Eye of the Tiger (Issue 10, Volume 14)

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TOP NEWS Features

Opinion

Entertainment

Sports

Foreign exchange students’ campus presence inspire juniors to look into studying abroad Page 5

Sophomore Rachel Barber champions wider usage of the undervalued Naviance program Page 7

Sophomore Kylie Irwin values Ninja Sushi’s expanded venue from its move to Vernon Street Page 9

Eye of the Tiger selects the top spring athletes to watch out for based on performances thus far Page 12

EYE OF THE TIGER Roseville High School’s student-produced publication

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Eye of the Tiger

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1 Tiger Way, Roseville, CA

APRIL 11, 2016 | ISSUE 10, VOLUME 14

RHS tackles band transition Toffelmier’s removal causes uncertainty BY JOHNNY MULLIGAN

j.mulligan@eyeofthetigernews.com

Roseville High School administration dismissed 26-year band director Mark Toffelmier from his current post. Toffelmier will not return as band director next school year. According to principal David Byrd, the change came about due to Roseville Joint Union High School District’s desire to expand the band program, coinciding with a wider

push for growth in elementary and middle school music programs. “One thing happening in the Roseville City School District is they are now recommitting to music programs and band programs at those schools, so there is going to be a rejuvenation at that point,” Byrd said. “Part of our rejuvenation has to do with what happens there at those schools, we gotta build relations with them.” Byrd wants a new band director to inspire enrollment growth.

“It’s important to get students in there and we have to start by going out to little kids who are just learning how to play a flute and start getting those kids excited about [band],” Byrd said. “We will see that payoff in five, six years when they get through middle school.” Toffelmier says he is disappointed because he wanted to retire in his own time, on his own terms and give his classes plenty of warning before he left his position. He also wanted to have a transition plan in place for when the time came for him to retire. “I was hoping that I got to pick my time  BAND | Page 3

MARC CHAPPELLE EYE OF THE TIGER

Mark Toffelmier, Roseville High School’s band director for the past 26 years, addresses the audience during December’s winter concert. He will not return to his post next school year.

MARC CHAPPELLE EYE OF THE TIGER

Admin to dismiss Coleman from post Admin begins interviewing for replacement this week BY MIKAYLA STEARNS

m.stearns@eyeofthetigernews.com

ZACHARY CHEEK EYE OF THE TIGER

Assistant principal Jon Coleman will not return to his current position next school year. When the Roseville High School community questions future plans for cases like his, admin often meets them with them with silence.

MURKY WATERS

ZACHARY SEMINER EYE OF THE TIGER

Junior Sarah Melchner pushed a quest for more information from admin on band’s future without director Mark Toffelmier. On a separate occasion, senior Prince Uwobahorana hesitated to take his separate staff concerns to the admin level for fear of inaction.

A chain of incidents pitting staff matters against student concerns prompts an Eye of the Tiger investigation into how and when Roseville High School releases public information and what it does to address complaints.

School and district weigh privacy rights vs. right to know BY BRIAN NUEVO

b.nuevo@eyeofthetigernews.com

Roseville High School administration dismissed Jon Coleman, one of RHS’s assistant principals who will be

leaving at the end of this school year, with no clear reason as to why he will not be at Roseville next year. District and site admin often take this approach when dealing with personnel issues, investigative and personal alike. Byrd resolves to be conservative when releasing information to parents and students in issues dealing with personnel.  STAFF | Page 2

RHS reaction to student and parent complaints vary BY JAYDYNN SANTOS

j.santos@eyeofthetigernews.com

Last year’s fall term, students started a petition to complain about their teacher inadequately preparing them for an

upcoming AP test. Only nine students out of the two full AP Biology classes ended up taking the exam for the course. A few months ago, several seniors, including senior Prince Uwobahorana, reported to an RHS faculty member that they heard their teacher use a racial slur during class. Now, band students and parents are planning to start a petition to try and protest against the dismissal  VOICES | Page 3

RJUHSD to limit community college course weight

Courses to require collegiate prerequisites to earn extra grade point weight BY SAM MAILEY

s.mailey@eyeofthetigernews.com

Revisions to programs for high schooltransferrable community college courses policies, known as Academic Enrichment at Sierra College or Advanced Education at American River College, will result in some courses losing their GPA weight on high school transcripts in the Roseville Joint Union High School District. While some community college courses can still fulfill graduation or UC/CSU A-G requirements, some without prerequisites in

their departments won’t be weighted the same way as a high school AP course. In the revisions, introductory courses currently offered as AE options such as Intro to Psychology at Sierra College, weren’t valued as challenging enough to reward a GPA bump. Only courses which had prerequisites of prior courses in their department will receive a grade bump. The policy changes were approved last fall on Oct. 13 after being under review since April 2015. RJUHSD announced the changes in an informational flyer and online, which specifies that weighted courses need a prerequisite, but not that the prerequisites need to be within the same department. Social science courses like History 17B at  WEIGHT | Page 2

SAM MAILEY EYE OF THE TIGER

Counselor Robyn Pasco meets with a student during junior advising. The district will roll out a revised policy limiting weight for certain community college courses.

INSIDE: Upcoming Events ..... 2 News ..... 2 - 3 Español ..... 4 Features ..... 5 - 6 Opinion ..... 7 - 8 Entertainment ..... 9 - 10 Sports ..... 11 - 12

Assistant principal Jon Coleman will not return as an administrator at Roseville High School next school year. “I love working with kids, and mostly this just makes me sad,” Coleman said. “This is my eleventh year, and I’ve always thought that I did a good job.” Coleman is currently applying for jobs in neighboring areas to Roseville Joint Union High School District. “I don’t want to stay where I’m not wanted,” Coleman said. “Mr. Byrd let me go, so why would I want to stay here?” This week, RHS admin is beginning the interview process for his replacement. “We’ve screened. We’ve identified some candidates,” principal David Byrd said. “There’s a lot of follow-up that takes place, sometimes you have a second round of interviews.” After working as an assistant principal in his previous school district, Byrd recognizes the hardships of the job and hopes that the interview process will turn out wellrounded candidates. “I think that it’s the Coleman hardest job on a high school campus,” Byrd said. “You have to be part counselor, part teacher, part administrator, part coach and part superviser. You have to do everything.” Byrd cites a positive outlook as one of the most important qualities he is looking for in the new assistant principal. “I’ve been an assistant principal, and sometimes it can suck the positivity out of you, and you need to be positive with kids, and with adults, parents, teachers, your principal and you have to start with having a really positive outlook on life and with working with kids,” Byrd said. “You definitely can’t have a negative attitude or a negative approach to life because it’s just not good for the kids.” Coleman is unsure about the future of RHS’s trap team because of his dismissal, and unsure of his career plans after RHS. “I’ve got a lot of applications out, so at this point, all I know is that I won’t be  COLEMAN | Page 2

Read more at eyeofthetigernews.com.


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news

Eye of the Tiger ROSEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 1 TIGER WAY ROSEVILLE, CA 95678 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Marc Chappelle NEWS EDITOR Mikayla Stearns FEATURES EDITOR Rachel Barber OPINION EDITOR Andrew Smith ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Sophia Cook SPORTS EDITOR George Hughes ESPAñOL EDITOR Madeline Furdek PHOTO EDITOR Amy Adamson Zachary Cheek Nikolay Lubko ONLINE EDITOR Rachel Barber Sam Mailey COPY EDITOR Sam Mailey Johnny Mulligan FACULTY ADVISER Bobby Ritter STAFF WRITERS Megan Anderson Jamie Bateman Blake Beaman Emily Earl Marina Efstathiu Gabi Hutson Kylie Irwin Kale Jibson Tarah Johnson Anila Lijo Jake Littlejohn Eleanor Marbella Nathan Nguyen Brian Nuevo Claire Oertly Monique Rea Cesar Sanchez Jaydynn Santos Melanie Schroeder Zachary Seminer Victoria Wilkinson

april 11, 2016

STAFF: Personnel concerns call for quiet from admin CONTINUED FROM FRONT

“This involves real people, with real jobs and their positions,” Byrd said. “Those are personnel issues and personal issues, and I never comment on that with the people that work here, from that standpoint. I don’t get into specific individuals or specific people. I try not to do that because I try to have good, strong, professional relationships with people.” One of Coleman’s trap shooters Skyler Corbett heard no solid statement about his dismissal. “I heard it was a rumor but I haven’t asked about it,” junior Corbett said. “No one’s told me anything. I’m worried if there’s going to be a trap team next year, because we may not have a coach.” In addition to Coleman, admin decided not to bring Mark Toffelmier back as the school’s band director. They informed Toffelmier over spring break and made no official statement to band or to concerned parents. According to former drum major Amanda Lopes, many students in band program are upset that administration did not properly communicate to them how the program will be continued. “My family and I are disappointed in admin for not emailing the band families about the change,” Lopes said. “With this change we don’t know what the music situation will be.” Last school year, Roseville Joint Union High School District put RHS’s former athletic direc-

tor Jamie Bunch on leave and eventually terminated his employment. Byrd and district admin were reluctant to share details to concerned parents and students in order to not “impede the ongoing investigation.” “That situation would fall under the ‘to protect everybody involved, I’m not going to make any comment on that,’” Byrd said, regarding Bunch. Even after Bunch’s investigation closed and he was officially fired from RJUHSD, district admin made no official informational announcement to answer the community’s questions. Byrd cites the situation as being “irrelevant” after a long period of time. “If things get dealt with, and they’re dealt with the right way, and everyone involved has agreed to that,” Byrd said. “Once we’ve done that, and once we’ve dealt with it, then we don’t always feel like we have to release something or release anything about that.” According to Byrd, there is no exact district policy preventing him from sharing information with the community. “I think most people actually understand the idea that when we’re trying to get traction on this issue, it’s gotta happen behind closed doors to protect everybody involved,” Byrd said. In the incident where there are several concerned and complaining parents, Byrd believes that no matter how many people in the community call for information to be released, only “what’s right”

CARTOONIST Viktoria Barr Taysia De Mesa The mission of Eye of the Tiger, a news-gathering organization run by Roseville High School students, is to inform, entertain and serve as a public forum for student expression. We will accomplish our goals by reporting unbiased news while offering student perspectives in our columns and editorials. This includes, but is not limited to, prominent issues, changes and events that have an impact on the students and communities of Roseville High School. We will strive to report with depth, accuracy and timeliness. It is not our goal to evoke controversy or sensationalize issues. We do not push moral values or political agendas. Views expressed in the opinion and entertainment sections, columns and letters-to-the-editor are those of the individual author, and do not necessarily belong to Eye of the Tiger staff, this publication or Roseville High School. All letters-to-the-editor must be signed and are subject to review by the editorial board before inclusion in the newspaper. We reserve the right to edit submitted work as needed for space limitations and content. Nonattributed editorials reflect the opinion of the staff and must be approved by the entire editorial board.

Comments? Criticism? Story idea? We want to hear it. Write to us at info@eyeofthetigernews.com

ZACHARY SEMINER EYE OF THE TIGER

DeMello was dismissed as baseball coach in 2014, to public concern. Admin did not offer up explanation as to why. will be released. “I never want to say those decisions are just based on how many people really want info released,” Byrd said. “In fact the simple truth [is that] it really should be about what’s right to be released, what’s fair to be released, what needs to go out to people, what do they need to know and what do they not need to know.” RJUHSD director of personnel services Brad Basham hopes that parents and students can trust the district’s intentions when they stay silent. “We try to have this understanding of trust we have to be able to do our jobs and we hope that the parents trust us that we are doing our jobs the appropriate way,” Basham said. “Sometimes they’re not privy to the information we have, but we can’t share it because it’s confidential.” Health and Safety teacher Hank DeMello was dismissed as RHS’s varsity baseball coach in the 2013-14 school year. Brad

Basham, Jamie Bunch, and Steve Williams held a public meeting regarding the future of RHS baseball, and the former principal and athletic director ended up answering to a library full of parents, outraged that they were kept in the dark. “The baseball community had my back,” DeMello said. “The unfortunate thing is as coach they don’t have to give you a reason, they can just come in and say we don’t want you to coach anymore.” DeMello believes that the purpose of the district’s silence was not for his own best interest. “I think if the real story got out we would really upset the community,” DeMello said. “[The meeting] was to protect them. They kept that one as vague as possible. Even when they were caught on some of the things by the parents who were questioning, they had already made up their minds so they weren’t going to change it. I don’t think it was for

me. I had nothing to hide.” Currently, Lopes and several others in Toffelmier’s music classes have encouraged their parents to complain to administration about the decision. Byrd has scheduled personal meetings with concerned parties to address Toffelmier’s dismissal. “I kind of find [the decision] a little disrespectful because of how long he’s been here and how much he has sacrificed to the program,” sophomore band student Alyssa Abbott said. Alyssa’s mother Anne Abbott believes that although the school’s decision seems final, speaking out against the decision will show the true feelings within the band community. “Anything, a petition or a letter writing campaign, will really let the administration know how much he’s really affected the kids,” Anne said. “Not only over the kids I’ve seen over the last few years but really over the last years that he’s been at the school.”

WEIGHT: Intros lose bump CONTINUED FROM FRONT

MARC CHAPPELLE EYE OF THE TIGER

Above, Jon Coleman arm wrestles at a rally. Current assistant principal Coleman will not return next school year to his position.

COLEMAN: Position opens up CONTINUED FROM FRONT

assistant principal here next year. For sure, that’s a for sure. Where I end up, or what I end up doing, is still up in the air.” The trap team is not considered a sport and requires a staff adviser, since the team is technically a club. Junior trap shooter Skyler Corbett is concerned about the future of the team and will miss Coleman if he can’t return as coach next year.

“People should get to know him,” Corbett said. “He’s really funny and he’s fun to heckle and stuff. I’m worried if there’s going to be a trap team next year, because we may not have a coach.” Coleman hopes that he left a good impression on his co-workers and students. “I think I’ve done a very good job of getting stuff done,” Coleman said. “And I’m the go-to person for a whole lot of things on campus. If they needed something, they could call me. I don’t know who is going to do what I do next year.” Byrd is confident in being able to find a replacement in time for the beginning of next school year. “We are going to find somebody really good, because the applicant pool is deep,” Byrd said.

Sierra College, which fulfills the junior year U.S. history graduation requirement, which requires a demonstrated level of English proficiency equivalent to at least English 50 or English N, but still will not receive weighted credit because the prerequisite isn’t in the same department. According to Roseville High School counselor Graciela Fernandez, the lack of specifying the prerequisite policy could mislead students. “Technically this has a prerequisite,” Fernandez said. “If I were a parent and I received this, I would be looking at that as ‘Well that’s got a prerequisite, so it would get weighted credit’.” Counselors are lobbying for the policy to take effect for sophomores in the summer 2016 term, and for juniors in fall, allowing juniors who were late to take a course to have the same GPA weight as students who took the same course earlier. Junior Shayna Morgan agrees with this idea. “I think that’s fair, because they didn’t know that was the reason that [the other students] were taking it,” Morgan said. “So if they didn’t get a grade bump, that

wouldn’t be fair.” The policy will apply in summer 2016 to current sophomores, as they would all use the same criteria. With the current AE policy, students are able to get weighted Enrichment credit for courses equivalent to RHS courses such as AP US History, AP psychology and AP Government. On top of those, students can also currently receive weighted elective credit for taking introductory courses such as Introductory Sociology. With the new policy, students will receive weighted credit for the next-level course after completion of its introductory course. Courses without departmental prerequisites that fulfill A-G requirements such as History 17B will still count towards graduation credits, just without the same GPA weight as an AP course. Morgan has taken three courses at Sierra College: History 17B, Intro to Psychology and Abnormal Psychology. Morgan sees the change as a potential deterrent for students considering AE. “Obviously the grade bump is a big reason why people want to take it,” Morgan said. To assistant superintendent

of curriculum and instructional services John Montgomery, it’s tough to tell whether AE will lose student-interest after some courses lose high school GPA weight. “It is difficult to determine students’ motivation for college courses or weighted GPA,” Montgomery said. Morgan took AE out of interest and to free schedule space. After the policy changes are in place come the summer 2016 term, Fernandez, like Montgomery, believes interest in AE will vary on a “case-by-case basis.” Sophomore Bailey da Cunha sees this as possible obstruction for students like Morgan. “Other students may have difficulty finding room in their schedules for AP classes they would normally take in the summer,” da Cunha said. Montgomery, however, sees the spring term as the final term for the current policy to apply. “The policy was approved by the Board on October 13, 2015 and is in effect immediately,” Montgomery said. “Those students during the 2015-2016 school year are allowed to take classes through June 16 for weighted credit under the old policy.”

UPCOMINGEVENTS APR 12, 14, 19, 21

APR 22

SBAC TESTING Only juniors show up for Common Core testing. All other grades come to school at 9:45a.m.

SPRING SPORTS RALLY School recognizes student athletes during rally and students participate in games and competitions.

APR 14 - 16 & 21 - 23 APR

25

“25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE” Drama puts on their spring production in this musical comedy.

ACADEMIC MERIT AWARDS Sophomores and juniors receive awards for outstanding academic achievement in the Patti Baker Theater

APR 15 MAR 21 - 28

NO SCHOOL Teacher professional development day.

SENIOR BALL This year’s theme: “And so the Adventure Begins.


page 3 | news

april 11, 2016

BAND: Students, parents rally to ensure band continuity CONTINUED FROM FRONT

but they decided within the last two weeks that it was my time,” Toffelmier said. “My goal was to leave in place a full-time music job and so we were taking steps down the road, but administration decided that it was time to make a move.” According to Toffelmier, there was talk about having two band directors so Toffelmier could ease the students into the change and help the new director become accustomed to the program. VAPA department coordinator, Patricia Leong thinks the change came so sudden because the district has felt a push from RCSD and RJUHSD to revitalize the band program. “The last phase came more about from the district office because Placer County schools are going to be hiring new band directors and there is going to be a new push for music in elementary schools so they rushed to hire a new band director,” Leong said. Leong wishes that more factors had been taken into consideration when the district was deciding to make this change. “I think the decision was being made for what they believed was the good of the whole and sometimes people forget the time and energy that’s put into a VAPA program,” Leong said. Junior band student Sarah Melchner appreciates administration’s attempts to help the band program but thinks that getting rid of Toffelmier was an unnecessary step in the process, especially when there are many other means to help the program. “I don’t think a new instructor is going to completely rejuvenate the program,” Melchner said. “First help the program flourish,

there are other factors to help the program. Buy new music and make bigger shelves and new uniforms to help the program.” Band booster club president Debby Lopes expressed her concerns through an email to Byrd, not only about Toffelmier’s replacement, but about how poorly she felt administration communicated the reason for the change poorly. “There was a multitude of emotions and confusion because there was no clear communication from the admin to the students to the parents of what really truly was going on,” Debby said. Debby, who has a long history with Toffelmier, was shocked to hear the news and was mostly upset that Toffelmier’s legacy will be ending earlier than he had wanted. According to Lopes, she would have wanted her other daughter, Nicole, to also enroll in band under Toffelmier’s direction but is excited to see where the band program may be taken in the coming years. “I’m hoping that the school and district will put the resources behind [growing] the program,” Debby said. “It will have an impact years down the road and that when [Amanda’s sister] Nicole is a senior she will see the fruits of our labor.” Assistant principal overseeing VAPA, Stephanie Malia, is also excited to see where the VAPA program will go with a new band director who wants to take on the task of rejuvenating band programs. “You’re always looking for someone who is ready to come in and build a program,” Malia said. “I’m excited to see who’s out there and see where we can take [the band program]. I think Roseville and the community is

ready for it.” In his last district, Byrd went through a similar process with their band program and found that the reactions were similar in both cases but the outcome was a rejuvenated program. “We want the transition to be as smooth as possible, but any transition is always going to be tough and you have to work through the initial rough patch,” Byrd said. He hopes that the situation calms down and he has the opportunity to speak with parents and students in a series of meetings he hopes to hold to better serve the needs of the band community. “[We need] to keep talking about where we want this to go,” Byrd said. “I’m setting up some meetings and getting parents pretty actively involved.” Debby believes the meetings will be helpful to steer the band in the correct direction and increase communication between parents and administration. “I had a talk with Mr. Byrd and they are 100 percent behind the program and growing the program but that hasn’t been communicated, outright, to the kids and to the parents,” Debby said. There will a boosters club meeting this week in which all parents are welcome to get more specific details about the situation. According to VAPA department coordinator Patricia Leong, the department was not consulted in the decision to replace Toffelmier. Leong believes this was because it was made so quickly and over spring break that there was never much of a chance for communication “It came more from the district more than the principal, so I wasn’t in the loop,” Leong said. “Typically there is a conversation, but because things were moving

ZACHARY SEMINER EYE OF THE TIGER

Above, Mark Toffelmier instructs his symphonic band class. As band director of 26 years, Mark Toffelmier crafted bonds with the students and parents who now voice their concerns in support of him. so quickly and because it was over spring break that conversation didn’t happen.” Byrd wants to reassure students that there will not be any loss of music programs. There will still be a marching band, symphonic band, two sections of beginning piano and an intermediate piano class. Band classes have shown a growth in student requests from this school year to next. Marching band requests increased from 37 to 43 students and in Symphonic Band requests increased from 24 to 42 students. Along with these increases, Beginning Piano Lab saw 64 requests heading into this school year. Malia hopes to expand their

VOICES: Outspoken students doubt effectiveness of complaints, petitions CONTINUED FROM FRONT

of their band director Mark Toffelmier. In each instance, Roseville High School principal David Byrd tried to take incident-specific courses of action to address student complaints and petitions. According to Byrd, when students file a complaint about a teacher to admin, or a complaint about administrative direction, the situation would ideally be addressed immediately. “In general when a student complains about a teacher we will try to handle that right here at the site,” Byrd said. “[We would] go to talk to the teacher and talk to the student and get both sides of the story. If we can get a resolution in a way that both sides go that’s fair, I understand, then we cleared the air. Sometimes that’s what it is, communication issues.” Sometimes, RHS administration has taken a more direct role. Last term, two classes of frustrated students signed a petition, led by seniors Assata Baker and Nilab Habib, to try and receive their promised credit for their AP Government class. Byrd took their plight to fellow administrators, but to no avail. “Me and Nilab got a lot of support in getting a lot of signatures,” Baker said. “But it was really hard to get those signatures to the higher level, so it wasn’t active as it should’ve been because it was really hard to get the attention of the people higher up.” According to Byrd, he attempted to give the students’ credit for taking the AP Gov class by talking to other principals. He cites one of the reason’s for the failure of the petition as

their quick, aggressive approach. “It’s just gonna take time and we were being aggressive, we were eager,” Byrd said. AP Bio teacher Darcee Durham acted with administration to deal with several student and parents complaints and a petition about the amount of curriculum covered in class last year. “Concerns were brought to the forefront and conversations were had with me and the administration some of it started on my end initiating that and what was going on and there was dialogue,” Durham said. “We dealt with the situation and we made parent contacts.” The outcome of the petitions and complaints encouraged conversation, but ultimately only nine students students felt comfortable taking the AP Bio exam. “It was dealt with, and we did what we could, and it was what it was, and we couldn’t really change it,” Durham said. Uwobahorana experienced a similar response by faculty when he told a staff member about his teacher using a slur in class. The staff member to whom Uwobahorana reported the incident sat in on the class the following Monday. They observed the teacher who reportedly made the offense, but there no investigation or consequences followed. The allegedly offending teacher suffered no consequences for what Uwobahorana reported. “[The staff member] told me to hold on to it and [that the staff member] would investigate it and talk to more students and see what they heard so like it’s not just me just saying it,” Uwobahorana said. “Everybody else

SAM MAILEY EYE OF THE TIGER

Senior Assata Baker, one of the creators of last term’s petition for two quarters of weighted credit in AP Gov, has yet to see tangible results of her efforts. in class heard it so I’m not here making up lies about him because he’s a good teacher. I have no reason to do that but I heard it.” Another senior in the same class, Sydney Freeman, did not report the incident because she didn’t believe admin would consider the value of what she had to say as a student. “I didn’t want to report [the incident] to the office because I know that even if thirty students went and reported an incident they would still trust the faculties word over the word of the students,” Freeman said. Byrd finds it “very difficult” to determine who’s more credible in when a student’s word contradicts a faculty member’s. If the situation cannot be resolved within the classroom, there is a formal complaint form that can be filled out and put on record where admin will get more involved. Junior band student Sarah Melchner is in the process of formally expressing her views

of admin’s decisions to dismiss Toffelmier by writing a letter, but doubts that anything will change. She is attempting to gain support from parents and the band community to strengthen the student’s voices and, possibly, a petition to have Toffelmier stay. “[But] at this point I don’t think there’s anything we could do to change anything, and like they’re not gonna change their minds to a bunch of students,” Melchner said. “And really my only thing is that I hope they realize what a loss it’s going to be for Roseville and how much that’s gonna affect students life.” Byrd has attempted to reach out to concerned people regarding Toffelmier’s dismissal and has also communicated with Toffelmier. “[I’m] reaching out to people and talking to people,” Byrd said. “I’m starting that process to try and just connect with people and talk to people. Best thing you can do is communicate.”

offerings, which includes separate blocks of beginning, intermediate and advanced piano, a choir class and other VAPA classes. The piano class is in the process of creating three levels, and Drama has increased to three sections. “When you are looking at looking at building any program you really want the spectrum because that appeals to more students, and the bigger draw that becomes,” Malia said. Leong will miss Toffelmier after getting to know him over the years. “He is passionate about what he does and [students] knew he really loved what he was doing,” Leong said. “He had this quiet but witty personality that people

didn’t always get to see and I think his students will miss that and his prolific understanding of music. It’s just sad.” He believes that he will be offered a job at some other location in the district but does not plan on accepting unless the offer is “really good.” “I will have a full-time job in somewhere in the district, just not a full-time job doing this,” Toffelmier said. Toffelmier appreciates all of the support that he received from current and past students, parents and fellow staff members. “I will miss the kids coming in and they might say ‘where’s that guy with the beard?’” Toffelmier said.

Student exposure to Naviance low BY GABI HUTSON

g.hutson@eyeofthetigernews.com

Despite Roseville Joint Union High School District spending $70,000 on a subscription to Naviance, a college and career readiness program, many students and staff still claim to have little knowledge of the program. Naviance offers features like career profiling, scholarship applications and college essay resources. Roseville High School College and Career Center Technician Jaqueline Seider acknowledges that there is a lack of awareness about Naviance, but feels that it could be extremely useful to students. She is attempting to educate students on the system and how it can be utilized to its fullest extent. “Naviance can definitely be used in the classroom, as far as utilizing it at home-in the career center we use it to work on college choices. There is just so much built in there,” Seider said. “ I’m having tutorials most Thursday in here during both lunches to help guide students is navigating the site. We’re trying to get students to use it more, it’s kind of sad that isn’t being utilized as much as it could be.” Still some teachers are trying to integrate Naviance into the classroom. Freshman Seminar teacher Paul O’Brien has been using the Naviance system in an attempt to expose more students to the service. “If students know where they are going and know what it takes to get there, they may find more motivation to succeed in courses that are challenging for them,”

O’Brien said. “Not only helps students identify a potential career, it assists them in identifying colleges that may help them attain a career objective.” Freshman Caitlin Tran, who is not enrolled in the Freshman Seminar class, says that she has not been in-depthly informed about Naviance, but says that she can see why it would be advantageous. “I don't take freshman seminar so I haven't been exposed to it but from what I know, it seems like it could be very useful,” Tran said. “I'm not to worried about scholarships and college as a freshman but I do think it is something that should be talked about more with students. It just seems like a waste to spend so much money on something actually helpful and then not really tell students about it.” O’Brien said that if students are familiar with Naviance, they will find themselves much more prepared for life after college. “ Students who use Naviance habitually as a portal to explore post-secondary education will discover lots of other tools they can take advantage of as they prepare for post-secondary education in their junior and senior years – résumé building, college applications, college grant opportunities, and help with meeting deadlines.” Senior Tyler Estrada wishes he had known more about the program earlier in his his high school career. “[Naviance] is very important, I know some AVID students who have used it... I have to do scholarship and college applications on my own and they have help,” Estrada said. “I feel that if you have a resource just sitting there and not being used you should try and make people more aware of it. Especially if it’ll help people.”


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NOTICIAS Roseville busca para cerrar la brecha de género de la administración POR JAYDYNN SANTOS j.santos@eyeofthetigernews.com

El año pasado otoño término, los estudiantes comenzaron una petición a quejarse de su profesor no prepara para una próxima prueba AP. La primavera pasada, los padres de dos estudiantes de primer año estudiantes se quejaban después de saber que sus alumnos fueron hostigados verbalmente por sus maestros. Hace unos meses varios seniors de RHS, incluyendo altos de príncipe de Uwobahorana, informaron que un miembro de la facultad que oyeron su profesor utiliza una ligadura durante la clase. El miembro del personal que Uwobahorana reportó el incidente a sentado la clase el siguiente el lunes. “[El maestro] me dijo que aferrarse a él y que investigarla y hablar con más estudiantes y ver lo que habían oído por lo que no es justo me acaba de decir,” Uwobahora dijo. “Todo el mundo en clase escuchado así que no estoy haciendo aquí miente sobre él porque él es un buen maestro. No tengo

ninguna razón para hacerlo, pero lo escuché.” Uwobahora dijo. “No quería le dispararon,” Uwobahorana dijo. “Porque es un conjunto de otro nivel.” Otro mayor en la clase, Sydney Freeman, no reportó el incidente porque ella no creía que la administración toma en serio. “No quiero [del incidente] informe a la oficina porque sé que aunque 30 estudiantes fueron había reportado un incidente todavía confían en la palabra del profesor sobre la palabra de los estudiantes,” Freeman dijo. Según principal David Byrd, cuando los estudiantes presentar una queja sobre un profesor, la situación sería ideal ser abordada de inmediato. “En general cuando un estudiante se queja de un profesor vamos a tratar de manejar que aquí en el sitio,” Byrd dijo. “Hay veces que la primera pregunta que le pida a los estudiantes sería ‘¿ha hablado con el profesor acerca de [la situación] directamente?’ porque si la situación se podría resolver con todo el mundo está satisfecho entonces no hay necesidad para la administración intervenir e investigar,” Byrd dijo. Por el contrario, si la situación no puede resolverse, hay una

denuncia formal forma que puede llenar y dejar constancia de donde admin a involucrarse más. Cuando se trata de encontrar que es más creíble entre los dos partidos, Byrd resulta muy difícil determinar quién es más razonable. Maestro de musica y banda disparó con la falta de un explicación POR JOHNNY MULLLIGAN j.mulligan@eyeofthetigernews.com

Después de 26 años de ser director de la banda, Mark Toffelmier no volverá después de la escuela secundaria de Roseville administración le informó que su posición fue abriendo para aplicaciones. Según principal David Byrd, el cambio ocurrió después de que había un empuje para “rejuvenecer” banda programas a lo largo de los niveles de la escuela. Byrd decidió que la mejor manera de ir se reemplazo el director de la banda con el fin de crear nuevas relaciones a partir de un nuevo director de la banda. Tanto banda de estudiantes y padres de la banda por igual han expresado su preocupación por este cambio repentino. De acuerdo con estudiante de tres años banda Amanda Lopes, el programa

de banda está molesto de que la administración no correctamente comunicó a ellos cómo se continuará el programa, principalmente la banda debido a que toma mucho tiempo para prepararse para la temporada de competición de la marcha. “Mi familia y yo estamos decepcionados en admin para no un correo electrónico a las familias de la banda sobre el cambio,” Lopes dijo. “Con este cambio no sabemos cuál será la situación de la música.” Tres años banda estudiante Sarah Melchner junto con Amanda han considerado crear una petición para mostrar la administración que el programa de banda merece más respeto que consiguieron a través de esta situación todo. Byrd hizo algo similar en su distrito pasado y encontró que las reacciones fueron similares en ambos casos. Él no puede controlar la transición completamente dependiendo de la hora de llegada del próximo director la banda. Espera que la situación se calme y tiene la oportunidad de hablar con los padres y estudiantes en una serie de reuniones que espera para mejor servir las necesidades de la comunidad de la banda.

el 11 de abril, 2016

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EVENTOSFUTUROS Examen de SBAC para los estudiantes en sus terceres años VA A ESCUELA EN 9:45 AM PARA LOS OTROS ESTUDIANTES

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APR 15

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Dia de trabajar para los maestros NO HAY ESCUELA

Examen de SBAC para los estudiantes en sus terceres años VA A ESCUELA EN 9:45 AM PARA LOS OTROS ESTUDIANTES

APR 25

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APR 12 & 14

}

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APR 19 & 21

Premio al mérito académico Teatro de Patty Baker

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NOTICIAS

REPORTAJES Estudiantes con enfermedades pueden obtener ayudar con programas de Google POR MELANIE SCHROEDER m.schroeder@eyeofthetigernews.com

Estudiante de segundo año Alexa Becker comenzó su primera semana atrás en la escuela secundaria Roseville la semana pasada después de ser parte del programa de Hospital y casa de RJUHSD. Becker recibió la instrucción y el apoyo del lado derecho inglés profesor Denise Weis mientras que extrañaba la escuela para la mayoría de la primera mitad del término de la primavera. Principal asistente Jason Wilson está muy involucrado en la conformación del programa. “Hogar y del Hospital es un programa que está disponible para estudiantes que por razones fuera de su control que [hacen] incapaz de asistir a la escuela. Está destinado a ser un programa temporal,” Wilson dijo.

Muchos profesores voluntarios para ayudar a los estudiantes en el programa de la Casa Hospital. “Es bueno saber que contamos con profesores aquí en el campus que cuidar de los niños y ayudar a llegar y les proporcionan esa sensación de un día normal,” Wilson dijo. Weis ayudó a Becker, cuando ella se había ido en el programa Home Hospital. Weis y Becker llegó a tener una relación maestro-estudiante normal a pesar de las circunstancias. “Esto es lo único que he conocido en, pero conseguimos a lo largo de multa. Era fácil hablar con ella, que parecía ser fácil para ella hacer preguntas, así que creo que en términos de que nuestra relación era muy viable,” Weis dijo. Weis ha disfrutado trabajando en el programa Home Hospital y ayudar a los estudiantes. Profesor de historia europea AP de Becker Carol Crabtree encuentra Google Classroom también una buena herramienta para los

estudiantes que faltan a la escuela. “El Google Classroom es un gran recurso para los estudiantes que van a ir por un largo período de tiempo,” Crabtree dijo. Con la pérdida del entrenedor, el futuro del equipo de trampa es incierto POR AMY ADAMSON

a.adamson@eyeofthetigernews.com

Con la salida del Subdirector Jon Coleman en el próximo año 2016-2017, dejará el equipo trampa de la escuela secundaria de Roseville que ha trabajado junto a siete años. Previo al entrenamiento, Coleman no estaba familiarizado con el deporte. Él pronto aprendió las habilidades necesarias para el entrenador, dispara y perfeccionar su precisión y habilidad para disparar a blancos repetidamente y golpear tanto como sea posible. “Vine a tirar tarde en la vida. Realmente comenzó cuando entró

y habló con [ex entrenador Co] Wilson,” dijo Coleman. “Woodcreek tenía un equipo de la trampa, así que decidimos iniciar una aquí.” La estudiante en su tercer año Emily Todd ha sido aparte de la trampa del equipo desde hace tres años, dos de que estar en varsity. Recientemente, ella anotó un puntaje casi perfecto en su última competencia, un 95 de cada 100. Todd no sólo créditos de Coleman coaching, pero el deporte y equipo para proporcionar nuevos amigos y actividades divertidas. “Trampa es muy divertido hacerlo,” Todd dijo. “He estado haciéndolo por un tiempo y es muy divertido hacerlo las personas.” Según Coleman, el equipo de trampa consta de diversos estudiantes que están motivados para alcanzar sus metas. No sólo es atrapar a un individuo y un deporte de equipo, también produce un concentrado ambiente que involucra a sus jugadores.

POR JAKE LITTLEJOHN

j.littlejohn@eyeofthetigernews.com

El equipo de natación del varsity de los muchachos ha comenzado 3-1 en juego de la liga y busca para mejorar a 4-1 el jueves. Hasta ahora gana el han provenía Del Campo, Cosumnes Oaks y antílope mientras que la única derrota de la High School secundaria de Bella Vista. Los sellos según el entrenador, los chicos han mejorado mucho desde el año pasado y buscan para terminar con un expediente mejor de la liga que el año pasado de 4-3. Los Tigres sólo necesitará ganar cumple dos con de sus últimos tres en liga con el fin de lograr ese objetivo. Un jugador destacado que ha mejorado mucho desde el año pasado es el estudiante en su tercer año Josh Keaton. Kevin Seals, el entrenador cree que Josh Keaton ha mejorado su tiempo significativamente largo de los años y que él será cada vez mejor a medida que pasan los

Maestro de musica Mark Toffelmeir tiene disparó sin un explanación del admin. Sin el maestro, muchos de los estudiantes del musica sienten triste y incierto sobre el futuro. Toffelmeir enseñó a la escuela seucundaria de Roseville por 26 años.

REPORTAJES

COURTESY LESLIE AMBER

Sin el entrenedor Jon Coleman, el equipo de trampa es incierto. Un mayoridad del equipo dice que estaría muy díficil para tener un equipo sin el ayudar de Coleman.

DEPORTES Equipo de natación del varsity encuentran éxito en el CVC

MARC CHAPPELLE EYE OF THE TIGER

DEPORTES años. Josh ha competido en diferentes eventos este año, incluyendo sus principales acontecimientos, los 100 libre, 100 fly, y el 200 libre donde Keaton nadó su tiempo más rápido registrado este año. Keaton ha colocado en primer lugar, cinco veces segundo puesto, cuatro veces y tercer puesto, seis veces. Otros nadadores sobresalientes son de edad avanzada Adam Botnan y Will Schab. Ambos nadadores RHS han Inicio primer lugar en muchos eventos a lo largo de la temporada. Esta temporada, el estudiante en su final año Adam Botnan ha colocado nueve veces, colocado en segundo lugar, 12 veces y tercer puesto, tres veces. Will Schab ha colocado en primer lugar tres veces, colocado en segundo lugar seis veces y colocado tercero, nueve veces. Tanto Botnan y Schab han ayudado a llevar el equipo a un comienzo de 3-1 esta temporada, como los Tigres buscan para mejorar a 4-1 contra el Whitney High School. “Adán y son una gran parte de nuestro equipo y nos han ayu-

dado a obtener algunos triunfos juntas,” dijimos el entrenador. “Nuestro equipo nada con más confianza después nadan porque creen que pueden hacer lo que hacen,” Seals dijo. Seals también cree que el equipo va en la dirección correcta y contenderá por el Campeonato de liga a finales de este año. Mejores atletas de RHS de cada deporte POR EL PERSONEL DE DEPORTES

sports@eyeofthetigernews.com

Esta temporada un jugador destacado en la selección de fútbol de las muchachas varsity es Molly Branigan. Ella es sólo una estudiante su primer año y logra destacar como un gran líder y un jugador excepcional. Uno compañero de Branigan de primer año Kylie Granno siente que Branigan es un gran líder en el campo debido a su alta intensidad y su capacidad para distribuir la bola hacia fuera a otros jugadores. "Molly es un jugador increíble que es muy bueno ser tranquilo con el balón y encontrando y sacar la bola a otros en el campo,"

Granno dijo. Granno siente también que algunos de los otros trajes de cadena de Molly son su capacidad de llevar y mantener el balón, sino también su capacidad de conectar la pelota a otros jugadores. "Destaca como uno de nuestros mejores jugadores en el equipo porque ella es increíble en distribuir y mantener nuestro mediocampo compactado,” Granno dijo. Hasta ahora esta temporada en liga Branigan ha tomado cuatro tiros, anotadas dos veces y también ha hecho dos asistencias. El equipo de varsity todo está 3-2 en liga esta temporada. Estudiante en su tercer año y opuesto bateador Neal Reilly ha sido un jugador destacado en el equipo de voleibol de los muchachos varsity esta temporada. Reilly es un dos veces regreso de varsity de jugador y es uno de los capitanes de este año. Reilly ha jugado voleibol ya que fue en el séptimo grado y para el Club de voleibol de norte de California durante cuatro años. Lidera actualmente los tigres en excavaciones con un total de 261, su porcentaje de la porción

GEORGE HUGHES EYE OF THE TIGER

Estudiante en su tercer año Neal Reilly es un lider en su equipo de voleibol. Reilly quiere jugar para un y universidad después la escuela secundaria, y el ha tenido interés de algunos universidades. viene en segundo en el equipo en el 93,8% y tiene los más bloques con un total de 49. “Neal es un jugador muy inteligente y coherente como un pasador en la defensa y un bateador en la ofensiva,” el especialista defensivo junior Landon Bonesdijo. Según Bones, consistencia de Reilly es extremadamente valioso para el equipo, como es su capacidad para superar sus errores y seguir jugando con una actitud de confianza. Estudiante libero

Tommy Morin siente que Reilly proporciona el equipo con confianza y realmente cuando más lo necesitan. “Él ayuda a aumentar la confianza y trae grandes juegos cuando más los necesitamos,” dijo Morin. Reilly también planea continuar su carrera de voleibol en la Universidad. Ha recibido cartas de interés del Universidad de Cal estado Northridge y él también está recibiendo interés de la Universidad de Princeton.


Features

april 11, 2016

page 5

Foreign exchange experience inspires Juniors look beyond RHS programs to study abroad by NATE NGUYEN

n.nguyen@eyeofthetigernews.com

Foreign exchange student presence on campus inspired Roseville High School students to pursue programs outside of RHS’ boundaries in order to explore other cultures. RHS junior Shoana Hunt, motivated to voyage outside of her comfort zone, will travel to France this fall as a part of the Youth For Understanding program. Shoana’s interest in other cultures increased after seeing RHS exchange students’ success in adapting to Roseville. “Seeing the [exchange students] come here and make friends so easily, and not be the center of attention, and doing well in [their] classes, and the teachers and students all like them makes me feel like I won’t be alone when I go,” Shoana said. “It gives me a confidence boost for when I go [to France].” Shoana is disappointed to have to resort to a program outside of the school rather than have an accessible program through RHS or Roseville Joint Union High School District to experience such an enriching cultural and education experience. “It’s unfortunate that the school doesn’t have that kind of program,” Shona said. “But it’s not something as popular as it used to be.”

According to principal David Byrd, although he knows little about the specifics of foreign exchange, he feels the experience is extremely valuable to students, staff and the whole atmosphere of the school. “Getting to know somebody from another country, their culture, their history, their way of life and their perspective of what it’s like to be in America is valuable for any student,” Byrd said. “I think it adds another dimension to this school and helps us as a school build bridges to other people, other countries and other cultures. I don’t think you could ever get enough of it.” Shoana’s French teacher, Susan Hoffman encouraged Shoana to look into a foreign exchange program. “I always thought [foreign exchange] was cool [but] I never thought that it was something that I’d be able to do,” Shoana said. “It was Madame Hoffman who mentioned [to me] that there were programs out there that allow people in this area to go.” Roseville High School junior and fellow travel enthusiast Kamri Hunt believes travel is a valuable escapade and would jump on the opportunity to partake in a foreign exchange program. “I would love to do foreign exchange and learn about different cultures because I think traveling is really beneficial,” Kamri said. “And when it comes to traveling, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t.” According to Kamri, the only way to truly experience the world is to push past your comfort zone and immerse yourself in a new environment and exotic culture. “There’s so many opportunities out there [and] I think some-

ZACHARY CHEEK EYE OF THE TIGER

Foreign exchange students (from left) Lise Driveklepp, Linda Kruspo and Erik Arellano (top right) drive students to explore similar exchange opportunities. times it’s difficult to leave this box we live in and push yourself past that,” Kamri said. “It’s just being able to learn about another person’s culture, in their culture.” Kamri has had experience traveling to foreign countries from a young age and developed an outlook on life, travel and culture. She believes that the only way to truly learn about somewhere is to genuinely engage with a culture and its people. According to Kamri, reading about a place in a textbook, fails in comparison to functioning and living in a culture and its society. “It’s full immersion in a totally new environment and it’s a lot more authentic,” Kamri said. “You can imagine what [somewhere] is like but you’ll never know how it really is until you actually go and actually experience it for yourself.”

According to Kamri, the lack of knowledge and support RHS provides for potential outgoing foreign exchange programs isn’t fair for potential candidates like herself and Shoana. “I think [foreign exchange] should be more publicized,” Kamri said. “I wish we knew more about it because I’d really love to do it.” One of RHS’ foreign exchange students Linda Kruspo likes that she’s an inspiration to others on campus. “It’s definitely worth it because you learn so much and you get new experiences. I think anyone who has a chance to do exchange should definitely go,” Kruspo said. Kruspo’s journey and experience at RHS kindled an interest in the possibilities of foreign exchange for her friend, junior

Trap to feel Coleman’s absence by TARAH JOHNSON

t.johnson@eyeofthetigernews.com

ZACHARY CHEEK EYE OF THE TIGER

Juniors Kamri Hunt (above) and Shoana Hunt were motivated to look outside of RHS’ programs in order to fulfill there desire for different cultural education. Jessica Morgan. “She’s always meeting new people, and I like meeting new people too,” Morgan said. “She makes it seem like so fun and interesting. Foreign exchange is something I’d want to do.” Senior exchange student Erik Arellano came from Ecuador to

by ELEANOR MARBELLA

COURTESY LESLIE AMBER

Juniors Alex Cotter (left), Lauren Banks (middle), and assistant principal Jon Coleman (right) talk while at a trap shooting event. With his release from his assistant principal position next year, the team will miss his leadership. with new friends and enjoyable activities. “Trap is really fun to do and I’m pretty good at it,” Todd said. “I’ve been doing it for awhile and there’s just a lot of fun people doing it. I’ve made a lot of new friends.” According to Coleman, the trap team consists of diverse students who are motivated to achieve their goals. Not only is trap both an individual and a team sport, it also produces a concentrated-environment that engages its players. “Trap is an individual and a team sport, and there’s an even playing field for everybody to choose,” Coleman said. “We also have a huge range of kids,

whether it be AP students, Special Ed kids and boys and girls.” Many team members will miss Coleman being both on and off campus next year. “Coleman is the greatest man I have ever known,” junior trap team member Alex Cotter said. “He taught us to work together and to constantly be safe, whether it be handling equipment correctly or just making sure we were drinking enough water.” According to Coleman, the best part about being the trap team coach was the relationship he’d formed with his kids, and appreciated their hard work that they continuously put forth. “My favorite part about coaching is the kids. I work with

really great kids,” Coleman said. “They’re willing to work and they do work hard but they still have fun. And as soon as it’s not fun, it’s like ‘Why do it’? I love working with kids and it mostly just makes me sad.” The future of the trap team is still unknown due to due to Coleman’s soon-to-be absence, but he hopes the team continues to expand in both team members and opportunities. “It would be really hard to coach the trap team [without working at Roseville High School anymore] and that makes me sad,” Coleman said. “I just hope that the trap team continues in the future and it continues to grow and the kids have fun.”

(See a more in-depth look at Linda Kruspo’s journey in Humans of RHS on page six)

Solo performances highlight seniors e.marbella@eyeofthetigernews.com

With the departure of assistant principal Jon Coleman in the upcoming 2016-’17 school year, he will no longer head coach the Roseville High School Trap team which he has worked alongside for seven years. Prior to coaching, Coleman wasn’t familiar with the sport. He soon learned the skills needed to coach, shoot and perfect both his accuracy and skill to repeatedly fire at targets and hit as many as possible. “I came into shooting late in life. It actually started when I went in and talked to [former co-coach] Wilson about it,” Coleman said. “Woodcreek had a trap team, so we decided to start one here.” According to junior, Lauren Banks, who has been on the trap team for three years, the team has an undeniable bond with each other and with the help of Coleman, was able to perform to the best of their abilities. “The trap team is something where everyone can have fun and we’re like one big happy family. I personally love Coleman as a coach,” Banks said. “He just wants to make sure that everyone is having fun and he doesn’t hound you to get better scores. I’m going to miss how he tries to make everyone happy and make sure that everyone is safe.” Junior Emily Todd has been apart of the trap team for three years now, two of which being on varsity. She recently scored a nearly perfect score at her last competition, a 95 out of 100. Todd not only credits Coleman’s coaching, but both the sport and team for providing her

experience a different country’s schooling system. “I’d like to go to college here and to finish high school, that’s the goal,” Arellano said.

Seniors Frankie Consulo, Philip Desrochers and Luis Martinez individually put their artistry on display during their solo performances in Roseville High School Percussion’s competition at Union City James Logan High School for the Northern California Percussion Alliance on Saturday, April 2. All percussion members worked to perfect the music and visual aspect of their performance as a group. Each solo musician performed in separate divisions from each other and percussion wholistically. With Consulo in the snare division, Desrochers in the tenor division and Martinez in the guitar division, competed against other students from different schools across California. Consulo took third out of 12 in his division. He wanted to compete after doing it last year. “Last year I came in seventh place,” Consulo said. “This year I felt like I could do it again and I was qualified to go against the

best of the best. I performed a solo that was a few minutes long. I worked on it for weeks and put it together myself and worked on visual stuff as well.” The indivdual performances were strictly created by the student musicians only. Band instructor Mark Toffelmier admires their creativity in their performances. “As a teacher, or even as a drum instructor, you can’t prep them for it because there is nothing to prep,” Toffelmier said. “Ninety nine percent of it was invented by the players. They didn’t ask for help, but they did very well and the school should be proud of them.” Desrochers volunteered for the solo performance because he wanted the experience. “You get to write your own solo for it and get judged on your playing so that’s why I did it,” Desrochers said. Consulo’s favorite part of competing is the satisfaction gained from performing. “You put the show together and you build it from nothing and make it your own,” Consulo said.

COURTESY FRANKIE CONSULO

Seniors Frankie Consulo, Philip Desrochers and Luis Martinez were showcased within solo performaces at percussion’s latest competition.


page 6 | features

april 11, 2016

Naval training sparks patriotism

ZACHARY CHEEK EYE OF THE TIGER

Sophomore Alexa Becker’s Crohn’s disease placed her on RJUHSD’s Home/ Hospital program for the first half of spring term. Her assigned home instructor Denise Weis and her other teachers are now helping her with the shift back.

Ill student returns Becker’s shift back to RHS eased by Weis by MELANIE SCHROEDER

m.schroeder@eyeofthetigernews.com

While battling Crohn’s disease, sophomore Alexa Becker was able to stay on top of her school work due to support and instruction from English teacher Denise Weis. Becker ended her time on Roseville Joint Union High School District’s Home/Hospital Instruction program and returned to Roseville High School last week. During the first half of spring term, Weis was Becker’s assigned instructor. They developed a strong relationship despite the circumstances. “This is the only situation I’ve known her in, but we got along fine,” Weis said. “It was easy to talk to her, it seemed to be easy for her to ask questions, so I think in terms of that our relationship was very workable.” Becker’s Crohn’s disease weakens her immune system, making her unable to attend school often. “It’s a disease in your intestines and it’s inflammatory so I can’t have certain foods and I get sick really easily,” Becker said. “I have no immune system.”

Weis enjoys working with the program because she likes helping students like Becker. “I’ve been doing it for probably ten or fifteen years at least and sometimes things happen with kids where they can’t be in the regular school setting and nobody really wants those kids to fall through the cracks or get behind,” Weis said. “It just seemed like a really good way to help kids out that are in need of some assistance.” Now, Becker has been playing catch-up and trying to balance school and staying healthy. “School is hard because I’m in AP classes but my teachers are really good about that but it makes school hard and I get tired really easily and sick really easily,” Becker said. Becker appreciates the sense of normalcy and guidance of being back on campus. “My favorite part about being back at school is being able to get help when needed and also getting to learn rather than figure things out myself,” Becker said. According to Becker, coming back was nerve-wracking, but teachers had many helpful tools to help her. She used Google Translate to help specifically with her foreign language class. “For French, it was pretty helpful because it sounded stuff out for me so I knew how to pronounce it,” Becker said.

COURTESY ALY PUGLIANI

Sophomore Aly Pugliani (left) trains in the Sacramento Naval Sea Cadets for the Navy. The program has brought her family closer and increased her own patriotism. by MONIQUE REA

m.rea@eyeofthetigernews.com

Sophomore Aly Pugliani says she learned discipline and respect as she trains in the Sacramento Division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets for the Navy. Aly noticed there were no Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps programs at Roseville High School, leading her to find the Sacramento Division Sea Cadets. Sea Cadets is a program for those who aspire to join the military and become a leading officer. Aly has been apart of the Sea Cadet program since Feb. of last year, and she plans on joining the military after she graduates from RHS. As a Sea Cadet, Aly learns basic seamanship and gains the skills needed and motivation to serve her country. “We get taught core values like honor, courage and commitment,” Aly said. Many cadets are inspired to

join this program through a family member who have served in the military. “A lot of my family served in the military, including my dad,” Aly said. “Because those people are my main influences, I’ve been really interested in joining the Navy.” Ali’s father, Tony Pugliani, has respect for both the military and what the program stands for. “It’s about serving your community, it’s about looking out for each other, and it’s about having honor and respect,” Tony said. Tony has noticed Ali’s increased patriotism since she has joined the program. “Since joining the Sea Cadets she sees our country in a different light, she sees more value in being apart of the community,” Tony said. “She’s more patriotic.” Tony also sees how Ali has grown mentally since becoming a Sea Cadet. “Aly has become more confident since joining. She has

Artists triumph in Blue Line exhibit by GABI HUTSON

g.hutson@eyeofthetigernews.com

Roseville High School senior Tianna Ching, junior Taysia De Mesa and sophomore Sino Oulad Daoud showcased their talent and passion for art by submitting art pieces to the Blue Line Arts Gallery for its Next Generation exhibit. The three competed against Placer County high school students to win awards or sell their pieces. De Mesa walked away with third place in this year’s competition. According to art teacher Patricia Leong, this was a shock to Granite Bay High School who usually places first at the gallery. “Both [Ching and De Mesa] of them did well at the Blue Line gallery,” Leong said. “We usually compete with ten other high schools. Granite Bay usually walks away with all the awards Taysia took one away from them this year which I think was a surprise to them.” De Mesa appreciated the recognition. “I won third place, they gave me a check reward,” De Mesa said. “It was cool to hear them call my name.” De Mesa is no stranger to galleries but has never been specifically exhibited in one and felt that her piece added a bit of variety to the gallery in form and style. “I’m not too foreign with galleries because I’ve had to prep a gallery before, so I’m not too foreign with it,” De Mesa said. “But to have my stuff actually up

ZACHARY CHEEK EYE OF THE TIGER

From left, Senior Tianna Ching, junior Taysia De Mesa and sophomore Sino Oulad Daoud each entered their artwork in Roseville’s Blue Line Arts Gallery to be displayed for the community and showcase their individual artistic styles. there is pretty cool. I think [my piece] was definitely different because it wasn’t a painting it was a print, and most of the other pieces were paintings. It was different because it was just in plain black and white and everything else had color.” Leong sees qualities of a good artist in De Mesa and credited it to her extensive history of involvement with the arts. “Taysia is very self motivated and she keeps pushing the envelope which is a good trait to have in the arts,” Leong said. “She has a very rich background in the arts and that’s why she’s just so amazing.”

Leong said that both Ching and De Mesa are very creative and always try to exceed their expectations, which is a part of the reason they are both artistically gifted. “I think what makes Tianna and Taysia so special is that they’re both very disciplined with their art so even though I give an assignment in class they always go above and beyond,” Leong said. “They go above and come up with a concept that’s a higher level of thinking. Something that has a deeper meaning and that’s an important part of both their characteristics.” Ching was intrigued by the

other pieces in the gallery and plans to do fututre events. “[The other art pieces] were all really good and detailed, a lot of the people that entered were from Granite Bay so they had pretty detailed, ginormous pieces so that was interesting,” Ching said. “I want to do more galleries I just need to figure out how to go about that.” Oulad Daoud also feels that it was interesting to have his piece formally displayed. “It was pretty cool [seeing my work] because people saw it and they told me about it and it just felt like I was a part of the community,” Oulad Daoud said.

teamwork, communication skills, self-confidence and she’s learning to be respectful to those of authority,” Tony said. Aly’s commanding officer Curtis Gant sees Aly as a naturally skilled cadet. “She’s a pretty sharp young lady. She has good study practices, and she has a high level of respect,” Gant said. “She’s a very well spoken young lady.” Aly’s friend, Sam Kyser formerly served as a cadet and is currently serving as a US Coast Guard Auxiliary. According to Kyser, Aly is planning on going to Master at Arms training. He believes that being a MAA will be challenging but that Aly will be capable of achieving success. “She’s planning in going to MAA training this summer which means she’s going to be a Master at Arms,” Kyser said. “It’s a tough position but she can easily handle it.” In the Sea Cadets, Ali participates in community service

events. They have volunteered for Eppie’s Great Race, where they served as security, and then helped recover donated shoes at the end of Relay for Life. Sea Cadets perform night watches to secure various places for community service. The Cadets also place flags at Veteran’s Memorials in order to humble themselves and show respect. Over spring break, Ali was able to participate in a camp located at Lake Camanche. The camp was a mock military boot camp. It focuses on physical training each day, signal fires, sheltering and studying plants and animals within their surroundings. Every month the cadets learn about something different. Last month they learned about naval aviation. This excited Aly because she aspires to be a naval aviator in the future. “I’m so excited to join,” Aly said. “I just want to serve and help my country as much as I can.”

HUMANS OF RHS Junior foreign exchange student Linda Kropsu left her home in Finland to attend Roseville High School for the past eight months. She has learned about both herself and American culture after adjusting to being away from home. She plans to travel back to the the U.S. next year and for the rest of her life in order to experience as many things as possible. -Rachel Barber

RACHEL BARBER EYE OF THE TIGER

The people are the best part. When I first came here I didn’t know anyone so because of how they’ve shared this experience with me – I know that I have friends now that I will be friends with for the rest of my life. I don’t think there’s been a thing that’s been the worst part, but just being away from the normal and the usual is hard but I like getting put out of my comfort zone. I try to do that as much as possible. I think you learn a lot and get good experiences when you do that. When you see the way people live in another country, that’s how you learn. It’s scary but I think it’s worth it. I’ve learned a lot, new things about myself too – not just about my surroundings. I’ve definitely grown. I’m more confident and I still don’t know what I wanna do with my life after high school, but I know that I probably want to move somewhere and see the world even more. It’s so different to travel somewhere than to actually live somewhere. I don’t want to just be in one place. I want to see as much as possible.”


Opinion

april 11, 2016

page 7

Undervalued Naviance provides clear path BY RACHEL BARBER

r.barber@eyeofthetigernews.com

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ast Wednesday, Roseville Joint Union High School District held a Parent Advisory Committee meeting to discuss next school year’s Local Control Accountability Plan funding. As I reflected on this year’s spending, I took special note of the $70,000 spent on the college and career readiness software provider: Naviance. If that name doesn’t ring a bell, think back on the day in fall when us sophomores all got a Chromebook and instruction from a counselor to logon to a website where we took a “Career Cluster Finder Quiz,” which results told us we’d thrive in careers ranging from manufacturing to marketing. As I watched my senior friends receive college acceptance letters, I wondered, “Did they use Naviance to be ‘college ready’?” After asking them, the answer I mainly received was no. I furthered my investigation and began to ask my friends in AVID the same question but received the same answer. I then realized, if I hadn’t looked at the LCAP bud-

TAYSIA DE MESA EYE OF THE TIGER

get, I myself wouldn’t have been so curious in the online program. After thoroughly going through its features, Naviance exceeded my expectations. In addition to the Career Cluster Finder, it gave me a place to organize a list of

colleges I’m considering, eight different links that helped me research colleges which I thought I knew about or had never heard of, scholarships I could apply to and more. Although I was pleasantly sur-

prised by how useful Naviance really was, I subsequently grew confused. Confused as to why it took me so long to find it and confused as to why it took me going through the LCAP spendings to first hear about this program.

I was concerned that my senior friends applying to college never utilized this recourse and that my AVID friends were puzzled when I brought up the word “Naviance” to them. Here I realized that ever since

that Chromebook, counselor instructed, Fall day, no one had brought up the word to me either. Both AVID and Naviance have the similar goals of college and career readiness but because AVID is an on campus class, it seems to be stressed. This is understandable, but leaves those not in AVID without the knowledge that they can use Naviance as an alternative in order to get a similar experience. While the AVID program has some benefits that Naviance does not offer, Naviance could prove to be beneficial for a larger number of students because of its online accessibility. The day after my exploration of the site, I explained it to a few of my friends. Their response was what I figured, “What? I thought that just told you what you have to do when you grow up.” The students I’m around have very little understanding of what Naviance does and how useful it is for students as we prepare to apply to college. Yet, I have seen very little excitement brewing about it nor any hardcore push by administration nor my teachers about its importance. In the few times students have been exposed to Naviance, we have only seen one meer aspect of all it has to offer. Considering the $70,000 pricetag, the lack of promotion and enthusiasm doesn’t make much sense. The program is worth the money, but RHS staff seems to be negligent in their lack of promoting it.

Policy damages appeal of Academic Enrichment

BY ANDREW SMITH

a.smith@eyeofthetigernews.com

T

he changes made to the academic enrichment program attempt to fix a problem that isn’t there. This policy was approved by the district on October 13, 2015, and will be in effect starting June 16, 2016. This will take away the grade bump from introductory courses, aiming to get rid of the incentives around classes with AP counterparts and promote students to take higher level courses which build on content from introductory/AP courses. While the district will succeed in lessening the appeal of introductory courses, this filter could jeopardize significant enrollment in academic enrichment

MORGAN JAMESON EYE OF THE TIGER

– a missed opportunity for the district. Competitive students with over a 4.0 wouldn’t take classes which would needlessly lessen their

GPA with weighted equivalents at high school. However, while students likely won’t take the classes because of the negative effect on their GPA,

the bump was only one reason students used the program. For one, the classes are a smart investment for college-bound students. Academic enrichment of-

fers the same transferable credits as those from AP tests and cheaper alternatives to general education counterparts at four-year universities. A typical GE course at a UC or community college provides three units. At Sierra College units are $46 – $225 less than the same at a UC. This opportunity for savings is something the district should be promoting. Last summer, I took the equivalent of AP US History at Sierra College. Along with the discounted credits, completion allowed me to maintain a strong academic record while guaranteeing two terms of journalism to write this article. Many other students enrolled in community college classes had similar motives. They were involved in electives at their high school and taking them to free up space for an elective. A student shouldn’t fall behind their classmates for their involvement on campus, and this program previously allowed them to keep up. This policy comes off like a slap on the wrist for students pur-

suing opportunities for growth. While students can still, and a few will, take next level versions of courses, these classes fill no graduation requirements. I wouldn’t expect similar enrollment numbers this year. The district is misreading the motives for using this program and missing an opportunity for worthwhile expansion, held back by the unaddressed and longstanding lack of adequate financial aid. There is a form of aid for academic enrichment students, but qualifying students can only receive the Board of Governors Fee Waiver (BOG) which waives the enrollment fee and provides a discount to the parking pass. College students in the same need of financial aid can qualify for a book voucher and receive other tax exemptions that all require a high school diploma or recognized equivalent. The district should shift their focus and look to open up the program, make it accessible to all students and address the cost deterrent.

Quality of class experience dependent on teacher dedication BY MIKAYLA STEARNS

m.stearns@eyeofthetigernews.com

I

am not a student who hates their class because of a heavy workload. Infamously difficult curriculum, homework, projects or finals aren’t what drives my opinion of the class –

it’s the teacher who makes it or breaks it for me. My favorite teachers (and then consequently, favorite classes) have been characterized by two things: their strictness and their enthusiasm for the class. You can pinpoint these kinds of teachers if they won’t nonchalantly accept your late work, they don’t slow down the class for anyone and they have high expectations for every student. A ridiculously easy-to-pass class is often ruined by a scatter-brained teacher who haphazardly enters grades and occasionally sticks to deadlines. However, a teacher who has

their act together, knows what they are doing and has clear expectations for you, even if that is accompanied by a difficult workload, is much more favorable. I’m a high-achieving student, but oftentimes I, like any other student, am prone to procrastination. I have had my fair share of showing up to class empty-handed and unprepared.These strict teachers are the ones who catch me slacking and give me my bad grade. I’m not complaining. I have so much appreciation for teachers not letting off high-performing students, because while I may be getting a deservedly

lower grade in the class in the meantime, I have faith in the way the class is run. So I’ll take that missing assignment if it means I can count on them to grade my essays/DBQs/homework fairly and to input the grades quickly. It’s the consistency I respect. However, do not get strict teachers confused with mean teachers. There is a huge difference. Strict teachers get things done and I can count on them. Mean teachers can get things done sometimes but not consistently, and are also prone to making students feel like trash. See? Different. I have three favorite teachers

from my high school career in mind. They all ran a tight ship and called me on my shenanigans. The level of difficulty of the curriculum varied from “I could probably just sleep instead and get an A” to “I’m going to practice every problem on the homework twice, just in case.” No matter the level, I wholeheartedly believe I succeeded in the class because of the teacher. I know, at least personally, my efforts are going to mirror the teacher’s energy and efforts. Similarly, in order for me to be engaged in a class, my teacher needs to be present and excited about what they’re teaching,

which was also a characteristic of my favorite teachers. That sounds basic, and yes, it is, but students can sense when a teacher is tuned out. A teacher just knowing the lesson plan script and spitting it out does nothing to further my yearning for knowledge. A teacher who goes out of their way to read content that’s not necessarily in their curriculum outline because they are personally excited by the class is the best cure for an unmotivated student. Just as an unorganized, distant teacher can completely kill a student’s drive to succeed in the class.


opinion | page 8

april 11, 2016

EYE OF THE TIGER’S VIEW

Toffelmier’s ousting risky

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dministration’s decision to transition band director Mark Toffelmier away from his post could prove hasty. While we support site admin intentions to rejuvenate the VAPA department’s enrollment and effect, it may have been shortsighted to ignore the band program’s gradual, yet tangible growths in recent years. We worry about the likelihood of band making an effective transition to a new director, and whether the blowback from Toffelmier’s departure will be worth uncertain improvement under new leadership. Early hurdles are a near guarantee when transitioning significant positions like band director, and admin recognizes this with Toffelmier and his 26-year tenure. Yet, when the site chose against Toffelmier retiring on his own terms, they chose the risk of increased backlash. A fresh band director will have to surmount inevitable growing pains working against the band’s demonstrated gains. Toffelmier led a program which has shownrecent marked improvement. Course request numbers for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 school years reflect the growing status of the program. Marching band, an integral part of RHS traditions and vital presence at sporting events saw slight improvement, with requests growing from 37 to 43, while Symphonic Band had a dramatic increase of 24 to 42. Alongside these increases, the newly-established Beginning Piano Lab course saw 61 requests, putting the numbers in support of an intermediate follow up course for next school year. Inadequate communication from admin to families did not go unnoticed. Site admin should

Campus vandalism childish, ignorant BY JOHNNY MULLIGAN

j.mulligan@eyeofthetigernews.com

D

VIKTORIA BARR EYE OF THE TIGER

have anticipated the great loyalty band students and families feel. With no immediately publicized continuity plan or reassurance, the news understandably left band families upset. Students and parents expressed through emails to site and district administrations their concerns and inquiries for the band program’s future and direction. Admin felt the best course of action was a fresh start with a new band director stressing the importance of music programs at feeder middle and elementary schools. We support this increased emphasis on feeder programs. Effective execution of this push could pay off with consistent influx of the talent admin is looking for to rejuvenate to program to desired levels. However, this effort and

the process of rejuvenating the band program could have benefited from and begun under Toffelmier. With his years of experience, Toffelmier would surely be able to start this process and make a more well-planned exit when he was ready to retire. In addition to increased enrollment, this year band enjoyed competitive success. In the 2A division, marching band placed second, third and second again at the Oakmont competition, Lodi Grape Bowl and championships in Stockton. More recently, percussion won two consecutive events at Woodcreek and in Elk Grove, before jumping from the novice to the more competitive intermediate circuit. The band has something to show for the growth of its stu-

dents. While there is room for improvement, and a discrepancy in achievement between RHS band and other area school bands that may have warranted action, the process is as admin recognizes, gradual. The expected roadblocks of transition may disappoint those looking for sharp, instant improvement from the leadership of a new band director. Admin needs to take care to ensure the program doesn’t slip far from its recent gains. Toffelmier should figure critically into this process to counsel a new director, helping to minimize setbacks a the woes of transition. (This article represents the views of the 2015-2016 editorial board)

estroying and defiling school property doesn’t make you some rebellious teen. It makes you a student who completely disregards your fellow students’ safety and a nuisance in everyone’s lives around you. Regardless of the safe glass that the school has, students could have been seriously injured when two kids decided to chuck a rock at the window in the 900 west wing. Just days earlier some skateboarders threw a temper tantrum and smashed a glass door because they were asked to leave the premises that they broke into. They were doing something illegal and got upset when they were asked to leave, instead of getting the police called on them, which apparently then they prompted them to do something even more illegal. These students disregarded that they could have seriously hurt someone. Those students who smashed the window had no idea if anyone was standing below the window who could have been either impaled by falling shards of glass or hit in the head by a rock. I appreciate some more innocent forms of vandalism. Specifically in my math class, there is a kid who often draws superheroes on the desk in front of me. It is cool to see this kind

of artwork, and he is almost like Banksy to me – fighting the establishment and inspiring classmates one drawing at a time. It is when these drawings start taking phallic forms that it just needs to stop. Drawing such images on everything is such a middle schooler thing to do. Leave that to the professionals. Vandalism in these forms is a waste of your time, my time and everyone else’s. Last year a hole was punched into a wall and the bathroom was shut down for a few weeks. I’m sure that was worth it. Everyone can agree that walking to the bathroom just to find it is closed would be irritating. Property damage is unacceptable and a waste of time. Students who approach school as it being a waste of time are the reason it is a waste of time. When students come to school they should take it in stride. I hate waking up early, I hate math, I hate walking from the portables to the office but never once have I flung my poo or smashed any windows. Accept the fact that when you were born in America, your soul was sold to the school-devil and he has you for these 12 years of your life. The sooner students accept that and go to school and make the most of their time there, they will find it isn’t as much of a waste of time. Don’t ask yourself, “when will I ever use this?” Instead, ask yourself, “I wonder when I will get to use this?” School is free, think of the kids who wish they could be learning in school for free. Don’t take school for granted cause what is the point of wasting your own time. School is only free for so long so learn while it is. you can’t blame the school.

C/o ‘16 reputation unfitting Common Core focus in P.E. distracts from student fitness BY MADDY FURDEK

m.furdek@eyeofthetigernews.com

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BY BLAKE BEAMAN

b.beaman@eyeofthetigernews.com

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orty-two states have now fully adopted Common Core standards for core subjects, like math and language arts. However, this year we have seen the integration of Common Core values in other classes that you may not expect, like physical education. The physical education department at Roseville High School has been trying to integrate Common Core with assignments like where students tested their heart rates after running at varied speeds and times and created bar graphs with the data they gathered. Teachers are trying to improve students’ skills for their other classes, such as analyzing and interpreting data and making a visual representative of that data, like a bar graph. However, the assignments being done in these classes are very simple and are not effectively supplements for anything like what students will be seeing in other Common Core classes. If written assignments are to be done in P.E. classes, they need to be at the same level of the students that are doing the assignments. Giving high school students middle school level assignments is pointless, especially in a class like P.E.

JAY HOLLAND EYE OF THE TIGER

Written assignments in a P.E. class cause the class to stray away from the original goal. P.E. aims to get students active and in shape. This is one of the very few times some students have an opportunity to be active, and that time is wasted with basic written assignments that are being done every day in the other classes that students have. However, I don’t think written assignments are completely pointless. It gives some students the chance to demonstrate their knowledge about the unit they are currently in when they may have a hard time doing so physically. If the class is in a basketball unit, written assignments that are given must be about basketball and how it is played, not how many times a student’s heart beats in 10 seconds after jogging in place for 30 seconds. Assignments like these would be more useful and appli-

cable than others where we measured our heart rates One of the intended benchmarks for P.E. classes this year was to get the students to the point where they can run for 20 minutes straight. We spent a lot of class time training for a test that was supposedly going to come at the end of the term, with written assignments pertaining to this run along the way, meant to help us interpret our findings and understand what goes into the run. However, these assignments provided very little aid when compared to conditioning. But, any help they may have provided went to waste after the teachers failed to follow through at the end of the term and administer the test. If the teachers want to implement Common Core, they should do with more useful assignments than what we’ve seen.

can still remember the thrilling nervousness that coursed through my body the first day I met Roseville High School’s class of 2016. It was a hot August day, a week before school would officially begin and the entire incoming freshman class had been corralled into the gym to get a jump start on bonding with our future peers. I was excited. While I, of course, recognized plenty of my friends from junior high, I was eager to get to know the hundreds of other faces I had never seen before. The notion that in just four short years we would all be young adults on our way to the real world exhilarated me – we had the potential to become anyone we wanted to be in high school. There were endless paths ahead, and I was anxious to watch our class blossom into the best class to ever pass through RHS’s timeless campus. However, it didn’t take long for this idealistic and, quite frankly, overly zealous dream to prove difficult to achieve. Yes, we were the freshman class, and there were initial difficulties meshing our diversity into one tight-knit group – but even after these passed, we simply seemed to lack the chemistry the other classes regularly displayed. Now, don’t misinterpret message here, as this isn’t an article

to lay blame on my class for our label as an apathetic or unsuccessful class; in fact, I’ve always appreciated our lack of cliques and excessive drama that other classes had. I strongly believe, and think a majority do recognize, that our class holds some of the brightest minds, dedicated individuals and charismatic personalities to attend RHS in decades. However, I feel that the negative reputation that has haunted the class of 2016 throughout our high school journey is simply inaccurate. I can remember being in PE my freshman year and hearing the upperclassmen telling us, “Man, your class is the worst!” I can’t

Although we may never have been the Brady Bunch family everyone wanted, I’ve seen time and time again that we cheer each other on in our moments of triumph and defend each other when we are down.

count how many times I’ve had staff members tell me something like “It’s just that you’ve got a bad group of kids in the class of 2016. We knew that from the start.” While I initially believed these jabs at our class chemistry, I eventually began to realize that

our lackluster reputation did not truly define our class. Time went on, people matured, and I began to appreciate the people whom I had grown up with. Maybe we didn’t cheer the loudest at rallies, but when we shuffled in a crowded to our designated spot on the bleachers in Moeller gym, we crammed together with no judgements for each other. We didn’t have cliques, we didn’t have glaringly obvious drama, and we didn’t seem to outcast anybody from our enormous group. In reality, the class of 2016 holds many incredible individuals. I’ve meet friends whom I will cherish for a lifetime as well as peers who inspire me so greatly through their dedication and originality. We are a talented, accepting and friendly group of people – and although we may have never been the Brady Bunch family everyone wanted, I’ve seen time and time again we cheer each other on in our moments of triumph, and defend each other when we are down. If I could give any word of advice to incoming classes, it would be this – don’t pay attention to what others may say about you and your peers. Instead, you and your classmates should try to keep an open mind; appreciate the people you’ve grown up with, pick them up when they’re down and enjoy your four years at high school, regardless of what your classes’ label may be. Your focus should be on the individuals in your class, because at the end of the day, that’s what really matters. You won’t walk away from high school remembering how many class competitions you won, but instead, the people who sat in the stands and cheered with you.


april 11, 2016

Entertainment

page 9

Ninja Sushi relocation slices competition

RACHEL BARBER EYE OF THE TIGER

MARC CHAPPELLE EYE OF THE TIGER

Ninja’s new location in downtown Roseville is significantly larger than the previous location, with two upstairs dining areas, as well as a large stage on the ground floor. Customers can expect future live performances from bands, various performers and the occasional impromptu performance from Chef Steve himself. BY KYLIE IRWIN

k.irwin@eyeofthetigernews.cm

Ninja Sushi and Teriyaki is a locally owned restaurant and bar owned by sushi master, Chef Steve. I walked into the restaurant and was immediately greeted and seated by the friendly, inviting staff. The restaurant offers a fun and family-friendly environment. Each of the employees were very nice and helpful. I look forward to seeing them when I return. The setting was very relaxed

but also fun. Ninja has moved on to a bigger and better space. They took over the former Sammy Hagar space at 263 Vernon Street in Downtown Roseville. They were previously in a smaller location on Pleasant Grove. The new place is much larger compared to the original, and creates a much different environment. However, it retains the intimacy of the orignal location The restaurant is currently in a “soft opening,” and it’s official grand opening is on April 22nd. Employee Roman Zazhitskiy

Lukas Graham more than just “7 Years”

BY JOHNNY MULLIGAN j.mulligan@eyeofthetigernews.cm

After seeing “7 Years” rise to number two on Billboard’s Hot 100, I was curious to hear more from this unknown band and was pleasantly surprised to find songs even better than “7 Years” on their album Lukas Graham or The Blue Album. Starting in Denmark, this band (named after their lead singer Lukas Graham Forchhammer) rose to fame after they posted videos of their garage band on YouTube. They spread through Europe and then ended up here after being co-signed by Warner Bros. Records. Although this album was released on Jan. 28 this year, “7 Years” prominence prompted me to check out the rest of the album and I was surprised to find “7 Years” was the only popular song of the album. The band managed to combine powerful lyrics (in most cases) with both ballads and upbeat songs. Forchhammer wrote his music usually taken from his father

passing away as a kid, through “Happy Home” and “You’re Not There.” Forchhammer also writes about his friends and how he powered through his struggles. These heavier songs are offset by more upbeat songs of the album. “Strip No More” is catchy and just funny when you listen to the words. Forchhammer felt betrayed when a stripper graduated from school without telling him because nobody else stripped quite like she did. By far my favorite is “Funeral” which is Forchhammer telling his friends to be sad for some time when he passes but make sure they know he lived his life well and he expects his funeral to be fun because that is how he lived his life. His friends are all together and they “better be wasteeeeed” because if he was in their situation he would’ve been. This album is great from top to bottom, Forchhammer somehow perfectly balances his heavier songs with the lighter ones and every single track has a unique sound. I was shocked none of his other songs have become popular because “7 Years” pales in comparison to many other songs of the album both in meaning and in overall quality. For being the band’s debut album it is incredible how well we get to know Forchhammer. He explains his life in 12 songs, not an easy task to accomplish. I’ve heard rumors of another album coming in a few months and I hope they turn out to be true.

has worked at Ninja nearly since the beginning. He loves working there and was excited about the new location. “I started out here when it first opened, and it was very slow,” Zazhitskiy said. “Just seeing how the business grew and knowing that it has expanded to something bigger is exciting.” Chef Steve seems to know what he’s doing and expanding to the new location has brought in new and old customers. Unfortunately, the original location has been closed down. I personally think that they should

have kept both locations open. While this undertaking was surely expensive, there would have been more customer opportunities and not lose a much-loved original location. Customer Jose Tolentino has been eating at Ninja since the beginning and had high anticipation for its newest addition. “They have really good service,” Talentino said. “That’s why we keep coming back. That’s another thing that will make this place grow.” The environment is not the only thing that continues to bring

RACHEL BARBER EYE OF THE TIGER

No new additions have been added to the menu, but customers can expect the same high quality food, such as the Sacramento roll ($11.95, top) as well as Ninja’s signature complementary dessert (tempura ice cream, bottom). customers back. I personally do not eat sushi, but many of my friends and family all agree that their food keeps them coming back. As of now, there are no new rolls. and the menu has stayed almost exactly the same since the move. Sophomore Kaden Schmittner was previously a customer at Ninja, but he now is an employee there. “I definitely think the environment differs,” Schmittner said. “Having a stage, having music playing and having a bigger space affects the atmosphere a

lot.” Schmittner expects the space to feel more like a club, once the grand opening has passed. They plan to have many bands playing, and karaoke nights to fill the large space. After the grand opening, they plan to have live music playing on their stage, and are occasionally going to be offer karaoke nights. Ninja Sushi and Teriyaki is a very nice place to go and I know many people are excited for the official grand opening in a few weeks.

Snyder underwhelms fans Batman v Superman disappoints BY PRESTON WALTER p.walter@eyeofthetigernews.cm

The movie which all comic fans had been waiting for finally hit theaters on March 24 – Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The story follows Batman, played by Ben Affleck, and Superman, played by Henry Cavill. The two and a half hour long movie is directed by Zack Snyder. Director of Man of Steel Zack Snyder is going to direct the upcoming Justice League films, just didn’t quite deliver what the longtime fans hoped for in this film. The movie details the new public reverence for Superman after his actions in the events of Man of Steel. Batman, on the other hand, has a grudge with the caped crusader because of the damage he caused from his fight with Zod. This feud leads to a fight between the bat of Gotham and son of Krypton, with a little push from Jesse Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor and the discovery of Kryptonite. Eisenberg, plays a good villain, but he was just playing the wrong one. He felt more like a Riddler/Joker than a Lex Luthor. Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston would have mre effectively captured the character.

COURTESY PARAMOUNT/TNS

Ben Affleck returns as Batman alongside Henry Cavill (Superman) in DC’s newest movie installment, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Many fans were dissapointed in some of the casting choices as well as the scattered storyline. Also returning to reprise her role as Lois Lane was Amy Adams. The love interest serves as a rock for the conflicted and rather mopey interpretation of Superman. The action of this movie was very well done and entertaining but other aspects in the film – like the poor editing and a clustered storyline –take away from its potential. However, there are a few high points in the film. For example, Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman and Ben Affleck’s Batman provide some of the best and most interesting scenes in the film. Also Snyder’s beautiful cinematography are something that we quite don’t see in a Marvel film. Something else that the film tried to highlight in the cluttered

plot was the introduction of Justice League which is suppose to come out next year to rival Marvel’s avengers franchise. The film set it up poorly though by simply having the characters shown in a “metahuman” folder that Lex Luthor had on his company computer drive. I was excited to see the Flash, Cyborg and Aquaman for the first time on screen. But we only saw Cyborg and Aquaman briefly with Flash making a longer appearance, but I’m not going to spoil why. I did not like the casting of Ezra Miller as the Flash because there is already a Flash in the DC Entertainment Universe played by Grant Gustin on the television series The Flash (which is phenomenal by the way). It just

doesn’t make sense to me to use a different actor considering the fact that I enjoy Gustin’s portrayal of The Flash on the TV show. Overall, I thought this film was good, but not great. There are a few points that made me leave the theater happy and a lot of moments that made me geekout, like the fact that Batman was a complete badass and that Ben Affleck actually played the role way better than I expected. I’m also excited for the Wonder Woman film coming soon and the Justice League. Unfortunately, poor editing, slow movement at times and a cluttered storyline hurt the film. Hopefully Snyder’s three hour R-rated cut of the film – soon to be released on DVD – will help the film’s quality.


april 11, 2016

page 10 | entertainment

FASHION: SENIOR TIANNA CHING

ZACHARY CHEEK EYE OF THE TIGER

Distance from status quo shows originality by Gabi hutson

to a specific style, but wear whatever they want because they like it.

How would you describe your style or aesthetic? It’s sort of funny because I think half my style is kind of just like not really caring with old grandpa sweaters all the time, and then other times I do really like getting dressed up and stuff. I don’t really have like a particular style, it’s just whatever I’m feeling.

Where are a few of your favorite places to shop? Thrift Shops, that’s where i get all my old sweaters from. Places like Goodwill ya know? And if not there then probably places like Forever 21 because they’re cheap and it’s a nice place to get clothes.

g.hutson@eyeofthetigernews.com

What sort of inspires your type of style and the way you dress? I have a lot of friends who like to dress up too so they make it sort of fun and also things online like Instagram now. You always see people dressing up really nice. What types of things do you see on Instagram that inspire you? What inspires me are people who dress in a way that makes them happy, not really confined

What sort of things do you find at thrift shops versus what you find at stores like Forever 21? At thrift shops I find more out there statement pieces versus other stores like Forever 21 I really only go there for basics and specifics. You never know what you’re going to find at a thrift store and that definitely shows in the pieces I find. How do people respond to the way you look? I find that style is a good talking point people come up to me all the time asking about my

ZACHARY CHEEK EYE OF THE TIGER

Senior Tianna Ching derives confidence and takes inspiration from a powerful and unconfined style.

clothes and it’s a great way to meet new, different people and bond, I guess. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten any outrageous or weird attention. What’s your favorite article of clothing/accessory you own? My favorite article of clothing is this big obnoxious rainbow sweater that I thrifted. I’m not really sure why. It’s super comfy and the colors just brighten my day, and I’m definitely sad that it will soon be too hot to wear it. What’s your personal favorite style to wear I found that dressing in black jeans and some heels makes you feel like you can take on anything and it’s a great way to start the day. I don’t know if that constitutes as a specific style, but on days when I’m feeling the struggle and pretty much on any day it’s my favorite.


Sports

april 11, 2016

page 11

Volleyball 6-1 at halfway point

District needs to address transportation policies

BY JAMIE BATEMAN

j.bateman@eyeofthetigernews.com

GEORGE HUGHES EYE OF THE TIGER

GEORGE HUGHES EYE OF THE TIGER

Junior captain Neal Reilly (above) addresses his teammates in a team huddle during the boys’ game against the Ponderosa Bruins. Reilly and junior outside hitter Jeffery Oh (bottom right), as well as many of the team’s players, have played on varsity since their freshman years. Oh attributes much of the team’s success to this fact. Sophomore outside hitter Cooper Baddley (top right) is new to the team this year but has earned his spot as a starting player.

BY JAMIE BATEMAN

j.bateman@eyeofthetigernews.com

The varsity boys volleyball team has started off this year strong with an overall record of 25-4 and a league record of 6-1. The boys are half way through league competition and currently hold the second place spot in the Capital Valley Conference standings. They are second only to last year’s CVC champions, the Whitney Wildcats, whom they lost to earlier in the season. Coach Cindy Simon attributes the team’s early success to the performance of its hitters and the consistency of players on both offense and defense. “Having big outside hitters and being able to put down the ball is a big strength of ours,” Simon said. “We do a good job controlling the ball, and the consistency on defense helps our offense and our overall game.” Simon has coached varsity before and this year has returned as head coach to take the place of last year’s Jason Cole. However, this change in coaching position

has not affected the team’s chemistry and returning varsity setter Zack Mancha feels that this, combined with the fact that a majority of the team’s players played on varsity last year, has really benefitted the boys. “Last year, we were playing people a year older than us and now we are playing people our age which gives us an advantage over them because we have an extra year of experience,” Mancha said. “Everybody that played varsity last year is playing varsity again this year, which makes our team chemistry really good and will make us even better and stronger next year.” Mancha’s teammate, junior outside hitter Jeffrey Oh, agrees. “The fact that we have all been playing with each other for a while is really important and I think it has shown this year,” Oh said. “We all know how to play with each other and play with each other really well.” However, the Tigers’ season has not been without any struggles. Their losses to the Wildcats along with some other teams out-

side of the CVC were tough to face. In the recent Bellarmine Invitational tournament, the Tigers took two losses and finished 4-2 after competing against some of the top teams in California, but Simon feels that these games were good learning opportunities for the boys and sees benefits from the losses. “We played against much better competition than we are used to, and even though we lost twice I think we played very well,” Simon said. “I think that the overall level of play was really good and I think the boys now have more confidence that they can play at that level. Losing really sucks, but it also could be good because now we know what it feels like to lose.” As of last Saturday, the Tigers were ranked 40th in the nation and 33rd in California. Simon feels that the pressure and hype from their spot in the rankings may have played a role in the boys’ loss to the Wildcats, as the Tigers were ranked within the top 15 teams in the nation at the time of the game.

GEORGE HUGHES EYE OF THE TIGER

She also said that the Bellarmine tournament helped the boys regain some of their confidence back after falling to Whitney due to the fact that they were able to defeat some very competitive teams. “I think we felt a lot a lot of pressure going into the Whitney game,” Simon said. “I think the boys felt a little too much pressure but I feel like the Bellarmine tournament showed us that we can play at a high level.” Mancha admits that he was slightly skeptical of the team’s ability to perform this year due to the loss of some of last year’s key seniors, specifically last year’s Capital Valley Conference Most Valuable Player Trevor Pratt. However, he was pleasantly surprised by the ability of junior middle Sam Toomey to step up and fill the role this year. “Sam has done a really good job in Trevor’s spot and obviously you can’t replace him and his numbers, but Sam has done

a really good job,” Mancha said. “I thought that we might have had a slow start without him but we haven’t and I am a little surprised.” Oh feels the same way about all of the team’s returning players. “Everybody from last year has really stepped up this year, since we lost Trevor,” Oh said. “He was a really big piece of our team last year and we have done a good job playing without him.” Simon has high expectations for the remainder of the team’s season and believes in their capabilities to advance very far. “My goal is for us to win co- league champs with Whitney and then go until at least the third round of playoffs,” Simon said. Oh is confident regarding the team’s performance and believes that the boys can earn a title. “A section title has been my goal since the beginning of the year,” Oh said. “Now that we’ve done so well I definitely think it’s reachable.”

Performances of the Week MARCH 14 - 20 Golf beats previously undefeated Broncos 214-215

“Everyone performed,” Crews said. “George Hughes shot one of his best rounds and our 5’s and 6’s performed when they needed to with mid to low 40’s.”

BY MEGAN ANDERSON

MARCH 21 - 27 JV boys volleyball places first in Placer Invitational

m.anderson@eyeofthetigernews.com

The Performance of the Week for the week of March 14-20 was the varsity boys golf team’s 214215 win over the previously undefeated Bella Vista Broncos at Diamond Oaks Golf Course. At the time, the Tigers were 2-1 in league while the Broncos were 3-0 and were able to defeat the Broncos with their lowest score of the season thus far. Junior Parker Crews shot his lowest score for nine holes with a 39, tying junior teammate Jake Littlejohn for the Tigers’ lowest score of the day. Crews feels that he shot so well because the course was very familiar to him as he has played it many times. “Diamond Oaks is not our home course, but I grew up on it so I know it like the back of my hand,” Crews said. “It was very easy knowing the ins and outs and all of the nooks and crannies.” According to Crews, the key to this win was the entire team performing well and coming together as a unified whole.

BY JAKE LITTLEJOHN

j.littlejohn@eyeofthetigernews.com

The Performance of the Week for the week of March 21-27 was the JV boys volleyball team’s first place finish in the Placer Invitational tournament. The Tigers went undefeated and won their second tournament of the year, placing first out of 12 teams. According to freshman libero Bradley Morin, the boys performed at a very high level in the tournament. He said that freshman outside hitter Shane Atkins greatly contributed to the Tigers’ undefeated run due to his skills and offensive ability. “Shane led the tournament in kills and also leads our team in kills,” Morin said. “Shane was a huge part of our success in the tournament.” The Tigers defeated many teams that also compete within

the Capital Valley Conference in the tournament, including Whitney High School who they beat in the championship game. The boys have high expectations for the rest of the league season and Morin feels that if they continue to play the way they did in the tournament, they should have no trouble finishing their season undefeated. “If we keep playing like we are playing now, there is probably no team that can beat us in league,” Morin said.

MARCH 28 - APRIL 3 JV baseball sweeps Cosumnes Oaks Wolfpack BY KYLIE IRWIN

sweep the Wolfpack. He said that the boys’ offensive abilities came alive during the week and that this is why they were so dominant. “We finally got in our groove,” Anderson said. “We were able to hit. Honestly, our defense just got tighter, but we actually hit the ball.” The Tigers scored more runs in their first game against the Wolfpack than they did in their entire preseason, beating them 14-7. They won their second and third games with scores of 8-0 and 12-9 Sophomore designated hitter Jared Tavares agrees with Anderson in that the boys’ offense was key to their success. “Top to bottom, everyone was hitting,” Tavares said. “We were working as a team and just playing really good fundamental baseball.”

k.irwin@eyeofthetigernews.com

The Performance of the Week for the week of March 28-April 3 was the JV baseball team’s threegame series sweep against the previously 4-1 Cosumnes Oaks Wolfpack. The Wolfpack came in on a roll, having swept the Oakmont Vikings 3-0 the previous week. According to sophomore second baseman Taylor Anderson, the team has collectively been improving from the beginning of its season which allowed the boys to

APRIL 4 - 10 Lara pitches full game against Titans, allows one run BY JAMIE BATEMAN

j.bateman@eyeofthetigernews.com

The Performance of the Week for the week of April 4-10 was varsity baseball pitcher senior Andres Lara’s game against the

Antelope Titans. Lara pitched the entire game and allowed only one run for the Titans, leading the way to a 2-1 victory for the Tigers. This was Lara’s most dominating performance in a game this season and he allowed the Tigers to pick up their second win of league and their third win of the season. Lara’s teammate senior Justin Robbins feels that Lara’s performance was really big for the team and their playoff chances going forward. “Andres threw a really good game,” Robbins said. “He threw strikes and got people out and did his job.” Junior left fielder Nick Tucker feels that Lara’s control and consistency helped take the pressure off of the boys and allowed them to focus on their offense in attempts to score. “He was controlled and it took the pressure off of us at the plate,” Tucker said. “Knowing that they weren’t scoring on Andre helped us relax and score.” Robbins also thinks that the win was huge for the team and its chances of advancing into the playoffs later in the year. “The win was a very big one for us because it keeps us in the playoff hunt,” Robbins said. “We definitely are still in it and we just have to keep getting wins, and this win gets us back on track.”

In the Capital Valley Conference, almost all of the high schools are close together in proximity with the exception of Cosumnes Oaks and Ponderosa. For sports such as golf and baseball, this creates problems for studentathletes. Normally, players on these teams are required to find their own rides to games and matches, but when the sporting events are farther away, the players are often required to leave school early to take a bus or a van to the opposing team’s facility. This is the same with many other high school sports, too. With both of these sports, who frequently have two or more away events every week, this can cause serious problems with how much school student athletes are missing. In baseball, the CVC has adopted a Sierra Foothills Leagueesque style schedule in which the baseball teams play three-game series with each other. Last year, the schedules worked in a way that CVC baseball teams would never play the same team consecutively. With this year’s new schedule, teams can be forced to travel to schools like Cosumnes Oaks and Ponderosa twice a week, causing students to have to leave school at 1:30 p.m. multiple times in a week. For students who have a rigorous academic class during fourth period, this can be a serious issue. For the most part, nothing is done in the first 30 minutes of class outside of checking homework and maybe a couple of review questions. CVC golfers are frequently required to miss all of their fourth period, also causing problems for them. On top of that, when athletes have to travel to these certain away games they aren’t allowed to drive themselves to the events or back from them. This isn’t really a big deal going to the high schools, but on the way back it can delay the time that students return home. For example, track and field athletes aren’t allowed to leave their meets early. Instead, they must come home with the entire team or leave when the team does. This is very problematic because this results in track and field athletes returning to their homes very late when they come back from away meets. When students are taking AP classes, or even other tough academic for that matter, they can have up to three hours of homework per night. When you add that to the fact that students have to (hopefully) shower, make a lunch, eat dinner, get ready for school the next day and then get up the next day at 6:30 a.m. and do it all again, it can really take a toll on some kids. For baseball, I do believe that the three game series idea works better in terms of scheduling and makes competition more fun but it does make it tough on the players. This is the same for other sports too, so the CVC should work to flex sporting schedules in a way that makes it easier for studentathletes to deal with the repercus-


page 12 |

Sports

@EOTSports

april 11, 2016

SPRING ATHLETE WATCHLIST Take a look at Eye of the Tiger’s picks for some of the top-performing athletes on Roseville High School’s spring sports teams. These athletes are the ones to keep an eye on.

ANDRES LARA BASEBALL

MOLLY BRANIGAN SOCCER

GEORGE HUGHES EYE OF THE TIGER

NEAL REILLY VOLLEYBALL POSITION: Opposite hitter WHY HE MATTERS:

KEY STATS: 261 kills (leads team) 49 blocks

“With a lot of young guys on our team he has done an exceptional job in leading us and helping us transition to the varsity level. What makes him so effective is that he is able to do everything.” According to senior third baseman Jordan Woods, Lara has always been a factor when the team performs well. “When we win Andres is always hitting well and pitching well,” Woods said, “He gives us a good chance to win every time he pitches.” -Jamie Bateman

Junior opposite hitter Neal Reilly has been a standout player on the varsity boys volleyball team this season. Reilly is a twotime returning varsity player and is one of this year’s captains. He has been playing volleyball since he was in seventh grade. He currently leads the Tigers in kills with a total of 261, his serving percentage comes in second on the team at 93.8% and he has the most blocks with a total of 49. “Neal is a very smart and consistent player both as a passer on defense and a hitter on offense,” junior defensive specialist Landon Bones said. According to Bones, Reilly’s

consistency is extremely valuable to the team, as is his ability to move past his mistakes and keep playing with a confident mindset. Junior libero Tommy Morin feels that Reilly provides the team with confidence and really delivers when they need it most. “He helps boost the confidence and brings big plays when we need them the most,” Morin said. Reilly plans to continue his volleyball career into college. He has received letters of interest from Cal State Northridge and he is also receiving interest from Princeton University. -Marina Efstathiu

MEGAN FEREIRA TRACK AND FIELD

BRAYDEN LEACH TRACK AND FIELD

SAM DIMINITROV TENNIS

EVENT: Pole vault

EVENT: 800 meter

WHY SHE MATTERS:

WHY HE MATTERS:

POSITION: Number one player

Megan Fereira is a senior on the track and field team. She is a pole vaulter and happens to be the only girl pole vaulter on the team. “She is always super positive, no matter what,” junior teammate Shelbie McKay said. “She is constantly helping everyone else.” Fereira was the only track and field athlete from Roseville High School to get accepted into the Arcadia Invitational meet which hosts some of the most elite athletes from around the country. She currently holds the girl’s pole vaulting record for RHS at 12’1” meters. -Kylie Irwin

Senior Brayden Leach is an obvious leader on the track and field team. He runs the 800 meter, the 400 meter and the 4x400 relay. Leach’s teammate, senior Toj Davis, thinks that his abilities have a huge impact on the team. He acknowledges that Leach’s positive manner helps the team immensely. “He’s a good leader. He basically says what no one else will,” Davis said. “He tells us what we need to hear, and gets straight to the point.” According to Davis, Leach keeps everyone from slacking off and keeps them working hard. -Kylie Irwin

ADAM BOTNEN SWIM

WHY HE MATTERS:

SAM MAILEY EYE OF THE TIGER

POSITION: Pitcher and shortstop KEY STATS: Batting avg .405 OBP .500 H 15, RBI 7 WHY HE MATTERS: Senior Andres Lara is having a stellar year for the varsity baseball team. Lara is not only one of the team’s three starting pitchers but is also a shortstop and one of the best hitters. Thus

far, Lara is hitting .405 and leads the team in RBIs and doubles. Lara’s offensive consistency has earned him the lead-off spot in the batting order and, according to junior second baseman Sean Granucci, he is also one of the best fielders on the team. Granucci feels that Lara has really been a factor in helping the team’s younger players transition up from the JV level and recognizes his versatility. “Andres has done everything for us this season. He is also a great leader,” Granucci said.

ALY MANZO SOFTBALL

SAM MAILEY EYE OF THE TIGER

POSITION: Shortstop KEY STATS: Batting avg .486 OBP .513 H 17, RBI 6 WHY SHE MATTERS: Senior shortstop Alyson Manzo, a four year varsity player and a two year captain, has been a key player on the varsity softball team this year. Manzo will be attending the University of Arkansas, which is in the Southeastern Conference in the Division I collegiate level, on a softball scholarship this fall. Junior pitcher Megan Anderson believes Manzo’s passion and drive has been a key factor

BRADLEY MORIN JV VOLLEYBALL

of the team’s success thus far in the season. “There are very few people that love the game as much as she does,” Anderson said. “She always works really hard, and it is important as a pitcher to know there is someone behind me who is always going to make plays and get people out so effortlessly like she does.” Sophomore middle infielder Karli Dugger appreciates Manzo’s leadership skills which help the team’s performance. “Aly is a great leader and someone is going to have to step up and fill her shoes,” Dugger said. “Everyone respects Aly and I look up to her as a player and a person.” -Blake Beaman

KEY STATS: 159 serving received successes 126 digs WHY HE MATTERS: “He is a great captain, a great leader, always knows what he is doing on the court and [is] an overall good person.” -DJ Schab

POSITION: Libero

EVENT: 100 meter free KEY STATS: Nine first-place finishes 12 second-place finishes Three third-place finishes

Senior Adam Botnen is a captain and the top swimmer on the varsity boys swim team. Botnen has brought the Tigers nine first-place finishes, 12 second-place finishes and three third-place finishes. Botnen has set multiple records for the Tigers this year and was a major part of their 3-0 start in the beginning of league. Senior swimmer Will Schab believes Botnen is a huge part of the team’s success because of his consistently fast swim times. “Adam is a strong swimmer

WHY HE MATTERS: Sophomore Sam Dimitrov is the best player on the boys tennis team. According to sophomore teammate Tai Diep, Dimitrov is able to turn a match around quickly when the Tigers need momentum in important situations. Dimitrov also inspires the other players on the team with his skills and motivates them want to play harder. Diep feels the effects of this motivation. “Sam really inspires me because I am the eleventh or twelfth guy on the team and he really inspires me to play harder and to work harder,” Diep said. -Kale Jibson and is swimming at a very high level this year,” Schab said. “Adam worked hard in the summer and all of his hard work is paying off.” Sophomore teammate Josh Keaton believes that Botnen is a talented captain who is able to help others with their skills by giving them advice regarding their strokes. “Adam is a good captain and he helps others by giving them tips on different swim strokes,” Keaton said. “I think he has put in a lot of work over the years to improve his stroke and endurance. He is also a natural athlete.” -Jake Littlejohn

AMY ADAMSON EYE OF THE TIGER

POSITION: Midfield KEY STATS: 2 goals 2 assists WHY SHE MATTERS: Only a freshman, midfielder Molly Branigan has made herself a valuable asset and leader on the varsity girls soccer team. Teammate freshman Kylie Granno believes that Branigan brings a high level of intensity to the team and uses her skills to distribute the ball among her teammates on the field very well. “Molly is an amazing player who is great at being calm with the ball and finding it and getting the ball out to others on the field,” Granno said. Branigan stands out on the team because of her selfless, game-smart playing style. “She stands out as one of our best players on the team because she is amazing at distributing and keeping our midfield compacted,” Granno said. Branigan has two goals out of four shot attempts and two assists this season and has been a major factor in their success thus far. -Emily Earl

JAKE LITTLEJOHN GOLF

KEY STATS: Averages 40.8 strokes per match in league play WHY HE MATTERS: Junior Jake Littlejohn is the varsity boys golf team’s number one player and brings positivity and a competitive edge to the team. Senior teammate Cory Nuss believes that Littlejohn brings motivation to the team to help the boys win. “He keeps low scores and it keeps everyone motivated. He is always positive,” Nuss said. “He always wants to win and that makes everyone else want to win and to keep getting better.” Littlejohn is starting the recruiting process with colleges and hopes to commit to a school to further his education while playing golf at the collegiate level. -Megan Anderson


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