is a religion of hate and restriction, that in conservative Islamic countries such as Saudi Ara- there are more who do not. And thankfully, they’re not hard bia, women are not allowed to drive and must wear a conserva- to fi nd, even at LSHS. tive form of dress known as the naqib. However, in many other “Lake Stevens is defi nitely a very accepting community, most- Muslim countries, Muslims live much more freely. ly. And if people are making stupid remarks [about Islam] then “[Americans] think I don’t drive, but when I tell people I’ve fi nd someone who understands that isn’t okay. Everyone de- driven at thirteen, they’re shocked,” junior Hebba Al-Saddi who serves to be treated equally, and it’s ridiculous to treat someone is a Palestinian exchange student, said. differently based on how they dress or their religion,” said junior Just like in other religions, the level of orthodoxy in the fol- Mina Gibbs. 10 FEATURES DECEMBER 18, 2013 FOLLOW US @LSHSVALHALLA ON TWITTER LSHS went to Neverland this fall December Drama Club puts on 2013 Peter Pan play by Jessica Matthias “It was very long, but the “I played as John Darling, some days staying past 8:00 students of Staff Reporter acting was great. They had Wendy’s oldest brother. We p.m. Long hours aside, good a lot of skill especially with all worked hard, and it paid times accompanied the hard including a lot of emotion off in the end,” Munn said. work. the month Lake Stevens High into their roles,” sophomore Anyone who attended “I played the role of Mi- School’s award winning Alexxys Bracker said. this play could see that the chael Darling. The best part Drama Club performed “Pe- Seniors Noah Dominick endless hours of work put was meeting everyone, and ter Pan” for their fall play. and Isaac Munn were actors into their performance re- really experiencing perform- They performed Thursday, in the play who both agreed ally showed. These actors ing on a bigger stage,” Domi- November 14 through Satur- they were more than happy and actresses practiced nick said. day, November 23. with the production. Monday through Saturday, Performing in front of a crowd doesn’t always go as smoothly as planned. Small bloopers occurred in the form of forgotten or mis- spoken lines. However the cast played off the mistakes before the audience even picked up on them. It does not stop there, misread lines weren’t the only source of bloopers. “During the scene where Pan brings the Lost Boys nuts, I dropped the nut that I was holding into the audience. Another thing that was funny was when the story teller fl ipped his coin at the beginning of one of the scenes, he fl ipped it into the audience,” Munn said. PHOTOS BY JACK PETTERBORG “Peter Pan” was another Congratulations! From left to right going down, sophomores Tristan LaBrasseur, Ash- great production from the ton Mitchell, juniors Makenna Berg, Cameron Drama lub that showcased King, seniors Zhayne Curdy, and Sydney Wil- the talent here at Lake Ste- son were nominated December student of vens High School. In the the month by the LSHS staff. These students PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNE JULSON spring, look forward to a put their hard work and dedeication into do- Lights, camera, action: This year the LSHS Drama Club presented their 2013 fall production, “Peter Pan”. ing well in school and going above and beyond. The play was a huge hit, having a longer run time, an amazing set, and fantastic acting, which made it a fun musical production of “Tar- event for students and families who attended. “We all worked hard, and it paid off in the end,” Munn said. zan.” Students show patriotism by joining military LSHS students take part in military careers for muliple reasons by Teddy Gaspar For years, and my mom is a captain While Knorr has both a grandpa Even though Knorr has family in Some want to join for the patri- Staff Reporter some people in the navy and she was in for 18 and a uncle in the military, Her- the military, the decision to join otism that comes with the service. serving our years,” said Walters. rera has none. was her own. “I want to be the best of the nation is an However the family connection best,” Walters said. honor that has been a family tradi- isn’t always a factor. Senior Justin Others like Charles join for the tion. For others it’s a way to escape O’Neil has no family in the military pay and the benefi ts. Not having to the nine-to-fi ve routine. Whether but plans to dwwo Infantry 11x and worry about paying for college or one is a pacifi st or militant, no one plans to either join mortar crew worry about looking for a house is can deny the importance of having which is Charles or Bravo. a huge factor in his reason to join. a military. “Bravo is where you kick down But Herrera wants a job in the Today there are still plenty of the door and you raid the house,” military that she will be able to

young men and women interested senior O’Niel said. PHOTO BY JACK PETTERBORG bring back into the life of a civil- in taking on that responsibility to Both of these jobs are in the ian. Once she enlists, she plans defend the United States. Senior bulk of the army. Infantry Bravo to be a Hospital Corpsman. Chance Charles is one of these is the more advanced troops of the “I’m a humanitarian, and I students. This is his fi rst year at army, taking on more jobs in the would go help on rescue missions Lake Stevens High School since he fi eld instead of hanging back in a or provide care for the families for moved here from Eastern Wash- command center. those who are serving,” Herrera ington. He plans on going into the It’s not only guys who are plan- said. U.S. Army after he graduates. ning on joining the military. Both Even though everyone has dif- United States defenders: From left to right, seniors Yvette Herrera, Kaleen Knorr, Ca- Senior Caleb Walters was Yvette Herrera and Kaleen Knorr leb Walters, Chance Charles and Justin O’Neil are preparing to serve in the military ferent reasons for joining, all of raised in a military family. are both seniors who plan on going following high school. All of these seniors are very proud to be joining the military after them are serving their countriy “My dad was in the navy for two to the navy right out of high school. high school and supporting the U.S. “I want to be the best of the best,” Walters said. with honor. FOLLOW US @LSHSVALHALLA ON TWITTER DECEMBER 18, 2013 FEATURES 11 Next stop: Cover of Vogue Kyla Ruse dreams of modeling for fashion designers internationally by Hannah Mulvey Some students at LSHS are had some cool shots,” said Ruse. Staff Reporter aspiring to make a big name Sometimes a job this big can take over other im- for themselves. Junior Kyla portant things, like school. That isn’t the case for Ruse recently signed with 206 Ruse. Model Management in Seattle. “I usually just put school before it, and I sched- “I got into modeling through 206 Model Manage- ule when I don’t have a lot of homework that night,” ment. I went online and just filled out a little request Ruse said. to get an interview. Then he called me in and had me Modeling is a huge dream of hers. Ruse is working walk in my heels and do commercial stuff, and he as- very hard and is passionate about what she is doing. signed him as my manager,” said Ruse. Keep reading those magazines and one day you may With modeling come some risks, like what will flip the page and see Kyla Ruse advertising the next people think? This isn’t the case for Ruse. People hottest look in fashion. are on board with her decision and fully support this. Her family is one of her biggest sup- porters of this major choice. Modeling has given her many opportunities. Some of her shoots were more memorable than others. “My favorite shoot was the last one I did, because we went out- side and went to a whole bunch of different railroad tracks and really weird places, so I

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KYLA RUSE No shave November by Tyler Baggs November pate in not shaving for November. Girls is notorious for can’t grow beards or mustaches like the Staff Reporter many things. guys can, but girls can take a break from Like cool sweat- the task of leg shaving. While boys think ers, Thanksgiving, and no shaving! As the No Shave November is only for the boys, Small class sizes, top-notch professors and hands-on month goes on, it gets colder and the stu- girls can and should participate if they dents get harrier. Since 2003, No Shave want. learning. Experience all UW Bothell has to offer. November has become a popular grow- “I like No shave November because ing fad among a wide variety of people guys get beards, and beards are nice! I today. What started between two “mates” don’t participate because I like my legs to in Australia to support men’s health grew be soft but if girls want to they should. It into a popular, worldwide fad. really doesn’t matter,” said sophomores Many students at the high school are Amelia Aspree . starting to sport the rugged look this No- While some students think it’s ok for vember. Not only is it a popular fashion girls to do No Shave November, many stu- statement for November, but also a rea- dents think that no shaving should only son for students to be lazy and not shave. be for the guys, since it supports men’s “I like no shave November; I don’t health. have to do anything. It’s an easy way to “Girls shouldn’t do no shave Novem- get through the month,” said Senior Grant ber, I could give a long list of reasons Shultz. why, but ill shorten it and just say arm- What about the ladies? People ques- pits should be shaved,” said junior Jack tion whether or not if girls should partici- Caruso. Meet with an advisor today! We have an outstanding team ready to help you choose from our exciting degree offerings.

425.352.5000 | www.uwb.edu

PHOTOS BY JACK PETTERBORG Seniors Gabe Hunt (left) and Jordan Lee (right) show off their recently groomed hairy faces . Both let their facial hair grow scraggly during the month of November. 12 A&E DECEMBER 18, 2013 FOLLOW US @LSHSVALHALLA ON TWITTER Seen and Heard ‘Common Courtesy’ A Day to Remember’s new album Heard: by Jessica Matthias If listeners were good reason. In 2011, A Day to Remember by Chloe Rowland Fire alarm was pulled on Staff Reporter looking for an al- sued their label, Victory Records, for over Photographer November 8th at 11:00 a.m. bum with a new $75,000 in money owed. The record label in sound from A Day return said it was the band that was not fol- by Mr. Davis in the engineer- to Remember, “Common Courtesy” isn’t it. lowing the contract, saying they were only ing room. Rumor has it that an Though some may critique them, they kept trying to move to another record label be- anonymous sophomore lit his/ their sound to classic A Day to Remember fore the 5 album contract was up. her sock on fi re in the middle in “Common Courtesy.” This album contin- Through all of Victory Record’s efforts to Seen: ues the tradition of mixing genres includ- halt “Common Courtesy” from release, the Juniors were careless- of class! ing pop punk and metalcore in their songs. courts ruled in the band’s favor. Although ly driving around the pool “Common Courtesy” offers great music to they owe the record label two more albums, parking lot yelling from the bang your head to without receiving whip- an offi cial statement was released after the lash. ruling: “The only thing that has mattered to bed of a truck on October 4th This by far is the most personal album us while dealing with this lawsuit was get- after school. They began doing they have released. It shows clear growth of ting new music to our fans,” the band and circles around the lot, resulting the band over the years and the tracks of- management said. in failure as they were stuck in Seen: fer a great mix for the unforgivable teenage A Day to Remember released their fi fth Blue Beta fi sh, aka the angst. studio album “Common Courtesy” on their traffi c before making it back “The Document Speaks for Itself,” which website (adtr.com) on October 8, 2013 and around. DECA Fish- according may come across as an over the top attack the physical album became available No- to Kaleb Reeves, was seen on Victory Records via song, is not without vember 24, 2013. swimming around the coun- ters in the cove greeting Viking customers in the early Heard: morning. There is a student run auc- tion for parking passes that allow the highest bidders to park in the staff parking lot. These passes are limited edition; only persons with a disability are allowed to park with the staff, so keep your ears open next year for a chance to bid!

If you have seen or heard anything, tweet us @LSHSVALHALLA on Twitter GRAPHIC BY ALEX MULVANEY PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVECOMMONS.ORG Sounds around the sound “The Rocky Horror Picture show” @ ShowBox at The Market: Panic! At the Disco @ Showbox Sodo: January 15 December 28 Panic! at the Disco is back with a new album “Too Weird to Live, and Too by Jessica Matthias “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” musical is coming to Rare to Die!” which inspired a tour in the UK, US, and even a couple of shows Staff Reporter Seattle at Showbox at The Market on December 28, 2013. in Australia. Doors open at 8:00 p.m. and show starts at 9:00 pm. Tick- The fi rst show of the tour was on November 13 in Berlin, Germany. This tour ets are $30 at the door. sold out in many locations days before the tour began. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is a musical stage play that fi rst premiered 40 The band’s fi rst album, “A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out” was released in 2005 years ago at the Royal Court Theatre in London on June 19, 1973. and was most known for its top ten single, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies.” This The musical is a satirical adaption of the horror and science-fi ction movies album was eventually produced in the 1940’s certifi ed as double through the 1970’s. The platinum in the U.S. movie version has the Although over longest-running release the years three band in fi lm history. members have left, Audience members they continue to tour are encouraged to dress and create new mu- as their favorite charac- sic. Tickets are still ters. The show incorpo- available for the Se- rates audience partici- attle concert January pation. Dress up and 15, 2014. The show is come down to Seattle to at 8:00 p.m. at Show- watch this famous mu- box Sodo with ticket sical that is 40 years in prices starting at just the making. PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVECOMMONS.ORG $30. PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVECOMMONS.ORG FOLLOW US @LSHSVALHALLA ON TWITTER DECEMBER 18, 2013 A&E 13 ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ review Fans went wild with the release of the second movie in the trilogy by Kayleen Fredrickson November 22, 2013 these days is the casting. When an actor doesn’t look Katniss Everdeen: Staff Reporter brought one of the most like or even portray a character correctly, movies Katniss returns in Catching Fire as popular and beautifully become almost unwatchable. In the opinion of the strong main character. She crafted movies of the year. “Catching Fire” made a many fans, the new actors fit their roles per- finds it hard to convince Presi- record-breaking $307 million on opening weekend, fectly, and it was easy to put their face to the dent Snow that she still loves making it one of the most popular movies of 2013. character. It was no surprise when Sam Claf- Peeta, but makes a pact to Fans weren’t sure what to expect with the release of lin was cast as Finnick Odair. He definitely herself that Peeta should be the this movie since “The Hunger Games” didn’t exactly had the looks, but he also portrayed Finnick’s one who wins the 75th Hunger stay true to the book, and it’s not hard to imagine the ego and attitude flawlessly. On the other Games. Katniss learns that she is shock when “Catching Fire” was practically spot on. hand, at first sight, Jena Malone looks too the face of the rebellion, a destiny The writers of the film did a great job while writing the sweet for her role, yet she embodied the that she can’t easily escape. script, making it almost identical to the book. While ruthless character of Johanna Mason they left out the extra background information about perfectly. Finnick Odair: the victors, the film does a great job at representing “Catching Fire” was an amazing Handsome and brave Finnick Odair the gripping plot line written by Suzanne Collins. movie fit for anyone, pre-teen and up. from district 4 is a Capitol favorite. “I thought the movie was really good, it followed Men and women alike will enjoy this He won the 65th Hunger Games at 14 the book really well. Plus, Finnick is quite the cutie,” movie, though the men may not admit years old, being the youngest trib- junior Roberta Pierce said. it. “Catching Fire” leaves fans with a ute to ever win the games. Now at the A great script is nearly to pointless without a beau- tense cliff-hanger, setting up the 75th Hunger Games, Katniss is advised tiful set, talented designers and actors. The set of the story for the two movies that will to make him an ally. At first, Finnick’s film was breathtaking, it brought clarity to the circular make up “Mockingjay,” the third arrogant attitude is off-putting and seems arena that was difficult to imagine while reading the and final film in the trilogy. untrustworthy, but he proves himself use- book. The costumes were elaborate and striking, and “I liked how the movie ended ful and helps keep Katniss alive. it is obvious that the designers were as dedicated to in a cliff-hanger, and it leaves the costumes as Effie Trinket is to her daily look. Kat- you wanting another movie,” ju- Cinna: niss’ mockingjay dress was a fan favorite, along with nior Jasmine Byler said. Cinna is Katniss’ talented stylist and good her “girl on fire” tribute costume. The twists in the plot will sur- friend. He is known for rebelling against “My favorite costume was when Katniss spun prise those who haven’t read the the capitol using his beautiful designs, like around into the mockingjay,” junior Kate Sumner book, but those who have read the Katniss’ mockingjay dress. Sadly, Cinna pays said. book will love the fact that they get to see the price for his resistance during Catching Fire. One problem with movies adapted from books it all on screen. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CREATIVECOMMONS.ORG 14 OPINION DECEMBER 18, 2013 FOLLOW US @LSHSVALHALLA ON TWITTER Love yourself instead of bashing on others Bodies are meant to be appreciated, not torn down with words by Kaylee Nunley A body is more ent fi gures? Thanks to height, two peo- Opinion Editor than a a bundle of ple could weigh 150 and nobody would skin and bones, it’s know. a person’s temple A ridiculously one-sided person once and the beholder of who they are. It’s started the trend of saying “real women no person’s place to insult a body and have curves.” Indeed, women can and hurt the mind within it. Slender or curvy many do have curves. These women are and everything in between, each body indeed beautiful and real, as much as holds a human being. Growing up has the woman with a slender fi gure stand- seemed to take away this message rath- ing next to her. “Real women” come in er than engrave it. different shapes, and respect that being Online or in person, no matter what, a woman is more than the size of your talk of weight can be brought up and of- hips and thighs, bust or behind. ten is. How can one not notice it? Celeb- Fast metabolisms exist. Crazy, isn’t rities in magazines make readers want it, that a person can have a gap between to look a way that only Photoshop can their thighs without meaning to? A allow. Something that people need to body is never bad, and unique qualities learn to do is unify, instead of compar- makes one better, if anything. Just the ing, picking apart and bashing. way many thighs touch in an absolutely On Twitter, a tweet got negative at- healthy and beautiful way. tention for being an opinion of what “Nothing tastes better than skinny an ideal weight should be. The weight feels” is an absurd choice of words was considered lower than the aver- (have they even tried french fries?), but age weight, and the responses included PHOTO BY MCKENZIE GRANT not all petite people feel this way. Just Body sizes may vary: On a daily basis women and men are up against all kinds of expectations for words that could easily hurt people who their body. No expectations change the fact that everyone has the right to be respected and loved. the same with how not all people with happen to have a similar weight. From wonderful curves view skinnier women either end, nothing good came out of the ing called fat or obese, even if they’re hallways are based solely off of igno- as less of a woman. Why don’t we stop weight speculation. not. Of course, any person could see rance rather than genuine concern. fi nding faults in other people’s bodies to If a person’s more petite, they are of- the possible concerns when it comes to How can we compare people by their defend how we feel about our our own? ten called anorexic or stick-like. If they health in weight. However, nine out of weight when two people who weigh the hold more weight, they have to face be- ten comments fl ooding Twitter and the exact same can have completely differ- Hard work pays off at Veterans day assembly LSHS choir and band wows student body and visiting veterans by McKenzie Grant Novem- Collins Salifu. bly, and played through it twice. Photographer ber’s Veter- The Concert Choir sang “The Bat- “It came together wonderfully ans Day as- tle Hymn of the Republic,” which was because all of the students had pre- sembly was accompanied by the band’s Wind En- pared so well on their own,” said one that consisted of inspiring speak- semble. Forslund. ers, a great band, and an amazing In preparation, choir director Hei- A usually chatty audience was performance from the choir. di Forslund and the choir students completely silent, during the per- With the Lake Stevens High worked tirelessly with the musicians formance, positively enchanted by School choir especially, it’s not very in order to make the performance as the melodic falsettos and high notes often that the student body gets to well executed as it was. “Both groups throughout each piece. see them in action during school practiced this song on their own fi rst. Even once the assembly fi nished hours. The band then made a recording and students were back in class, a PHOTO BY MCKENZIE GRANT The Jazz Choir performed “Amer- for the choir to practice with a few lot of the praise focused on the choir, LSHS choir surprises: LSHS choir performing at the Veterans day assembly, assembled by Neil Proff. The school was extreme- ica the Beautiful” arranged by Dar- times and then we practiced togeth- proving it was a successful perfor- ly amazed by the great performance that was put on by choir. mon Meader, with a solo from junior er Friday the morning of the assem- mance. PHOTO COURTESY OF COURTNEY ELLIS

RAVE RANT Rants and Raves RANT

RAVE I hate when the kid walking in front of I hate when girls feel the need If you’d like a rant or rave Manleaders, to spend ﬁ ve minutes changing me suddenly stops to talk to friends and I love all the people- featured in the Valhalla, do I need to into gym clothes in a bathroom I have to jump to avoid hitting them. A and how fun some of hashtag your tweet for explain? stall. People need to pee, go warning would be nice, like a siren that the teachers are at would go oﬀ when somebody obnoxious us! Tweet your thought -Katie Nolen change somewhere else. out, and make sure to add (senior) LSHS. sees their friends. Don’t be that kid. -Danielle Chalfant -Jake Douglas (senior) -Arie French #valhallarantsandraves (sophomore) (senior) FOLLOW US @LSHSVALHALLA ON TWITTER DECEMBER18t2013 OPINION 15 Music has the power to bring to something considered a little people together. At the concert harder or more sophisticated. of someone’s favorite artist, In addition, it just comes off Don’t there may be hundreds of sweaty obnoxious when someone wears people uncomfortably crowded a certain artists T-shirt and an- together, but it’s okay because other person feels the need to everyone is there to enjoy the ask if they even listen to them be- judge, just music. Also, there’s not a single cause they don’t “look like some- person who can deny ever turn- one who would like that band.” ing up a catchy song whenever it The powerful thing about mu- comes on it the car. sic is that it’s a mixture of beats, jam Of course people are going to lyrics, and melodies. Though PHOTO BY MCKENZIE GRANT be biased toward their own mu- someone’s preferred mixture From one direction to ACDC: Music interests vary for everyone. Students at LSHS sic preferences, but it’s preten- might be a little different from wear different band t-shirts depending on their taste in music. As long as there is tious to judge others on the mu- the next person’s, music is some- an interest in that band, it shouldn’t matter if you wear a shirt supporting them. along sic they favor. thing everyone enjoys in some Someone enjoying a bit of form or another. It doesn’t make vary, someone can appreciate personal preference of music Bieber or One Direction doesn’t sense to judge others for the mu- a wide variety of different art- shouldn’t be under the scru- by McKenzie Grant make them nferior to those who sic they listen to. ists and genres, and others can tiny of others with a different Photographer sit in class and bang their heads People’s music interests can prefer to stick to one single type style; and physical appearance of music. Either way, their own shouldn’t even be a factor in de- ciding someone’s music choices. For some, music is an impor- “True fan”; What determines who’s a real fan varies from person to person. tant, even essential part of their life. Insulting their music taste Some believe anybody can be a fan and others think that you might as well could be more offensive than stop listening if you don’t know the lead singer’s pet’s birthday. Which- one may think. Next time some- ever music type, these expectations can get in the way of music. one wants to insult one’s music taste, tell them to stop being “ ” such a snob. Racial jokes taken too far People, not objects by Chloe Rowland Boys and girls “It is a little bit different for men, Photographer evenly match because we have a higher tolerance for Hurtful words only hurting feelings “each other ”when sexual harassment, like guys are more by Neftali Rodriguez You cut the rope. This was them by speaking up and tell- it comes to in- physical and rowdy or playful. If you Staff Reporter offensive to me because they ing people it isn’t appropri- appropriate attitudes toward sex and are bugging someone or making fun used to lynch black people ate. sexual comments. Sexual harassment of someone to a point where they ask Teenagers always joke in apple trees, and they cut Everybody is quite differ- is defi ned by making unwanted sexual you to stop and you don’t, then that’s around with their peers; it’s them down when they would ent and not everybody han- advances or remarks towards another harassment,” said senior Austin Ban- just the way they are. When die or leave them,” senior dles what is said to them the human being. However, as I walk the ister. those jokes become personal, Heather Beulieu said. same way. People should be halls, I hear sexual comments and According to the following infor- it isn’t a joke anymore. In- People should know careful as to what is said in a jokes from one female student to a mation men are just as susceptible to stead of being funny it can be male student and vice versa as if the sexual harassment as women are. seen as offensive. disrespectful words coming out of “In 2006, a survey was done on Many claim they can han- their mouths are the funniest things 2064 students from colleges and uni- dle a racist joke, to an extent, in the world. The line between ap- versities by the American Association but there is a point where the propriate and inappropriate has been of University Women (AAUW) that re- atmosphere goes from funny blurred by the desensitized teens of ported that: 62% of female and 61% to hurtful. And furthermore, today. of male college students report hav- racist jokes should not have “Sexual harassment is anything that ing been sexually harassed, 10% or to be tolerated because they makes you uncomfortable because fewer of these victims attempted to report their experience, 51% of male shouldn’t happen. of your gender or sexual orientation, name calling, any unwanted gestures students admit to sexually harassing Senior Heather Beulieu and just anything inappropriate in a someone while 31% of female college has dealt with racist jokes in PHOTO BY CHLOE ROWLAND Humor or hurtful? Social norms change each day. Sometimes this can sexual way,” senior Kya Ammons said. students admit to harassing someone her life. She used to deal with be for the worse when harmful words and jokes can become more ac- Harassment is categorized by pur- in college.” [American Association of the stereotype that African cepted instead of fought against and thought about, as they should be. poses that may include prejudice, University Women, Hostile Hallways: Americans’ favorite foods are threats, sexual pressure or even sadis- Bullying, Teasing, and Sexual Harass- fried chicken and Kool-Aid. tic pleasure. Yet, sexual harassment is ment in School] Although this is something that is such jokes are inap- joking manner. the most lax forms of harassment, as When does it end? Sexual harass- that she has been able to propriate and uncalled for. Be respectful to one an- women are viewed to be weaker and ment is making someone else so un- move past, other references This kind of joke is not easy other, you never know how more likely victims. Men on the other comfortable they feel violated. That’s and “jokes” have not been so to handle if you know that badly you can affect someone people experienced this type personally, especially when hand, are unequally treated in society like the horrible dream of coming to easy to swallow and are much over the matter of appearance and at- school in just your underwear! So stop, more graphic and hurtful. of thing in history. If people it comes to ethnicity because hear racist jokes they should that is something they will titude towards the matter of sex and slow down and think before you speak. “How do you get a black sexual abuse. Let’s keep our compliments clean. person out of an apple tree? prevent other from saying never be able to change.

This time of year is a good teering shouldn’t be something done just majority. A great way to help is by do- h Br edit own time to give to others in need. because it has to be done, it should be to nating old clothes that aren’t worn any- er M A great way to do that is benefi t others. more, or old toys that are in a box shoved f: words ie by volunteering, and the It’s easy for people to take the little in the attic. Many children don’t need that h c -

school provides many things for granted, such as a heated home iPhone 5 for Christmas to be happy, but n i

from volunteer opportunities. and a warm bed to sleep in at night. they would be happy with something as r o t

Although fi fteen hours Many people in the community and simple as a warm jacket. This is a good re- i d

school aren’t fortunate enough to have minder to use the opportunities given, and of community service are

Brown required every year, volun- these things that seem so simple to the help others. 16 LEIKR DECEMBER 18, 2013 FOLLOW US @LSHSVALHALLA ON TWITTER Lake Stevens High School Heroes By Chloe Rowland

Featuring Janet as Batman, Officer Carter as Robin and Cahan as Superman

Three Heros, stand to protect the school from evil doers on One day while the students of Lake Stevens campus. High were studying in their classes...

While no one was looking...

Or so they Then... thought...

As the villains began their venture toward evil, Lake Stevens High’s great heroes set on a quest to stop them.

We will be watch- Ah definitely ing you... always watching.