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Public vs. Home Schooling
By: Kim Robles
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be home schooled? Well, most “inexperienced” students believe that being home schooled is a relaxing way to complete the remaining years of schooling. While this may be true, being home schooled also has a few requirements. In either case, both types of schooling have beneficial advantages. Public school is preferred by students who are more capable of balancing school and extracurricular activities, while home school is for those students who are seeking a more centered work environment. Most students, who take online curriculums, have time limits to complete class work in certain subjects. They also have to take the same type of tests as public school students, such as AIMS and Terra Nova. Furthermore, they must record how many hours they worked on each subject. Although, there is an advantage for completing multiple hours of work throughout the week; if they finish their 30 hours before the week is up, they can take the remaining days off (or they can finish their work over the weekend, in case they have to catch up). Being home schooled allows them to keep to their own pace, while ensuring progress. This is really good for students who want an advanced edu-cation from better certified teachers.Attending a public school requires a natural balance between the classroom and social activities. Students who survive in mainstream classrooms, do not need alternative settings. That will help you determine which type of schooling is in your best interest. In a public high school, students have set classrooms in which they learn a specific subject. They receive regular school work from each of their teachers, and have scheduled due dates. This is a basic procedure for every classroom. As a result to this, students get the opportunity to converse with different people, and adjust to different settings. Depending on your individual needs, you can either go to a public school, or get home schooled. Attending a public school allows you to socialize more frequently and get an education that involves a more complex environment. Home schooling is a less mainstream way of getting an education that permits you to work at your own pace, while ensuring progress. The choice is yours.
Ajo Schools New Principal
By: Joseph Bailey
School is coming to an all to quick close, and before we know it, summer break will begin. While we’ll be going out and enjoying our whole two month vacation, the school will be replacing our current principal, Mr. Fout with a new principal. A couple of weeks ago, I sat down with Dr. Dooley and interviewed him about the new addition. He proceeded to inform me that there is a whole process in wpicking out a new principal for the school. This proccess includes an interview comittee, and this comittee interviewed13 applicants for the open position as principal. They took a questionaire of 12 questions, and then were ranked on a scale of 1-5, and in the end, Dr. Joen Painter ranked the highest. The questionaire consisted of discipline plans, coaching teachers, parent involvement, and special education. There are also no major changes along with the new principal, but Dr. Dooley said, “There’s always changes along with new principles, everyone operates differently.” Dr. Painter has a doctor’s degree in education leadership, has been a superintendent, assistant principle, taught special education, and is even an author. We’re looking forward to the newest edition of the Ajo Schools staff for the 2009-2010 school year.
Inside Our Mind: Our Thoughts on
Sex Education vs. Abstinence Training
What You Are About To Read:Recently, we all we’re asked to participate in a class that was designed to inform us about healthy relationships and the affect of sexual intercourse on these relationships, but do all of us really think that it’s okay to learn about that particular topic? There are the old fashioned among us that believe the only thing kids should be taught about sex is not to have it, or even think about it. But is it okay for teens to be misinformed about sex, and face the harsh consequences? Here are our opinons.
It’s up to you...
By: Joseph Bailey
When it comes to sexual intercourse, students can get educated and learn how they function, protect themselves from diseases and pregnancy, and learn how to have healthy, happy relationships with the opposite sex. At school teachers give students options to take sexual education classes or attend abstinence training. Both of these instruct teenagers, whether it’s to take special precaution or learning how to stay abstinent until marriage. There is only so much us as kids can learn, and it is really up to the individual person to make there own decisions. Try to make the right choices in life, and if you think you’re old enough to handle such responsibility and deal with possible consiquences, then by all means, have fun. Keep in mind this is a really big step that could alter your entire life. The bottom line is, be careful because sex can lead to STD’s or a baby, and I’m sure no high school teen would want either of these.
Both Decisions
By: Kim Robles
I think both sex education and abstinence training are good classes for everyone to take. Some may choose one or the other, but I would choose both, and this is mostly because I am undecided on what is going to happen in my future. No one can really plan these things. The few people who do plan ahead, probably don’t stick with their plan or they may find it hard to keep that plan up to par. It’s a good idea to keep your options open.
Decisions about sex are normally hard to make. So, which type of education is best for making these decisions: Abstinence training or sexual education? I believe that both are good sources that give you enough information about the risks that may happen if you are choosing to become sexually active. Although, Sex Ed. includes more of the ways to prevent such risks, without saying that it is okay. You are also given information about different options you might have if you are sexually active. They also tell you (mostly girls) the varied forms of birth control, such as condoms and contraceptive tablets. In an abstinence training class, they aren’t allowed to give this information, so you aren’t as aware as you should be.
Be Aware and Informed! Not Oblivious
By: Savannah McCasland
In my personal opinion, I would much rather be aware of all the fact about sex than just be oblivious to what could happen by interacting in sex. For example, some people think that abstinence is the only way to teach kids about sex, and the way to stop teens from having sex, but guess what? It doesn’t work! Sex is an everyday topic at school, rather it be a crude joke or a ‘Guess whose doing who??’ comment. People, especially teens, should be totally aware of all the consequences, and the affects they can have on our lives. I would much rather know all the gross details then have it actually happen to me. Abstinence training isn’t very helpful, because it only teaches you that you can be safe from abstaining. But there are other ways to be safe, and that is what sex education teaches you. It teaches you the stuff that is uncomfortable to talk about with your parents. For example, STDs, birth control, and teen pregnancy. These education classes also teach you that it is your decision whether or not you should have sex, but that it is hard to have a healthy relationship at our age if you are participating in sexual intercourse. This is very useful information for the average teen, and I’m grateful to have learned it.
*The writers and editors of the Raider Review would like to point out that we are not personally attacking any person(s) by writing these articles. They are only personal opinions.
Inside the Mind of a Senior:Ariel Fry, Alejandro Flores, & Jesus Arizqueta-Saaverdra
By: Felicia Roman
Alex Flores, Ariel Fry, and Jesus Arizqueta-Saavedra are three graduating seniors of the Ajo Red Raider 2009 graduating class. We tried to get inside their minds’ by asking them questions about their high school activities and personal hobbies. Here is what the Red Raider Review was able to find out.
Alejandro, or Alex Flores, has participated in many Red Raider activities, and some of his hobbies are playing sports, hanging out with friends, and partying. During his high school career, he participated in football, track, and basketball, but he wishes he had been just a little more active while attending AHS. As a child he dreamed of being a super hero, but his dreams have changed, because he realized when growing up that was only a childhood dream. He sees law enforcement as his most likely career now. After graduating he plans on going to Pima Community College, playing football, and becoming famous. Alex’s advice to the underclassmen is “Be active, play sports, and just have fun.”
Since attending high school, Ariel has dedicated most of her time into art, music, movies, and reading. During her high school career, she has participated in student council, student body, track, and some other clubs that have come and gone. When Ariel was a child she dreamed of being an astronomer, architect, zoologist, lion tamer, dancer, and many other wild and exciting things. But her dreams have changed not only because she has grown up, but because she had to decide what was most important to her so that she can channel all of her energy and passion into that to make her life most meaningful. Ariel now sees her most likely career as either a bee keeper or a farmer. After graduation, Ariel plans on going to school and traveling. Her advice to the underclassmen is “plastics” whatever that means. Haha.
In his free time, Jesus enjoys playing soccer and watching sports. He didn’t participate in many school activities, but now that his high school career is coming to a close, he wishes he had. As a child he dreamed of being a famous soccer player, but his dreams have changed because herealized it wouldn’t be so easy to just become famous. He now sees communications as his most likely career when he finishes college. After graduating he plans on going to a university to continue his education. His advice to the underclassmen is “Don’t be afraid to participate.”
Random *Fact*
Everyone on this planet knows that even the littlest scratch can bleed, right? But did you know that the human heart can squirt blood up to 30 feet away? Yes, it is true. The heart, when stabbed, will squirt up to 30 feet (9 meters) away. So if you ever get mad and decide to stab somone in the heart, make sure you be careful.Stabbing a heart is a messy ordeal (in more ways than one).
From Ajo to...
Washington, D.C.??
A few of the students from Ajo High School were able to journey to the east coast for a historic tour of Washington, D.C., Gettysburg, and Philadelphia. For most of the members of the History Club, it was their first plane ride, so there was a mixture of excitement and nervousness as they were preparing to take off. When they finally landed on the east coast, they were met by unfamiliar cold weather, trees with leaves that changed color, and all kinds of exciting new things. After they landed, they quickly toured the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, ate dinner at Union Station, and then went on a night tour of many of D.C’s most famous places, like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. The second day they traveled to Arlington, VA and visited the famous Arlington cemetery, which holds the bodies of many famous people, such as John F. Kennedy and his brother, Robert Kennedy. On their second day, they also visited the Iwo Jima Memorial, LafayettePark, and the White House. They closed the day with a visit to George Washington’ s estate, Mount Vernon, which is located on the Potomac River. The third day was kicked off with a trip to the Holocaust Museum, and after a quick lunch, the tour moved to Gettysburg, PA. Although they were only in Gettysburg for one day, they visited all of the Gettysburg Battlefield sites on the fourth day in only a couple of hours. They then traveled to Philadelphia, where they were met by Benjamin Franklin, who gave them a quick interactive intro to the huge city. On the fifth day, they took a walking tour of all the historic sites in Philadelphia, including the Liberty Bell and Betsy Ross’ house. During the duration of the day, they also visited the ‘Rocky Steps’ and Independence Hall. On the last day of their trip, they visited the U.S Mint, where some of the coins in the economy are made. Overall, the History Club members agreed that it was a once in a lifetime chance to be able to visit the east coast, and they all had a great time.
Red Raider Sports
By: Arely Nunez
Softball
&
Baseball
March 31st were much awaited games for Ajo High School. The double header for both baseball and softball game against Gila Bend was expected to be a good one. Only it wasn’t. Softball coach, Jose Sepulveda was disappointed seeing the girls throw the game away or like a few of the teammates said “handing over the game with a bow”. The scores were very discouraging with the first game losing by 15 and the second game losing by 18. “We were too generous with the runs”, said coach Sepulveda, “They’re not a great team, and we only made it look like they were”. There were many pass balls and many errors that could’ve made up a lot of those runs that were given away. Linda Guan, manager for the softball team, said she too was very disappointed watching the girls play. “Gila Bend is a very good defensive team. Diamond’s pitching was good and they were right in there. A good pitcher is what makes a good team” said Mr. Sepulveda. The first game was lost 18 to 3 and the second game, 22 to 5. The baseball team also threw both games away, which was disappointing. “The boys have about a 10% excuse for the way they played because of the 2 week break but the other 90% was their fault. They should’ve been competitive and ready to play”. The first game was lost 20 to 0 and the second game18 to 5. “It was a very close game within the first 4 innings”, said Mr. Emmers, “The score was about 5-7 and then we made mistakes and gave away runs”. He also said that Gila Bend is a very good team, and their pitchers were good as well.
Friday April 3rd was a terrible day to play softball, as well as an unlucky day for the baseball team. The baseball team was let down by ineligibility and a player quitting at the last minute and refusing to help out and play. Because of this, the baseball team was forced to forfiet. The softball team didn’t have very much luck either, and were beat by The Tanque Verde Hawks. It was an unbelievable loss, to not only the players, but the coaches as well. Mr. Sepulveda let rookie pitcher, Julianne Lewis, walk in 5 runs, and then put their star pitcher, Kim Robles, to finish the job. Tanque Verde made some pretty lucky catches and plays that had the Lady Raiders down 2 to 7. By their last at bats, the Lady Raiders caught up with great effort, though some mistakes were made that could’ve won the game. When asked about his thoughts about the game, Mr. Sepulveda said “First of all, I took a gamble and we lost. And due to thefact that we tried to save our pitcher from pitching so many games and taking a chance of an injury. Kim’s doing an excellent job but I’m concerned about the close games like this game”. Other than that it was a really close game, even though there were some pretty questionable calls that made the team upset. Many of those calls hurt the team and made them work twice as hard. The final score was 8 to 7.
There’s not much to say about Tuesday’s game against Valley Union. Not only are they the best team in our conference but also the number 1 team in the state. Earlier that day there had been a conflict concerning the time of release for the baseball and softball players with Mr. Farmer. Just two weeks ago there wasn’t a problem with the release of both teams but for this particular day, there was. The home game against Greenfield, both teams were released at 12:15 so they could have enough time to eat, change into their uniforms and be at the fields by 1 to warm up for the game. That was 45 minutes to eat and warm up, which is the same amount time students are released for their lunch hour. Tuesday’s home game, the softball and baseball players were released at 12:40, giving them only 20 minutes to eat and change into their uniforms. A few of the softball players went to speak to Mr. Farmer earlier that morning asking him to please changing the time to 12:15 so they could have enough time to eat and get ready. His reply was “No, I don’t see it reasonable for you to be released an hour and 45 minutes before game time”. Um, YEAH IT IS REASONABLE UNLESS YOU WANT US TO THROW UP ON THE FIELD? Not to mention both teams took a beating from Valley Union and most of the players didn’t even have enough time to eat so they could’ve at least played decent. Where’s the consistency? Mr. Farmer was being truly unfair to both the teams. He’s the sports director and if he wants his teams to win or play well, he should give them the correct amount of time to prepare mentally and physically for their games.
Both the baseball and softball teams were pretty down because of the losing streaks they were stuck on, and it was about time to start winnig some games. The teams faced St. Gregory away last Thursday, and they were ready to play and battle with a tough team. The softball team started of strong in the first game, with freshman Arely Nunez hitting a 2-run homer. Both great fielding and amazing pitching by sophomore Kim Robles set the tone for the defense, and they blew away the Lady Hawks with a score of 8-5. Though they faced a good pitcher in the first game, the girls were able to adapt and came strong with the bats. In the second game, the Lady Raiders started off a little slowler, and a pitching change from the other change threw off the batters, and they scored nothing in the first two innings. The Lady Raiders were down 3-0 in the third inning, and a rally of homeruns and triples gave the Lady Raiders the lead once again. After a game of constant catch up by both teams, and after the game went into extra innings, the Lady Raiders were able to pull a 13-12 win.
The boys had a totally opposite start from the girls and though they tried their hardest, they were defeated in the first game with a score of 15-5. This did not set them behind though. They came back in the second game with a totally different attitude, and though they were behind in the fifth inning with a score 4-8. A rally with the bats made it possible for the Raiders to have a great comeback, and they tied up the score 8-8. Though St. Gregory tried to make a comeback, the Raiders had last bats, and the winning run was hit in by Senior Horacio Cubillas, and came in with a graceful trip over home plate by sophomore Austin Wells. A win is a win though, and the Raiders were happy to finally break the losing streak.
Track
Written by: Katie Fout
Running in circles. Sounds pretty boring, right? Well if you’re a member of the Ajo High School track team, then you know the excitement of a track meet. Sitting in your blocks, waiting for the commands. Your arms shaking as you’re set, waiting for the fire of the gun. A race may be over in a flash for the sprinters such as Austin Wells, Kene Richardson, Keshia Olea, Mark Espinoza, Cruz Estrada, and Karina Pasos. The race may also be a little more difficult for the mid-distance runners such as Robbie, Angel, and Katie. Or you may be hurdling your way to the finish line, like Chanel, Chad, Kene, and Kyle. Another great part of track is the field events, such as shotput, long jump, triple jump, discus, and high jump. The ‘shotput girls’ as we call them work all through practice throwing and in the weight room, and these girls are Laymi, Journey, Luz, and Cynthia. Our girls relay teams, who have qualified for state in the 4 by 800 relay, are Karla, Karina, Keshia, and Katie. The 4 by 100 team has changed girls many times, but includes Keshia, Chanel, Lisa, Katie, and Karina. Our boys whose 4 by 100 team have a good chance on placing at state are Mark, Cruz, Kene, and Austin. With only 3 meets left until regionals, practices have become longer and more difficult. Our coaches, Lyle Williams and Nicola Jenson, along with manager Lorenia, have pushed us to be our best, and are still pushing us each day at pratice. Each day the team becomes more anxious on going to state. We hope that our school can show just as much support in making it to the finals.
Sporting Events
Golf
4/13, away @ Antelope
4/23, away @ Antelope
4/28, away @ Benson
Track
4/17, away @ Wickenburg Invitational
4/22, away @ Santa Cruz
Baseball
4/14, away @ Baboquiveri (JV), 4 PM
4/15, home vs. Tanque Verde, 4 PM
4/17, home vs. St. David, 2/4 PM
4/21, away @ Patagonia, 2/4 PM
4/24, home vs. San Miguel, 4 PM
Softball
4/14, away @ Baboquiveri (JV), 4 PM
4/15, home vs. Tanque Verde, 4 PM
4/17, home vs. St. David, 2/4 PM
4/21, away @ Patagonia, 2/4 PM
4/24, home vs. San Miguel, 4 PM
Red Raider Review Staff
Staff Editor: Laura Davis
Staff Assistant: Lloyd Sedillo
Editor: Savannah McCasland-Jr.
Assistant Editor: Kim Robles-So.
Features/Reporters:
Megan Bollen-Jr.
Kim Robles-So.
Joseph Bailey-So.
Kyle Carpenter-Sr.
Arely Nunez-Fr.
Felicia Roman-Fr.
Sports Reporter:
Arely Nunez-Fr.