Ajo High School      November 25, 2009      Issue 5 Volume 5

Red Raider Review

In This Issue...

Thanksgiving in Canada Strict Hall Passes Potential Career Ideas II Horoscopes Movie Reviews UnusualFacts Random Pics

What Are Those Seniors Gonna to Do??? Chanel's Riddles Why Is Our School Mascott the Red Raider? 15 and PREGNANT Inside The Mind of a Senior Random Pictures

In The Spotlight
By: Luz Flores

Ms. Grissom

In the spotlight this week I had a chance to interview Ms. Grissom and find out what her interests and hobbies are. Some may think teachers are dull and boring but Ms. Grissom is very far from it. Her hobbies include of spending time with her family, writing family histories, reading short and historical stories and playing with her grandchildren. She lives by a couple of quotes like "Fix it up, wear it out, use it up, or do without," and "Be all God meant you to be."

Although she has already traveled to 30, yes, I did say 30 different countries, she would like to visit Greece and Israel again, and she would also like to visit and spend a few weeks in the South Pacific-Tahiti, Fiji and Samoa. When asked if she could have any 3 wishes what they would be she said, "I would wish for mankind to be good, so that there would be no wickedness and violence in the world, and for everyone in America to love it here as much as I do, and for the principles of the Constitution to be re-enthroned."

Her last wish was that she would like to learn to paint, play the piano well, and easily speak multiple languages. Ms. Grissom likes the classical artists Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Rodin and some other modern art.

She also enjoys classical music, folk, soft rock, and some country music. She enjoys having chocolate, many fruit, most vegetables, salads and pastas. Her favorite place to be would actually be nowhere in particular, just where her family is. Her choice of movies consists of Titanic, Taming of the Shrew, The Man in the Iron Mask, the Count of Monte Cristo, and Deep Impact.

The Book which she enjoys the most has to be the Bible. Even though she is fond of many things let it not be surprising that she also dislikes some things such as being around people who waste their lives and use vulgar language.

She also doesn't like eating "weird" foods such as cow tongue and liver. Ms. Grissom is very far from being the typical teacher. She loves to teach her students everyday and enjoys what she does.  

WE APPRECIATE YOUR TOLERANCE!
~THANK YOU~

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Thanksgiving in Canada
By: Joseph Bailey

Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away and everyone in America is getting prepared for that stomach stuffing day. But have you ever thought if anyone else celebrates the same holiday? The truth is we are not alone, Canada enjoys Thanksgiving too! Canadian Thanksgiving is not on the same day as ours, but takes place on the second Monday in October.

There is many history to why Canada rejoices in giving thanks. One reason is when explorer Martin Frobisher searched for a route to the Pacific Ocean and securely came back on a expedition to the Northwest Passage. His celebration was for homecoming.

In 1604, there were feasts for thanks after French settlers journeyed across the sea with explorer, Samuel de Champlain. In 1763, after the Seven Years War finished, the people of Halifax had a celebration. As seen there is many reasons why Thanksgiving is celebrated.

It wasn't until 1931 the official holiday was set in stone for Canada. Canadians like to use the three day weekend as a vacation and visit family. The family will eat on any of the three days, not always on Thanksgiving Day. Their meal can consist of the traditional turkey, corn, and pumpkin but can have other Canadian foods as well.  

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Strict Hall Passes
By: Arely Nunez

It seems that every class is starting to use the "six passes per semester" method. I remember Mrs.Grissom starting the trend that most of our teachers follow. I feel like in every classroom in order for me to use the restroom I have to fill out a pass. I do understand how students abuse the right to go to the restroom or go to their locker just to get out of class. I see a lot of students bring water bottles to school and that eventually has to come out, so what happens when all of your passes are used up? Now check it, one bottle of water per day, 5 days a week, 182 days; is six passes really enough? I believe not and I also believe that "holding it in" is quiet unhealthy.

Unlike Chad Coyle he believes it's okay for students who don't use the restroom but for those who just use them to get out of class. Another student Alma Montijo says, "I sometimes drink a lot of water to be healthy, sweat a little, sweat when I exercise at basketball practice" and when I asked her if she agreed or disagreed with the whole situation she said "I disagree because I use the passes for reasonable reasons and I always gotta pee and wash my hands, because I'm a germ-freak".

So perhaps teachers should reconsider the number of passes given per semester? How about six passes per quarter? You see, even if you don't have to go to the restroom but you still need to leave the classroom, you still have to fill out your pass out. If it's to go to the nurse, or the office, maybe to a different classroom, or even just to go to your locker it takes away another pass you could've used when you needed to go. If students were responsible we wouldn't need to worry about hall passes and we could be trusted but some students abuse the advantage and ruin it for others. Maybe the problem isn't with the teacher but with our fellow peers.  

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Random Pics

Potential Career Ideas II
By: Cinnamon Robles

Chef:
Are you creative, fast-pace, and love inventing new recipes? Have you ever considered becoming a Chef? Not only do Chefs cook food, but hey also determine the menu; decide how much is spent on the dish, and most importantly staying on their toes (who knows a fire can blaze, or the main dish can go wrong). Just imagine preparing food for the Top Restaurants in the World!!! The costumers might even beg for your famous recipes!!! The educational requirements include taking courses at a Culinary Arts College such as artisan breads, table service, beverage management, fine dining, etc. The main necessity is to receive your Culinary College Degree. You may think that employment opportunities are only available at restaurants but think again!!! Many casinos/resorts and personal chefs are hiring too. The average salary depends on your position, but an Executive Chef earns between $62,000-$100,000 yearly. WOW picture that!!!

Interior Designer:
For those or you who are artistic, and feel you have a good sense of style you may consider entering the field of Interior Design/Decorating. An interior designer job is to transform spaces visually to suit their clients taste or need. You not only get to put your style to the test, but you also prepare drawings/specifications, and then select the best flooring, paint, color schemes, and accessories to enhance the area. The educational requirements include postsecondary education, especially a Bachelor's Degree, training at a college/university ( takes about 2-4 years to complete), and possibly a license (depending on the state). The average salary mvaries between $44,000-$78,000.  

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Horoscopes
By: Journey Jones

SCORPIO
October 23 - November 21Today is all about brainstorming and communication , so you should make sure that you are expressing your ideas as soon as they come to you. Any network you are part of is lucky to have you!

SAGITTARIUS
November22-December 21You're dealing with tiny details in new ways today, and can feel quite proud of yourself for thinking them all through in advance. It's a really good time for you to collaborate with others.

CAPRICORN
December 22-January 19You're completely focused on some small element of your work -- at home or on your career path -- that seems to preclude all other activities. You may need to just close your doors or crank your iPod.

AQUARIUS
January 20-February 18Try not to let your personal issues interfere with your professional life -- but don't ignore them, either! Your great energy is perfect for settling scores and for making amends with your family.

PISCES
February 19-March 20You're thinking about your friends and family in a new way, and you're not sure you like it! You do a lot for them, and it may seem at this point that you're not getting much in return -- but that attitude changes soon!

ARIES
March 21-April 19Now is the best time for you to get started on new projects -- you never know what's going to happen, of course, but your energy is just about right for new partnerships and romance.

TAURUS
April 20-May 20Your coworkers are key today. If you're not employed, work alone or are on your own temporarily, you need to call in some reinforcements to make sure you've got backup when things start to happen late in the day.  

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Movie Reviews

Up

By: Cinnamon Robles

Carl Fredricksen is a 78-year-old balloon salesman. His entire life, Carl has longed to wander the wilds of South America. Then, one day, the irascible senior citizen shocks his neighbors by tying thousands of balloons to his home and finally taking flight. But Carl isn't alone on his once-in-a-lifetime journey, because stowed away on his front porch is an excitable eight-year-old wilderness explorer named Russell.

Later, as the house touches down on the world's second largest continent, Carl and his unlikely traveling companion step outside to discover that not only is their new front lawn considerably larger, but that the predators there, are much more ferocious than anything they ever faced back home. This adventurous movie is fun for people of all ages, and has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. It is also available on DVD.

Yes Man

By: Arely Nunez

Released in the summer of 2009, Yes Man made over 90 million dollars at the box office. Starring Jim Carrey as Carl Allen and Zooey Deschanel as the gorgeous Allison this romantic comedy is a hit. Carl Allen is a lonely man after his divorce with Stephanie, for whom he still yearns for. He avoids his best friend Peter, hates his job in the loan department of a bank , and spends his time watching DVDs. By chance he meets his former high school mate Nick who convinces him to participate in a self-help program called "Yes Man" led by the guru Terrence Bundley. The basic principle of the program is to say "yes" to any given situation, leaving the negativism aside. Carl discovers with amazement the magical power of "yes", and sees his professional and romantic life turned upside down overnight; an unexpected promotion and a new girlfriend. What Carl soon finds out is he misunderstood the concept by saying "yes" to every opportunity and that all opportunities shouldn't be taken. If you're interested in watching this movie you could rent it at Olsen's or at the Redbox outside of Circle K.  

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UnusualFacts
*facts obtained from www.randomfunfacts.com
By: Kim Robles

• Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.
• Americans on average eat 18 acres of pizza every day.
• The US has used military force a number of times, but has only actually declared war 5 times (the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II).
• Dogs and cats consume over $11 billion worth of pet food a year!
• Fingernails grow nearly 4 times faster than toenails!
• Rats are incapable of puking.
• Mosquito's are attracted to the color blue twice as much as to any other color.
• A pregnant goldfish is called a twit.
• There is a law on the books of Detroit, Michigan that states that "Alligators may not be tied to fire hydrants."
• A newborn kangaroo is about 1 inch in length.
• Elephants are the only animals that can't jump.
• An ostrich's eye is bigger that it's brain.
• Donkeys kill more people annually than plane crashes.

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Random Pics

What Are Those Seniors GonnaTo Do???
By: Savannah McCasland

In the sheltered world of high school, seniors participate in many things, including student council, sports, clubs, etc. The question is, what are they planning on doing after they walk across the stage in May? I went around asking many twelfth graders, and the answers were as different as they are. Many seniors are planning on going to college, community as well as 4-year universities. Some are planning on joining the working world by getting jobs, or training for jobs. Others are unsure. Whatever they're planning on doing, you can bet it'll be better than the drama of high school!  

Chanel's Riddles
By: Chanel Garcia

1. What is broken every time it is spoken?
2. What English word retains the same pronounciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?
3. Why wasn't Bertha put in jail after killing dozens of people?
4. If there are three cups of sugar and you take one away, how many do you have?
5. What has a mouth but can't chew?
6. How many letters are in the alphabet?
7. What can travel around the world while staying in a corner?
8. Food can help me survive, but water will kill me. What am I?
9. Take away the whole and some still remains. What is it?
10. What stinks when living and smells good when dead?
11. When is it bad luck to meet a white cat?

To see the answers, hold your mouse over the question.

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Why Is Our Mascott the Red Raider?
By: Joseph Bailey

Have you ever wondered how Ajo High School became the home of the Red Raiders? I recently interviewed Dr. Dooley and asked him how the school mascot came to be. Back in the 1930's a newspaper had a sports article, and in it explained how the football team would come into the schools like a group of Raiders.

The teams' colors were already established, and so the name "Red Raiders" was born. When school mascots are picked the process may vary from school to school. The school might gather ideas from the students, teachers, and faculty. From there even the school colors can be also picked. The school board has to then approve the final design.

Now when you are walking the campus of Ajo High you know the history of the Red Raider.  

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15 and PREGNANT
By: Brandi Gates

STATISTICS: Teenage pregnancy rate from 1955 to 2009 went from 6% to 42%. Each year almost 1 million teens get pregnant in the U.S. One in every eight births are to teen mothers.

When I first got pregnant, I was scared, nervous, excited, sad, and many more emotions. I just started to cry. How could I do this? How do I tell my parents? It didn't go as planned and my parents weren't calm at all! I knew what to expect but I could have done better throughout the entire pregnancy with a little more support in the beginning. My parents, brothers, sisters and friends have become very supportive and encouraging. I'm much more positive than I have been throughout the entire pregnancy.

At first I was ashamed of myself for giving into this. I was embarrassed. I started skipping school, I was dropped from the school roster before I finally decided, or was forced, to stay in school. Over the last 10 months, 11 days, I went on so many emotional roller coasters, its crazy! I know what a lot of the people were saying and I cared a lot at first but finally decided not to care what anyone thought. When I finally decided to stand up for myself I was about 5 months pregnant. By then the baby had started kicking and letting me know that it was really happening. I had fallen in love with this tiny being inside me.

During the last month of my pregnancy I rushed to the hospital 4 times with contractions. The 5th time I went in for an elective induction but ended up not having one. On October 9th I went to the hospital for a medical induction. It was the longest weekend. Finally at 10:00p.m. on Saturday, October 10, the doctor came in and said that I would be delivering c-section. At 12:47 a.m. on October 11th I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Her name is Cheyenne Emily Carol Vannasdale. She weighed 8.2 lbs. and was 21 inches long.

Everyone asks me "do you regret making that decision?" No, I don't especially not now. It gets tiring yes, I get impatient yes, but no I don't regret anything. Others ask me if I would change everything and anything. I would like to change my age yeah, but it's now and I'm 15. I'm okay with that. It was meant to happen now and I'll live with that for the rest of my life. I love being her mother and I've learned to care what people say but not live on it.

At first like I said, I knew that they were talking about me I cared but now I learned to rebel against that and use it to be determined to show them that I can do it. And I will do it.  

Inside The Mind of a Senior
By: Cinnamon Robles

Jose Luis Martinez

Jose Luis is one of Ajo High Schools' graduating seniors. Let's get inside his head and see what some of his interests are, and plans for his future.

Jose Luis' favorite hobby is hunting. The sport he has been most active in is football. As a child he dreamed of becoming a police officer, but just like the rest of us, his dreams have changed. Now Jose Luis would like to attend college.

His favorite thing about high school is hanging out with his friends. His advice to underclassmen is, "Don't mess around in school!!!."  

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Red Raider Review Staff

Staff Editor: Lloyd Sedillo
Advisor: Savannah McCasland
Editor: Kim Robles

Features/Reporters:
Joseph Bailey
Arely Nunez
Cinnamon Robles
Luz Flores
Kacy Tryon
Chanel Garcia
Mandi Macias
Journey Jones
Ty-Ahna Jones

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