April 2010

theblazerThe Student Newsmagazine of Timberline High School Volume X, Issue 6 • April 2, 2010

Blazer tennis

All they need is love

25

Yu-Gi-Oh:Let’s duel!

Got to have those life points

20Students play

the infantry

See pageSee page

Civil War revisited

9See page

See story on pages 13-15DreamsStudents share their greatest hopes.

photo illustration by Sawyer Hardebeck

blazer news02 www.my.hsj.org/schools/theblazerapril 2, 2010

TIDTHS BITS

By Staff Writer OWen DavieS

Mr. Timberline On April 16, Timberline will host an-

other Mr. Timber-line competition. Teachers nomi-nated students to participate in the competition, which involves talent and fashion categories.

“We wanted to bring back Mr. Timberline,” said Lynna Nyguen.

“It’s a good way to bring the school together and it’s a good fundraiser.”

The Mr. Timberline competition is used as a fundraiser for the DECA club; the last one was held three years ago.

“I’m going to be juggling for the compe-tition,” said Spencer Howard, a junior.

One of the features of this year’s Mr. Timberline competition is a rap battle be-tween teachers. “It sounded like a really cool thing,” said Howard.

Day of Silence

Day of Silence will take place on April 16. It is held annually by the Timberline Gay/

Straight Alliance Club and advisers Aimee Leggett and Chelsea Altrum. Every year stu-dents take a vow of silence and tape their mouths to raise awareness about gay/lesbian discrimination. The tape signifies those who are silenced by homophobia in society.

“The Day of Silence is an international demonstration of people who are protesting homophobia in our community,” said Leg-gett. “The tape shows that they are visually unified.”

Many students may not realize how their words or actions influence those around them, and that is something that the club is trying to change. “It’s important that all students can go to a school where they are included and safe,” said Leggett.

A scholarship lottery Many students probably believe that

the only way to get a scholarship is to get exceptional grades and/or be a star athelete. However, there is actually something called

a scholarship lot-tery. Students are picked at random to recieve schol-arships.

“I think a scholarship lot-tery would be cool,” said Rashon Smith, a sophomore. “It gives people a

chance to go for a scholarship, that normally wouldn’t be able to get a scholarship.”

Some of the most popular web sites where

these scholarships are given out is iWon.com and Jackpot.com.

These scholarship lotteries are often looked down upon because educators claim that most of these lotteries are just scams to get you to spend money and enter you per-sonal information on their website.

SAT/ACT

Seniors are scrambling to make their col-lege applications as appealing as possible and a high score on the SAT/ACT is usually a ma-jor factor to getting their ticket into college.

Junior Pavel Ceban took the SAT for the first time in March.

“It wasn’t a complicated test,” said Ceban. “Hope-fully I got above a 2000.”

Some people are opting to take the ACT instead of the SAT.

“I’m going to take the ACT because I think it’s an easier test,” said Jacob Moss, a junior.

There are also seniors who have taken the SAT/ACT several times before, but are looking to improve their scores.

“I took the SAT again in November,” said senior James Core. “I got a 1520, which is good enough for two of my colleges, and really close to my top two colleges.”

The next date for the SAT is on May 1. The next date for the ACT is April 10.

photo by Olivia Smaciarz

APR

28 Wednesday the 28th:Third quarter grades

distributed

5Wednesday the 5th of

May:Early release

5Monday the 5th:

Spring Break begins

13Tuesday the 13th:Math portion of the HSPE begins, stu-dents report to the

gym

15Thursday the 15th:Science portion of the HSPE begins,

students report to the gym

C A L E N D A R

Rashon Smith,sophomore

Spencer Howard,junior

Pavel Ceban,junior

21 Wednesday the 21th:

Early release with clubs

ShamrOckS: Candace Purvis, a senior, shows off her Irish spirit on St. Patrick’s Day, including oversized sunglasses and a leprechaun hat.

9Friday the 9th:

Spring Break ends

blazer news [email protected] april 2, 2010

Open doors and empty floors�Whatever happened to Timberline’s dances?

By Staff Writer ann HuynH

Over the past three years, Timberline’s two informal dances, Sadies and Tolo, have plunged from popular student destinations to what sophomore Bran-di Eadie describes as simply “boring.” In 2007, Sadies had 200 attendees. The

following year it had 182 and in 2009, 161. Tolo had a turnout of 257 students in 2008, 272 in 2009, and 148 in 2010. Dance attendance continues to get lower, even as the population of our school has increased recently, peaking this year at 1,582. “Some people don’t go because of ticket costs,” said senior Tony Oeun. “[Past] years’ have been cheap-er.” Dance team coach Heidi Wardell believes that school sponsored dances now have to compete with other dances, such as All City, a privately run alterna-tive. “We’re stricter here at Timberline,” Wardell said. “It’s also the music selection. The DJs have rules com-ing into the school.” Activities director Pat Geiger said, “That’s the dif-ference between a private club and a public school. Our standards are different.” Students no longer want to put up with rampant censorship at school dances, when they can go to All City and bump and grind as they please. “I didn’t even want to go because of the rules,” dance team member Cassandra Lucore said. Some students feel that Timberline’s dance policy is unfair and overly strict compared to other schools in the district. “I think it’s kind of dumb. If you look at other schools, they can do whatever they want,” freshman

Christina Chacon said. Activities director of North Thurston High School Ronna Reed said, “Our students say the same thing.” Students at North Thurston High School must sign a contract stating that they will dance appropriately prior to each dance. “This process just works well for us,” Reed said. North Thurston’s contracts are virtually the same as Timberline’s wristbands. North Thur-ston prefers the contracts over brace-lets because of the costs involved. AtTimberline, thefirstwarningresults in removal of the wristband. The second warning results in remov-al from the dance. Geiger feels that at Timberline, the wristbands simply serve as a reminder to students. The guidelines have always been present, just not in neon-green-bracelet form. “[Wristbands] get kids to follow [the rules]. That’s the key,” Geiger said. The wristbands were proposed by the student senate of Timberline in order to save school sponsored danc-es. “We needed a new idea. This was the best solution to control the danc-es,” ASB President Brett Pantier said. “[Otherwise] we weren’t going to be able to have any more dances.” Although both schools follow the same school dance guidelines, unlike Timberline, turnouts at North Thurston have not been negatively impacted. “I haven’t seen a drastic change at all,” Reed said. “Our [numbers] are about the same [as past years]. This

dance contract has been here for three years.” This year, North Thurston’s biggest dance, home-coming, had 700 attendees. Its smallest dance, Sadies, had 300. Although attendance is low at Timberline dances, administrators are not willing to compromise the rules. Administrators do not want to see the dances go, but they do want to respect the community by holding a set

of standards for their students. “We’re still making money. If we were not making enough, we would reconsider the dances,” Gei-ger said. Geiger believes that although the younger generations’ new styles of dancing have always come to shock the older generations, the new styles become accepted sooner or later. Geiger even admits that dur-ing his high school days, a dance referred to as “The Gator” was per-ceived as inappropriate for school grounds. “That’s nothing new. I mean, Elvis Presley was only shown from the waist up on TV,” said Geiger. “And with the fox trot, there was a sense that it was too expressive.” However, Geiger feels that grinding is the dead end.

“I don’t see it becoming acceptable,” Geiger said. Students, though, think that administrators should change their focus. “They should watch out for kids doing drugs or having sex, [not dancing],” sophomore Amber Lewis said. “Dancing is just dancing.”

What about prom?WhereThe grand ballroom at the Red Lion Hotel in downtown Olympia

When & How MuchThe dance is May 22,

from 9 pm until midnight.

Tickets will cost $25 per

person.

ThemeThe leadership class has se-

lected “Jewel of the Nile” as

this year’s May Dance theme,

so expect lots of oranges and

blues.

Why“People should go be-

cause they’re never going

to get another chance,”

said prom committee

member Maleena Taing.

“

“- Pat Geiger, Activities Coordinator

We’re still making money. If we weren’t, we would reconsider the dances.

photos by Sawyer Hardebeck

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blazer news 05www.my.hsj.org/schools/theblazer april 2, 2010

By Staff Writer taSiana BaBauta

“Mr. Shaw was so supportive by having him in choir. It helped him be a part of

Timberline, people understood,” said Carolyn St. John, Timberline’s career specialist.

St. John’s son was an autistic stu-dent who attended and graduated from Timberline years ago. At the age of two-and-a-half he lost the ability to talk func-tionally, didn’t make eye contact with anyone, and did not seem to have appro-priate play. These signs are typical the childhood onset of Autism.

April is National Autism Month. In Oct. 2009 a research study found that one in 91 children have ASD (autistic spec-trum disorder, a complex developmental disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with oth-ers). Autism is four times more likely in males than females. At Timberline these statistics are reflected in the number and gender of diagnosed autistic students. There are less than ten autistic students, and the majority are male.

For autistic students at Timberline most of their classes are contained within the Life Skills area, though there are oth-er higher functioning students who have their classes with the rest of the student body. For St. John’s son, choir was one of these opportunities to branch out.

However, despite their differences, autistic students have a similar outlook akin to their peers. Jarret Trapp, a fresh-man, is a good example of this. Trapp is an autistic student at Timberline who is primarily in a self contained classroom. When he was in grade school he attended Olympic View Elementary where he was in standard classes with other children his age.

“I did all the stuff everyone else did [at Olympic View]. I like doing that,” said Trapp. It was not until middle school that he was put in a self contained class-room environment.

Like any freshman, when about to start high school Trapp was worried and anxious. “Well, I was just a little nervous about starting high school,” said Trapp. “I was worried about sitting in [the] lunchroom with a thousand kids.” To Trapp the lunchroom is very noisy.

The social atmosphere of the lunch-room is one of the periods during the day when the self contained classroom students are with the rest of the student body. Alex O’Grady, a junior, explained his habits at lunchtime. He usually pre-fers to eat alone.“I don’t mind being by myself. It’s OK to be with classmates and it’s OK to be by yourself,” he said.

On the other hand there are students

who are not autistic that have very differ-ent feelings about lunch. JoeAnn Quin-tanilla, a sophomore, said, “No [I would never sit at lunch alone]. Timberline is so judgmental that they would judge me if I ate lunch by myself.”

Junior Taylor Durham has experi-enced the difficulties that autism may inflict on a growing child first hand. Durham’s younger brother is autistic; he is in the fifth grade in a self contained classroom and then spends an hour out-side a day. She struggles with the way people treat him. “People do judge him, and make fun of him. [That] makes me mad,” said Durham.

Durham explained one instance when her brother was mocked at the park. She had to clarify that her brother had special needs, though for Durham that is no excuse to tease a person. To her, autistic youth are normal. “Don’t make fun of [autistic students]. Don’t make fun of anyone if they have special needs or not,” said Durham.

Emma Marsh, a junior, who also has a younger brother with autism, tries to explain the differences of students with autism. “Their brains work differently than ours. If they are being rude or mean they don’t understand how other people work,” said Marsh.

O’Grady stated that it is “a little hard to start a conversation with someone new.” Despite this difficulty O’Grady still craves the social interaction and has methods to overcome this barrier. “I try to calm down to make more sense,” he said.

Despite the possible obstacles au-tistic students have they still enjoy and loathe some of the same things that stu-dents without autism do. Trapp has a passion for sports; a widespread hobby at Timberline. His basketball team was the regional champion and ended up making it to state. “My favorite basketball play-er is Calvin, [Trapp’s teammate],” said Trapp. But his friends are not the only reason behind his sport obsession, “I like doing sports so I can do them with my brothers.”

Trapp also goes to the gym to work out with his older brothers. “I go to the YMCA and do the weight bars, like a thousand weights,” said Trapp.

Autistic students do not stay self contained for their entire life. With the help and support from parents like St. John there are many chances to get out and see the world.

“He’s [St. John’s son] working at Left Foot Organics, [and was the] first employee,” said St. John. Left Foot Organics is a Vocational Horticultural Therapy Program for people of all abili-ties and backgrounds.

Blazers live with AutismTHS students and faculty talk about this mysterious condition.

photos by Olivia Smaciarz

Reading: Junior Cory Putnam enjoys a Disney book during a reading period. The Life Skills program teaches students how to function for day-to-day tasks.

CReativity: Using colorful beads and blocks to construct various buildings and figures, junior Alex O’Grady expands his creativity. Arts and crafts are popular in his class.

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blazer news 07www.my.hsj.org/schools/theblazer

By Staff Writer Shandra Clark

The Becca bill is one of those mysterious aspects of school that is whispered about in hallways, joked about with chronically tardy friends at lockers (“Man, if you're not

careful, you're going to get yourself Becca billed!”), and, sometimes, fretted about once a student is called into the office after that particularly important ninth absence.

However, it remains shrouded in mystery to those aside from the few kids who actually end up on it each year. So, here's the Becca bill, demystified: The Becca bill was passed in 1995 after a young girl named Becca, who had been calling school and excusing herself, ended up ultimately being murdered as a result of activities in which she was participating while truant. Her parents, following her death, worked with the Washington State legislature to create the bill. “The goal is not to be punitive,” said the Timberline Dean of Students, Jeanne Cunningham. “We want students to graduate.” The Becca bill can have very serious consequences if attendance rules are not followed. For example, if a student continues to be truant, they can be held in contempt of court—a legal term meaning that a person has disobeyed or been disrespectful of the court's authority and can be arrested. Despite the implications that Becca bill holds, many people do not take it seriously when threatened with it. Nolan Flammini, a senior who has come dangerously close to being put on the bill, said that he “doesn't know if [he] takes it seriously,” and that the office just gave him a “hand slap.” “But I do want to graduate, so there's that,” said Flammini. However, many people do shape up once placed on the bill. “I'm starting to take it more seriously now, since I've got court on Wednesday [March 24],” said sophomore Roxxie Dunham. Cunningham believes that the bill causes students to straighten up and think twice about absences. “We had 17 students put on the bill last semester, and out of that 17, 14 started showing up for school. It works,” said Cunningham. Perhaps part of the reason that a fraction of kids choose not to take the bill seriously is the way the Becca bill hearings are performed. Although lauded as an actual court hearing in the vast mythology of students, it really takes more of the form of a workshop—basically, the affected student learns the consequences of being put on the bill, and why the Becca bill is named as it is named. This is about the extent of an average hearing. There are many different reasons why kids who end up on the Becca bill are truant in the first place. “I just don't like school,” said Dunham. “I think the teachers abuse their power.” One student, who chose to remain anonymous, said that she would be more inclined to come to school if she

could get the help she needs. “I feel like the work is too hard,” she said. “We need more options for study skills, and more after-school opportunities.” Another prevalent attitude toward the Becca bill is that it is too harsh, and it comes with too many stereotypes. “They need to realize that we're not all leaving school

to smoke pot,” said the anonymous student. “We just need more opportunities to succeed.” The Becca bill is also regarded as being rather harsh by many of the kids who are placed under its jurisdiction.

“It's way too harsh,” said Dunham. “Why put more consequences on somebody who's already having problems?”

But the school does take measures to keep students

from being put on the Becca bill. Emphasis has been placed on the fact that the bill is only to be used as a last resort when nothing else can keep kids from continuing to be truant.

For example, several meetings are held with both students and parents before the petition is actually filed, and there are the phone calls and emails that go out whenever a student misses not only a full day, but even one class period.

“There are a lot of supports in place,” said Cunningham. “We get them bus schedules, we can change their schedules if that's what the problem is. We've even bought students alarm clocks. But ultimately, they have to show up for school.”

At the very least, students do know what is coming before the motion is officially filed to put them on the Becca bill.“The office threatened me four or five times,” said Flammini.

Cunningham likens the Becca bill to guardrails on a highway: “It doesn't catch everybody, but it helps a lot,” she said.

april 2, 2010

Becca bill demystified

illustration by Sam Bice

Hello? Mrs. Andrews? What’s

that? You say your son is never late

for school?

7:48

The law, named for a murdered girl, aims to keep kids safe and at school.

Becca bill in brief:After 7 unexcused absences during a month or at the 10th unexcused absence in a school year, the school district will file a petition in court to order the student to attend school. If the order is violated, the court will call for a Contempt Hearing and the student could be ordered to

do community service or spend time in detention. The parent may be fined up to $25.00 for each day of unexcused absence.

Source: OSPI

Arnie Andrews

Tardies:15

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The Confederates had them surrounded."I started to run, then one of my own cavalry men called me a traitor and shot me down in front of the crowd,” Ian Carroll, a

Timberline junior, said. Carroll, a drummer for the Fife and Drum Corp of the Union, wasn't simply abandoning his men, he was putting on a show for the audience. "It's all really fun and games," he explained.

Carroll is one of the many re-enactors that make up the Washington Civil War Associa-tion. The WCWA is a group of about 750 people who conduct staged reenactments of Civil War battles about four times each year. These staged battles occur mostly at state parks, and include

authentic costumes, muskets, cannons, and swords. "I was eight when I went to my first reenactment. I just camped out there.

I got a little bit more involved when I was 12. I got to go onto the battlefield," Carroll said.

There's a reason that reenactors must be at least 12 years old.

"Some dipstick could leave their ramrod in," Eben Mo-ran, a Timberline junior and Union Marine explained. Ramrods were devices used by Civil War soldiers in the 19th century and are now used by reenactors like Mo-ran to prepare firearms for battle by pushing the projectile

against the gunpowder. "If the ramrod fires off, it could fly off and hit someone."

A flying ramrod isn’t the only thing to worry about. "You have to go along with it. If the enemy does a volley fire,

someone has to go down. You have to play by ear or by shot," said Moran. Battles aren't automatically won by Union soldiers, the winners are

predetermined so that half of the time the Confederacy will win, and half of the time the Union wins.

Along with learning how to operate the weapons of the period, newcomers have to adjust to living

in the time period. "We go up the night before to set up. Ev-erything usually takes two to three days," ex-

plained Moran. "There's no modern technology, except for before and after events to cook your breakfast and talk." The reenactors live for a weekend with se-verely limited modern communication and en-tertainment devices. Visitors find the present-day technology replaced by entertainment from members acting as civilians. Some of these mem-bers choose to portray anything from musicians to merchants, or in some cases, even spies. Espionage in the American Civil War was com-mon on both sides, with notable spies on both the South and North's records. Histori-cally, spies met grisly fates upon discovery. Alanna Young, a Timberline senior, is currently anticipating becoming a civilian spy for the Union in the next WCWA production. "If I were caught as a spy, the Confederates would handle it differently than the Union." said Young. "The Union might just hold a spy prisoner, but Confederates would do a firing range or have a hanging." Young's boyfriend, Alex Eddington, a 2009 graduate of Timberline High School, is a re-enactor on the Union side, and Young’s inspiration for participating.

By Staff Writer Shavon McKinStry

Bang: Junior Eben Moran, proudly wearing the Union colors, aims his trusty old musket at the enemy. He won the gun in a raffle for his sixteenth birthday.

Cavalry: Confederate horsemen gallop to the battlefield during last year’s reenactment.

photo by Sawyer Hardebeck

photo courtesy of wcwa.net

When’s the battle?The gates open at 9 am on May 1, and close again at 5 pm. The schedule repeats the next day. The battle-field is Ft. Steilacoom Park in Lakewood.

theblazerThe Student Newsmagazine Website of Timberline High School

online

The Blazer Timberline High School Lacey, WA 98503

www.my.hsj.org/schools/theblazer

Check out the new student newsmagazine website of Timberline High School!

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By Staff Writer MiSSy ayreS

Returning from spring break, students will be testing their math skills on Tuesday, April 13; and science abilities on Thursday, April 15.

Abbreviated HSPE, the High School Proficiency Exam measures students’ abilities in four topics: reading, writing, math, and science. For the 2010-2012 classes, reading and writing are a graduation requirement.

The switch from the WASL (Washington Assessment of Student Learning) to the HSPE has had mixed reviews as it was talked about from teacher to student while students were learning what to expect. Before the test sophomore Devon Gossar said, “They [teachers] said it’s supposed to be easier because it’s more multiple choice.”

Another sophomore, Samantha York, felt like the constant talk about the test was nerve-wracking. “The teachers are always on you about it,” said York.

The new state superintendent, Randy Dorn, decided that it was time to make a change to our statewide testing late in 2008. The new test, later to be named the HSPE, was created to enhance testing. The goals were to shorten testing time, return scores faster, increase the use of technology,etc.

On March 16-18 students took the reading and writing portion of the new assessment. “It seemed like they really dumbed it down from the WASL,” said Gossar, who had heard that this test was going to be easier than the WASL.

The math and science portions are to be taken the week after students get back from spring break.

“I feel prepared, but I don’t think it’s fair that we have to take it right after spring break because I don’t have time to study,” said sophomore James Segura-Mitchell.

Although the assessments for students have been changing and are going to continue to change, principal Dave Lehnis said. that there is an attempt to set up standards for the whole country.

“This would change everything again,” said Lehnis, “but say, if I move from California to Washington, what’s algebra here vs. there?”

Teachers have been attempting to prepare their students for a couple months. “We did a whole class of the mock HSPE,” said Gossar, who is in Advanced

Algebra/Trigonometry. Other math classes have been preparing as well.

In math teacher Angela Stewart’s class, they have been focusing on certain standards that students will need to know for the test. “For a lot of people, it’s dusting off those files and refreshing some of those skills they haven’t used,” said Stewart.

Students that were not able to pass portions on the WASL, are required to take and pass those portions on the HSPE. Senior Elizabeth Ponce, who was only four points from passing the math portion of the WASL, is going to take the math portion of the HSPE in April. “I think it [the WASL] is replaced because so many people failed the math portion. It’s so more people can pass

that,” said Ponce. In 2011, the reading, writing, and math portion of

the HSPE will become available for online testing. This is voluntary for schools and students.

“It probably would be cool. It’d be different from how we always take tests,” said Segura-Mitchell.

In addition to this, there will be a push for end-of-course testing in math for the class of 2013. This new type of assessment requires students to pass two end-of-course tests. One of the exams will be after a student completes Algebra I, and one will be after Geometry. In order to meet the graduation requirements, the class of 2013 and beyond must pass both end-of-course assessments or the HSPE.

Students get refreshed testsFor the first time students are introduced to the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) replacement test: the High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE).

WASLv.s. theHSPEAlthough the WASL and HSPE have several similarities, they are quite different in other aspects.

photo by Hana Brown

Finished: Students leave the gym on March 18 after completing the writing portion of the High School Proficiency Exam. Students will be returning to take the math portion on Tuesday, April 13, and the science portion on Thursday, April 15.

At graduation students •received WASL cords.

Longer time periods for •each section of the test.

Reading, math, and •science each took two days each.

They are both taken in spring.•

Sophomores take them in order to graduate.•

Writing is taken over a two-day period.•

Testing time • shortened.

Fewer extended response •questions.

Will be available electronically • in 2011.

Reading, math, and science take •one day each.

Reading score reports will •be available on June 10 and

June 1 for seniors.Science score reports will be •available on Aug. 16.

WASLWashington Assessment of Student Learning

SimiLAritieSHSPe High School Proficiency Exam

according to www.k12.wa.us/assessment/StateTesting/HSPE.aspx

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blazer spotlight 13www.my.hsj.org/schools/theblazer april 2, 2010

Whether it be the hope ofattaining that six-figure job orsettling down and raising a family,dreams act as motivation towake up in the morning, endure the endless hours of classtime, and all to return home to battle the piles of homework procrastinated from the previous weekend.

Aspirationsphoto illustration by Sawyer Hardebeck

blazer spotlight14 www.my.hsj.org/schools/theblazerapril 2, 2010

blazer spotlight 15www.my.hsj.org/schools/theblazer april 2, 2010

Student Aspirations

“I want to be a pharmacist, because the technical knowledge you gain from it can be applicable to important world prob-

lems. I do job shadow-ing and I'm planning on going to University of Washington to get into the pharmacy program. And this summer, I want to get a job at Walgreens.”

Erin Adams, senior

Nathan Knox, sophomore- “Become famous somehow, but not infamous.”Rowan Easter, freshman- “Marry Pamela Anderson.”

Austin Diaz-Munoz, freshman- “World peace.”Hayley Hamlin, senior- “Making bank and being happy.”

Jasmine Shanklin, senior- “Find the end of a rainbow.”Andrew Battle, sophomore- “Become an Olympic runner or sneaker designer.”

Kaitlyn Rosengren, junior- “Being able to travel everywhere.”Sami Deatrich, junior- “I want to be a chief in the navy.”

Kelly Pennington, senior- “I want to be truly happy.”Jerry Bilek, freshman- “Be rich.”

Mikala Lord, freshman- “To go to New York University.”Nick Gaona, senior- “To drive a Nissan 350Z.”

Casey Sutton, senior- “To be on the show Bad Girls Club, and run the town of Lacey.”Grace Park, senior- “To be happy with whatever I end up doing in life.”

Rebecca Clayton, freshman- “To be a dentist.”Jordan Nylander, junior- see extention

Ryan Shires, junior- “To become a firefighter once I get out of high school.”Erica Baron, senior- “To have a family.”

Alex Fenno, junior- “Achieve something worth remembering.”Shea Derrick, senior- “To get into college. Just take once step at a time.”

Wil Rollins, sophomore- “I want to be a food chemist.”Alex Roman, sophomore- “I want to be a video game designer.”

Cayla Schmidlin, senior- “I would love to be a nurse, with a fair amount of wealth.”Nick Barr, senior - see extention

Adam Schmidlin, senior- “The only thing I really dream about is earning a great sum of wealth.”Amber Lewis, sophomore - “Attending the Juliard Performing Arts School and becoming a ballerina.”

Stanford Thompson, senior- “I want to swim with tropical fish in warm, clear water.’’Kevin Russell, junior- “I just don't want to completely fail at life.”

Rachel Warman, senior- “I want to be married once, and die with the person who I end up marrying.”Kevin Lee, junior- “A semi-truck that says 'Kevin'- that's what I want.”

Tai Ho, sophomore- “I really just want a high-paying job.”Christiana Radnich, senior- “I want to be a child psychologist.’’

Rick Ahlf, sophomore- “I want to live in the tropics with girls who are wearing hulas.”Anthony Stengline, senior- “Graduating high school.”

Emily Mendez, sophomore- “Majoring in journalism.’’Ray Estores, sophomore- “Go into the military, and travel the world.”

Jeremy Marsh, sophomore- “Become a professional tennis player.”Avery Quick, junior- “I want to be an auto-technician”

Suzannah Klaniecki, senior- “To travel the world and see things no one else has seen before.”James Core, senior- “To make everyone happy.”

Nesley Bravo, junior- “I want to go into law and become a prosecutor and become governor.”Megan Brill,sophomore- “I want to be an astronaut.”

Raquel Sejour, freshman- “For every person to know the difference between a bass and a cello.”Dillon Welch, senior- see extention

Robyn Leister, junior- “To be a pilot for Alaska Airlines.”Jenna Myers, senior- “To become a photographer.”

Christina Cunningham, sophomore- “To go to college and be a cop.”Chelsea Raysik, sophomore- “I want to adopt my little sister, Madeline.”

Charlie Taft, freshman- “My dream in life is to be an amazing lawyer and have amazing children.’’Tanis Hartsell, senior- “I want to live a happy and fulfilling life.”Darrick Constance, sophomore- “I want to fly around on Mars.”

Mikayla Muggy, junior- “Become a world class tuba player.”Lindsey Hall, junior- “I would love to have my own radio show and interview a variety of people.”

Tiffani Shaw, junior- “I want to be a doctor.”Devin Rafferty, sophomore- “I definitely have my mind set on owning a '67 Chevy Impala.”

Erin Adams, senior- see extention Gena Irwin, sophomore- “I just don't want to become fat.”

Kami Owens, sophomore- “I really just want to travel the world.”Shane San Nicholas, sophomore- “I only wish to make the people I love happy.”

Chaenna Castillon, senior- “Be successful in the military.’’Kate Hruby, sophomore- “Sail around the world.”

Devin Kaelin, freshman- “I just want to be able to graduate.”Sam Orse, sophomore- “Be content with life and become successful.”

Tyler Kaelin, sophomore- “I want to be a Staff Sergeant in the military.”Kenny Royer, sophomore- “Get out of high school!”

Gabe Kleinhans, sophomore- “Get a girlfriend!”Steven Pridemore, sophomore- “Play in the NFL.”

Kelsi Mathas, sophomore- “Find success in life.”Hung Nguyen, freshman- “I want to be a pharmacist.”

Jackie Messer, freshman- “I want to go to the University of Fresno to study equine science.”Molly Hodgkinson, senior- “I want to open a daycare because I like kids”

Rosalie Schoenbach-Krieger, junior- “To go to college in America.”Kyle Ferreira, sophomore- “I want to be an architect with an arche-gun!”

Lauren Urvina, sophomore- “ I want to get into UCLA.” Jacob Phinney, sophomore- “ I want to be fluent in Russian.”

Chaze Herold-Prayer, sophomore-“ I want to make bank as a physical therapist.”Mariah Partin, sophomore-“ I would love to be a marine-biologist and travel the world.”

Taylor Hetrick, senior- see extentionKristin Howell, sophomore- “My dream is to be forensic examiner.”

Kelsey Karjalahti, junior- “I want to ski dive!” Lauren Scott, junior-“I want to travel the world.”

Celia Torres, junior- “I want to live on my own and see what it’s like”Carl Dangerfield, junior-“I want to go to community college to play basketball.”

Raychel Fleming, freshman-"I want to be in a movie!”Mariah Fields, freshman “I want to be a movie producer, an actress, and a book author.”

Audriana Gray, freshman “I want to be a supermodel, to be remembered.” Kaleren Pickney, freshman-“ I want to become a choreographer for music videos and musicals.”

Becca Harper, junior- “I want to get married.”Katie Griggs, senior- “I want to make the world a healthier place to live.”

Ashley Thomson, junior- “I want to get married in the temple.”Alyssa Gubser, freshman- “Family is what’s most important to me, so I want to buy them a new house.”

Chelsie Wooten, junior- “ I want to be a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader and to become a surgeon.” Camille Hicks, senior- “I want to have a Range Rover and live a fun life, taking nothing for granted.”

Jamie Sheppard, junior- “I want to go up in a hot air balloon!’’

“My dream is to be a professional bass fisherman. It's my passion. It's one of those things I'm willing to devote my life to. It's not just a hobby, it's a life style. I do it regionally right now. Graduating college is my number one thing, though.”

Nick Barr, senior

Write down your own dream and save it. Stuff it in your back-pack, slip it in a folder, or use it as a book mark. When you run into this slip of paper, you can be reminded of what YOU have in store for your life. Not your parents, not your counselor, just you.

My dream:

“No one has the right to rain on your dreams.”- Martin Luther KingBy Staff WriterS Matt Connor and taylor BoardMan

Taylor Hetrick,senior

“I've always dreamed of playing in the big leagues. My dad has helped shape me towards being capable of achieving these goals. He has always provided me with positive compli-ments, but he has repeat-ed that I must work hard and consistently in order to find success.”

Whether a dream is focused around financial suc-cess, materialistic wish, or playing amongst star orchestra players or slick athletes, one thing is certain: more often than not, dreams

don’t always seem to pan out as often as they have been imagined. “It is through the lacking of faith and confidence in your own personal ability level that causes many dreams to fail,” said senior Renee Wyman. “People don’t realize how great they really are at something, because they are afraid that they may fail.” However, most dreams quickly crash and burn. Only a few dreams are typically realized and achieved by a person throughout their life. Due to a lack of confidence and perse-verance, many are quick to give up on their dream, and settle for smaller, easier goals. “Soccer used to be a big part of my life, and it was some-thing that I really took pride in,” Wyman said. “Unfortunate-ly I ended up tearing my PCL, which has caused my lateral movement to be limited.” Soon after her injury, Wyman began to realize that soccer may no longer be an option in her life. “I had to stay positive. I believe everyone must stay posi-tive, even when our dreams are cut short,” Wyman said. “I’ve since taken part in rowing, and I’ve actually received scholarships from five major universities.” Although her life as a soccer player was no longer a part of her, rowing allowed for to pay for a large sum of her expensive college fees. Thus, the destruction of one oppor-tunity in Wyman’s life, ultimately shed bright light onto a new window of opportunity. Angela Sink, a 2009 Timberline graduate, participated in several theatrical productions throughout her time spent at Timberline. Having moved to Seattle after her high school graduation, Sink has entered the local acting scene at Seattle University. “I know I can’t make much money at it, and I know that I won’t for quite some time,” said Sink. “But acting is my passion in life.” Understanding the financial restraints that actors and

actresses face, Sink is determined to not let monetary issues get in the way of her dreams. “Acting is something that I have been doing since I was a sophomore at Timberline; and it is something that I have loved from the moment that I stepped onto the stage,” Sink said.

The pursuit of dreams “I think it’s fair for me to say that most students don’t write down their goals. They don’t break down their goals,” Matt Stevens, Timberline counselor, said. “I’d like to see more students doing that.” Though all students have hopes and dreams for the way students manage and attain them varies. Are the aspirations of Timberline students merely just nice thoughts, or do they have methods they use to attain their goal? “I think about them, but I don’t write them down,” Kami Owens, sophomore, said of her goals. During basketball season, however, Owens and the rest of the team are required to do something differently. “We go in the locker room and we write down in our notebook a team and a personal goal,” Owens said. “It makes it easier for you to remember.” Others use a different procedure to reach for their goals. “I talk to my parents and the counselors about opportunities for scholarships and things, and I research a lot about it” said junior Cecilia Lee, whose dream is to be-come a hotel manager. “I have like ten colleges I’m looking at right now. The college I’m go-ing for is Smith.” Perhaps it is a lost practice for people to write down and log the steps to their goal. Still, this is the method used in advisory at Timber-

line. “In advisory, we spend a lot of time focusing on how to set up goals. Using those methods, we can set goals in those [non-academic] areas,” Stevens said. Whether or not they write them down, some students im-merse themselves in their dreams, taking advantage of every opportunity that will give them an edge to succeed. “My life is consumed with fastpitch,” Taryn Smith, senior, said. “After fastpitch practice at Timberline, I have pitching lessons.” In addition to this, Smith also plays for the 18U Gold Washington Ladyhawks fastpitch team, the highest level of such a division. Smith has already been accepted to Central Washington University and plans to continue play-ing fastpitch there. Only time will tell for these students which approach is most beneficial in procuring an aspiration. Until then, the goal-oriented students of Timberline can settle into a com-fortable form of making their aspirations turn into reality.

“I would love to play in a prestigious metropolitan city orchestra. The mo-ment I realized that this is truly what I wanted to do in life is when I was in 9th grade and I got to play side-by-side with the Seattle Symphony.”

100 dreams

Jordan Nylander, sophomore

“I'd like to record and produce both classical and modern pieces of music. Through my practicing with both the band and the choir, I've been able to attain a plethora of musical experi-ence. Often times, I'll practice for a couple of hours each day.”

13%of students said

Education

9%of students said

Travel

12%of students saidFamily/ Love

39%of students said

Career

The Blazer polled 100students about their dreams,

and found them to fall into five categories.

27%of students said

Other

Whatdoes yourcategorydreamfall into?

Dillon Welch, senior

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

“Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

of THS students

photos by Sawyer Hardebeck

16 www.my.hsj.org/schools/theblazer

blazer opinionapril 2, 2010

Letters to the Editor

Staff Editorial:

THUMBSThe opinions below represent the opinions

of a majority of The Blazer staff.

Four weeks ago the administration decided to switch around Blazer Time on Mondays. First and fifth period were switched on odd weeks along with second and sixth on the even weeks.The thinking behind this

adjustment was that on Mondays coming back from the weekend, students would have already completed their homework, which would leave them in early Blazer Time staring at the cracks in the ceiling. This small switch-up is a strong new policy

that will hopefully facilitate more productivity. (13 staff members agreed; 5 disagreed; 14 did not vote)

Going to the vending machines is an emotional rollercoaster. Clutching your dollar bill on your way to your destination, you come to find empty slots in place of your favorite snacks, the only other options being

the whole grain “energy bars” or shriveled up beef jerky sticks. And why is it that the Powerades right by lower A hall are small-er and more expensive than the exact same drinks in the gym? It wouldn’t hurt to have a better selection and some consistency

when taking a trip to the vending machines. (17 staff members agreed; 1 disagreed; 14 did not vote)

Blazer time needed a switch

Last year, Tolo was almost canceled due to the lack of presold tickets. This

year only 148 tickets were sold, in comparison to last year’s 270 tickets. This is only one of the many school dances that has fallen victim to the rapid decline of attendance rate at Timber-line.

We think that this low en-thusiasm for dances should change come prom. The last school dance of the year has the potential to be the best night of students’ lives, and for many attending, it will be the last big splash of their entire high school careers. We hope that this year stu-dents will actually be excited for this dance, where boys can act like gentlemen and girls can feel like princesses for an evening.

Now, the ball is in the junior class officers and the leader-ship class’ court to make prom a dance to remember. “There are going to be a lot of voices in-volved in the planning of prom. We are trying to please every-one,” said Debbie Lonborg, the junior class adviser. The planning and execution will gain momentum much faster if there is already a positive buzz going around about the dance. If the juniors have the chance to make prom even the tiniest bit more exciting, they should take it.

Staff editorials represent the opinion of a majority of the newspaper staff. This month: • 13 staff members agreed • 4 staff members disagreed • 15 staff members did not vote

Assumptions aren’t always accurate

Dear Editor,

Reading the last issue of The Blazer I was ex-tremely disappointed with the letter to the editor, “Go Green, Go Gold, Go Skin?” Whether it was intended or not, it was more of an assault on cheerleaders than an opinion on the school dress code. It is a huge generalization to assume that all cheerleaders are “hiking their skirts up.” Most cheerleaders, like myself, are modest and do our best to cover up. It is unfair to group the entirety of the squad with the few individuals who make the unfortu-nate choice to roll up their skirts. There is a big difference between wearing a uniform in representation of our school than wear-ing shorts because you feel like it. The parents you mentioned who are supposedly “disgusted” with our uniforms probably wouldn’t be a fan of your shorts either.

-Shelby Collins, junior

Dear Editor,

As the days until graduation slowly decrease and the senior class starts to anticipate the days until we are finally out of here, I have noticed a huge epidemic. And no it’s not senioritis, it’s a huge case of butthurt. Granted, I’m not trying to group everyone into this category of butthurt seniors, but there has been a lot of complaining from some students from the Class of 2010. The biggest reason: Prom theme. I don’t understand why girls would get so mad at a theme. You’re still going to buy a dress, get your hair done and dance, who cares what the theme is? Okay, prom is something people will always complain about, but we should really let the littlest annoyances slide. Sure, Paige grouped all cheerlead-ers to not oblige by the dress code [March Letters to the Editor], but it’s not something to complain about. It’s not like her opinion changed your daily routine or what people thought about you, because frankly, people already have decided what they think about you. A simple letter to the editor didn’t change that. We’re about to graduate and finally end our time here at Timberline and I think that these butthurt se-niors should just stop complaining and start celebrat-ing since we do only have 52 days left anyway.

-Jasmine Santillan, senior

Let’s make prom a night to remember


Vending machines lack variety

Class of 2010 has a newfound epidemic

THS administrators could crank up the fun of prom with the help and teamwork of the leadership class.

17www.my.hsj.org/schools/theblazer

By Staff Writer annah Pritchett

It is 7:29 on Monday morning, and I am right on schedule. Shov-ing through heavy doors at the en-trance of Timber-

line with my backpack slung over one shoulder, the sound of the minute bell puts an urgency to my steps as I race to-ward my first period classroom. I stumble through the halls with the usual group of stragglers and have almost met my des-tination right on time. But my efforts are in vain; I am no match against the pas-sionate public displays of affection that fill our hallways and thwart my path to first period. Readers, I can’t begin to describe the discomfort in trying to navigate around a couple who are “in love” and aren’t hid-ing it. Maybe it is just me. In fact, these stu-dents should be envied--commended even. They are some of the most tena-cious people on our campus. They know life is short; they did not need freshman English to be taught to “seize the day.” These 7:29 regulars are tangled in each other’s embrace against the trophy case while we single students lumber toward class in a sleep deprived stupor. You have to hand it to them. These star-crossed lovers are not de-terred by the bumps and shoves of other

blazer opinionapril 2, 2010

To all you star-crossed lovers

Every issue The Blazer invites a member of the Timber-line community to be a guest columnist. This month’s guest is Andrew Williams, the co-Editor-in-Chief of North Thurston’s school newspaper The Rampage.

Hello rival students of Timberline High School. My name is Andrew Williams and I am the co-Ed-itor-in-Chief of North Thurston’s school newspaper, The Rampage. I have been asked to address North Thurston’s reclas-sification as Class 2A school next year. The news came as a shock to many as we assumed we would travel with Timberline, Capital, and Yelm to a split 3A/4A Narrows League next year. How-

ever, I see this as an opportunity and feel as if the student body ironically is energized about the drop downwards.

Being dropped into the 2A Ev-ergreen Conference means compet-ing against a wider variety of local schools. Thurston athletes will soon face River Ridge, Tumwater, Black Hills, Aberdeen, Chehalis, and W.F. West. Many Thurston students feel that we will fare better in this new league and may possibly compete more at the state level. Some are excited that we will once again compete with the forgotten school in the district, River Ridge, and the

prospect of reigniting that rivalry. There is a large portion of students who grew up in the River Ridge area, myself included, who see the River Ridge rivalry as just as important as ours with Timberline. With the reclassification, we seek to start a new tradition of dominance in the Evergreen Conference.

The reclassification does not come without its setbacks. The biggest drawback, obviously, is that we will no longer be in the same conference as Timberline. But it doesn’t mean an end to our long-standing rivalry. One can just look to the Spa-ghetti Bowl between rivals Capital and Olympia despite Capi-tal’s drop to a Class 3A classification. We may not be able to battle the Blazers for conference supremacy, but that doesn’t necessarily mean an end to our rivalry.

To continue the rivalry, and make it even possibly grow, it will take a strong effort and much hype from both schools.

At the end of the day though, Thur-ston students feel pretty excited about the reclassification. Our hope is that in the near future, we will compete in the same conference and the district tri-rivalry will continue.

In a perfect world, a world similar to the Pac-9 which existed five years ago, Timberline would re-main in the same conference along with many of the schools in the local community. We will be anticipating the next reclas-sification in two years and we hope our schools will meet again in the same conference.

BE O

URGUEST Andrew Williams

“If students keep oiling up without sunscreen at the beach and hitting the beds regularly, our 10-year high school reunion will be filled with young graduates with skin resembling dried apricots.”

Amanda Matteson Lancer Express

Carlsbad High SchoolCarlsbad, Cali.

“Songs with questionable lyrics can have a tremendous effect on the sub-conscious and conscious minds of teens. Bad lyrics can put thoughts in your head that could eventually lead to actions.”

Josh Hanson Bulldog Bulletin

Baldwin High SchoolBaldwin City, Kan.

“We label ourselves as an adult at age 18, but we cannot yet drink alcohol. We are trusted to maintain households, have a voice in politics and die for our freedom, yet we are not “responsible enough” to drink alcohol. Does anybody see the irony?”

Stacia CzichasThe Cardinal

Franklin Pierce High SchoolTacoma, Wash.

“Spending money on education that shows why it is a bad idea to “sext” is a much more common sense approach than threatening kids with jail time.”

Tyler ProchazkaThe Newtonian

Newton High SchoolNewton, Kan.

Ever wonder what kids are saying at other schools? Below are excerpts from the opinion pages from other high school newspapers “down the highway.”

highwayVoices down the

Hello rival students of Timberline


students on their way to first period. No. These couples don’t miss a beat as their heads nearly miss a wad of gum stuck to the side of the glass case. Timberline is a brand new school, but let’s face it guys, it’s not the Baha-mas. Love makes the world go ‘round. It provides plots for movies, and drama for

lunchrooms. Love is good, no one can argue that point. But, here is a shout out to all you happy couples: even though you only have eyes for each other, I can see you. The janitor, the librarian, your coach, the school counselor, and your ex-girlfriend, yeah. They see you too. And we all have places to be at 7:29.

18 www.my.hsj.org/schoools/theblazer

PRO / CONblazer opinionapril 2, 2010

Mission Statement The mission of The Blazer is to provide the students and staff of Timberline High School and the surrounding community with a quality, thought-provoking publication. We aspire to print a publication that adheres to professional journalism standards, including sincerity, truthfulness, accuracy, impar-tiality in reporting news events, and equal representation of opposing sides. The Blazer will serve as a public forum for the free exchange of information, opinions, and artistic expres-sion in a civil and constructive manner.

Student Submissions Works submitted by students not on the staff, particularly letters, editorials and artistic expression, shall receive the highest priority for publication as long as they fall within the realms of good taste according to the standards of the read-ership. The Blazer will print as many submissions as space permits and request that all submitted work include the con-tributor’s name and grade. The Blazer reserves the rights to edit all submission for content, accuracy, spelling and grammar. All student work may be submitted in the Blazer

Staff Room, room #425. All work may also be submitted via email at [email protected].

EditorialsThe opinion section of The Blazer will serve as a public fo-rum for thoughtful, well-written forms of expression. Bylined editorials represent the views of the author. Non-bylined edi-torials represent the views of a majority of The Blazer staff. Views printed herein are meant to be opinionated and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Timberline faculty, administration, or the North Thurston School Board.

Advertising The Blazer will not accept any advertising that we believe to be factually inaccurate; designed to mislead, deceive or de-fraud; containing malicious, vindictive, or unsubstantiated at-tacks; offering goods and/or services illegal for all teenagers to possess, buy or use; libelous; obscene; creating imminent danger or disruption to school. Advertisements do not neces-sarily represent the views or endorsements of The Blazer staff or the Timberline faculty, administration, or the North Thur-ston School Board.

Editor-in-Chief: Victoria ZollerAssistant Editor-in-Chief: Delas RaifordNews Editors: Emerson Hardebeck, Bailey PritchettArts and Entertainment Editor: Zack BeltramoSports Editor: John FerreiraOpinion Page Editor: Lyndsey KellarGraphics Editor: Danica ThomasBusiness Managers: Amanda Angle and Savannah Purcell-KasperWeb Masters: AJ Butler and Jeffrey StilesStaff Writers: Missy Ayres, Tasiana Babauta, Simon Bakke, Alec Beal, Taylor Boardman, Shandra Clark, Matthew Connor, Owen Davies, Ann Huynh, Shavon McKinstry, Annah Pritchett, Tom Sauer, Haley Slater, Jamison Stevens-Lee, Desiree Ward, Hannah YunkerGraphics Staff: Samuel Bice, Hana Brown, Pascuala Gaspar-Esteban, Sawyer Hardebeck, Olivia Smaciarz

The Blazer Staff

Timberline High School • 6120 Mullen Rd. SE • Lacey, WA 98503 • (360) 412-4860 • www.my.hsj.org/schools/theblazer

Is it necessary to stand up and recite the Pledge of Allegiance?

By AssitAnt Editor-in-ChiEf dElAs rAiford

Ke$ha has us waking up in the morning feeling like P Diddy, yet more and more of us don’t feel like rising from our seats for less than 15 seconds to pledge allegiance to our flag,

our nation, and our freedom. It disgusts me how so many students nowadays are so blatantly unappreciative and in some cases outright spiteful towards our country. Even P Diddy, who so many of you feel like as you rise in the morning, promotes his ‘Vote or Die!’ campaign in response to the general young population and their apathetic feelings toward our country. The Pledge of Allegiance, as we know it today, has been recited by tens of millions of school children every day since 1954. Never before has it ever been so socially acceptable to sit, or stand facing the wrong way, in utter disrespect of our national flag—our symbol of freedom. Millions have died for that flag, and it is safe to say that many more may die for what it stands for. Outside this country, it is well understood that the American flag stands for democracy and freedom. So don’t reap the benefits of this nation and its flag if you cannot stand and say thank you for its provisions for less than 15 seconds. The Pledge of Allegiance is more than just a thank you, however. The pledge is a promise. A promise to be loyal to our country, committed to our republic, and devoted to defending the liberty and justice that is our foundation. Loss of respect for our flag will inevitably lead to the loss of respect for our country as a whole. Not standing to say the Pledge of Allegiance is selfish. The day that personal gain outweighs national patriotism is a sad, sad day. The day that hometown businesses outsource or decide to gain a dollar in foreign markets rather than aiding our own struggling economy is a sad, sad day. The day that congressional seats go to the highest bidder rather than by merit is a sad, sad, day. The day that students decide an “lol” and a “:)” are a better investment of time and effort than to stand and pledge allegiance to our flag is a sad, sad day. I hope to have errored on the side of pessimism, but I also hope that you will think twice the next time you decide that your country isn’t worth your idleness. I implore you all to reach into yourselves. Locate just one liberty or freedom you hold dear. Whether it is your right to vote, or even if it is just your right to drive anywhere you please, dwell on this as you stand and pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

By Editor-in-ChiEf ViCtoriA ZollEr

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which is stands; one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice

for all.” Every morning at the beginning of second period our ASB take over the intercom to tell us about the day’s events. But before they being announcements they recite this familiar pledge, of which I choose not to participate. It didn’t always sound this way, though—which is one rea-son why I do not participate. Up until about 55 years ago the Pledge of Allegiance did not include “under God.” In 1954 Congress passed a bill that sought to add these words after “one nation.” Last time I checked I had the First Amendment right of Free-dom of Religion, but this pledge is telling me that I need to believe in God in order to support my country. Now I’m not necessarily saying that I don’t believe in God. I stay open minded and acknowledge that there are things of this world we just can’t yet comprehend, however I have a problem

with our national mantra dictating a specific religious belief. Although the majority of the world recognizes a God, there are still those, especially in the United States, that question His existence or prefer to as-sociate themselves with more spiritual entities. On the opposite side, people would argue that re-citing the pledge is the way we show support and patriotism toward our country. But to them I would say that I show my support in many, many other

ways through my actions versus my words. I obey the law, I’m thankful for my rights and citizenship, I

do well in school, I can now vote for elected officials, and I plan to continue my education in order to succeed in a career that will benefit my country. Literally recit-ing the Pledge of Allegiance does nothing; it is your actions that show your patriotism. And my freedom as a citizen of this beautiful country doesn’t depend on me reciting a pledge every day, either. I do not believe that the Pledge of Alle-giance should be a mandatory measure, nor do I believe that I must say it each day in order to affirm my support for my country. As a grow-ing, evolving country we should take action and undo the mistake made in 1954, taking out

“under God.” However, despite my disagree-ment with the Pledge I urge students to still be respect-

ful and stand while your classmates pledge allegiance.

blazer arts & entertainment 19www.my.hsj.org/schools/theblazer april 2, 2010

?submitWe will take anything!

Send to:[email protected] 122 or 425

< . ...

rtEach month, The Blazer goes in search of students with a talent for art. This is what they have to show and say.

Agenda: February 14thby Roselynn Schroeder, senior

5:30 a.m. wake up6:00 a.m. make breakfast for kids and pack lunches8:00 a.m. take kids to school9:00 a.m. pick up one dozen white roses12:00 p.m. pick up bottle of red wine12:30 p.m. sharpen knives1:00 p.m. pick up red box of chocolates2:00 p.m. make dinner reservations3:00 p.m. get ready4:30 p.m. cab to apartment5:00 p.m. arrive at apartment5:05-5:15 p.m. small talk5:15 p.m. have glass of wine and open chocolates5:55 p.m. get ready to leave for restaurant6:00 p.m. slit throat6:05 p.m. wash knife and wine glasses6:10 p.m. call cab6:15 p.m. leave apartment with one dozen red roses6:45 p.m. arrive at restaurant6:50 p.m. have dinner with husband8:00 p.m. walk home8:15 p.m. pass crime scene8:30 p.m. pay babysitter.

What inspired this piece of art?“We had to draw something we saw and I drew this girl posing and added my own touch.”How long have you been drawing?“I’ve been drawing for seven years. I like the fact that I have enough artistic talent to capture the moment.”

.. .....

...

...

..

.

illustration by Amanda Hays, freshman

What do you plan on putting in your vase?

“Well I made it big enough to put stuff in eventually, but I’m not sure.”

Have you come up with a name for it?

“After I paint it and glaze it I will probably name it. I’m think-ing a name that has to do with Pokemon.”

.

Why did you write this poem?

“It was an assignment for class and I guess I took to the tone she wanted.”

Do you like to write poetry?

“I write occasionally, but it’s not really a huge

part of my life.”

pottery by Brett Pantier, senior

blazer arts & entertainment20 www.my.hsj.org/schools/theblazerapril 2, 2010

By Staff Writer Haley Slater

Sitting crammed in rows of cluttered tables sur-rounded by Yu-Gi-Oh contenders, he repeat-edly shuffles through his deck. The neighbor-ing duelists intensely draw, set and pass as they

quickly calculate their life points. This all seems like a pandemonium of action to the untrained eye, but it comes naturally to these Yu-Gi-Oh enthusiasts. It has been years since elementary school, and the ever-so-popular table-top game Yu-Gi-Oh is still full of life and excitement for numerous teens at Timberline High School. While some have made it a hobby, and others have made it a lifestyle, there is one thing neither can deny: their love for the game. Yu-Gi-Oh is a card game where two players, com-monly referred to as duelists, start out with 8,000 life points and draw cards out of their decks to battle their opponent. “It seems like a lot is going on but once you’ve played for a while it’s pretty simple,” said junior Johmar Egaran. Magic and trap cards can be set and serve as a useful weapon in the duelist’s hand. Monsters have both attack and defense points. If the attacking monster’s points are higher than the other monster’s defense points, the dif-ference is subtracted from the duelist’s life points.

‘OCC’ hosts tournaments every week Many students who participate in tournaments out-side of their circle of friends play at Olympic Cards and Comics, a local comic store. This store gives kids of all ages a safe place to hang out. OCC hosts numerous card games including both Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokemon. “We are like a family, everyone has the freedom to be themselves,” said owner Gabrielle Shephard. “I run a strict shop with high expectations for the kids’ levels of respect, but they are all a good group.” Tournaments are held generally every Monday with an additional larger stakes tournament the last Sunday of each month. “The competition is fun and so is col-lecting cards and earning money when you win,” said

junior John Espe. While many kids tend to commit themselves to sports, art, or music for numerous years, these students have dedicated a lot of time to Yu-Gi-Oh. Dilan Currier, a freshman, has been playing since he was ten years old. “Everything has changed so much over time,” Currier said. “The design is different and there is a much bigger variety of cards now.” Yu-Gi-Oh cards can be bought separately or in start-er decks and booster packs. New ones are continuously being introduced to keep the kids entertained and the game interesting. “Everyone wants to get their hands on the hot new cards,” said senior Keith Perez. “Some will do anything for them. I just buy booster packs and hope I get lucky enough to get one that’s valuable.”

Yu-Gi-Oh is a world record holder As of April 2009, Yu-Gi-Oh set a Guinness Record as the best selling trading card game in the world. “A lot of my friends were playing and I thought I’d try it out instead of just collecting Pokemon cards,” said Perez. “I liked it so I stuck with it. I don’t really care what other people think.” This strategic game offers numerous kids who aren’t into sports a chance to be competitive. “As soon as you win, you want to keep playing,” said Currier. “It’s like non-stop.” Many students like Currier have adopted Yu-Gi-Oh as their favorite past-time due to the life of the game. “It’s a fun hobby. Some people like blogging, I like Yu-Gi-Oh,” said sophomore Tiffany Bibeau. Yu-Gi-Oh does however have it’s fair share of criti-cism. Senior Stan Thompson argues that the game is a rip-off of another popular product. “It’s ridiculous. Pokemon came first, it’s the original,” Thompson said. “You can’t get any better than that.” Others such as sophomore David Ramirez find the game immature and childlike. “Kids need to grow out of that stage. Do sports or something. It’s just a waste of money,” he said. Shephard, once a victim of bullying due to her love

of comics, tries to help students find a place where they can just do what they love. “Kids are going to get teased and bullied regardless of what they do,” Shephard said. “It was my goal to provide a safe outlet for them to be with people who share the same interests, we don’t judge people here.” Many duelists, however, refuse to let criticism phase them. “I just flip haters the bird,” said sophomore Jordan Thompson. “Nothing matters but Yu-Gi-Oh.”

Duel or no duel: Yu-Gi-Oh’s subculture

Duelicious: At Olympic Cards

and Comics in Lac-ey, junior John Espe

(left) and senior Tien Nguyen (right)

prepare to duel their next rivals.

photos by Danica Thomas

collection: With hundreds of cards in his complete set, freshman Dilan Currier has been playing for roughly four years now.

Break down2010SprinG

blazer arts & entertainment 21www.my.hsj.org/schools/theblazer april 2, 2010

SprinG

1: eat at Sonic13609 Meridian EPuyallup, wA 98373(253) 841-682025.1 miles from Lacey Take a chance next week to see what those two guys on

television sitting in a SUV trying to be funny are all about. For some, the infamous Sonic commercials have been haunting students for too long. “I’ve always wanted to go but I don’t know of any around here,” said sophomore Lauren Urvina. The closest Sonic to Lacey is in Puyallup, Wash., 25 miles away. “It is definitely worth the 45 minute drive,” said Erica Barron, senior. Waitresses, or carhops, at this particular fast food joint wear old school roller blades and red uniforms. “They didn’t like it when I tried to immitate the commercials,” said Aaron Brooks, junior.

2:Beach it upocean Shores, wA78.3 miles from Lacey Taking a trip to Ocean Shores could be a fun alternative to the gloomy weather of Lacey,

Wash. No matter what preference of activity, this beach community has something for everyone. “I went there with a friend and her mom for a weekend and we shopped for most of the day,” said Jessica Cleve-land, sophomore. Those who take to the water can go boogie-boarding or surfing, while those like Cleveland can go shopping along the number of hole-in-the-wall shops along the strip. Horse-back riding and various tourist attractions are also available for people of all ages.

3:Take a trip

By Staff Writer HannaH yunker

With a whole week of freedom on the way, students at Tim-berline High School will get a chance to sleep in and relax.

But for those in search of adventure, or perhaps just a place to eat, The Blazer brainstormed five activities that should add some flavor to anybody’s spring break.

Get in the car and go. For some the word adventure is used in novels and creative action movies, but for others ad-venture can be as simple as get-

ting in the car, filling the tank with gas, and seeing just how far you can get without any form of direction. “I went to Oklahoma, Texas, and Colorado,” said senior Chaenna Castillion. Whether you prefer left or right turns, a random journey with no predetermined destination is sometimes just what the doctor ordered. “We stayed in the car all night listening to music and sleeping,” said Castillion. The casual setting of a day trip in the car can also serve as a getaway. Just sit back and forget about

homework and other responsibilites for that day.

4:See the ‘peas’ live On April 10, 2010, students will have a chance to Boom Boom Pow and shake their Humps at the Tacoma Dome with the Black Eyed Peas. Located at 2727 East D Street Tacoma, Wash. The Tacoma Dome is hosting the concert for the well-known group for only one night. The

touring group will be accompanied by both LMFAO and Ludacris that same night. This par-ticular occasion is actually the only time that the Black Eyed Peas will be performing in the state until further notice. With new music from their recent album The End and a significant fan base, this may be more entertaining than the average evening of vegging out in front of the television and falling asleep on the couch.

2727 East d Street | Tacoma, wA 98421

5: explore the future Students of any grade interested in a higher education may want to either begin or finalize their college search. Local and state schools host campus tours year-round. The University of Washington, Gonzaga University, and Wash-

ington State University are some schools that have guided and independent tours. Just visit the university’s web site or call to setup a session. “I went to Arizona State and Duke,” said sophomore Ryan Tydinco.

Consider college campus tours

Break down2010SprinG

2010SprinGBreak down

illustration by Pascuala Esteban

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the T-house 23www.my.hsj.org/schools/theblazer

By Staff Writer thomaS SauerEvery issue of The Blazer, a staff member is chosen to go out in the hallways of Timberline and get to know someone new. Meet Terri Atwater, a sophomore, and my new best friend.

Any noteworthy interests?What kind of question is that? Hey, I’m the one doing the interview here. Any reason why you’re being so difficult?Not really, but I have these math test corrections I’m working on. Oh, do you? Do you like doing math?Yup. What is it about math that you like?Mr. Wilson. He’s a good math teacher. You like to sing a lot, I’ve noticed. Why do you think you’re the next American Idol?I sing a lot? Really? In your opinion, why is a women’s prison called a penal colony?I didn’t even know that a women’s prison was called a penal colony.

It’s weird.. People say they’re not like apes. Now how do you explain football then?(Laughs)

Fantastic. Will you be my new best friend?Of course!

FRIENDMY N

EW

best

Every issue of The Blazer, Timberline students are asked to voice their opinion on this month’s subject in one, final word. This month’s topic: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

“Green” - Bridget Zoller, freshman“Masks” - Melissa Warner, senior“Old” - Nesley Bravo, junior“Shredder” - Stone Hart, freshman“Splinter” - Patrick Phelps, senior“Donatello” - Joey Norton, sophomore “Shells” - Kristin Howell, sophomore“Funky” - Jonathon Montoya, senior“Sexy” - Zach Heying, senior“Handshake” - Long Le, sophomore“Culture” - Kyle Ferreira, sophomore“Asian” - Jennifer Tran, junior

“Radioactive” - Jeremy Marsh, soph.“Happy” - Marissa Jacobsen, sophomore“Teenage” - Keyana Davenport, frosh.“Mutant” - Jake Sauls, sophomore“Ninja” - Hayden Oliver, freshman“Turtle” - Shane San Nicholas, soph.“Pizza” - Christy Saevivat, junior“Cowabunga” - Sam Kegley, sophomore“Interesting” - Erik VanAusdal, frosh.“Raphael” - Liandra Lucero, junior“Nun-Chaku” - Alyssa Kellar, junior“Okay” - Jessica Townshend, junior

Just for the Halibut‘‘

‘‘

Commentary, humor, satire, and possibly another fish joke, by Sam Bice

THE FINALword

april 2, 2010

-Anonymous,as always

“

I bought an ant farm once, but them fellas didn’t grow crap.

“

HeardHallway

in the

Teacher Trivia!

And the Blazer’s monthly game is...Can you figure out which teach-er each of these sixteen puzzling clues is about? To make things more interesting, we have ar-ranged them into a crossword.

The next step for

Wall Street

ACROSS1. This man enjoys collecting dead and dried animals in his room. They're sort of fascinating.7. This person is the head of Timberline's math department.9. This woman has a dog named Pai Gow.12. This woman is currently in her fifth year teaching English at Timberline.15. A former student at Timberline, she played on the basketball and fastpitch teams. ANSWERS

We could have posted the an-swers here, but then what excuse would you have to get to know the fascinating men and women who teach you new things every day? Good luck!

DOWN2. He has played a concert with his band out of the back of a semi in the middle of the desert.3. Before becoming a teacher, he spent some time as an actor.4. He is a former Timberline Homecoming King.5. Was the THS baseball coach before Rubadue.6. This teacher brings ancient Rome to life twice a year in the form of toga parties for fresh-men.7. This man is afraid of crows. Terribly afraid.8. There are two teachers by this name at our school.10. Served on a Navy submarine.11. This man was a varsity athlete at the UW. And no, it wasn't in bowling.13. Is a hula dancer.14. Is a twin.

blazer sports24 www.my.hsj.org/schools/theblazerapril 2, 2010

UTSTIM

E

30 second

By Staff Writer alec Beal

Blazer baseball players follow their dreams Both catcher Ben Talbot and pitcher/infielder Cody White are taking the next step in their baseball careers, pursuing the possibility of playing baseball at the collegiate level. Talbot is heavily looking into Concordia University-Portland, an NAIA division school. He received his letter of intent on March 13 to play baseball for them but has yet to sign. Talbot was drawn to this school by its location and size. “It is right next to downtown Portland, so there is plenty to do there,” said Talbot. White is still in the stage of talking to schools but he has narrowed down his options. “I was talking to Pacific Lutheran University but I have bigger interests and am trying to talk to Division I schools,” said White. “Plus I don’t want to pitch in the cold any more.” Both are excited about reaching the next level but know that it will be a tough transition to make. “It is something that every little kid who plays baseball dreams about,” said White. “I can’t wait for it to happen and I am relieved to know that it will happen.”

Traveling for the love of the game Senior infielder Marikka Benson, a starting varsity fastpitch player since her freshman year, is making the jump from

high school to Division I athletics. She will be attending Mt. St. Mary’s University, a small, private Catholic school in Emmitsburg, Maryland. “I am extra nervous about traveling across the country for college. In fact it is the only problem that I see about me going so far,” said Benson. Benson ultimately made her decision about where to go to after her visit to the college. “I really liked the team, they seemed pretty close to each other and liked to hang out. I also liked Maryland. It just seemed like an overall good fit,” said Benson. “Plus I am excited to travel all around, we are even going to go to Hawaii to play.” Benson knows that it will not be an easy road for her though. “I know that I will have to fight for my spot,” said Benson. “I cannot just walk in there and expect to play right away without earning it.”

Podowicz named to All-Area team While leading the charge for the Blazer basketball team to the district tournament, Kole Podowicz, a senior, was named to The Olympian’s boys basketball All-Area team on March 9. Podowicz lead the Blazers by averaging 14 points and 8 rebounds a game. He was also the runner-up for the Western Cascade Conference MVP. Podowicz felt honored to be selected to the team. “It makes you think that other people are watching you play from the whole area and they respect you and your game,” said Podowicz. “It really makes all the hard work worth it.” Podowicz leaves Timberline as the Blazers’ fourth all-time leading scorer in school history. He is currently undecided on where he wants to attend college next year, but he is certain that wherever he goes he will be playing basketball.

Arch: De’Von Dansby, a

sophomore, arches his back to clear the high jump bar at 5’ 8” at a jamboree track meet against Clover Park.

Sasha Weber, a sophomore, broke

Timberline’s high jump record by one inch at

their first meet.

photo by Sawyer Hardebeck

SPORTSApril DATES

Week 1

Week 3April 16

Fastpitch vs YelmBaseball vs Capital

Track Mountain Invitational @ YelmApril 20

Boys soccer vs Enumclaw Fastpitch vs Capital

Girls golf vs Yelm at Capitol CityBaseball vs North Thurston

April 1 Girls tennis @ White River

Fastpitch @ OlympiaTrack @ Auburn Mountainview

April 2 Boys soccer vs Auburn Mountainview

Week 4April 23

Boys soccer vs CapitalBaseball vs Yelm

April 26Fastpitch @ North Thurston

Girls golf vs Aberdeen @ Capitol CityGirls tennis @ Capital

Week 2 April 13

Fastpitch @ CapitalGirls golf @ North Thurston

Baseball @ YelmGirls tennis @ Yelm

April 14 Boys soccer vs North Thurston

Fastpitch vs North Thurston Baseball vs Yelm

blazer sports 25www.my.hsj.org/schools/theblazer april 2, 2010

RetuRn: Junior Alyssa Thrasher returns a volley from a Peninsula High School doubles team in a match at Timberline on Mar. 18. Thrasher and her doubles partner Candice Orm, a senior, lost the match in straight sets, 3-6 and 1-6.

The Blazer tennis team faced their first match at home against Peninsula, March 18, and suf-fered a 0-5 loss. Junior Alyssa Thrasher is at

a loss as to why she and her doubles partner Can-dice Orm didn’t favor well in the match. “Candice and I are definitely a good team, I don’t know why we lost. The team we played was really good,” said Thrasher.

Head coach Kati Halmos sees improvement rather than defeat regarding the match’s outcome. “We lost but our matches were a lot closer than they have ever been, so I think we’ve improved a lot,” said Halmos. “I think we’ll have a more successful season this year.”

With a previous seasonal record of 1-13, the Timberline girls varsity tennis team could only be so optimistic about this season’s potential.

“This year especially it is hard because there are so many people who haven’t played. There isn’t re-ally enough one on one time that’s probably needed,” said Malika Garoui, junior.

However, Garoui noted that there is hope in the skilled returning players, Thrasher being one of them. Thrasher and her doubles partner Orm are currently first seat varsity. Thrasher is actually motivated by the poor performance in previous seasons from the team as a whole. “The only thing I can do to change that is to play better,” said Thrasher. One reason for the less than favorable record is due to the conflict-ing experience levels among teams within the league. “Our school’s varsity isn’t as strong as other schools’ varsity,” said Garoui.

Despite the disadvantages that may come along with a team that is made up of a majority of fresh players, there are still greater advantages to be found, other than just winning. “It’s fun to go against people that are better than you because then you become better too,” said Garoui.

Competing against stronger players has helped players develop skill at a faster pace. Each match isn’t always a sure win or a sure loss, there are still chances that a weaker player could out maneuver a better player, allowing the underdog to win the game. That sort of possibility is what amplifies the excite-ment among the team.

Although, the pressure isn’t always high on the courts, “There isn’t much pressure to win,” said Ga-roui.

Some players find the inconsistency frustrat-ing, a struggle that better players have to deal with on a team where the skill level is as in-consistent as the match outcomes. “It sucks to know you may win against someone, but lose the match overall,” said Rachel Warman, a senior.

But in spite of this pitfall, Warman has days where she is less competitive as well. “There are days where I’m just swinging for the hell of it,” said Warman.

Sportmanship is also in high demand when dealing with less ad-vanced players and losses in match-es. “It has to be an equal amount of sportsmanship and competitive-ness, you don’t want to come off as if you’re rude, or that you aren’t trying,” said Thrasher.

Girls tennis feeling the loveBy Staff Writer DeSiree WarD

Meet

theVarsity

Singles players

Doubles teams

Player: Rachel WarmanGrade: seniorVarsity experience: 2 years

Player: Sommer VallesGrade: juniorVarsity experience: 1 year

Team: Alyssa Thrasher and Candice OrmGrades: junior and senior Varsity experience: 3 years and 2 years

Team: Celine Bravo and Malika GarouiGrades: sophomore and junior Varsity experience: 1 year and 2 years

Team: Victoria Zoller and Nicole MercerGrades: seniors Varsity experience: 1 year and 3 years

photo by Hana Brown

blazer sports26 [email protected]

blazer sports26 www.my.hsj.org/schools/theblazerapril 2, 2010

By Staff Writer Simon Bakke

The Blazer girls’ fastpitch team steps up to the plate tonight in a game against Chehalis at Recreation Park at 4:30. They had their first game on March 16 against Peninsula, losing by a score of 2-11. On March 20, the Blazers came

back swinging with a 17-0 win against Clover Park, ending the game by mercy rule in the fifth inning.

“Our pitcher pitched well and struck all of them out. None of the balls got to me,” said outfielder Mckenzie Raben.

Due to the team not making it past league in 2009, they enter this season with one main goal: to repeat the success of their 2008 season, in which they placed second in state after losing to the Kennedy Lancers. The Blazers were even with the Lanc-ers until the fifth inning when the Kennedy catcher hit a three run home run over the center fielder’s head to pull ahead and eventually beat Timberline 5-1.

“After that, we just couldn’t hit off their pitcher. She was one of the best in the state,” said junior Jenny Leyva.

Last year, the Blazers finished second in the West-ern Cascade Conference behind Capital. The team tal-lied an 8-7 record in a disappointing season.

“Last year, we didn’t get to finish what we all want-ed to,” said Leyva. A key snag in last year’s season was there were a significant number of injuries, according to senior Taryn Smith, a varsity pitcher. “At one point we even had to put our catcher in as a pitcher, who had never done it before.” Smith has committed to a fast-pitch scholarship at Central Washington University.

As the girls look ahead with state in mind, they are doing several things to improve upon their 2009 season. “We’re preparing with lots and lots of conditioning and [practicing] fundamental skills,” said Smith.

They are also focusing on hitting, which was a weak point last year, and now they’re practicing bunting and short-game skills, according to Raben. “Our commu-nication is getting better, too, from infield and outfield practice,” she said.

They will also work on their mental game, according to junior Kiley Hanratty, including throwing to the right spot and making good base-running decisions. “We have been getting into real, game-like situations,” said junior Jenny Leyva.

According to Smith and Leyva, last year was an experience building year, which

has helped them learn and prepare for this one. “Now we have lots of upperclassmen. We only lost one player,” said Leyva. She also said that they, the upperclassmen, are working a lot with JV, who have the potential to keep the team going after the up-perclassmen are gone.

There is one new pitcher playing, sophomore Autumn Diaz. “This way, next year there will be another seasoned pitcher ready to go [after Smith graduates],” said Leyva.

Raben said, “The JV team will have to work hard and get to know each other better [to have a good team next year].” Raben added that the team looks up to the seniors, who she says will help you with whatever you need at practice. Raben is a returning All-League player, along with Smith, Leyva, Hanratty, and junior Gatalina Schuster

Several standout returners come back this season, but this is the first year for head coach Sonya Ramos. “I get along with her well. It’s my first time with a female coach, and she’s very comfortable to learn from,” said Raben.

In order to be as accomplished as in 2008, the team needs to be close and allow everyone to be part of the team. “To repeat 2008, we’re going to have to get along. That’s what took us so far then- we were like sisters. It will be great if we can bond that well again,” said Ley-va.

“We have really good chemistry because we all play other sports together, and have known each other for a long time,” said Smith. She added that herself and sev-eral other players currently on the team played with each other in elementary school.

With only two freshmen on varsity, Ashley Baker and Kami Owens, age and experience will be to the team’s advantage. “We’re a very well-rounded team now,” said Smith.

According to Raben, everyone on the team has the same goals, which pushes each person to work hard. Looking forward, the Blazer fastpitch team is hopeful and confident about the coming season. “There’s lots of expectations this year. The upper-classmen really want to get back to state this time,” said Raben. “The underclassmen also know what to expect from us.”

For the team as a whole, the 2010 season will be a fresh start with many develop-ments upon the previous season. “This is our year,” said Leyva.

CoaCh: Head coach Sonya Ramos gives senior Taryn Smith a few pointers before her at-bat.

New coach, same team, time to fulfill the dreamAfter being without star senior pitcher Taryn Smith for the opening 2-11 loss to Peninsula, the Blazers rebound-ed with a 17-0 victory over Clover Park. The team is looking to repeat the success they had in the 2008 season.

Ashley Raben- 2nd base at THS, South Puget Sound Community CollegeTaylor Smith- catcher at THS, outfielder for College World Series winning University of Washington team last season Brittany Berin- 1st base at THS, University of California Santa BarbaraAnnaleisha Parsley- pitcher at THS, P/1B at Southwestern Oregon Community CollegeTara Pierce- outfield/catcher at THS, third base at Green River Community CollegeDanielle Colburn- center fielder at THS, Central Washington UniversityMegan Birge- 3rd base at THS, Washington State UniversitySarah Nelson- Outfielder at THS, Green River Community College

““

-Jenny Leyva, junior

Last year, we didn’t get to finish what we wanted to... This is our year.

Where are they now?The 2008 fastpitch team finished second in the WIAA 3A state tournament at the SERA softball complex in Tacoma. The Blazer caught up with the players that have since graduated Timberline and found out what they are doing now.

blazer sports 27www.my.hsj.org/schools/theblazer april 2, 2010

Strike: Senior Taryn Smith throws a pitch in a 17-0 mercy rule vic-tory on March 20. Smith finished the game with 12 strikeouts.

Slide: Kiley Hanratty, junior, slides into third base in a game against Clover Park on March 20. Hanratty was a 1st team All-league 2nd basemen last season.

SCore: Junior Gatalina Schuster scores a run in a 17-0 victory against Clover Park and receives a hign five from senior Taryn Smith. Schuster was a 1st team All-league catcher last season.

lead: McKenzie Raben, junior, takes a secondary lead off first base in a game against Clover Park.

hit: Junior Taylor Cramblit connects with a Clover Park pitcher’s pitch in a 17-0 victory on March 18.

The Blazers’ next three opponentsOpponent: YelmCoach: Lindsay WaltonStrength: Small-ballWhen: April 9Time: 4:30Where: Yelm

Opponent: CapitalCoach: Melvin WeemsStrength: Power-hittingWhen: April 13Time: 4:30Where: Capital

Opponent: North ThurstonCoach: Marie FlukeStrength: YouthWhen: April 14Time: 4:30Where: Timberline

After tonight’s game, league play begins with the Blazers playing cross-town rivals Yelm, Capital, and North Thurston three times each. The Blazers next three games will be the first in each of the three game series against Yelm, Capital and North Thurston.

photos courtesy of C.J. Webb

photo essay 28www.my.hsj.org/schools/theblazer april 2, 2010

Blazers seek culture Last Friday at the Nisqually Tribe’s new Com-munity and Youth Center, a Pow Wow was held to share Native American culture. The day consisted of several workshops, guest speakers and various entertainment for those who attended, and was open to the public.photos by Olivia Smaciarz and Danica Thomas

A native story teller entertains a crowd with traditonal stories that teach morals and values.

Jonathan Montoya, senior, carves wood into Native American art.

Briana Welsh, junior, receives instructions during the wood carving seminar she attended.

Jonathan Montoya, senior, and Ashlynn Demeyer and Derrick Wily, juniors, take part in a talking circle with other students and discuss cultural differences and prejudice.

Documents

April 2010