Short Story By Joshua S. Olsen Some were excited for kindergarten, some wouldn’t let go of their mom’s leg. We started to learn. ABC, 123, grapes are purple, sticking play-doh up our nose is bad. All the important stuff. We wanted this to last, because, for some, crayons were still meant for the mouth. The next five years were the same. Adding, subtracting, finding theme, learning a bad word, making BFFs. Eventually we made it to the top, 5th grade; only to find that we would be sent to the bottom. Middle school. This was when school got hard for us who actually did our work. Negative numbers, negligible teachers, abhorred enemies and still theme. As if it wasn’t bad enough, they threw in puberty. Nonetheless we made it to the end again, and then back to the beginning. Fresh-meat they called us. Some made it big with sports, others stayed small. Most paired off with the popular hot girl or that shy boy. Others of us became a single pringle. Sophomores were softies. School hadn’t changed; we either had an F and were cool, or an A and were a nerd. Junior was the hardest year. ACT, AP, break-ups, make-ups, food, sleep, repeat. Senioritis kicked in for those of us who hadn’t found it Freshmen year. Finally we made it to Senior; free periods and top of the world. But we were still stuck with theme. Senior Sunrise, Letterman Jacket, Class Rings, Senior Sunset. Tears are shed, goodbyes are made, graduation happens, and now your back at the bottom. Here we come, college. So, maybe it wasn’t a musical, maybe it wasn’t always happy, but we tried, and we made it. Was it worth it? Probably not. But now we’re done; now we can move on. Our whole life is ahead of us. And to think it all started with nap time in kindergarten.
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By: Jazmin Antinew
I am popular. Students and staff members wear costumes when I come up. People wear their school colors when I arrive. Because of me, students become enthusiastic and supportive to their school. Who am I? Can you guess? Correct, It is Homecoming Week! It’s the time of year when students celebrate their school pride through engaging school activities like dressing up in costumes, wearing school colors, joining competitions, games and other loads of fun. In any time of the school year, it is celebrated during the week before school’s Homecoming. Each day (October 7-11) there was a theme with school activities. On Monday, the students and staff felt comfy with their outfits for “Pajama Day”. Tuesday was the day of wearing jerseys of their favourite sports teams and there was a dodgeball game. On Wednesday, there was a talent show and the time to dress alike with someone for “Twin Day”. The next day was a Junior Varsity (JV) game and a “Color War” with neon colors. The freshmen were assigned to wear neon green, sophomores had to wear neon yellow, juniors wore neon orange and seniors wore neon pink. Before the week could end the day most waited for and the reason on why they had a week like this! The last day comes the Homecoming Game and Dance. The theme for Homecoming was “Let’s Glow Crazy” that was planned by the Student Council (Stuco). “The theme was decided by members of student council over the summer. It was decided from various options. At a vote ‘Let’s Glow Crazy’ became the most popular! ” Laisha Diaz, a junior and member of the Stuco, said. “We collaborated with the company SOS Entertainment. Then Student Council prepared for the assembly and decoration of the event.” Eldorado’s football team won the Homecoming Game against Mojave High School. The score on Quarter 1 was 20-6, Quarter 2 was 7-8, Quarter 3 was 0-0, and Quarter 4 was 12-12, having a total score of 39-26. The Sundevils got their groove on, for after the game was the Homecoming Dance. With the exhilarating aura and thrilling music, there's no resisting on following the beat of the music and escaping the world through dancing. The General Admission was five dollars while the VIP (including food and water) was fifteen dollars. “The dance was a time to have fun, dance, or overall hangout with friends. During the three hour period there was dancing, and the announcement of the people crowned at the dance,” Diez said. Easton Allen Jr. & Paige O’Hara were crowned Homecoming King and Queen. “They were placed in Homecoming court, and through the Five Star app students could vote for them. They won the majority and were crowned queen and king,” she said. “The Homecoming Dance was really lit and fun,” Morissette Castro, a senior who attended the Homecoming Dance, said. “Personally last year’s hoco was more fun because the crowd and also the music.” When asking on what she thinks are the things to improve, she said it was the decorations and the food for the VIPs. She thinks that there should be games as well. The dance started at 9pm and ended at 12am. Glow big or glow home! School pride is a vital element in constructing a healthy and successful school community. It is said that it plays a big role in nurturing and making the campus a better place. It is by engaging in school activities-like Spirit Week and Homecoming. Bet you can’t wait for next school year! By: Jazmin Antinew
Are you interested in video production, broadcasting, mass communication and spreading a positive school culture through creativity and entertainment? If so, then you should join Eldorado High School’s Sundevil Broadcasting Network (SBN)! The SBN is a broadcasting club that connects all students, staff and alumni to school activities. It improves the culture and climate of the school. It also helps the unity and camaraderie amongst the people on campus and who have been with the school. They broadcast all school activities like sports events, theatre plays, home coming and more. It is said to be important because it helps on marketing the school and programs. “During meetings, we usually plan for upcoming broadcasts in terms of who would do what, which camera would be located, who would man the cameras, who would be announcing, what time to be there for set-up, what time are we able to break down the equipment--like who will carry the equipment--and then we broadcast,” club adviser, Mr. Rendon said. “Our club stands out from other clubs because, first of all, we really have motivated students who want to do well in broadcasting events. We have students who stay up late to set up and break down. The motivation of the students- I really like,” he continued. The SBN have snatched an award as the “Select School Broadcasting Program”. Which is the second highest award from the National High School State Federation Association. A national leadership organization for high school athletic and performing arts activities. The club usually meets after school in room 811 during Thursdays and it is open to everybody. “My advice to people who want to join this club is that it’s a good place as a social event to meet people, to work hard and to accomplish something good for the school,” Mr. Rendon said. “I would like to describe it as fun because we have fun broadcasting and we have fun setting up.” Their future plans are expanding the equipment so that they can have more wireless cameras and higher definition videos. They are also planning on having a new set which would be a News Broadcasting Network. “I absolutely and truly believe that this club would last for a long time. It’s because the members enjoy being in the club and in helping out other students.” he said. They would like to achieve an award on the League Level, the highest award this year. Mr. Rendon also plans in entering one of the members, Omaree Vandyke, in getting him for the “Best Student Broadcasting” award. This broadcasting network serves as an important role for it is an influential bridge that connects between the school and the society. It’s advisable if we support them by subscribing on their website as they serve funds for more equipment, more information to spread and more school spirit! Haven’t watched any of their broadcasts? Perhaps you’ve missed an event? Then you should check their streaming website: http://bit.ly/SundevilNetwork. All of their past broadcasts can be rewatched. To watch the sports events, you need to subscribe and pay 5.83 dollars every month. You can also access their broadcast through the school website that states “EHS Sports Streaming”. Their social media accounts are:@SundevilNetwork on Twitter and sundevil_broadcasting_network on Instagram. By: Christian Dye The United States of America is known for having the strongest military force of 2019 and it’s thanks to the brave men and women who enlist.What many people don’t understand is just how much work goes into becoming an American soldier. The effort required varies for the different branches. For ten weeks during school summer break, I attended Army Basic Combat Training, and experienced what it was like to become an American Soldier. I went through many ups, downs, and everything in between. It was not easy, but completing each event, and obstacle certainly felt rewarding. I did things I would never have done otherwise. Each and every aspect of my everyday was out of my control The Drill Sergeants are the ones who trained us, and we practically lived with the drill sergeants, so everything I did had to be proficient. Some of the things I did was run through obstacle courses, repelled down a forty foot wall, marched, threw grenades, and learned the basics of Rifle Marksmanship. Every morning was a PT (Physical Training) morning. After that, we had breakfast at 7:00am. The closest thing we got to a "Day Off" was on Sundays, and that's because we had the privilege of going to religious services/church on those mornings. Once everybody has returned from church, there was a possibility that they would shave our heads again.The weather in Fort Jackson, South Carolina was very different than what we have here.Though I did go over the summer I never actually felt hot unless we were in full combat gear, or doing a lot of exercise. Part of learning how to be a soldier, meant getting used to wearing the proper attire. We had a vest with pockets to put rifle magazines, grenades, and a canteen. Underneath that was our IOTV, which is supposed to be a bulletproof vest weighing at around 30-35 pounds on your back and we wore our ACH, which is the combat helmet. Lastly we put on knee pads, and elbow pads. The final task we had to complete inorder to graduate was a 40+ mile ruck (hike). We rucked all throughout the night, and recovered during the day. In the span of four days, we rucked 40 miles, with our flic on, and carried our rifles in our hands the entire time. Many Americans agree that one of the most honorable things a person can do is enlist in the U.S. military, and put yourself out there to voluntarily experience the hardships of a soldier. Though this may not be everybody's ideal vacation, it is important to look into the many great benefits that can come with being a part of the U.S. military. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. If interested in more enlistment information, contact your local recruiter. By: Amore D. Scranton
Starting the new year, the varsity football team lost their first game against Cheyenne Highschool, but that is not bringing down their spirits. A lot of practice, hard work, and dedication will help the team take a win for their next game. Coach Nunez has his team working extra hard this year on the field. He has made his kids inspired and ready to get back up if they fall. Nico Harmon, 11, is one of the star players on our varsity football. He motivates his fellow players and himself to work hard and give it their all. “While practicing on the grass with my crew, we have to be dedicated all the time. If we lose that then we have nothing. We have to play through contact and give our every play 100%.” Losing is not an answer for the Sun Devils. While practicing, Nunez has them work extra hard while it gets hard sometimes, but they know it's for the better. Having practice in the morning and after school gives the players extra time to get more elite to smash their competition. When the team wins a game, they try to use that win as motivation. Having teamwork and trusting your team really helps when trying to win a game. “I like to drive my kids to do better with the tough love method. I make them re-do things when they mess up until they get perfect at it. This helps with eye coordination and making good plays,” says Coach Nunez. It's better to keep trying when failing. Practicing hard and being devoted is key to success. By: Cassandra Galvan and Jessica Reese
The new bell schedule is the talk of the school. School has started with several changes, including a new bell schedule and a change in lunch times. Mrs. Crowley, Assistant principal of Eldorado High School, provides information regarding lunch changes. Eldorado students previously had the same lunch hour, but now have two separate lunch hours. Mrs. Crowley explains how your fifth period class determines whether you’ll be attending first or second lunch. In previous years, we had an overpopulated school lunch that left kids with no seats, and hardly any time to eat. Changes in the lunch schedule has been a huge form of assistance from the administration. Admins also have provided benches throughout the hallways to create a more comfortable, less cramped lunch. More teachers, administrators, and campus monitors will be making school flow smoothly, so that students can enjoy attending their five day schedule. Changes around Eldorado are the beginnings of a better school system. A better future and more structure is coming to Eldorado. By Damaso Rosales and Amore Scranton
When students join a club at school, it offers important life skills that a student could use for the rest of his or her life. Clubs develop writing skills, negotiating skills and other non-verbal communication skills. They can offer the best in learning for young people, giving them the leadership and power to make their own decisions. Eldorado has a lot of clubs--like Mariachi, Student Council, and Video Game club--that help students socially, and educationally. One of the clubs that are offered here is Student Council. Student Council helps the school’s spirit go up in so many ways. For example, they make posters, assemblies, and a week called “Spirit Week,” where students can show school spirit based on the day. Another thing STUCO offers to Eldorado is keeping the traditions going. The next club that's in Eldorado is Video Game Club. Video game club helps Eldorado students in many ways. For example, a big percentage of students of Eldorado like to play video games. For that reason, students come to the club to play video games. The club is going to a Esports tournament, and will also be participating in Parades. This pushes kids to come to school so they can participate. Another club that is offered is Mariachi. Mariachi has their own concerts, and play songs during assemblies. Students that are passionate about music join Mariachi because they have a variety of instruments to play. For example, trumpet, guitar, guitaron, and violin are popular choices, as well as singing. Mariachi can help students learn about music culture. Mr. Cervantes pushes his students to always push to do better every time. The varieties of clubs at Eldorado push students to do better in life. By: Mariah Lavinio
There had been many weeks over the course of this year, but the most memorable is Senior Week.The week is organized by student council to let the seniors enjoy their last moments of being high school students before they go out into the world. The week was extremely exciting for everyone, they held different activities every day of the week! The week consisted of, they had a Movie Night, a Tie-Dye event, Field Day, a Senior Sunset, and grad night at Disneyland! Miranda Silva, 12, attended movie night, she had a good time hanging out with friends watching Coco. Luis Hernandez Romero, 12, enjoyed “Tie-Dye day”, he enjoyed the time with his friends, lots of laughter and a great time. Zefany Rubio, 12, fun time with her friends and being able to express themselves on their shirts during tie-dye day. Zefany also went to Field Day, where she spent time playing around with friends and being able to get active. It was a fun day in the sun for seniors. One of the most eventful nights was Senior Night at Disneyland. Students got to experience a fun little getaway from school and had the opportunity to meet other students from different schools. Many students got the chance to actually get out of stressing just for a night. Luis loves Disney himself, he got a chance to ride his favorite rides from Disney “Thunder Mountain” and “Splash Mountain”. It’s been a great year for our seniors, lots of great memorable moments and fun times. They will always have their memories but they will always remember “Senior Week.” Now the seniors are off to start their lives. By: Christian Dye and Alexa Mendez
Joseph Saucedo, 11, is an outstanding, and outperforming SunDevill. He is a part of JROTC, and participates in many after school sports, and activities. One of his many accomplishments consists of becoming Company Commander of ROTC. Freshman year he started out as a Cadet Seaman Recruit just like any other student. However, since then he has made his way up the ranks becoming the Physical Fitness Commander, then the Executive officer, and now the Company Commander. As with his new title it is his job to: supervise, administer, and manage everything from uniforms, to paperwork etc. It is not an easy position to get, but he has put in all the hard work. “I feel great, it’s preparing me for the future,” he said. Saucedo also earned an athletic's award. He was one of 100 students in the Nation to get it, with additional benefits such as a trip to Washington DC, and is a candidate for a potential scholarship. Saucedo worked toward the award by training, maintaining a healthy diet, and qualifying. Saucedo, along with 18 other people got the opportunity to tour the U.S. Army Reserves center in Sloan, Nevada. He got a preview of what things are like there as Saucedo confirmed that he will be joining the Military, after he graduates College at the Naval Academy. He is planning on joining the Marine Corps as in Officer. JROTC is a great class for students who want great things out of life, and a little bit of discipline. It has given Saucedo numerous opportunities that he has taken full advantage of. It’s always great to have goals in life, and this class is a motivating force for Saucedo to accomplish every single one of them. By: Jaqueline Diaz Salgado
On March 14, 2019, Cyclone Idai made landfall on the southeast coast of Africa. The winds were reported to be as high as 109 mph, making it one of the worst disasters in the Southern Hemisphere. The storm had caused more than a whopping one billion dollars in damages to infrastructure. There were about 1.7 million people living in the direct path of the cyclone. The death toll has risen to more than 700 people across Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, and is still continuing to rise. The category two storm had caused so much flooding that some areas were transformed into inland oceans that can be seen in satellite images from outer space. 90% of Beira, a city of 500,000 people, was destroyed by the storm. Buzi, Central Mozambique, has a population of 200,000 people, many of which are still trapped in their homes. The storm also created conditions for an outbreak to occur; Cholera cases and Malaria infections have already begun to spread in Beira. The situation remains critical as there is no electricity or running water in the affected areas. Some survivors had evacuated onto a highway, but they were forced to lay their eyes upon something nightmarish. As the sun began to rise, it was revealed that dead bodies would float up and would be washed up against the highway road. People tried to leave by joining hands to make a human chain, while other groups climbed trees waiting to be rescued. Over a week after the incident, thousands of people still remain missing around the Southern region of Africa. |
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May 2020
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