TROY INVOICEApril 15, 2009

pg. 5The Day of Silence is this Friday. Check out page 5 for more on the Gay/Straight Alliance.

pg. 8

Auburn Senior HigH ScHool Volume 40, iSSue 4 Auburn High’s Student Voice Since 1969 253.931.4880 │Troy_InVoice@yahoo.comServing the 100, 200, 300,

400, 500, 700, 800 and 900 halls

pg. 6

On Thursday, April 16, some of the striking male students of Auburn High will be flaunting their pageant skills at the annual Mr. AHS.

“It’s a spoof on beauty pageants like Miss Auburn.,” senior Anne Partridge said.

Partridge helps run the competition along with seniors Nicole Terry and Whitney Jackson.

There will be different sections of the show, including the talent section, eveningwear and a swimsuit section.

Each senior participating in Mr. AHS will have an escort to accompany them on stage. The escort will be the recipient of pickup lines and the partner in a dance during the eveningwear section.

Participants will be judged by their peers in a series of voting. The audience will be

allotted a voting ticket on their way in and may also buy votes during the intermission. The number of bought votes is not limited, so the audience may buy as many as they like. The hosts, Jackson and Terry, will also be judging crowd favorites. The audience will be asked to make as much noise as they can for their choice, and the winner will be given a crown and flowers.

Seniors had the chance to sign up for the event in the activities office prior to Spring Break. The list of names was looked at and the “finalists” were invited to participate. Among the invited male seniors was senior T.J Robinson. Robinson initially signed up because all his friends did previous years.

“I run twenty miles a day and lift for about 2 hours,” Robinson said, highlighting what he does in preparation for the upcoming event. “I run stairs and watch the movie Rocky too.”

He’s been very excited about it since his junior year and claims that it is his “goal in life.”

“When I saw Bailey Peterson dancing I was inspired,” Robinson said

His talent will be interpretive dance. At press time, Robinson was unsure of who his escort will be.

“I was thinking about bringing my cat,” he said. “I might bring my sister’s friend.”

Another contestant competing in this year’s Mr. AHS is senior Regis Pauling.

“I’ve been talking to my friends for my act, weight lifting,” Pauling said.

Senior Aaron Oster will escort him.All the money collected from the event will

be donated to White Cane Day, an unofficial holiday that celebrates the achievements of people who are visually impaired. The money will be used to aid people who need eye care.

By SONJA THOMASNEWS EDITOR

INDEXNews………….…... 1-2Features……….… 3-5Sports…………….. 5-6Opinion…………... 7Photo Essay…….. 8

Recycle this Paper

AHS boys don pageant sashes

Auburn High’s second annual Auburn Idol, a student talent competition, began April 2 at 7 p.m. The 12 acts ranged from singing and performing songs from “High School Musical,” students playing various instruments, full bands playing their own songs and male dancers reenacting Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” video.

“The show displayed some of the most talented people at AHS, and (it was) definitely the most entertaining evening the PAC has seen this year,” math teacher and host Erik Gunderson said.

The opening act of the night was “Just Say So,” an AHS rock band.

“It was hectic being (the) opening band,” lead singer and guitarist junior Jeff Rowden said. “But it was good practice to get in front of an audience.”

To many of the performers this opportunity was not only good practice but it was to support a worthy cause as well.

“It feels really good to play charity shows,” Rowden said.

The funds generated from Auburn Idol went to the organization World Vision, which aids poverty-stricken communities. Last year, all the money went to purchase mosquito nets in areas where the bugs rapidly spread disease. This year, all $496.36 raised will help people living in Africa have access to clean water.

“I am proud to work in a place where people care,” Language Arts teacher William Bonnell said. “It is the sprit of giving, caring and educating the community

that makes Auburn Idol and Auburn High so amazing.”

Before the last act of the night, spokeswoman for World Vision Laura Wilmot showed the audience a slideshow of what all the profits will be going toward. During her speech, donation buckets made their way around the PAC.

Senior Sara Wysocki managed the event mostly behind the scenes, only coming on

stage twice during the night.“I am very happy (with the outcome of

Auburn Idol) this year,” she said. This year’s turnout far surpassed last

year’s. Nonetheless, the experience was needed, and helped this year to be a success.

“This year the production values escalated greatly. The bar was set, and this year’s group improved over last year,” Bonnell said.

Eclectic talents take stageBy ROBIN BALLFEATURES EDITOR

NewsBriefs

The Auburn High School

Senior Dylan Bennett performs with AHS band Unhailoed at Auburn Idol on April 2. Bennett and guitarist James Sumner formed the band their freshman year. Photo by Miranda Brooks

On Saturday, May 9, the city of Auburn will grab their brooms and garden hoes in the annual Clean Sweep. It is a community volunteer effort that will beautify and sanitize the city of Auburn. Volunteer groups will be asked to bring their own tools based on what part of the project they are working on. The sweep will begin in city hall at 7:30 a.m. Students can volunteer for and get more information about it at: www.auburnwa.gov

CITY

SCHOOLThis year’s spring Tolo will be in the Auburn High School gymnasium on Saturday, April 25 from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. As is tradition, it is the girls’ job to ask their love interest or friend to the dance. The theme is beauty and the geek so dress to impress.

DISTRICTOn March 10, the bonds for replacement of the aging schools in the Auburn School District, as well as the Capital Improvements levy, went to vote. Only 44.49 percent of voters voted “yes” to the bond. The levy also failed with 55.13 percent rejection.The failure of the bond and levy will cause the replacement of Auburn High, Olympic Middle School and Terminal Park Elementary to be delayed another year.

The fastpitch team leads the way for Spring sports.

Check out the unique rides of Auburn High.

pg. 4Tips on making that golden glow lastall spring.

This year, new principal Richard Zimmerman introduced his Behavior Management Plan. The discipline program, comprised of points correlating to specific consequences, was an adjustment for students used to a very different system.

“At the beginning, the students who’ve been discipline challenges in the past don’t think anything’s going to change,” Zimmerman said.

Things did change. Students know exactly what punishment they will receive for any offense, from sleeping in class (four points) to physical assault (90 points).

“They crack down on people a lot harder this year,” sophomore Fredrick Vanbrocklin said.

Vanbrocklin has accumulated 45 points for skipping and being tardy to class. He has received afterschool detentions, and faces possible Friday Night School if he earns more points.

Zimmerman believes that those with a lot of points, like Vanbrocklin, make up a small percentage of the total student body.

“The atmosphere here has changed completely,” Zimmerman said. “Things for the most part are pretty quiet.”

Though students with recurring discipline problems have decreased, those who still have setbacks have taken issue with the policies and operations of the plan.

“The more points people have the harder the teachers are on you,” Vanbrocklin said. “It labels people.”

According to Vanbrocklin, students with points may be reported for a tardy to class, while a student devoid of any receives more lenience. While students like him argue unfairness, Zimmerman has come across an opposite matter.

“The biggest concern I’ve seen is that some students have gone well beyond the 90 point cut-off,” he said.

He and the other administrators do not automatically suspend students who reach this point; they examine their discipline record to determine the best course of action.

Zimmerman instituted this policy in schools before coming to AHS, and said he premeditated many of the issues he has dealt with this year. Nonetheless, Vice Principal Roger Lee organized a Student Advisory Council to discuss and review the plan, along with the student handbook and other discipline guides.

“We’ll wait for input from the committee before we change anything,” Zimmerman said. “It’s a very fluid document.”

NEWS April 15, 2009pAGE 2

Discipline plan grows on some; reviled by othersBy REBECCA NELSON

EDITOR IN CHIEF

The atmosphere here has changed completely. Things for the most part are pretty quiet. ”“

principal Richard Zimmerman

TROY INVOICEAuburn Senior High School

800 Fourth St. NEAuburn, WA 98002

To maintain a high standard of journalism, the Troy InVoice adheres to the following editorial policy. All members of Troy InVoice staff have agreed to this policy, and it will remain posted in the news-

room throughout the year. The Troy InVoice will strive toward excellence in every issue. It will aim to be a vital part of Auburn

High School.

The Troy InVoice staff will strive to:1. Report news accurately, objectively, fully and in-depth.2. Provide leadership. 3. Meet professional journalism standards.4. Provide a forum in the school for the free interchange of ideas. Letters to the editor and

reader contributions will be accepted. The written views of students must be responsible, in good taste and must not attack anyone in a personal manner.

5. Cooperate with staff and student body in supporting projects and give honest evaluation of such projects.

6. Give full credit for any material that is not original.7. Acknowledge any mistakes and frankly correct any major errors that are brought to the atten-

tion of the staff.8. Use the most effective style of expression. 9. Endeavor to create a valid expression of the concerns of Auburn High School students and

staff.10. Ensure no photograph will be altered in any way. Troy InVoice will not endorse political candidates or accept political advertising.It will reserve the right to refuse any advertising illegal or inappropriate for high school students.Paid advertisements that are libelous, inappropriate, advocate an activity illegal for students or are

judged to be in poor taste by the editors and adviser will not be published.

EDITORIAL STAFFRebecca Nelson, Editor in Chief

Sonja Thomas, News EditorMiranda Brooks, Opinions Editor Jessica Morgan, Sports Editor

Robin Ball, Features EditorMatt Arquitt, Design Editor

Jarret Dodge, Adviser

STAFF REPORTERSAmanda Bury

Josh HerrmannJenna NavarreSonia Rodriguez

Tami Young

REPORTING INTERNSTaylor BabcockKendall ChurchDennis Johnson

Mackenzie Stroomer

Horticulture teacher Bruce Morris and sophomore John Gatenby hang plant baskets. Photo by Kendall Church

On Jan. 20, Barrack Obama was sworn into office, becoming the 44th president of the Untied States and the first African American elected commander in chief.

Upon entrance to the office, Obama put a pay freeze on all senior white house officials earning more than $100,000 a year.

In the three months after, the Obama administration has signed and enacted several other new bills into law. The largest and one of the most controversial bills, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, was signed into law on Feb. 17.

The bill is intended to help improve the national economy in wake of the economic recession. Major focal points include domestic spending in health care, education, energy and infrastructure. The bill also provides expansion in unemployment benefits and federal tax cuts. In addition, the administration has made several memorandums to improve fuel efficiency by 2011 and promote energy dependence. Obama has also signed an executive order to close the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility within the year. In the following months we can expect to hear more talk about other issues such as education, health care reform and the ongoing Iraq conflict.

Chief takes actionBy MATT ARQUITT

DESIGN EDITOR

Many of the students at AHS already know the name Unhailoed. Whether students have seen them perform or noticed the name on someone’s sweatshirt walking through the halls, it’s clear that they are a well known band at AHS.

“I have been to four shows,” senior Kyle Rumburg said. “I think they’re pretty great for how young they are.”

The band consists of seniors James S u m n e r (guitar), Dylan Bennett ( d r u m s ) and Jess Hudson (guitar), and Jeremy

Ludington (vocals) a n d Bobby Estrada ( b a s s ) . Ludington and

Estrada do n o t attend AHS. T h e

U n h a i l o e d we see now

actually started as “Parental

Advisory” way back when

Bennett, Hudson and Sumner were

freshmen.

“At first we were just messing around; I didn’t expect much,” Sumner said.

Over several years and many singers later they are on their way to a successful career.

The boys have played performances at venues in Auburn, Seattle and even several shows out-of-state. From the King Cat Theatre to the Spunky Monkey, this band is making themselves known. Working even harder are their managers, Phillip Sumner and Mike Hudson, and of

course the band mom, Debbie Sumner, who is the AHS bookkeeper.

“My mom has always been there for everything I’ve done,” James Sumner said.

“It would have been easy for them to get caught up in all of this and drop out,” Debbie Sumner said.

“They all got distinguished on their senior presentations and are going to graduate. They are absolutely amazing, and I could not be more proud of my boys.”

Unhailoed also put their sound out with their debut CD, released last October. The band was on tour from Oct. 30 to Nov. 7 of last year, playing shows across Oregon and California. They even stopped in Nevada to play in Las Vegas, gaining experience and putting their sound out across the nation.

Plans for the band after graduation may include a new CD. “We’re about to record by the start of the summer; it should be finished by the start of the summer tour,” Hudson said.

“They definitely have a lot of dedication, and the three boys that go here have such a good connection. I think they’re gonna make it,” senior Julie Swanke said.

“They’re the only group I’ve seen that don’t sound like they’re in high school,” Estrada’s brother Danny said.

With all the success that Unhailoed has brought to them, Estrada, Sumner, Hudson, Bennett and Ludington still remain modest, but are looking at the future of the band.

“I’m not completely satisfied. Once we get signed then I’ll be satisfied,” Sumner said.

Another tour is planned for after graduation, hopefully including southern California, Nevada, Colorado and as far east as Nebraska.

“I’m excited to start my life after high school, and taking the next step with Unhailoed,” Bennett said.

FEATURESTroy InVoice

pAGE 3 April 15, 2009

horoscopestoday’s

By ROBIN BALLFEATURES EDITOR

If today is your birthday: The little things in life are the most important. Stop thinking about the big picture and take the time to see the little things, like a sunny day or a smile your way. These things will make all those big things look better.

Aries (3/21-4/19): Styles of clothing have eras and patterns. Look at the drama in your life and you should see the same thing.

Taurus (4/20-5/20): Projects take more of your time than you seem to think. You have tons of energy now, but it is not the time to start a new

project; it is time to finish one.Gemini (5/21-6/21): Think

about new things and start to try them out. Get your mind to think in different ways.

Cancer (6/22-7/22): You need to work at friendships and relationships. They need trust, time and help to make it. Spend time with the relationship that needs help.

Leo (7/23-8/22): It’s okay to lean on a friend; that’s why they are there. Trust the one person that you are scared to show your true feelings to.

Virgo (8/23-9/22): Listen to adults, at least for a little while. Some things require an adult mind to think about.

Libra (9/23-10/22): You want it and you want it bad. The only way to get it is to wait and

give it time. S c o r p i o

(10/23-11/22): C o n s i d e r w h e t h e r you want to be popular, or advance

in your life.Sagittarius (11/22-12/21):

It it time to deal with what you have been putting off and trying to avoid.

C a p r i c o r n ( 1 2 / 2 2 - 1 / 1 9 ) : Real life is not like movies or reality shows. Get used to it and make life exciting for yourself.

Aquarius (1/20-2/18): You are getting into one of those moods where everyone but you

are wrong. Think before you explode.

Pisces (2/19-3/30): Let your creativity f l o u r i s h .

Give it a chance to grow to its full potential.

By MIRANDA BROOKS AND AMANDA BURYOPINIONS EDITOR and STAFF REPORTER

Unhailoed breaks through

Being a little kid had its benefits: getting your way, almost never having to eat your vegetables and being able to stay up past bed time. But what I remember most were the awesome shows that were on TV and filled daycare days with much enjoyment.

1. “Growing Pains” – The Seaver family was like any other normal family, a dad that is so embarrassing but knows how to be there with the best advice, and an annoying but attractive older brother that always gets into trouble but can talk his way out of anything. “Growing Pains” started in 1985 and ended in 1992 but has kept its popularity through reruns. “Growing Pains” has entertainment that is suitable for all ages. This show also put superstar Leonardo DiCaprio on the map by playing Luke Brower, the boy that the Seavers took in, the early nineties. Now, almost 12 years since the last show aired, “Growing Pains” allows people to reminisce upon the old days and younger kids to check out what the older kids are talking about.

2. “Saved by the Bell” – From the catchy theme song, crazy hair and odd clothing,

“Saved by the Bell” was entertainment at its best. The show followed six Bayside High School students: Zack Morris, the good haired troublemaker, AC Slayter, the muscular hottie, Lisa Turtle, the fasionista, Samuel “Screech” Powers, the geeky and squeaky friend, Kelly Kapowski, the hot cheerleader with a kind heart and Jessica “Jessie” Spano, the straight-A student with a feminist mind. Airing from 1989-1993, it showed everything from getting first cars, and crashing them, to the characters first high school loves, or in Zack’s case, six first loves. It also showed friendship that was realistic, something that was easily compared to your friendship circles. Even though high school ended, “Saved by the Bell” did not. Soon, there was “College Years” following the same gang but with a few new friends and a new school. After college came “Wedding in Las Vegas,” showing Kapowski and Morris getting married and having new problems. Even though “Saved by the Bell” has tried to be updated by “Saved by the Bell: The New Class,” nothing compares to the old cast.

3. “The Amanda Show” – Kick-starting many careers like Amanda Bynes’, Drake Bell’s and Josh Peck’s, “The Amanda Show” started in October of 1999 and is

known for its ridiculous catchphrases (“bring in the Dancing Lobsters”) The show was pleasing to both little kids and teenagers, and won six awards at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, like Favorite Actress.

The show finished in 2001 but Drake Bell and Josh Peck signed on to a spin-off show, playing two brothers in “Drake and Josh.”

4. “Hey Arnold!” – There was no better way to spend an afternoon than with a helpful fourth grader with a football-shaped head. Starting in October of 1996, “Hey Arnold!” was a show that many kids could enjoy.

Yet, compared to kid shows today, almost all of the characters had yet very messed up lives. Stoop Kid never left the stoop which was in front of an old apartment building. Chocolate Boy was obsessed with eating chocolate to fill the void in his young life from losing his nanny and his neglectful parents. Helga’s father was abusive and her mother was an alcoholic and she would often tease Arnold, but would adore him when she was alone. . The show ended in 2004. “Hey Arnold!” showed that life today is not easy, and definitely painted a clear picture of the real world.

Childhood shows lose their valueBy MIRANDA BROOKS

OPINIONS EDITOR

FEATURES April 15, 2009pAGE 4

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What would you do if you saw

someone with a “kick me” sign on

their back?

Q“

&A

“I’ll probably hit them with my crutch ‘cause that’s like my fourth leg.”- Sophomore Jose Figueroa

“Kick ‘em.”- Sophomore Amanda Kallis

“Kick them if you know them and take it off if you don’t know them.”- Senior Jeremy Manolo

”

Do you have an opinion about an article in this issue? Know someone who wants to advertise? Want to give us feedback on our new look? Visit us in room 309 or email us at troy_invoice@yahoo.com and you could be featured in the next issue in our Letters to the Editor section.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

With school back in session, it’s hard to find the time to keep that golden hue. Devoting just a few extra minutes a day to your tan can help you avoid pasty paleness.

Convince your teachers to hold class outside. It’s hard to focus when everyone constantly gazes out the window. Tell your teacher that the class will be more alert, and that your health will benefit from the sun’s nourishing Vitamin D. Teachers will do almost anything to motivate students – take advantage of it. If all else fails, subtly hint at how great they would look a few shades darker.

Eat lunch in the courtyard. At midday, the expanse of the courtyard gets prime sunlight. Bring a lunch and grab a table in the sun to capitalize on it. It makes the half hour break refreshing, and that energy will help power you through the latter part of the day.

Go retro. Put on a swimsuit, roll out a beach towel and soak up the sun the tried-and-true way. Sure, it takes a bit of preparation, but in lieu of sandy beaches and poolside resorts this is the most efficient way to ensure a golden glow. Periodically flip over to tan evenly, and beware of

pesky bugs that might crawl over you.Use gradual tanning lotion.

Drugstores have displays up promoting their best products around this time.

Use a lotion that matches your current skin color to build on the tan you have, and carefully apply it every day. Keep your fingers together to avoid weird streaks, and wash your hands after

every time so they don’t turn orange. Get outside as often as possible.

Simple things, like walking the dog or jogging put you in the sun’s path.

Rather than driving to the store, wear shorts and a sleeveless shirt and walk. Do homework on your deck. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you’re in the sun.

By REBECCA NELSONEDITOR IN CHIEF

Photo by Rebecca NelsonA tropical series tanning bed is neatly prepared for its next customer with a sanitized towel and a neck rest at south Auburn’s Desert Sun tanning salon.

Auburn Club Beat

Gay Straight Alliance

Most people know about the Gay Straight Alliance, or GSA, because of The Day of Silence. However, there are many more things that GSA is involved in.

The gay community sometimes feels that they can not express who they truly are; they have to be silent about who they are and what they are feeling. The Day of Silence is where people can support gay rights and let people know what they are feeling by using something much bigger than words. This year

it takes place on Friday, April 17.People of all backgrounds can come to the

meetings and be involved in the club.Every Wednesday in room 410, the group of

about ten active members discusses upcoming events such as The Rainbow Festival at Mt. Vernon High or the Day of Silence.

GSA is trying to get the school aware and involved in the gay community. It is a great way to show support for groups and gain knowledge on what is going on in the club and community.

By JESSICA MORGANSPORTS EDITOR

Future Business Leaders of America

“Making our future better and yours” is the motto all FBLA club members gladly display as they learn what it’s like to be a professional. Future Business Leaders of America is a place where students get the opportunity to learn what it’s like to be an expert in the business world.

“Definitely it’s a lot of fun,” President senior Christian Ho said.

Fun activities include visiting and helping

at elderly homes and helping at Washington Elementary.

“It’s for highly motivated students,” Ho said.

You have to want to help out the community and be willing to take a stand and lead your peers.

FBLA members dress in professional business attire to show part of what the business world is like. Meetings are held every Thursday during both lunches, first lunch in room 103 and second lunch in room 520.

By TAYLOR BABCOCKREPORTING INTERN

National Honor Society

National Honor Society is a club at our school for students that excel in academics. They also do community service, fundraisers and help out at the food bank. They are currently working on a recycling project with their “Go Green” flyers all around the school.

National Honor Society has helped president

senior Erin Williams academically because she is around people that challenge her and push her mentally, she said.

Senior Zack Svengaard said it also helps with jobs because it looks good on a resume. Williams’ favorite thing in NHS was the start of school sleepover where they decorated the hallways and played capture the flag at the school.

By JOSH HERRMANNSTAFF REPORTER

DECA

Many colleges see DECA as a big thumbs up in seniors’ applications.

“Joining DECA opens many scholarship opportunities to students,” DECA advisor Lori Jacobs said.

Also, they have the opportunity to travel to many different places where they get to enjoy the scenery and compete in different competitions.

“We have traveled to Atlanta, Phoenix and New York, and in April we are going to

Disneyland in Anaheim,” DECA Junior Holly Frampton said.

Frampton and juniors Hailey Rice, Shannen Morgan, Alyssa Oplend and Kara Lewis, along with sophomores Skyler Atkinson and Shelby Whitacre will be competing in the ICDC competition in Anaheim.

DECA can help in situations with employers, job interviews and customers. DECA club members also get the chance to work in the DECA store where they enjoy helping customers in different situations.

By DENNIS JOHNSONREPORTING INTERN

French ClubBy SONIA RODRIGUEZ

STAFF REPORTER

Clubs/SportsApril 15, 2009

French Club’s purpose is to give students an opportunity to participate in cultural activities that are easier to do outside of the classroom. These activities allow students to see French culture while upholding the language work done in class.

A variety of activities are done in French Club.

“We have many cultural activities which include a cheese tasting party, a fake wine tasting party and going to watch French movies and plays,” advisor Greg Isham said.

French Club does not meet on a regular basis, only from time to time before or after school. Isham’s room is where they meet to participate in the cheese tasting party in the fall and the fake wine tasting party in the spring. The participants in this club range from 70 to 80 students.

“It’s so much fun because Mr. Isham makes it fun and it gives hands-on experience,” senior Erin Williams said.

The annual trip to France is taken during either Mid-Winter Break or in the summer and is generally the highlight of the French Club experience. The purpose is to travel while sightseeing and experiencing the culture of the French.

“It was an amazing experience, I learned a lot about the French culture and language,” senior Lauren Sleezer said.

The French Club also takes trips to Seattle and Tacoma for French movies or plays. This is a major part of supplementing learning the language because the students listen to someone else speak French, which results in improving their own French-speaking skills.

With his sixteen years of teaching French, Isham encourages anyone to be open-minded, try new things and join.

Even though the boys Varsity soccer team has only won one game, they continually work hard at their intense all-weather practices.

“It’s gonna be an awesome season,” senior and mid-outfielder Zack Svengaard said. “We have a lot of seniors and juniors on the team, and a lot more experienced players.”

Varsity has played ten games winning one and tying two, and Junior Varsity has played in six games winning four and losing two.

“The team is pretty good this season,” sophomore and Junior Varsity goalkeeper Nick Doble said. “I think we have a good chance to win.”

The next game for JV and Varsity is this Friday at Jefferson at 5:30 p.m. for Junior Varsity and 7:30 p.m.

By MIRANDA BROOKSOPINIONS EDITOR

Boys soccer slides into the new season with excitement

Struggling for motivation, boys track strives for gold

With three meets finished but no team victories, the boys track team is still going strong. Despite facing harder competition in a new division, head coach Gregory Isham remains hopeful.

“We will be better than last year. Young athletes are getting older, more experienced and are improving,” he said.

Although the skill of the competition has not affected the efforts of the athletes, active participation in school is slowly becoming an issue.

“There is a great improvement in athletes’ times, but our best athletes are

struggling to be eligible due to grades and skipping,” Isham said. “However, our throwers are consistently producing points and are the leaders in our league.”

One stand out is sophomore Nick Conlan. Despite the team’s grades and bad behavior, he remains optimistic.

“We just need to work on some things, as does every other team,” he said.

Junior Connor Greg also predicts a bright season for boys track.

“The season is going good, everyone is having a blast and the guys are stepping up,” he said.

By TAMI YOUNGSTAFF REPORTER

pAGE 5

Despite the rain, the girls tennis team is able to keep their spirits up.

“It makes every match more exciting,” co-captain senior Mariah Siemion said.

Last season, Siemion went to state in doubles with sophomore Peyton Prothero. These two returning state players, along with co-captain senior Kristi Holley, junior Sandy Dennet and other newcomers to Varsity are expected to lead the team to a great season.

Holley and Siemion plan

on making it a fun year for all teams no matter the outcome of the season, but rainouts make it difficult for the team to play tennis.

Head coach Crystal Wisness, JV coach Jessica Hansen and C team coach Christina Gese often find it frustrating when the weather does not cooperate, but the girls keep positive attitudes.

“We have a great group of girls. We need to step up,” she said.

There is one plea that all of the teams are hoping for.

“Please make the rain stop,” Siemion said.

By JESSICA MORGANSPORTS EDITOR

Rain stymies girls tennis

Girls track has started their season with great efforts. They have not won any meets, but their third against Riverside was very close.

“We want every kid to do their best on improving,” head coach Doug Burt said.

Quite a few girls are going to the post season this year. The team boasts an improving group of seniors that include thrower Air Stroup, distance runner Kristen Dick, hurtler Hannah Scholter and jumper Erin Williams.

Many new girls have joined track as well.

“I’m very excited for the rest of this year and the years to come,” newcomer sophomore A.J. Plemmons said.

Along with meets, girls can improve their personal records at invitationals.

“I’m doing really good. I’m on varsity and I’m doing great in invitationals,” Plemmons said.

The whole team practices hard regardless of the weather.

“The sucky part is the weather when it snows, but luckily it (has been) on our hard workout days so no one has complained yet,” Williams said.

By ROBIN BALLFEATURES EDITOR

Girls track steadily improves

SPORTSTroy InVoice

Auburn High School is at a higher level of competition compared to last season when they fnished with a record of 10-13.

“It’s more competitive but I feel that we are at pace with the other teams on the league,” senior captain Alexis Burt said.

The team is ready to get out on the field. Unfortunately, the girls haven’t been able to play as much as they would like due to the weather. Four of their games have been rained out to this season. Yet the team always has a great attitude.

“The girls haven’t been able to compete as much; but they are very self motivated, work hard and we have great athletes on the team,” assistant coach

Brenna Nesper said.“We practice and work hard so we can become

better,” senior Jessica Shepherd said.The team plays well together and practices good

communication skills. Their first game is their only loss, against Thomas Jefferson (3-6). They have a record of 3-1 including an exciting unexpected win against Auburn Riverside; with a two-run homerun from Amber Morrow.

“For it being our first, I think it was a good game and we had a lot of fun,” Morrow said.

With the girls working as a team, having talented players and always keeping spirits up, the season is looking bright.

“It’s going to be a great season,” head coach Charlie Frampton said.

In its third year, the Auburn School District lacrosse team has built a program of over 30 girls from AHS, Mountainview and Riverside.

Lacrosse is not a school-sponsored sport, but rather a district club that draws upon the talents of girls from all three Auburn high schools.

“At this point, the WIAA (Washington Interscholastic Activities Association) has not sanctioned lacrosse,” head coach John Tomasi said.

Because it is not an official sport, the lacrosse team practices from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Mountainview to allow the girls to play other spring sports. Despite

this inconvenience, the team has moved up to playing at the varsity level.

“Our first goal is to become competitive,” Tomasi said. “I hope that we make improvements each game.”

The team travels all around the region to play schools that support lacrosse. On Friday, they will trek to Silverdale to play Klahowya. They also compete against Wenatchee, North Kitsap and Snohomish, among others.

Junior Meighan Howell has been playing lacrosse since the program’s first year, when she was a freshman. She plays coverpoint and third man, both defensive positions.

“It wasn’t very organized (the first year),” she said. “But it was fun.”

Last year was sophomore Carley Scholter’s first year playing lacrosse. She insists that it is a sport any girl can enjoy.

“It works for everyone,” Scholter said. “If you don’t like to run a lot you can be a back defender, and if you do, you can play center.”

Howell and Scholter plan to continue playing lacrosse throughout their high school careers.

“This year is more of a building year, but I’m fine with that,” Howell said. “As long as we start up the program I’m happy.”

By REBECCA NELSONEDITOR IN CHIEF

By SONIA RODRIGUEZSTAFF REPORTER

Baseball practices started on March 2 and the first game was on Friday March 13 against Tacoma’s Curtis High School.

“The team is very young and inexperienced as far as varsity game experience,” head coach Baj Alastra said. “We have mostly sophomores and juniors in every position.”

This year started slow but with recent wins against Thomas Jefferson (6 to 3) and Kent Meridian (29 to 1), coaches and players still have hope.

“We are a tight group, (we are) good friends and (have) no problems at all,” senior Zach Tate said.

With experienced coaches Alastra, Gordon Elliott as assistant varsity, Philip Smetheram coaching junior varsity and Terry Shreve coaching C team, the team is expected to have a great year.

“The coaches are outgoing, easy to work with and they listen,” Tate said.

Alastra was not a coach last year, but he did help coach the 2006-2007 season, helping lead players such as Kellen Kiilsgaard (Stanford University), Troy Scott (University of Washington) and Kyle Buchanon (Washington State) to the championship game at Safeco Field.

“For the players this year, I expect them to always hustle, play smart and respect the game of baseball. If the players do those three things, win or lose, we will have fun every single day,” Alastra said.

pAGE 6 April 15, 2009

The girls water polo team has improved from last year with a record of 3-6. They still have 12 games to go; about 6 of them will be hosted at our own AHS pool.

The team consists of about 28 girls, ranging from freshmen to seniors. In the past year the team hasn’t fared so well.

“I’d rather not talk about the past,” senior captain Christina Ho said. “I look forward to the future.”

Ho has been playing water polo at Auburn High since her sophomore year. She considers the sport to be the “best of all worlds.” It consists of swimming,

making goals like in soccer and guarding rival teams like in basketball, taking place all in the water. The goals are on separate ends of the pool, the ball is carried near the rival goals and thrown in for a score.

“It’s really intense,” Ho said. “It’s really unique, I like everything about it.”

Sarah Reifert, a junior at AHS recently joined the water polo team as a novice and quickly made varsity. Although the team hasn’t won every game she thinks they have the potential to improve.

“We’ve only won two games, but I think that we could win more,” she said.

Their next home game is against Puyallup on April 16 at 5 pm.

By SONJA THOMASNEWS EDITOR

Fastpitch ignites diamond

Lacrosse team joins forces with all three Auburn high schools

Junior Shannen Morgan pitches to a player from Federal Way, while senior first baseman Sarah Carson prepares for the outcome. Auburn won in a shutout with a score of 15-0. Photo by Sonia Rodriguez

Youth carries baseball team

Girls water polo captain Lauren Sleezer captures the ball in the game against Sumner on Tuesday, March 11. Photo by Sonja Thomas

Water polo makes strides

By AMANDA BURYSTAFF REPORTER

OPINIONSTroy InVoice

pAGE 7 April 15, 2009

Required pep assemblies bore studentsI have a question

that needs an answer. Why do we have to go to pep assemblies? According to most of the adults in the building that answer always seems to be “It’s required.”

But why? Has attendance to these assemblies now become a state law?

Are we now required to get so many ‘spirit hours’ to graduate? I do not think so.

From my point of view, the assemblies at Auburn High are a complete waste of time. I really have better things to do then sit on a hard metal bench for an hour with 1,700 other kids talking and screaming in my ear while being forced to enjoy school. I say 1,700 because I’m pretty sure about 80 of them have called their parents to take them to a “dental appointment”

or “doctor’s appointment” just to avoid these assemblies, and the other 20 already ditched school before sixth period. So why does our administration continue to force us to attend these? You can not force school spirit on people. Kids will not listen if the administrators and other faculty talk down to us and tell us what to do. Respect will be come when they can talk with us, not down at us. It is time that the school begins to listen to the kids. We do not expect to be let out of

school early or anything like that; we understand that the school is liable for us up until the end of the school day. But that is not an excuse for forcing us to attend assembles.

Why can’t the administration set up a study hall? Or maybe an open gym for those who prove they have good grades and attendance? There is no reason we cannot use the library. If the administration here wants to improve students’ behavior maybe they should open their ears and listen.

MATT ARQUITT DESIGN EDITOR

You can turn on the TV and see any kind of reality show, about love, making your dreams, or following people that no one really knows who they are but have a lot of money and issues. Since the 1990s, reality TV has dominated the small screen. From shows like The Real World that still airs today in a different city, and with different problems

each season, to The Survivor. But now it all seems the same, from the girls from

The Hills that have more problems than Britney Spears, to ‘80s glam god, Poison’s front man, Bret Michaels, who seems to think that if you put strippers and women with emotional problems in a house/tour bus together you can find love, even if it takes three times.

How could anyone call this entertainment? It seems like today, bars are set lower and “making a name for yourself” often means either taking your top off in front of the camera or dumbing yourself down just to get camera time.

Not only do these reality “stars” receive attention for this, but kids seem to think that these people

deserve others looking up to them and sometimes calling them a role model. A role model is not someone that become famous for these stupid and childish actions, but someone that accually put hard work and dedication to get to where they are today.

In Hollywood, people are constantly put under a microscope, and if any celebrity makes a mistake, big or small, they are constantly talked about. But what about these so-called reality stars? Should we really ridicule someone that works hard for their name and not the idiot that can not put down the bottle?

Let’s raise the bar on reality television and have some real entertainment on TV.

Today’s reality shows insult intelligence

MIRANDA BROOKS OPINIONS EDITOR

Second lunch lacks food for the hungry

At the start of the semester, my schedule changed and I ended up with second lunch. I was livid at the fact that I had to wait an extra hour before I

could even eat lunch. I was even more upset when I got to second lunch and found that there was not enough food for everyone.

The school orders food for the students but it is usually never enough. The kids at first lunch never have to worry about not getting food, but the kids at second lunch have to race to the front of the lunch line. Second lunch just gets the leftovers and some kids do not even get lunch. The state actually pays for some of those kids’ lunches so shouldn’t there be enough food for everyone? At first lunch there are some kids that don’t eat. However, if they did, then there would be even less food for everybody else. Maybe instead of spending money on Café Auburn we should put it towards making sure students get fed.

It is just the same at the student store. During second lunch there are only a few leftover muffins and bagels. I think the students who work at the Student Store should limit one bagel or one muffin per person if there isn’t enough to go around. Then, second lunch will not have to worry as much.

Changes need to be made for the students at second lunch, and they need to be done now.

KENDALL CHURCHSTAFF REPORTER

I heard a lot of people complaining about the student-led conferences as they ominously drew near. But

I really do not see the problem with them. They

simulate what you are going to be doing your senior year, and I was always told that perfect practice makes perfect.

These conferences are meant

to help you out, and believe me it really helps. I think they should keep the conferences. They help you get comfortable with presenting, and you

need to be as comfortable as possible for the presentation. The more comfortable you are with speaking in front of people the better off you will be. If you are not ready for your senior

presentation it makes graduating a hit-or-miss type situation.

Go to the conferences and make sure you’re going to graduate. Do not just skip it like most kids do; it is very important. Just follow the rubric, finish the binder and edit it until senior year.

More incentive to go is that advisory counts for a grade now and a lot of advisors base their grade off students’ conferences. Whether you pass or fail, this senior presentation predicts your future. Get all the help you can get before you present.

JOSH HERRMANNSTAFF REPORTER

Student led conferences pave the way to a bright graduationSonja Thomas

”“ SENIOR JOSH HERRMANN

Just follow the rubic, finish the binder and edit it until your senior year.

PHoto essay April 15, 2009pAGE 8

Senior Dustin Madlen owns this blue Nova Super Sport. Chevy first pro-duced the Nova in 1962.

Ridin’ DirtyThis is the only out-of-state license plate in the PAC parking lot. It must have been a long drive for this student.

The PAC parking lot holds hundreds of stu-dents’ cars during a school day. AHS parking passes hang from almost all the cars, whether it is a Jeep or a Camaro. At the 2:35 p.m. clos-ing bell, students rush out to be the first to drive

out of the lot. A long line of cars snakes around the curves, engines revving in anticipation. In a tribute to this ritual, the Troy InVoice brings you the most interesting and unusual vehicles from the AHS student body.

Junior Matt Partlow runs this ready-to-climb Jeep.

Junior Andy Starr drives this yellow Camaro.

Junior Mikaila Newman owns this powder pink Volkwagon with kitschy star detailing on the side.

Photos by Amanda Bury