www.sonomadragonstale.

com
October 2009 - Volume 19 - Issue 1 - Sonoma Valley High School

J a y w a l k - Water Polo wins

ers cross into first league game
Petaluma in five years
Doobie Brothers, Journey

Flu season heats up

visits Sonoma pg. 3

Motivation; the inspiration

By Shannon Murphy
behind tier
By Kirsten Aguilar mediocrity to success.
“We wanted to provide a dif-
Coughing, sore throat, fever; It took all year to design: count- ferent kind of intervention,” says
these are common symptoms less hours, countless options, Principal Micaela Philpot, “to
of most any illness, so what has countless factors taken into ac- give both support as well as an
SVHS students so concerned? count. The new schedule, intro- incentive to students.”
The District Nurse, Kate Brown, duced and launched at the begin- A three category system was de-
says it could be a result of the ning of this year has been met vised. “Tier,” they called it. Ac-
swine flu. with varying degrees of satisfac- cording to the administration the
“The flu has been around since tion. Some like it, some don’t, purpose of tier is to support, not
April,” she explained. “A lot some—as always—couldn’t care to punish. Tier is meant to culti-
of people had it and didn’t even less. vate relationships, to create an en-
know it.” With nearly 50 students Students have resounding ques- vironment in which students will
sent home a week from school, tions echoing through the halls. feel comfortable enough to raise
medical precautions have already Why? Why a need for change? up their hands and ask questions
been taken. “If they display any Why a need to shift and redesign which will in turn create a benefi-
symptoms, we ask them to wear a schedule that most were just cial connection between teachers
a surgical mask to control the getting used to? and students. Students who have
spread.” The reason is not that there were a connection with their teachers
Although several fatalities have gaping problems with the previous have a tendency to do better than
already been recorded in Sonoma schedule, nor is it that the school students who don’t.
county, Brown states that some was required by the state to make “Ideally,” says Philpot, “We
people are merely medically frag- the change. The reason for the al- want teachers to be actively ask-
ile. “Certain people have pre- teration is that the administration ing kids if they have any ques-
existing medical conditions and wants to be proactive. They are tions.”
may be susceptible,” she stated. always looking for ways to turn continued page 8
With a vaccination becoming
Photo by James Fanucchi
available to the public in a cou- The nurse’s office has recently been inundated with possible flu cases.
ple weeks, she suggests students
get it, with the exception being ease. to school if you have a fever,”
if you have a medical condi- So then what’s the issue with pleaded Brown. She went on to
tion. “Personally, because I’m this particular virus? Brown im- say that students should wait until
a nurse, I would recommend it,” plied that because people haven’t their fever returns to normal for at
she agreed. experienced this strain of virus least a day without the aid of any
Brown went on to dismiss the yet that they have not developed medication such as ibuprofen.
rumor that the vaccine could an immunity. The problem is the Despite the attention that the
possibly cause the virus. “The possible mutation of the virus. swine flu is receiving, Brown ad-
flu shot can’t cause the flu,” she In addition to what the Public vised we always be taking steps
clarified, “it’s a dead virus.” The Health department is doing to to prevent the spread of any dis-
vaccine will begin to work about prevent the spread of the virus, ease. “What we’re doing now is
Photo by James Fanucchi
three weeks after the injection, students are also asked to take what we should be doing all the Keith Mendez completes his Algebra II homework in Mr. Bystrom’s Tier 3 class.
building an immunity to the dis- care of themselves. “Don’t come time.”

Healthcare speech brings unhealthy debate

By Will Smith tion, President Obama proposed that health care would not be ex-
a health insurance exchange, tended to illegal immigrants.
After weeks of intense de- which would provide a govern- The remark brought about
bate over health care, President ment-run marketplace for health boo’s from both sides of Con-
Obama took the podium before insurance, forcing insurance gress, and led to the representa-
a joint session of Congress on companies to lower their prices tive being rebuked by the body
Sept. 9 to address the hot topic. to stay competitive. six days later.
The speech, which outlined the While both sides of the aisle While outlining the plan, Presi-
President’s proposed health care support a health exchange, the dent Obama made clear that fed-
reform bill, was watched by 32 public option drew fire from eral funding would not be used
million viewers during its prime many top Republicans, who to fund abortions.
time broadcast. criticized the President for using However, the comment was crit-
The president’s bill would re- taxpayer money to pay for a “so- icized by the non-partisan , non-
quire all Americans to have some cialist” plan. profit organization Factcheck.
form of health care, whether from Arguably the most memorable org, which said, “As for the
a private insurance company like part of the night was the inter- House bill as it stands now, it’s
Kaiser Permanente or the pro- ruption of the President by Rep- a matter of fact that it would al-
Photo from Google Images posed public option of govern- resentative Joe Wilson of South low both a public plan and newly
President Obama speaks before Congress on the topic of Healthcare. ment-run health insurance. Carolina, who shouted, “You subsidized private plans to cover
In addition to the public op- lie!” after the President stated all abortions.”
 Opinion - Editorial

New schedule bringing us to tiers

By Alejandro Tinajero very well, and they welcomed the teacher. The tier system encourages stu-
You’re an adult,
but not really
By Will Smith
new schedule, which will help The new system prohibits stu- dents to solve problems on their
After thinking and planning for students who own. But, they can’t teach them- While sitting through an aver-
a whole year, the administration got D’s or selves that which they don’t un- age day in Mr. Gissell’s Civics
has given us a new schedule with F’s last year. derstand. class, I found myself longing
a brand new system to separate A very nice There are also students that just for someone other than Michael
the failures from the success- incentive is don’t care. The extra 15 minutes Moore to walk through the door
ful students. Obviously, a year’s also includ- of lunch may not be enough to and brighten my day. My wish
worth of thinking wasn’t enough. ed. Those encourage them to do better, es- was granted when Vice Principal
So, what exactly is this new who are in pecially if they are freshmen or Ms. Summers sauntered through
“tier” system supposed to do for tier 3 will get sophomores . the entryway.
students? 15 extra min- The old A+ schedule worked out She had come bearing gifts -
The administration, faculty and utes of lunch well, because students were not stacks of school rules recycled
even students had their say in the Tue. and restricted from moving to differ- from years past, ready to be used
creation of this new schedule. To- Thurs., and ent classes for extra help on sub- in an exhilarating presentation on
ward the end of the school year, they get off jects they were struggling with. how to live our lives on the SVHS
faculty voted on the new schedule campus per- Without this permission, students campus.
proposal. Thumbs up for “yes,” mission (as Cartoon by Sigrid Forsythe are lacking the basic learning ma- Then, it happened. Smack dab
down for “no.” There was also a long as they terials they need to succeed in in the middle of the presentation,
third option. The sideways vote, are a junior or senior, of course). dents from seeking guidance from these classes. Ms. Summers dropped a bomb
which was just counted as a yes It sounds like a good plan. teachers that may be able to help The student body may learn better whose effects were absolutely
vote. So, the flawed voting system However, a student struggling them during the tier period. As a study skills through the tier system, devastating to the emotional
gave way to the flawed schedule. in English will not benefit from result of this restriction, students but the study skills will prove to standing of the 31 near-adults at-
The school bid adieu to the A+ this oh-so marvelous plan if their will not be learning the material be useless if they don’t understand tentively listening.
schedule students grew to know tier instructor is an Algebra II they should be learning. what they are studying. Adhering to the old adage,

Hippocrates, meet Marx Virus vs. vaccine: round 1 “The administration giveth, and
the administration taketh away,”
By Troy Cameron with a jeer of “swine flu!” and Ms. Summers announced that the
By Luther Cenci bankrupting Welfare, Medicare a subsequent evacuation of the administration had decided to get
and other public systems with The H1N1 virus, more colloqui- area. While it is widespread, the rid of adult status for seniors (the
Gun-toting protesters, taunting treatable, easily cured ailments. ally known as the swine flu, has virus does not hang in the air, ability for eighteen-year-olds to
congressmen, and irate pundits The current system of third par- caused mass hysteria among the waiting to pounce on the nearest sign themselves out of school).
have sullied the ongoing health ty insurance providers limits care American public these past few unsuspecting victim. Many of my classmates
care debate, pulling an otherwise to clinical treatments, rather than months. Every source of media, This vaccine may help curb the screamed that the decision was a
reasoned dispute into the mire of preventive measures which are digital and otherwise has been outbreak, but it will not wipe out violation of their rights. I laughed
partisan politics. However, when more effective in the long run. covering the situation (even our the risk. Students must do their at them.
the political finagling is stripped When faced with a developing own publication.) part to be prudent and responsible I get it. Some days, people don’t
away, the intellectual controversy ailment, insurance providers often Yet the ever-vigilant Center for throughout this microscopic as- want to come to school whether
is over the creation of a govern- choose a cheaper clinical opera- Disease Control is set to release a sault on humanity. they had a late night of home-
ment-run public health insurance tion to treat the symptoms, rather salubrious solution to the situation Although it may seem apathetic, work, or a late night of catch-
plan. Such a plan is an excellent than using preventative care to this October. Large batches of the the affliction of the general pub- ing up on Chelsea Lately reruns
response to the abysmal state of stop a disease from developing. H1N1 vaccine will be available lic is almost inevitable. The vac- makes no difference. The morn-
U.S. health care. As a result of the millions of for public access mid-month. cine requires an eight to ten day ing after a late night, school never
With 45 million Americans uninsured, as well as the reaction- While the virus has been interim period to become fully sounds good.
uninsured, American health care ary care of the current insurance shown to spread quickly, espe- effective for even the healthiest However, the “rights” argument
spending has skyrocketed through model, it is clearly in the interest adults. against taking away adult status is
the roof. Health care expenses are of society to reform the system. This lag time pro- petty.
currently estimated at 15.3 per- The best way to do this is by cre- vides ample oppor- Think about some of the peo-
cent of the GDP; in other words, ation of a public provider of in- tunity for exposure ple you know and hang out with.
15 percent of all money generated surance, like almost every devel- and subsequent If they had to move out of their
in the United States gets poured oped nation has in place already. contraction, thus house today, do you think they
into our wasteful health system. A public option provides all the prolonging our col- could make their own decisions
Health care spending is also ris- benefits to the nation which the lective suffering. and survive on their own?
ing faster than economic growth. current system lacks. Yet we retain the If these people can’t even fig-
This rapidly expanding expense The centralized system, like ability to fight back. ure out how to get good grades
returns shoddy results, with other government bureaus such Our weapons in- in high school, why should they
American health care quality as Social Security and the IRS, clude the new vac- get to decide whether they have
limping in last place among in- allow public transparency and cine, our staunch to come or not? They shouldn’t,
dustrialized countries, according a rapid implementation of new ally vitamin C, and which is exactly why the admin-
to the Commonwealth Fund, a changes. With the mission of ex- our secret weapon, istration decided to get rid of it.
NY nonprofit organization. panding care and lowering costs, a common sense. It would make sense for the tier
Our broken system has pro- government-funded policy would We shall not system to be utilized for the adult
found negative effects in society. be able to reach the vast masses yield a nanometer status system, with only tier 3 be-
Increased health care spending that are disenfranchised under the Cartoon by Will Papadin of ground to this ing allowed to leave campus when
lowers GDP and employment current model. The United States cially within cramped scholastic teeny-tiny foe, so long as one of they choose. They’ve got their
rates, while raising inflation. The should finally bow to the winds of settings, the real danger is mun- us draws a single ragged breath. grades together, they’ve showed
huge number of uninsured Ameri- change, rather than being broken dane. Let this not go down in history responsibility.
cans is increasingly unable to af- under the strain imposed by rising Still, there appears to be a cul- as the Pink Death; wiping out Next time you feel that the “Big
ford necessary treatment and are costs and untreated citizens. tural stigma that comes with con- helpless knaves and peasants by Bad Administration” is taking
tracting a virus that contains the the score; returning our great na- away your “rights,” enjoy your
~Dragon’s Tale Staff~
ADVISER - Alison Manchester noun “swine” within its title. tion to the Dark Ages. right to vote, drink out of the
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF - Clarke Campion While I do not intend to detract Rather, we should fight tooth, same water fountain as everyone
MANAGING EDITOR- Peter Armstrong from the obvious health benefits nail and syringe against this great else, and choose your own reli-
TECHNOLOGY & DESIGN - of such a vaccine, there seems to aggressor; with Science as my wit- gion. Then, get over yourself.
COPY EDITOR - Chelsea Rose Shiery be an innate overreaction from ness, we shall be victorious.
NEWS EDITOR - Peter Armstrong
OP/ED EDITOR - Alejandro Tinajero
the community. Hail Antibiotics, full of grace,
FEATURE EDITORS - Chelsea Rose Shiery, Caity Tremblay Every cough is accompanied the CDC is with thee.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR - Gabe Bassett ~Editorial Policy~
PHOTO EDITOR - Joe Gilmore
The Dragon’s Tale is a public forum newspaper produced by the Sonoma Valley High School Newspaper
SPORTS EDITORS - Clarke Campion, Rachel Glago
class. The newspaper attempts to inform its audience in a broad, fair and accurate manner on all subjects, and
LAYOUT EDITOR - Rachel Glago
BUSINESS MANAGERS - Mackenzie Kelley, Eva Lindstrom
to encourage an exchange of ideas and opinions on issues of prominence to the readers.
REPORTERS - Zachary Adams, Kirsten Aguilar, Dalton Amador, Anthony The newspaper staff encourages letters for opinions and responses on the content of the publication. Only
Arjona, Troy Cameron, Luther Cenci, Sigrid Forsythe, Matt Fraser, Ben Graff, signed letters will be considered for publication. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit all letters for
Anna Haley, Hannah Horowitz, Mackenzie Kelley, Eva Lindstrom, Daniel content.
Maggioncalda, Will Papadin, Sarah Sapp, Will Smith, Jesse U’Ren, Victor No material, opinionated or otherwise, will be printed which is libelous, irresponsible, advocates an illegal
Vasquez Connor Vickers, Charles Watson activity or which the editorial staff deems in poor taste.
PHOTOGRAPHERS - James Fanucchi Editorials reflect the collective views of the staff and will not contain bylines. Other opinionated pieces will
ART AND GRAPHICS - Kirsten Aguilar, Sigrid Forsythe, Will Papadin, include editor’s columns, feature columns, letters- to-the-editor, and entertainment reviews.
Eva Lindstrom, Danny Maggioncalda If the staff discovers that a mistake has eluded the editors, a correction will be printed in the next issue.

Dragon’s Tale Page 2 October 2009

 Entertainment

Taking a different view of ‘Woodstock’

By Connor Vickers and their son, Elliot Tiber (Dem- other amazing artists of the time.
etri Martin). The is a mass amount of authen-
Hippie #1, bra burners, dealer, When the word gets out that the ticity that accurately cultivates
and VW guy are all credited char- Woodstock Festival in the town what the actual festival was like.
acters of Director Ang Lee’s new- of Wallkill was ran out by the lo- Throughout the movie there are
est film “ Taking Woodstock”. The cals, Tiber takes charge and uses shots of cinematographers film-
enormous festival came into White the permit for his small festival ing clips that actually appear in
Lake, NY in 1969, tilted the world to allow Woodstock to be held on the documentary, and the editing
upside down, and defined an entire the land of Max Yasgur (Eugene is similar to the multiple window
generation in 3 days of peace and Levy). style seen in the documentary.
music. The event was a mere forty Liev Schreiber is a highlight of The audience’s misconception os
years ago, but it is worlds apart the film as Vilma, the transsexual this film is that it will focus on the
from today’s culture. security guard of the hotel. And hisotry performances at the festi-
Based on Tiber’s novel, “Taking Emile Hirsch plays another di- val. This, however, is no tht ecase. Photo from IMDB.com
Woodstock” brings on a lighter and verse role as Billy, a young adult As soon as the word “Woodstock” Maime Grummer, Jonathan Groff, and Demetri Martin in “Taking Woodstock”
Hendrix or Joe Cocker, and the the actual musical performaces
more comedic side of the festival. back home from Vietnam who is is mentioned, the first thing that
only time the actual stage ap- and focus on the unsung heroes of
It begins with the life of the rural still trying to get a hold of reality. comes to mind is the music. It
pears on screen is when they are Woodstock. The film focuses on
and nearly broke El Monico Hotel, The film has a wonderful sound- seems that many people were
constructing it, and when Tiber is how a family that is nearly falling
ran by the hardworking family of track consisting of The Grateful expecting to relive the concerts
examining it from a distance while apart comes together to help bring
Sonia Tiechberg (Imelda Stauton), Dead, Creedence Clearwater Re- through this movie, but there are
on LSD. Ang Lee made a smart the most incredible music festival
Jake Tiechberg (Henry Goodman), vival, Jefferson Airplane and many not concert performances by Jimi
decision by trying not to recreat ever to life.

A perfect mix of wine and song Not just a city in Lebanon

By Peter Armstrong By Gabe Bassett baritone draws comparisons to
many famous baritones in music;
Famed rock bands the Doobie Beirut is not quite a fitting name although, his voice is a bit more
Brothers and Journey will be for this solo group from New soft and flowy than most singers
serenading Sonoman songlov- Mexico. Zach Condon, the man in his range.
ers these coming Saturday and behind the name, traveled eastern ‘Nantes’ and ‘A Sunday Smile’
Sunday nights at the B. R. Cohn Europe extensively, which greatly are standout songs on the album,
Winery, as part of the winery’s influenced his musical style. ‘The Flying Club Cup’, Con-
annual Fall Music Festival. This music is a completely for- don’s second album was released
The B. R. Cohn winery has eign sound to most. Instead of the in 2007. His first album, ‘Gulag
been hosting this festival for 23 standard indie rock band with gui- Orkestar’ released in 2006 also
years. Though such an impres- tars, bass, drums and keyboards, contains many impressive tracks
sive lineup may seem a bit much Condon utilizes a wide array of such as ‘Postcards from Italy’..
for our own little Sonoma, win- instruments, ranging from accor- Both albums are generally solid,
ery owner Bruce R. Cohn has dion to ukulele. and enjoyable to listen to. Their
the connections to get such an The reason for Condon’s lack music is available on iTunes.
event together. of guitar is quite simple. When Beirut will be playing at the
The Doobie Brothers were he was young he suffered a wrist Treasure Island Music Festival
once a local San Francisco band. injury and he has been unable to on Sunday Oct. 18. They will be
Bruce Cohn started managing wrap his hands around the neck playing alongside MGMT and
for the band in 1969 while liv- of a guitar, forcing him to learn Passionpit. Tickets are for sale on
ing in the city, and in the 70’s he different, more unconventional Ticketmaster for $65 a day.
created a pension plan for them. Photo from panoramio.com instruments.
B. R. Cohn Winery This odd com-
He has been working with them
ficially became the B. R. Cohn ready been sold out and were
ever since. bination of instru-
Winery. 95 dollars for general admis-
“Which came first the music ments, combined
This year at the Fall Music sion and 325 for VIP tickets for
or the wine?” you might ask. In with eastern Eu-
Festival, a special quilt will both Saturday and Sunday. THe
this case, it was the music. Us- ropean style, and
be auctioned away to help the Doobie Brothers will be play-
ing the money from this grow- pop sensibilities,
benefit effort. The quilt, hand- ing Saturday night, after other
ing music business, Cohn start- makes for incred-
crafted by Glen Ellen’s SuJean bands such as Pablo Cruise and
ed growing grapes at his Olive ibly unique yet
Dabney, is made with images of Little Feat. Sunday’s lineup
Hill Estate Vineyard and sell- digestable sound.
the Doobie Brothers’ current in- will be headlined by Journey,
ing to other wineries. After ten Condon’s voice
struments sewn into it. and took but includes Taj Mahal and The
years, in 1984, he was able to sometimes seems
150 hours of work to create. Whiskey Thieves, as well as a
start making his own wine, that to overshadow Photo from Photobucket
Tickets to the event have al- return act form Pablo Cruise.
is when the Olive Hill Estate of- the music. His Beirut’s newest album, ‘The Flying Club Cup’

Killer novel gives ‘superhero’ new definition

By Anna Haley into becoming a “wolf in sheep’ own head in the sarcastically
clothing.” playful yet daunting prose Lind-
Have you ever had dreams of By living based on the “Cod say is known for.
monsters that go bump in night? of Harry,” Dexter has learned to Using choppy sentences and
Many didn’t until they read the channel his insatiable blood lust quick-witted personal narrative,
first book in Dexter series, Darkly into a tool which benefits man- the story moves fast, offering un-
Dreaming Dexter. kind. That is, Dexter only kills expected plot twists leaving the
Darkly Dreaming Dexter is the those who have committed hei- reader hungry for more. With the
first installment in Jeff Linsay’s nous crimes but have been ig- assistance of startling descrip-
highly addicting series which nored by the law. tions, Linsay lures his audience
serves as the basic inspiration While reading the book, it is no- into rooting for the “bad guy.”
for the wildly popular Showtime ticed Dexter possesses a morbid- Please note the book is not for
show, Dexter. ly funny sense of himself, which all. There are potentially disturb-
However, do not assume you draws the reader into the mind ing passages for those readers
know the real Dexter by watching of the killer. Unlike most fiction who are not accustomed to read-
the program. The plot of the show crime writing where the author ing gratuitously gory novels.
differs greatly from the actual text ventures to explain the main char- Nevertheless this book was
within the books. Photo From Flowtv.org acter’s motives, Linsay offers no enjoyable. It offers a successful
The story revolves around Michael C. Hall plays Dexter on the hit series such peace. distraction from the everyday.
Dexter Morgan, a professional friend. Sounds boring, right? killer, plain and simple. Dexter knows he is a monster Reading such pieces of literature
in blood splatter analysis for the Well there is a little thing about Through a rather gruesome past, and does not attempt to deny his can be a dangerous hobby, but as
Miami Metro Police Department, Dexter that breaks out of the stan- Dexter has evolved with the assis- blood thirsty tendencies. The Dexter feels, someone has to do
with a sister and wonderful girl- dard character mold. He is a serial tance of his foster father, Harry, words are directly from Dexter’s the dirty work

Dragon’s Tale Page 3 October 2009

 What’s New
Feature

Educating Exchange for change

future By Chelsea Rose Shiery Costa from Brazil.

educators The exchange has been made

But why America? In Mortens-
en’s situation, he had no choice;
By Hannah Horowitz and and now SVHS is graced by the the program didn’t offer any
Jesse U’Ren presence of three new students other countries. But Costa and
from Brazil, Denmark, and Chi- Wong, each decided to come to
One of the hardest, most de- na. These three new additions America of their own volition.
manding, and financially un- have already made an impres- Costa worked hard to earn a
rewarding jobs of our time is sion. scholarship specifically designed
teaching high school students. As students looked with cu- to send him to the United States
Despite these discouraging fac- riosity at the new comers, Vitus in the hope to land in a place
tors, student teachers on SVHS Mortensen, senior, was gazing where he already knew the lan-
campus from Sonoma State seem back in bewilderment at the new guage.
optimistic and energetic about culture, world, and life he’d en- “I chose America because I
the challenge. tered. know English. I had a desire to
Suspended in between student “School is very different. We come,” stated the eager Costa.
and faculty these individuals switch classes here and we don’t Although they all are exchange
strive to obtain the respect from back home. The culture is very students, they have opposing
both parties. different,” commented a dazed opinions on many subjects.
Photo by Chelsea Rose Shiery
All teachers, regardless of de- Mortensen. While Mortensen and Wong
Wing Chi Wong, Bruno Costa, and Vitus Mortensen adapt to life at SVHS.
partment, have to go through While it took a year and a half would consider living here, Cos-
the process of teaching under a for exchange student Bruno Cos- ta formed a different opinion af- exchange students still have to distinctive, and both Costa and
teacher with credentials. ta, senior, to go through the pro- ter his short time in Sonoma. participate in all senior require- Mortensen commented on the
Jessica McEwen, student cess of coming over to America, “I don’t think this is my place ments. From the senior project to American slang word “cool.”
teacher for English teacher Ali- it took two years for Mortensen here,” confesses Costa. required classes, these students Never hearing it before used as
son Manchester, is currently in and Wing Chi Wong, junior, who They also have different per- do not receive any special treat- an adjective, they both laughed
her third year of pursuing her prefers her nickname Tina. spectives on the people residing ment. while saying it.
teaching credential. “I applied for the program last in this small town. When asked if he had faced Language isn’t the only cul-
To obtain these credentials, October,” stated Wong. “People are very friendly and any challenges, Costa blurted tural contrast. Costa and Wong
student teachers need to instruct, These students’ motivation and open,” states Mortensen. out with certainty, “The home- specifically have had troubles
assess, and plan classes for one patience is obvious in their ef- Costa’s opinion is the oppo- work!” with the foreign cuisine.
semester. forts to travel here. site; “People are different, more At first glance, the trio ap- “He (Costa) didn’t know how
“I want to make a difference “I wanted the possibility to organized. Most Americans are pear like stereotypical Ameri- to peel an orange,” comments
and I think I can do it,” confi- know a new culture. The change closed.” can teenagers; you wouldn’t be Mortensen with a laugh.
dently stated McEwen about in my life the exchange can give Though they have been thrust able to even pluck them from a Even though he was excited to
me, the adventure,” admited into a new world unarmed, the classroom. Each dialect is very discover peanut butter, and its

Welding students’ minds beautifu-‘Lea’

why she chose to go through the
difficult process of becoming a wonderful, unique taste, Costa
teacher. still misses the food from his
home country.
The first day of teaching was By Sigrid Forsythe something new. He worked at his enough for wood. If you make a
“The food, it’s different, but
both nerve-wracking and excit- uncle’s banana farm and now he mistake in wood, you can’t weld
good. But I miss Brazilian food,”
ing for McEwen, yet she made a Out of the 25 metal shop teachers visits when he can. A permanent it back,” explained Lea.
admits Costa.
firm point not to appear afraid of in the state of California, SVHS stay there appeals to Lea, “It is A subject Lea confessed that he
Wong is also skeptical of Amer-
the responsibility. is fortunate enough to have Mark very tempting,” he admitted. would like to teach is art. He is
ican cooking.
“Students can smell fear so if Lea on our staff. Although Lea is He moved to the Bay Area only one class away from being
“The food is different. Ameri-
you come in scared they will take an excellent teacher, he is only when his great aunt’s property certified to teach art.
cans fry everything. There is a
advantage of it,” confesses known by his hardworking metal was made available to him. “It’s In his spare time Lea is a boy
lot of meat, and I am not used to
McEwen. shop students. been twenty years since I’ve been scout troop leader in Sebastapol.
eating so many fruits and veg-
McEwen works in conjunction Lea began teaching seven years back,” Lea confessed. He also enjoys working on mo-
etables,” stated Wong.
with Manchester and other chair- ago at Analy High. He comes Lea is a great teacher who in- torcycles, building miniature in-
Although culture, food, people,
persons, such as Shawn Martin, from a long line of teachers; in spires and who is kind to his stu- ternal combustion engines, small
and the overall way of living can
chair of the history department. fact, his grandfather was the prin- dents. At the beginning of a class car engines, and plane engines.
be very different from country to
“Surprisingly, younger student cipal of a high school in Los An- Lea rouses his students with the “I like working on motorcycles
country, the goals and dreams of
teachers often do a better job geles. Afterwards he became a statement, “What kind of world more than cars,” Lea mentioned.
people can be similar to those of
than older ones,” reflected Mar- prototype machinist until his job are you going to live in? The one Lea is an excellent teacher, ex-
your own country.
tin. “Often younger teachers are moved to China. Lea says, “Try you are going to create.” panding the minds of his students
“I would like to be a pro basket-
more energetic. They have less to keep a skill out there. It’s im- Lea has always enjoyed work- as he continues to teach the art of
ball player, that’s my dream. I am
expectations of how things will portant that Americans are able to ing with metal. “I am not mature working with metal.
going to try out for the school’s
be so they take things in stride.” take care of themselves through
team,” stated Mortensen.
The value of an enthusiastic manufacturing and construction.”
However different from his fel-
and inspiring teacher is bound- There are many things people
low exchange student, Costa’s
less. These individuals are not don’t know about Lea. Lea grew
dream is also not unusual.
on our campus for money or so- up in Carson City, Nevada. “I
“I want to be a civil engineer
cial status, but to exchange ideas really loved the desert,” Lea re-
and a successful person,” con-
and to have a positive effect on marked. He began flying remote
fessed Costa.
our generation that will inevita- control planes in middle school
Although Wong is undecided
bly create a more intelligent and in the 1970’s. He moved to Cali-
on her future, she is focused on
resourceful lifestyle for years to fornia when he was a freshman in
school and knows that she would
come. high school and attended Analy
love to live in America.
If student teachers on the High.
No matter how different the
SVHS campus make the most of After graduating he continued
world may seem, one of the simi-
their experience here, they will his education at the SRJC then
larities people share is the drive
have the potential to make the transferred to Chico where he
and determination to be who
difference in the world that most stayed for nine years.
they want to be; whether that’s
teachers strive to accomplish. In college, Lea’s first major was
a pro basketball player, a civil
With every student teacher that art, followed by industrial tech-
engineer, or undecided, people
comes to SVHS arises the chance nology, and industrial arts major.
are similar in more ways than we
for our school’s influence to be In 1980 Lea lived in Perth in
realize. But once the opportunity
spread through the hard work Western Australia, next to the In-
arises to encounter a foreign ex-
and dedication of these aspiring dian Ocean for a year in an attempt
Photo by Chelsea Rose Shiery change student, those similarities
educators. to escape school and experience Mark Lea shows an example of MIG welding for his class. are easy to discover.
Dragon’s Tale Page 4 October 2009
 T h i s Ye a r ? !
Feature

Creative crew links lives Jaywalkers’

Latest
By Eva Lindstrom fit in, but Link Crew helped get school,” Gaarder continued. ing Link Crew this year, offer-
rid of that feeling before school Though the program is young, ing study and movie nights that
For the past two years, Tammy started.” it’s had an enormous impact on continue focus on the freshman.
Rivara has been galvanizing Link Personal groups allow the upper- the SVHS campus. Upperclass- These will also concentrate on
Crew at SVHS, a program which classmen opportunities to build men have the chance to contribute keeping up the relationships the
allows upperclassmen to wel- relationships with the freshman. to their school, and the freshman Link Leaders created with their
come incoming freshman. The There are 10-12 students and 2 to are shown how to start the year freshman.
program, based on the principle 4 Link leaders per group. off positively. “Ms. Rivara changed the dy-
that students can help other stu- “They divide you by who is in “The program is actually sup- namic of our school for incoming
dents succeed, kicks off every your homeroom, which is nice posed to be year long,” explained freshman and the younger class-
year the Thurs. and Fri. before because you get to know some Rivara. men,” stated Davis, “and I wanted
school starts. of the people in your class before She hopes to start expand- to be a part of that.”

Hail Caesar, emperor of salad

“Training starts at about 8:30
and goes ‘til around 2:30,” ex-
plained Karina Davis, senior and
active Link leader of two years. exact -- however, these numbers Submitted Photo
The Link leaders spend their are a fair approximation. Mus- Contemporary band The Jaywalkers
time going through every activity tard, salt and pepper make the
(without David De Smet) relax during a
planned for the incoming fresh- break from recording in Santa Rosa.
dressing zesty, so adjust amounts
man, and preparing for the fresh- By Danny Maggioncalda
to preference.
man orientation. Wash lettuce leaves, then dry
“Link Crew is built to inspire As winter defrosted into early
well with a towel. Tear and place
our students to be more confident March last school year, the frozen
in medium-size serving bowl.
and successful,” Davis expressed. souls of SVHS students were re-
For extra flavor toss in croutons
That is one of the reasons that Ri- vitalized by the new sound of teen
or chicken. Feeling adventurous?
vara decided to bring Link Crew rock group The Jaywalkers. Live-
Make your own croutons! It is
to the school. ly bass chords, pounding drum
a convenient way to utilize stale
Rivara heard about Link Crew beats, and the vocals of Adam
bread and a delicious addition to
at a leadership convention. Be- Spry filled Pfeiffer Gymnasium at
your salad!
fore Link Crew there was no con- a spring sports rally, officially in-
Cut stale bread into 1/2 inch (or
crete form of reception for the troducing the group and their new
smaller) cubes. Sauté the cubes
school for freshman. The program Photo by Caity Tremblay definition of a school band.
Fresh fall greens absorb the zesty caesar dressing. in hot butter or oil (be careful that
was designed by The Boomerang By Mar. 10, The Jaywalkers’
the oil doesn’t splash on you --
Project and has been adopted by By Caity Tremblay 1tsp Worcestershire sauce first four songs hit iTunes as part
it’s scalding!)
schools all over the nation. 2tsp lemon juice of an EP compilation. Each track
Rub the skillet with garlic, or
The Link Crew program’s phi- Season this fall season with 3tbsp Parmesan carries its own set of strong lyrics,
add grated onion to the butter for
losophy embraces a vision of some Caesar salad! These palat- 1tsp mustard and a unique but relatable tone
extra zest. Stir the cubes gen-
what schools can be, and through able greens can be the main meal Salt and pepper to taste that appeals to a broad audience.
tly or shake the skillet until they
that who students can become. or a side dish; it is quick and easy 1 bunch of romaine lettuce “We hear from a lot of people
are coated. Sprinkle with grated
“It was nice to have the older to prepare -- about 15 minutes to- that we sound like The Killers.
cheese or herbs.
students explain stuff to you, be- tal, so it’s great if you are hungry For the dressing: combine all We can’t really deny that, because
Stir dressing well. Pour over
cause you know they’ve already in a hurry. ingredients (sans the lettuce) in a they’ve had a large influence on
salad and toss lightly -- there’s an
been there, done that,” admit- cup or small bowl. Blend well; us,” comments Adam Spry, lead
art to this!
ted Zoe Gaarder, freshman. “I You’ll need: mixing dressing is not like baking guitarist and songwriter.
Note: Refrigerate any unused
thought that it would be harder to 3tbsp olive oil -- the amounts do not need to be The Jaywalkers consist of Spry,
dressing.

Unique ukelele union unites in harmony

who works the microphone and
lead guitar, bassist Kyle Clouse,
keyboardist David DeSmet, and
drummer Gabe Stein. All are se-
ukulele if they don’t know how.” as soon as possible,” informed niors at SVHS.
Peter Sours is a familiar face Sours, “and the good thing about Recently, the group has spent
at the Sonoma Music shop, where the club is that it has a wide va- several Fri. afternoons recording
he takes guitar lessons and fre- riety of people and most of them at the Live Musician’s Co-Op in
quently buys his supplies. are dedicated to learning how to Santa Rosa. For those who ap-
“I go in there when I am bored, play.” preciated the Jaywalkers’ first al-
and I have made a deal that the “The other good thing is that no bum, know that a second is in the
Ukulele Club would get a dis- one is going to join the club, buy making, featuring songs both old
count if I order them. He figures a $30 ukulele, and blow off the and new. The band anticipates its
out a deal with me depending on club meetings,” Bremner added. release sometime in Nov.
how many ukuleles I order, and “Most of us are all friends,” The four have also been per-
he also talks to the manufacturers commented Bremner, “and be- forming at a variety of venues
to find a reasonable price so he cause of that we all talk casually throughout the summer, includ-
isn’t at a loss,” informed Sours. and without fear. It also gives the ing Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack, the
“Last Fri. I got together the room a calm light atmosphere.” Community Center and the
people who wanted ukuleles and The club spends time looking Phoenix in Petaluma. To add
asked them what size they want, for songs to play but has difficul- some life to homecoming week,
Photo by Anthony Arjona they come in three basic sizes, ty finding them, as most websites they hope to play live at SVHS’s
Ukelele chairmen Aaron Bremner, Henry Porcayo, and Peter Sours are founders and they are now ready to go pick only have songs for guitar. float fest at the end of Oct.
of the new musical club. up and bring them to the next club “We hope to get all of our mem- “We’ve known each other for
By Anthony Arjona and so I did!” meeting.” bers to the point that they can play a long time, but our band only
Diligently meeting every Fri. at The Ukulele Club is welcome significantly well, and if we get came together last spring, so
“It all started as a joke,” ex- lunch in H-27, the Ukulele Club to new members as long as they to that point, maybe we can plan we’re still making adjustments,”
plained club president Aaron is far from a joke. Consisting of have an interest in learning how to play at rallies or something,” added Spry.
Bremner. “I was hanging out with around 10 members and a relaxed to play. Bremner ambitiously stated on The four members are confident
some of my friends at the plaza, environment, the Ukulele Club “We don’t want people who his goals for the club. that they have yet to reach their
and some of them had bought spends time teaching its members want to treat it as a joke,” warned “Overall it’s a lot of fun. We all full potential, and that their sound
ukuleles. And we were just sit- how to play basic songs. Sours. have a good time sitting around, is improving with each passing
ting around playing, until finally “We usually just sit around and “Some of the difficulties we learning songs, playing just ran- month. With the addition of a few
someone decided to sarcastically play,” mentioned vice-president have encountered is that not every dom stuff. No one has to join, new instruments, the band is able
say, ‘someone needs to make a Peter Sours, junior. “I help teach one has a ukulele or experience, and those who do seem to like it,” to bring an fresh complexity to
ukulele club at the high school,’ new members how to play the so we try to get them an ukulele finished Bremner. their music.
Dragon’s Tale Page 5 October 2009
 Sports

Dragons smothered by Dublin By Ben Graff 13-8 Sonoma lead.

Time-out
By Rachel Glago

With two more touchdowns in the Off the court, student athletes
Holding a lead late in the 4th quar- 2nd and 4th quarter respectively, jump into action and discuss their
ter on Sat night, Dublin overcame a things looked dim for the Dragons current season.
turnover, and made an interception with a 22-13 Gael lead.
of their own to seal the win, and Sonoma responded with an out-
Sonoma dropping a 22-20 decision standing drive headed by quarter-
to fall to 2-2 heading into league back Nate Swanson, senior, who
play. threw an 11 yard touchdown pass
“By the end of the game we were to wide receiver Tyler Rose, senior,
winded; they kept pounding the ball with another successful conversion
up the middle and had a few big from Winslow to cut the lead to 22-
plays outside,” said strong safety 20.
Kevin Deely, junior. The Gaels’ Sonoma then forced a fumble to
Wing-T offense seemed to be stag- give themselves one last chance, but
nant, but it eventually wore down Swanson threw one for grabs, and
the Dragons. Dublin came down with it to elimi-
It looked to be a promising game nate any doubt of the result. Stephen Brooks, Senior
for the Dragons as they opened the The Dragons end their preseason Varsity Football
game with a nice drive capped off with a 2-2 record, including road
by a 49 yard touchdown scamper by wins at San Rafael and Vallejo, and Nickname: Brooksie
running back Yahya Muslim, sopho- losses at home to Terra Linda and Position: “My position is either
more, with the extra point by Jordan Dublin. defensive end or tight end.”
Winslow, senior to make it 7-0. According to Coach O’Meara, the Rivals: “Our rivals are Casa and
The Gaels responded with a toughest challenge of the schedule is Petaluma.”
touchdown of their own, however, yet to come, “League will be much Pre-game Song: “My favor-
and they converted on a two point tougher,” said O’Meara, “Everyone ite pre-game songs are ‘Techno
conversion to make it 8-7. This re- knows each other so well.” Titanic’ and ‘They Go Two
mained the score until Muslim con- Sonoma opens their league sched- Ways.’”
Photo By Joe Gilmore cluded another drive with a 32 yard ule Sat night at Santa Rosa High vs.

D r a g o n s r u n w i l d Sonoma mauls Gauchos

Yahya Muslim, sophomore, rushes against San Rafael in the season opener. dash to the end zone to make it a Windsor.

we can be strong contenders in By Mackenzie Kelley ter players,” said an enthusiastic

the SCL league,” explained Nick Hawing. She is proud that the team
Spector, captain. As the season gears up, the vol- could take what they learned from
Though the cross country Drag- leyball team hits the courts excited playing other teams and use it to
ons have not started season play, and prepared to win. With a strong beat Casa.
they ran in the Lowell Invite, fin- preseason record, it promises to be With team spirit, Hawing boasts
ishing in 12th place. In two other a season to remember. about the team’s physical condi-
interleague meets, they placed in While Sonoma started their season tion, saying they practiced hard all
5th and 6th respectively. with a positive attitude after play- summer and continue to push each
Standout senior Nick Spector ing Petaluma and Windsor, two of other to be better athletes. “We’re Ellie Ceja, Junior
placed 11th overall in the Lowell the top teams in the league, they’re in bomb shape,” she boasts, “our Varsity Soccer
Invite, and 2nd and 3rd in the two behind but confident that they will coach [Mindy Neeves] wouldn’t let
Photo By James Fanucchi
interleague meets. come out on top. us be any other way.”
Steven Wedell, sophomore, in training. Nickname: El-dog
By Clarke Campion “My goal is to be able to make it The game against Windsor was This season the team is focusing Position: “I usually play center
to state, but I know I am going to neck and neck until the last min- on anticipating other teams plays midfield, but I can play any-
With the SVHS cross country have to train harder and harder to ute. and completing their own passes. where.”
Dragons waiting at the starting be able to reach my goal,” hum- Varsity player Emily Hawing As they’ve demonstrated time and Rivals: “Our rivals are Windsor
line for their first season match, bly affirmed Spector. said, “We lost because we messed time again, they play well together and Analy, because Windsor is
they have been training to be- The runners will have their first up, not because they were a better and are proud of their ability to stay always a close game, and Analy
come contenders in this year’s league meet against Windsor and team, I hope we will destroy them focused under pressure. thinks they can beat us, but they
SCL league. Analy on Oct. 14, where they will the next time we play.” In their upcoming game against El never do.”
“I have high hopes for our guys exhibit the stamina and endurance While the games against Petalu- Molino, Sept 29, the team doesn’t Pre-game Song: “My favorite
and girls teams this year. We all that they have trained to achieve ma and Windsor deflated the team, anticipate any problems in beat- warm up song is ‘Will You Be
have room to improve, but I feel through their arduous practices a crushing victory against Casa ing them. Their next challenge is There’ by Michael Jackson, but
that with a lot of hard practice and telling interleague meets. Grande raised their spirits consid- Analy, a team that gets better each basically anything MJ is good.”

Lady Dragons improving

erably. year and placed ahead of Sonoma
“We’re a better team with bet- last year.

By Victor Vasquez With five seniors and two

juniors on the already small
The Lady Dragon golfers team, the Lady Dragons are
aren’t where they wanted to going to need a strong show-
be at the mid-point of the ing of players next year to
season, but the team contin- even think about competing.
ues to make improvements. Head Coach of the team,
The Ladies have lost three Tom Hickerson, expects
straight games, dropping much from his players. In a
there record to 2-6, but match against Healdsburg,
there is one bright spot. Hickerson felt that some of
Having been a medalist in the golfers weren’t giving
18 straight matches, dating 100 percent. He asked four of Kevin Philips, Senior
back to last season, senior the girls to leave the course, Varsiy Water Polo
stand out Brooke Dagner causing the Lady Dragons to
continues to be one of the forfeit the match. Nickname: Kevin
best female golfers in the But the ladies remain op- Position: “I play flat or hole.”
Redwood Empire. timistic about the remainder Rivals: “Our rivals are any team
“I wish I could have her of the season. The girls re- we can’t beat.”
for one more year,” said mind themselves that golf is Pre-game Song: “Courtesy of
head coach Tom Hickerson all about having fun. the Red, White, and Blue by Toby
of Dagner. The team may face tough Keith is the pre-game song we
Dagner ’s younger sis- competition in the SCL, but like to listen to on the water polo
ter Jordan, and sophomore the girls will all continue to team.“
Kamryn Barker are the only play hard and improve their
Photo By James Fanucchi
underclassmen on the team. golf games.
Sophia Somers, senior, sets the ball as teammate Lauren Fisher, senior, looks on.
Dragon’s Tale Page 6 October 2009
 Sports
C a g e r ’s Big win for water polo comebacks
Corner By Matt Fraser victory.
The game was carried by Ghitta
Ferrara, sophomore, with five goals,
After a long dry-spell, the boys’
By Rachel Glago water polo team drenched Cardi- Shirley Morovich, senior, with one
nal Newman to bring home their goal, Destiny Reyes, senior, with
first league victory in five years last one goal, and Marissa Bragstad,
Wed. junior goalie, with seven blocked
Leading the Dragons to a 15-12 shots.
victory were Peter Armstrong, se- The girls’ team, playing with-
nior, with six goals, Clarke Cam- out Eva Lindstrom, goalie and co-
pion, senior, with four goals, Kevin captain, put forth a good effort and
It’s time to stop! Throughout
Phillips, senior, with three goals, went into halftime with a one-point
Michael Jordan’s basketball ca-
Sean Hammett, senior, with one lead but were unable to fend off Ur-
reer, critics have managed to turn
goal, Paul Sokoloski, senior, with suline in the second half.
positive actions into negative
one goal and Mason Thompsen, “We didn’t win but it was a very
ones. It is now time to stop!
senior goalie, with nine blocked close game and we are staring to
After recently delivering his
shots. play really well as a team,” said
Hall of Fame induction speech,
“Our victory against Cardinal was Shirley Morovich, co-captain.
critics pounced on the opportu- Submitted Photo
a special moment for our veteran Sean Hammett, NO. 3, attempts a shot on rival Cardinal Newman goalie. Due to the hour delay while lo-
nity to negatively criticize him
players. It was something we have ful Cardinal players. It was well “This year’s team is far more cating a replacement goal, the j.v.
one last time.
worked towards for over three years over an hour before a replacement dedicated and has improved almost teams were unable to play on Wed.
According to some critics, Jor-
and it will lead us beautifully into goal was secured and the Dragons immeasurably since previous years. “We can expect a lot of tough
dan’s speech “cursed what was
the rest of the season,” said Sean were finally able to defeat Cardinal Practices are more serious and we’re matches, but also a lot of Sonoma
meant to be a celebration of his ac-
Hammett, co-captain. Newman. beginning to see results,” explained victories,” concluded Hammett.
complishments and legacy.” They
The game was put on pause after The Dragons prepared well and Hammett. The water polo teams have a
say Jordan deliberately attacked
Peter Armstrong broke the oppo- came ready to take down the two- The Lady Dragons also played a promising season ahead of them
teammates, coaches, and friends
nent’s goal with a slightly off target time Redwood Empire League strong game, although they came and continue to win many league
from his past with his speech.

Dragons downed after rough second half

shot, an intimidating sight for fear- champions. just short as Ursuline took the 7-6 and nonleague matches.
This is the most outrageous
conclusion I have ever heard.
This day belonged to Jordan, not
the critics; therefore, they should
By Charles Watson loss. “We fought hard in the first Field lights, the girl’s soccer
have let him give his speech the
The Dragons clashed with half,” stated Joe Alexander-Short, team started their league play
way he wanted to.
The Dragons battled in an an- Windsor throughout the 1st half, senior and co-captain, “but in the with a dominating 5-0 victory
In his speech he reflected on his
ticipated league match against entering halftime tied at 2. How- second half we made mistakes, over the El Molino Lions. They
past experiences and how each
the Windsor Jaguars, but were ever, the Jaguars pulled ahead in which they capitalized on.” were led by Karina Davis’ hat
moment “kindled his fire of com-
ultimately downed in a tough 7-2 the 2nd half, going on a 5-0 run. Sonoma was able to score on trick, and team’s shut-down
petitiveness.” He used examples
a penalty kick by Brian Clemen- defensive plays. However, the
from interactions between fellow
tino, as well as a field shot by Vic- Dragons were not as successful
influences such as Isiah Thomas
tor Robles, junior. in their next three games, drop-
for the now infamous freeze-out
The SVHS soccer boys had a ping games to Petaluma, Casa
at an All-Star game, an old high
successful preseason, but have Grande, and Windsor.
school coach for cutting him
struggled in league play, with a The girls are 7-5 overall, and
from the varsity basketball team
1-2-1 record so far. After dropping 1-3 in league. Their defense has
as a sophomore, former Chicago
a disappointing game to El Moli- battled with every team, keep-
Bulls executive Jerry Krause,
no in the league opener, the boys’ ing the Dragons in the game,
and Bryon Russell.
team rebounded with a strong 2-0 but the offense has been strug-
During his speech, Jordan never
victory over Petaluma, and a hard gling. Against Casa, the defense
meant to negatively hurt any of
fought 0-0 tie with Casa Grande. fought to keep the game close,
these people. He merely ex-
The boys’ team looks to bounce but the Dragons ultimately fell
plained how their relationships
back from their early league 3-0.
with him encouraged him to be a
games with key matches against Also, illness has hindered the
better ball player.
Healdsburg and Analy. Dragons, who had four play-
Many people are forgetting
“I feel ok about our record so far, ers out against Petaluma. The
that throughout most of Jordan’s
we have lost a couple close games Dragons have a great chance
career, he was dogged by con-
that we should have won, but the to bounce back however, with
troversy. For years, Jordan was
next couple weeks in league will games against Analy and Healds-
unfairly seen as a ball hog, who
be very important,” explained burg this week, as well as games
would never lead the Chicago
Brian Clementino, co-captain of against every other league oppo-
Bulls to an NBA title. Look what Photo By James Fanucchi the soccer team. nent in the weeks to come.
happened with that, he led the Sophomore Selena Caruso, NO. 1, skillfully dribbles her opponent, finding a scor-
Playing under the Arnold

New seats for fans

Bulls to six championship game ing opportunity for the Dragons.
wins.
Jordan was a relentless bas-
ketball player who was always By Rachel Glago as school mitigation funds, the
playing to prove something. This new automatic bleachers were
is part of Jordan’s competitive After months of working on the built. The mitigation funds are
nature. If you are a competitive new SVHS bleachers, Pheiffer the fees that either developers of
person, then you understand this, Gym was reopened in time for contractors pay to the school ev-
plain and simple. I get it, there- the girls’ volleyball season to ery time they build something in
fore, I can honestly say that noth- set off their first home game the valley.
ing within that speech was nega- on Sept. 17. The bleachers are now equipped
tive. “It felt good to be back in the with hand rails and aisle ways to
The bottom line is that Jordan gym because we had been out of meet the state regulation laws
brought life to the world of pro- it for so long,” stated senior co- and handicapped laws.
fessional basketball. So why do captain Sophia Somers. Instead of lining the gym on
people continue to criticize ‘The According to vice principle, only two sides of the court, the
Greatest Player of All-Time’? Glenn Moll, “The old bleachers bleachers surround the court
Is it jealousy? Is it critics way of had been in the gym since 1958, making “it look and feel like a
creating new controversies over over 50 years, and they were stadium,” senior co-captain Lau-
nothing? Or maybe it’s simply the breaking and shaking while peo- ren Fisher says.
way life works, there is always a ple walked up them.” In addition, they are painted Photo By James Fanucchi
critic. This lead Moll to put in a re- bright green in support of the Wendell Adams spreads a new layer of polyurethane sealant across Pheiffer Gym.
As for Jordan, he gave an inspir- quest with Eric Muller, the many Dragons who will step on Some of the scraps from the fender companies who will then
ing speech which deserves atten- school district head of maintance the court. old bleachers have been given recycle them.
tion from a positive angle. and facilities, for new bleachers “The greens a little off from the to a group in the valley to use The next chance to try out the
in the SVHS gym. Dragon’s color, but at least the for the new wall of fame they new bleachers and support the
Sincerely, With funds from developer bleachers are comfortable,” both plan to build. The rest of the SVHS volleyball team will be
Rachel fees in the county, also known Fisher and Somers agreed. old pieces have been given to this Tuesday, Oct. 6.
Dragon’s Tale Page 7 October 2009
 News
The great wall of SVHS
By Zach Adams Glenn Moll said, “[The school
Caught in
board] is moving forward get-
outside forces.
It was explained by Moll
time.”
Last year, an outcry from the Thought:
A solid off-fence, makes for ting prices and all that for the that the fence is being put up students was heard regarding
a great defense. Vice Principal fencing across the back,” as to serve multiple purposes, all the fence construction being so
decided at the in regards to the safety of the hushed. Soon after, construc-
What do you
School Board
meeting in early
students: to keep students in tion was stalled. This left the think about the
during school hours, as well desolate area of SVHS looking
September. “The as keeping unwanted strangers even less appealing with thick tier system?
Board has been from the community out. metal poles erupting from the
hearing about “Our campus is too wide open dry rocky ground.
this and discuss- for a modern high school cam- Moll recalled, “Last year the
ing it for several pus; you go anywhere in this maintenance crew started put-
years, since the nation and most campuses are ting up the poles after the tower
flood.” fenced up.” Moll explained. went in because everyone knew
According to “We’re right off of the bike there was money left over from
Mr. Moll, a simi- path, which adds a much big- the tower. They put up those
lar fence was ger problem because people cut poles and painted them all with
once in existence right through to get to Broad- existing supplies, so no money
when the pool way.” has been spent yet.”
was a facility at The administrators state it is He explained that the only
the school. He not acceptable to allow these reason for the stall was because “I think it’s convenient
also pointed out unknown members of society one board member wanted to
that the gates to roam free among the cam- look into the expense of a more
if you didn’t do your
between the old pus during school hours, which aesthetically pleasing fence. homework, but some-
portables served
as a “fence” as
is surprisingly common on a Also the operation was in need times there isn’t the
week-to-week basis. They are of sufficient funding.
well. However, doing what they can to end that Now that the funding has right text book.”
the fence was issue for good. been approved, construction - Jamie Ballard, fresh-
done away with The fence is not being built will continue in the near future.
as quickly as the as a means to inhibit the stu- With little effect to the day to
man
pool was, while dents’ off campus privileges. day lives of the high school
the gates were Moll, when questioned on this students, the fence should be
swept away by matter, simply stated, “Every an extremely helpful barrier
the flood, which year there is a rumor of closing to separate the school from
has since left the the campus completely, but I such easy access to the outside
Photo by James Fannucchi backside of cam-
Progress on the SVHS Fence has been slim.
don’t see that happening at this world, and vice versa.
pus vulnerable to
Sex and cigars, but no Ti e r, c o n t i n u e d f ro m p a g e 1
adult status for “I think it’s useful,” says Luis Me-
dina, freshman, who is in Tier 1.
slip below a C.
“Motivation is the secret behind

students at SVHS “They help us do our work.”

However, Gabe Stein, senior, is
Tier,” says Mick O’Meara, chemis-
try teacher, who teaches Tier 2. In “I think it’s motiva-
By William Papadin Kevin McCarthy, a senior at in Tier 2 and therefore cannot go his classroom during tier, he says
SVHS gave his personal thought off campus for lunch. “In my class, that students are basically work-
tional for students with
For many seniors their 18th on the decision; “I don’t care, everything’s done way too intense- ing to get their homework done, to bad grades.”
birthday will happen this year, I’m not 18.” But like most se- ly. I feel like I’ve done something accomplish things so that they can - Madeleine Connors,
but one thing they won’t be re- niors he believes that adult sta- wrong,” he says. “But I do think move up to Tier 3.
ceiving is the gift of adult status tus is a right not a privilege. Yet its good that the administration is “Tier for me, personally, is awe- sophomore.
at SVHS. The privilege of an 18 Summers argues that the criteria trying to get people to get better some,” says Johanna Rivas, a se-
year old student being able to has to be different for simply grades.” nior in Tier 3. “I get an hour for
excuse themselves from class becoming 18. The incentive, 15 minutes of extra lunch instead of 45 minutes.” And
and leave school by visiting the Unfortunately, the presenta- lunch, and off campus privileges who doesn’t want that?
attendance office has now been tion of this change seemed dis- for juniors and seniors, is a ma- It seems the opinions about the
taken away. crete. McCarthy includes, “I jor motivator for students to push Tier system are as divided as the
“It was abused; we had kids only heard about this change themselves and not let their grades system itself.
checking themselves out to get from my friend who said Sum-
out of tests and to go get cof- mers came into his class.”
fee,” remarked Kathy Summers, “Maybe it was to avoid the
the 12th grade administrator at same protesting the adminis-
SVHS. trators are experiencing with
“There were more doctor’s the tier system,” commented “I don’t like tier be-
appointments at lunch then you Cole Aviles, a senior at SVHS.
would think you could ever “Is simplifying their work load cause we don’t do
have,” Summers joked, “and worth the expense of the senior anything in it.”
when you asked them for proof class not really knowing the jus-
they’re like ‘huh?’” tification of adult status?” Aviles
- Ian Shrum, junior.
But why this year to make this questions.
decision? Summers believed Seniors may believe this
that it was happening too much change is unjust, but it may not
and after all, “if we want kids to permanent. “We just need to
stay in school, why are we mak- look at it longer,” Summers con-
ing it easier to leave?” cludes. “It is not a done deal.”
When asked about the possi-
Please bility of incorporating the tier
system into the adult status priv-
Recycle ilege, Summers suggestively re-
sponds, “it’s a thought.”
This Paper

“It doesn’t seem like

there’s much motiva-
tion for tier 1 students
to move into tier 2.”
- Dominic Amara,
senior

Dragon’s Tale Page 8 October 2009