march the 2012 precedent VOLUME V ISSUE VI PERRY HIGH SCHOOL || PRIDE · PROGRESS · PURPOSE || GILBERT, AZ Inside A fresh approach to teaching Physics teacher, David Flores favors a hands-on classroom
By Rachel Lattin to better understand various categories of physics, no the precedent concepts. matter their level. In his Seeing and hearing Even checking homework study, he states that students information does not always is an active experience. Instead - whether a beginning level An exhilarating mean learning it. Physics of looking at an answer key, high school student or teacher David Flores believes students work problems advanced level college student season for Pumas that the best way for his out on the white board and - repel any information that The basketball team wins students to learn is through explain them to the class. is goes against what they think a strong victory against an anti-lecture method. enables them to see exactly they already know. where they made a mistake Hestenes’ modeling Basha High, only to be He teaches by assigning labs, explaining models and to have more confi dence program explains what the defeated in the quarter and showing examples. on all types of problems. “ misconceptions are and fi nals and end the season. “I think students learn better It displays more of what’s describes how they should be going on,” junior Stephanie understood. To replace false The players and coaches when they actually do things,” he said. Brosious says. “You can see knowledge, teachers must refl ect on the season. Flores believes that the what’s actually happening.” thoroughly clarify the accurate Page 11 anti-lecture - more hands-on - Flores got this concept information. Students retain style of teaching improves test from a teaching method study more information through conducted by Arizona State this method than they would Advanced Placement and grades, as well as the students’ overall understanding of University physics professor in a normal, lecture-style Dual Enrollment classes physics. His classes complete David Hestenes. Hestenes class. lead some astray in terms approximately one lab a week researched whether anti- “It allows students to create lecture classes give students meaning for themselves,” of policies and tests. We and note-taking is very rare. In notebooks, students more knowledge on the Flores said. detail the differences to record their predictions of subject. help you make an what the outcome of a lab will He developed a high school physics modeling program in informed decision. be, the results and any new comprehension of the subject. 1990 - it focuses on hands-on photo by Jensen Penrod Page 7 ese hands-on activities learning instead of lecturing. Physics teacher David Flores make his class enjoyable for Hestenes has found that helps a student coil string all students and help them many people have a false to a pencil for that day’s lab As Spring Break ap- understanding of the key assignment on Feb. 16. proaches, many bands will be playing concerts around the Valley. From Arizona with love: Page 8 Students depart to Europe for spring break Cell phones in class have By Haley Witt It is slightly surprising the precedent been debated since their how many more students are rise to popularity. Could Most students never get the traveling considering the fact chance to travel overseas while that the trip off ered by EF they be a positive thing? they are in school. However, Tours is not supposed to have The staff debates the pros thanks to the Education anything to do with PHS. and cons. First foundation, students “ e school district isn’t can travel to countries such involved and if we allowed Page 5 as Scotland or Australia for our building or resources to a discounted price and see be used then we could be On Saturday, March 2nd, the places they used to only held responsible if anything the Cheer team took sec- dream about. negative happened,” is March, some Principal Dan Serrano ond place at a statewide Perry students have the says. “ at’s typical in most cheer and pom champi- opportunity to travel to school districts.” onship at the Veteran’s Germany, Switzerland, Italy, As for how that is aff ecting and – as an extension of the the students and teachers Memorial Coliseum. full tour – France. ey will chaperoning on the trip, it is Page 3 be sightseeing throughout the not a big deal. countries, visiting places such “I think it’s kind of silly, World/Nation: as Munich and seeing a castle but I don’t mind,” Romer is week, Israeli Prime called Neuschwanstein, and photo courtesy of Haley Witt says. Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will also travel from Venice Students from the 2011 Europe trip pose near Stirling Castle in Scotland. (From left) Greer For English teacher Kristen will be arriving to Washington to Verona and even take a Miller, Courtney Sabo, Jordan Miller, Haley Witt, Yuqing Jiang, Daniela Diaz, Morgan Palmanteer, Mackenzie, not being able to to meet with President Barack guided tour of the city of Taylor Wagner, Benito Arellanes, Patrick Wilson, Matt Brezinski, Randi Calvin, Connor New- communicate on campus has Obama and try to stitch Lucerne in Switzerland. In comer, and Alex Gasca. not been a problem for her up any issues they had. e addition, they are scheduled from home, they will have the another country in general is traveling throughout the two either, even though she’s the U.S. and Israel are trying to to visit a concentration camp chance to visit France and see exciting,” senior Eunice Beck countries, visiting castles such one who is coordinating the get along so they can fi gure called Dachau. cities like Paris and Versailles says. as Edinburgh and Stirling whole tour. out what to do about the “I’m just so excited to get and even visit the famous is year there are about and walking throughout the Either way, the 14 day Iranian threat against Israel. out and explore the world,” Louvre museum. ey may 70 students going on the trip, city of Dublin. trip is a great experience for According to MSNBC news, senior Brooke Romer says. even opt to take a day and which is far more than the 30 In fact, compared to this students before they head military analysts and U.S. For certain students that visit Disneyland Paris. or so that traveled to Scotland year, last year’s trip was so off to college and don’t have offi cials grew concern that, pay extra money and want to “I’m mostly excited about and Ireland in March of small that they had to travel much free time to see the “Israel will launch a multi- spend a couple more days away Euro Disney, but going to 2011. Students from last with a number of students places they always wanted to phase air and missile attack year spent about seven days from Alaska. see. that could trigger waves of retaliatory missile strikes from Tehran.” With this in mind, National Engineering Month brings experts to classrooms Netanyahu will be giving a Intel called, off ering to send the upcoming Science, growth has far exceeded our students a more personalized speech to the American Israel By Raphael Shafeev over fi ve representatives into and sophisticated path the precedent Technology, Engineering and expectations,” Greene states. Public Aff airs Committee our own classrooms to inspire Math (STEM) program that With over 70 applications through high school and into (AIPAC) to warn them about e National Engineer students into engineering has been the personal project submitted for next year’s successful futures. the threat and to declare what Month was held during careers. of Assistant freshmen, STEM promises to Israel needs Obama to do. past month of February, e engineers Principal help launch students into the STEM Explained: announced by the builders visited both e STEM program’s Joe Greene. fi elds of their mathematical Table of Contents and designers themselves in A d v a n c e d growth has far exceeded our S T E M ’ s and scientifi c dreams. -Advanced science classes order to celebrate creativity Placement (AP) “expectations.” curriculum Administration is for students interested in News || 1-3 in creation through out the and Honors ~Joe Greene is based on currently working to partner ages. c l a s s r o o m s advanced with companies such as Intel math and engineering Opinions || 4-5 e Chandler school around the l e a r n i n g and Arizona State University’s -Beginning in the 2012- Features || 6-7 district celebrated this month school, setting in fi elds Poly-Technic campus, already A & E || 8-9 in their own way, when up presentations and Q and A of a left-brained nature, and having gained the Salt River 2013 school year Sports || 10-12 the well-known computer sessions for the benefi t of the seems to be gaining popularity Project (SRP) on the team. company, Intel, contacted aspiring student scientists. within the school. e STEM program -Pioneered by Perry High Perry High School. All this is part of “ e STEM program’s promises future generations of 2 news || the precedent || march 2012 Changes in store for ACT exams College skills. By Alli Klassin The University the precedent of California was Official the first school to As of last month, the well- petition to have known ACT test will be adding new the ACT test Resigns concepts that will advance the rigor altered. Cal has of the exam. specialized classes The test, which is created by for students Kaplan - and tutoring and education that are not up Over company - is in need of some to prior with improvements, according to Jennifer requirements. Kara, Kaplan’s director of ACT and Tim Desch, SAT test preparations. Director of False SAT “There has been a general decline Admissions for in the number of students taking Arizona State English composition and taking University says, grammar in high school over the “ASU and many Scores past 10 years,” she said. other universities won’t immediately By Michael Wolfe PHS Career Center consultant Pat the precedent Phillips, who works hand-in-hand count the new with students preparing for college, entrance exams says the changes will better prepare for credit.” In late January, a senior college-bound students. As for the They can take photo by Kaileigh McCormick administrator at Claremont both; the test that attains the highest Students work on a test prep activity last week in English class. Although McKenna College was removed for SAT exams, Phillips said, “There ACT exams are expected to change, the April 14 test has not changed. are no known changes in affect for score will be the one that counts for allegedly reporting inaccurate SAT the SAT test. The last changes were credit. entrance exam scores. made several years ago. This change may not directly Richard C. Vos, whose name can “We typically hear about changes affect Perry now, but later in the Students will have a prompted exam will cover concepts of Algebra no longer be found on the school’s during the summer months,” she future it may. Since the concepts essay, and they will have to write a II, Trigonometry, and Geometry. web site, is accused of forging SAT said. are being altered and advancing in 5-paragraph essay according to the Along with advancing the test, scores dating as far back as 2005, The ACT changes will be in levels, students may need to adapt to prompt. proctors have made it so that the can according to The Washington Post. action of Mar. of 2013. Until then, these changes. Along with an essay, there is a take classes beforehand. Vos is accused of falsifying the students will have two chances to Since the changes are academic, Critical Reading session that will be This has been in action since scores for a higher school ranking take current tests. we will have to see what the response added. the tests began, but now more high by publishers such as U.S. News & The ACT is being altered in a will be. This section will consist of reading schools are doing ‘Boot Camps’ to World Report. response to college deans who are Not only are the concepts comprehension, and harder pieces of prepare students. The next ACT test By reporting inaccurate scores, finding that many freshmen have changing, the ACT test has a writing writing. Mathematics will also cover date is set for April 14. Claremont would be considered one poor grammar, math and writing portion added onto it. more concepts. This portion of the of the better schools in the country to attend. According to the L.A. Times, scores that were being submitted each year were generally raised by First take: Perry Prime Time ready to go live ten to twenty points. In an interview with President By Tatyana Garcia only schools in Chandler that utilize Moss has the responsibility of their friends if they saw the show the the precedent Pamela Gann, the NY Times reported live streaming.” simply getting things done, whether response they get is usually along the that one individual score wasn’t Lights. Camera. Action. It does not stop there. With live it be reporting, filming, or even lines of ‘our teacher didn’t show it to raised and that Claremont hired an Literally! streaming, friends and family who editing. the class.’ attorney to conduct an independent The news segment Perry live out of town, or even out of state, He claims that “When it comes to showing investigation. Primetime is developing a new will be able to see the broadcasts time crunches will something in the classroom...it The college had reported a tradition: live broadcasts. Students online as well. also be a factor depends on what’s going on in the median SAT score of 1410 when the that are in Television Production Although the live broadcasts will because they want [individual] classrooms,” Patterson actual one should have been 1400 as two and three will collaborate to put be more entertaining to watch, the to keep the stories noted. well as the 75th percentile score of together newscasts and stream them students behind the scenes are faced recent. Hopefully with the live streaming 1510 when the actual should have live off the Internet for their family with a whole other animal. With all coming into play, this will motivate been 1480. and peers to see. “Challenges we’ll face going this hard work teachers to channel in on their Along with Claremont, two This includes news anchors, live would be consistency and Jake Moss being put into students working hard to provide other colleges were reporting false special reports, and even student- making sure all [the broadcasts] are the broadcasts, their school with news, local and scores for a higher ranking. A former made commercials. somewhat the same. it is noticed that not all teachers within the campus. superintendent at Iona College in “I think it’s fantastic,” assistant Also having the right Internet even show their students the news New York inflated scores and at principal, Heather Patterson said on connection because computers fail segments. Baylor University in Texas, students the idea, “Our school is one of the all the time,” senior Jake Moss said. When Primetime reporters ask were bribed to retake the SAT for a $300 credit at the bookstore and a $1000 scholarship. Ariz. could join ten states to abandon Closer to home, while Arizona State University was not listed as one of the colleges to inflate their scores, reports say that President Bush-era No Child Left Behind, AIMS Michael Crow earns a bonus, if the By Ciera Woodfin responding. Like many states, Arizona has that children are improving in other SAT scores are at an average of 1040 the precedent Now that the 2014 deadline applied for the waiver on Feb. 21. ways. Some may even have to ensure for the incoming freshmen. The name speaks for itself: No is fast approaching and American The state says it wants to have more that students are getting help before, As of February 2012, 151 seniors Child Left Behind (NCLB). students are nowhere near the set flexibility and freedom to reach their in or after school, to keep the scores from Perry have been accepted to Last week more than 600 PHS goal (with over one thousand public goals by their own strategy, because up. ASU, according to Pat Phillips, in students were tested in reading and schools considered failing), President of how far behind they are in the Focusing on students will be the career center. writing by the state. The standardized Barack Obama is taking action to overall goal. the schools number-one priority. This whole ordeal relates to how exams - the Arizona Instrument for encourage schools to make that goal Although they can be given While the goal was ambitious, critics competitive the college admissions Measuring Standards, or AIMS - is at their own pace. more freedom, it doesn’t necessarily say NCLB was generally impractical. race has become in the wake of the the result of President George W. Last month the president relieved prohibit states from not being able to States found it difficult to meet such popularity of rankings, especially Bush’s NCLB Act of 2002. The ten states of NCLB: Colorado, test their kids. After requesting to be a rigorous demand, casting doubt those of U.S.News & World Report, goal of NCLB was to get students Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, on list, it will result in schools raising if the Bush NCLB act will just which prove to be factual listings caught up with reading, writing Massachusetts, Minnesota, New standards, and giving feedback on disappear altogether. based on hard data. and math by the year 2014. Critics Jersey, Oklahoma and Tennesse. New tests and performance. In the end, this whole mix up nationwide say the plan was a failure, Mexico applied for the initial NCLB Also, if states do request that has shown us how competitive the and the current administration is waiver but was not approved. extension, they will have to prove college ranking system truly is.
Follow us! @phsprecedent news || the precedent || march 2012 3 Cheer places second in prestigious state competion; team heads to Calif. for nationals By Haley Witt, Rachel years,” junior Taylor sheets, and we’ll have Lattin & Katelyn Escalante Williams said, “we did harder, cleaner routines.” the precedent our best. We are happy Last Saturday, the with the outcome, but End Polio campaign PHS cheer and pom team hopefully next year we get PHS raised over $1300 defeated teams from across first.” during the End Polio Now the state in the Arizona The trip to Anaheim for fund raiser last month. State Cheer and Pom nationals will mark Perry’s Over 13,000 people have championships. first appearance on a been saved from a life with The Pumas, who have a national stage, and for the Polio or even death thanks UP NEXT: balanced team of tumblers ladies, it is a very exciting to the contributions of the Nationals and stunters, finished the opportunity. student body. weekend just points away “We were so happy Top fund raisers were WHERE: from first place, sealing with the support the PE teacher Preston Jones’ their best ever finish at the school gave us,” Williams first hour class ($198 Disneyland, event - second place. said. “(This will be the) raised), and English Anaheim, Calif. The runner-up finish first year Perry has gone to teacher Cindy Pino’s class gave head coach Allie nationals.” ($184 raised). WHEN: Burke and her team their The Ariz. competition Norma Rios, Tom Mar. 14 first ever national bid, was a story of true grit and Rothery and Garald which will take place execution. The tumbling DeGrow’s classes all also over spring break in was spot-on and the stunts raised over $100 as well. Disneyland. were precise, according to “(The Arizona) Burke. Busy schedule after break competition is the oldest “They did an amazing When classes resume photo by Kaileigh in the state,” Burke said. job and were so fun to after break, it may be hard McCormick “It was a real good win for watch,” Burke said. “It was to keep track of the school Senior cheerleader us.” really a great tune-up for schedule due to testing. Veronica Brunson The team showed their nationals.” Math and science leads the cheer team toughness at the state As for the Mar. 14 AIMS are April 10-11, during an assembly competition when at the national championships last quarter. The Stanford 10 exams are cheer team placed last moment; they had to next week, Burke said that April 19, and ACTs for fill in roster spots due to the team will make some second in the Arizona all juniors is April 24. For state competition last injuries. minor adjustments. more information go to weekend at Veteran’s “We performed better “We’ll make changes mychandlerschools.org/ Memorial Colessium than we have in past based off of the judging phs. in Phoenix. 4 opinions || the precedent || march 2012 Staff Editorial Concealed weapons cause campus issues Classic books LANI DEKKER leave little the precedent room for ang. Guns have been threatening society for hundreds of years. modern works Whether it is the assassination n order to become more Bof presidents or drive-bys at high schools; progressive, schools often try to concealed weapons can be a major issue in any modernize various elements of public setting. learning.I Class objectives are starting to On Feb. 9, the Arizona legislative has be more geared to technology or current passed a bill stating that anyone with a license events in order to expose students to the can carry concealed weapons onto any college outside world. campus. No one will know what dangers lurk around the corner with this bill in play. is practice is horribly lacking is bill has been causing a lot of when it comes to the literature we read. controversy, for the safety of the students is Students today and students 20-, 30-, potentially at risk. and even 40-years ago analyze the same State Sen. Ron Gould, who created this Photo by Eric Tomaszewski works by Shakespeare, Hawthorne and bill, has stated in a press release that this bill If Bill 1474 passes, students on college campuses will be in danger of others carrying Orwell. Although classic works have is to help students and teachers feel safer on concealed weapons. valuable technical elements, current campus. novels can include these entities as well. Going to school with unknown hostile partying comes to play. not ban weapons from their school without Yet, students are often stuck like a weapons would not necessarily make peers feel Students can be stupid and drink too ‘breaking the law.’ e only loop hole to this is bookmark between two pages, striving safer. Many students, professors, and police much; then who knows what could happen if to have signs next to each building stating that offi cers strongly oppose this bill, as should someone had a gun in their possession. guns are not allowed inside, and gun lockers to appreciate traditional pieces while anyone with common since. yearning to read new books that appeal Senate Bill 1474 states: would have to be provided in order to ‘keep e three major Arizona colleges had a “...the chief administrative offi cer or his the peace.’ to their interests. Countless arguments meeting the Monday before designee or the governing Hands are tied all around when it comes to remain for modern classics such as this bill was passed, and all Allowing college students to board of a public university, this unthinkable danger. the “Hunger Games,” “Matched” and agreed this bill would be have weapons can be detrimental college or community As long as you are 21 years old there is no “Harry Potter” series - among others. the worst possible thing “to the wellbeing of surrounding college shall not adopt or keeping guns away, even from high schools. Such examples often contain intriguing that could happen. peers. e issue becomes scarier enforce any policy or rule If you can legally carry it, you can take it is bill should not have when the subject of partying language, underlying societal themes, and comes to play.” that restricts or prohibits anywhere. exposures of cultural and political issues even been considered. the carrying or transporting Potential gun use might become more that may be dissected by young readers. Allowing college of a concealed weapon by a common, and everyone’s safety will be at this e range of possible interpretations students to have weapons can be detrimental person who possesses a valid permit...’ bill’s mercy. to the wellbeing of surrounding peers. e With this bill, all administrators, on is bill can eventually cause crime rates to and real-life applications these books issue becomes scarier when the subject of contain are so numerous; this makes campus offi cers, and school boards, can rise and there is nothing anyone can do. them an ideal tool for English teachers to really pursue various writing techniques and styles, as well as literary elements. After all, entire college curriculum’s Censorship threatens teachers in the classroom have been created to analyze the Hero’s e’ve all experienced crazier. than one could possibly foresee. Journey and Ring Composition eory the “oohs” and BROOKE Along with the over Furthermore, it would ban any classroom elements present in the “Harry Potter” hysterically giddy KARAKEY reaction this bill would entitle, reading and teaching lessons that fail to abide series. laughterW that manages to the precedent the real danger lies in the by the expectations set in the fi ne print. e wildfi re behind the “Hunger escape younger students’ vagueness of the legislature. Basically, it appears as though we all could say Games” series displays how teens can mouths upon hearing an As a matter of fact, SB “so long” to beloved classics such as, “To Kill recognize its embedded themes about educator utter even the 1467 is so obscenely restrictive a Mockingbird,” “ e Great Gatsby,” and the the government’s role in society and the mildest profanity. Nevertheless, whether it it can apply to an advisor’s own home. dictionary. On the upside, we can still enjoy power of will and selfi shness. e author is an innocent blunder or purely intentional Not only that, but the legislature is other timeless novels like, “Green Eggs and of the “Matched” series, Ally Condie, was occurrence, it is traditionally brushed off and ambiguous enough that teachers could be Ham,” “ e Hungry Caterpillar,” and “Dora forgotten about. barred from going to the bathroom, showering, the Explorer: Birthday Surprise!” even inspired by other classics - such as Unfortunately, the newly scribed bill, SB and interestingly enough – procreating. Ultimately, even though cursing around “1984” - to compose her dystopian image 1467, has more severe consequences in mind. Meanwhile, Arizona remains in 45th place impressionable elementary schoolers should of society. If the “no cussing” bill is passed, teachers on national educational ranking boards. be monitored as to not impose upon any One of the biggest hurdles is the would be suspended sans pay for one week is bill would not only discourage any moral beliefs, to extend such restrictions to student’s understanding of older texts. after the fi rst off ense, two weeks the second, teacher from pursuing employment here, but grown adults may just be the epiphany of Current novels are often more relatable job termination if reported a third time for would undoubtedly backlash on the kids it wasting time. I, personally, joke about teachers and written in modern language, at least violating FCC communication standards. was intending to help with a more damaging being robots and going off to their hypobaric moreso than the archaic titles on school ese restrictions would apply to all public f-bomb: failure. resting chambers at the end of the school day book lists. is would lead to students educational facilities ranging from pre- SB 1467 will also aff ect any material taught to recharge, but if this bill is enacted, they grasping concepts more naturally. schools to state universities. Shockingly, it gets in the classroom in a far more prominent way might as well. Although language in older books contains importance, it remains outdated in the present world. Many of these current pieces are simply more applicable to today’s culture and society. staff information Secondly, contemporary works the precedent hold a reader’s interest, since they are Pride • Progress • Purpose understandable; oftentimes older classics have to be explained by the teacher (or SparkNotes). Students are left wondering || Opinions Editor || if what a teacher said was the writer’s Perry High School Brianna Bartos || Assistant Editors || || Staff Reporters || infl uence really was or not, since the 1919 E. Queen Creek Rd. Alyx Alcala Travis Klein piece is so old, it could have been Gilbert, AZ 85297 || A & E Editor || Ciera Woodfi n Joelle Landry interpreted a dozen diff erent ways since 480-224-2800 Brooke Karakey Kiwi Asare Rachel Lattin it was written. e relevancy of modern- Lani Dekker Victoria Lovvorn day classics is much more compatible 480-224-2820 fax || Features Editor || Lauren Moore with the understanding of today’s Skeeter Arvizu students. || Newspaper Adviser || || Staff Reporters || Raphael Shafeev If both classic and modern titles Damien Tippett Mitchell Albrecht Austin Williams taught in schools, the diff erence between || Sports Editor || Katelyn Escalante Haley Witt them could be studied. Even as the older || Editor-In-Chief || Drew Crawford Tatyana Garcia Michael Wolfe books may be harder to understand, Thomas Pipia Brennen Hennings Alli Klassen parallels can still be found between the || Photo Editor || two. is could diminish the century Kaileigh McCormick gap and aid students in intertwining the work’s lessons. Even though timeless archetypes The Precedent is published by the student newspaper staff at Perry High School. Opinions expressed in the paper are of the writers and do not (hello, “Romeo and Juliet”) will never be necessarily refl ect those of The Precedent staff, the adviser, the faculty, or the administration of Perry High School. Please e-mail all questions, replaced, they can slide over to off er some comments, guest articles, or letters to the editor to [email protected]. All submissions must be signed; however, requests for anonymity space on the classroom bookshelf to the may be honored. new classics. opinions || the precedent || march 2012 5 point|counterpoint: Cell phones in the curriculum On_Campus Smart phones, smart students Cellular distractions in class What is the most Phones would only make ue to the fact that not all exciting thing you studying quicker. students have the privilege LANI TATYANA DEKKER A student could easily do online of owning a ridiculously GARCIA have planned for the precedent homework from their phone during expensiveD smart phone, it is not a the precedent excess class time instead of wasting good idea to allow said students to Spring Break? time at home. use their phones for assistance in Many teens have jobs and hardly school. TC, Galaxy, MyTouch and The 21st century is updating Cody Barton iPhones are quickly taking technology more rapidly, and youth Senior over the world one teen may become more dependent on the Hat a time. With these high tech technology that is being brought out smart phones, students can become to the world. obsessed with all the spectacular If these kids are able to access things that they are able do in and their social media on the school’s out of school. computers by sneaking through the High school students should be firewall, who is to say they won’t do able to use their phones to better the same thing on their phone? their learning experience. Ability to use smart phones The student body is the future, during class can create distraction, and utilizing what is available resulting in student unproductivity. can be helpful in many ways. It is understandable that certain “I’m going to California The use of cell phones in school things such as laptops could be to spend time along has been frowned upon for years as useful in school. the waters and on the technology has expanded. However, if teens get into the But many teens can see that habit of depending completely on beaches. It will be nice there is a wide range of things their technology to do everything for to enjoy the nice spring phones can achieve rather than just them, what is that going to do to the weather out of state.” fun games and social media. future? With today’s technology, anyone Society needs to keep these can access dictionaries and other ideas in mind in order to prepare useful apps that will help them with photo by Josh Leon and modify how fast technology is Mia Marcotte their everyday lives. have time to get average homework While a student is diligently growing. Freshman School budgets have obviously done as it is. working on one problem by hand With the way the current dropped, and the demand for newer It would be simpler and and actually using their brain, generation is treating technology, supplies has gone up. easier to utilize the abilities another student in the same class they are getting into the habit of Therefore having students use of modern technology. would be solving five problems abusing the search engine to do their their phones as dictionaries and These phones are our future today. within the same time with just a assignments for them. graphing calculators would be more Soon enough we will have even push of a few buttons. Therefore, high school beneficial for the student body. more highly advanced technology. No, wait. Not even buttons! administrators should thoroughly The budget should go towards Embracing what we have to use They can simply SPEAK process both the positive and the things that are truly needed, like would be the smartest thing a smart into the phone and command negative sides of the scenario before educational trips. phone could comprehend. it to do the problem for them! turning it into a reality.
“During Spring Break Students with disabilities are students nonetheless I am going to hang out There seems to be an ‘ocean possible even with the differences. a name, and not by their disability with my friends and go KATELYN barrier’ between the two worlds of Someone may be in a wheelchair as they so often are. Interacting swimming a bunch.” ESCALANTE the student and disabled student or someone may be mentally with these remarkable people will the precedent preventing the connection. disabled, yet so many connections not only bring them joy but to the The interaction between those can be made with them. They still people reaching out to them as well. Dante Bartee with disabilities and students needs have thoughts of their own that they Don’t be afraid to converse with to change.Though the Puma Pals want to be heard; they still have their these students through fear of the Sophomore magine being on a deserted program is quite successful, most own ideas, doubts, and fears. loss of social status or because of the island. Hardly any resources are students do not interact with them. Looking through the eyes of differences. available, and no one is there to It’s as if fear of anything different someone who has a disability can give Don’t be afraid to reach out to help:I just you, the island, and the completely takes over students, life with a whole new perspective. them because you never know what vast ocean. convincing them they are too These students want to be heard kind of friendships are out there So is life on campus concerning different to interact with one but no one is listening. They want to unless you see past what’s on the students and those with disabilities. another. However, relationships are be recognized as an individual with outside. The addiction of reality TV: yes, it is here to stay work, attempting to forget the “I’m going to Universal rather taxing day they just had, who Studios in California (I BRIANNA decides to close their blinds and BARTOS have VIP passes). I also the precedent sneakily indulge in keeping up with those Kardashians. have floor seats to an Los That single viewer and the plethora Angeles Clippers game. of others like them contributes to the I’m going to Oklahoma o be cast for a reality television salaries of those “stars” by viewing a show, one has to boast one single episode, which means more to visit my girlfriend. ” of two things: stupidity (a money for the cast members, and láT Jersey Shore) or looks. Hello, it snowballs into increased production remains well-known that many men of the show. Next thing, ten years Christian would attest to Kim Kardashian’s… and a baker’s dozen of seasons later, assets. “The Bachelor” is still airing. Chinchin Why is this? Entertainment. These intriguing programs Junior That is the shortest, truest will most likely remain as long as definition of the unrealistic, why- curiosity lives. are-six-random-people-living- Even if they are scripted (or they under-the-same-roof-anyway TV may not be — the mystery remains), shows that are mislabeled “reality people still wonder if they are real or television.” not; they speculate how much may And entertaining subsists as be fantasized and how much may exactly what they provide: countless be…reality. times people can be heard exclaiming The compelling circumstances how ridiculous that new MTV show MCT Campus of reality television enable an was, yet it was so comical they Model Kim Kardashian enters the main stadium at the Sony Erics- abundance of the public to stay carried on watching it. son Open in Key Biscayne, Florida, on Monday, March 29, 2010. hooked to the nonsense. For some odd reason, people feel (C.M. Guerrero/El Nuevo Herald/MCT) As long as people continue to be compelled to know why Snooki got addicted to these strange shows and “I’m going to go to Peter punched in the face, or when that for, well, nothing in particular, They are almost like some type of there is an abundance of people who Piper Pizza to chow ex-Playboy Bunny’s baby will be seems like such a mystery. One forbidden addiction. want to be famous, reality television down on some cheese born. may wonder how these shows even There is always that one person will be a thing of the present and How these people became famous continue to be produced. getting home after a long day’s future. pizza, it is my absolute favorite.” 6 features || the precedent || march 2012
Changing seasons - changing trends
By Lauren Moore not to repeat outfits tends to the precedent become pretty pricey. To avoid this, focus on With the change of season using key pieces from your comes change in student’s last year’s spring wardrobe and everyday attire. incorporate them with new, Items such as jackets and trendy items; combine staple scarves that one month ago items with novelty pieces. were student’s holy grail For example, it’s completely when it came to enduring the unnecessary to go out and numbingly cold mornings buy an entire new spring that were ever so present wardrobe because most of the on campus, have now been key pieces for spring are ones subjected to the back of the that a large majority of people closet where they will not already have somewhere in been seen nor talked about their closet. for the next seven months. Staple items for spring For many students, the include, denim, pastel hues, transition into spring is just sheer fabrics, and floral one big G.T.L. session, but prints. for the large population of Some trendy pieces that fashion-conscious students are worth considering when at Perry, the progression into one does make their annual spring is all about discovering spring shopping trip are: new trends and finding a way items that are color-block to somehow harmonize them ready, i.e, solid basic colors in with their current wardrobe a variety of styles, futuristic without breaking the bank. graphics, metallic basics, and First tip when it comes peplum silhouettes. to making the transition into Fashion teacher and club spring: don’t jump the gun. advisor, Kristen Pearson Spring has its occasional cold discussed her own fashion days so if you try and break forecast for the upcoming out your shortest shorts and season saying, “I expect to see your tiniest crop top when it bright colors, feminine, floral is still 60 degrees out, you are garments, color blocking, going to look more weather and lost of accessories with negligent than fashion- unexpected patterns and forward. hues.” Another tip is to use what Change in season comes you already have. with change in expectation For many fashionistas, for everyday apparel as people repeating an outfit could very sit back and wait for newly easily be considered one of found trends to make their the seven deadliest sins, but way to Perry’s campus. as many people know, trying
I’m not the type to make a I love seeing people wear new trends fashion statement but I love and patterns every season and I think “trying new styles every now and “it’s really cool to see everyone’s unique then.” - Jessica Morrison style come out.” - Josh Decker-Jones
I’m so excited for spring and I’m so obsessed with fringe when it sunshine season, the trends are on comes to spring fashion. There’s fringe “point when it comes to the color “everywhere; shirts, shorts, accessories- game. I’m diggin the lime green it’s everywhere, and I can’t wait to rock accessories and pink and orange it this spring.” - Cassie Woolums shades.” - Leslie Dominguez features || the precedent || march 2012 7 A step in the right direction Advanced Placement vs Dual Credit
Kwaku Asare & curriculum and possibly earn aff ordable cost than at a erefore, the biggest Lauren Moore college credit, but both options University. diff erence in the two classes the precedent can become confusing for In an AP class, at the end is that in an AP class, the Every student wants to be able students who are interested in of the year you are responsible determining factor in whether to make their parents proud, the classes but are unsure of the for signing up and paying for or not you earn the college so they go that extra mile and diff erence between the two. the AP test and the amount credit you paid for relies on one venture to take more advanced One of the main diff erences of points you score on the test test, and in a dual enrollment or challenging classes. is the fi nancial aspect that is the determining factor on class, it’s solely based off the Perry off ers many varieties comes along with enrolling in whether you receive college overall grade a student earns in of these activities; for example, the class. credit or not. the class. advanced placement and Dual enrollment classes In a Dual Enrollment class, Both classes are designed dual enrollment. ese two at Perry are linked through you have to have an earned C to provide students with the higher level classes provide Chandler-Gilbert Community in the class at the end of each opportunity to gain college an opportunity for students College and are off ered to semester in order for the credit level knowledge in a high school to exceed the average class students at a much more to transfer. environment.
Why take Dual Enrollment? Why take Advanced Placement?
photo by Skeeter Arvizu photo by Skeeter Arvizu After Pat Strojny’s dual credit English class is asked: “Why would US history teacher Jason Myers stresses the value of students tak- you tell a student to take Dual Credit,” they were quick to respond. ing Advanced Placement classes.
Dual enrollment classes give a guarunteed college AP classes allow students to study more in depth credit, as well as keep ahead of on-level classes. Dual concepts than on-level, and give more opportunities “credit gives us all a level of education along with a “to put into practice what they learn.” sure-fure credit for college.” ~Jason Myers ~ Senior Dagna Wrobel AP or Dual Credit Classes: Which is better in the long run? e Advanced Placement Classes e Dual Credit Classes
By Drew Crawford By Skeeter Arvizu the precedent the precedent ere are many options high scores on these of high level classes to tests. Dual-Credit In order to recieve the take at this school and In addition classes off er an credit, a student must Advanced Placement is the tests are also intensive but fi rst pass an ‘accuplacer’ the best of them. an incredible m a n a g a b l e test, the same test a An Advanced resource in college-course college student would Placement class is available p r e p a r a t i o n experience. take to determine their for college level credit if for a post- e question elegibility and then pay you take the test at the s e c o n d a r y shouldn’t be a dramatically decreased end of the year and score e d u c a t i o n . ‘Why take Dual tuition. a three, four or a fi ve. e exams Credit?’ but After passing the entry Of course not everyone are rigorous instead ‘Why test and then maintaining is awarded credit for in nature and not?’ a passing grade throughout taking the class because require studying ese classes the semester, the college some do not pay attention and out of class off er both the credit is earned. Just as enough in class or study dedication. necessary high simple as that. for a good score. With a school credit ere is no test that Despite this downside wide variety and then a needs to be taken at the most colleges buy into of options g u a r u n t e e d end, ranking you against the Advanced Placement a v a i a l b e , college credit others to determine your system and accept a d v a n c e d for whatever credit. credit placement is class is f o r an incredibly taken. viable choice. 8 arts & entertainment || the precedent || march 2012 Drama wins at the International Thespian Festival Triangle is an intense historical drama that reaches the audience in many different ways. Through guilt, humor, grief, and so much more. They were invited to perform this 1-act at the state 1-act festival. At this festival they brought home an overall superior and 5th in the state. There are many firsts within the APAC class. First 1-act to go to internationals at Perry, and the first class to become a Gold Honor Thespian Troop. The standards these young actors are setting now are sure to help launch future theater students into a long line of superiors Tera Melos- and higher standards. Along the way, these students Patagonian Rats had to spend an entire day using By Thomas Pipia European accents in and out of the precedent class in order to prepare for their performances. Math rock may not come across Before Internationals the Puma as a genre that most people are Players have Grease and the student familiar with, or one that sounds directed one acts to participate in. very appealing. However, take Many of the drama club members yourself away from the adjective, have also been involved with the and you have a sound unlike any production of Grease on top of other. Take odd time signatures, everything else. Multi-tasking is a rapidly-changing melodies, frequent major aspect of what these everyday starts and stops, volume changes, teens accomplish. and unique vocals and you have the Photo by Perry drama department As the Puma Players prepare for genre. The actors and actresses of Grease poise on the set by the classic chevy that was utilized in the play for the famous multiple performances between the Enter Tera Melos, a Scaramento- song, “Grease Lighting.” present and for the summer, they are based band that has been redefining APAC director shares, “We came Katie Hardin, Blake Miller, Bella anxious for the fantastic honor of what it means to be experimental. By Lani Dekker away with five straight superiors, Weems, and Tia Chambers (duet going to Internationals. From noisy, instrumental beginnings the precedent and 10 over all superiors.” acting), also Kate Brandt and Jacob Marquis wanted to show to more poppy original songs and After a year of hard work, the This is the most number of Gentile (duet pantomime). her appreciation to those who covers in recent times, the band Puma players finally did it. With superiors at one festival that the With the high honor of going contributed, “A big thanks to never fails to impress. The three- great performances at the Central Puma Players have reached since this to Internationals, the troop still has Elizabeth Tompkins, Beth Herbert, piece band released one of my Arizona Acting Festival (CAAF), ten school opened. few obstacles to accomplish before Angela Kemp and Jim Fountain favorite albums of all time in 2010, of the students in APAC (Advanced The students who received hand. who helped judge the events.” called “Patagonian Rats.” Pantomime and Characterization) superiors were: Stephanie Della Cella Along with the Superiors, the With the end of the year Imagine a very rhythmically achieved high enough scores to get (costume construction), Amanda Puma Players also had overall approaching, the more things in complex version of pop rock that invited to the International Thespian Crawley and Blake Miller (solo superiors on their 1-act Triangle. the theater world are slowing down. changes every passing second. From Festival. musical), Amanda Crawley and Josh A 1-act is a 45 min. play. It is no However, they will just pick right the quiet, ambient intro of “So “...at CAAF we had our best Nadeau (duet musical), Katie Hardin different than a normal play other back up once the school year begins Occult” and “Kelly” down to the showing ever,” Shawna Marquis, and Katelyn Schulze (Monologues), than the fact the timing is different. again. long ballad, ending with an abrupt jazz session, “Party With Gina.” Patagonian Rats refuses to take any Winterguard team successfully advances to regionals concrete and comprehensible form. However, that’s what Tera By Brooke Karakey Regionals took place this Saturday Melos does, and it is hard not to the precedent at Mesquite high school. love it. Playing live, Tera Melos is Numerous teams attended an experience all their own. I was Since bringing home an including schools out of state and fortunate enough to see them open impressive second place win, our rivals from our very own district. for the Japanese metal band, Boris, own Winter guard team managed In addition to rigorous practices, last Nov., and their live sound was to advanced to the guard team itself has radically different from that on the regionals. managed to successfully records. During which, come into their own. As it seems, the band’s music can they triumphantly Ennis says, “I guess the never sound exactly alike when the placed 9th out of 18 overall emotion and moral front man, Nick Reinhart, favors an teams, allowing them of the group has changed, improvisational means of playing. to compete in the we seem more united.” After listening to the magic that is finals. Meanwhile, as seniors Patagonian Rats, you would easily In the end, they continue to graduate, believe that Reinhart has a pedal took home 10th place members have had to board of nearly 20 effects strung after flag battling adjust and welcome annual together for a single guitar. various contestants. Ally Ennis changes. That fact alone should not scare “We've been “It's going to be potential fans away. The fact is, rehearsing our butts different without them because half Patagonian Rats is insanely catchy. off,” said sophomore, Ally Ennis. our guard are seniors,” said Ennis. Tunes like “Aped” and “Frozen Zoo” “We've been practicing inside Either way, the team sustains a have remarkably strong vocal hooks rehearsal and outside rehearsal and positive outlook about the future to Photo by Brooke Karakey that will hang in ears for weeks to have even scheduled extra rehearsals come as they continue to advance Members Isabella West, Shannon Greenwood, and Brittany Puccio practice. come. to get where we are now.” and excel. In fact, one might go as far as to say that this album has some very pop-like qualities to it, but influences The solution to spring break boredom discovered span from traditional math rock all the way down to surf music. By Victoria Lovvorn Jobing.com Arena in Glendale (Mar. Lyrically, this record plays on the precedent 15). Of course, seats for the iconic no particular theme involving the Spring Break is coming up and is rock band are still available on web typical emotions and lovey qualities leaving many students wondering: sites such as StubHub or eBay. that plaster most any rock or pop “What will I do this spring break?” The week of Mar. 19 to Mar. release. Well for those people stuck at 24 carries the most shows during Instead, Reinhart spent his time home, going to a few concerts may the break including a few different writing intensely original lyrics Spring Break Concerts be the answer. genres of music. that deal with everything from the There are many concerts that Mar. 19 - I Set My Friends on supernatural to an escaped primate. March 9th -Odd Furture are sure to satisfy any ones concert Fire (at The Underground).Mar. 20 - Downsides to this album are March 10th -The Pretty Reckless needs within the break. Here is a We Came As Romans (at The Venue virtually non-existent. March 11th- Andrew W.K list compiling just a few of the many Scottsdale).The Ting Tings (at The The biggest letdown is probably shows from Mar. 9 through Mar. Clubhouse Music Venue).Sleeping the mastering on the vinyl version of March 12- Willie Nelson 26. with Sirens (at The Nile Theater). the album, even though it is the only March 15 -Radiohead On the Friday school lets out, The last week of break include way to catch the incredible bonus March 17- Flogging Molling Odd Future (at Marquee Theater) many bands to choose from if you tracks. March 19- I Set My Friends On Fire and Every Avenue (at The Nile are wanting your break to go out The music on the actual record March 20 -The Ting Tings Theater) will be in town. with a bang (a good one that is). sounds flat sonically, and is not Either one of these concerts may For a complete list of concerts mixed to its fullest potential. March 22nd- Sleeping With Sirens be the way to kick off your break! (including sports games, and theater Still, anyone who loves rock As many of you may already know, performances), locations, and prices music should try out Tera Melos. graphic by Brooke Karakey Radiohead has a sold out show at go to stubhub.com. arts & entertainment || the precedent || march 2012 9 Perry’s choir comes out triumphant in Regional Competition By Katelyn Escalante a competition at all. Rather, the the precedent event was a performance held at McClintock High School for all to American Idol has been present see. on the television screen for several “Only the top students from years now. Narrowing down band, choir, and orchestra were contestants, sight reading, solos and chosen to perform in the event.” group singing has become the norm Choir director Joe Little explains. not only for the contestants but also “So our choir did not participate as for the viewers. a whole but rather as individuals.” On Feb. 10-11 choir members Little states. took the stage in an “American Idol” Led by the Arizona State atmosphere as each participant faced University choir director Greg the judges alone to sing and sight Gentry, a mixture of school’s in read. the Southwest region sang and Many school’s in the whole performed together. Southwest region, including Two altos and three sopranos Mountain Ridge and Basha, from Perry choir were in the mix of participated in this event. students being led by Gentry at this Five girls from Perry emerged event. The altos consisted of Amanda victorious as they were specifically Crawley and Jennifer Strand while chosen to step into a whole new the sopranos were Braelyn White, world at the Regional Music Choir. Jamie Rick, and Taylor Hatch. The Regional Music Choir took Senior, Crawley, was given a solo place on Feb. 17-18 which involved at this event for one of the songs. the top students in not only choir The songs consisted of musical but also band and orchestra. pieces by the names of “Awake Unlike the first competition to the Harp,” “Prairie Sunset,” “Past take place on the 10th and 11th, life Melodies,” and “Set down, photo by Kaileigh McCormick the Regional Music Choir was not Servant.” Kamiya Perry and other choir students practing their singing techniques in preparation for choir competitions. Inheritance book more than just a dragon fantasy world saga By Haley Witt beginning a new breed of Dragon the help of the anti-Galbatorix and awe. is perfect, however. Paolini’s editors the precedent Riders in the fictional land of organization called the Varden, a One major surprise involving may have done the author a disservice It began with Eragon. Three Alagaesia. Eragon and his dragon, small group who have remained Brom, Eragon’s longtime friend and by allowing the long-winded author books and one terrible movie later, Saphira, have to then fight their way hidden and out of Galbatorix’s traveling companion, left me with nearly 850 pages to tell his story. author Christopher Paolini finishes through many battles and hardships reach. Until now, when the king’s my mouth hanging open, wondering Paolini loves to write, and it his saga with the novel Inheritance, a in order to defeat the evil king cruel hand becomes too harsh to live how I didn’t see it coming. shows - he focuses way too much riveting conclusion to the series that Galbatorix, a warped Dragon Rider under. Fans of Paolini also won’t be on the little things that don’t really captured the hearts of fantasy nerds himself. If you’ve read the first three disappointed with the battles and matter to the overall plot of the story everywhere. Along the way they encounter books, then you know that Paolini fight scenes in the novel, as there is or to the reader. The series surrounds the many magical beings such as elves, is no stranger to the cliffhanger. no shortage of those. Other than that, it is a solid adventures of a young farm boy dwarfs, and giant-like creatures He seems to love dropping crazy Especially the final battle between conclusion to the Inheritance series named Eragon who finds a dragon called Urgals. surprises and plot twists on readers, Galbatorix and Eragon. that will leave readers wondering egg that hatches only for him, Eragon and Saphira also enlist leaving them wondering in shock Not everything about the book why it had to end. Otaku sushi obtains trifecta By Travis Klein Soup, which at first glance looked the precedent like the package Miso soup you would get at a Japanese grocery store; This month, I decided to go but was quite tasty. Afterwards, my out of my comfort zone of foods order for the unagi roll and the spicy (normally cheeseburgers, Mexican tuna roll came out. The presentation food, pizza, etc.) and throw my of the food was very elegant and stomach a curveball by moseying nice looking. All the sushi was on up to a sushi bar called Otaku scrumptious and well prepped. The on Gilbert and Germann. I was unagi roll was covered in a very definitely pondering my thoughts potent Teriyaki sauce. on whether or not I should make As for the spicy tuna roll, I am not this drastic change in what I eat. normally one for spicy foods, but I Later on, I decided, “what the heck?” was able to get past the spiciness and and drove up to the highly regarded enjoy the delicious flavors that it had sushi bar. to offer. Walking in, I was nicely greeted The bill was so manageable that and shown to where I would sit for I even threw in a good tip (I rarely the night’s meal. The atmosphere tip). So if you go here, do not just was fairly pleasant with an upscale have a California roll or something Scottsdale feel. The staff was quite equally dull; Be brave, try something friendly, but not overly friendly where new, you will not be disappointed! they tried to initiate conversation and learn my whole life story. I started off my order with Miso 10 sports || the precedent || march 2012 Baseball Our Take Jeremy Lin, a 6’3” 200 pound point guard for the New York Knicks has currently been New bat regulation to promote accurate results catching the world’s attention. Basketball By Austin Williams plate. lovers are calling Austin the precedent The BBCOR bats will it “Linsanity,” Williams The introduction of a also eliminate swinging and using this phrase the precedent new product, the BBCOR deciding to hope for the best. to describe the (Batted Ball Coefficient of Hitters now will have to insanity that Restitution) baseball bat, choose carefully on what took a Harvard will be making appearances pitch to swing at, making a student to in place of all other regularly “bunt hit” much more of a w o r l d w i d e used bats this upcoming common play. phenom. season. Bunting is a way of hitting Lin was born The National Federation the ball by holding the bat on Aug. 23, 1988 in Palo Alto, of State High School over the plate and abruptly Ca. and first played in the NBA Associations banned further bouncing the pitched ball off as a rookie for the Golden State usage of regular bats that the bat towards the middle of Warriors one year ago. would give the clash of a bat the 3rd baseman or pitcher. Lin has averaged just under 24 and ball the, “Trampoline The Pumas competed points per game, with a season effect,” in which the ball in the Harold Bull Classic total of nine wins and two losses would more commonly fly Tournament on Fri. Feb. 24 as a starter at the time of press. over fences, blowing a hitter’s against Mesa High School. Lin is certainly strutting his talent out of proportion. The following day of the stuff with an incredible 38 point When asked about the tournament on Sat. Feb. 25 game for a total win of 92-85 new bats, Head Coach Shane they played against Dysart over the Los Angeles Lakers, Hillstrom said, “I like them, and Skyline High Schools. and a 28 point game for a total they give a better idea of a They went 2-1 winning win of 104-97 over the Dallas hitter’s skill. They are less games against Mesa with Mavericks. forgiving.” a total score of 4-3, and While many are highly in In other words, the new dominating Dysart with a favor of all the attention that Lin bats don’t give a cheap swing total score of 5-1. is getting others are not quite a promising hit, revealing a The Pumas hosted Campo so willing to accept all of the player’s true talent. Verde on Mar. 1 at home. attention the blooming star is The BBCOR bats are also Stellar pitching by senior generating by the media. aiming to make the pitching Jaren Drummond allowed the Floyd Mayweather believes photo by Bonarden Clark game a much more concerned Pumas to earn a shut out 3-0 Lin should not be receiving all the Senior first baseman Marcus Bowers bats at the scrimmage against Basha on Feb. 17. area of ball playing. victory. This win marked an hype, and that the only reason he Perry as well as every high school in the state will be using mandatory BBCOR bats “Pitcher’s can attack the excelltent start to the season. is, is because of his race, believing throughout the duration of the season. zone now and not be afraid,” On Mar. 3, the Pumas beat that what Lin has accomplished Hillstrom said. McClintock 20-9 and walked has been achieved by African- Pitchers can now gain across again against Williams American athletes all the time. confidence throwing over the field for a total score of 22-1. Whatever the case may be, Lin has talent, and if all else fails, he always has his Harvard degree Softball to fall back on.
Future Sun Devil will lead her team in junior debut J By Kaleigh McCormick
the precedent l Does being a good natural athlete i Softball vs. Hamilton mean that there is no room for constant improvement?
3/16 Jillian Leslie the first and third
L n a i basemen has been making a tremendous l impact on Perry’s softball team. Baseball vs. “She brings everyone together and gets them on the same page” head coach Highland 3/27 Kevin Chapin states. In addition to playing softball for Perry Jillian has also been playing Volleyball vs. Combs softball for Arizona Hotshots Team Gold to improve her skills. Improvement in 3/27 her talent is quite noticeable; as of now Leslie has been verbally committed to ASU and will be spending her college years there. Track vs. Queen Her efforts to balance school, friends, Creek 3/28 family, and a sport shows an abundance of determination and perseverance. “You get on a schedule and learn how to do both,” Leslie remarks. 5’10’’
With an above average work load the precedent
e i l s of Advanced Placement and honors Feature File e Sp o r t s Br i e f s classes, it is hard to overlook how to fit With the competitiveness of the all of that in to a normal day. NFL regular season and playoffs, the Leslie though knows the importance - Junior Pro Bowl has become less intriguing of being a well-rounded student athlete third over the past few years. Players are and does exactly this. baseman no longer valuing the game the way “She is an outstanding student,” they did in previous years, causing Chapin admonishes. the fans to lose interest in the With a young club and a new coach, - 5 home viewing the game due to the lack of the chemistry in the team is definitely runs as of effort from players. present. press time An example of the pros laziness After playing for Allison Robinson showed up in this year’s Pro Bowl, for 2 years it is hard to adjust to a new in which the AFC routed the coach. - Committed NFC 59-41. The athletes received “He (Chapin) does things differently, to ASU countless boos from the crowd but he does it well and we will have a and the absence of a quality game good team,” Leslie bolsters. caused eager fans to return home In the game against Campo Verde disappointed. Mar. 1 the team had an exceptional NFL commissioner Roger group effort with a 3-2 win. Goodell has mentioned that if the Leslie pitched with an eye-raising 12 quality of the game is not improved, strikeouts and also had a home run for he will consider cutting the game her team. completely. Cutting the game may As the season is early in the making it be the best decision in the long run. is players such as Leslie that will play an essential role in the upcoming games. By Kwaku Asare and She will not stop until she is satisfied Mitchell Albrecht with her performance. sports || the precedent || march 2012 11 Tennis Track and Field Kang Hardwick siezing his allows team opportunity to go the as standout distance By Brennen Hennings player the precedent When spring comes By Kwaku Asare the precedent around, the track is filled with students, lacing up their Of all the players on varsity spikes, leaping over hurdles, tennis this season, senior heaving shot putt balls and Sean Kang stands out the sailing through the air into most. The strawberry loving the sand pits. senior has made a name for However, when Track and himself during the off season; Field is mentioned, most and third year coach, Angela people forget entirely about Gardner has noticed this. Coach Lowery’s distance crew, “He is probably one of led by Perry’s own senior, the hardest working players Patrick Hardwick. Hardwick that I’ve ever had,” Gardner has had many noticeable admonished. accomplishments in his Kang is one of those photo by Taylor de Laveaga four years of track and cross unique players that appears country, including winning at practice first and is the Pinnacle’s Chris Klima blocks a fadeaway from senior guard Desmond Howard in the Division-I quarter-final game at Wells Fargo Arena. Howard scored eight points against the Pioneers, and was the hero in the Pumas’ win at Basha three days earlier. the city championship title last one to always leave due with his team last year and to the fact that he looks for also coming in 70th place out every opportunity possible to of 25,000 in the P.F Chang’s increase his competition. Pumas’ playoff push stymied by Pinnacle half marathon. Hardwick “He stays after practice to has been running since the get more experience” Gardner Perry “bears down” them as winning the state end of 8th grade and shows explains, talking about championship game, but it outstanding leadership skills. Kang’s motivational drive to in a playoff classic was not an easy road to claim When asked about improve. at Basha this moment, and it served as his expectations for this Everyday during his sixth a trophy towards hard work upcoming season, He states, hour, Kang, comes to class By Drew Crawford all season. “I want to hit my ultimate determined and ready to the precedent At the end of the 2010-11 goal of a 4:25 minute mile improve his abilities. He As senior Desmond campaign, the emotions photo by and compete to the best of never leaves until he feels Howard stood at the line with in the locker room after a my potential.” Hardwick completely accomplished and Taylor de the ball in his hand, the crowd crumbling loss against the Laveaga specializes in the 1600m and satisfied. A job well done is a stood as well: some of them Fairfax Stampede were at a 800m races and is looking to good day to him. Perry center waving spirit fingers, others standstill. Lucas better his times even further “In tennis athletic locker praying, and a vast majority High expectations pre- O’Brien this season. is where he really proves hushed in wonder. vailed during that season, and throws down “I want to make my senior what he can do and he works The whole gym stood in the squad that was supposed a dunk dur- season memorable by posting incredibly hard in the off silence as the rubber of the to make a run did not; in fact ing the Feb. top times and watching us season.” says Gardner. basketball bounced against their record was barely even a 18 playoff progress as a team.” said There is never a day when the polished gym floor. winning one. game at Hardwick. Kang shows up to practice in Everything building up to this Head coach Mark Nold Basha. The The determined athlete will a negative mood. moment paled in comparison and his staff would not be Pumas beat be attending Grand Canyon Instead he makes to the two shots that needed the ones to bow down to the Bears University next fall, where he encouraging the rest of his to be made. the natural order of things. thanks to will continue running. team to become better a daily With three seconds left in He continued to mold the a 16-point “I’m psyched to see how staple. the fourth quarter and Perry 2011-12 team throughout fourth quar- the competition compares to “Sean is always positive; down 66-67, two flicks of the off-season. After all, this ter come- that on the high school level. he sets good examples for the wrist held the fate of a squad was not supposed to back, 68-67. I know I’m going to have to the others to follow as well,” season. do anything according to the step up my game and just see Gardner relates. Twice, Howard arched the public. what happens.” With the Pumas having ball upward, and twice it fell They shrugged this off, Senior center Lucas The game at Wells Fargo On Feb. 29 The Pumas another bout against rivals right into the net. The No. proving that the belief in O’brien was the big man at Arena got off to a shaky start traveled to Higley to compete Basha Thursday, and a doubles 23 Pumas pulled ahead by themselves was all that the post, sinking hook shots one of which the squad would in a meet against Campo tournament this weekend in one point against rival Basha mattered from the first game and drilling the occasional not recover from. Verde, Apache Junction and Mesa, Kang will play a lead to make a shot with three of the regular season. dunk. The team was not as Higley. role for the team and will be seconds left on the clock. “We were really close on After the dust settled at consistent as the Basha game With a massive team, track one to watch. One last effort by No. and off the court,” Richardson BHS and the Perry students in free throws shooting a 70 dominated every event. Some 7 BHS would be fruitless said of the team’s chemistry. cleared the floor, the Pumas percent. In addition they of the largest margins of though, and the Pumas “They always say that teams still had business to attend made it to the line only ten victory came in the 4x400m Girl’s varsity tennis roster pulled off a 68-67 victory are like families; but this team to. On Feb. 21 they faced times compared to Pinnacles’ In the triple jump No. 2 Pinnacle at Wells Fargo 19. With Perry sinking only Anne Ciccone-12 that shocked everyone but really was a family.” Hennings jumped 42’1’’. themselves. Guards Desmond and Arena. 37 percent of their field goal The lady Pumas had an Sydney Madsen-12 “We felt like we were Jordan Howard would take “We knew they were a attempts, Pinnacle walked exceptional showing with the underdogs,” sophomore the ball down the court and really good team and we away with the win. Taylor deLaveaga. Kinga Ressely-11 forward Ryan Richardson set the play up or cut to the knew that we needed to Regardless of this, the With Hardwick and said, “but we knew we could hoop with their set of moves. follow a specific strategy squad still rose above people’s other strong leading forces Taylor Shin-9 win.” Richardson was the 3-man. to throw them off,” Jordan expectations for the season spread across multiple events, Ashlee Sun-11 This excitement surrou- In a crunch the sophomore Howard said expressing on and ultimately usurped their the Pumas will do their nding the win could could always hit a three in the his thoughts going into the rivals in the midst of the best to bring home a state Gianne Veloria-11 easily be comparable to face of peril. Pinnacle game. heated battle at the bear den. championship this season. Volleyball team falls short to Hamilton, works to improve play By Mitchell Albrecht against the rival Huskies at Senior Ryan Moore and 24-20 at one point before the precedent home. Sophomore Jalen Cross, the making a small run at a crucial The boys volleyball season “Our coach really stressed Pumas could not seem to stop moment to tie it up 25-25, kicked off on Feb. 28 in a to us to have a good attitude the raging Huskies who swept but could not finish it off. highly contested game against over the past couple of them in three straight games. Perry started out the second Hamilton High School who practices, to not get down “I feel like I played at my game with a small lead as a comes into the season ranked if we were losing”, stated potential but even at that, I result of several strong spikes fourth in Ariz. Senior outside hitter Kenny made just as many mistakes and ace serves by Moore that With a great opportunity McBride when asked how as everyone else”, Senior put them up 14-9. photo by to establish himself as the they prepared for the game. Outside Hitter Ryan Moore Looking poised to take Jeanelle Santos new head coach, Brian The Huskies, who finished stated about his performance. the game, Perry continued to Senior Ryan Pomerantz, who began his an impressive second in state Both teams started out the extend their lead. Moore bumps career coaching in 1999 for last year, would be no easy evening strongly and battled However, a late run by the the volleyball Miami University’s Women’s task for the boys and, in the head to head throughout the visitors caused the men to over the net Volleyball Club, and the end, proved to be too much first game with the Huskies fall 25-23 in the third game, against Hamili- Pumas went in hoping they to handle. eventually winning 28-26. ending the night in a loss to ton on Feb. 28. could pull off a major win Despite strong play from The Pumas were down Hamilton. 12 sports || the precedent || march 2012 The sports medical class learns from Get social an early age to treat minor injuries with The Precedent Get up to the minute news, pictures By Travis Klein and even win prizes by liking e the precedent Precedent on Facebook and follow- Bruises, cuts, gashes, and scrapes; ing us on Twitter. we have all had them. Whether they are on our legs, arms, back or face, they have, once in our life, appeared on our body at one point in time. How do we cope with them? Put a band-aid on it? Or like your little league baseball coach used to say, “Rub some dirt in it?” Everyday, there is countless number of people who suff er minor injuries such as a scrape on their arm or a gash on their shin that may aff ect the way they perform on the fi eld or court in high school sports. What do those unfortunate people do in order to speed up the healing process so that they can be Inside WAL-MART back to playing their sport as soon at SAN TAN as possible? Here at Perry High, those kinds MARKETPLACE of people rely heavily on the Sports photo by Kaleigh McCormick Medicine class. Students work out in weight lifting. As part of their job, the sports At times these people are medical class facilitates these kids if an injury were to occur. overlooked, but in retrospect they are the main reason why when school campus. needed assistance before a game or someone is injured during a practice “ e sports medicine team is practice to wrap up a twisted ankle PROGRAMS OFFERED: or a game, they can go back out very helpful, especially during track suff ered the day before, this team of Mixed Tae Kwon Do & Karate on to the fi eld or court in a short season. ey ensure that we are students has been a huge catalyst in Self-defense amount of time. always doing the proper amount of all of Perry’s sports teams. Cage Fitness Whether it be a minor injury stretches, and they provide ice for e behind-the-scenes work that Strength & Conditioning (bruise, cut, gash, scrape, etc.) or a the day to day pains,” senior triple- this group of students does for our Tai Chi severe injury that can set a player out jumper Brennen Hennings relates. sports teams is never-ending. Brazilian Jujitsu of the playing fi eld for a week or so, Many people may not have even With this taking place now, the the Sports Medicine team is always known that a class such as Sports community surrounding us can be Kick Boxing putting in the tireless work to ensure Medicine was of an existence here confi dent of the advancing aspects of Extreme Martial Arts that our student athletes are taken at PHS, but as for any player that tomorrow’s medical fi eld and in the care of and monitored while here on has been injured, or anyone that has occupations that the future holds.