The Wednesday Society presents The

Volume XVIII w Issue 6 Waunakee Community High School whspurplesage.comPurpleMarch 11, 2020 Sage Twitter: @WHSpsage Waunakee, WI 53597 Opinion As you like it Is the schools Noemi Onate toilet paper high Reporter quality? On Thursday, February 27th, Waunakee High School’s very own Drama Club did their wpage 4 first production of the winter play, featuring the performance, As You Like It, a comedy written by William Shakespeare. The winter play performed Thursday, Friday and Satur- day with several outstanding performances of the student-run comedy. Drama Club has had many performances this year and has several more planned, in- cluding the One Act in October, The Whole Features Shebang, which received Critic’s Choice at state, and the upcoming musical Fiddler On Photo submitted by Allison Horvatin Some seniors now The Roof, which will take place from April The cast of As You Like It bowing at the end of a performance. able to vote 30th to May 2nd. Most recently, the Drama Club put on the student-led winter play As You Like It. “We would like to... do a musical The play, published around 1599, stars Rosalind (played by senior wpage 7 Olivia Foght) and her cousin Celia (played by senior Victoria McKel- every year and a play every year” lar), who begin the play together by Rosalind being banished by Celia’s uncle for falling in love with the rich heir to the local throne. Celia and Director Rick Braun Rosalind escape to the Forest of Ardenne, where they find refuge and eventually love with the appearance of the rich young heir, Orlando de Bois (junior Sean Hall). To remain unrecognized, Celia dresses as “We alternate between a musical and a play a poor lady by the name of Aliena, and Rosalind disguises herself as a every year… We would like to eventually go young man with the name of Ganymede. on to doing a musical every year and a play Rosalind, now acting as a young man, struggles to keep her identi- Entertainment every year,” said English instructor and Dra- ma Club director Rick Braun. See PLAY w Page 3 The original 90’s character Sonic the Hedgehog makes a come- ACT to offer individual section retakes back. Aly Kinzel wpage 10 Reporter “At least only half my day will be Standardized test company ACT, Inc., has officially declared that as of fall 2020, students will be able to retake individual sections of the ruined by the test” ACT test. The non-profit organization made the decision on Tuesday, February 26th after years of contemplation. Until that point in the fall, Junior Hudson See students will continue to have to retake the entire four-section stan- dardized test if they want to achieve a higher score. This change will make waves, seeing that every student at Wauna- ant things that the ACT test discreetly mea- Sports kee High School is required to take the ACT whether or not they intend sures amongst its participants. to apply to college. For students interested in postsecondary education, “At least [with this new system] only half WHS boys lacross ACT scores are vital to college acceptance. of my day will be ruined by an [annoying] making strides to Many pros and cons behind the benefits of this new concept have test,” said junior Hudson See. See took the state champion- come into question: will colleges change their acceptance requirements ACT on March 3rd with the rest of the junior ship or recommended test scores? Is it as fair of a measurement as the tra- class. On March 3rd, all high school students wpage 13 ditionally timed ACT? Will it help students reach their maximum po- in the state of Wisconsin were required to tential in a pressuring setting, or will it instead level the playing field, and make it harder for certain students to stand out among others? It is difficult to answer these questions without large-scale observations of the new test strategy yet. By offering individual section retakes, ACT writes on their website that they believe they are sparing unnecessary time in taking the test and better serving students. By doing this, students may have a better opportunity to score high, without any worry of fading mental endur- ance in a later section. ACT, Inc., cities the belief of some that the test InDepth Spread shouldn’t measure anything besides academic material, so taking the timing and long-term mental endurance out of the equation is extreme- Learn all about ly valuable--it makes the scores more reliable and helps them to better the college expe- serve as a benchmark of known material. Source: ACT.org rience Some argue that that endurance, however, is one of the most import- wpages 8-9 See ACT w Page 3 News Sydney Jezik and Sydney Williams, News Editors Recent FFA week was a huge success wNews Briefs Sammy Geraci the organization. Editor in Chief Then on the following Monday, March 2, Rube Goldberg competition Jenna Shiffman won the Sassman Award for In the past few weeks, Waunakee High her leadership and community service at the On Tuesday afternoon, physics students, School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) Kiwanis Luncheon. along with some elementary students, gath- chapter has been quite busy. On February 24, “The FFA has opened so many doors for me ered in the commons for a friendly Rube they kicked off FFA Week with the Districts that I wouldn’t have had open. Its helped me Goldberg competition. The physics stu- speaking contest. grow in ways I didn’t figure I could,” said se- dents have spent the past two weeks on in nior and vice president of community David class and out of class work on this project, “FFA has opened so many doors Carman. often detecting multiple hours of work into “Before the FFA I couldn’t stand in front them. It’s so rewarding seeing it’s done. for me that I wouldn’t have.” of people and speak my piece. Now I’m com- “We spent over 40 hours combined on manding attention and giving full blown pre- it,” said junior Olivia Lemanski. Junior Ei- Senior David Carman sentations without worrying.” lis Feaster coments that making her Rube Waunakee’s Future Farmers of America Goldberg was “an outlet of creativity and Five students from Waunakee competed chapter has certainly been busy recently. stress” and “at the end of the day we did it. in this competition including juniors Emi- I’m excited to see how it does.” ly Gavinski and Molly Krupp competing in Employability Skills, seniors Jenna Shiffman Physics II wins 3rd and John Kaney competing in Discussion and senior David Carmen competing in Extemp. Emily Gavinsky will also be advancing to CORRECTION: Sectionals on March 31. After Districts, the chapter continued its In last month’s issue, celebration of national FFA week in a variety of ways. the article “Disscussions “FFA week went well!” said agriculture in- over old mural continue” structor and FFA advisor Dustin Winkelman. “We had a bunch of different activities like the incorrectly refered to the blender bike in Kokopelli and the ice cream during lunch… The hay bale toss went really Verona High School as the well.” These activities were not only fun for stu- Photo submitted by Tammy Rademacher Verona Warriors when it dents, but also offered students exposure to Physics II students took third place at the state what FFA is all about. Rube Goldberg competition on Friday, March 6. was actually the Verona With FFA members running every activity, They also won Best Technical Writing of Machine Steps and Most Innovative Step for the working Indians. it was a great opportunity to learn more about crossbow. Choir to make a new class: Sorono

Sydney Jezik more dedication and musicianship than need- News Editor ed for performance in the other choir groups. However, the songs will only be different Music provides a reliable, underlying beat in the degree of intensity required in learning. to the daily rhythm at Waunakee High School, “Songs for Sonoro won’t be too different. from sights of the band students lugging their [My goal is] picking songs that will challenge instruments through the hallways to choir stu- our intellectual capacity and our understand- Photo by Sydney Jezik dents showing up at the crack of dawn to prac- ing of other cultures and human beings, and Mrs. Petroff and new Sorono choir running tice singing. However, a beat is being added what our current struggles are as human be- through warm-ups. to this rhythm with the development of a new ings,” said Petroff. choir class: Sonoro. roff, and ultimately decided on Sonoro,- al At the beginning of the 2019-2020 school “I auditioned for Sonoro to be a though the name holds no inherent meaning. year, the choir department had three classes: The most recent major event for the music Chorale, the freshman choir class; Concert part of a more focused choir” department was the district Solo and Ensemble Choir, (sophomore grade and up), and Grazio- music festival, which took place on February so,(treble singers). Choral instructor Molly Junior Jonah Leland 29th, at DeForest High School. In preparation Petroff taught each class. In the middle of first for the festival, music students prepare solo semester, however, she announced a two-part and group pieces. Students are then judged at idea to her students. This idea was, first, to re- “I auditioned for Sonoro to be a part of a the festival, and have the option to go on to the name Grazioso as Sonoro; and second, to start more focused and rigorous choir, where I State Festival at the end of April, at the Uni- holding auditions to get in, as well as to open would be challenged everyday alongside my versity of Wisconsin-Platteville. it up to tenors and basses. peers,” said junior Jonah Leland, who will be “The journey [of Solo and Ensemble] was “There was a need to have a little bit more a member of Sonoro come next fall. awesome... I don’t know what it was about differentiation [between choir classes],” said “I am really looking forward to doing more this year, but I think students were well pre- Petroff. “We had a beginning level, and we difficult pieces, and [showing] more -dedica pared. Even students that took on challenges had two intermediate levels. And the only tion to the music.” found a way to meet those challenges. I really auditioned, advanced group we have is the Petroff also provided insight to the process enjoyed seeing them grow,” said Petroff. one that meets in the morning, our vocal jazz of joining Sonoro. “So the structure is Chorale Petroff ended her interview on an inclusive group [Kee Notes].” for one year, then Concert Choir for one year, note. “There’s always a place for everyone The differentiation Petroff mentioned will and then you can audition for Sonoro.” to sing. If you come to my door, our door, to hinge on the level of song performed by So- Sonoro’s name was picked in the fall of do that, there’s always a place for everyone. I noro, which Petroff plans as requiring even 2019 by students from all choirs. Choir stu- want to make sure there’s a place for everyone, dents were provided several options by Pet- and that there’s a piece that’s right for them.” Page 2 The Purple Sage March 11, 2020 News PLAY [the play] was just an intangible, unachiev- w able dream, but [junior] Sophie [Wilck] and I Continued from page 1 managed to make it a reality through hours of ty after meeting with Orlando, who has “love planning and work along with a dedicated cast sickness” from missing Rosalind. In helping and crew. him to cure his “love sickness”, an entertain- Horvatin and Wilck conceived the idea of ing part of this comedy takes place when Gan- the winter play in the summer. ymede takes Rosalind’s place, saying that ”he” “The most challenging part [of the play] will act as Orlando’s love, and that “he” will was that it was completely student-run,” said thus cure Orlando. Horvatin, “so it was me and Sophie [planning] The student-run play encountered many everything… so scheduling around everyone’s challenges in performing the comedy by needs, finding out what needed more rehears- Shakespeare. “[Shakespeare] uses modern al, how to keep everyone happy.” English, [but] what makes it challenging is Social Studies teacher Lauren Michiels as the poetry,” said instructor Rick Braun, who well as usual Drama Club director Braun both serves as the Drama Club director. Photo submitted by Allison Horvatin acted as supervisors of the winter play’s prog- The poetic language during the performance The two students who play Rosalind (Senior ress. Sophomore Zach Grasee was costume Olivia Foght) and Celia (Victoria McKellar). varied from simple to intricate, often with designer and freshman Katie Deppen acted as double meanings behind it, and had a slight most famous speeches. Jaques was a contrast tilt of comedy. While the script by itself was to the characters in the play in his always ob- not easy, and the comedic tone added a differ- serving and mentioning life’s hardships. “I thought the final performance ent light and made the play more difficult, the Plenty of work goes into a performance, actors were able to interpret the jokes and the whether it be stage managing, the interpreta- went really well!” meanings behind them. tion of a piece or the work that goes behind the scenes of a play. The students put in a lot Junior Brian Hlathein of work. “The most challenging part was “It takes a lot of work on their part because they’ve got to do everything they’ve got to that it was completely student run” start figuring things out… the advantage of stage manager. it is that it gives more kids the ability to per- “I was really proud of the work everyone Junior Allison Horvatin form,” said Braun. put in. Seeing an idea I had sophomore year “I really enjoyed the practices,” said junior [actually] on-stage was really cool,” said Hor- Brian Hlathein, who was an actor in As You vatin. “I would argue that it’s not trying too hard, Like It. The winter play was Hlathein’s first “I thought the final performance went- re let the script be funny,” said Braun. time as an actor in a high school production. ally well. Everyone went home happy,” said In the play As You Like It, there are many “I thought the [Shakespearean language] was Hlathein. memorable characters encountered, like pretty fun to learn.” The Comedy As You Like It is meant to be a Jaques, the melancholy traveler. Senior Mad- Junior Allison Horvatin, who takes the very engaging piece for the audience. The play dy Heuvelman interpreted this character and role of Phebe, a proud shepherdess, and also includes different twists and outcomes to it, so gave a performance of one Shakespeares’ shares the role of director, said about her part with every character weighing in and improv- in creating and leading the play: “At the time ing the play with their own comical twists.

“I [feel that] by implementing sec- specific and targeted, and... encourages [the ACT tion-by-section tests, ACT scores will become problem].” wContinued from page 1 inherently higher, due to the fact that [stu- take the ACT if they had not opted out earli- dents[ can focus more on one thing rather than er. March 3rd therefore found several hundred have the difficulty of the whole test,” said -ju “Superscoring would make me feel juniors packed into Waunakee High School’s nior Ryan Schaubroeck, who took the ACT on classrooms to take the test. March 3rd with the rest of Waunakee’s junior more confident showing my score” class. This new concept will throw a wrench in Junior Ryan Schaubroeck “I feel that... ACT scores will be- college admissions, as well. The introduction of the “superscore” has had an impact on col- come inherently higher” lege admissions; that being the submission of It isn’t guaranteed that all colleges will ac- a composite score of the highest scores in each cept a superscored type of submission. In fact, Junior Ryan Schaubroeck subject that a student has tested or retested in. some colleges already reject the idea of super- Individual section retakes benefit this idea of scoring and only accept one set of scores from superscoring. one test. With the new system, it’s likely that Although a majority of students, like See, “I’m [annoyed] because it’s too late for me schools will be driven away from even requir- dread the nearly 6-hour time commitment out to do that,” said senior Jessica Martin, refer- ing a test submission in the first place. of their day, that time is what can potential- ring to taking the test section-by-section. Mar- “[Superscoring] would make me feel more ly set one student apart from another. If one tin has taken the ACT twice. “But I already got confident showing my score off, but I would student has the ability to focus for a long pe- into college. also have the knowledge that my score doesn’t riod of time, he or she will obviously achieve mean as much as it would with the current a higher score than a student who can’t focus ACT [compared to] the section-by-section for a long period of time. The first student’s “I think it gives an advantage to ACT,” said Schaubroeck. score will appear better than the other’s even Individual section retakes of the ACT could if the two students are similarly intelligent, those who are wealthy” mean higher scores overall, but that’s not to thus making the first student’s score look bet- say that success in acceptance is guaranteed. ter to colleges, and thus standing out above Senior Jessica Martin Many other elements, like GPA, extracurricu- the second student’s. lars and more will need to play out before col- This is a benefit for the first student, but leges can judge one score from another based clearly a detriment for the second. Someone’s “I think it mostly just gives an advantage to on different submission methods. In the future, ability to stay focused for a long period of those who are wealthy... they [could] take that it is plausable that colleges will focus more on time majorly helps their ACT score, and by one section of the test seven, eight times. This how well rounded students are and less on, or offering retakes on individual sections, men- is a problem ...where someone can just take not at all, on their scores on standardized tests tal endurance and other similar factors can no the test that many times but this just encour- such as the ACT or SAT. longer set someone apart from the rest. ages it further... it makes the practice more March 11, 2020 The Purple Sage Page 3 Opinion Sam Kaufmann, Opinion Editor Editorial Teenagers unwanted in public spaces Staff Kailee Willers open, unlocked, non-building closes further unwelcoming towards teenag- Columnist at a specific time. Even if I had a free ers. day, parents and their young children What about the mall? Are you There are no places for teenagers to hangout at parks, and will either stare eighteen? Signs have been posted go. This epiphany struck me on March at you until you leave, or they will all around the mall, letting everyone 3rd. The juniors were taking the ACT, come up to you and ask you to leave. know, you have to be eighteen to be and I needed a quiet place to do my Apparently it is “creepy” for teenag- allowed in the mall without parental homework, as many often do. The ers to hangout at a park. The one free supervision. first solution was obvious: my house. place to hang out, not allowed. Where else is there to go? Laser tag But like many students, my house is What about the movies? Do you is expensive, escape rooms are expen- always too loud. I rattled off and elim- have transportation? Do you have $12 sive, professional sporting events are inated a few more options. Finally, I for a ticket? Do you have $14 for pop- expensive, concerts are expensive, and Sammy Geraci went to the school’s library and hoped corn and a soda? Are there even any sit-down restaurants are all expensive. Editor in Chief it would be open. good movies playing? Even if the an- Teenagers do not have enough money. Later, I thought more about my dif- swer to all of those questions is yes, We are either saving for college, trade Sydney Jezik ficulty finding a place to go. I realized what about the adults and employees school, a car, prom, a new instrument, Sydney Williams that I often had trouble finding a place who glare at teenagers for laughing? clothes or an apartment for after we News Editors to go, not just when trying to study, but Are you comfortable with that? graduate. Every teenager is, or should when out with friends too. If it is not What about a restaurant? Again be, saving for something. We are so- Sam Kaufmann a school sponsored activity or place of there is the transportation and mon- cially locked out of restaurants, movie Opinion Editor work, nobody wants a teenager there, ey issue. Do all of your friends have theaters and libraries, prevented from much less a whole group of them. enough money for a restaurant? Prob- space to exist. Sydney Schumacher What about the park? It is free, and ably not. Probably only enough for So what if all of us decided to stay Tessa Pauls there is always one within walking fast food. I have worked in fast food, home? Being home all of the time is Features Editors distance. But it closes at 10, which and teenagers were our least favorite boring and you don’t get to see your is just about when every other teen- customers. They are loud, do not buy friends. If you stay home too often, Stella Birrenkott ager and I get done with homework much and never clean up after them- Entertainment Editor and extracurriculars. Seriously, an selves, which causes businesses to be See SPACE w Page 6

Ebba Harrison Robyn Ryan Democratic primary important to future Sports Editors Claire Borgelt namism are vital qualities for any bold text framing each step towards Columnist candidate. In an attempt to display the future makes everything feel un- Katherine Ikaunieks these essential attributes, the politi- real; a certain degree of distance be- Sage Page Editor As the South Carolina debate stage cians hoping to represent their party comes necessary to cope with a dire blazed with a chaotic collision of ideas have turned towards interruptions and reality. However, we cannot reduce Anna Vanderhoef and emboldened attempts to gain sup- shouting rather than mature debate. ourselves to a state of inefficacy. Each Web Page Manager port, most of the country could only This polarized, often hostile envi- person must instead exercise their stare at their televisions in shock. As ronment is what our nation is faced right to vote, or at least stay informed Open Position candidates disregarded time limits, with. This is what many young cit- in order to become the responsible in- Photography Editor flung blatant attacks at each other, and izens must consider as they exercise habitants of this nation. tried desperately to appeal to potential their right to vote for the first time, As of March 5th, two days after Open Position voters, even the moderators began to and what older generations must look Super Tuesday, The number of Demo- Graphics Manager drown in the cacophony. towards when they imagine their chil- cratic candidates has dwindled signifi- The February 25th debate serves as drens’ futures. cantly. Tom Steyer, Democratic donor Open Position the quintessential illustration of the It can be terrifying and confusing, and activist, was the first to step out. Advertising Manager division that plagues today’s Demo- and if one is confronted by it for long He was followed by South Bend may- cratic party - the fervent intersection enough, it can be numbing. Perhaps or Pete Buttigieg and Minnesota Sen- Tammy Rademacher of passionate ideology that has be- that numbness - that desensitization to ator Amy Klobuchar. Billionaire Mike Adviser come commonplace in this era’s po- the fractured state of our government Bloomberg, former mayor of New litical climate. Perhaps this intensity - is the most dangerous. York, dropped out on the 4th, along Interested in an is what’s required; after the Senate When staying informed becomes with Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Open Position? acquitted President Trump on both too daunting, it becomes tempting to Warren one day later. Contact impeachment articles last month, the ignore politics altogether and refuse to This leaves former vice president Sammy Geraci or 2020 election became the Democrats’ adopt an opinion on any matter. Sit- Joe Biden and Vermont senator Ber- Ms. Rademacher only chance at defeating the man who ting in front of the television, dazed nie Sanders as the only remaining op- in Room 1502 has become their foremost adversary. by constant conflict has become all too Now more than ever, energy and dy- easy. The thick screen of glass and the See PRIMARY w Page 6 What do you think of the school toilet

“It’s not good.” “We need something “The texture could be “It’s OK. It serves its “It’s functional.” paper? better, like two-ply.” improved.” purpose.”

Photo poll by Drew Regnier Noah Jakel Connor Sheahan Trevor Peterson Alex Ames Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Staff Sam Kaufmann

Page 4 The Purple Sage March 11, 2020 Opinion The Wednesday Society speaks Why the school should not support ev- job itself. Different kinds of jobs require dif- spend it partying. ery student going to college ferent types and levels of experiences, and col- The value of a college education is what the On March 3rd, Waunakee High School ju- lege is often one such type of experience, but student makes of his or her time there, but if niors all took the ACT. For 5 hours, the en- it is not always. students know they are going to attend college tire class of juniors sat filling out bubbles on College is expensive. It often costs tens of regardless of what they make of it, then the a standardized test, so they can eventually get thousands of dollars per year, and students incentive to make the most of that time de- an ACT score, which they can use to apply to often need to take out loans to be able to af- creases. college and eventually find a job. While the ford it. According to Time, student loan debts College is a means to an end. It never hurts juniors may detest the test for the excessive totaled “more than $1.5 trillion,” as of 2019. to enjoy the journey, but the purpose should time they had to spend bubbling, the presump- That doesn’t even include the opportunity cost always remain clear. If a student doesn’t have tion that college is the default option for ev- of the time the student spends in college if a reason to go to school, then there is no need eryone is potentially even worse. they do not end up needing their degree for for that student to go to school, and the student A college education is often very helpful their career. Unless the student is absolutely can save a lot of time and money by not. and necessary for many professions, especial- certain that a college education is what they All of these problems stem from the ex- ly STEM fields. Additionally, a liberal arts want, a college degree might not be the best pectation that students should always go to education can help students hone their critical use of his or her time. college, that going to a four year university is thinking skills and discover interests. Both sit- Beyond the financial risk, the expectation the “smart” or “responsible” choice for every uations are clearly attractive to potential em- that students go to college negatively affects student. By creating this expectation, our cul- ployers. their perception of college. When the job mar- ture makes a Bachelor’s degree the default for However, they also depend on how students ket assumes applicants should have a college potential employees rather than a high school take advantage of their time in school. When degree, students’ perception of college chang- diploma, devaluing both degrees. students use their time in college to pursue es. While Waunakee High School did not in- opportunities like research, internships or stu- While college is a path to gain practical vent this expectation, it does help perpetuate dent organizations, it gives them the experi- skills, experiences and connections to help a it. The school encourages all students to attend ences and connections they can use to fill their student’s career, making it the default can turn college when it has every single junior take the resumes and launch their careers. it into a generic milestone in the student’s life, ACT, a test whose sole purpose is to commu- Obviously, a college diploma can often another box to check. nicate a student’s level of academic prepared- make finding a job easier, but not all jobs ne- When students forget why they are in col- ness to colleges. Even though students can opt cessitate college degrees. The skills needed lege, they can fail to take advantage of all its out of the ACT, the default is that they are ex- to perform in many jobs are now available to opportunities. When college is just a place to pected to take the test, just like the school’s learn online or even through training on the spend four years to get a diploma, why not default is to prepare students for college. Head out to the polls on April 7th Sam Kaufmann and balances between them. The seven state ways have an effect on our day-to-day lives Opinion Editor Supreme Court justices make up the state’s like local government does. This year, there chief legal review body as part of the judicial will be a wonderful contested village board During the fall election season, many peo- branch. In addition, terms are for ten years, so election, pitting three incumbents (Erin Mo- ple head to the polls and vote in races for the paying attention to who is running is import- ran, Joe Zitzelsberger, and Dr. Bill Ranum) House, presidency, governor, and Senate seats. ant. against two newcomers, Nila Frye and Robert However, in just under four weeks, there will In a representative democracy like the Unit- McPherson. be another election that is arguably of near ed States, citizens elect other individuals to Over the course of the past few years, I’ve equal importance. make decisions on their behalf. The only real had the opportunity to walk door-to-door for The main race on the ballot April 7th is the vestige of a direct democracy in America is di- all five of these individuals. I’ve served on a Democratic presidential primary. It is closely rect voting. It is critical to take advantage of village committee with three of them. Howev- followed by a contest for state Supreme Court every opportunity (particularly for the young- er, I would strongly encourage voters to back seat, which puts conservative-backed incum- er generation) to use the given constitutional Nila Frye and Robert McPherson. They both bent Dan Kelly against liberal-supported Dane right to have a say in American affairs. Not ev- have extensive resumes full of policy, em- County Circuit Judge Jill Karofsky. In addi- ery country is as fortunate as the United States ployment, and community experience that will tion, two school board and three village board to have this right. benefit the citizens of the community. seats (as well as the municipal judge) are also In addition, local seats for elected bodies Frye has served on ten village committees on the ballot. like village board, town board, and school since 1977. McPherson has worked for 16 Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t both- board are just as important as the national and years in banking, quality control, and com- er voting in the spring elections because they state races. Why? Well, there is a key differ- pliance. I am proud to back individuals that see them as lesser to elections held in the fall. ence between local and state/national races. I know will do the research and “homework” However, that’s not the case. The state gov- Local officials affect and can change things required to do the job to the best of their abil- ernment also has three branches like the feder- we interact with on a daily basis, like our own ity. al government, each originally intended to be streets, parks, or neighborhoods for example. of equal weight and importance with checks The national or state government doesn’t al- See VILLAGE CORNER w Page 6 The Purple Sage’s mission is to provide a fo- or e-mailed. Waunakee High School rum for free and responsible expression of stu- The Purple Sage is published monthly and 301 Community Drive Waunakee, WI 53597 dent opinion and present well-balanced locally 1,000 copies are printed by Bliss Communica- (608)849-2007 researched coverage of issues of broader student tions. Free copies are distributed to students and interest. staff. Subscriptions to The Purple Sage are avail- whspurplesage.com The Purple Sage is written and produced en- able for $20 per year. Subscription requests can email: purplesage@wauna- tirely by Waunakee Community High School be sent to our mailing address or e-mail address. keecsd.org students. Opinions in The Purple Sage are the The Purple Sage accepts display advertising Volume XVIII, Issue 6 opinions of the author and do not necessarily and the base rate is $5 per column inch. See our March 11, 2020 reflect the opinions of the newspaper staff or the website for additional information. school district. The Purple Sage is a member of the Columbia Quote of the month: “Socialism is the high- Students, staff, and members of the commu- Scholastic Press Association, the National Scho- powered booster rocket of nity are welcome to submit Letters to the Editor. lastic Press Association and the Kettle Moraine social progress.” Letters should be 250 words or less and must be Press Association. signed. Letters may be delivered to room 1502 - Todor Zhivkov March 11, 2020 The Purple Sage Page 5 Opinion The inordinate degree of difference -be will one day inherit the entirety of its flaws PRIMARY tween the two remaining candidates speaks to and successes. This is a call to those who have wContinued from page 4 the troubling state of division in today’s Dem- already come to understand the importance of tions. The most recent polls show Sanders at ocratic party. being informed, and to anyone who wants to 29% and Biden at 17%. Biden has more del- Whenever this level of tension is reached, understand, but is afraid to take the first steps egates than his opponent, with a total of 610 it is indicative of a major turning point in our towards voicing their own beliefs. Most of all, eclipsing Sanders’s 541, but he takes second nation’s history. Now is the time for every though, this is a call to anyone who would turn place in weekly news coverage. Though his member of this society to either exercise their a blind eye when their attention is most essen- campaign has drummed up tremendous levels right to vote or become informed on the state tial. of enthusiasm from a growing number of sup- of the country they call home. No matter what If you have thrown off your responsibility porters, prominent members of the party have party one aligns with - no matter what opposi- as a future participant in the democratic pro- voiced concerns that Sanders’s far-left ideol- tion they may face or what circumstances they cess - if you have claimed to hate the “de- ogy will turn away essential moderate voters come from - the current situation demands in- pressing” of “confusing” nature of politics, and greatly diminish any chance at defeating volvement. you have neglected your country in its most Donald Trump. His supporters argue that his This is a call to action, not only to the stu- desperate hour. radical approach is exactly what is required to dents of Waunakee High School, but to every In order to responsibly inherit the future, we truly improve the state of the country. one of the young members of this nation who must begin educating ourselves now.

Overall, take the time to vote on April 7th. SPACE VILLAGE CORNER Citizens can register to vote whenever Village wContinued from page 4 wContinued from page 5 Hall (or Town Hall) is open or at the polls on you face parents who complain about how you In addition, I live in the part of town north the day of the election. need to be more social, get out more. So you of both Six Mile Creek and Main Street. My Can’t get to the polls on April 7th? Start- do. Then they will complain about how you go part of the community hasn’t had a trustee rep- ing March 16th continuing until the Friday out too much, and they never get to see you. resentative of its own since May 2001. Frye before the election, citizens can participate in So you stay home, now you are lazy. So you lives there and if elected will be a voice for an early voting, also known as an absentee bal- go out, now you are avoiding your responsi- area that has been underrepresented for far too lot, during business hours at the Village Hall bilities. long. Village board seats are elected at large or each town hall. That way, the election day Teenagers don’t have space to exist. Ever from throughout the community. In this elec- lines at the Village Center and elsewhere can wonder why we are always upset? We are told tion, voters can choose up to three on the bal- be avoided. Take the time to vote on the 7th. to act like adults, but are treated like children. lot. A common misconception is that a voter For many seniors, this is the first or second op- We are told to be responsible, but still have to has to choose three candidates for their votes portunity of their lives to do so. I’d strongly ask for permission to use the restroom. We are to count. However, a person is welcome to suggest using that new right to have a say from in limbo, unwanted and unsure, waiting until only vote for one or two if they would like to the ballot box. we graduate and go off into the world, so we do so. In addition, incumbent and former WHS Every vote matters, so take advantage of an can figure out where we stand… or if we are math teacher Joan Ensign is facing a challenge important citizen right and have a say in the allowed to stand. from Joel Lewis for a seat on the school board. American democracy.

Disclaimer: The BEET Waunakee’s Wokest Words editorial is strictly satire. School’s toilet paper high-quality and excellent Katherine Ikaunieks comforting, like love. You leave the bathroom school that provides the best money can buy. Sage Page Editor feeling cleansed of your sins, compared to With the luxurious toilet paper our school of- when you entered it. When people complain, fers, people complain about it being one-ply. Everyone has used toilet paper at one point they do not know how far we came. One plus one is two, so combine it to create in their life or soon will. So, the problem Before our generation, people used tree that two-ply that people “desperately” need. with today’s toilet paper is that it’s too cheap. bark and leaves. The toilet paper in the school The main question though, is why are we Luckily, the school has bought the most ex- reflects this and allows the comfort our ances- wasting so much precious money on single pensive toilet paper for our use. Some people tors had, but never could achieve. The people ply that is thin like a single hydrogen atom may call our toilet paper ‘barely usable and who aren’t afraid take the luxurious paper when we could save money on two-ply. Well, cheap’, but they know nothing about the fin- for themselves, keep it. They keep it for use that’s a bad idea to save money on two-ply, est quality used by our school. It’s so expen- outside of school, because schools only have because those punk kids could easily ruin it. sive that nobody ever uses it, because they’re the highest quality of toilet paper. If people They could clog the toilets, but only with two- afraid. Afraid of the rich quality silk the paper brought their own toilet paper, there would be ply, and create a mess. Well, with one-ply, they is made from, and afraid of the power it grants. no need to complain, and the issue wouldn’t could never do that. Never. Of course, we all know this is a cold hard fact. exist. People don’t do it though because it’s A lot of students also complain of the lack Many students call the toilet paper rough, but odd to bring such cheap quality toilet paper of toilet paper on some days. They don’t real- they do not know the sandpaper-esque is very that is sufficient for a month or more intoa ize the secret market for the one-ply sandpaper toilet paper. Very realistic with the mummies of ancient Egypt, so the demand is very high. express them. But, it’s also gone because it’s tissue paper. Strong Opinions? It’s thin like it, colorful and useful for some birthday gifts. Or use it for wiping the sweat The Purple Sage accepts letters The Purple Sage aims to provide to the editor from students, staff, from the face. a forum for free and responsible Overall, our toilet paper is wonderful, from or community members. expression of student opinion. As the many uses it has outside of the bathroom such, students of ALL opinions to the alternatives we could have. Our toilet Letters should be 250 words or are welcome to write guest paper is unnoticed, so go out and look at how less, signed and delivered to columns. Anyone interested wonderful our toilet paper is because once stu- room 1502. These letters will be should contact Sam Kaufmann at dents graduate or everyone goes home, they’ll published in the Opinion section. [email protected]. miss the luxurious toilet paper at our school.

Page 6 The Purple Sage March 11, 2020 Sydney Schumacher and Tessa Pauls, Features Editors Features The best ways to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day this year Brooke Bound category, why not do something fun for the cial media or watching TV or whatever it is Reporter holiday? that you’re doing to kill time and loneliness. You could go all out, paint your face green, If you do decide to celebrate, please make March has begun, and that means that Saint tape paper shamrock cutouts to your shirt, and sure to do it respectfully. St. Patrick’s Day has Patrick’s Day is coming up. When you hear learn a traditional Irish dance. If you’re not up received criticism in the past. It started out as the words ‘St. Patrick’s Day’, you may think for that, you can do something more understat- a religious holiday, celebrating the arrival of of shamrocks, leprechauns, a pot of gold at the ed. Bake some cookies. Cut them out in the Christianity to Ireland, brought to them by end of a rainbow, wearing green, and drink- shape of a clover. Frost them green and devour none other than-go on, guess-St. Patrick him- ing a lot of alcohol (or in our case, McDon- them. self. ald’s Shamrock Shakes). But apart from these Pull out every green article of clothing you It was a celebration of religion and Irish cul- things, it’s just a day in March-it isn’t a nation- own and wear it, even if it looks ridiculous. ture and heritage. In Ireland, there are parades al holiday in the United States, or even that Grab some friends and go through the McDon- and festivals and celebrations of culture and widely celebrated here. So, why should we ald’s drive-thru, get some Shamrock Shakes, Irish ethnicity that sometimes last days. How- care? and take aesthetic St. Pattie’s pictures for your ever, the holiday has come under fire in the St. Patrick’s Day was first enacted to - cel Instagram. way it is celebrated in other countries, most ebrate the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. Draw rainbows on your driveway with side- notably the U.S. It’s a celebration of Irish heritage and cul- walk chalk. Run around in the grass (if there People claim that it misrepresents and ste- ture, which is super cool! The festivities have is grass, and the ground isn’t still covered with reotypes Irish culture (excessive drinking, reached other countries as well, including our muddy snow) and sit in the sun (again, this is leprechaun outfits, the selling of novelty mer- United States. circumstantial) and look for four-leaf clovers chandise that sent the wrong messages, etc.). This year, it falls on a Tuesday in the middle (provided you can see any clovers at all). So be conscious of the holiday’s history and of Spring Break, so we’ll either all be super Or, if you’re really not in the mood, just what it means to other people. busy or just sitting on the couch in cat pajamas send a ‘Happy St. Patrick’s Day!’ text to your Celebrating is encouraged! Just be sure to bingeing Netflix. If you fall under the latter friends and then continue scrolling through so- be respectful, have fun, and enjoy your day. The new senior class voting in the 2020 presidential election Tessa Pauls times a few months too young to vote. portant voting informed is. Generally, when Features Editor Yet this year, a majority of the senior class someone votes for a person they don’t know can vote. A select number of students in this at all, they aren’t happy with the president The presidential election, it’s back. You ei- class are very excited to exercise their ability they picked after a few months. Being young ther love it or hate it, but no matter what, you to vote and do one of the most adult things one doesn’t give someone an excuse to pick a bad can’t escape it. can do. They have done everything a respon- president and mess up the next 4 years for the Everyone knows the awkward family din- sible voter does. They know the candidates, whole country. ners when politics come up and you could cut their platforms, and have researched and cho- Voting is an important thing, but voting in a the tension with a knife, at work in the break sen the person they believe to be best. presidential election is one of the most import- room when you are just trying to get coffee Other students of the senior class however, ant things you can do to participate in the gov- in peace, or in class when that one kid thinks know next to nothing about the election and erning of your country and of yourself. Wheth- they need to share their political beliefs in the might blindly vote. This is why many seniors er you have been able to vote for years, this is middle of Spanish class. and frankly everyone else at Waunakee is very your first time voting, or you aren’t eligible, it Normally high school students are affected concerned that the seniors are voting this year. is important to know the candidates and what by the election and a few follow it, but they After personally experiencing our seniors in they believe in. The president affects every don’t get a say in anything. Being a year shy classes, it is a little terrifying to know that single person in this country no matter what. of voting and having to wait 4 more years to roughly 200 of them that are addicted to caf- There isn’t a single person in this country that vote for a president seems unfair to those that feine, can barely show up to gym, let alone isn’t affected. If we have a more educated vot- follow politics. Those students know all about math, and have severe senioritis, will be help- ing body then there might be less division in the politicians and feel more informed than ing choose the next leader of our country. our country. most adults, but can’t because they are some- A lot of these seniors don’t realize how im- Student Showcase Sydney Schumacher Features Editor

Anna Alfred is a sophomore representative for ECO or the Earthly Compassionate Organization. ECO is an organization that acts as the school’s green club, an environmentally friendly club that is concerned about the Earth’s future. Anna helps run this club and collaborates with others on new topics that the club can try and tackle. Purple Sage: What is ECO? Anna Alfred: ECO is a club full of driven teenagers aiming for the goals of making our world and school district more of an eco-friendly environment one step at a time. We plan to reduce our own environmental issues in hopes to make our peers and school districts more con- scious of the negative impact we are making on our beautiful world. PS: What is your position in ECO? AA: I am currently one of the sophomore representatives. PS: When does ECO meet? AA: ECO as a whole usually meets two Thursdays every month. However, the main officers of the club meet every Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m.- anyone is free to join us on Thursday mornings! PS: What are some things that ECO is doing right now? AA: A smaller branch of ECO is currently working away at earning Waunakee High school the title of becoming a “Green Ribbon School”. A “Green Ribbon School” is an awarded title that states our school is environmentally friendly, and that we push others to be the same. An- other thing is simply becoming more aware of our plastic usage. This year ECO decided to set plastics as our main focus. We’re tackling the use of plastics in our very own lunchline, trying to find out the best solution to reducing our school’s overall usage of plastic. We are also starting to enforce the usage of reusable bags at shopping stores rather than using plastic ones. PS: Are there any upcoming events involving ECO? AA: Earth Day! With April right around the corner, we plan on dedicating that entire month in spreading awareness not just of Earth Day, but as well as being more environmentally friendly. March 11, 2020 The Purple Sage Page 7 The college experience What to know before going to College Sydney Schumacher What to bring to College Features editor Getting ready to go to college can be a fun and exciting part of a person’s life, it can also be Payton Margenau extremely stressful. Knowing these things before college will make you calm, cool, and collected Reporter on your first day. One thing students should know how to do before they go to college is how to budget. This What to bring to college can be very daunting, not to mention budget should include living expenses, bills, savings, and money for extra things. This will help that you could be moving many miles away from home. Having students manage their money efficiently and keep students out of further debt. some ideas of what to bring can relieve stress and help you feel Another thing students should know how to do before heading off to college, is how to main- more prepared for the next step in your life. tain a healthy lifestyle. This can include making time to work out and exercise or making healthy In terms of food, you will want to bring food that doesn’t ex- meals for yourself. Some simple meals that are healthy and quick to make are salads, soups, and pire quickly. Some examples include ramen, rice, and crackers. grilled chicken. Keeping up with your dentist and doctor appointments are also important for a You might also want to bring jerky or dried fruit. healthy lifestyle. Making sure to book appointments in advance is important along with actually Furniture wise, you will want to bring a trash can, storage bins, remembering to attend those appointments. a fan, a lamp, an alarm clock, a microwave, a TV, and a small Having and maintaining a healthy mind is also a very important aspect of college life. Learning refrigerator. You also need to remember to bring office supplies when to take breaks and how to keep from burning out on all the homework you get. It’s import- needed, like pens and pencils, a printer, paper, notebooks, fold- ant to be able to take a step back and take well needed breaks. ers, and binders. Know that you will make new friends, but have the challenge of trying to maintain old friend- You should also check with your roommate to see who can ships. This balance is hard and it can be even harder when your friends from high school live far bring what. Some people may forget to bring sheets, pillowcases, away. However, it is important to maintain these relationships because you can’t make new old a comforter, and pillows. friends. Another thing to bring is any medicinal items you may need. There are many new experiences in college. Learning how to deal with the good and bad parts This includes pain medication, cough drops, vitamins, and an ant- of these experiences is what college is all about. acid. Bringing some type of disinfectant wipe is also a good idea. Of course, clothing and footwear is a necessity, and make sure to bring the appropriate clothing for different types of weather. Moving in on the first day can be a very stressful day, make sure you have everything packed and ready to go before you move in.

Top Five Colleges

Grace Blitz Reporter

Many students look to continue their education after high school with a four year college. There are many characteristics which determine the “top college,” but according to Forbes magazine, there are five universities that rank highest on the list. Coming in at #5 is Princeton University in New Jersey. It is a private, not-for- profit school and the average yearly student debt is around $4,500. According to U.S. News & World Report, Princeton is one of the oldest colleges in the U.S. with a campus size of 600 acres. A few famous alumni include Woodrow Wilson and Michelle Obama. Things to do before College At #4 is Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It is also a private, not-for-profit school, and the average yearly student debt is about $7,500. U.S. Tessa Pauls News & World Report declares that MIT mainly focuses on technological and Features editor scientific research. Freshmen live on campus versus off. One past alumni -in cludes a famous Apollo 11 astronaut, Buzz Aldrin. Most seniors can’t wait to get to college, away from nagging parents and obnoxious little siblings. They Ranked #3 is Yale University. Yale is located in Connecticut, with the av- just want it to be fall so they can be gone and out of the house. They want to be adults, but there are a few erage yearly student debt being just below $5,000. According to U.S. News things every senior should do before they go off to college. & World Report, Yale is most known for its music and drama programs. They The number one thing to do, and most people forget this, is to relax. Stop trying to do 12 things in a day. have a rivalry with Harvard, another Ivy League school. They are just shy of Stop worrying about things that you haven’t done yet, and stop doing what others tell you to. Start doing 6,000 total undergraduates that enroll. One distinguished alumni is Academy what you want to do and what you think is fun. The rest of these things are just advice, it is most important Award winning actress, Meryl Streep. to do what you want to do. At #2 is Stanford University located in California. It is a private, not-for- One thing that everyone should do is travel. Go with friends, family, or yourself it doesn’t matter. Travel profit school, and according to the source, the average yearly debt isabout the world. Explore what the world has to offer before you get stressed with homework, actual work, study- $8,100. The campus is around 8,000 acres, and is close to San Francisco. There ing, and living on your own for the first time. are many student organizations, as well as graduate programs. World-renowned Roadtrip, go to a different continent, spend a month on a beach getting the best tan of your life. Spend golfer Tiger Woods and Herbert Hoover graduated from this university. time with the people you love and care about because in a few months you will all be in different stages Ranked as the top college in the United States is Harvard. Harvard is located of life, different cities, and what seems like different worlds. You will miss those people and want to get in Massachusetts, and is also a private, not-for-profit school. Average yearly some of the time back that you missed out on being with them. Go see the concert of your favorite band debt for students is just over $7,300, but has a lot of depth in the activities and that you’ve never had “time” to go see before. courses offered. It is an Ivy League school, with an enrollment of more than Finally take the time to become the organized pinterest person that has all their stuff in order. Starting 20,000 students beginning in 2018. Eight U.S. presidents have graduated from college with the right mindset is all about being organized and prepared. However, if you simply can’t wait Harvard, as well as Helen Keller. for college and don’t care about these things, then go get ready for college. All in all, choosing the best school for you is a personal decision and these Find all the furniture you want, make a plan with your parents about when and how you will be coming lists don’t determine what is ultimately best for you. However, sometimes they home to avoid fighting with them later, and find your roommate. There are so many things you could do can be helpful in learning more about a college. before college. You can’t fit it all into one summer, but that’s okay because this is the start of your adult life. Just go have fun, and enjoy your last summer you’ll ever have as a kid.

Page 8 The Purple Sage Page 9 Entertainment Stella Birrenkott, Entertainment Editor Sonic the Hedgehog makes a comeback Rachel Humphrey Columnist

Sonic the Hedgehog is an enjoyable family friendly movie. I’d recommend this movie if you’re in the mood for a funny action movie or if you are a fan of Sonic. Overall, the movie has a relatable theme with many nods to its source material and a mid-credit scene practically begging for a se- quel. Because of these factors and much more, I’d give it a full five gnomes. Sonic the Hedgehog is a movie based on the titular character Sonic, who originated in the game Sonic the Hedgehog in 1991 for the Sega Genesis. It’s fast paced game play, fun graph- ics and Sonic’s uniquely endearing personality heightened the character’s status to be on par with Mario from Nintendo. Overtime, Sonic’s game play decreased and many lost interest in the fandom, until the movie Sonic the Hedgehog was announced to come out in theaters. Sonic’s original design took the media by storm, and not in a good way. Remarkably, the studio and director Jeff Fowler listened to fan’s complaints and rede- signed Sonic in post production, extending the movie to a February 14, 2020 release date. As Source: IMDb someone who’s seen the movie, the redesign Carrey) makes an appearance. Robotnik wants was absolutely worth it and looks incredible. to harness Sonic’s powers for himself and use Sonic in the movie reminds many fans them in his machines which causes Tom and of Sonic from his original 90’s games as he Sonic to flee in search of Sonic’s missing rings. acts like a lonely teenager. Sonic was forced The movie has a heartwarming and relat- to evacuate his home planet and lived many able theme about the negative effects of living Source: IMDb years in isolation on Earth. in isolation while being largely comedic in na- it is. He forms a connection with the town cop ture. The film also has no shortage of action The incomparable Jim Carrey was also a Tom Wachowski (James Marsden) and acci- scenes and everytime Sonic uses his powers standout, putting a lot of effort into Robotnik dently reveals himself. Sonic attempted to es- it’s engaging and visually pleasing to watch. and seemed to have a lot of fun with the char- cape using his rings, but before he could, Tom Special appreciation goes to Ben Schwartz, acter. shoots him with a tranquilizer dart and Sonic the voice of Sonic, who brought a lot of life, Overall, Sonic the Hedgehog is a movie I loses his bag of rings in the process. emotion and charm to the character that had a would definitely recommend you see while it’s The conflict ramps up as Dr. Robotnik (Jim huge hand in making the film as enjoyable as still in theaters. Top 5 Disney Plus original series

Stella Birrenkott 3.High School Musical: The Series 5.The World According to Jeff Goldblum Entertainment Editor High School Musical: The Series premiered The World According to Jeff Goldblum pre- on November 8th, 2019 and won over a new miered on November 12th, 2019, focusing each Disney Plus is not only a goldmine of movies generation of fans of the original High School episode on something universally beloved, like and tv shows, but a platform for new series. The Musical franchise. bikes and ice cream, and dives into the bright streaming service is already setting up premiere ideas behind them. dates for many more original movies and shows, 4.The Imagineering Story but here are some of the best. Pixar’s series takes a deep dive at the beloved Walt Disney theme parks, narrated by Angela 1.The Mandalorian Bassett. The Mandalorian premiered on November 12th of 2019 and welcomed into the Star Wars universe with open arms.

2.Diary of a Future President Diary of a Future President premiered on Jan- uary 17th, 2020 and a new episode follows every Friday. Tess Romero stars as Cuban-American middle-schooler Elena, who will one day be- come the future President of the United States. It’s funny, heartwarming, and doesn’t skip out on culture. Page 10 The Purple Sage March 11, 2020 Entertainment Disney Plus has a classic Repeat it Stella Birrenkott Entertainment Editor “Shakin’ Hands” by Nickelback This song was released in 2008 and is still a fan Holes premiered on April 11th of 2003, star- favorite. ring a young Shia LaBeouf as Stanley Yelnats Source: IMDb IV, a kid who is wrongly convicted of stealing a pair of shoes and sent to a summer camp for delinquents. Skip it The Yelnats’ have been under a curse given “Photograph” to them by their ancestor Elya when he failed by Nickelback to fulfill a promise to a fortune teller. The summer camp requires the boys to dig holes This song came throughout a dried up lake, which sparks mys- out in 2005, but terious questions. hasn’t withstood The warden, portrayed by the brilliant the times. Sigourney Weaver, rewards the kids whenever they find something of significance. Stanley Source: IMDb befriends Hector Zeroni “Zero”, and when he runs away, tries to find him in the desert. There are flashbacks to the story of the 19th worldwide, and starred Disney Channel series century town around the lake, where Miss Even Stevens’ Shia LaBeouf, whose series Kathryn Barlow, portrayed by Patricia Ar- was just ending at the time of release. Dule quette, is in love with an African American Hill portrays Sam, and later appears in the onion seller, Sam, portrayed by Dule Hill. A 2006 television series Psych as Gus. jealous and wealthy white man kills Sam and An episode of Psych references the movie Barlow turns into a notorious serial killer, in a plotline about holes dug by a paleontol- hunting down the men who refused to save ogist, where the protagonist Shawn Spencer Sam. mentions that it reminds him of a movie with Barlow steals Elya’s son, Stanley Yelnats’ Sigourney Weaver. chest of riches, and buries it somewhere un- Holes premiered 16 years ago, and still res- der the dried up lake. A curse is lifted and se- Source: IMDb onates as a wonderfully made movie. Holes crets are revealed in this wonderful story from Holes by Louis Sachar. is available on the Disney streaming service Walt Disney Pictures, based on the 1998 book Holes received $71.4 million in box offices Disney Plus.

“Look at this gnome I have”

Come see Gnickelback Live!

Cartoon by Sammy Geraci March 11, 2020 The Purple Sage Page 11 Entertainment Nickelback deserves a second chance Sammy Geraci Editor in Chief

For as long as most teenagers can remem- ber, it has been quite trendy to hate on the Ca- nadian band Nickelback. The band is often cit- ed as an example of terrible rock music from the 2000s, and doing a Google search of the “world's most hated band” directs users to a page about them. But is the hate towards Nick- elback really justified? In an era of quantized drums beats and com- puters gradually seeing greater and greater use in the recording process, Nickelback were cer- tainly guilty of adhering to the trend. However the quantized drums didn’t really ruin the feel of their songs because they played so tightly as a band, both in a studio setting and live, giving the band a powerful sound. In addition, the drum fill towards the beginning of their hit song “How you Remind Me” is one of the most memorable parts of their song. Beyond the criticism that Nickelback songs are overproduced, they are also criticized for being overplayed. According to Billboard, the aforementioned song ‘This is how you remind me’ was the best selling rock song of the de- cade and the band was the most successful rock band of the decade. Nickelback definitely were overplayed in the 2000s, but being over- played does not inherently make music bad. Great songs like “Stairway To Heaven,” “Liv- in’ on a Prayer” and “Smells Like Teen Spirit” have all been played to death, but are still well regarded. Besides, most teenaged music listeners probably do not remember the time when Nickelback was so overplayed anyways. The Source: IMDb oldest members of our high school student body would only have been around nine years old when the 2000s ended, the 2010s began

Source: IMDb and the music of Nickelback began to see less and less radio play. But what could lead to such a “terrible” band becoming overplayed in the first place? Arguably, Nickelback’s greatest strength was their catchy hooks. In their hit ‘Rockstar’ the chorus sounds powerful, but still invites the listener to sing along about the extravagant ambitions of the music scene. Like Bon Jovi, Nickelback suffered from the excessive play their songs received due Source: IMDb to their tight sound, powerful feel and catchy ruined their reputation. Hopefully our gener- choruses. But unlike Bon Jovi, Nickelback’s ation will take the time to go back and give rise came during the days of the internet, and their music another chance because they have Source: IIMDb the mockery of their overplayed songs forever a catalog worth listening to. The Gnome What it means: What it means: What it means: What it means: What it means: It was awful! Rating It was okay. It was good. It was great! It was phenomenal! Recommendation: System Not recommended Recommendation: Recommendation: Recommendation: Recommendation: Not recommended Possibly recommended Recommended Definitely at all recommended Page 12 The Purple Sage March 11, 2020 Ebba Harrison and Robyn Ryan, Sports Editors Sports Seniors close out winter sports careers Ebba Harrison the Waunakee girls basketball team. “For Sports Editor playoffs this year, I believe we can make a run with the combined talent of our team and the In every sport, there is always a last game or commitment to excellence and ingenuity of last meet or last match. The “last” could be the the coaching staff,” said Lynch. “We are peak- last of the season, or in the case of seniors, the ing at the right time, and I am excited to see last of their high school career. how it plays out this year.” “I will miss the people,” said senior Anne “Going into playoffs, I hope to make a deep Dotzler. Dotzler finished her final cross coun- run,” said Dotzler. “While we are the under- try season in fall 2019 and wrapped up her fi- dogs in our sectional, it will be fun to come nal basketball season. “The people have been from behind. The amount of work the team what makes sports so much fun. I will miss the and coaches have put in throughout the season busy schedules and the constant workouts. I will hopefully pay off as we are peaking at the loved staying in shape with some of my favor- right time,” said Dotzler. ite people.” Lynch’s high school sports career ended at Similarly, senior Caitlyn Lynch, who par- the conclusion of her basketball season. How- ticipated in high school volleyball and basket- ever, Dotzler will participate in soccer in the ball, will miss her teammates. “I will miss the spring. “My final soccer season feels a little people. My teammates made going to practice bit bittersweet. I am excited to start the season worthwhile with their hard work and deter- with big goals and hope to achieve those goals mination. They also became some of my fa- by the end of the season. However, I will miss vorite people who gave me some of the best soccer and all of the people associated with memories and adventures in high school,” said it,” said Dotzler. Lynch. After the seniors graduate, some will con- Despite volleyball finishing their season tinue to play sports at a collegiate level or play before State, Lynch is still proud of her and sports just for fun. “While I am not playing her team’s final performance. “Although we any sports in the collegiate program, I plan to fell short of making it to State this year, our play either club or intramural soccer and bas- team stayed true to ourselves by never back- ketball. I also will run in my free time,” said ing down or letting the pressure crush us in the Dotzler. Sectional Final match. We played some great Whether or not they continue playing sports, Photo by Aimee Meeker volleyball and left everything out on the floor,” the senior athletes will still love the sports they On Senior Night, the girls basketball said Lynch. grew up playing and still cherish every mo- underclassmen prepare for Senior Night with Lynch, along with Dotzler, are players on ment spent with their teammates. speeches and gifts. Boys lacrosse feels prepared for season Robyn Ryan als that want to win for our school and for each players with years of experience, but so will Sports Editor other,” said Cerett. To do so, the team has been Waunakee. With eight returning starters, there working hard during their early morning cap- are not many spots up for grabs. “There is A winning tradition runs deep in the history tain practices twice a week and practices on kind of a battle at the Attack position for who of Waunakee Boys Lacrosse. Thursday nights. “Our new head coach John the new starter will be. And the spot for Mid- Even with a state appearance in 2018 and Gengler has been drilling us on the impor- field is also a battle that is really competitive. making it to the semi finals in 2019, the team tance of moving the ball well around the field Whether it be a young or old guy, I have con- is still not satisfied. This season they are hop- whether it be on the defensive or the offensive fidence in each player to fill the spots,” said ing to add one more thing to the list: becoming side of the field. With good stick skills comes Cerett. State Champs. a lot of goals, meaning we win lots of games,” Their first game of the season will be on Junior attack Clayton Cerett says in addi- said Cerett. March 27 against Appleton in the UW Osh- tion to winning State, the team hopes to regain Hoping to win the Big Badger Conference, kosh Dome at 8 p.m. trust in the community. “I think we have lost the team will have to face many top compet- The first home game will be on April 13 some of that in the previous years. We want to itors. Their biggest competition is the Sauk against Waukesha. The face off will begin at be known as a group of hardworking individu- Prairie Eagles. They will be returning many 7:15 p.m. Girls lacrosse has big goals for upcoming season Robyn Ryan sitions of last season’s 12 seniors. “There are weightlifting twice a week as well as open Sports Editor some big shoes to fill this year,” said Rauls. gyms once a week will pay off during the sea- “We have a strong junior class with Ava Laz- son. For most varsity sports teams, having at zareschi, Izzy Lezotte, and Avery Maly lead- They are putting in more time and effort least one player commit to play at the next lev- ing them. The sophomore class brought lots of during the preseason to help allow them to el is considered “luck,” but for the Waunakee new players to help grow the game this year, achieve their team goals. This season they Girls Lacrosse program, that seems to be the and the freshman class has quite a few experi- plan to remain being conference champs, get- norm. enced players.” She also notes to expect to see ting to compete during the postseason, and just In 2019, the team graduated four to play the varsity level mixed with all grade levels. overall improvement as a team. in college: Anna Davis (UW-LaCrosse), Lexi To prepare for the season off of the field, the As for Rauls, her personal goals are to “re- Kaltenburg (Carroll University), Evan Maupin girls have been focusing on improving their main a top defender in the Madison area, get (Lynn University), and Sydney Lincoln (Law- communication, team chemistry, and working better at the midfielder position, and maybe rence Tech). The 2020 Warriors already have as a team to create successful plays together. score a goal this year.” two players going on to the next level: senior On the field, the team has been training five The team’s biggest competitors for the sea- defender Nikki Rauls to Edgewood College times per week in the two months leading up son will be the Verona Wildcats and Middle- and senior goalie Caitlin Davitt to Illinois to the season. ton Cardinals. The season kicks off at home Tech. With the experience and guidance of Their intense preseason training which con- against WNS (Whitefish Bay/ Nicolet/ Shore- those two, the team will work to fill the po- sists of conditioning with Tammy Greiber and wood) on April 3 at 7:30 p.m. March 11, 2020 The Purple Sage Page 13 Sports Girls soccer readies for season Robyn Ryan rience. Sports Editor Led by senior captains Anne Dotzler, Isabel Barmore, Susie Kettner, and Brooke Ehle, the Being Badger North Conference Champi- team has been working hard in open gyms to ons, making a State appearance, and having prepare for the upcoming season. three players continue to play at the next level With tryouts being the week after spring was no small feat for the 2019 Waunakee Girls break, there is a short turn around to their Varsity soccer team. But this year, they have home opener against Oregon, last year’s State even bigger ambitions. Champs. According to senior outside midfield- The game will begin at 7 p.m. on April 2nd. er Anne Dotzler, the team is hoping to have As for conference matchups, their biggest an even more boastful season: being Badger competitors will be Sauk Prairie and Mount North Conference Champs again and making Horeb. it back to State, leaving with a win. The odds are in their favor given they are With 10 returning seniors and the new ad- returning more than half of last year’s starters Photo submitted by Ben Voss dition of Creighton-commit, senior Peighton and four of the nine players who received Bad- The Waunakee Girls Soccer program warms up Steffen, the team is filled with loads of expe- ger Conference honors in 2019. at their open gym. Winter Sports Update Girls Hockey State: points. Record: 19-4 -200 Medley Relay placed 22nd (team of -Boys Alpine: Finished 2nd with 81 points Conference Standing: 2 Wallace, Busse, Vinson, and Kobza) and qualified as a team for the State compe- Regionals: Defeated Badger Lightning on -100 Yard Butterfly: Vinson placed 11th tition. Thursday, February 20th. (9-0) -500 Freestyle: Kobza placed 14th -Girls Boarders: Finished 2nd with 90 points Playoffs: Defeated Icebergs on Tuesday, -100 Yard Backstroke: Vinson placed 12th and qualified as a team for the State compe- February 25th. (6-1) -400 Yard Freestyle Relay: team of Kobza, tition. Lost to Metro City Lynx on Friday, February Busse, Wallace, and Vinson placed 19th -Boys Boarders: Finished 2nd with 82 points 28th. (0-3) Overall, the team placed 29th of 36. and qualified for the State competition as a Coming up: Season Finished team. Gymnastics State: Qualifiers for the 2020 Wisconsin Boys Hockey Conference: Saturday, February 22 at High School Ski & Snowboard Champion- Record: 17-7 Waunakee High School. The team took 3rd ships on February 15-17 in LaCrosse, WI. Conference Standing: 1 place with a team score of 135.425. Skiers: Regionals: 3rd Seed for Division 3, Section- Sectionals: Saturday, February 29 at Middle- Girls al #4 ton High School. Sydney Thompson (Defor- -Ludwig placed 6th in Super G Playoffs: Defeated Cederberg on Thursday, est Junior) qualified for state placing 2nd on -Ludwig placed 31st in Slalom February 20th. (9-2) the balance beam. The team took 5th place Boys Lost to Waupun on Monday, February 24th. with a total score of 132.2 -Ludwig placed 2nd in Super G (3-4) State Tournament: Friday, March 6th and -Schuster placed 15th in Super G Coming up: Season Finished Saturday, March 7th at Wisconsin Rapids -Ludwig placed 8th in Slalom Lincoln High School. Results unavailable. -Schuster placed 20th in Slalom Girls Basketball -Ludwig placed 2nd in Giant Slalom Record: 19-5 Wrestling Overall, Ava Ludwig placed 10th out of 151 Conference Standing: 3 Conference Standings: Co-Conference competitors. Gretchen Johnson placed 90th. Regionals: Defeated Janesville Parker on Champions with Baraboo Thunderbirds As a team, the boys placed 7th out of 21 and Friday, February 28th. (68-37) Regionals: Saturday, February 15th at Ludwig finished third overall. Defeated Badger on Saturday, February 29th Middleton High School. Team placed 1st. Boarders: to claim the title. (75-35) Kolby Heinz (11) at 120, Sam Lorenz (11) at Girls Boardercross Lost to Madison Memorial on Thursday, 132, Braysen Ellis (11) at 138, Berhett Statz -Freshman Cami Streifel placed 4th March 5th. (58-70) (12) at 145 and Colton Grindle (12) at 170 -Freshman Sarah Meyer placed 6th Coming Up: Season Finished all moved on to the State Tournament. Went -Sophmore Calia Hinckley placed 12th from Thursday, February 27th to Saturday, -Freshman Lila Darragh placed 14th Boys Basketball February 29th. Girls Boarder Giant Slalom Record: 17-5 Day 1: Preliminaries and Quarterfinals. Lo- -Streifel placed 8th Conference Standing: 1 renz and Statz moved on to the quarterfinals -Meyer placed 13th Regionals: Defeated Watertown on Friday, on Thursday night. -Hinckley placed 16th March 6th. (68-55) Day 2: On Friday, February 18th Heinz, -Darragh placed 20th Played Sun Prairie on Saturday, March 7th. Lorenz, Statz, and Grindle ended up in the Girls Boarder Slalom (Results unavailable) consolidation bracket. Lorenz and Statz won -Streifel palced 4th Coming Up: TBD their matches while Grindle and Heinz fell to -Meyer placed 10th their opponents. Hinckley placed 14th Boys Swim Darragh placed 16th Conference Standings: 2 Ski/ Snowboard Boys Boarder Giant Slalom -Junior Luke Kobza- 1 in 500 freestyle Conference Standings: -Junior AJ Beery placed 10th -1 in the 400 freestyle relay team of Kobza, -Girls Alpine: finished 7th in the Wisconsin The girls overall placed 2nd & the boys 6th. junior Paul Busse, sophomore Sean Shrader, High School Alpine Racing Association and junior Zach Vinson Southern Conference (WHSARAS) with 34 -compiled by Olivia Napadensky Page 14 The Purple Sage March 11, 2020 Sports Boys golf has confidence in upcoming season Robyn Ryan the varsity team will be adding two very com- come away with the conference title. Person- Sports Editor petitive players to the mix. ally, Meganck hopes to “keep a low average Junior Will Meganck tells of the team’s score and change my mentality when I walk Losing fore top seniors on a varsity team goals for the season: winning conference and up to the tee and work on one shot at a time.” may seem detrimental to most, but the Wauna- qualifying for team state. To do so, the team The boys will tee-off their season in the kee Boys Golf team has wasted no time putter- will need to beat out top-competitors Middle- Badger-Big 8 Challenge at Maple Bluff on ing around to fill the open spots. With junior ton and Marquette. “Both are always tough April 13, beginning at 12 p.m. Connor Keenan and sophomore Cole Ross competition every year,” said Meganck. With- Filled with lots of expertise on that course, stepping up after finishing last year’s JV sea- in the Badger North, the boys feel confident in the boys are looking to have high performance son sweeping the competition in every match, beating their closest opponent, Reedsburg, to by all. Girls track and field ready to match last year’s success Ebba Harrison themselves for the 2020 season. seniors,” said Bova. Sports Editor “This offseason, I joined a track club down “I mainly just want to bring down my times in Milwaukee, which included meets on week- from last year. It doesn’t really matter to me if The Waunakee girls’ track team readies for ends and driving to Milwaukee every Mon- I go to State or place there again. I just want to a new season after ending the 2019 season day, Wednesday, Friday for practice. I really drop my 400 time down,” said Larsen. with success. Last year, current juniors Chloe think that has been helping me and hoping it’s Track season approaches, and the girls track Larsen and Sarah Bova placed at the State going to make an impact on my seasons,” said team looks forward to this year’s experiences. meet. Larsen finished first in the 400 meter Bova. “On top of that, I have been swimming “I’m really looking forward to just being back dash, while Bova trailed Larsen, finishing in in the mornings before school and Tuesdays and hanging around with my track group and fourth. In the 4x400 meter relay, Waunakee and Thursdays going to the Village Center for friends because it’s just such a positive envi- placed second at the State meet. The relay speed classes.” ronment, and we are always having fun,” said team consisted of Bova, Larsen, current soph- “I have club volleyball going on right now, Bova. omore Kylee Grabarski, and current graduate which helps me get prepared for the upcom- “I’m mainly looking forward to spending Riley Armstrong. ing track season, as well as cycling classes time with my friends at track again. It’s such After last season’s ending, Bova and Lars- and workout classes at the Village Center,” a fun group and they help make the workouts en feel pressure to repeat their success. “Yes, said Larsen. more bearable,” said Larsen. I kind of feel some pressure because of how Grabarski stayed in track shape by partic- The first girls track and field meet ison we all performed last year. However, on top of ipating in high school basketball this winter. March 26th at McFarland High School. The that, just being a junior in general, I feel like She is ready to get back on to the track after first event begins at 4:30 p.m. this year is a really important year and means her basketball season concluded. The girls’ first home meet is on April 21st. a lot,” said Bova. With preparation in the offseason, the girls The first event begins at 4:15 p.m. “I do feel pressure to perform well again hope to improve performance. The first running event is the girls 4 x 800m since I feel like that is what everyone expects “This season, I’m hoping to drop times in Relay with the 4 x 400m Relay concluding the from me now, but it just makes me excited to both my events, more so in my 400. Howev- meet. see how far I can go,” said Larsen. er, on top of that, I just am looking to have The team is excited for the upcoming sea- The girls prepared in the offseason to ready a fun season and make it a good one for our son.

Featured Players of the Month

Gretchen Johnson Lawson Ludwig Photo submitted by Gretchen Johnson Photo by Rachel Meylor Interview by Ebba Harrison Interview by Ebba Harrison

Girls Alpine Ski Boys Alpine Ski

Purple Sage: When and why did you start skiing? Purple Sage: When and why did you start skiing? Gretchen Johnson: I started skiing 11 years ago. My mom was an amazing Lawson Ludwig: I started skiing when I was two and started racing when I skier and wanted me to follow in her footsteps. was in third grade. I first started racing because an old friend brought me to a ski racing practice, and I loved it ever since. PS: Describe your favorite moment you have had skiing. GJ: Making it to State this year was really cool. PS: Describe your favorite moment you have had skiing. LL: My favorite skiing moment was getting to ski in Austria at the Stubai PS: What has been your favorite place to ski? Glacier. GJ: I love to ski anywhere in Colorado. Copper is my favorite hill. PS: What goals do you have for yourself moving forward this season? PS: What has been your proudest moment of your high school ski career? LL: My goal this year is to win the overall at state. GJ: I was proud of my friends on my club ski team for making it to State too. PS: What has been your proudest moment of your high school ski career? LL: My proudest moment of high school skiing was winning the Super G at PS: Do you plan to race in the future? state when I was a sophomore. GJ: I plan on racing once in a while but with college it will be hard to be as committed as I have been. PS: Do you plan to race in the future? LL: I plan to coach and race next year at Mt. LaCrosse while I attend UW-LaCrosse.

March 11, 2020 The Purple Sage Page 15 Katherine Ikaunieks Sage Page The History of Animal Crossing Animal Crossing has been around since 2001, and with a new game coming out March 20, 2020 this is the history of the Animal Crossing games. Animal Crossing (2001)

Summary: A young girl/boy hops on a train for a village full Animal Crossing Wild World (2005) of humanoid animals. When they arrive, a raccoon named The player moves to a new town, Tom Nook offers them a small and Tom Nook gives them a house. house, and then the player The player can now sell fruits, fossils, works for Tom Nook to pay off and things they find to earn bells. their debt. Once the debt is Wild World is the first Animal Cross- payed, the player is let go, and ing game to have real time events, on their own. The player meets even when the game is off. villagers and the mayor to help them.

Animal Crossing City Folk (2008) Animal Crossing New Leaf (2012) The player moves to a new The player moves to a new town, and Tom Nook gives them town and is mistaken as the a house for a loan. This time, the new mayor, and now lives in player can ride a bus to the city that role. The player starts off by where the ‘special visitors’ live living in a tent (that Tom Nook (animals who come for holidays, provides), and can be upgraded. shops, etc.) and many more vil- Customization was a key new lagers were added to it. feature added to New Leaf.

Animal Crossing Amiibo Festival (2015) Animal Crossing Happy Home Designer (2015)

The player works for Tom Nook It’s basically Mario Party, but at ‘Nooks Homes’ and is tasked Animal Crossing characters. with designing homes for various Of course, each game corre- villagers. One character, Lottie is sponds with a month like in the introduced to help the player with main series. It was disliked by their job. a majority of people.

Animal Crossing Pocket Camp (2017)

An app on your mobile device, the player is camping. Doing the same tasks over and Animal Crossing has been a big over again. The player can customize their game of many students childhood, campsite and have their favorite villagers due to the calm nature of the games at that site only after doing long tasks. You and the creativity it allows. The mu- don’t need to spend money, but they want sic and gameplay are meant to relax you to. and unwind, with this simple game. Characters from Animal Crossing even appear in other games, like Su- per Smash Bros.

Animal Crossing New Horizons (2020)

The player goes to a deserted Gnoel the island after purchasing a vaca- tion package from Tom Nook. Gnome The player lives on an island, has to craft items, have stami- is hidden na and populate the island. Tom Nook also gives the player a somewhere tent, so that one day the player can get into debts trying to buy in this issue. a house from Tom Nook. Try to find R.I.P. Frillard, 110 years young him. All images from nintendo.com and are owned by Nintendo Page 16 The Purple Sage March 11, 2020