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Mock Trial brings Yellowjacket Pride to courtrooms near and far by Brandon Day-Brunelle

Mock Trial is a club represesnted in high schools all across America. The main purpose of these groups is to teach the students about the law and give them experi- ence in “real life” courtroom procedures, and to even teach something to the students that law school doesn’t--as well as to open up opportunities for jobs in the legal profes- sion in the future. If law enforcement or being a lawyer is your passion and dream, then sign up for Mock Trial. Colton High School’s Mock Trial group repre- sents San Bernardino County and is led by English teacher Lucy Leyva, who has been club adviser for two years. The student leader is sophomore Wendy Santamaria. Leyva noted that “the students seem to enjoy the class, and usually get full participation.” Santamaria added, “Even when some students are dropped out due to low GPA, we still receive their input on various endeavors.” Mock Trials are judged by a series of attorneys photo courtesy of Coach Chris Mailo and judges and Colton’s group has had many victories against other schools in the local districts. The most re- cent trip was early last week when Levya led to group on Touchdown after touchdown, the boys in Crimson and Gold were not able to stop Rancho. by Mike Wexler a field trip to the Victorville courts, where the results of After the halftime break, as in the first half, the Mustangs offense kept heating the match are still unknown. In the match the teams at- The Colton Yellowjackets had one goal in mind this year and that was to cap- up once again for the rest of the last two quarters, ending the game, and Colton’s season. tempted to exonerate a man charged with possession of ture the CIF title; however, they could not achieve it. The year was a long one, filled It was a disappointing end to a season filled with emotions, but the team exited the field drugs and murder. The Colton team was able to clear the with ups and downs, triumphs and defeats, amazing plays and devastating injuries, par- with their heads held high with Colton pride. murder charges, but sadly the man was stuck with the drug ORDER IN THE COURT- Mock Trial members pose in front of adviser Lucy Leyva’s classroom as they get ready for another ticulary to lineman Chandler Gustason and linebacker Jordan Huesca. In the end, the possession count. Despite this, their victories strongly out- field trip. Left to right, back row: Moorisha Bey-Taylor (Attorney coach and CHS grad), Christian Herrera, Juan Lamas, Carlos Jackets exited in the first round of the playoffs to Rancho Verde, the team they beat for weigh their defeats, and this team is indeed a force to be Batista, Viryouth Bann, and (partially hidden) Jesse Juarez. Front row, left to right: Savannah Jedrysek, Josalyn Joseph, Wendy the CIF title three years ago, perhaps giving a small measure of revenge to the Mustangs. reckoned with. Santamaria, Sherry Gallegos, Alyssa Vega, Victor Davila Ramirez, and Adviser Lucy Leyva. (photo courtesy of Lucy Leyva) The last two games of the season contained just the kinds of highs and lows the Jackets experienced all year. After starting the season 4-4, and coming off two big road wins at Bloomington and Grand Terrace, the squad lost to the Kaiser Cats, 14-0. The Jackets then Zombies take over the music finished the year with a sweet win against the Fontana Steelers, 28-24, in a close game at Fontana High School, guaranteeing them a trip to the playoffs. The first half of the Steeler building as Pepper Bough and game was all Fontana offense. Fontana scored with three touchdowns, stealing the football Acting students team up to scare from the Jackets. However, the momentum changed when Colton scored a rushing TD. After the touchdown, Fontana came back with a touchdown of their own, ending the half. campus during Halloween week After the halftime break, Colton quarterback Alex Taledo, showing his tremen- dous range and throwing ability, tossed two 35-yard passes to wide receiver Isaiah Cisne- by Maria Chavira ros for touchdowns. While the Colton crowd was going crazy over the Jackets’ comeback, During the last week of October, the Pepper Bough decided the Fontana crowd was silent in agony, as the game ended. Coach Mailo commented to put on a Halloween Haunt of its very own as a fundraiser for the pa- after the game saying, “I am glad we made the CIF playoffs, this was a great win for us.” per. David Rainey, Pepper Bough adviser, was in charge of the entire But the game after, unfortunately, Yellowjackets suffered a huge loss, 52-3, event. Jeremy Valadez, Editor-in-Chief, was the driving creative force against Rancho Verde’s Mustangs in the first round of the CIF Playoffs in Moreno Val- behind the attraction. Another main role was filled by senior Shelby ley, crushing their championship dreams. Coach Mailo commented, “We did not win photo courtesy of Coach Chris Mailo Horton, who was in charge of all the actors, recruited from Janis Al- and get the opportunity to move ahead but at least we had a good season this year.” drich’s acting classes. Horton had to supervise, direct and coach all The first quarter in the CIF game provided some Yellowjacket offense with a field BRINGING THE YELLOWJACKET PRIDE-As the CIF first round playoff festivities begin, the terrifying zombies. With the help of many other students, the week goal but unfortunately, it was the only score that Colton would make. The second quarter the Colton cheer squad hoists the Colton Crimson Pride banner high. But it was not to be the Jack- ets’ night as they fell to the Mustangs, ending their season. turned out to be a success. By using fake blood, fake teeth, makeup was then turned into a scoring frenzy as Rancho Verde’s offense was completely rolling. effects, strobe lights, creepy music and really good actors, some pay- ing “victims” were terrified and close to taking a whizz in their pants. “Word is around Colton High, that it was truly frightening and a HUGE success,” said Rainey. “We made over $300 for our fundraiser.” “I honestly didn’t think it would be that terrifying, they should definitely do another Haunt next year!” said a terrified attendee. “Three big guys and when I mean big, I mean BIG guys ran out screaming in pure terror! That’s how I know the zombie house was such a success!” said Horton.

ZOMBIES ON PARADE-Members of the Undead Squad that greeted guests at the Pepper Bough Haunted House attraction during Thanksgiving week: (Back row, left to right): Tyler Thompson, Eric Fleury, Andrew Fleury, and (hidden) Ryan Ross. (Middle row, left to right:) Amanda Peterman, Delia Mejia, Adriana Ramirez, Denise Ayala, Celia Worster, Jessica Mejia, and Adrian Perez. (Kneeling, front:) Jacob Keelin and Alyssa Oliveras. (photo: Dave Rainey)

BLOODY MESS-Zombie Adriana Ramirez played one of the screaming, writhing zombies. Her makeup took over an hour to put on each night. (photo: Dave Rainey) Zombies!! photo courtesy of Coach Chris Mailo 2 campus life> Friday, Dec. 13, 2013 Friday, Dec. 13, 2013 <

There was also a canned food drive going on in each second ing, smiling, and going on with his day like he would on all the past days we’d seen giving us no opportunity to help him. All Adrian Rojas photo by period, which was won by Spanish teacher Rosenda Gon- him. It was just shocking to know that was the last time we would all see our dear we can do now is remember our friend zales’ class (free breakfasts!) “It’s a great way to raise mon- friend alive. For those who knew William, you know what I mean when I say he and appreciate everything he did ey,” says senior Christel Arciga. “It motivates the students was one of the greatest friends you could have. He was such a funny, caring guy that for us. He touched all of our lives by making it a competition--who doesn’t want free food?” could make your day with the words he spoke. The way he laughed and the jokes he and affected us in some way. When our very own students face struggling ob- told are left in our minds. I can still hear him laughing as we talked about our day. Our prayers go out to his fam- stacles of their own, Colton High is quick to jump in and do Being a skateboarder, William’s death affected all of the skaters here at ily and what they are going anything possible to help them. As you may have heard, stu- Colton High. Knowing that the friend you hung out with every day and skated with through right now. We are dent Alex Toledo and his family faced a huge obstacle when is now gone just breaks our hearts. We skateboarders are a family. We are all broth- all with them and here to they lost all their belongings due to a home fire. Colton ers and we go through everything together. We all need each other and we needed support them in any way. High’s baseball team held a carwash at Leno’s Rico Taco and William. It’s as if we lost our own brother and that feeling is just terrible. We should William will al- donated the money to the Toledo family. The football team never have to say goodbye to a friend like that--not after all the things he did for us. ways be with us and we also held a carwash at the Hubbs gym on Saturday morning, Being part of the school’s cross country team, he affected them very deeply. will always be with him. November 8th. Both teams together earned over $1,700. He joined the team this school year and quickly showed a passion for running. He Roll forever and rest in It’s not just Colton High that helps people became friends with the runners on the team and quickly became part of their family. peace. in need, even the district has a couple ideas up their To them it was like losing a brother as well. Running is a very unique sport. In order sleeve. CJUSD (Colton Joint Unified School -Dis trict)and the Department of Student Services are host- ing their third annual “Holiday Jacket Giveaway” and What do you do when they change the rules on you in the middle of the year? You circulate a petition each jacket donated will be given to the less fortunate. they have before graduation. Business teacher Nicholas Vi- ing after school to clear their tardies. They may cause oth- Colton High makes a tremendous difference in a by Adrian Rojas dovich has been running Saturday school for several years ers to petition against it. This change in Saturday school positive way when it comes to their community and people on campus and he thinks it is a bad idea that the school has is supposedly to force students to get the help they need who really need a helping hand. Because of our generosity, Dismayed with a change in Saturday school poli- changed the rules. The seniors are now petitioning against in their classes without coming to Saturday school. Still, CHS was able to sponsor fourteen families. CHS truly does FOR THOSE LESS FORTUNATE-A box of canned food and a plastic bucket full of spare change sit as testaments to the gener- cy, seniors have begun distributing a petition around cam- this new Saturday school change and currently have almost seniors think it is unfair that the school is doing this. It care this holiday season. osity of Colton High students. This photo was taken in room 352 during the week before Thanksgiving. (photo: Adrian Rojas) pus aiming for a change back to the previous policy. Up all the support of the seniors here at Colton High. They plan makes it more difficult to clear what they have to clear. until last month, one could attend Saturday to clear any on giving the petition to Principal Corridan. If they man- Not everyone can be here after school and not Yellowjackets bring love of reading to elementary schools with “Reading Buddies” program tardies and absences, but now the school is limiting Satur- age to get all the seniors to sign this petition they might everyone can attend Saturday school, so it should be right day school clearances to whole day absences only. You can be able to change Saturday school back to the way it was. to give all the students the same opportunity to improve by Marissa Rios coordinate the program here on campus. The students learn and grow to become the future. As a senior I am no longer go to Saturday school to clear tardies. You must If the policy does go back to the way it was, no their attendance for both. Of course, attending after school who participate need a 2.0 GPA and good attendance to already an example for others, I just want those kids now stay after school or serve detention to clear them. one knows if it would apply to underclassmen as well. shouldn’t clear a whole day absence, but you should still be be eligible every week be- to be successful in life, and smile as they do now.” This makes is very hard for the senior to clear any tardies They may still have to attend detention or stay for tutor- able to clear something while getting the help you need. Colton High has teamed up with local elementary cause it is a student activity. Reading Buddies is not just a way of getting schools to set up a schedule where high school stu- Senior Gerardo Vargas is out of school for a couple hours or a dents go to the elementary schools to read to the kids. waste of time. You get to meet some one of the Reading Buddies, I just want to help them This is the second year Colton has participated in the and is enthusiastic about the awesome kids and make memories. Pepper Bough It’s up to our generation to stamp out racism program, which is called “Reading Buddies.” program. “I love working with learn and grow to become You also get to help kids and put The high school students get distributed to the little kids even though I got the future--Senior Gerardo smiles on their faces--you are truly A Colton High tradition since 1917 and injustice. Do we have what it takes? McKinley, Lincoln, Grant, and Alice Birney elementary ‘the worst group’; to me they making a difference in someone’s Vargas Volume 97, No. 2; Friday, December 13, 2013 schools. “We have about twenty-five students participat- are the best,” he says with a life. by Matt Perez their fine. (“Now”) Racism, segregation, discrimination ing,” says principal’s secretary Patty Smith, who helps smile. “I just want to help them Editor-in-Chief Racism over the years has left a huge impact in are very low from compared to how it originally was in “ our society. From seating arrangements to social segrega- the era of the Civil War. “Racism has taken a new face Jeremy Valadez tion, racism has changed the lives of so many. According in the 21st Century,” says CNN in a special report, “one GIS Day showcases Geographical Information projects Faculty Advisor to the USA News website, sixty years ago the that is just as ugly and grotesque as before. A face that has ” Dave Rainey Supreme Court overturned racial segregation changed as our times have. One that by Christian Morales Staff Writers in schools. Then congress outlawed all ra- has morphed and conformed to Maria Chavira, Brandon Day-Brunelle, cial discrimination in public places. In our communities so that we Many people may be unaware of what GIS is, but those who did know, or those Charles Fuerte, Ivy Levan, Jennifer Lopez, today’s world people might think don’t even know it’s there. who came to find out alike, all made Colton High’s GIS day a success- onWednes Alondra Mendoza, Christian Morales, racism is just locked in a time ma- What does this new face look day, November 20th. For those still unaware of what GIS is, it stands for “geographic Matt Perez, Marissa Rios, chine, but minorities today are like and how did it happen?” information systems.” It is used to understand and plot data using GPS map technol- Ashley Rivera, Justice Sandoval, Gorge Serrano still treated relatively the same. Now when this ogy to reveal patterns, relationships, and trends. Bruce Ingram, the teacher of Colton Photography The United States has taken ac- generation thinks of rac- High’s GIS class, shared an excellent example of a group of his students’ current proj- Adrian Rojas tion by constructing laws and ism or segregation, they ect, a “cell phone coverage map, where they plot how strong cell phone reception is programs to attempt to eradicate think it is in the past; for separate companies,” explained Ingram. “It’s also used to track hurricanes, track Illustrations racism in this new generation. well, not exactly--it’s diseases like swine flu, or by police to track crime,” says Ingram. “UPS uses GISto Jeff Thomas Racism “then” and still very present. In the route all of their trucks, it saves a mile on at least every truck.” Ingram pointed out “now” is the perfect way to explain Middle Eastern countries the value of such plotting: “It’s one thing to have all this info in a list, and anoth- Sports Desk this topic. For example, (“then”) segregation still exists: er to have it plotted on a map with more data and information provided,” Mike “Scoop” Wexler the nascent civil rights movement women and men have to be GIS day was hosted in the career center, where students from Colton High’s GIS and the crusade against communism divided into their own gen- class put their projects up for display and gave presentations along with demonstrations The Pepper Bough is published in a traditional hardcopy edition at home and abroad exposed the un- der groups and this rule even of their projects mapped out on GIS software running on the computers in the room. three times a year by the Journalism class of Colton High School, derlying divisions in American society. applies for children from various Such projects included the cell phone coverage map previously mentioned, a map of the 777 West Valley Boulevard, Colton, CA 92324. We update our online edition weekly (www.pepperbough.com). Racism isn’t just a judgment of someone’s ranges. CNN is asking a very well school with data on homework that teachers give, with information about the amount st Opinions expressed in bylined stories in all Pepper Bough editions skin color or ethnicity, it comes in all different on-point question. The 21 century isn’t given, difficulty, and estimated time it takes to complete each assignment, basedon are those of the individual reporter, and not necessarily those of the forms. Racism was at its highest in the Civil War era. Af- about racism, now this century is focused on our eco- a survey filled out by teachers and students across campus, and many other projects. faculty, administration, school board, or school district, and are not ter the Civil War, conditions were bad for both Southern nomic status, our households and families. Racism isn’t At the event were many representatives from “ESRI” (Environmental Systems Re- to be construed to endorse or promote activities reported upon. blacks and Southern whites. There were 4 million black the top headline story like it used to be in the past. Chil- search Institute), an international supplier of GIS software and web GIS management All photos of school related activities are taken by the staff pho- applications. The company is headquartered locally in Redlands. The ESRI company tographers unless otherwise indicated. The Pepper Bough welcomes men and women emerging from bondage. They began to dren have to understand that if it wasn’t for leaders such letters to the editor, but they will be printed according to space avail- “developed the software used by the students,” in Ingram’s GIS class, says Jared Gron- form communities only for African Americans; this was a as Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr., they able and may be edited for space and taste. Please submit all letters strong way to free themselves from white authority. But would be at a very different living standard. But CNN din, ESRI staff member. “ESRI is the largest user of GIS technology,” says Ingram. to the editor to adviser’s email: [email protected]. For those interested in taking the GIS class at Colton High, you should see your Note: Ads printed in the hardcopy edition of the paper are sold by in 1865, Southern state legislatures began enacting sets says racism is just as ugly in this era as it was before. of laws called Black Codes. These laws authorized local At the end of the day we are all people living on CELL PHONES ARE EVERYWHERE-A display at the GIS Day shows a map of cell phone counselor to sign up for it, and be aware that it is a yearlong class. For those still unsure, fractions of a page. Call (909) 580-5005 extension 2383 for advertis- ing rates and deadlines. Long live a free press. (www.splc.org) reception across campus. This is an example of the projects the Geographic Information Systems it is an ROP class that gives college credit, and is a part of the “A-G requirements” for officials to apprehend unemployed blacks, fine them for the same ground so no type of diversity should separate us classes map out. (photo: Christian Morales.) college. It also fulfills the high school computer literacy requirement. vagrancy and hire them out to private employers to satisfy from someone else.

tRuth Or ColLusioN??? Let’s face it: we live in a world filled with mystery and mayhem. Crimes are committed and people get away with them. Some of the most infamous murders in history remain unsolved. An entire conspiracy industry has developed around these famous cases. The evidence for conspiracy is compelling. We present three famous cases from the annals of true crime and challenge you to decide: truth, or collusion?

Who killed JFK? by Justice Sandoval November 22, 1963: the day Americans will always remember, the 35th president (John F. Kennedy) was The Killer assassinated--but by whom? This question still lingers even 50 years later, as America recently marked the half century anniversary of his tragic murder.

Did the Goodfellas do it? Organized crime (sometimes referred to as The Mafia) has always been a big suspect in the murder of JFK, and who wouldn’t believe that these ruthless men would have killed Kennedy? A theory is that the mob did not like JFK’s younger brother Attorney General Robert Kennedy; they hoped that if they killed John Kennedy his younger brother would lose his influence and leave them alone. Another theory is that the CIA asked the Mafia to carry out the hit on Kennedy (the CIA had already contacted the mob to murder Cuban dictator Fidel Castro). Also, many people have a theory that points to Jack Ruby, the Dallas nightclub owner, who had definite connections with the Mafia; he gunned down Lee Harvey Oswald two days after his Who Was ? arrest. The Warren Commission cleared the Mafia from involvement in the murder of JFK, and the House Committee on Assassinations came to the conclusion that the Mafia was not involved in the conspiracy. But they are not ruling out the people who were involved with the Mafia, so questions persist.

Did the Cubans kill him? “Kennedy was trying to get Castro, but Castro got him first,” President Lyndon Johnson said in an interview by Ashley Rivera and Jennifer Lopez in 1968. U.S agents tried assassinating Castro many times and some believe that Fidel was getting back at the U.S agents by killing our beloved president. The Warren Commission and the House Committee on by Ashley Rivera and Jennifer Lopez Assassinations both cleared the Cubans of any involvement in the conspiracy. When Castro was interviewed Jack the Ripper is basically a name given to a who was active about it many years later he said the theory was “absolute insanity.” around the Whitechapel district of London in late 1888 in the largely impoverished Would Vice President Lyndon Johnson ever kill? areas of one of the world’s largest cities. The name originated in letters sent to Scot- The man who got the most benefit from the murder of JFK was the 36th president; Lyndon Johnson is of The was a serial killer in the late 1960s and early 1970s who oper- land Yard claiming to be the murderer. The letters were printed in the London papers, course a suspect also. The theory is that he had help from the CIA and other people who believe that they ated in Northern California. Police still haven’t found the identity of the killer. Between causing a sensation. Besides his well known moniker, the killer was also known as “the Whitechapel Murderer” as well as “Leather Apron” and “Saucy Jack.” would benefit from Johnson being president. Johnson was accompanied by George W. Bush, who just so December 1968 and October 1969, the Zodiac murdered victims in several locations in happened to be in Dallas the day of the tragedy. So goes the theory. and around the Bay Area: Benicia, Vallejo, , and San Francisco. There were The grisly murders typically involved female prostitutes who were eviscerated and had their throats cut. Evidence from the final three victims led to speculation that CIA or undercover murders? three women and four men between the ages of 16 and 29 targeted. The name “Zodiac” their killer had anatomical or surgical knowledge, due to the expert removal of inter- A popular theory is that Oswald was a CIA operative and agents messed with his federal file to show he was originated in a series of taunting letters sent to local press. Four cryptograms were included a communist. Not only did the CIA have so many fingers pointed at them for the murder of JFK but in the in the letters but out of four only one has been definitively solved. nal organs. In September and October 1888, rumors that the murders were connected 1960s they had a reputation for high-level political assassinations. intensified, and letters from a writer or writers purporting to be the murderer were re- Suspects have been named by law enforcement and amateur investigators, but no ceived by media outlets and Scotland Yard. Due to the extraordinarily brutal character The conclusion is elusive. Whom can you really trust in this world? You’ll believe what the government conclusive evidence has surfaced. In San Francisco, in April 2004, the police department of the murders, and because of media treatment of the events, the public came increas- wants you to believe and they want you to keep wondering who did it and why because they want you to be declared the case inactive, but then reopened the case in March 2007. Other places that the ingly to believe in a single serial killer known as Jack the Ripper. scared--without fear they feel they have no control over us. Nevertheless, we will interpret what we think, case remained open was in the city of Vallejo, Napa County and Solano County. The case on The fact that a killer could waylay and brutally murder five women, seemingly with the information that the CIA and government gives us. Never get comfortable with anyone, especially the Zodiac Killer has maintained open by the California Department of Justice since 1969. randomly and at will, in the heart of the largest city in England, led to speculation that with in a country that kills its presidents. ’s chilling 2006 filmZodiac chronicled the search for the killer. it was some sort of “inside job” or that the killer had friends in high places, possibly even the British royal family. No one is sure, and over the years, many suspects have been named. But the murders still remain officially unsolved. 6 features>> Friday, Dec. 13, 2013 Friday, Dec. 13, 2013 <

photo by Adrian Rojas photo by age, and they have sent teams of astro- years. The word is out: when Colton’s band shows up, the on their calendar. In November, the band played puzzles at one given nauts to explore distant planets to check trophy hardware is coming home to Valley Boulevard. with the UCLA marching band in the Rose Bowl. time or hauling fruits if they contain edible food sources. Dur- Recently the band won first place at the Fontana Nicolay can be seen every day, staying late from all of the corners ing this expedition, one team crash lands High Competition, and a Sweepstakes Trophy at after school, practicing with the band, giving sugges- of the map. These are on planet PNF-404, Koppai’s last hope the Barstow High Desert Field Show Event. tions, cajoling, getting that extra ounce of sweat out of all fantastic mechan- for a planet with probable conditions of The band (and its director) spends band members that it takes to stay on top, her beloved ics that truly allow you containing edible food sources. The team countless hours honing their craft, and it red Jaguar parked just outside the back door to the mu- to never feel that any is comprised of Captain Charlie and his shows. “My group spends many hours sic wing. Several days a week she can be seen enthusi- time is being wasted. two subordinates: Brittany and Alph. You of extra practice and they are proud of astically leading the marching band as it circles around It should also start the game off as Alph attempting to their accomplishments,” Nicolay says. the campus after school in their practice runs, the be mentioned that locate his fellow crew members. Their As a classical music lover, members all in sync as they march with Colton Pride. there are two multi- space ship, the S.S. Drake, is too dam- she loves to play French horn (her fa- “Teaching in Colton has truly been an awesome player game modes in aged to travel far, but can still fly into the vorite instrument) but notes that “the easiest experience,” she says with a smile, and we certainly can Pikmin 3 as well. The planet’s orbit (which is done at the end i n s t r u m e n t to play is the one you want to play.” agree. first is Bingo Battle, a of each in-game day because of the noc- competitive game that turnal carnivorous creatures that inhabit pits two players against the planet along with the Pikmin). Once each other. The two re- Adopting a pet the way to go Benefits of job not just in paycheck the crew members reunite, they begin spective players are by Ivy Levan by Alondra Mendoza the search for the missing piece of their each given their own ship that will allow them to return home. bingo card in the corner Looking for a new pet? Ditch that smelly old pet store! “Stressed out, independent, and fatigued are just some of the charac- A few interesting twists and turns of the screen of collect- Without a doubt you should check out your local ani- teristics that describe an employed teenager,” says Colton High senior Ivy Le- connect the story with the previous two ible objects, using their mal shelter or pound and see what they have in store for you. van. Levan should know: she puts in many hours a week at McDonald’s. games, which is surprising as the series has Pikmin the players Sadly, three to four million pets get euthanized yearly. If we as a There has always been controversy between whether or not a teenag- not relied too heavily on plot in the last two each gather the objects community don’t do anything about this , the number is going to increase. er in high school should have a job due to its negative effects relating to school work, installments. In Pikmin 3, however, the sto- scattered across a field. We should definitely succeed in breaking the cycle of pet over- population. but could it just so happen that off campus work actually improves a student’s skills? ry is gripping and interesting for newcom- Whoever collects four One reason you shouldn’t purchase pets from a pet store Having a paying job at some time during high school has become an adaptable ado- ers, but has enough little nods to the older objects that make a is because you’d be supporting what people call “puppy and kit- lescent experience. Many start at the age of 16 with formal jobs such as in retail stores, gro- games to keep Pikmin veterans happy. line either horizontally, ten mills.” These operations are basically cats and dogs being cery stores, and fast food chains. Employment becomes more steady and time-consuming dur- As mentioned before, Pikmin are vertically, or diagonal- forced to produce litter after litter until they’re no longer able to ing the concluding years of high school, with teens working up to about 20 hours per week. inhabitants of PNF-404 and they are the ly on their bingo card breed. May I remind you they’ve never been out of their cage, nev- While most teachers or parents may argue about their lack of focus in school, many students center of the main gameplay mechanic. wins. However, when er been on a walk, or any other of the necessities animals deserve. like the idea of working and improving their self esteem. Statistics show that a teenager’s em- The players control one of the three crew an object is collected Adopting a shelter pet will also save a bundle of money. ployment instills a whole array of positive traits, including independence, responsibility, inter- members, but also a curser on screen that by a player it doesn’t Most pets in shelters have already had their needed shots. Sometimes, personal skills, and a good work ethic--not to mention the fact that they want to earn their own helps you command hoards of up to 100 show up again for the if you’re lucky, you might be able to receive the pet for free, depend- spending money to be able to buy necessities and contribute to activities with their peers. Pikmin. Pikmin can be thrown to fight en- rest of the match, it ing on your local shelter. Animals shelters have a variety of pets Earnings from teens’ part time jobs may also be of great aid for families that are in need of emies, carry objects, or help solve puzzles. just can’t be collected you won’t find anywhere else--different sizes, breeds, colors, etc. it economically. Others save large portions of their earnings for larger purchases or college. Adoles- Pikmin come in seven different types: Red anymore. If no bingo Animals in a shelter have been lost, abused, and even abandoned. cents tend to report high levels of satisfaction with their jobs and hold many beliefs about the benefits Pikmin are fireproof and are best for fight- can be made, the win- Wouldn’t it make you feel a whole lot better knowing you gave an animal of employment. “My job may take a lot out of me, but overall I am grateful for it because it’s helped ing enemies; Yellow Pikmin are resistant ner is the one who col- a second chance at life? me learn about time management and good social skills,” Levan says. to electricity and can be thrown higher lected the most objects than other Pikmin; Blue Pikmin have gills once all of the objects so they can swim; Purple Pikmin have the on the field have been Custodian Ron Williams strives to keep campus clean and orderly strength of 10 Pikmin when carrying ob- taken. This game mode jects; White Pikmin can dig up hidden ob- is a very hectic but en- by Justice Sandoval jects and are poisonous for other creatures to eat; Rock Pikmin can break crystals and are joyable experience. The other multiplayer game mode is Mission Mode, a cooperative good for sneak attacks on enemies and direct attacks; and finally, Pink Pikmin lack attack game that has players work together to collect treasure in a set amount of time. This strength but can fly--they can easily attack airborne enemies and move faster when carry- game mode is very reminiscent of Pikmin 2 and even features its protagonists Louie and What are heroes? We all believe heroes are the ones that have the most courage and strength wheth- ing objects because they can fly over what may block the path for grounded Pikmin. Pink Olimar as playable characters. This game mode is fairly fun, and would most likely be a er mentally or physically. Some heroes that come to mind are Superman, Spiderman, Wonder Woman, and Bat- and Rock Pikmin are new to Pikmin 3, and add a nice touch to puzzle solving and quick more enjoyable experience for the less competitive players. man. But what would Batman be without his beloved butler, Alfred Pennyworth? Pennyworth is by far a big factor strategies to gather fruit the most efficient and fast way before the in-game day is over. in Bruce Wayne’s life, but why don’t we give him any acknowledgement? He is just as much of a hero as Batman The variety of Pikmin 3 gives you many different ways to play the game, but it It’s fun to fantasize about supernatural people having crazy strength and courage, but let’s get real here and

photo by Dave Rainey can be a little disorienting when you can’t tell what areas may call for more of a certain Christian’s Rating: Five out of Five Stars! focus on non-fictional heroes such as firemen, policemen, doctors, teachers, and custodians. Yes, I said it: custodians. type, which is made all the more difficult with seven types of Pikmin to choose from and Without our custodians it would be a lot harder to get around; they are the reason we have clean floors in our class- a limit of 100 Pikmin on the field at once. Another gripe with the game would have to All-in-all the game is fantastic with a few minor flaws here or there, but it is still rooms and why our trash never over flows. They spend their work hours cleaning up the messes we make and still be that the time limit of the in-game day still applies during boss battles, which would fun, addictive, and challenging. It stays very faithful to the previous installments of the manage to have a smile on their face. That is a hero. Countless times I have seen Colton High custodian Ron Williams not be so bad if every boss battle was designed with this in mind, but it feels like some series while attempting to breathe new life into it with fresh ideas that, for the most part, putting things away, cleaning, and fixing up the Hubbs Gym by himself so the teams that need to practice could start. of the bosses can take just about all of the time given in the day; because the battle is really make the whole experience shine. If you were a fan of previous Pikmin games Williams has been working here at Colton High since 2004 and he loves it. Although he says it can be very more about waiting for the boss to stop moving around so you can hit it for a few set you’ll love it, and if you haven’t played any of the other games, this very polished expe- difficult at times, he still enjoys the environment and his co-workers. He has worked at all the elementary schools in the UNSUNG NO LONGER-Custodian Ron Williams is one of the rea- number of seconds--making it less about how skilled you are at fighting the boss and rience may be a nice place to start. The game is available now in stores or on Nintendo’s Colton district and says that Colton High is very different. We are a very challenging bunch of kids, but he helps us and sons the custodian crew at Colton High is thought of so highly by staff more about getting to the boss fast enough at the beginning of the in-game day. This is Digital Wii U “E-Shop” for $59.99. puts up with us and we should be thankful. Ron Williams is an unsung hero of Colton High! and students alike.