THE ROAR Vol. 24 Issue 2

Home , Enema of the State, Everything in Transit, I Feel So, People and Things

oar agazine RMVol. 2324 Issue 42 . SummerWinter 2011 2011

Featuring: Winter Formal Page 8 Media Literacy Page 9 Holiday Fun Page 15 oar agazine Mountain Lions Only RM Vol. 24 Issue 2 . Winter 2011 : Beyond This Point Principal: Dr. Slemmer Adviser: Mrs. Saquella WARNING Editor-in-Chief: Quote of the Issue: Jennifer Briney

“I’m still learning every day. I am Editors: 2011-2012 constantly seeking advice from Adam Carrillo, Alyssa Clark, Brittany Cruz Magazine Staff others, whether it’s my peers or my teachers.” Staff: Rachael Akins, Emilie Brock, -Matthew Fichtemaier Rebecca Eslick, Sara Ernest, Chandler Grant, Angelique Dear Red Mountain, Guerrero, Anastasia Harper, As we transition from fall to winter, shorts have turned into jeans, tank tops into sweatshirts and flip Kathryn Heffernon, Sa- flops have been replaced by boots and sneakers. While we all bundle up for the so called “winter season” mantha Matturro, Vanessa here in Arizona, the essences of romance, family and friendship have filled the air. Red Mountain students Mitrica, Emily Redford, are taking advantage of opportunities to help the less fortunate this holiday season left and right. With a Samantha Swain, Mia Wong handful of options from the canned food drive to Christmas Angles to Breakfast with Santa, there is something for everyone to get involved in. The Roar Magazine staff would like to wish the basketball, wrestling Cover photo by: and spiritline teams good luck as their seasons begin or continue on from fall. Mrs. Saquella This issue the editors and staff have worked diligently to bring you yet another great magazine. We have gotten to know each other more and work together as a team to push through deadlines and create the finished product. So cuddle up with a blanket and sip your hot chocolate as you enjoy this issue of the Roar Cover photo: Magazine. Have a fun and safe break, see you in 2012. FFA

Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Briney Special thanks: Shelby Lewis PHOTO BY SOUTHWEST PORTRAITS

Roar Magazine is a publication of: Red Mountain High School Journalistic Writing class 7301 E. Brown Rd. MY BIO: Mesa AZ 85207 Name: Jennifer Briney

Age: 17 For information concerning Grade: Senior advertising, call (480) 472- Favorite color: Baby Blue 8228 and leave a message for the magazine staff. Opinions Favorite Restaurant: Applebee’s expressed do not necessarily Random Fact: I correct people’s reflect the view or official grammar in my head while they policies of the school. talk to me. For more information on Red *I love being editor-in-chief of the Roar Mountain’s Journalistic Writ- ing class, visit our website at Magazine. Writing is my passion, and www.mpsaz.org/rmhs/aca- being able to apply my skills to a real demics/english/newspaper/. life publication is just an amazing opportunity.

2 Winter 2011 Roar Magazine 4 Vol. 24 Issue 2

News: Winter 2011 ACDEC...... 4 PHOTO BY ASHLEY HAMES Speech and Debate.. 4 Theater...... 5 Scarlett Pimpernel... 5 Robotics/RMTV...... 6 Breakfast with Santa... 7 Canned Food Drive.... 7 Winter Formal...... 8

Opinion: Media Literacy.... 9 PHOTO BY PATRICK MONTEGROSSO

A&E: Blink 182...... 10 Jack’s Mannequin...11 Foo Fighters...... 11 Scotty McCreery...... 12 David Guetta...... 12

Feature: College Apps...13

PHOTO BY ASHLEY HAMES NHS History Project..14 PHOTO BY MR WALSH Holiday Page....15 Unknown Eateries....16

Sports: Wrestling...... 17 Winter Guard.... 18 Fall Sports Recap.... 19

Roar Magazine Winter 2011 3 Roar News “My favorite thing about oratory is that you are The Speech and Debate team prepares most able to pick whatever topic you like and use it to of the year for a series of competitions including inspire someone to make a change,” said McIn- Giving Youth A the most prestigious competition at Harvard in tosh. February. In order to prepare for competitions, Other categories can be challenging because members compete throughout the year by getting they require students to come up with a speech on the spot. Voice their pieces critiqued by a series of judges. Their ASU competition in January is the most crucial “The limited preparation events like impromptu By: Anastasia Harper competition leading up to Harvard. speaking and radio broadcasting are very chal- Staff Writer “The ASU competition is a big west coast com- lenging,” said Mr. Leverington. “[With impromptu events], students are given material to make a petition,” said senior Mary McIntosh, club presi- PHOTO BY CARMEN ALDERTON dent. “Students from California, Utah, Nevada and speech, and they must put it together quickly. At Idaho come to compete. It is great practice for our the same time, they must make their speech look Harvard tournament because we get a feel for the like a memorized piece.” competition.” Throughout the school year, members develop In order to match the nation’s most elite their own techniques to memorize and perfect competitors at Harvard, members of Speech and their finished pieces for the competitions. First Debate are given certain expectations and goals. year member and freshman, Sierra Campbell, gets “I would like to see all of our team members personal with the characters she acts out. compete at their highest level,” said Speech and “A useful tool I use to memorize my piece is to Debate coach, Mr. Leverington. “I also want to see think about the character,” said Campbell. “Is the our team members on stage at the award ceremony character mad, sad or happy? What will she/he do next in your piece? It makes memorizing a whole Sophomores Maxwell Faridian and for every tournament.” Carmen Alderton take a break outside There are several categories in Speech and De- lot easier.” the cafeteria during their Dobson High bate competitions, including public forum debate, Whether they’re acting, inspiring or informing, School Speech and Debate competi- Speech and Debate members find a way to express tion. “I would like to see all of our team where a two-member team debates on a specific members compete at their highest lev- topic together; humorous and dramatic interpreta- their thoughts to every audience in every competi- el,” said Speech and Debate coach, tion, where a person acts out a scene from a script tion. Members challenge themselves by perform- Mr. Leverington. they’ve selected; and oratory, where a student ing their pieces through memorization and proving gives an inspirational speech. to the nation that they have a voice that needs to be heard. WHY By: Rebecca Eslick Would I Staff Writer Decathlon based on PSAT scores or by be willing to help others as well as friendACDEC and teacher recommendations. themselves to become better and have Ever Do This?The students compete to determine better grades. the Academic Decathlon team. Only Challenging the minds of sophomores “If a student feels confident in an nine students can be on the team, three to seniors at Red Mountain, Academic event, then that student can teach the individuals per team, and are placed in Decathlon encourages innovative think- class about that event, instead of Mr. the Honors level, the Scholastic level, ing through this year’s theme, The Age of Kaufman,” said senior Jennifer Peck. the Varsity level. Imperialism. The Academic Decathlon, like Besides personal improvement, “It’s very difficult to get on to the its ancient Greek counterpart, consists of the students in the class have another Honors team, which is what I would 10 events. Unlike the Greek Decathlon, motivation; they want to prove to Mr. be assigned to because you must score this is an academic, rather than athletic, Kaufman how much they have learned. higher than the rest of the class,” said competition and a team competition as To be in this class, a student must be junior Rachael Brard. “Being on the well as one for individuals. willing to put forth the effort. team gives you opportunities for schol- “My personal mission is to help the “Every Monday, Wednesday and arships and experience.” students think in different ways, so it may Friday, we have 100 questions, [three] Even though Academic Decathlon help them when they go to college,” said packets, due each week,” said junior can be stressful, the students have their Mr. Kaufman, one of the Academic De- Kendra Gossel. own way of getting past it and they cathlon teachers. The team had an unofficial competi- share a common competitive spirit. Currently, the class is learning about tion on Dec. 8. The scrimmage at Red “There are times we tell jokes to 500 years of history on the Age of Empire, Mountain High School included high lighten the mood because it can be hard including the music, art and literature of schools from Mesa and determined at times,” said junior Nathan Dobbins. the age. They must also learn math, social the new team members for this year’s If a student knows a specific event science, physics, speech, interviewing, Academic Decathlon. The Academic well enough, Mr. Kaufman gives them essay writing and economics for the seven Decathlon team has Regionals Feb. 3-4, the topic to study and teach it to the events the teams will participate in for the and State is during spring break. For class. The class is student taught most competition. more information on Academic Decath- of the time. Mr. Kaufman and Mrs. Students are invited to join Academic lon, contact Mr. Kaufman in room 282. Christenson believe students should 4 ?Winter 2011 Roar Magazine Roar News The Scarlet Pimpernel By: Samantha Swain Staff Writer Lights. Camera. Action! Actor’s Youth Theater (AYT) al- ello amlet lows youth who love to sing, dance and perform to share that passion with their peers and create a wonderful performance that everyone can enjoy. Many Red Mountain High School students take part in AYT’s performances, and sophomore H H Madison Vigiletti is one of them. Currently AYT is working By: Kathryn Heffernon Fichtemaier. “Mrs. Griffin mentioned on “The Scarlet Pimpernel” and Vigiletti is playing the role of Staff Writer ‘Hamlet,’ and we knew that was our Marguerite Blankeney, one of the starring roles in the play. Whether it’s rehearsing a scene show.” “My character is the wife of the lead male character, or designing a set, Red Mountain’s Going for a simplistic look, there Percy,” said Vigiletti. Advanced Actors are working to perfect will be few props used during the show. Vigiletti’s character, Marguerite Blankeney, plays a major their upcoming spring play, “Hamlet.” The floor of the stage will be painted role in discovering the identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel. The play premiers on Jan. 11 and runs slick black, and mirrors will be at the “I was really excited when I found out my role,” said through Jan. 14 in Red Mountain’s back of the stage. There are several long Vigiletti. “However, I read the cast list during my brother’s auditorium. Seated on the left and right monologues in “Hamlet” that characters birthday party, so I had to tone down my excitement.” sides of the stage on risers, the audience will be saying to themselves, and by With four years of past experience in plays such as “Oliver will have an up close and personal view, seeing their reflection in the mirror, it Twist,” “Annie,” “The Butler Did It” and “Little Women,” giving the atmosphere of the play a will seem as though the characters are Vigiletti feels ready to take on her character. more realistic feel. having an actual conversation. “I get to talk with a British accent and even speak some “This performance is different than “We don’t use many props whenever French. Plus, I have some fantastic costumes,” said Vigiletti. any show we’ve done in the past,” said we perform a Shakespeare play,” said “However, I do have a lot of lines, so I have to work on advanced actor and senior Brittany Szpytek. “Drama likes to keep things memorizing all of them.” Szpytek. “The audience will be on stage simple because less is more.” “The Scarlet Pimpernel” takes place during the “Reign of alongside the actors, making ‘Hamlet’ Because Advanced Actors was origi- Terror” in France. Meanwhile there is a secret society in Lon- really come to life.” nally a class of 15, and the other theatre don called the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel. Members of The theatre department annually classes were over 30, the overflow of this group help French noblemen/women escape daily execu- performs a Shakespeare play. “Hamlet,” freshmen and sophomores were placed tions. There is an obsession over the identity of the mysteri- one of Shakespeare’s most well known in the advanced class. With the upper- ous leader of the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel. plays, soon became a top candidate. classmen having had to work their way Being a part of a big production requires a lot of work. Re- Ideas were offered, shot down and re- up to the advanced class, this was not hearsals for “The Scarlet Pimpernel” started Nov. 5, and the considered until the decision was final. popular with the seniors and juniors at performances are set for Jan. 24-28 at the Mesa Arts Center. “It started out with Mrs. Griffin, Ms. first. However, the freshmen and sopho- “We meet three days every week and, on an average, about B. and me sitting down and brainstorm- mores have proven to be a much needed five to 10 hours,” said Vigiletti. “It’s a lot of work.” ing possible shows to perform,” said and valued asset to the class. The cast includes Vigiletti (Marguerite Blakeney), senior and advanced actor Matthew “At first I was angry when I found freshman Alec Miller (French citizen); sophomores Tiffany out how many sophomores and fresh- Parker (French citizen), McKenzie Huston (wedding guest), men there were. Now I know how Danny Blankemeier (Armand St. Just), Trevor Bowler (Lord PHOTO BY SAMANTHA SWAIN much we need one another,” said Anthony Dewhurst); juniors Rachel Heitkamp (Miss Emilia), Fichtemaier. “I help them grow, Aubrey King (wedding officiant, French citizen, guillotine and they help me grow.” victim), Riley Burr (Sir Timothy); and seniors Scott Schel- Theatre is not a class for lenberg (executioner, prison guard), Jesse Ellsworth (Suzanne the faint-hearted or the timid. de Tournay). Students need to be ready to AYT is a non-profit organization that strives to educate, perform in front of a crowd, get entertain and enrich the lives of young people through the art out of their comfort zones and be of theatre and prepare them for lifelong growth and apprecia- critiqued. tion of the arts. “I’m still learning every day. “Being a part of these plays has really prepared me for my I am constantly seeking advice future,” said Vigiletti. “I’ve become more outgoing, memoriz- from others, whether it’s my peers ing information for school has become easier, and we even or my teachers,” said Fichtemaier. help out the community by putting on fundraising perfor- “Everything I am is an actor, and mances for organizations that help out the community.” I only want to get better.” “The Scarlet Pimpernel” is proving to be a must-see per- Personal growth combined formance. AYT has received 30 nominations and 10 awards with acting skills has made this for past performances from Arizoni, a non-profit organization class an experience many students that awards theatres of outstanding excellence. “The Scarlet feel to be worthwhile. It has Pimpernel” is expected to achieve ranks of accomplishment brought kids a certain level of as well. confidence, humility, and above For more information on “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” go to all, memories of a treasured high AYT’s website at www.actorsyouththeatre.org. Studying the script for the play, sophomores school experience. Danny Blankemeier and Madison Vigiletti make good use of their time at rehearsal.

Roar Magazine Winter 2011 5 Roar News

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA SWAIN THE ROBOTICS TEAM: OUR TECHNOLOGICAL FUTURE By: Kathryn Heffernon Staff Writer RM Wasting no time at the drawing board, the Red Mountain TV robotics team, Team Plasma, is working in full swing. Through failures, sweat, laughter and tears, they plan on making their 2012 season even more successful than in years past. With the By: Samantha Swain FIRST Lego League Robotics Tournament beginning on Dec. 3, Staff Writer the Arizona Regionals on March 22-24 and Utah Regionals over Red Mountain High Spring Break, team members have been getting ahead of the School has many clubs, game by fundraising for competitions, forming alliances with performing arts and other schools and testing new ideas. sports activities, and “We definitely hit the ground running this year,” said Team it can be hard to keep Plasma Vice President sophomore Kelly Carlson. “Preparation up with everything. is the key to being successful, and this season our team wants to The easiest way to be RMTV students, including seniors Savanna make it all the way [to the finals].” Currie and Teja Kailiwai, film the In Team Plasma’s 2011 season, the team made it to the informed is listening to announcements daily for the high school. announcements put on “My favorite part of RMTV is the crew. We Quarterfinals in both the Arizona and Las Vegas Regional com- by Red Mountain Televi- have always been a big family,” said Kailiwai. petitions, from there, they were unable to advance any further. sion, more commonly “Although it’s a lot of hard work, in the end, it’s Learning from prior mistakes made it easier for members to definitely worth it.” known as RMTV. come up with more practical ideas that helped them in building a “Dr. Slemmer actually better, more advanced robot. came up to me with the idea of doing RMTV,” said the adviser Mr. Kel- “Last year taught us what not to do in competitions,” said ley. “[And now] RMTV is currently in our seventh season here at Red Carlson. “It’s all about taking the knowledge from our mistakes Mountain.” and applying it to make us a stronger team. We can only get bet- RMTV isn’t just about the announcements; they also learn a lot of ter from here on out.” skills that will help them in the future. Programs like Final Cut and Students in robotics are learning everything from engineering iMovie help develop filmmaking skills. skills to life lessons. Members experience first hand what the “I want to be a filmmaker for a living, so this class is really teaching business industry is like by dealing with deadlines, operating the me a lot for my future,” said sophomore and first year RMTV member, same technology as companies like Boeing and how to commu- Jonathan Kallstrom. nicate with coworkers. RMTV provides opportunities for students to develop other skills as “Members are constantly learning new programming well. logic and all kinds of technological skills,” said Team Plasma “I’ve learned how to speak well while on camera,” said sophomore President senior Paul Stobinske. “The build season can get very Kelly Carlson. “I’ve also learned how to complete projects with an impor- stressful, but it teaches us how an actual engineering company tant deadline, and that I need to come in prepared every day.” works.” RMTV gives students the opportunity to participate in competitions. The robotics team members are the upcoming generation of Recently members competed in the Student Television Networking Chal- engineers, scientists and technological innovators. Through their lenges Contest, where participants received a prompt and had four days to work, they give fellow students a glimpse into what the future of create a story and video it. technology has in store. “We received the prompts on a Friday and had the videos uploaded for “I want students to look at the robotics team and understand the judges by Wednesday,” said Mr. Kelley. “However, we haven’t heard how hard we work, but also that we have a blast while doing back yet on how we did.” it,” said Carlson. “We learn teamwork and how to be the best Members of RMTV were preparing for the next competition, the Fall people we can be. Team Plasma is more than just a team, we’re National Championships, which took place Nov. 4. a family. “This competition runs a bit differently. We have to be elected to be in it, and there isn’t a timetable like the other competitions,” said Mr. Kelley. PHOTO BY KATHRYN HEFFERNON “We are working on a sports and news feature story for it.” RMTV member, junior Nichole Schroeder prepared her story and video about sports for the upcoming event. “I wasn’t able to participate in the last contest we entered, so I’m working on a sports story to be a part of this one,” said Schroeder. From announcements and contests, to new programs used and learned, RMTV has a great deal to offer and gives students a chance to experience new skills and situations. “One thing about RMTV is that everyone knows it’s available for them,” said Mr. Kelley. “The school can call it their own.” Students can follow RMTV on Twitter, or for more information, see Mr. Kelley in room 131. RMTV’s announcements are available online on With steady hands and focused eyes, Team Plasma works to com- the Red Mountain website. Click on the “News” link on the homepage plete one of the robot’s they’ll be using in the 2012 competition. “This season I’m really looking forward to applying my knowledge I’ve then the “RMTV Announcements” on the right side. learned from past years to help my team,” said Team Plasma Vice President, senior Diego Navez. 6 Winter 2011 Roar Magazine Roar News

How many people have opened their collected the most canned food of any cupboards and realized that the same can homeroom. “It looks bad this year.” TheCanned of tuna, sweet corn and green beans have It appears the crippling economy Food just been sitting on their shelves collecting has impacted donations nationwide and dust? There are families, many with young some Red Mountain families struggle to Drive By: Chandler Grant children, who need these canned foods, provide for themselves. For this reason, Staff Writer and the annual Red Mountain canned food Student Council extended the canned drive was an easy way to donate to these food drive for an additional week and families. the United Food Bank will collect the “Hunger is not just a world problem,” boxes on the morning of Tues., Nov. 29. said the Student Council adviser, Mrs. My- “We’d hoped that people would get ers. “Hunger is an overwhelming problem into spirit closer to the holidays,” said in the United States, Arizona and even in Student Council vice president, junior Mesa.” McKenzie Trimble. For three weeks, starting Oct. 31, Stu- On Nov. 9, Senior Class President dent Council held the annual canned food Alexandria Saquella and senior Halana drive. Red MountainSTUD competed with other Perkins devoted almost two days going high schools around the valley to raise the to 450 houses and leaving notes asking most canned food pound for pound. residents to place donated canned foods “If everyone at Red Mountain were to they wouldn’t eat in a Bashas’ grocery donate just a little bit, we could reach a big bag. After two days, the two revisited goal,” Mrs. Myers said. the houses and filled the backs of their Over the years, the school has collected pickups with canned food. more canned foods than any other valley “Looking at it in a way that we COcould have had no cans donated at all,” high school. However, donations from students have been declining, and last year said Perkins, “we now have over 500 Red Mountain lost to Desert Vista. cans that will feed hungry mouths this “I’ve never gotten less than 12,000 holiday season, and that is what’s most cans,” said American History teacher Mr. important.” PHOTO BY SHELBY CASE Kuss, who, for the past three years, has

Whether it’s passing out pancakes like. With children and parents ask- Marohl, Club Diversity secretary. or seating someone at a table, Club ing for the food and drinks they want, “You’re assigned different things to do, Here Diversity club members work as a team students have to be able to cater to their and you have to complete them. It also to make the annual Breakfast with Santa needs, resulting in a better work ethic. shows you’re involved in your com- event at the Mesa Convention Center “It gives volunteers an idea of how to munity.” successful. deal with the public,” said Mr. Macias. For more information about Break- Parents and kids can attend Break- “You have to problem solve. What do fast with Santa, visit www.mesaaz.gov/ fast with Santa from 8:30 a.m. to 10:45 you do if you’re out of orange juice? It’s parksrec/Images/breakfastWIthSanta_ C a.m. on Sat., Dec. 17. Tickets are $5 for a lot of little things, but it’s definitely a flyer_0911v1.pdf. anyone over the age of one. This event work experience.” includes a pancake breakfast, a goody Club Diver- PHOTO BY MR. MACIAS bag for children and a picture with sity has other Santa. benefits—service O Club Diversity works alongside the learning hours, the Mesa Parks and Recreation employees rewarding feeling to help guests enjoy the full experi- of helping others ence of dining with Santa Claus. The and getting to work that Club Diversity students do spend time with M is similar to those skills found in the friends. One of the workplace. most important “At Breakfast with Santa, we have advantages of the to prepare the food, serve it, seat people club is that students and bus tables,” said Club Diversity gain work experi- E adviser, Mr. Macias. ence and strength- This annual volunteer event is a en communications great example of how volunteering can skills. help students prepare for future careers. “Volunteering Having to make on-the-spot decisions, shows you have Working as waiters, hostesses, chefs and busboys, the members of S students will get the feel of what work- responsibility,” Club Diversity came together to serve their community at last year’s Santa ing in an actual restaurant would be said junior Justin Breakfast With Santa. By: Angelique Guerrero Staff Writer

Roar Magazine Winter 2011 7 Roar News W inter Wonderland By: Adam Carrillo Editor

As the weather cooled, National Honor Society to blow off steam before semester finals.” (NHS) offered up a “cool” theme for this year’s Students had their pictures taken by Southwest Winter Formal dance. “Ice Ice Baby” was on Dec. Portraits in front of a Winter Wonderland-themed 3 from 7 to 10 p.m. in the large gymnasium. Offer- background to capture the night. ing up two theme ideas for the student body to vote “Last year’s dance was fun, but it definitely had on in October, NHS began planning early for the its targeted audience,” said Campbell. “I really event to assure success. wanted to bring all kids of Red Mountain together “We have been putting a tremendous amount for a fun night.” of effort into the planning,” said senior Kacey The Ice Ice Baby theme was senior committee Marshall, Winter Formal chairman. “We have had member Savannah Campbell’s idea. She wanted a Winter Formal committee meetings every week theme that was relevant to winter since it has never and work days on the weekends.” been done before. The dance was semi-formal, and music was “I was thinking of winter and ice things to try to provided by AZ Pro DJ’s. The icicle lights, glitter come up with a catchy theme, and the song came and snowflake cutout decorations strung around on the TV,” said Campell. “It was just too perfect the gymnasium created a festive atmosphere. and funny to not do for Winter Formal.” “We wanted more of the student body to be It’s NHS’s hope that they could make this tradi- involved in the smaller dances,” said senior Rachel tion a more enjoyable and memorable one for all Mardis, Winter Formal chairman. “We wanted Red Mountain students. students to be excited for fun music and a chance

PHOTO BY PATRICK MONTEGROSSO

Showing off their school spirit, sophomores Jordan Buckles and Courtney Handler sport their “ugly holiday sweaters” for Winter Formal Spirit Week.

Roar Magazine 8 Winter 2011 Roar Opinion A New Age: The Age of Information By: Kathryn Heffernon and Chandler Grant Staff Writers

are making media education a course Namethat because of the impact the media has on Brand Technology today offers people a whole the youth. new world of easily accessible information “While I think the access to informa- and freedoms, a world that was thought of tion has grown, and that is a positive as an impossibility 10 years ago. Although thing, there is a concern for the quality the idea of information being at people’s of information being shared online,” fingertips seems constructive, both ques- said Cureton. tions and concerns arise. Where do people A large aspect of the media is get their information? What do they do advertising. From billboards to public once they have it? Can they decipher the transportation and Internet ads to TV twisted statistics and biased information commercials, we’re likely to see a total from the truth? Media literacy (also known of 3,000 advertisements in a day. as media education) can help. “I was really surprised when I found “Always consider the source of the out how many ads I was subconsciously information,” said Communication and seeing every day,” said freshman Kayla Leadership graduate, Sara Cureton. “Even Ballard. “I guess because I see them if a piece of information cites specific in- all the time, I’ve become completely formation, is there a peer-reviewed study? unaware of their presence.” Is the news story a credible source or an In this day and age, media literacy opinion from a blog?” becomes a life-long process. The need The widely accepted definition of media to accurately interpret and access the

literacy is the ability to “access, analyze,

ZEST Z) PATTIES PEPPERMINT YORK

media is something people need to be Y)

DETERGENT LAUNDRY XTRA X) WISK W) V8 V) BEN’S UNCLE

evaluate, and produce communication in U)

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a variety of forms.” In other words, media

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for interpretation are asking questions, L)

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literacy teaches people how to be educated I)

NATIONAL HEBREW H) GATORADE G) FRITOS F) EGGO identifying the tools of persuasion in the E)

consumers (of information and products).

DAWN D) CAMPBELLS C) BUBBLICIOUS B) ALL media and keeping an objective point of A) With all of the technological advance- view on the topic. The media provides ments, information and advertising in boundless resources and information, today’s society, media literacy has become and media literacy allows the consumer one of many popular topics. Many schools to control the search bar.

“I was really What is a reliable resource? surprised when I found out how Sources with a date many ads I was Websites with .gov and contact 1. 2. information subconsciously seeing every day.” The author provides The source is credible, up-to-date facts and 4. accurate, reasonable, 3. statistics and supportable

Roar Magazine Winter 2011 9 Roar A&E

By: Brittany Cruz Editor “We wouldn’t even tell each other what fans and critics after coming off their five With 20 years of playing music together we were writing about, but they’d map up. year hiatus. On September 27 2011, within and their infamous humor supporting their I think we both had a good, keen sense of 30 minutes of the album’s release, it placed legacy, Blink-182 is back after eight years what the song needed to be about.” number one on the iTunes Album chart. The with their sixth studio album, Neigh- During the band’s hiatus the members record was given a 4.5 out of 5 star rating borhoods. The members who make up pursued their own side projects, Delonge by Alternative Press and Blare Magazine. Blink-182, including guitarist and vocalist with Angels & Airwaves and Hoppus and Neighborhoods has since topped the US and Tom Delonge, bassist and vocalist Mark Barker with Plus 44, bringing back what UK Rock Albums Charts at number one, hit- Hoppus and drummer Travis Barker, re- they had learned and incorporating it into ting the Billboard 200 at number two. formed the band back in 2009 after Barker’s the new Blink record. Influence of Delonge Blink was the first group to headline the near fatal plane accident, with him and only and Barker’s 2003 side project, Box Car widely known Honda Civic Tour 10 years one other passenger surviving the crash. Racer, can also be heard throughout the ago, and was asked to headline the 10th Reconnecting as friends and finding record. anniversary this past year along with co- common ground, the three announced Songs like the record’s first single, “Up headliners, My Chemical Romance. Over their band’s reunion at the 2009 Grammy All Night,” are mixed with an even combi- the course of the tour, they tested out some Awards, with Barker stating, “We used to nation of the band’s traditional sound and of their new material, performing songs like play music together, and we decided we’re what they have done independently from “Ghost on the Dance Floor” and “Hearts All going to play music together again.” Blink over the years. Gone.” Jerry Finn, producer of all of the band’s The new record has a mature sincerity to While covering ground with new music, records since Enema of the State in 1999, it that further experiments with the sound they made sure to bring back old favorites to unexpectedly passed away in 2008 of a from the band’s last untitled 2003 record. the stage with “Carousel” and “What’s My brain hemorrhage. Finn was known to be The overall content on Neighborhoods is Age Again?” closing the show off with an a dear friend to the group and on various heavy-weighted, with the consistent feeling encore of “Dammit (Growing Up).” Look occasions Hoppus called Finn “the invisible of trying to find solid ground evident from for Blink hitting the road again soon as they fourth member of the band.” track to track. gear up to perform more music off their new Left without their producer, the three “I sat down with Tom and said, ‘Dude record in addition to a few of their deeper made the decision to produce the new our record is actually pretty dark. The album cuts. album themselves for the first time ever. A lyrical content is a little spooky, a little Neighborhoods is available in local re- majority of the songs were written separate- moody,’” said Hoppus in his Jim Rome cord stores and is up on iTunes for purchase. ly from each other in their personal studios; interview. “I don’t think that the songs are A Deluxe version of the album is also avail- writing their parts and tweaking them on draggy or depressing or anything, but that’s able, which includes the three additional their own time, while collaborating together why I think that we’re kind of working songs, “Snake Charmer,” “Fighting the in the studio to get outlines for their ideas through some stuff in our heads still, and it’s Gravity” and “Even If She Falls,” as well started. They agreed this was a process that coming out in our lyrics.” as an experimental two-minute interlude by effectively allowed each of them to explore Picking up right where they left off, Hoppus. as much as possible creatively. Neighborhoods could easily be considered Watch for Blink-182’s highly anticipated On select songs, Hoppus and Delonge a self-tribute to how the members of Blink documentary, Blinkumentary, hitting the split the writing for the lyrics between have grown as musicians over the span of shelves soon as the filming and editing them, resulting in the distinct melodies their their careers. process is currently being finished up. voices create together. The Blink symbol (a painted smile with “People have different ideas of what “On this record, we did a lot of inter- five arrows) has been updated and is now Blink is. I think that this album has some- changing who was singing what. On [‘Na- featured on Neighborhoods with six arrows, thing for everybody,” said Hoppus. tives’] and on another song called ‘After which Hoppus explained is to indicate the Midnight,’ I went and wrote the verses and new chapter in the Blink member’s lives. Mark would go and write the choruses,” Blink-182 has received an overwhelm- said Delonge in his 89X Radio interview. ing amount of positive response from both 10 Winter 2011 Roar Magazine PHOTOS BY BLINK182.COM Roar A&E By: Brittany Cruz creative mind behind the music. He’s Editor backed by his supporting band, con- Jack’s Mannequin is turning sisting of guitarist Bobby Anderson, heads with their latest third studio drummer Jay McMillan and bassist album, People and Things. While the Mikey Wagner. last record, 2009’s The Glass Pas- Stretching his reaches outside of senger, placed a major focus on front the group, McMahon brought in Matt man Andrew McMahon’s survival Thiessen, the lead singer of Relient of leukemia, People and Things is K, to help with the record. Thiessen moving on from the hardships and contributed a handful of songs, three is taking a lighter approach to life of which made the cut- “Amy I,” challenges. The general theme on the “Platform Fire” and “People Run- record reflects the ideas of love in ning.” later years. “I had known Matt for years and The record’s first single, “Racing we had been good friends, and I was Thoughts,” was a key factor in kick- really impressed with him overall ing off the writing process in the stu- as a writer and producer, and other dio. McMahon explained that the lyr- things he had been working on so ics in the song’s chorus, “I think I’m I said, ‘Let’s get together,’” said running short on inspiration, she’s McMahon to HollyWire. Jack’s running long on borrowed time,” People and Things is currently is a recall of the lack of inspiration available in local record stores and MANNEQUINhe experienced at the beginning of on iTunes. Bonus tracks come with recording and how this song was one the record in select stores. of the first real breakthroughs. Best Buy’s version comes with “‘Racing Thoughts’ was really the three additional bonus tracks, featur- catalyst to a lot of the writing and ing two demos off The Glass Passen- how I would approach [the record],” ger and one demo off the band’s first said McMahon in his HollyWire record, Everything in Transit. interview. A digital purchase of the album Each song off the 11-set track list through iTunes comes with four dif- is accompanied with a short film that ferent other bonus tracks, including can be seen online on www.youtube. “No Man is an Island” and “Ten com. The films were directed by Days Gone.” A hard copy of the various producers who took their iTunes version can also be bought on By: Anastasia Harper previous experiences to interpret www.gomerch.com/go/v3. OO Staff Writer each song and bring visuals to the “I love this album for what it says music. and for what it took to get here. It ighters McMahon, the pianist, lead singer may not be life or death, but its life. In 1995 Foo Fighters’ self-titled debut and creator of Jack’s Mannequin It’s my new record and it’s called album grasped number 23 on the Bill- (also known as the lead man of People and Things,” said McMahon Fboard’s 200. Since then, they proceeded Something Corporate), isn’t the only in the record’s promotional trailer. with six more studio albums, 29 singles, and 36 music videos. For 16 years the Foo “I loved playing the drums, but you Mendel and drummer Taylor Hawkins. Fighters have fought foo and rocked the can’t really sit down at home with a “I have so much faith in those guys,” stage for worlds of die-hard fans. Now, snack and play the drums,” said Grohl said Grohl. “If I come in with the most lead vocalist Dave Grohl and his band in his interview with Guitar Center. “So, ridiculous three chord idea, I know they members have completed their seventh I’ve never been without a guitar. Eventu- can make it into something great.” album Wasting Light and have starred in ally, I was living with a person who had Despite the Foo Fighter’s many ac- their documentary called Back and Forth an 8-track in the basement. And these complishments, the past continues to released on Apr. 5, 2011. songs just started coming out.” echo in the band’s new album. “We're finally able to tell the story of So, the Foo Fighters were born. “Wasting Light is an overdue confron- how that one demo cassette turned into Grohl’s underground songs soon became tation,” said Rolling Stone critic, David the band that we are today,” said Grohl on the foundation for the Foo Fighters first Fricke. “Grohl [is] explicitly returning to promoting the new documentary. “This album. After months of recording on his a broken and still-painful past, for both is our side of the story. From the first own, Grohl began to pick up band mem- inspiration and closure.” rehearsal, to the completion of our new bers lead guitarist Pat Smeare, who had Throughout the 16 years, the Foo album, it's all there.” also played for Nirvana, bass player Nate Fighters have inspired thousands by The story is about Foo founder Grohl’s doing what any artist would do, telling rocky road to fame. When Grohl’s previ- stories of overcoming tragedy and loss. ous band, Nirvana, split after the death of Kurt Cobain, Grohl gained a new opportunity. He was able to pursue a different side of his musical talent by stepping off the drum set and forming a new band, playing

guitar and leading as the vocalist. PHOTOS BY FOOFIGHTERS.COM AND JACK’SMANNEQUIN.COM Roar Magazine Winter 2011 11 Roar A&E Scotty McCreery during his photo shoot for his Clear As Day album.

By: Emilie Brock Nothing Staff Writer A

But Star’s PHOTO BY WWW.SCOTTYMCCREERY-OFFICIAL.COM The Debut American Idol fans will remem- ber the dramatic win in Season 10 by 17-year-old Scotty McCreery. His Beat deep, melodic voice charmed millions By: Adam Carrillo of people across the country. Recently Editor the young country star released his make it impossible to overlook. Fans first album, “Clear As Day.” With its agreed, sending the house-meets-hip- diverse sounds and wide range of lyrical hop track to No. 14 on the U.S. charts. content, his album reaches out to a wide ‘Without You’ featuring Usher is a variety of audiences. rare song that isn’t necessarily meant “I chose these songs because they for the dance floor. ‘Without You’ has mean a lot to me,” said McCreery. “But, an airy energy and deeper lyrics than I think everybody can also relate to many of the producer’s songs, as Usher them.” sings about the hurt of living without There’s an obvious influence of Mc- someone close to you. It’s not the al- Creery’s small town upbringing in the bum’s finest moment, but it’s nice to see song, “Water Tower Town.” It’s a faster David Guetta has become the Guetta tackling a different style. song than some of the others on the world’s biggest DJ, changing the idea ‘Nothing Really Matters’ featur- album, and the classic country sound is of his art-form, headlining all-genre ing Will.i.am is one of Guetta’s biggest clear throughout the song. music festivals and filling stadiums hits as a producer was the Black Eyed “It reminds me so much of my while still getting up-close and personal Peas ‘I Gotta Feeling.’ Here, he reunites hometown, where growing up meant with his fans. He has sold over 5 million with Peas singer Will.i.am on ‘Nothing Friday night football games,” McCreery albums and 17 million singles through- Really Matters.’ There’s way too much said. out his career and has over 22 million Auto-tune going on, but the song has a “Everything in that song screams my fans on Facebook, more than any other pleasant beat and a generally optimistic hometown of Garner [North Carolina].” electronic artist. With his 2009 multi- message, as Will.i.am sings, “In the Near McCreery’s hometown of platinum album, “One Love,” Guetta club, nothing else matters but the beat.” Garner, there has been a rise of teenage cemented his status as a genre-busting ‘Night Of Your Life’ featuring Jen- driving deaths. The album’s self-titled artist. His newest album, “Nothing But nifer Hudson sounds like a dance floor single, which is about teenage drivers, the Beat,” released August of 2011, has diva, one of the most impressive tracks shows a depth of emotion in which been wildly anticipated by fans all over on ‘Nothing But the Beat.’ Hudson’s many people can relate. It features a the world. It was released as a double- vocals are the most obvious expression slower beat that is easily recognized as disc album; one disc being vocal and of soul on the entire record, and it’s country music. the other being electronic. The French believable when she croons, “If you “I could really relate to it,” said DJ was inspired by rock bands such as love me till the end of time / Then I will McCreery. “It tells the story of a guy Kings of Leon and Coldplay to add rock promise you the night of your life.” waiting on his girl after a Friday night influences to his dance productions. ‘Titanium’ featuring Australian pop football game. They go to a party and With electropop and house music singer Sia joins Guetta to close out the it’s raining. After the party, he walks her bigger than ever before, Guetta seems record with an emotional near-ballad. to her brother’s Silverado, and she says poised to have a massive hit record. But Sia sings, “I’m bulletproof, nothin’ to she’ll call him the next day, but it’s a how do his top 5 iTunes hits measure lose / Fire away, fire away / Ricochet, call she never got to make.” up? you take your aim / Fire away, fire away “The Trouble With Girls” demon- ‘Where Them Girls At’ featuring / You shoot me down, but I won’t fall strates McCreery’s proper upbringing Flo Rida & Nicki Minaj doesn’t break / I am titanium.” The excellent song concerning women. The song reflects any new ground being the leadoff track about inner strength caps off an album his deep respect for women of all ages. from ‘Nothing but the Beat,’ but the en- that isn’t perfect but features plenty of ergetic beat and big-name collaborators highlights. 12 Winter 2011 Roar Magazine Roar A&E College ound BBy: Alyssa Clark Editor

Red Mountain’s 2012 seniors are Although transcripts are important a semester away from starting a new to colleges universally, individual col- chapter in their lives. When it comes leges have specific requirements and to the relatively undiscovered territory qualities that they look? for in applicants. of college, planning will be the most The most successful way to apply for essential course of action. individual colleges is to be aware of For those who have found their what they want and find a way to stand dream vocation or dream college, this out while doing so. process will be comparatively simple. “If an opportunity arises to write an But for those who are yet undecided, essay or personal statement, let them the application process can be intimidat- know about you, something that will ing. So where does one start? catch their eye,” said Ms. Jimenez. Start by answering the following “Grabbing their attention and differen- PHOTO BY ALYSSA CLARK questions: tiating yourself from other students is The Career Center is one of the best resources for 1. Where do you want to go to col- important. I think examples can serve as college aid. On Nov. 23, Career Center Specialist Mrs. lege? (city, state, area, climate) the best tool; go out on the Internet and Jimenez walked junior Sarah Garcia through the application process. 2. What subjects or majors are you search for some examples of college ap- most interested in? (art, science, busi- plicants and scholarship winners.” ness) The Internet is an invaluable tool 3. Do you want to go to a big public when researching colleges and scholar- school or a small private school? ships. Scholarships are especially 4. What other attributes are impor- important because they are one of the Identify tant to you? (campus, sports programs, best methods to pay for college, along College nearby activities, cost, student body) with grants and financial aid. 1 Once the choices have been nar- “Apply for any scholarships you can rowed down, a schedule can be laid out get your hands on. If it’s something you and aligned with the timeliness for the can do that will get you some money, student’s preferred schools. Complet- go for it, even if it’s little ones,” said ing the college’s requirements by the Mr. Donald. “Scholarships become like due dates is vital since there are no late a patchwork quilt, a little bit of this, Complete exceptions. a little bit of that, and pretty soon it’s “Procrastination [is a common starting to cover all of the costs.” Required mistake students make]; not starting the The Free Application for Federal search early,” said Ms. Jimenez, one of Student Aid is another major source of 2 Prerequisites Red Mountain’s Career Center Special- payments for college. ists. “Another mistake is that students “Always do the FAFSA, every year,” do not read the requirements or adhere said Mr. Donald. “The target date that to the deadline date.” we always set for our kids is Feb. 14; Students also make the common have it done as much as you can by mistake of taking standardized tests too then, so the schools can offer you some Application late. Test dates should be coordinated of their grants.” with college deadlines. This does not College has its pros and cons. While & Essays mean they occur on the same day, it it may be expensive, students benefit takes about six to eight weeks for test greatly and manage to flourish in certain 3 scores to arrive, and they should arrive career fields. Studies show that the more at the colleges before or on the applica- education a person has, the more money tion due date. they make in their lifetime. When the testing is taken care of College can be a springboard to a Letters of students should focus on their grades successful and fulfilling life, and those and involvement. who choose to continue on this path Reference & “Make sure you have the best grades should not be overwhelmed. The effort you can have,” said Head Counselor, might be worth it and with counselors, 4 Transcripts Mr. Donald. “Second, be involved. Col- teachers and the Career Center always leges like to see that you’re doing more available to encourage and direct, stu- than just grades.” dents will be well on their way to their dream school and vocation. Roar Magazine Winter 2011 13 Roar Feature By: Emily Redford History’s Staff Writer Future PHOTO BY EMILY REDFORD The past is coming to life in the “My group is covering the music hands of Red Mountain students through from a few different years,” said senior “The Pride” public history project. With Amanda Cassaro from Lion Alliance. a $5,000 grant from the Arizona Human- “We plan on talking to Red Mountain ities Council, Red Mountain students alumni and finding out the big hits that will be “telling the story” of Red Moun- were listened to around the school.” tain High School. Over the next three to Music, written and oral histories, four months, the Lion Alliance members displays, pictures and historical artifacts will be working with historical experts will bring life to the exhibits and create to document, archive and exhibit the his- a clearer picture of what Red Mountain tory of Red Mountain High School for was like in the past. display in the school library in the spring “There will still be a lot of writing, of 2012. Former Red Mountain teacher research, organizing and consideration and Arizona State University lecturer of of an audience, but there [can] now be History Education, Ms. Hutchinson is design and music. A project like this “It’s fun working with friends and discovering things no one really project coordinator. won’t be just for writers,” said Ms. remembered about the school,” said senior Amanda Cassaro as she “We’re hoping this gets to be a Hutchinson. “We’re going to tell the is looking through a 1990s yearbook with fellow seniors Charles Carter and Amanda Swanson. two-year project where Red Mountain stories that the students want to tell.” students get to tell the story of Red “The Pride” aspires to establish a Mountain,” said Ms. Hutchinson. “Stu- permanent history section in the school dents will know that this school can do library that includes a variety of medi- wonderful things.” ums and would continue to be updated Lion Alliance members are assigned by current and future students. team leaders from ASU (future history “This is different than writing an teachers) who will help give insight essay,” said Cassaro. “We can relate on ideas while working on a particu- this to more people and do things that a lar aspect of history. Ms. Hutchinson majority of people [enjoy], like playing and her history students from ASU are music for them.” helping get RMHS students in contact Students interested in joining “The with alumni and gain access to other Pride” can contact the project liaison, Junior Lawrence Bernstine keeps his “cool” as he explains the layout of the building next to the lockers resources. Students can choose subjects Ms. Sokol, in room 221. in 1989 (left). The first Boys Cheer demonstrates stunts like fashion, music, sports and clubs and (center). The first Red Mountain Lion says “hello” research them. RMTrivia (right). basketball state champion who recently 1. When did Red Mountain open its graduated from Stanford and was doors? picked in the first round of the WNBA draft this year. 2. Name one way in which Red Moun- tain has been nationally recognized. 9. Name the Red Mountain graduate who was named a Junior College All- 3. Name five (out of seven) teachers American in 1994 and played for the currently on the Red Mountain staff that New York Mets and Detroit Tigers. He are graduates of Red Mountain is currently a manager in the Kansas City Royals farm system. The mural in the school library was painted by RMHS students 4. In what years did Red Mountain win

in 1989. Reed Ms. Nebel, the state football championship? 10. In 1997 the newly built amphithe- 12. Festival of Achievement of Festival 12.

Rushing, Nurse Ellie, Mr. Mr. Ellie, Nurse Rushing, atre at Red Mountain was dedicated to 11. 123,133 pounds 123,133 11.

Saunders, Ms. Casillas, Mr. Mr. Casillas, Ms. Saunders, 5. Name two (out of 10) current staff the memory of (who?), the school’s first 10. Steve Hanley Steve 10.

Contreras, Ms. Fajardo, Mr. Mr. Fajardo, Ms. Contreras, members at Red Mountain that have drama teacher who died in 1992. 9. Vance Wilson Vance 9.

5. Ms. Baack, Mr. Cole, Ms. Ms. Cole, Mr. Baack, Ms. 5. worked at the school since it opened. 8. Kayla Pederson Kayla 8.

4. 2000, 2001 2000, 4. 11. How many pounds of food has Red Dylan Gookin Dylan

Sandoval, Ms. Sokol Ms. Sandoval, 6. Who was Red Mountain’s first Mountain donated to United Food Bank Mary Beth Hutchinson, Hutchinson, Beth Mary

Marquez, Ms. Rios, Ms. Ms. Rios, Ms. Marquez, principal? What school motto did he from 2004 to 2010? Lambourne, Bobby Cottam, Cottam, Bobby Lambourne,

Grantham, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Mr. Kelley, Mr. Grantham, create to capture the school’s philoso- Patricia Eckholdt, Allison Allison Eckholdt, Patricia

3. Mr. Berkseth, Mr. Mr. Berkseth, Mr. 3. phy? 12. The (what?) celebrated student suc- Kennedy, Steven Cottam, Cottam, Steven Kennedy,

H.W. Bush 1991 Bush H.W. cess in a wide range of areas. Hallways erman, Ann Roepke, Eric Eric Roepke, Ann erman,

Point of Light by George George by Light of Point 7. How many Red Mountain students were decorated with stars labeled with - Ack Domer Kristen Nine 7.

Club RIF named the 432nd 432nd the named RIF Club have been named Flinn Scholars? student names and accomplishments 2 Responsibility”

. Blue Ribbon School 1996, 1996, School Ribbon Blue . from sports, music, art, science, indus- 1. 1988 1.

6. Bob Free, “Freedom with with “Freedom Free, Bob 6. 8. Name the Red Mountain girls trial arts and academics. 14 Winter 2011 Roar Magazine Roar Feature

HolidayBy: Rachael Akins Events Staff Writer Everyone has their different traditions and For travelers, the break means their holiday spirit, some students will take ways of spending the holidays, some choose bags are packed and ready to hit the road advantage of what the northern part of to make it a memory that will last forever. for new adventures. While some students Arizona has to offer. Whether being home for the holidays or on a have their conventional trips prepared for “We’re going to spend Christmas morn- vacation, Red Mountain students find a way the break, others have various travel plans ing with the immediate family,” said fresh- to enjoy every minute of the 13-day holiday mapped out each year. Sophomore Steven man Kayla Ballard. “Then we’ll be heading break. Burleson always has something new in to Flagstaff for about a week with friends to For those who don’t always get a meal, store when traveling for the holidays, play in the snow.” there are volunteer groups like Without Walls never stopping short of an eventful get Even when students are away from Christian Center who feed the homeless every away. school, they are still finding ways to keep Sunday. Sophomore Zack Randall volunteers “Every year we take a trip in December. active and make the most of their break. every year to take part in handing out food, This year we are going to Disneyland in goodie bags and supplies to the less fortunate. California.” said Burleson. “I’m thrilled to “I felt bad at first because there are a lot of go because I get to leave Arizona and go to people that are homeless but it was a really a place that everyone in my family enjoys.” good feeling knowing that people were going Not all trips during the break will be to eat that day,” said Randall. out of state. To help them get into the Some students stick with traditional family gatherings and have their own festive celebrations. Seasonal music treats and annual Wishes merriments bring families together in order to pack on the memories and bring them closer. Sophomore Caitlin Aslakson uses the break as a time to catch up with family. Come True “I love the holidays, everyone is so cheer- ful,” said Aslakson. “I feel like everything By: Samantha Matturro is complete when I have my family around Staff Writer laughing and enjoying the time together.” Many children are excited for Christmas morning when they run to PHOTO BY STEVEN BURLESON the Christmas tree to open up presents, but what about those children whose parents are too financially pressed to get them anything? The Christmas Angels Program, sponsored by the Salvation Army, provides new toys and clothing to children who otherwise would not have gifts to open at Christmas. Club Diversity is part of Christmas Angels and has helped support the program every year for the past 11 years. “Every year we do a number of fundraisers to earn money, and then we go to the mall and pick out angels,” said Club Diversity Adviser Mr. Macias. In order to raise money Club Diversity had a car wash and sold entertainment books in September. They raised $3,000 this year ($1,000 more than last year), giving the club enough money for 30 Angels this Christmas. Mr. Macias goes to multiple malls in the Phoenix Metro area and picks the wish lists off the Christmas trees. Then the club members go out and purchase as many gifts as possible from each list with $100 spending money. “I always feel really good at the end of the day because I know I have helped those children have a Christmas,” said junior and Club Diversity Secretary Justin Marohl. Close to 40 Club Diversity members participate in this program. All For his annual holiday trip, Steven Burleson(10) and his the students that participate in the activity are making another child’s sister Kelly Burleson(class of 2011) visited Disneyland in wish come true and are helping aid the parents who can’t afford Christ- California on Dec. 12 last year. mas expenses. “It’s fun to see the faces and reactions of the shoppers at Wal-Mart when we have our own register to check out and 30 shopping carts full of gifts lined up waiting to go through. People begin to ask what school we are from, and most kids wear their club shirts. They proudly tell them, “We are Club Diversity from Red Mountain High School, and we are buying gifts for Christmas Angels,” said Mr. Macias.

Roar Magazine Winter 2011 15 Roar Feature

DelectableBy: Mia Wong Dining Staff Writer All too often, people find themselves wondering where to eat. The same old thing all the time gets boring, but the Phoenix area is full of unique cafés and original family-owned restaurants that go unnoticed. Here are a few ideas for eating out that might surprise the taste buds.

Two Hippies Beach House: Café Mix: 1245 N. Baseline Rd. 4405 E. Mckellips Rd. 1. www.twohippiemesa.com 4. www.greekcafemix.com When craving hot dogs, tacos or burgers, you may find yourself Mediterranean/Greek styled calzones, pitas and gyros wishing you knew of a local food stand less than 20 minutes away are a must try on the menu at Café Mix. To begin, the from school. Wish no more, Two Hippie Beach House’s trendy shop first eight items on the menu include pita bread. Huge is available. With wonderfully unique lemonades, interesting food portions of baba ganoush and hummus come at the small combinations like tomato and onion hot dogs and a family-friendly price of $4.50. tone, this “beach” house is a definite must on the list of best burger chains.

DeFalco’s: Cheba Hut: 2334 N. Scottsdale Rd. 1710 W. Southern Ave. 2. www.defalcosdeli.com 5. www.chebahut.com Customers looking for something quick, local and delicious may find themselves at Cheba Hut. This small Out in Scottsdale for a night on the town? Behold DeFalco’s, an sandwich shop offers a drive through, is vegetarian Italian deli/grocery/eatery on Scottsdale Road. Order an entire sand- friendly and provides a young, lively atmosphere. Bang- wich for two, or get a half for yourself. Everything on the sandwich ing bass and hemp cream cheese on sandwiches are two menu is under $10. There are soups, salads, pastas, calzones, you things to look forward when visiting Cheba Hut. Cheba name it. If it’s Italian, it can be found at DeFalco’s. Hut is great for groups, so bring friends for a casual lunch.

Nielsen’s Frozen Custard: 1942 E. Southern Ave. 3. www.gonielsens.com Mesa residents looking for a burger and a sweet treat have the option of frozen custard. Frozen custard is innovative ice cream made with eggs, making it thicker. Nielsen’s makes custard with a 50’s diner feel. Nielsen’s Frozen Custard is located on the corner of Southern Ave. and Gilbert Road.

PHOTO BY WIKIMEDIA.ORG

16 Winter 2011 Roar Magazine Roar Sports

RedefiningTOUGHBy: Alyssa Clark Editor “In my day, we didn’t have self-esteem, we had self-respect, and no more of it than we had earned,” said American mystery writer, Jane Haddam. This quote encompasses the philosophy PHOTO BY ELISABETH PACKHAM of Red“ Mountain’s wrestling program. The program breeds tough athletes who earn their success through physical and mental discipline. ” The current team will need to be just that, in order to exceed last year’s achievement of bringing five Lions home with state medals. “We have two main goals this year, that is increase work ethic and increase mental tough- ness,” said Coach Didomenico. “Nobody’s looking at Red Mountain to do anything this year. But, at the end of the year, we’re going to challenge to be in the top 10 in the state, and we’re going to surprise a lot of people.” The team is working their way towards this goal by training with consistent intensity and a rigorous routine. Practice starts with a sports-specific warm up, moves into review, then teaching any uncovered material, drilling and, finally, wrestling live, all with no down time. “We get things done more efficiently, more quickly and at a higher level in a shorter dura- tion than what the other programs do,” said Coach Didomenico. “That’s what sets us apart.” Another characteristic that makes the wrestling program stand out is the drive and deter- mination that both the coaching staff and the athletes demonstrate. When the coaches expect great, the athletes strive for greater. “My main goal for this year is to place in the top three in state and to get at least five people from my team to state,” said senior Brandon Stratton. Wrestling is, for the most part, an individual sport, but the team provides an invaluable support system. “When I’m feeling unmotivated or discouraged, I always look to my teammates for support,” said senior Ivan Rojas. “They are always there for me, and I’ll always be there for them.” The teammates motivate and encourage each other, even when times are challenging, and in the end, when matches are won, it all pays off. “I feel so accomplished after winning, especially if I did everything right and worked all my technique properly,” said senior Alex (Tanner) Lantz. “That’s probably the best feeling.” Winning isn’t just a bragging right for the wrestlers, it’s one of the best gauges for improvement and a powerful motivator. “That’s when you know all the time and effort you put in during practice is paying off, and it encourages you to work even harder at becoming a better wrestler,” said Rojas. This achievement is gratifying for both athletes and coaches. “In wrestling, an athlete can’t hide. If you win, you’ve won alone, and you’re in front of everyone showing that,” said Coach Didomenico. “Seeing them overcome obstacles and say, ‘Wow I actually did that, I did it better than I ever thought I could,’ that’s the most rewarding part of the sport.” Red Mountain wrestlers have a record of winning, which they have achieved by balanc- ing academics and athletics. Wrestlers are student-athletes, with the student being the more significant part of their title. “Through wrestling you learn hard work, and you learn that every day you have to push yourself as far as you can. That’s pretty much the same as school,” said Stratton. “We have to make sure we do our homework and learn what we’re supposed to, so that we can accomplish academically and athletically.” Wrestlers learn to perfect time management under stressful circumstances and because of this are more prepared for college and later life. Studies show participating in any sport is beneficial to the student’s academic endeavors. “There was a study in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan about people involved in extracurricular activities, versus people that weren’t, looking at GPA’s. They found that people involved in extracurricular activities were not a little bit, but a full grade point higher than the one’s not,” said Coach Didomenico. “The ones that are athletes are really more driven because Using a 45-pound weight above their head and they have to achieve the grades to be eligible to compete.” walking only on their tiptoes, senior wrestler Alex (Tanner) Lantz and sophomore wrestler Mason Reis This sport redefines “tough.” To be tough, one needs to be mentally and physically strong. condition to the “Bob Davis” workout in August. Those that are tough will have the drive to get through anything, whether it’s just the day, the state championship, or college scholarships. The wrestling season began Nov. 22. For more information on times and dates for matches, go to www.mpsaz.org/rmhs/athletics/boys/wrestling. Roar Magazine Winter 2011 17 Roar Sports

By: Emilie Brock Staff Writer Winter Guard is aWinter blend of sport and the arts mixed with competition. Bringing music to life through performance in a competitive format, Winter Guard is an activity that combines dance, flag techniques, wood Guard rifles and other pieces of equipment. “[Winter Guard] is inside and has more dance in it,” said two-year Winter Guard veteran, junior Erica Ruhland. “It’s all focused on guard and their techniques like dance turns and leaps.” The Winter Guard coach, Aubrie Oliver, picks the music and helps to choreograph the moves along with Mr. Casey and Kayla Ruhland. “[The coaches] are all trained in Winter and Color Guard,” said Ruhland. “Aubrie does most of the choreographing.” Red Mountain’s Winter Guard is a part of Winter Guard of Arizona (WGAZ). Both boys and girls participating in Winter Guard through the WGAZ have to prepare for months for the performances. “First we head over to our competition site, which is usually at a high school,” said Ruhland. “We go to our designated warm- PHOTO BY AUBRIE OLIVER Bringing music to life through performance in a competitive format, last year’s Winter up spots where we run over our routine in Guard competed in three WGAZ competitions. preparation for our performance. When it’s time, we head out to perform. If you do well enough, you make it to the championships.”

Both girls and boys have been known to Winter Guard is inside and has

want to be a part of dance at Red Mountain, but have been unsure of their abilities. Win- “ ter Guard is a good option for those who more dance in it...It’s all focused“ don’t want to take dance on campus. “Most of the team has no dance back- on guard and their techniques like ground,” said Ruhland. “Aubrie helps teach it to us.” dance turns and leaps. Clinics began in November and are designed to help new members learn the techniques. It’s open to all grades. The clinics include warm-up, practice basics and talk about the prices and dates for the three competitions for Winter Guard. “Some people do help [with basics] after school, in addition to the clinics,” said Ruhland. Just like most new activities in life, Winter Guard can be a challenge. Learning the steps and techniques can be especially challenging. “At first, it’s pretty difficult,” said new member and freshman Samantha Stalder. “But, if you keep practicing and keep trying and don’t give up even if you mess up, it gets easier.” For more information on Winter Guard, check out their website at www.mpsaz.org/rmhs/staff/cvwedge/rm- guard/winterguard. 18 Winter 2011 Roar Magazine Roar Sports Fall Sports Recap PHOTO BY MS. SAQUELLA By: Angelique Guerrero Staff Writer PHOTO BY MR. WALSH PHOTO BY SOUTHWEST PORTRAITS

Football: The football team made it to the second round of the state playoffs, where they ended with a record of 9-3. “I feel like we had a really successful season,” said wide receiver and defensive back, senior, Marcus Brantley. “We could have done better, but overall, we had a Swim: great year.” Junior Samantha Guttmacher won the state title for the 100 butterfly and finished

PHOTO BY TEJA KAILIWAI second in the 50 free. Senior Trinity Frazee Cheer: also made it to the championship finals Spiritline recently competed at the USA grabbing fourth in the 50 free. The girls national qualifier competition on Sat., Nov. relay team of Trinity Frazee, Sara Savovic, 5 at Deer Valley High School. The varsity, Kaylee Bowman and Samantha Guttmacher junior varsity, freshmen and five-man stunt placed second in the sprint free relay. Se- group teams qualified for nationals with su- nior Tyler Guttmacher and sophomore Ross perior scores and will compete in Anaheim, McDonnell placed in the championship Calif. in March. Varsity Cheer and Pom final events, and the boys relay of Ryan also qualified for the AIA championship Tuckett, Tyler Porter, Marshall McVeigh competition on Feb. 4. “My girls have done and Tyler Guttmacher placed fourth in a great job representing Red Mountain thus Golf: the Medley Relay. “We had 10 spots in far,” said Coach Ellington. Boys golf placed third in state and won championship finals,” said Coach Peterson. first place in all nine matches, plus received “We were hoping for a great season, and PHOTO BY SOUTHWEST PORTRAITS first place in three of the five tournaments we got it.” they competed in: The Ahwatukee Cup, The Brophy Invitational and the Aguila Invita- PHOTO BY SOUTHWEST PORTRAITS tional. Standout players included seniors Brett Wilson, Colton West, Cory Cottrell, Kolton Lapa, junior Timothy Taylor and sophomore Jacob Rodenkirch. Girls golf placed first in three matches, second in four matches and third in another. Sophomore Kaitlyn Saum was the only one to compete in the state tournament and won the city tournament.

PHOTO BY SOUTHWEST PORTRAITS Cross Country: Girls cross country placed eighth at the state meet. They also won the O’Conner Invitational and two other invites. “This season was the best Red Mountain has seen since the 90s,” said senior runner, Melissa Dunn. “We placed in almost every Badminton: invite and placed eighth in state.” Boys Making it to state with a 14-1 record, cross country won the Padre Invitational the badminton team finished eighth overall Volleyball: and placed second at the Twilight and City and had their number one player finish Girls volleyball finished off with a 25-16 meets. “It was unfortunate that some of our fourth. “I was very pleased because we record overall and a 12-5 regular season players were sick at the qualifying meet, only had one returning varsity player,” said record. “We worked really hard,” said senior so we didn’t qualify for state,” said Coach Coach Gillen. “To be able to obtain that Kiah Farr. “We could have gotten farther, but Thomas. “But, we had a good, promising level of excellence was pretty aweseome.” it was fun.” season.”

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