Yosemite
High School
Blue
Print
February 11, 2005
Volume 28 Number 3
A
moment with the editor
You
only need eyes to see how much good is in love
Teachers
can help us in life more than one might think
Recognize
everyday heroes in disguise
Indonesians
starve while we fight over a piece of pizza
Americans
in history stand out and we know our rights
Badger Backtalk
A
moment with the editor
Malissa Trenholm
Over
the four years I have been in high school, I have made observations
and conclusions about the environment I am in and the people I am around.
What I have been pondering lately is how much I really appreciate the
variety of my peers I walk amongst.
I just love observing all the different people who I am exposed to.
I have grown proud to see that just one class can contain smart individuals,
athletic individuals, the well dressed type of people, the non conformist
types, the quiet shy types, the band performers and the loud class clowns.
Other people may wish there would be no differentiation in society,
but being among others who are different from yourself can open your
eyes and expose you to the meaning of life. But what if this opportunity
was not abundant?
Because of the State of California’s budget, many schools are
having trouble trying to fund extra curricular activities and clubs,
sports programs, fine arts and vocational education classes. Some schools
currently are contemplating cutting these classes or have already.
Believe it or not, many schools nearby have had to make the difficult
decision of cutting certain classes and laying off much needed teachers
and employees. If these classes and programs are cut, schools will lose
the social diversity that I feel is so beneficial to us all. Fortunately
YHS hasn't had to make such cuts.
Imagine Yosemite High School without a football team, without a band,
without drama, art, auto or welding classes. Think of what schools would
be like without clubs to create and organize dances. In just one class,
all of the students can be the same. There would no longer be individuals
who are classified as athletes, preps, non-conformists, or musicians
All students would be alike. The cheer uniform would not set anyone
apart, the soccer jersey would not classify a passion or the instrument
case carried around wouldn’t show an interest of that person.
All of the things that make us unique individuals would vanish.
Our sports program truly creates a community bond. For example, if one
was driving through Oakhurst, you couldn't help but notice how many
cars display a large “Y” supporting the YHS football team.
If sports programs were lost, a community support system would also
be lost.
If you were ever to talk to an individual who has graduated, nine times
out of 10, they will say their high school career was the best four
years of their lives. High school dances and events are the things that
create memories for us to cherish years later. Life in high school without
dances and school functions would be very dull.
For some students, going to school and singing in the school choir can
be the only thing that makes them happy. There could be a student who
does not do well in school but can be extremely skilled in drawing.
If the art classes were to be cut, that student's promising future could
be destroyed, and the chance to exercise the talent would be lost.
Our future generation can become dull without classes that can make
us brighter and happier.
You
only need eyes to see how much good is in love
Love
doesn’t just exist on Valentine’s Day; it’s around
you always.
CARMEN GEORGE
Chocolate
boxes, red roses, candy hearts, singing teddy bears. Everywhere we run
across the reminder that Saint Valentine is on his way to pay us all
a visit Cupid seems to have already set up camp in every supermarket,
gift shop and jewelry store to subtly remind us all to not forget his
upcoming celebration.
Over the years I have seen the Valentine’s Day worshippers and
protesters, but as for myself, I have always been sort of captivated
by the idea of it. What could ever be more right or more natural than
the celebration of the thing that holds our world together?
Who cares if greeting card companies may have created the holiday; a
day for simply loving is always welcome.
And when I say love, I don't just mean the love between a married couple
or people in relationships. What about the love for your family, for
friends, for God, sunshine and hope? What about the love that exists
in lazy mornings just talking with the ones you love, or in walks in
the rain with someone who makes your heart bloom like spring flowers.
I am so honored to celebrate these things.
Life should be an endless celebration. You don't need to wait to let
your heart speak what it really wants to say. Love doesn't just exist
on Valentine’s Day; it's around you always, praying that you will
embrace its power to set you free.
There is so much good to love, you only need the eyes to see it.
So, this Valentines Day, learn how to open your eyes and see what has
always been waiting for you.
Teachers
can help us in life more than one might think
Let’s thank our teachers for their hard work and dedication to
us.
CHARITY MONAHAN
To
some students, school is just a way for the government to keep us out
of trouble. But to a lot of others, it is a chance to build a good compilation
of activities and scores that will look good on a college application.
I am currently half-way through my junior year, and it wasn't until
the beginning of the year that even I even thought about where I was
going after high school. I didn't care about school; it was a waste
of time.
A lot of students feel that way, but it is a lot more important than
you think. While some teachers do give a lot of busy work, most of the
things you do are very important. A majority of the people I know don't
enjoy math at all, but a lot of the careers and opportunities out there
require good math skills.
History may seem unnecessary, but if you consider that history often
repeats itself, you can learn a lot about what may be happening in the
future, or even now.
As a junior, I am currently in Kellie Solomon's English 11 class. I
think I speak for the entire 11th grade when I say that she is awesome.
As a student who loves to read and write, I've always done pretty well
in English, but it never occurred to me to become and English teacher
until this year. Mrs. Solomon became my inspiration, and now I am planning
my future, to the relief of my parents.
I want to be a great teacher who has an impact of student's lives, who
shows them that an education is important, who makes them realize that
they can do a lot more than they set for themselves.
My fellow Yosemite High School students, let's show our teachers that
we do care, that they do make an impact on our lives, and that they
are doing their jobs well.
Let's realize that school is not just a bunch of busy work, it's an
important step to the rest of our lives. Not everything we learn is
going to pertain to our career choices, but a lot of it will.
So, let's do our homework, turn it in and thank our teachers for their
hard work and dedication to us.
Recognize
everyday heroes in disguise
A
hero doesn’t know he or she is a hero until someone lets them
know.
DOTTI JACKSON
What
does it mean to be a hero? A hero can mean many different things to
many people. In the dictionary it says a hero can be a divine ancestry
with great courage and strength, it also says it can be a person noted
for feats of courage or nobility.
If you ask a little kid who their hero is they might say their mom or
dad or another family member. Some other little kids might say Spider
Man or Batman. The point is that a hero can be anyone you think deserves
to be rewarded or even mentioned.
When you're young they put ideas in your head about comic book heroes
and legends. Of course, Spider Man and Batman are heroes, but what about
the people who you might see everyday.
When I think of a hero I see someone who will help you when you're struggling
or someone who gives up their seat on a train just so you can sit down.
Giving up your seat on a train or bus may not sound heroic to you but
it is to the person who sits in it.
A hero can be a person who gave your family money to help you pay rent
or maybe a person who donates to a needy child every month.
Wherever you are, there are heroes waiting to be thanked or waiting
for a special job that needs to be done. It's a big world and to the
world you may be just one person but to one person who you help you
could be the world.
Everybody needs somebody in their life whether it is a teacher, family
member, a friend or it could even be a complete stranger walking by
who gave you a helping hand. Whoever it is, make sure that they know
how they have changed you before it's too late.
Remember, a hero doesn't know that he/she is a hero until someone lets
them know.
Indonesians
starve while we fight over a piece of pizza
I don’t think people realize some of the everyday things we take
for granted
KATIE WIGLEY
On
December 26, 2004, a massive tsunami crashed into different regions
of Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Somalia
and Bangladesh. Some of the many little islands that surround India
and Thailand are completely covered with water and are no longer visible.
Over 150,000 people have died, and they are still counting.
We are so lucky to live in an area where we would not be affected by
a natural disaster like a tsunami. I don't think people realize some
of the everyday things that we take for granted, such as clean drinking
water, food or even a dry floor.
The people of Southern India and other countries are facing a shortage
of food and drinking water. They have to cope with fatal diseases that
most of us have probably never heard of. We go about our lives not even
thinking about how fortunate we are to live in California. We are extremely
spoiled.
Some of us may get upset because we can't buy those cute $100 shoes,
or we can't beat the first level of a videogame. Children around the
world are starving, while we sit here and fight over the last piece
of pizza.
Many people are uneducated and can't even read, while we complain over
having to attend high school that could help us someday become a doctor
or an actor.
I hope we can come to realize how great life really is for us. I hope
that someday we won't take simple things like clean clothes and fresh
air for granted, because many people are without. People have generously
donated money to The Red Cross to help the survivors of the massive
disaster that took place. Please remember how wonderful we are living
life during this time, and be thankful for everything you have.
Americans
in history stand out and we know our rights
We have so many rights that we don’t realize we have.
JAMEE BOLDING
What
does it mean to be an American? Being an American doesn't just mean
you live in the states. You have your own personal rights and beliefs.
We are able to practice any religion we wish to practice. We have so
many rights that we don't realize we have.
We are able to do so much within this nation, yet we do nothing. Our
lives are not controlled by our government, but by our own decisions
and actions. The government may try to control and govern every move
we make; but this is a free country and they can't watch all of us at
once. I am not saying we should commit any crimes, I'm just saying the
government thinks they are in charge and all I am asking is who told
them they had control over the free people of the United States of America?
I think people in this nation are afraid to say what they really think,
because they care too much about what others might think of them. No
one stands up for themselves anymore because they fear they will be
punished; we have the right to stand up for our freedom and beliefs
and they can't stop all of us.
Look at people of history, Rosa Parks is a great example of an American.
She believed people should be equal and she did not give up when criticized
and tortured. She stood up for what she believed. She was so passionate
about integration that she helped lead to the destruction of inequality.
She is a monument of a true American. Another great Am-erican is Abraham
Lincoln. He is an exceedingly respected leader and activist. He is the
reason for the abolishment of slavery in this country.
We have many people who have done great things that represent the makings
of an American. The problem is, most of those people are in our history
books and encyclopedias. We need people in our time to be strong and
stand up for what they believe. Our country is not as tough as it could
be. We need to stand up for what we believe in and defend ourselves
and our country.
Badger Backtalk
Compiled
by Brian Christenson
What
is your fondest memory of Valentine’s Day?
“When my boyfriend at the time gave me flowers.”
Jessica Burghart, Freshman
“I got to see my mom when I was in second grade, after not seeing
her in two years.”
Lindsay New, Sophomore
“I bought my 87 250R quad on Valentine’s Day.”
Kyle Robles, Junior
“Getting all the candies and the cards.”
Toni Valdez, Senior
“Going uot to dinner with my wife, Willet.”
Dr. Gerard Klimbal, Teacher
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