december the 2012 precedent VOLUME VI ISSUE III PERRY HIGH SCHOOL || PRIDE · PROGRESS · PURPOSE || GILBERT, AZ Rivalry between Perry and Basha forth even as security was trying to separate them. becoming red-hot Blader stated, “I was trying to stop them from fi ghting; I was pulling our guys away, and trying to get in the middle of it.” Soccer teams Security was able to rolling separate the students from Boys soccer starts 3-1; both schools and get everyone ladies 2-1 to kick off moving out the doors after about fi ve minutes of the new season. fi ghting. Page 10; 12  e confrontations, however, carried over into the parking lot, where a few From movies, to books, small fi ghts erupted before being swiftly broken up by to oddball web pages security. and apps, everyone has Amidst all of the an opinon about the commotion, a few students were hurt; Principal Dan ending of the Mayan Serrano confi rmed that calendar on Dec. 21. actions to punish several Page 6-7 students have been taken, explaining that, “ ere were some students disciplined for behavior in the parking lot from both sides.” Plans to utilize bus lot Serrano said, “I don’t buildings located behind think the behavior was very the student parking lot photo by Paige Coakley good, however, with the for additional classes are Senior Nathan Henderson (center) prepares the Varsity basketball team for future games this season, after rivalry, a game that is so Perry’s defeat at Basha High School on Nov. 30. close, and the number of forming. students who were there, Page 3 has developed between the clear that neither student the front of Perry’s bleachers, that’s not uncommon. I’ve Is the Val Vista schools increased the energy. section was ready to call it a harassing the students at the seen that before.” With just seconds game. front of the crowd. As the basketball season Rivalry getting left on the clock in the Even after the players Some students tried to carries on, the Perry vs. Basha Legalization of fourth quarter, junior Jake had exited the main gym leave the area, while others game planned for January on marijuana in Colorado out of control? Mortensen scored a three trash talk and shouting retaliated. Perry’s court remains on the and Washington fi res pointer, tying Basha and commenced. Senior Reggie Blader horizon. By Gavin Maxwell bringing the game into Security decided to let knew immediately that  e hype for this game up the public; the two the precedent overtime. both schools out separately, this was a serious situation, and the excitement will most points of view compared Last month’s Perry versus However, the Pumas letting Basha come down recalling “I got wide-eyed certainly be at an all time side by side. Basha Varsity basketball eventually lost to Basha with from the bleachers fi rst. and knew this was not going high. Page 5 game was packed with action a score of 76-72. While some students to be good at all.” Serrano made the both on and off the court; As the fi nal buzzer headed for the doors, others Before long, the students reassuring statement that, the intense rivalry which sounded, it quickly became unexpectedly charged up to began shoving back and “We will be prepared.”

A new group is form- ing on campus, one that School-wide ACT scores comparable to nation’s involves taking on the By Marisa Costagliola national level.  is picture art of the emcee: rap. the precedent can be a bit muddled, since Page 9 Perry’s ACT scores comprise  e ACT scores of our of every junior’s scores, and students are not only making not only a specifi c number the charts, they are keeping of students, such as it is at This year’s boys’ up with top competitors. other schools. basketball team adjusts Matt Strom, Director of “Our administration of Research and Accountability the test to 100 percent of our to a new coach and in the Chandler Unifi ed students makes comparisons season. School District (CUSD) to other districts in the state Page 11 says, “ACT scores provide and in the nation quite the district and schools diffi cult,” Strom says. with several measurements  e ACT test also that help us gauge our compares how college-ready World/Nation: eff ectiveness.” students are. In order to keep it free CUSD provides the Strom says, “Established to its 450 million users, money to pay for a test for by researchers at ACT, we worldwide, Wikipedia has each student of the junior know that 65 percent of the launched a fundraiser asking class. “[ e test] compares seniors at Perry this year are that users donate $3. kids that are forced to take college-ready in English. A non-profi t organi- it to kids that choose to take Based on a similar college zation, Wikipedia has it,” Serrano says. readiness cut scores in been able to operate Most students enrolled mathematics, 46 percent of without advertisements in other schools across the seniors at Perry are college national or subscriptions since its the nation do not get this ready in mathematics.” ACT SCORES AT A GLANCE inception in Jan. 2001. A opportunity.  e students Compared to other message currently posted on that take the test are the schools, many students here the encyclopedia’s web page ambitious students that can are ahead of the game, yet, states that the days of free also aff ord it. Perry does not off er much Wikipedia might be coming “Most of these other preparation for the test. to an end. districts have a self-selected “In my opinion, I really Vs. pool of test takers which think the students should consist of a biased sample take the initiative and PHS USA Table of Contents from the elite students at go through the booklet 21.3 photos by Brianna Bartos, illustration by 21 21.1 20.9 school,” Strom says. themselves,” Senior Chelby 20.1 20.3 Paige Coakley 20.5 News || 1-3 Given that Perry’s entire Johnson says, “but for 20 Opinions || 4-5 junior population is being students who have a hard AP seniors study in class for the Doomsday || 6-7 compared to only the more time with self-motivation, ACT and other standardized tests. motivated students at other I would probably give the Preparation is key in order to be A & E || 8-9 schools, it provides a picture successful on either type of these opportunity for review English Math Reading Science Sports || 10-12 of how the school’s students, sessions to go over anything rigorous tests. as a whole, compare to the they might need help with.” SOURCE: Chandler Unifi ed School District 2 news || the precedent || december 2012 AP test Crowded campus may warrant bus building usage Over-populated resulting in a demand for be going away anytime more teachers and space. soon.” tax credits campus has extra Principal Dan Serrano In addition to new explained, “We are over rooms, vice principal classrooms, literally, capacity so I am asking the Joe Greene gave details no longer district, why we can’t use which demonstrated the in backyard those unused classrooms?” layout of the bus bay Adding these classes to by sharing that there is available By Torrey Thompson the school campus would be indeed an auto the precedent benefi cial to students as well, shop By Rachel Lattin because of the introduction the precedent For the upcoming school year, the bus bays in the of new courses such as, back of the school may be mechanics, programming, Advanced Placement engineering, and robotics. (AP) students have more turned into new classrooms for students due to AP Physics than just fi nals to worry t e a c h e r about as summer approaches. overpopulation. While two AP testing – which occurs of these classes are already throughout May – assesses designated for school use, students on curriculum from administration is striving to their college level courses. gain the other three unused Students can earn college rooms in order to help stop credit from this at a lower teachers from having to price than Dual Enrollment, “travel.” but this comes with a risk. It is easy to see the In prior years, tax credit importance of these could be used to pay for the classrooms and buildings, 89 dollar tests. especially since the school is  e state auditor decided already at 90% capacity. that this was no longer Because of numerous applicable in the district. computer labs and the “It defi nitely disadvantages on-campus daycare, the students,” AP Government school has lost space for and Human Geography students and staff on school photo by Brooke Karakey teacher Jessica Pullen said. grounds. After all of the bus drivers have successfully completed their morning rounds, they proceed to park their vehicles in the bus lot. “If they are confi dent in Next year, the school is In the structure parallel to the buses lies extra classroms; dormant and rarely used by the bus driver community. their abilities, the spending expecting an infl ux of around of roughly 90 dollar to earn 700 freshmen, outnumbering Andrea Strock clarifi ed, “I intended for school use these classes because of a likely force administration to a potential of 6 or up to 12 the 515 graduating seniors think we need auto shop currently being used limited budget. Along with add these classrooms to the college credits defi nitely this year, which will only lead and mechanics, those are the for storage.  e school overpopulation, the growth campus and these courses to outweighs it.” to higher classroom rates; technical trades that won’t has strayed from adding of the STEM program will the curriculum. In order to earn the coveted college credit, a student must receive a certain score on the test. Former Basha teacher leads band to new heights On a one to fi ve scale, a Kiesgan moved here from competition. fi ve, four, and sometimes a Basha and was formerly an  e last competition three are accepted at schools assistant director for four of the season; the WBA for credit. years. Championships took place in For each 89 dollar test, a When the position opened Fresno, Calif. where the band portion of the money is given up, he thought it would be a took second in their division to the school and put into an great opportunity to open up by 0.3 of a point and fi fth AP testing fund. his career and applied. place out of all 43 competing  is money can be used to According to Kiesgan, a bands. help those who have a hard fi rst year band director does According to the Perry time paying for all their tests. not normally do as well as the Bands Weekly (a weekly “If you take three or four band has done this season. newsletter Kiesgan publishes [AP tests], it can get pretty Evidently, Kiesgan has for band members and expensive,” Principal Dan broken the cycle and led the their parents), the band Serrano said. “We are looking band to many successes in his accomplished a major for ways to help the students fi rst year, “I am very satisfi ed landmark in WBA history. aff ord the tests.” with the progress.”  ey were the fi rst band Although the tax credit As for next year, Kiesgan in the 2A division to win the change may impair some plans on h i g h e s t families, it should not have continuing I felt it was a huge step and m u s i c too signifi cant of an eff ect. t h i s i think that the Perry band s c o r e “We have always p r o g r e s s , “program has set a new precedent overall. provided fi nancial aid for “ ere is for itself.” M a n y those students that qualify,” photo by Kaleigh McCormick a small ~freshman trumpet player of the band Assistant Principal Joe The new PHS band director, Brandon Kleisgen, in the middle of teaching one of his classes senior class, Zachary Lovvorn s t u d e n t s Greene said. “Both the state while students proceed to read music and carefully practice the assigned piece. so there appreciate and College Board provide probably won't be that big of the work Kiesgan is doing for reduced fees and free tests By Victoria Lovvorn Just recently on Dec. Band Festival as a symphonic a diff erence [in class size].” the band. for those who qualify the precedent 1,the symphonic band placed band. Because the majority of “I felt it was a huge fi nancially.” Although marching band superior at the band’s fi rst  roughout marching the group is underclassmen, step and i think that the  is change is not season may be over, the new festival this school year. season, the band attended the band will not face much Perry band program has suspected to considerably band director, Brandon Not to mention, it was the various competitions and of a size issue since it can set a new precedent for impact anyone, but if it does Kiesgen, is still taking the fi rst time in the [symphonic] made their way to the Super only get bigger. itself,” freshman trumpet there are plenty of ways the Jazz and Symphonic bands to band’s history to take such a State competition and placed An increase in size would player Zachary Lovvorn school can support them. new levels. high title at the Fall Concert third. only lead to higher division commented. Debate wins fi rst and second place in novice public forum event By Paola Carrasco “It was also a huge “Both pairs went through school every Tuesday, and the precedent accomplishment because that and won many rounds until independent research. was our novice public forum they reached the top of their Debate club president,  e debate team placed debate team, and that says a brackets, leaving each other as senior Cassie Langenhorst, fi rst and second in their lot for our kids,” she said. the only other available team describes the group’s divisions at a recent statewide  e novice public forum is to debate,” Kemp-Buzan said. preparation as rigorous. tournament hosted by Desert meant to be a debate related “ is automatically gave both “We prepared by getting Ridge High School.  e to current political issues teams fi rst and second place, in each other’s faces and tournament’s topics involved that could be understood by since a school cannot debate arguing,” she said. “We were policy in the Middle East, a public audience; seniors itself.” ese victories were stoked to fi nally break Perry and if it undermines the Dante Bartee, Bailey Wheeler, the highest placements the into the mold and beat the United State’s national Will Walker, and freshman debate team has won to date. schools who thought they security. Sritej Attaluri succeeded in  e team gained would win the tournament “ e debate was amazing, the debates. preparation through the past by default.” best in history,” coach Angela Attaluri and Walker two tournaments, which PHS will look back on Kemp-Buzan said. “We’ve debated as a team, placing totaled to about 40 hours of this tournament as their fi rst gone to tournaments before fi rst in their division, while debate time over the course accomplishment as fi rst and photo by Brooke Karakey and competed, but this was Bartee and Wheeler worked of two weekends, as well as second place recipients in the (From left), senior Bailey Wheeler, junior Dante Bartee, fresh- the fi rst time we’ve ever taken together to receive second fi fth period debate class with novice public forum debate man Sritej Attaluri, and senior Will Walker debate each other. home a trophy.” place in the same division. Kemp-Buzan, meetings after division.

news || the precedent || december 2012 3 “Basketball last year (2011- STEM students prepare 2012) was our first time ever Unified Sports triumphs doing unified sports,” Nora Boettcher, special education advisor, says. Boettcher has the for future endeavors pleasure of working with all of the By Roger Bennett unified sports athletes on the field the precedent on the students and could in fact and in the classroom. make it difficult for the kids to “It’s not like I can see direct A newly-conducted program succeed in their own eyes. results in the classroom. I see it was introduced this year, giving The requirements for more globally, on a macro level.” incoming freshman a chance to participating students include The sports programs have allowed partake in college preparation the maintenance of a 3.0 GPA the kids a place to shine and courses; this year was the trial. throughout high school, and four compete together. Science teachers and freshmen years of honors and AP science “Our students have built advocates all take part in this new classes; “It’s a very stressful program friendships and relationships program. for them [the students]... it could outside the classroom,” Boettcher The STEM program allows be a cause of the kids dropping out said. With the support of Perry students strong in science, of the program... and no one will faculty and students, the special mathematics, and technology know its significance for another education students have been able to be challenged in said areas. four years,” says participating to become more open, social, and It also informs the students of STEM science teacher, Stephanie even competitive. the prerequisite Hawkins. Often Special education achievements science and math With 109 students time students can published with permission of Unified Sports have skyrocketed with hard work classes needed participating this year, it was attest to the stress The Perry Unified Sports team after playing at a stadium. and dedication. in the pursuit“ greater than [initially] thought.” associated. of engineering -assistant principal Joe Greene In addition, careers. “If a student can “The STEM not maintain Student body president exceeds Program is progressing very well... the program’s standards...it is by By Cooper Gambee with 109 students participating this no means a failure,” says biology the precedent StuGo advisor, states, “Haley came college in California. I am really year, it was greater than [initially] teacher Jerry Irion. in as a freshman and she was one of trying for that,” Cwiakala explained. thought,” assistant principal Joe This is due to student standards Senior Haley Cwiakala has a those kids who you just knew she However, she has other plans if Greene said. Initial success is evident being raised every year, which makes very important role at Perry. As was going to do a great job. She has going to college in California does and the program’s process and core competition for grades consistently Perry’s student body president, been phenomenal.” not work out. ideas consist of opportunity for the increase. When a student cannot Cwiakala has many responsibilities In addition to being student “If not, I will be going to incoming students. Along with its maintain the competitive edge, it around campus that range from body president, Cwiakala is also on ASU,” Cwiakala stated. She really implementation, more additions may feel demeaning. having to go to district board Perry’s Pom squad. When enjoys being part of arise from assistant principal Joe Overall, it is up to a students’ meetings, to overseeing StuGo asked if it was difficult to StuGo and making a Greene himself. perception of their future goals activities, to giving new students juggle StuGo responsibilities difference in student’s “With its success, there may be and their future attempts. If they tours around campus. and Pom, Cwiakala high school experiences. an engineering class introduction feel motivated it could be an “Every month I have to go to replied, “It’s a lot of time Most importantly, her going along with this program adventurous pursuit, or, they might a district board meeting and meet management and I have to experience in StuGo [and its standards],” he says. This be crushed. with the CUSD board to tell them find time to do everything, has made her excited can provide a better point of view The school’s influence is about Perry and give them student but it’s nice that a lot of our to come to school on an engineering career, and definitely a great impact; however, feedback,” Cwiakala states. Having events are the same.” She Cwiakala every day. “StuGo has administration should definitely be the conclusion is unknown until been on StuGo all four years of also chuckled, “I’m handling it.” definitely changed my high school pushed for the students. this year’s freshmen graduate and her high school career, this year is After she graduates from Perry, experience,” Cwiakala stated. On the contrary, the program apply for college: in four long, the first time she has been student Cwiakala is striving to go to a “Without StuGo, I wouldn’t have may be creating more of a challenge hopeful years. body president. Brandon Keeling, university. “I’m hoping to go to even enjoyed high school.”

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magine the board meeting went something From Basha rivalry to the like this: “Alright guys, how can we both waste time and money?” return of MORP, students IWith that, the Finger Evaluation system was born, weighing roughly the same amount give their thoughts on the as $164 thousand. Beginning this year, a district mandate accompanying new common core standards fi nal days (of 2012) are now being enforced by administration. e “Marzano Evaluation System” looks for 41 indicators in educators classrooms seeking HOORAY: Good news for many students evidence of successful teaching methods. was announced at last Friday’s assembly. After Some examples of these include a few years on hiatus, the MORP dance is learning goals, visual rubrics, and the fi nger photo by Ciera Woodfi n returning to PHS in February. is is exciting understanding method. news for most seniors because in past years Not only have evaluations become more Students show their understanding using the fi nger evaluation system. there has only been two dances: homecoming time consuming for administrators and shows a student is a little lost, and one fi nger years ago actually states that 33-to-50 percent and prom. teachers alike, but the meddlesome theory if a student just woke up. of an educator's evaluation will be connected also has yet to be proven eff ective in schools. Now while twos’ and threes’ are the most with standardized test results, but the BOO: Buying lunch in the school cafeteria is e most obvious evidence of the typical, some boys and girls are more tempted Chandler district has yet to confi rm. anything but convenient. As the prices sky- mandate’s infestation can be seen adorned to show their understanding with a one, Many wonder what infl uences the 65 rocket, the portion sizes seem to shrink before on the walls and whiteboards of teacher’s because this allows them to use their favorite member-committee of teachers and former our eyes. Who wants to spend 20 minutes classrooms. fi nger... and it is not the thumb. teachers to vote yes on buying the Marzano standing in line for a slice of pizza that will Although the vocabulary displayed on Most controversial, these new system. set you back more than $2? It is offi cially these signs diff ers from teacher to teacher, implementations will aff ect a teacher’s salary It may be the same reason that Jack bought time for the school and cafeteria to take the concept is basically the same: four fi ngers based on the score that they get on said magic beans or an out of work Lindsay Lohan action on the service, quality and prices. if the lesson is second nature, three fi ngers evaluation. bought a mansion - the world will never displays basic understanding, two fi ngers Legislature that passed in Arizona two know. HOORAY: Winterfest was a brilliant show produced by all of Perry’s art programs. Besides band, orchestra, choir, and theatre, the improv team hilariously performed stand- College-bound students gain ups that left the audience gasping for air.

BOO: School library fi lled with students doing everything but studying. We’ve said it little from On-Demand writing before and we’ll say it again: it would be nice to have a real school library where we could research (online and on bookshelves), and School-wide decision to improve writing transforms not battle people from the community and kids hoarding computers to play video games. into an unnecessary practice disregarded by colleges Really, what’s the point? Since common core standards are more HOORAY: Block Day Barz takes Perry by ALYX refl ective on standardized tests such as SAT storm and starts to make blocks days a little ALCALA and ACT, it is imperative to observe how more exciting. Teachers versus students in the precedent colleges and other post-secondary institutions rap-battles is something we never thought weight the writing sections. we’d live to see - and it is totally worth it! (See e writing section’s addition came in the story on page 9.) spring of 2005 and three years later a study ith another year of practicing was released from a professor at Massachusetts BOO: e parking situation proves to be On-Demand writing in swing, both Institute of Technology. very disorganized. Parents continuously drop- novices and veterans alike are left is stated that the SAT writing section ponderingW the benefi ts of such an exercise. was most indicative of a student’s collegiate off students in the wrong parking lot, causing longer lines for us to leave campus, while also As a school, Perry chooses an area of focus performance or success. increasing the chance for car accidents. to dedicate to in all classes, and for the past Despite this study, many universities have few years, that focus has been writing skill. begun disregarding writing scores, only taking HOORAY: For the hours of class time spent Arizona’s Instrument to Measure Standards the reading and math into consideration on doing Writing on Demands. It’s made my writing scores was signifi cantly lower than applications. essay writing a cinch! e new format has other areas of the test, so it became necessary Along with these truths, the question taught better research techniques, as well as a to improve scores all across the state. arises: why are students subject to school more real-world writing style. However, with the abolition of AIMS, improvements using On-Demand Writing, photo by: Brianna Bartos and the nearing emergence of common core if it may not be entirely advantageous in the BOO: School override did not pass. Sorry Students focusing on On Demand writing standards, writing is becoming overlooked. pursuit of college education? future Chandler district student, you might not be receiving proper funds for education within the next several years. At least there is next year for it to pass. HOORAY: ey are fi nally turning that little staff information shopping center that has been devoid of life the precedent into something. It’s always seemed boring Pride • Progress • Purpose since the Basha’s store closed down three or so years ago. Maybe it will fi nally attract some life here and the businesses here will bloom. || Opinions Editors || || Photo Editor || Perry High School Alyx Alcala Travis Klein BOO: To the end of the world. Later Ciera Woodfi n || Staff Reporters || this week (Dec. 21 to be exact) the world 1919 E. Queen Creek Rd. is supposed to come to a catastrophic Gilbert, AZ 85297 || Social Media Editor || Cooper Gambee || A & E Editors || Michael Wolfe Amanda Lee conclusion, well, according to some people. 480-224-2800 Although the Mayan calendar does seem to Rachel Lattin Hallee Lovely 480-224-2820 fax end, it does not mean the world will too...er... Victoria Lovvorn || Staff Reporters || Gavin Maxwell we hope. Gabbi Albin Samuel Morton || Newspaper Adviser || || Features Editors || Roger Bennett Sydney Redman HOORAY: e cafeteria has fi nally started Damien Tippett serving healthier food. New salads, humus, Lani Dekker Paola Carrasco Torrey Thompson and an increase in the variety of fruits and || Co-Editors-in-Chief || Tatyana Garcia Paige Coakley Stevie Tomaszewski vegetables has left students satisfi ed. Brianna Bartos Ryan Coleman Erik Yates || Sports Editors || Marisa Costagliola BOO: Being able to use tax credit for AP Brooke Karakey tests is no longer allowed. Students who plan Mitchell Albrecht Rayni Elliott on taking the tests will no longer fi nd that Kwaku Asare they can get their money back. The Precedent is published by the student newspaper staff at Perry High School. Opinions expressed in the paper are of the writers and do not HOORAY: Key Club is helping people necessarily refl ect those of The Precedent staff, the adviser, the faculty, or the administration of Perry High School. Please e-mail all questions, everywhere this holiday season! Students have comments, guest articles, or letters to the editor to [email protected]. All submissions must be signed; however, requests for anonymity been participating in activities in order to may be honored. help out with the surrounding community. opinions || the precedent || december 2012 5 point|counterpoint: Legalization of marijuana It is legal and safe It is a potential gateway drug if they do not have control OnCampus over themselves. Moreover, on the body and studies with marijuana’s legalization, have even shown that CIERA citizens are concerned that WOODFIN it is far less dangerous abuse might happen again, What do you the precedent than that of alcohol. although there have been Also, while you cannot no reported major incidents smoke Marijuana in the under the in uence. think about U.S., the highly addictive  e side e ects can come n America, we have cigarette is legal and into play with people and the legalization created laws to regulate readily available and causes what they choose to do while how and when we get numerous diseases that high - the same can be said certainI products. However, potentially lead to death. of marijuana? for people abusing alcohol. the view on what should With alcohol and Even though the be legal, has created a cigarettes legal and Washington and Colorado obtainable to people, why controversy among U.S. law states that individuals Emily Chemurce citizens. Marijuana is one is Marijuana the exception? must be at least 21 years of the most disputed topics that Nevertheless, it is a age to purchase pot, look Junior has created a line between concern that making at national liquor laws. people who believe that it Marijuana legal can further Across the nation, people should be legal or illegal. make other serious drugs, have had to be 21 to buy Recently, Colorado such as cocaine or meth, and consume alcohol, but and Washington have to surface into society. somehow teens still get ahold become groundbreakers  at being said, of it. Somehow teens still in making Marijuana Marijuana is only associated abuse it. How can anyone legal on a federal level. with those drugs because of say that the same will not Our country is repeating its relation to other illegal happen with legalized pot? the process of Prohibition and black market products. Just like the kid who that occurred in the 1920’s, Also, making it legal can nation more publicly than it showed up after sneaking which temporarily outlawed potentially make the desire already is. Several states have some whiskey into his the sale, manufacturing and or usage diminish, mainly HALLEE even legalized marijuana as if lunchtime cola, who’s to say transportation of alcohol. because things that are LOVELY “I think people abuse the precedent it were alcohol. If you are 21 kids won’t sneak a smoke it. Most poeple think of  is resulted in illegal, causes some have a and older, some states allow or bake it into a lunchtime citizens in an uproar, higher aspiration to use it. it as an excuse to smoke. you to take possession of one treat?  e e ects will still I mean, maybe if it is a causing crime to rise and In the end, what some ounce for recreational use. be the same: statewide more laws to be rati ed. might think will hurt rowing up people In 2004, Montana academics will be in jeopardy medical reason [but] Marijuana being legal society, can possibly help it. know the di erence approved marijuana for and marijuana will be much people abuse it.” can decrease the amount Taxing it might make between good and medicinal purposes and in tougher to police with it of underhanded sale and the positive results in Gbad. We teach our children 2011 replaced it with more being legal for recreational Drew Krabbenho o enses that so many which the economy needs. in school that drugs are bad restrictions.  e obvious use (think of how kids get American’s commit. If society quits with programs like D.A.R.E. occurrences that the drug their hands on alcohol - Junior For those on the opposite making Marijuana a  e more we approach somehow had a negative legal friends buy it for their side of the spectrum, substance associated with the future, the more it seems turn around for the state younger counterparts). think about how alcohol hardcore drugs, instead our rules and regulations and needed to be  xed. Even with the states causes the numerous of something natural, it to keep America clean are Like in the prohibition that are legalizing the drug, problems it does today. can be legal in the U.S. becoming loose. With the days, people were afraid of it is still a federal crime. Drinking and driving has recent passing of legalized alcohol’s e ect and sought A question everyone killed thousands of people a marijuana in Washington out the damages that it should contemplate is: year, while using Marijuana and Colorado, it has come does. Since then, people should we allow this drug has never recorded a death. to a national stand still on have used it inappropriately to infest our community, However, any substance whether it is appropriate by coming to school drunk, diminish educational values, can cause an of e ect to let marijuana sweep the driving drunk; they act as and the lives of children. “I don’t think it’s right. I think it will Computers lack effi ciency causing students problems corrupt our state ultimately produce a  nal latest operating system has Windows 7 will be outdated. more and more out of date. capital.” COOPER product worthy of a good added many new and  ashy Technology changes every  ey soon might not GAMBEE grade is painfully frustrating. features. day as new and exciting even be able to run the the precedent It takes about three minutes Windows Search, Jump products, programs, and newest versions of important Marice Lodice to boot-up,  ve minutes Lists, and new versions of devices are invented. Soon programs to students such Senior to log in, and another Microsoft O ce are among these new devices will push as Word and PowerPoint. very student at Perry three minutes to load any the slew of new features that today’s devices out of the  is reason alone is why has used the school programs that are needed they make the computers spotlight. Perry and the district need computers at one time during class time.  at is easier to use. Windows 8 is Microsoft’s to upgrade the student orE another. Being school about eleven minutes needed  ese features would newest operating system and computers. computers, they are expected to even begin working.  is be great if students were it promises an even greater Even though Perry should to be a bit sluggish. can really hurt a student’s not plagued by the slow amount of features. upgrade their computers, However, since the last productivity when they performance. However, the school they should not sacri ce an update to the operating are on a strict assignment While the computers are computers will not likely run arm and a leg for them. system, which gave the deadline. Not to mention, still slower than desired, they this operating system at a  e wrong move would computers Windows 7, the the time it takes to begin have been getting better. satisfactory pace. be to purchase higher end sluggishness has become working is about double on Recent updates have  xed a In a year or two, computers for thousands “I think that since borderline unacceptable. the student laptops. wide amount of performance Microsoft will release yet of dollars when that much its at a state level, it is Trying to log in, browse However, not all problems issues that were present another operating system and power is not needed. a set up and the federal the web for research, and come without bene ts.  e at the start. But in time, the computers will become government has more power to catch people. The End of the World! I think they are going to By Sean Allen tax it heavily.” Zach Lovvorn Freshman

“Well, as they keep the medical marijuana in a safe place, and you can only use it if you have a licence, or a doctor signs o on it, then it’s safe.“ 66 features || the precedent || december 2012 features || the precedent || december 2012 77 Will December 21st be the Do you think the world will end END OF DAYS Dec. 21 2012? We asked people Mass destruction or bad movie plot? Nothing more than another hoax around campus. Here’s he closer December 21, 2012 gets, the louder people are screaming ‘the sky is falling!’ Theories have been conducted that give people the suspicion that in four what they had to say: By Erik Yates days, the world will end. the precedent TTheories like the Mayan calendar have people high strung, since the Mayan calendar to know. But one thing is for certain, people from the world’s ends on that day. Ulises Urenda top scholars to the average Joe down the street seem to Although people believe the Mayan calendar predicts total world destruction, what many people HALLEE Lead Custodian here is much more to the Mayan have an opinion about December 21. LOVELY are shy of knowing is that Mayans did not account the precedent calendar’s long conclusion than the All over the world there are people who are bracing for leap years. If the Mayans had accounted for leap doom and gloom portrayed in the film for doomsday, and others who are treating each years the world would have ended 16 months ago. “2012.”T Three years ago Hollywood said that What scared people even more is the realistic day like any other. The theories of how the world movie ‘2012’ which came out in 2009 and scared people beyond belief. And it John Cusack would save the world from its may end are bountiful, such as Nibiru (more worries people even more to think that Superstorm Sandy that flooded the east own continental shift, but in just a couple of commonly known as ‘Planet-X’) colliding with coast is just the beginning, which is similar to director Roland Emmerich’s idea days on Dec. 21, millions of people around the Earth. of mass destruction. For many people 2012 and the theory that it is accompanied by, is just a globe will be wondering, if not praying for a There’s also the theory of solar flares engulfing joke to pass along the time. Tweets about dying soon are all but a laugh. This real savior. Earth. However, N.A.S.A. has debunked any, fandom seems to be pushed not by accuracy but the laugh factor it entitles. Beliefs of the 2012 Armageddon stem from if not all of the theories about the Earth’s The heinous predictions that the destruction of the world is near, which can not be a proven fact until the deadline of the world, causes fear in the ancient Mayan civilizations’ calendar could-be death. The solar storm activity people’s souls. “No, what I heard is the ending on Dec. 21, 2012. However, contrary has been relatively low and solar flares have Past accusations of the world’s demise have caused nothing but chaos Mayans made the calendar til to what pop-culture would have us believe, only been known to strike certain satellites and an increase in sales for all consumer goods. People will believe anything that day because thats the start many scholars say that the end of the calendar that higher powers tell them, so manufacturers will make the world at a of a new era.” according to N.A.S.A., but never anything stand still right after the doomsday believers crowd to stores for a black- is not an end-of-the-world prediction, but a that could destroy the planet. According to friday-like stock up on “necessary action kits.” Fred Bryant new cycle similar to a New Year’s Day, only N.A.S.A’s web site, solar flares might be the Any further thought of world extermination would be nothing but a much more momentous. highest on record in 2013, but they do not waste of time. The theories that are being spawned will continue with the Senior years as the world grows older. The lack of caring and total seriousness put The Mayans were expert astronomers and expect any impact on Earth. into these theories that are continuously brought up several times every year their calendar has been one of the most accurate There has been no solid evidence about only to make it a pop culture prank. to date influencing the modern-day Gregorian any of the doomsday predictions, just So lock your doors, and say goodbye to your loved ones and friends this calendar. The Mayans, being superior warriors, guesses and estimates – mostly on personal semester, only to come back again. mysteriously and surprisingly disappeared web sites on the World Wide Web. leaving the calendar possibly unfinished with Some people do not know what to believe in; Other theories on how everyone will die the date Dec. 21, 2012 as the last recorded date, some are not swayed to believe that the world thus making many people believe that the end will end and others have been preparing for the of the calendar signifies the end of the world. end for years. The world has been predicted to There has been much speculation about the end many times but civilization will just have to “No, I don’t believe in doomsday disappearance of the Mayans: was it a collapsing wait and see if the predictions were right or wrong. and extraterrestrial stuff.” of their society, a deadly natural disaster, a civil If on Dec. 22 we’re all still drinking our Starbucks and war, famine or being wiped out by another checking our Facebook accounts, then Cusack’s ‘2012’ group of people? The fact is that nobody seems movie might be nothing more than a bad comedy. Sun supernova Earth’s solar system’s Alyssa Barlow sun is predicted to die Junior out causing a massive supernova on December 21. Planetary Alignment Families prepare for the worst This theory involves the planets aligning up all at once and causing the Nibiru/Planet X massive destruction of Earth by a black McClung is not selfish hole created at the center of the solar By Tatyana Garcia A brown dwarf planet was predicted system. the precedent with his sufficiency skills. He to collide with Earth this year. created a website especially to As we approach what people are buy survival products to prepare calling ‘the end of the world,’ people the predicted apocalypse. Funded Apps for ‘The End’ are preparing for Dec. 21, the date by amazon.com, the website has “NO! Because then I in which the world, as we know it, everything from gas masks to water wouldn’t be able to meet Justin is supposed to end. In Stockport, purifiers. Bieber. And I’m going to meet England, a man named Simon In an interview with The New Kin 3D him.” Dillon,47, has a separate part of his York Times, McClung was asked An interactive calendar where you house, dedicated for his stockpile of what will become of his website can find daily kin information, food and water. If there were ever when 2013 arrives. fases of the moon and more; Free Jake Crawford a situation where he was not able “I hope 2013 rolls around Freshman to shower, Dillon is ready for it. and everyone laughs at me,” he Although people around town call said. “That would be fantastic,” him crazy, he thinks of it as having McClung responded. a plan, and being prepared for Stores such as Costco and whatever comes toward him. photo by National Geographic Walmart are selling emergency Stockport resident, Simon Dillon, showcases his stockpile of food and other necces- Apocalypse Earth The stockpiling epidemic is not sities for whatever may come to him and family. pails for those who also want to only in England. In Mesa, Ariz. be prepared for whatever hits A game to save Earth from Mayan Calendar family man, Dennis McClung, has he raises chicken and tilapia. The water in which the fish live in humanity. destruction; 99 cents portal diverse ways of preparing for the This resourceful man doesn’tis pumped through various fruit So, whether people believe in Learn more about the mayan worst. have to worry about buying fish and vegetable plants, providing the the world ending this week or not, calendar and daily energies of the “Yes, the Mayans said so.” In his own backyard, McClung food. Chicken droppings provide McClung family with the resources preparing families and households day; $2.99 turned his swimming pool into nutrients for the fish, making this to live with as little need to go to is something that can be extremely an underground garden, where creation completely self-sufficient. the store as possible. useful, or completely pointless. 8 arts & entertainment || the precedent || december 2012 Moffett showcases talent on FOX’s ‘X Factor’ Freshman dancer’s dedication to performing leading way to television appearances By Sam Morton the precedent

Many people tune into the show ‘X Factor’ each week to see all the unknown talent in our country but, most students are not aware that there is a familiar Puma face behind the star performers. ‘X Factor’ is a television music competition franchise that was originally created in the United Kingdom and has spread throughout the entire world since. America’s ‘X Factor’ was created by Simon Cowell in September 2011. Over ten million people tune in each week to watch talented singers from across the country. The singers are critiqued by the panel of judges including Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, L.A. Reid, and Simon Cowell. Freshman Addison Moffett recently had the opportunity be a backup dancer for the show. She auditioned for the first time last year, but did not get it. She tried again this year and made it. “I’m a really big fan of ‘X Factor’ and I didn’t get it last year so I felt like I had to redeem myself,” Moffett said. The audition was set up by Moffett’s agency, Block Agency. The agency sends her emails, informing her of any upcoming jobs and auditions. After making the show, she traveled to CBS Studios in California from Nov. 24 to the 28. Moffett performed as a backup dancer for contestant Diamond White. She was on the show on Wed. Nov. 28. Moffett had a great experience being on set for a few days. “I got to meet all the contestants,” she said. “I got to see Britney [Spears] because she was the mentor of the person I was dancing for…but I didn’t talk to her.” Moffett has been dancing since she was seven years old. During this long, demanding journey of dance there have been highs and lows. Despite this, she refuses to give up her passion. “I have sometimes [thought about quitting] because my friends say it’s too much, but I think it’s just more of a career and it’s just more fun,” she said. photo by Paige Coakley Moffett hopes that her future holds more opportunities Freshman Addison Moffet warms up in Moveo practice. She recently had the opportunity to perform as a backup dancer on the like this. television show ‘X Factor.’ Futuristic “Divergent”entertains and intrigues readers By Amanda Lee virtue above all else. make their choice at the belonged somewhere, and in the shiny Capitol, or even pumping scenes while giving the precedent Abnegation values cleverly-named ‘Choosing you could imagine yourself in the deadly Arena. You you a heroine who would selflessness, Amity praises Ceremony’. Beatrice Prior’s in the dusty District 12, or understood the dynamics of make mincemeat of Katniss Before I begin to paint friendship and happiness, results are inconclusive, Panem and its history. in a fistfight. my opinion on this book, and Candor worships meaning she is “Divergent”, Divergent is not like that. Logic aside, Veronica Roth I’ll preface it with something honesty, spawning brutally and could be killed. Instead, imagine a board is a pioneer in her brand- you should say to yourself honest walking lie-detectors. The next 400 pages of the game, with absurd rules, new (but seemingly drunk) before reading any book: “I Dauntless supposedly serves novel consist of Beatrice’s but nobody really questions story ideas. Her writing was can focus on how much this as protection (but from initiation in her new faction. them, because, well, invisible, neither detracting book ultimately sucks more what?), valuing bravery, and The initiation is chock- you’re playing a game on a from nor adding to the story. than a Chanel commercial the Erudite pride themselves full of jumping off moving cardboard square. (Why are There’s a distinction with Brad Pitt, or, I can on intelligence, while the trains, jumping off rooftops, you the automobile, and I’m between “I liked it” and “It focus on how much fun it is other factions see them as jumping off tall buildings the thimble? Why am I going was good”. At the end of the reading this.” evil. (Corrupt, arrogant (lots of adrenaline), UFC to jail?) This book displays day, it’s up to you whether or Divergent, by Veronica intelligence is the only kind fighting and psychological very poor world-building. not you’ll enjoy Divergent as Roth, is set in futuristic that exists). torture methods. The meat Seriously, it makes as much I did. Chicago, where society has At age 16, every citizen of of the story appears around sense as nailing Jell-O to a carved themselves into five this (unnamed) society must page 415. tree. Get over it. factions (Abnegation, Amity, choose a faction in which Remember Hunger The book’s salvation is in Candor, Dauntless and to live for the rest of their Games, where everything its ability to produce seriously Erudite) each who sets one sorry, dystopian lives. They had a place? Each district heart-pounding, adrenaline- Novel-based movie “Life of Pi” captivates audience first swarms into your head. in the entire movie dedicated took the time to introduce sea. He is a fighter, and in to see, along with showing By Michael Wolfe But with this wonderfully to the subject is when Piscine the characters and their past, that sense the audience finds the precedent the dark and dangerous side composed film, “Life of Pi”, is dubbed his nickname, Pi. to really get the audience it even harder to not feel bad that can kill in a second. The When you think “Life of it is far from math you are Starting out, ‘Pi” did not to understand what was for him. The flurry of mixed scenes left a beautiful picture Pi”, it is most likely math that thinking of. The only scene look promising. The movie happening. When you go emotions keeps you on your and a newfound respect for to the movies, you almost toes throughout the movie. nature. come to expect the movie By the end of the movie, you During a few scenes, to just jump right in, no were leaving either sorrowful there could be a question in background first, not really and in grief or you were your mind about the ethics any introduction. joyful about how it all turned of what events had taken “Life of Pi” was surprising out. place, before your eyes, only in the way that it captures the Although some of the moments ago. audience from beginning to scenes where farfetched and The overall theme of the end. There is no complicated hard to believe, it did not movie was not accepting storyline to follow, there is keep you from understanding defeat. Not only that, Pi only complex and relatable in the end what had just learned that your greatest characters, much like happened. You were not left enemy can be your greatest ourselves. Pi, a relatable 16 questioning the events that chance for survival. By the yo., captures your feelings, had just taken place, nor end of the movie, you will be which is a far cry from how were you wondering why it wanting and craving more; the audience should really had just happened or what more beauty, more danger, feel. significance it played. more story. Pi is capable of taming The movie showed the a wild beast, capable of mystical and wonderful ocean photo by MCT Campus surviving 227 days lost at that not many get a chance arts & entertainment || the precedent || december 2012 9 Marquis recieves prestegious theater award By Stevie Tomaszewski A novice to theater class, senior the precedent Nathanael Rowden explains that Although Perry has several Marquis “is just like one of the qualified and exemplary teachers, students--I’ve sat down and had one specific individual, Shawna dinner with her and it’s just like Marquis, has stood out due to talking to a friend, although I still her outstanding achievements as a respect her as a teacher.” drama director. This year Rowden is in In November, the Perry Marquis’ Advanced Pantomime theater department attended the and Characterization (APAC) State Thespian Festival in which class and played the role of John Marquis received Proctor in The the “Coach of I’ve sat down and had dinner Crucible. the Year” award. with [Marquis] and it’s just like “[Marquis] M a r q u i s “talking to a friend.” helps out with submitted ~Nathanael Rowden my acting applications to because she gives the Thespian her opinion organization in order to be without making you do what considered for the award. “I she says. If I try something she photo by Jessica Shackleford Marquis steps in during Donevin Fox’s (11) and James Yoo’s (11) scene practice to encourage more of a theatrical think the fact that we were the suggests, she usually just tells me approach. Those enrolled in her class have the opportunity to gain acting knowledge due to her methods. state champions in Arizona had a to do what I originally did because factor in me winning,” Marquis it was really good.” theater,” Marquis states. Schulze. in order to find out what I enjoy explained with a grin. However, Marquis is not a She continues to inspire all “I was in a play in junior doing most,” Schulze remarked. Over the span of her teaching newcomer when it comes to of her current students, under high and wanted to expand my Marquis’ passion for theatre career, Marquis has influenced a receiving awards in theater, and upper classmen and even experiences in acting in high keeps the class competing and number of students to participate “In high school, I was actually theater veterans who have known school, and [Marquis] has given performing in theater events on in theater. awarded ‘Best Actress’. Theater theater was their calling since the me so many opportunities to be in and off campus- which helps is my passion, it has always been beggining, like senior Katelyn different shows and competitions boost its popularity on campus. “Block Day Bars” has prodigious affect on students By Paola Carrassco and myself lyrically. It’s a positive I’m breaking his laws,” states Pullen, Torrey Thompson way to settle a dispute. It’s good leading to her victory at the Dec. 4 the precedent because the past three years during rap battle, where she proclaimed, “I Among the restless population conference have been spent sitting defy the laws of gravity.” that inhabits Perry High school, around doing nothing...now we After her win over Abdullah, there has arisen a group of students actually have something to do.” Pullen moved on to face AP that have discovered an outlet This group is supported by economics teacher, Trent Thornton, which allows a flow of creativity to different teachers, one of which otherwise known as ‘Turbo’, in the be released, which helps cure the decided to enter the rap battle season finale on Dec. 12. Well over everyday stress of high school. herself, challenging the undefeated 100 students were present to witness “It all started with my friend and Abdullah, and ultimately stripping the groundbreaking battle between I. We had a little argument, and away his title. these two teachers, where Thornton in order to settle it, we decided to History teacher Jessica Pullen, ultimatly won as the crowd cheered have a rap battle,” Nasib Abdullah recently appropriated the title of him on. (otherwise known as “Yung Seeb”) champion in her battle at Block However, the club has faced states, who was undefeated rap Day Barz, shares her sentiments its obstacles. For example, after champion until recently. about the rap contest. using inappropriate language in The recreational rap battle group “This might be one of the only one of their battles, they faced the “Block Day Barz”, takes place in the activities that has been organically necessary repercussions including physics classroom of science teacher, derived from students. This is not dismissal from standing in front Andrea Strock, on Tuesday during aggressive, violent, nor destructive- of the cafeteria in order to have conference period. but productive.” the battles, and it also lead to Students express their concerns Pullen decided to take initiative censorship of lyrics. through rapping in a ‘your turn-my in her support for the battles, Principal Dan Serrano comments turn’ format, shooting rebuttals entering herself and rapping her on the danger saying, “Sometimes and rhymes back and forth at one own lyrics in a battle against Yung they can turn into fights. I do another. Seeb. support the idea, but there needs to Abdullah describes this outlet, “Sir Isaac Newton? You don’t be guidelines and regulations.” photo by Torrey Thompson “[rapping] allows me to express have his jaws. My name is JPull and “Young Seeb” points to his opponent intensely while rapping during “Block Day Barz.” These battles attract a more extensive audience every day. The Odd 1s Out by James R. Fashion heats up this winter

By Hallee Lovely one or two pieces of velvet to your the precedent collection to make sure you stand out. To help students that want the “If you plan on going to thrift model look on a student budget; stores or Goodwill, anything like fashion forward ladies, junior that, plan on spending a long time Miranda Williams and senior Joana in there. Look in even the boys Amponsah, are here to give you the section! but sometimes what you're details on how to saty warm and looking for may need alterations” fashionable this season.. claims Joana. The girls confessed some of their The best look for this season shopper savvy secrets by helping is comfy, which means oversized students find places to get the jackets, sweaters and shirts; even for most bang for their buck. “Some males. For ladies this look can be good places to shop are Forever topped off with a nice sock bun or 21, Clothing Co. (Gilbert and a loosely curled high pony. Germann), Platos Closet, definitely “Its all about your body type.The Goodwill and H&M.” way of dressing is a way to express While you're there some things yourself,”says Miranda to look for are deep reds, purples This season make sure to save and mustards. “For winter fashion your money for your close ones and the colors are similar to spring remember to shop cheap at thrift colors, just darker hues” says fashion stores such as Goodwill, Savers, and coach Joana. Platos closet. Some staple pieces to make sure If you need creative ideas on you have in your wardrobe this how to dress warm but still stay in season are lots of beanies, scarves style, the ladies of fashion club are and combat boots. always willing to help. Any kind of faux leather or fur But don’t forget about the best will be great at not only keeping online resources, YouTube and you warm but also on trend. Pinterest which always have creative If you have any holiday event to and stylish ways to keep warm this attend this winter, make sure to add season. 10 sports || the precedent || december 2012 Our Take EYEING THE PRIZE: e Cardinals seem to be caught in a downward spiral this season, especially after losing 58-0 against the Seahawks. is Demarco, Puma soccer sets sights on breakout game marks GAVIN the ninth MAXWELL 2012-13 campaign defeat in their the precedent h o r r e n d o u s losing streak. e season By Paige Coakley DeGrow did. in particular the precedent has been a “It avenged last year’s loss...showed nightmare for e lady Puma soccer team is already the soccer world that we have talent.” Arizona head undefeated with a 2-0 record, but has ey play Basha again January 17th, coach Ken tough opponents ahead. Four of their which could be a crucial rivalry game Whisenhunt. A team should next ten games are against teams who for both teams. not suff er such a devastating made the playoff s this past season, and One soccer player is more excited loss unless they completely lose three of those games are back to back about playing Highland than Basha. focus and give up, which is bad to back. Sam Demarco says, “I’m looking news for any coach. Hamilton is their next opponent, forward to Highland because they beat e unfortunate reality is who went to the state championship us 7-0 last year, but we held them 1-0 that Whisenhunt cannot seem game, then one game later they play at half so I feel like we can compete to motivate this organization. Gilbert. with them.” e Pumas already lost One of his biggest issues has “Not a lot of easy games,” coach to Highland this year in the Tempe been trying to fi nd a reliable Garald DeGrow states, “but we are Diablo Tournament 4-0. quarterback to rally the team photo by Kyle blessed with a team where our bench Demarco states, “We have a really around. Other than a quick run Correll is just as good as our starters.” DeGrow good chance of winning it all this year with Kurt Warner however, the Goalie Saman- believes that having equally talented because our team is more of a unity, Cardinals have not been able tha Demarco players is better than superstar starters. we have good players, and we gained to fi nd anyone capable of really looks on as It also gives his team a boost, a lot of experience from last year.” In giving the off ense an edge. she awaits to being one of the only sports programs order to get to the playoff s they will So long as the quarterback save yet an- this year to beat Basha. Many of the have to go through their tough stretch juggle continues, the Cardinals other goal for pumas called this a revenge game, even of schedule. will probably continue to choke. her team. Perhaps it is time to consider cutting some of the player who take up larger portions of the budget so that the team can aff ord to secure a more reliable Soccer slowly spreads quarterback. After all, what Senior prepared to good is a stellar set of receivers if you do not have anyone who throughout the United can feed them the ball. have strong fi nal year States and reaches many By Mitchell Albrecht soccer remains the 5th most viewed UPCOMING the precedent sport in the country. In almost any other country around the world, EVENTS soccer reigns as the top sport. Boys Soccer From MLS to English “In other countries soccer is a 1/17 Basha, 6 p.m. way of life, in America, football is,” and Spanish Leagues, sophomore Zach Johnson states. 1/24 @ Mountain Pointe, 6 p.m. soccer continues to grow However, soccer is growing in the United States. Attendance for MLS Girls Soccer soccer games has steadily been e United States is a nation increasing over the past few years. 1/17 @ Basha, 6 p.m. that runs on athletics. Sports like During the 2012 season, the Seattle 1/19 Gilbert, 4 p.m. basketball and baseball are frequently Sounders racked in an average broadcasted on national television attendance of over 43,000, nearly and football consumes viewers on a 5,000 fan increase from the 2011 Boys Basketball Sundays. Even less popular sports season. 1/17 @ Hamilton, 7 p.m. such as hockey attain viewers. Even Arizona State University 1/23 @ Chandler, 7 p.m. e 2012 Stanley Cup attained fans will gain the luxury of soccer nearly 929,000 viewers across three games. Over 5,000 seats are being photo by Commercial Photography networks during the fi rst round of added in due to the Phoenix FC Arch Ratliff prepares for a takedown on a Basha wrestler Girls Basketball the playoff s. Wolves coming to play at Sun Devil 1/17 Hamilton, 7 p.m. e one sport that continues soccer Stadium. More fans are By Sydney Redman “Oh yeah!” with a little chuckle. 1/21 Chandler, 7 p.m. to struggle in gaining a foothold making their way out to these games the precedent Singing has taught Ratliff not in American society is soccer. every year. It is conference period and kids to quit and how to work as a team Regardless of being one of the Also, by bringing world class from every corner of campus are player. SPORTS BRIEFS most frequently played sports in players to the league, such as David spilling out of their classrooms en Being a part of a family full of With NFL playoff s approaching the nation with 380,000 boys and Beckham and ierry Henry, the route to their clubs. e artsy kids wrestlers has helped Ratliff become players have been getting serious, 340,000 girls participating in school quality of American soccer is on the go to their artsy club; the jocks go to a better wrestler. training harder and focusing on based soccer programs according to rise. their athletic clubs; some people go “Ever since I was a little kid I moving their team forward. It is the 2008 US Census, professional When asked about the presence get some tutoring. would wrestle with my dad just defi nitely an exciting time for both of these international players in And then there’s one of Perry’s before bed and he would let me fans and players. Recently, however, American leagues Johnson mentions, top returning wrestlers – senior win,” he said. “Eventually I got to there seems to be nothing but bad “I think it’s great they bring more Arch Ratliff . the point where I could almost beat news in the world of football. popularity to the sport.” Raising “Arch has been a four year leader him- and now I can, it’s pretty much On Friday Dec. 7 Josh Brent the quality of soccer in the US is on our team- forget wrestling, he’s every night where he will wrestle and Jerry Brown of the the Dallas essential to its growth. Soccer players a good person,” head coach Darren each of us.” cowboys went out drinking. After in world class leagues such as the Johnson says. “Arch’s nickname is He wrestles with his brother, leaving the bar, Josh Brent chose English Premier League (EPL) and Captain America because he does Aaron Ratliff and they are always to drive home while under the La Liga in Spain are known for their everything right.” wrestling. infl uence, resulting in a horrible exceptional technical ability and the Ratliff , who wrestles at 126- “We have a wrestling mat in the accident. Josh Brent survived the high level at which they play. pounds, is an avid “Harry Potter garage,” Ratliff mentions. incident while Jerry Brown was not rough developmental programs Club” member, singer, Eagle Scout, Ratliff is always practicing, which so fortunate. He was killed in the such as the Real Salt Lake Academy and two-time state qualifi er in shows his dedication to the sport crash, suff ering fatal injuries to his in Casa Grande, Arizona, the United wrestling. and how much he enjoys wrestling. head and neck. States is working at raising the level Ratliff says, “Eagle Scouts helped “A lot of people think wrestling is Just a week prior on Saturday of youth soccer in the country. By me with leadership capabilities and individual, but it is really about the Dec. 1 Kansas City Chiefs allowing young athletes to focus a helped me to work with a wide team. And you’ll do stuff that, you linebacker, Jovan Belcher, drove to larger part of their lives to the game, variety of diff erent people.” know, aff ect the team and you want the Arrowhead stadium where he the quality of the sport is improving One of the top wrestlers, he is to aff ect them for the good.” proceeded to commit suicide in front which in part increases the talent also a church choir boy. His mother Ratliff cares for his team as their of his manager and head coach. is level of American soccer, attracting says that by not performing outside leader and will lead them to victory fatality occurred after he had shot more viewers. With more viewers, of his church he is wasting talent, as his career wrestling record for and killed his girlfriend. the sport is allowed to spread and but he says he is not a fan of singing Perry is 103-32 and his individual Perhaps the pressure mounted on hit every person in the nation. in front of people. record for 2012 is 10-2. Whether it’s via radio, television, or When asked if he is the type of Out of all of the varsity wrestlers, these players has become too much. photo by Jacob Colmenero e weeks ahead will surely be fi lled live events. Soccer is rapildy growing person to be singing in the back of Arch is one of the 14 wrestlers going with plenty of speculation. Kade Bishop strikes a free kick and reaching far lengths after starting the bus, Ratliff comments proudly, to Wisconsin competing against 60 from his position as defender. out so small. teams from fi ve diff erent states. sports || the precedent || december 2012 11 Once again, AIA Elbow injury sidelines star player for year causes Contro- versy for

By Michael Wolfe “Taking a year off hasn’t athletes the precedent really helped or hurt my grades…they are about the same,” Mortensen said. His TRAVIS Imagine coming back grades are staying the same, KLEIN to high school after taking which allows him to continue the precedent a year off to find all of your playing for the football and friends a year older and ready basketball teams. to graduate. His performance for each ifty miles makes a Jake Mortensen, now a team has only gotten better big difference. It can junior, should have been because he has had a year to separate you from graduating this spring, along recuperate and practice for longtimeF friends, locations with those friends but an the field and court. He has where your favorite childhood elbow injury took Mortensen had more of an opportunity memories were held, that tree out of the 2011-2012 school to better himself as a player where you got your first kiss year. than most of the students, under- you get it. “I was doing these on the team, have had. But in the case involving workouts [for football], and Mortensen is now ready to the Arizona Interscholastic I put alot of stress of my compete in the teams again. Association (AIA), it is elbow.” Mortensen said, “I With Mortensen taking the exact distance that can had a dead bone cart on a year away from school, he separate you from playing my elbow.” Mortensen was has had time worked on a your beloved school sport for required to attend physical strategy and practiced his an entire school year. therapy and the doctor had game play; his plan of attack. The AIA has been known given him the all clear [to Although Mortensen’s for concocting controversial play again]. His elbow was senior friends are graduating guidelines over the years, fine throughout sophomore this year, and he will not be, but nothing surpasses this year, but over the summer he has noticed that this move idiotic rule. This rule will it popped again, from doing has helped him in many keep an athlete from playing pull ups. ways. Mortensen is now their respective sport for one Mortensen is part of the more mature and is much school year if they transfer to varsity football and basketball more advanced. another school within a 50 teams. When Mortensen Mortensen does find it mile radius. got the news that his elbow weird that he will be one of Have the AIA board injury would take him out of the only students that will get members not taken the game for an entire season, to stay a year more than his into account the family he made the decision to stay fellow peers but it has helped emergencies that can cause out of school for a year. him and he is glad with the a student to move 50 miles “I didn’t want to miss a decision he made. away from their previous year because that would have “I have noticed that taking school, or has that just kept me out of the game,” a year off [from school], has blown over their heads when Mortensen said. If Mortensen advanced me and I am a lot they are conducting such had taken a year away from more mature than I would conferences? sports, because of injury, he have been.” Whatever the case may would not have made the I was doing these be, the AIA has once again varsity team. workouts for football out in failed in producing a reliable Although taking a year off Scottsdale - I was throwing a system. school has helped him in the lot and putting a lot of stress You could say there are photo by Travis Klein game, he still has relatively on my elbow. I got dead bone Senior Jake Mortensen (above) has been known for his football skills and his basketball skills. a few (very few) benefits in the same grades. cart. on of my elbow. implementing this rule. It would help crack down on athletes who are transferring to a school for the sheer Performance enhancers Lady Pumas basketball embarks purpose of having a better chance at winning a state continue to cause scare in title. on a fresh season with new girls It would also help eliminate the chances of a new transfer student earning high schools nationwide By Paige Coakley There’s no drama this up for the big upcoming a starting position nod over the precedent year,” senior Jenna O’Dell game. However the girls are This season’s lady puma mentions. at a slight disadvantage. an athlete that has been By Kwaku Asare Some physical results in the school’s system for the precedent basketball team is ready to Aside from their everyday “We have a small team appear too quick though. take the season by storm. warm-ups and moment of with in height; we just a longer period of time. Amongst the quiet This then leads to the With a group of girls that silence for coaches on game have to be aggressive,” Ruiz However, there are more subtleness of high school skepticism that illegal have been playing together days, the girls don’t really explains. With the loss of efficient ways of eliminating sports lives, there is always enhancers are being tampered for two years, they are very have any bonding traditions. their Posts-taller players on such cases. that one controversy that will with. In cases such as these, comfortable with each other. “We’re trying to come up the team- our Lady Basketball To prohibit the first case, be brought up continuously; schools tend to pull students “We’re all pretty close.” with one, but nothing yet,” players now have to gain the school can look into the students and the use of from classes to test them Eryn Ruiz, returning varsity Ruiz says. The girls have had their inches in their hops and reason why a student has performance enhancers. to make sure that they player, states. The team has enough time to bond and leaps, to match the taller size transferred to their school Detrimental substances are actually clean and not had a lot of time to get to get to know one another, competition. Height wise, and come to a conclusion of such as powders, supplements, disobeying the AIA’s (Arizona know one another including but now is the time to put the team is equipped with whether they should be able and needles assist athletes to Interscholastic Association) summer workouts last season their combined skills and guards, so they really have to play or not. edge out their competitors. rules. Those who are caught as a teammates and now as personalities into action. The to put the effort in and beat If there were some Whether legal or illegal, are immediately punished returning players. girls all look ready for a fight their size disadvantages. uncontrollable cause that different things can happen. and sternly reprimanded. “All the girls are a lot against Basha High School The Lady Pumas have forced the student to transfer, Either the repercussion is “For me it’s just a big time more into it (playing again this year. been fighting this season let them play. a negative consequence, stress reliever from things aggressively); we act more as “I’m looking forward to with 4 wins and 7 losses, but As for the second case, if or an advantageous factor going on around me. Sports a team rather than individual playing Basha. Last year it they are looking forward to the school is worried about for the user. Every school and school are already a lot talents.” Caylah Morrow also was just really nasty playing the upcoming games against an athlete getting mistreated strives to maintain a clean to handle so working out comments on the fluidity of with them, and both of us are Basha and Hamilton. Above due to competition, then they slate for their organization helps me to keep balanced,” the lady basketball players. probably getting ready to play all the Girls want to have a need to get over the fact that and community, but with Sean Paul said. “We bond pretty well. again,” Morrow says, hyped positive outcome this season. there are better players that drugs, reputations are badly For the most part, most can contribute to their team. blemished. schools and their sports Make the transfer student be For those players who do programs tend to persuade second-string if needed, but it legally, working out is the their players to stray away completely prohibiting the way to go. Plain and simple, from illegal boosters for fear Yearly season record athlete from playing is not a couple scoops of protein of negative consequences. the correct solution. powder in milk, and a hard Doing this keeps everything In some ways, this new two-hour workout lead to fair and allows all 2010-11 2011-12 2012-2013 rule would prove to be noticeable results. Working participating schools and beneficiary. However, in hard towards your goal also teams playing on equal 4 wins more ways, this rule would rewards a more satisfied terms. 13 wins 10 wins prove to be too unfair for feeling. every athlete’s sake. Should “It’s more like a hobby. It’s 7 losses the AIA revise this rule? Not one of my favorite things to Names used in this story 14 losses 17 losses in the least bit. The AIA do. I like to see the progress I were changed to protect (Through 11 games) should completely erase this make,” John Jacob stated. those interviewed. proposal and move on. 12 sports || the precedent || december 2012 Soccer season starts off strong and heads in the right direction under 21-year head coach Jim Vanney By Rayni Elliott my birthday.  e fi rst goal the precedent didn’t feel like much, I just felt like I got my team back Although the boys into the game. It didn’t hit soccer team did not get off me until the second goal; on the right foot when they it was the ultimate 18th played against Basah, when birthday present.” Asare it came down to the game said. against Desert Ridge the After the win over boys knew exactly what to Highland, the boys’ record do to get the win. With a stood as 2 wins and 1 loss. fi nal score of 5-1, it is fair When Tanner Hedger, to say that the loss against sophomore, was asked what Basha pushed the boys to he believed the fi nal record try their best. is going to be he replied, “I “We had a rocky start, think our record is going but I think a lot of the to be 9-3, we’ll lose to younger players are starting Hamilton twice and we’ll to understand how the beat Basha.” Whether this program works and they are will come true or not is yet getting better,” captain Niyi to be determined. Soetan, senior, answered In order to turn the when asked about how the season into a success, Soetan season has been so far. commented saying, “We  e team may have defi nitely have to work a had a rough start, but they lot harder than we’ve had to did not show it when they work before, mainly because played against Highland. we’re more pressed for talent With a score of 2-1, it goes this year, so state playoff s without saying that it was a are up in the air. It could go close game. either way, but I think it will For senior Kwaku Asare be alright.” the win against Highland  e puma boys have was more meaningful than high hopes for the season, some of the other victories. however they realize that photo by Jacob Colmenero “Scoring the two goals success is not going to come Niyi Soetan slide tackles a Highland defender in an atempt to steal the ball back for his team. The game ends in against Highland was without hard work and honestly the highlight of dedication. a 2-1 comeback victory for the Pumas.

New basketball coach gives hope for playoff return Players to watch

By Travis Klein ends for four games, as they famous “rollercoaster” skit.  e Pumas are looking the precedent fi nished the tournament  e game was back and to build on the fi rst part of going 2-2 with the last game forth for the fi rst half, and the season, as they have their Seana Saladrigas, “We started out a little being a loss to Deer Valley. then late in the third quarter sights set on another trip to slow,” senior guard Nathan Following the the Bears started to pull away the Arizona Interscholastic 11 Henderson says as he refl ects tournament, the team reeled as they went up by double Association (AIA) Division on the fi rst part of the boys’ off two straight wins over digits entering the fourth 1 State playoff s. Sport: Varsity Soccer basketball season. With six Mesquite and Skyline; and and fi nal quarter. As many of you will wins and four losses (three then came the long-awaited  en came a fl ash of remember, after 10 games losses being decided by fi ve away game matchup against déjà vu for the Basha side last year, the Pumas were Position: Center midfi elder points or less), “a little slow” longtime rival Basha. as the Pumas stormed back 7-3 with a 2-2 record in the is the ideal way to phrase So far in the season, this to force overtime. However, Paradise Valley High School Main goal: to be state it as the season has been a was arguably the biggest in overtime the Bears would Invitational, alongside a loss champions growing experience thus far game for the boys. Both not allow Perry to come to Basha. Sound familiar? for the whole team. student sections were back as Basha went on to So are we in for yet  e season kicked off for supporting their respective win, 76-72. another fairytale ending to the team as they attended the teams. “So far the season has the season? Paradise Valley High School  e Puma student section gone great with a few minor History says so, but let’s Invitational from Nov. 20 to was led by senior DJ Patchett, bumps that I believe has let the future tell. Nov. 24.  ey fl ip-fl opped who led Perry students in made us stronger,” senior Logan from the winning and losing multiple cheers and the forward CJ Dunlap states. Arrendondo, 11

Get to know Sport: Varsity Wrestling Top Competition: Coach Joe Babinski Basha, Desert Vista year-by-year wins Main goal: Place in state tournament

Austin Pauley, 11

2011-12 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 14 22 20 17 28* Sport: Varsity Basketball

RESUME: ON WINNING STATE: HIS STYLE: Position: center, forward Coaching for 40 “The kids worked hard “I want our kids to play years. He coached in and everybody put in the aggressive; running the Main goal: to make it to Oklahoma for 32 years effort it really makes it a ball and playing together the state playoff s and in Arizona for good feeling… it’s pretty is the main focus.” seven. rewarding.” *= Won state Championship

graphic by Gabbi Albin and Travis Klein FOLIO LINE FOLIO LINE McClatchy-Tribune Talking with kids about

chool violence, little heard should still give kids the space to of until the 1999 shootings Parents can help children deal share their fears. Encourage them to Sat Columbine High School talk openly about what scares them. in Littleton, Colo., in which 12 stu- with their fears in the wake Older kids are less likely to dents and a teacher were killed, is accept an explanation at face value. in the headlines again. Now the Their budding skepticism about the nation is dealing with mass shoot- of the tragedy in Connecticut news and how it’s produced and ings at Sandy Hook Elementary sold might mask anxieties they have School in Newtown, Conn. about the stories covered. If an older As terrible and frightening as child is bothered about a story, help incidents like these are, they are him or her cope with these fears. An rare. Although it may not seem adult’s willingness to listen will that way, the rate of crime involv- send a powerful message. ing physical harm has been declin- ing at U.S. schools since the early ADDITIONAL TIPS 1990s. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention FOR PARENTS (CDC), fewer than 1 percent of all Keeping an eye on what TV homicides among school-age chil- news kids watch can go a long way dren happen on school grounds or toward monitoring the content of on the way to and from school. what they hear and see about The vast majority of students will events like school shootings. Here never experience violence at are some additional tips: school or in college. ■ Still, it’s natural for kids and Recognize that news doesn’t teens — no matter where they go to have to be driven by disturbing pic- school — to worry about whether CLOE POISSON/HARTFORD COURANT/MCT tures. Public television programs, this type of incident may someday A state police SWAT team member runs to a police car as Sandy newspapers or newsmagazines affect them. How can you help them Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., is evacuated after a specifically designed for kids can deal with these fears? The experts at mass shooting Dec. 14. be less sensational — and less KidsHealth.org offer advice on talk- upsetting — ways for them to get ing random locker and bag checks, programs, news is real. But ing with kids about these tragedies, information. limiting entry and exit points at the depending on your child’s age or and what they watch or hear about ■ school, and keeping the entryways maturity level, he or she may not Discuss current events with them, to help put frightening infor- under teacher supervision. Other yet understand the distinctions your child on a regular basis. It’s mation into a more balanced context. schools use metal detectors, such between fact and fantasy. By the important to help kids think as those used in airport security. time kids reach 7 or 8, however, through stories they hear about. REACHING OUT Lessons on conflict resolution what they watch on TV can seem Ask questions: What do you think have also been added to many all too real. For some children, the about these events? How do you TO YOUR KIDS schools’ courses to help prevent vividness of a sensational news think these things happen? Such It’s important for kids to feel troubled students from resorting to story can be internalized and trans- questions can encourage conversa- like they can share their feelings violence. Peer counseling and formed into something that might tion about non-news topics as well. and know that their fears and anxi- active peer programs have also happen to them. A child watching a ■ Put news stories in proper eties are understandable. helped students become more news story about a school shooting context. Showing that certain Rather than wait for your child aware of the signs that a fellow stu- might worry, “Could I be next? events are isolated or explaining to approach you, consider starting dent may be becoming more trou- Could that happen to me?” TV has how one event relates to another the conversation. You can ask what bled or violent. the effect of shrinking the world helps kids make better sense of your child understands about these Another thing that helps make and bringing it into your own living what they hear. incidents and how they make him schools safer is greater awareness room. ■ Watch the news with your or her feel. of problems such as bullying and By concentrating on violent sto- child to filter stories together. Share your own feelings too — discrimination. Many schools now ries, TV news can also promote a ■ during a tragedy, kids may look to have programs to fight these prob- “mean-world” syndrome, which Anticipate when guidance adults for their reactions. It helps lems, and teachers and administra- can give kids a misrepresentation will be necessary and avoid shows kids to know that they are not alone tors know more about protecting of what the world and society are that aren’t appropriate for your in their anxieties. Knowing that students from violence. actually like. child’s age or level of development. their parents have similar feelings ■ If you’re uncomfortable with will help kids legitimize their own. HOW KIDS TALKING ABOUT the content of the news or it’s inap- At the same time, kids often propriate for your child’s age, turn need parents to help them feel safe. PERCEIVE NEWS THE NEWS it off. It may help to discuss in concrete Of course, you are not your To calm fears about the news, terms what you have done and child’s only source of information parents should be prepared to For more health information what the school is doing to help about school shootings or other deliver what psychologists call for parents, kids and teens, visit protect its students. tragic events that receive media “calm, unequivocal, but limited kidshealth.org. KidsHealth is attention. Kids are likely to repeat- information.” This means deliver- from the health experts of WHAT SCHOOLS edly encounter news stories or ing the truth, but in a way that fits Nemours, a nonprofit devoted to graphic images on television, radio the emotional level of your child. children’s health. ARE DOING or the Internet, and such reports The key is to be truthful, but not go © 2012, The Nemours Many schools are taking extra can teach them to view the world into more detail than your child is Foundation/KidsHealth precautions to keep students safe. as a confusing, threatening or interested in or can handle. ILLUSTRATION BY PAUL TRAP/MCT Some schools have focused on unfriendly place. Although it’s true that some keeping weapons out by conduct- Unlike movies or entertainment things can’t be controlled, parents

SCHOOL VIOLENCE— ORIGINALLY POSTED 2007 MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE