Homecoming Court + Game

SAT/ACT PREPpg. 5

FML VS. MLIApg.17

Kanye VS. Taylorpg. 8

WPP Goes Online

Volume 15, Issue 1 October 2, 2009

the staff.Letters Policy

Letters should be no more than 300 words, typed and signed. WPP reserves the right to edit due to space and

content.

WriteWolf Pack Press

Woodcreek High School2551 Woodcreek Oaks Blvd.

Roseville, CA 95747Phone: 771-6565 ext. 4127 Fax: 771-6596E-mail: wolfpackpresspaper@yahoo.com

Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/KRT Campus High School Newspaper Service

Mission StatementThis is a student run newspaper aimed to inform and en-tertain the WHS student body. The opinions expressed in the Wolf Pack Press do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Woodcreek High School administration, faculty or

staff.

Editor-in-ChiefIrina Levtsenyuk

News EditorJency James

Opinions EditorIrina Levtsenyuk

On The Quad EditorCourtney Force

Special Section EditorsCarley Higgins and Kaitlyn May

Featainment EditorsCarley Higgins and Kaitlyn May

Sports EditorZachary Tyler Bredberg

Last Page EditorZachary Bredberg

Assistant News EditorMegan Barnett

Assistant Opinions EditorDani Butterfield and

Brittany Attwood

Assistant Special Section EditorsAmanda Nelson

Assistant Last Page Editor Corey Sheefel

Graphics Editor Tyler Benoit

Online EditorBrittany Attwood

Copy EditorKaitlyn May

AdviserLisa Edmisten

Staff ReportersChristine Murray

Alyssa BakerBrooke Benson

Justien MatsuedaKelly MulliganMatt George

Megan HoehenriederTim Connors

Alyssa caught that lovebug again.Amanda coruscates like woah.Brooke is a beast.Brittany loves choco-late milk and yogurt.Carley is NOT a gin-ger!Christine wears grandma clothes.Corey is swaggerlis-

cious and he won’t tone it down.Courtney is :)Dani can teach Me-gan H. how to driftEdmisten can’t be-lieve we’re finally On-line in ‘09.Irina says Carley is too a ginger. Get over it. Jency does not talk

to herself when she’s stressed. She’s merely thinking aloud.Justien is a ninja, the end.Kaitlyn does not ap-preciate Amanda’s coruscating!Kelly is indecisive and doesn’t know what to writeMatt hates the NBA

off-season.Megan B. says you just can’t mess with the fine art of my grammar.Megan H. wants to learn how to drift.Tyler knows Carley’s a ginger.Zach Attack is a beast, not Brooke.

welcome to the...

Wolf Pack Press

2009

tim.

edmisten.

justien.

courtney.

christine.

dani.

megan.

zach.

irina.

tyler. matt.

jency.

corey.

carley.

kaitlyn.

amanda.

brittany.

brooke. alyssa.

megan h. kelly.

News Editor, Jency James Wolf Pack Press 3

Volume 15, Issue 1 October 2, 2009

Students seek advice in choosing Advanced Placement prep booksHeather SchlamanGuest Reporter/Assistant Principal

Walking into Barnes and Noble to buy an AP prep book can be a little overwhelming. With so many to choose from, it’s hard to know how to pick the best one for your study needs. Your best bet? Ask your AP teacher. Each subject is different, so it’s important to find out which book your teacher thinks is most thorough or most accurate for that particular subject. Prob-ably the two best known publishers –and definitely the most frequently used at WHS –are Princeton Review and Barron’s. So here’s some general in-formation that may help you as you’re making your choice.

Pr inceton Review books include an overview of the various sections of the test. The overviews break down the types of questions you’ll encounter, as well as strategies to tackle each of those types of questions. Some of the test-taking strategies are general tips that apply to any test; but some are specific to that AP exam, so

they can be very helpful as you prepare. The next portion of the book reviews the major content of the test. How this is organized obviously depends on the subject area. At the end of the book, there are two practice tests with answers and explanations as well as sample essays.

Barron’s books also open with an introduction to the test and how it’s bro-

ken down and scored. But the Barron’s books contain more thorough practice opportunities –whole sets of sample questions –throughout the book. The answers, explanations and some com-mentary are provided with each sample set of questions. There is only one full-length exam included at the back of the book, but the practice opportunities are there; they’re just spread out through

the book. Most importantly, know your own

study needs. Do you need to review the content? Do you need practice with a particular type of question? Do you need to learn to pace yourself more ef-fectively in the free response section? If you know what you need from a prep book, you’re much more likely to buy the best one for you.

Teachers recommend the best Prep book for all students “After looking through the other publishers, I feel Barron’s does the best job in clearly communicating the skills necessary to succeed on the AP Exam.”-Stan Okasako, AP Stats

“The Princeton Review AP Environmental Science because it has the basics of what a student must know and it doesn’t add too many other vocab words to confuse the reader.”-Nate Giorgi, AP Enviro

“The Princeton Review, it has very realistic essay prompts and is student friendly.”-Jon Smith, AP Language

Megan BarnettAssistant News Editor

Whitney Cottrell, who has taught at Woodcreek for 15 years, teaches both World Studies and AP European History. Her life’s work and school education has all made it possible and led her to where she is now.

Attending Oakmont High School, Cottrell most re-members being enrolled in Gary S t r i n g f e l l o w ’s U.S. History class. She said, “Every-one loved being in Mr. Stringfellow’s class. He was one of the most help-ful, caring teach-ers I had in high school.”

While reminiscing about her high school experience, Cottrell said, “High school was pretty uneventful. You’ll al-ways look back and wish you had done

a lot more.” Throughout high school, she spent a lot of time focusing on her classes and bettering her education. “The work habits you develop in high school really make the difference in college,” said Cottrell. “You’re on your own [in college], so you really need to make sure that you have developed a good work ethic. Success in college is a matter of determination.”

Cottrell furthered her education at CSU Sacra-mento. Throughout her life she never thought she would end up in the edu-cating field as a teacher. She said, “I had always thought that I would be a lawyer.” But during her sophomore year, Cottrell decided to become a his-tory major. She said, “Also in my sophomore year I

took an education class and from that point forward, I decided to move for-ward in a teaching career. I loved my history course, so I decided to merge

the two.” In her education class Cottrell tutored and read to elementary school children. Through that experience, she realized that she wanted to teach at the high school level.

L a s t year Cottrell was occupied with teach-ing, getting her Masters in Arts de-gree, being the school’s AP Coordina-tor and man-a g i n g h e r personal life. Commenting on her Mas-ter of Arts degree Cottrell said, “It was difficult juggling teaching, reading es-says and writing my thesis. However, it was worth it.” To get her degree she

Dedication: Whitney Cottrell’s goes the extra mile to help her students succeed.

PHOTO BY MEGAN BARNETT

was required to write a thesis, which included many pages and took countless hours to complete.

Just recently she received the f i rs t Nat ional Honor Soc iety honoree award for teachers and made an accep-tance speech at the NHS Induc-tion Ceremony on Sept. 21. Stu-dents involved in the NHS program elect an honorary teacher who mod-els their values of leadership, hard work, self disci-pline, citizenship and a positive at-

titude. Many students on campus ad-mire Cottrell’s work ethic and appreci-ate her support in helping them achieve their highest potential.

Cottrell’s high school experiences shape her character

News October 2, 2009

4 Wolf Pack Press News Editor, Jency James

Terri GriffinCollege & Career Center Technician

Jency JamesNews Editor

With a bigger emphasis on educa-tion these days, the Woodcreek faculty strives to efficiently improve educa-tion on campus. Among the different techniques being used (the interven-tion schedule, online summer school, etc.), the grading policy discussion has proven to be a rather hot button topic among admin and teachers.

Teachers are not required to follow a universal grading policy, resulting in many different systems around campus. Stepping into Stacie Sanders’ class, students find that she divides her gradebook into two categories: major and minor assignments. The major as-signments category includes tests and lab write ups while the minor assign-ments category includes homework, quizzes and warm ups. “We [the chem-istry department]wanted to account for the occasional student who ‘freezes’ on tests or makes mistakes, even though they really have learned the material; so we did want to give some credit for homework and practice work,” said

Universal grading policy sought by teachers and admin alikeSanders , who teaches chemistry.

Walking into Carole Schwab’s math class provides a different experience. She separates her gradebook into four different categories: homework, quiz-zes, exams and the final. The homework category is worth 10% of a student’s grade, quizzes are worth 20%, exams take up 50% and the final is 20%.

The Administration has a differ-ent perspective on grading policies. “Departmentally, we would like to see the policy be universal and have one teacher’s B mean the same thing in another teacher’s class,” said Assis-tant Principal Heather Schlaman. The administration feels that when teach-ers have different grading policies, it hinders students’ success in higher level classes. “There are more credible ways to grade than others. A C or higher means proficiency in Biology, but it can’t be consistent if teachers have different grading policies,” said Schlaman.

One department that has heeded the administration’s advice and formed a universal grading policy is the Eng-lish Department. In English, 70% of a student’s grade consists of common

assessment grades while the remaining 30% consists of quizzes, participation, class work and homework.

Common assessments are tests that the department develops together and administers to everyone taking that course. They measure students’ mastery of the skills covered in class, skills that they will need in order to advance to and be successful in higher English classes.

Since English skills build on one another and the common assessments for each grade level measure specific skills, English teachers know just what to expect from their students when they enter a course. For example, this means that the sophomore English team can design a common assessment for their English 10 classes, building on what the English 9 team has already cov-ered.

“We want to clearly communicate with students what’s important to achieve and guarantee that grades mean the same thing from teacher to teacher,” said Eisenhower.

This shared grading policy allows teachers to prepare their curriculum

accordingly. For example, English 9-11 courses focus on teaching specific read-ing and writing skills that prepare stu-dents for the writing they’ll be doing in AP Literature and Language courses.

The English policy has brought results already. “Students’ CSAT scores were higher and 80% of students scored proficient or above on the English 9 test,” said English teacher Kathy Eisen-hower. “We believe it’s a direct result of our collaboration.”

Students have also responded posi-tively to the new system of a universal policy. “They like it, because they know what to specifically focus on and how to achieve it,” said Eisenhower.

Though for now, few departments follow the universal grading policy plan, many teachers work in close col-laboration together and give common assessments. Chemistry teachers Stacie Sanders, Connie Sutliff and Jennifer Marsh all work together when creating lesson plans and developing tests and quizzes. The math department also works together to develop common as-sessments for each math course and to establish standards for proficiency.

You have big plans. You dream of being a rocket scientist or owning your own Fortune 500 company. College is the best place to pursue your dreams. However, choosing the perfect college can be an overwhelming project. Too often we hear of students who have made the wrong choice at great personal and financial consequence. Time and time again, students choose colleges based on rankings, without taking into consideration their own strengths and interests. Now is a good time for stu-dents, particularly sophomores and ju-niors, to develop a list of criteria that will help them evalu-ate their goals and lists of potential col-leges. If you are un-sure about how your personal interests and skills mesh with potential career and college majors, visit the College & Career Center. We have lists of career development/exploration websites that can help you match your interests and skills.

Choosing the right college major may be even more important than choosing a college. Your course of study may determine your job opportunities and starting salary after graduation. Now is the time to use opportunities at high school to try new things that will allow you to develop your interests. Join clubs and get involved. Want to try something new? Start your own club and get others involved in something you are passionate about.

Think about the academic courses in which you excel and determine how you can use them in your future. Choos-

ing a college major you enjoy is impor-tant to your professional happiness and future quality of life!

Once you have selected a major, make a list of possible colleges and universities. Use the resources on the internet or in the College & Career Cen-ter to research colleges that have your potential major. Make sure you keep your parents informed of your plans! Their input on majors, college locations, and budget will be invaluable.

Visit the colleges on your list. Take the time to meet students, take a tour of the campus, and if possible, meet

with an admis-sions representa-tive. Make a list of the characteristics that are important to you. Consider location, cost, size, campus activities, dorms, graduation rates, career place-ment assistance, etc. College fairs are another way of gathering informa-tion about different

colleges.Meet with your high school guid-

ance counselor. Let them know your plans and make sure you are academi-cally prepared for the colleges you are investigating. Ask your counselor when you should take the SAT or ACT, if required. Taking these tests at the ap-propriate time will allow you to take a prep course, if you find it necessary.

Develop plans A, B & C for college applications. Choose a “dream school,” a “probable admittance,” and “darn good chance school.” Make sure they are colleges that you truly want to attend! Remember that meeting admission re-quirements does not guarantee admis-sion. The college application process is competitive!

www.wolfpackpresspaper.orgONLINE IN 09’

Wolf Pack Press 5

NewsOctober 2, 2009

News Editor, Jency James

SAT/ACT prep options now available for WHS students

Jency JamesNews Editor

With colleges and universities now taking a hit from the economic crisis, many have become more selective in their selection process. Colleges have resorted to choosing students based on their course rigor, GPA and test scores, in that order. To help prepare students, Woodcreek has introduced two new SAT/ACT prep courses.REVOLUTION TEST PREP

This course was first introduced to WHS last year, but the program began in 2002. Revolution’s main focus is on individual attention and help. Revolu-tion comes with a definite score increase guarantee. If a student attends all of the sessions and completes all of their homework; but their score does not increase, they are eligible to retake the course for free. The price of the course varies depending on which program students choose, but all of them cost less than $1000. Revolution does not turn away students because of any in-ability to pay. They offer scholarships and work with what students can pay. AVID students and free or reduced lunch beneficiaries also receive dis-counts. AVID and free lunch students pay $75 and reduced lunch students pay $100. Revolution offers three different programs: the Group Course, Private Tutoring and the Hybrid program all of which assist students in preparing for the SAT or ACT.

The Group course is a six-week program that is split into interactive lectures and practice exams for an aver-age class size of 15. The lectures consist of teachers reviewing math, reading and writing skills, as well as test-taking techniques for the exam. Students re-ceive five proctored practice tests that simulate the conditions and content of the real exam as much as possible.

According to http://revolutionprep.com, “Students receive detailed feed-back and analysis of their practice exams, including specific essay com-ments targeting the areas that need to be improved.” Choosing this program guarantees a 200 point increase in a student’s SAT score. The cost of the Group Course is $500 and for an ad-ditional $99, it comes with the online course that reinforces class content even more with lessons, interactive Mentor Sessions and a personalized course plan.

Students who wish for even more individual help can choose the Private Tutoring program. Students may pick how many hours they want their course to consist of from 20, 30 or 40 hours and the prices range from $1999 to $2899 to $3799 respectively. Students receive the online course for free with this plan and can work the sessions around their schedules. Students also receive more than five practice tests to further solidify their skills and are guaranteed a 250 point score increase.

The Hybrid program combines ele-ments from both the Group Course and

Private Tutoring. “In addition to the six lectures and five practice exams in the six-week group course, hybrid students schedule 2 two-hour sessions directly with a tutor during a time that fits their schedule,” (http://revolutionprep.com). The online course is also included, free of charge. The overall cost of the Hybrid program is $799 and comes with a 250 point score increase guarantee. KAPLAN TEST PREP

Kaplan offers three different pro-grams for students: small group tutor-ing, premier tutoring and instructor-led classes. Kaplan also offers a money back guarantee and a course repetition offer if a student is unsatisfied with their score. The program also has scholar-ships available. AVID students pay $75, those on reduced lunch pay $299 and free lunch students pay nothing.

The small group tutoring program consists of eight, three-hour tutoring sessions with 3-5 other students that can be assigned based on similar needs or formed by students with their friends. With such a small group, students can be sure their individual needs will be met. The course includes four mock exams that will be proctored just as a real exam would. The course also comes with study materials, such as a lesson book, flashcards, online workshops and quizzes. Kaplan tutors have all scored in the top ten percentiles of the exams and are trained in assisting students in improving their scores. The cost of the small group program is $1549.

With the premier tutoring program, students fit tutoring around their own schedule and receive personalized help. This particular program comes with different options. The Masters Program consists of 16, two-hour lessons with four practice tests. The Honors Program has 13, two-hour lessons with three practice tests and the Review Program has 10, two-hour sessions and three practice tests. Their prices are $3899, $3299 and $2699 respectively. The program also comes with “Home-Study materials, including lesson books, extra practice, flashcards, online workshops, and more” (http://kaptest.com).

The instructor-led class includes eight, 2 ½ hour class lessons with small class sizes. The class comes with four practice exams that mimic the real test. The first session consists of a diagnostic test, which is then used to tailor the curriculum to individual student needs. The class provides a study kit, which includes a lesson book, flashcards, online workshops and quiz-zes. If students miss a class, they can have free make-ups or watch the class online using Lessons-on-Demand. The cost of this program is $599, if signed up for through WHS.

For more information on the pro-grams featured here, visit www.revo-lutionprep.com and www.kaptest.com. For additional information on other prep options and resources, students should visit the College & Career Cen-ter or see the SAT/ACT prep coordina-tor, Kathy Eisenhower, in room 424.

API score increases by 31Megan BarnettAssistant News Editor

If test scores rank high among the many indicators of a school’s success, Woodcreek has reason to celebrate their API score of 817. This score reflects a gain of 31 points over last year and exceeds the school’s goal – a score of 800.

“I always knew we were a good school, now the score lines up with it,” said Principal Jess Borjon.

A school’s API is like a report card measure of their academic success. It is achieved by applying a complicated mathematical formula that combines a number of factors, including the results of students’ CST and CAHSEE scores. This year the number of students pass-ing as proficient or above increased in all CST testing areas except biology, which remained the same at 72% and chemistry, which dropped one percent to 43%.

Those numbers are especially en-couraging when you consider that 80% of English 9 students scored Proficient or above while biology classes increased their enrollment by 230 students and still sustained the same score. The big-gest improvement was found in Earth Science, where in 2008 proficiency was at 9% and then jumped to 47% in 2009.

Stan Okasako said, “It’s great that the school’s score is increasing. It shows positive progress.”

According to Borjon, the higher API score “has the potential to create another area of community and school pride.” For 2008 we ranked in the 80th percentile state-wide for high schools.

When compared to similar schools, which share similar parent education and socio-economics, we are ranked in the 50th percentile. The school’s API score of 817 passes up Roseville High School’s API of 792 and Oakmont and El Camino High Schools’ API of 801. Granite Bay’s API stands at 840, Whit-ney at 841, and Rocklin at 859.

Faculty and students have been working hard to improve these scores. Borjon said, “Our teachers are doing a better job of aligning the tests to the class.” In recent years teachers and staff have also put forth a concerted effort to help students see that these tests really do matter, including placing the scores on student transcripts. Borjon thinks those efforts are paying off. “Students have a more serious attitude about learning here,” he said.

Borjon says, “The API is just one number, played up by the media to be a huge number.” There are many other numbers that make up the school and its academic achievements, including PSAT’s, SAT’s, enrollment in A-G re-quirement classes and AVID classes, AP tests and more. During the 2008-09 school year, PSAT test takers jumped from a total of 265 to 319, and the total number of AP tests taken increased from 496 to 549 with passing rates growing from 241 to 306. Similar increases in participation and passing show in other areas. In addition since more students are enrolled in academic elective classes or advanced elective courses, more CST tests are being taken.

Borjon believes that there is still room for improvement. “We still have room to grow. I think we should do a little better this year,” he said.

New AVID directors seek to help studentsMegan HoehenriederStaff Reporter

Students receive many benefits from the AVID (Advancement Via Indi-vidual Determination) classes offered at WHS, including college prepara-tion, scholarly help and academic aid. This year the program is experiencing changes in instruction as they manage the loss of two teachers and welcome two new ones. MarthaVon Esmarch and Libby Cook have joined Mike Grummert in teaching the AVID classes this year.

Cook teaches a freshman and a senior class. “I am currently doing a process essay and tutorial with my freshmen and I am teaching them or-ganization skills,” said Cook. “With my seniors I am helping them with college information.” These lesson plans focus on her students’ goals, which include making sure that everyone leaving AVID completes their A-G requirements and that they are all college eligible. Cook said, “AVID is a lot of work; it is juggling a lot of things.” She enjoys the challenge, though. “The program interests me and I have a background in teaching and counseling,” stated Cook.

With previous AVID training, Von Esmarch accepted Cook’s invitation to join the program. Von Esmarch is busy equipping her students with the college preparation and help they need to succeed. “My goals are to make sure that my juniors get everything set up this year, so that next year they have less stress when they’re applying,” she said. “I also want to help them with their ACT’s and SAT’s, and help them figure out which colleges they want to go to and can get into,” stated Von Esmarch.

She is also keeping busy by prepar-ing courses to assist her students and achieve her goals. “We are currently researching the civil rights era and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in order to do a multi-segment research paper on Dr. King,” stated Von Esmarch. “Teach-ing AVID is very challenging, putting together curriculum in the way I think best. It is a complicated curriculum and it is my job to tailor that curriculum so that my students will really be prepared for college work.”

Both Cook and Von Esmarch are preparing their students by putting in the extra work needed to achieve their goals. They hope to continue teaching AVID at Woodcreek in years to come.

IN 09’

News Editor, Jency James6 Wolf Pack Press

News October 2, 2009

JencyKinattukara

JamesI’ve come to a realization. It’s a

realization that will shock people, cause controversy and have IQ testers everywhere sob. It’s a realization I discovered after having a breakdown a couple weeks ago. And the realization is this: I am stupid. “WHAT?” gasp my past teachers, classmates and acquain-tances. “Jency James, the girl who gets straight A’s, is always the go-to person for questions of an academic nature and wins AP Euro jeopardy with ease, is stupid?” I know it sounds crazy given my scholarly reputation, but read on and I’ll explain.

While I’ve always had this braniac standing with people, the truth is, I nev-er got my good grades by being smart. I’ve never been the genius who could get a 100% on a math test without studying.

The trick to my academic success is one thing: hard work. I’m not talking about needing the ask-my-friend-to-explain-this-equation-for-me kind of help. No, I mean something more along the lines of waking up at 5:30 in the morning to do some extra studying or go in for help from my teachers nearly every day or skip my lunch so I can finish putting together a layout for this very paper you are reading. Basically I work my butt off like you wouldn’t believe.

You see, the real root of my aca-demic success isn’t really my “smarts,” it’s my drive and determination to ex-cel in whatever I set my mind to. This is where my overachiever reputation comes in; because if there’s one thing that beats my “smarts,” it’s my ability to multitask and somehow finish the millions of things going on in my life. But I think there are some people who deserve recognition for helping me get by without a genius level IQ.

Mr. Redhorse- You had the worst of all my question asking because I usu-

ally had several questions and I came in every day. It was sometime in the first half of Geometry when I came in a couple morn-ings a week. And then we got into the second half, where I would beat you to your room at 7 in the morn-ing, waiting at the door. There were also a couple of after school sessions. But I really appreci-ated your will-ingness to help me, because I never would’ve even passed Geometry, much less gotten a B, without your pa-tience with me. Math happens to be my worst subject. That brings me to victim

#2. Mr. Okasako-You didn’t have to deal with me and all my question-asking too much. I think I started coming in

for help towards the end of Algebra 2, since it was easy in the beginning. But you still helped me out when I had my math-challenged moments and I greatly appreciated it. And thanks to your hobo money story, I always wash my hands after I touch money.

Mrs. Cottrell- Although History is one of my better classes, it still took an im-mense effort for me to get an A in AP Euro, and your.limitless patience and extreme helpful-ness was why. You had me and all my question-asking for about 36 weeks. I don’t think I’ve ever had a teacher who

has invested so much time in helping a student out.

So here’s an intro to me and my decaying mental health. Stay tuned.

Megan HohenriederStaff Reporter

The National Honor Society (NHS)has sponsored many events in the name of charity. This year is no different, with NHS holding the 2nd annual run/walk on Nov. 7.

Last year the club earned over $3,000 for the Home Start charity with approximately 120 participants. This year the club is supporting a different charity, the Gathering Inn. This char-ity provides a transitional facility to local homeless people. NHS advisor Jon Smith stated, “Our goal is to have up to 200 participants this year. It would be great if we made $4000 for the Gathering Inn.”

Starting at 9 AM, the run/walk consists of a 5K scenic route through Maidu Park. During the race, runners are provided water and cheered on by members of the chapter. NHS participant and junior Kirsten Hearl stated, “We will be holding signs and playing upbeat music from iPods for the runners while they run past.”

Other students will perform for the racers by playing various instruments such as violins and guitars. When the participants finish the race, they will be welcomed by a table full of fruit, granola bars and water. After all the runners finish, a raffle will be held with various gift certificates and donation bags as prizes.

This year NHS will host a children’s

area where runners can drop their children off while they race. Members of the club will play games and activi-ties with the children such as soccer, bubbles, face paint and parachutes.

“The kid’s area is going to be near the registration table and will include a gate around it. We will make sure the kids have fun while their parents race and we will hopefully have snacks for the kids too,” stated Hearl.

Members are busy preparing for this event with a meeting every Wednesday morning. Here students make decisions on many items such as pricing, t-shirt

colors and market-ing tactics.

“The students are much more ag-gressive in market-ing already. They have gone to runs in the area to pass out flyers,” said Smith. “Also Radio Disney is helping us by put-ting flyers in their Disney bags.”

Club members are currently ob-taining food and wa-ter donations from various companies with donation days on Saturday morn-

ings. “If people participate in the run/

walk, they get the opportunity to help homeless people in our area. In addi-tion to doing something that is good for them physically, they get to make a difference in their community,” said Smith.

To register, pick up a brochure at the office or in room 421. Sign-ups are available on race day; however to receive a t-shirt, participants must register before Oct. 20. E-mail jsmith@rjuhsd.us for more information.

NHS 2nd Annual Run/Walk will benefit new philanthropy

LEADERSHIP: As an NHS officer, it’s junior Jake Haakenson’s job to plan the run/walk.

PHOTO BY JENCY JAMES

Homecoming Dance thrives despite the slow economyKelly MulliganStaff Reporter

The current economy has taken a toll on many things at school such as lunches (the prices have been raised), athletics (students have to pay to play a sport) and even supplies (teachers have to buy more class supplies with their own money versus school money). Although many school programs are feeling the pinch, the budget for the Homecoming Dance has not been greatly affected.

Much thought and preparation goes into each of the school’s dances, as it takes ASB a lot of time and effort to plan, organize and budget each one of the dances. Since Homecoming is the first dance of the year, it sets the bar for future dances.

This year’s budget for the Home-coming Dance is higher than usual. “The budget is typically $2,300, but this year’s budget is $4, 000,” said ASB adviser Kim Bair.

“Last year’s budget was significant-ly smaller because now we have great new ideas and are expanding on what we normally do at our dances,” said junior ASB member Allison Poehling. The extra money will go towards the unique idea of getting a dance floor and two couches for this year’s Storybook-

themed event. “All of the money comes from ticket

sales,” Bair stated. “The money goes towards all the

props and decorations to fit the theme of the dance,” said junior, ASB student Taylor Price. These include props, deco-rations, balloons, gossamer, table and chair rentals, photographers, a DJ and this year’s new dance floor.

The ASB class also raises money for events such as dances through class fundraisers. Examples of things sold for fundraisers include class shirts and sweatshirts. These also provide money for dances if needed.

The budget for each dance varies. When many new ideas are presented, it changes the amount of funding for each dance. For example, the budgets for ju-nior prom and senior ball are obviously more detailed and costly compared to other less formal dances.

With the budget for Homecoming 2009 nearly doubled, it leaves much more room for imagination. If students like how the Homecoming Dance turns out and see the dance floor and couches as a fun addition, then ASB will con-sider doing similar things in the future. For now, the class is just happy that their planning has not been greatly affected by the current budget crises in California.

Check out the Storybook Magicat the

2009 Homecoming DanceSaturday, Oct. 3 from 8-11 PM

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today is the last day to buy tickets!

$15 General or $9 with an All Access Pass

Wolf Pack Press 7

Volume 15, Issue 1 October 2, 2009

Opinions Editor, Irina Levtsenyuk

Megan HoehenriederStaff Reporter

Thirteen. This two-digit number is said to bear a great unlucky power and to hold a fear in the hearts of “supersti-tionists” around the world.

There are many theories, which date back centuries, as to why this minute number holds such massive influence.

For example, the Last Supper be-fore Jesus was crucified fed 13 people, the last seated being Judas; the Apollo 13 mission in 1970 was aborted on its flight to the moon for a faulty fuel cell in the service module; and King Philip IV had the Knights Templar (an order of warriors who protected Christian travelers) executed on Friday Oct. 13.

Whatever the reason, the number 13 produces such a great fear in some that certain professional athletes will not take 13 as their number and many stables for horse races don’t include stall 13. So how does our new fresh-man Class of 2013 feel about being a so-called “cursed class”?

“I don’t think our class is unlucky because we’re an awesome class and nothing bad has happened to us. Just because we have the number 13 in our class number, doesn’t make us cursed,” said Taylor DeFevere, freshman.

Freshman Nathan Murcia said, “No I don’t think our class is unlucky be-cause I don’t think a number can cause something to be considered unlucky.”

Christopher Watkins, junior, said, “I don’t think the Class of 2013 is unlucky; however, just being freshman causes them to be unlucky because everyone picks on them.”

I strongly agree with the freshman class who believe that they do not suf-fer from the daunting horrors of their doomed class number. A number cannot possess the power to cause an unlucky class or the deaths of 13 victims as a result of a dead man in a damaged hockey mask.

Although these “newbies” on cam-pus have not acted out and do not con-sider themselves unlucky, having the excuse of being “cursed” will hopefully not provide them reason to misbehave and pull immature stunts.

Woodcreek has seen firsthand the destruction and juvenile pranks a class can pull, but this has been from the sophomore class. This school does not need any more fiery toilet seats or re-pulsing balloons thrown during a rally. In the unintelligent high jinks their class pulled, they were successful in single-handedly trashing their reputa-tion throughout the campus.

Therefore the real unlucky students are not the freshman class but rather the well-behaved sophomores. These unfortunate students suffer from the horrible stunts that their class pulls. They are constantly ridiculed by up-perclassmen, when in reality they were never a part of all the damage and mischief.

So freshmen, please refrain from any asinine shenanigans and keep behaving as the fine class I know you are.

Hannah LeeNewbie Reporter

We have complete access to it every day. It’s filled to the brim with informa-tion, and it’s the perfect place to relax with quiet time during lunch. Yes, I speak of our school’s very own library. We have this amazing resource right in front of us, but why don’t we use it more often?

By the looks of things, you would think that we don’t need it anymore. We have our own little library at home that we call a computer. With the Internet we can simply type in our question on Google and wait a single sec-ond for the millions of answers to pop up. We then follow the first link and collect the information needed for our project. Pretty easy.

The library has computers too, doesn’t it? Not to mention a wide variety of books on nearly every subject. I really doubt most students have such a collection of books; but even though they do not, they still oppose using the library. Perhaps it’s the same answer as before: Easy.

According to Librarian Megan Christian, the library has one thing that no home computer or even the Internet has. It is the librarian herself.

“My job is to teach students how to

complete their research effectively and efficiently,” said Christian. “I truly enjoy helping students and staff utilize the resources for whatever project they are working on. You cannot rely on Google or Wikipedia for everything.”

I’m certainly not one to talk, con-sidering how rarely I use the library. Though there have been times where it has come through for me in a time of need, especially when my printer broke down. The library is not only

used for homework and reading, some clubs depend on the library as a meeting place and it’s also used as a place for guest speakers to get their word out.

My favorite thing about the library is the books themselves. Libraries have always been about keeping a hold of the precious writings created over the many years that humans have lived. So many books, but which one to read? The librarian is here to help once more.

With Christian’s assistance, you can be sure to find a good book to read and enjoy yourself with.

“Our collection is constantly add-ing new titles,” said Christian. “Many students run in and grab a book five minutes before class starts. Give a librarian that much time and we can help you find something worthwhile to read.”

RESEARCH: The library provides a helpful resource to any students hoping to finish a project or catch up on their leisurely reading.

PHOTO BY IRINA LEVTSENYUK

Unlucky class of thirteen Rediscover the library

Brooke BensonStaff Reporter

The pop culture minutia surround-ing the world of vampires is seeping into every bookstore, every website, and every school, shifting from pointless fad to a near epidemic. It creeps beneath doors, cracked windows, and air ducts around the world. It’s the vampire craze, and it’s not coming. It’s here.

From failing authors to failing movie production companies who are a million dollars in the hole, it seems everyone is cashing in on this blood-thirsty fad. Edward Cullen fans are eating it up, toting around copies of that accursed book like the Holy Bible and waiting with bated breath for the next installment in any one of the many copy-cat series out there.

They’re not kept waiting long. Primetime is plagued by atrocious

new vampire media. The purposes of such shows are clear: to scrape in a few million for failing production companies

struggling to keep the lights on in such economically challenging times. Such unoriginal plot lines and failing characterization mar the once acceptable sub-class of horror.

The latest buzz for the vampire lovers would be the new series “The Vampire Diaries,” airing on the CW Thurs- days at eight. Yippee.

The vampire craze is a way for even the broke movie companies to scrape in a few million the cheap way. Their movies, books and TV shows raid our daily lives. Curiously enough the num-ber of decent, scary vampire series has dwindled to near nonexistence.

Of course the vampires are lonely and misunderstood. Of course they deserve our sympathy, attention and unfaltering affection. They’re supposed to be super cute and sweet anyways. In the recent works of pre-teen authors,

their eating habits seem

to be a mere underlying factor in

their daily lifestyle. Very realistic. Who cares if my boyfriend wants my blood, I’ve got plenty of it, right? The scare factor has fled from the recent works of such uninspiring authors, stripping the vampires of the very trait that made horror movies enjoyable.

I can’t remember the last decent horror movie that featured an evil, animalistic and blood-oriented vampire you just loved to hate (one that didn’t sparkle in the sunlight at least). One that you took seriously would be even more of an improvement.

The days of the pirate craze have long since passed. Gone are the days

when you could satisfy those

crazed fan girls’ thirst with a nice Jack Sparrow notebook or poster. Now you have to satisfy them with pop cul-ture media directed specifically towards their obsession.

Pardon the pun, but the present vampire craze is literally sucking the media world dry. So thanks, Stephanie Meyer: credit due. As though it weren’t horrible enough that you dragged us through four atrociously written vam-pire romances, you took the entire me-dia world along with you, dragging it all through the mud. Not that you should get all the credit: the movie companies are enjoying the ride. Those of us who maintain our dignity and sanity in these trying times definitely are not enjoying this fad.

Does the Class of ‘13 believe in curses?

8 Wolf Pack Press Opinions Editor, Irina Levtsenyuk

Opinions October 2, 2009

I R I N AALEXANDRIALEVTSENYUK

Kaitlyn May Featainment Editor

Since our middle school years, many of us eagerly anticipated high school for various reasons, one of the biggest being the start of our foreign language train-ing. Sure, we watched kids’ shows like “Dora the Explorer” and had fun pre-tending to grasp the language, but how were we to travel abroad to fantastic locations if we couldn’t ask the natives where the bathroom was? Well after all that wait, we’ve unfortunately met very few choices: Spanish or French.

Granted, Spanish is a natural choice to offer to Californian students due to the state’s geography and demograph-ics, and French will offer those intrepid jet-setters a handle on Europe; but the system seems a little anemic. Despite the disproportional ratio of Spanish teachers to French teacher (no, that’s not a grammatical error), there are two languages missing from the curriculum that our students seem to be clamor-ing for: German and Latin. Seemingly an odd pair, these two languages have

identity for the world around us. So instead of wasting time pouring over stacks of root flashcards, why aren’t we taught Latin in a core class? While learning it as a spoken language would be pointless (unless you aspire to be in the ministry) and writing it in its origi-nal alphabet would be mundane, the basics of the language would prove criti-cal to our students. Being the natural building block of the English language, a better understanding of Latin roots is certain to boost overall scores in English classes. Reading comprehension would increase, memorization of material would be easier and writing, by exten-sion, would have room to improve across the board.

The biggest problem in adding language courses to a curriculum is that the school or school district doesn’t believe that there will be enough gen-erated interest to support an entire class. After searching the Internet for independent studies on the matter, one can find that all studies yield the same results. Students choose to learn a language based on interest in the culture of origin (particularly if that

a valid place within the school system. German seems like a good idea for

several reasons. On a more local scale, a large chunk of our students come from European descent, chiefly Great Britain and Germany. As English is our mother tongue, it would make sense on a cul-tural level to include German as an in-structed language. Furthermore, it is a language that is included in many high schools. Just as we have a Spanish Club and a French Club, many schools have a German Club if not a German class. Our lack of providing this language to students is curious as many students have claimed that they would prefer it over the two foreign language classes already being offered.

As far as language is concerned, Latin may seem like the oddball; but it does hold its own rather conventional place. While it is definitely a dead lan-guage, many of its conventions have formed modern-day English. Students are smacked in the face with this fact every time they enter an English or Science classroom. Latin is very much a part of our everyday lives. While seemingly miniscule, it forms a spoken

culture relates to their personal heri-tage), possible career advantages, and how easy they perceive the language is to learn. Therefore if the school really wants to attract more students to a foreign language, they should broaden the classroom experience to be more than just vocabulary retention and oral reports. Students want to learn about and experience the culture from which their language comes, not just learn a few forgettable historical facts or listen to a sampling of stereotypical music. Education about the social, culinary, religious, and entertainment aspects of a culture would help to further enhance the course and engage the students

Regardless of how the school de-cides to handle this situation, it is clear that when students are clamoring for more, action tends to follow. If you are a student interested in adding a language course to our curriculum, get involved! Talk to teachers, administrators and friends. Make a petition or encourage a counselor. With enough positive sup-port from the student body, we can turn this unbalanced system around with the changes we want to see.

Brittany Attwood Online Editor

So if you happen to live under a rock and missed the news of the VMA’s, here it is: Kanye West took the microphone from Taylor Swift during her acceptance speech and said that Beyonce Knowles’ video should have won. West’s action to me was uncalled for and slightly im-mature for a rapper of his status.

You see, Swift had started giving her speech, thanking her family and friends when suddenly West took the microphone and said his little comment. As shocked as Swift was, she just stood there until the commercials came on. Afterwards Swift was caught crying backstage and what did Swift honestly

do to deserve that?Despite the controversy over this in-

cident, my reasons for supporting Swift are simple. Swift, at the young age of 17, did not deserve the disrespect that West publicly showed to her during the VMAs. Luckily later on in the show Knowles showed respect to the young teen and al-lowed her to come back onstage and finish her speech.

West should not have shown such disrespect to Swift and should have kept his big ego to him-self. Yes, I understand that we are all human and that we all make mistakes;

but I feel as a pop/rap icon, West should understand the decency that is to be given at such a big awards cer-

emony. West should have taken his tiffs with him backstage and dealt with them in a proper and p r o f e s s i o n a l manner.

West, howev-er, did not get by

so easy with other critics of the ceremo-

ny. Facebook has made a quiz for its participants

titled “When will Kanye West interrupt you?” Responses include when you and your spouse get in a fight, when you

are giving birth, and other random and unusual circumstances of that nature. It is clear that America has taken this incident of unprofessional character a bit too far, considering two weeks later it’s still being talked about. However, I am not saying that they don’t have a right to. I mean, after all, icons such as West should be someone we look up to. They should be our role models; but if they act childish and unprofessional, what are we to do but critique them. To West’s credit, though, he did later apolo-gize to Swift and her parents on his blog according to an NBC interview.

Swift seems to be in this instance a clear victim of West’s inability to make clear decisions under pressure. Let’s hope that West learned his lesson and will not repeat this big mistake.

Kanye vs. Swift: blatant disrespect sparks controversy

Finally. My name in ink, followed by the most melodious five syllables a journalist could ever hear: Editor-in-Chief. A position I hardly considered freshman year, didn’t even bother aspiring to sophomore year, and prac-tically salivated over junior year. It is anybody’s guess how I managed to snag first chair, but here I am.

And what better way to kick off my reign than with a weeklong cruise to Mexico?

Now cruise ships appear rather large at first glance. In reality they’re pretty darn compact, so it’s wise to re-ally study the demographic you will be living in close proximity with for that short time. And who was I to be bunk-

ing with? Contestants of the “Golden Girls” look-a-like contest and their oxygen tank-toting husbands. And if they weren’t nearly senile, then they were completely baked (As in tanning, you hooligans).

Apart from the senior citizens, we had our share of newlyweds (We didn’t see much of them. Wonder why.) and half a dozen twenty-somethings on their comrade’s bachelor party (We saw way too much of them.). Overall, it was a lively bunch of people, all equally ready to waste time away on the decks of a massive buoy, floating to foreign shores.

Now I’m certainly not going to give you all the gory details of my voyage, but I’d like to share a few events that completely tricked out my trip. And you’re going to read about them because you figure since you already started reading this column, you can’t just drop it and walk away. You’re not the type of person to not finish what you started.

It’s common knowledge that cruises

consist of endless midnight buffets and mindless lazing by the packed pool; but you probably wouldn’t figure on see-ing three middle-aged women, intoxicated beyond the point of normal hand-eye co-ordination, stumbling into a formal night din-ner wearing nothing but their string bikinis and the heavy scent of Bahama Mamas. They barely made it through the appetizer without dropping something, knocking something over, or accidentally smacking the assistant waiter in the face as he tried to serve them bread rolls.

That not entertain-ing enough for yah? Fine, let’s see...how about the tale of the shopaholic.

I have an aunt with a closet the size

of Kansas. She decided that those few empty spaces in them are unaccept-able. Hey look, a native selling baubles

that are of no use to anyone! Let’s call him over! Well, one vender caught the attention of another until we could count at least a dozen ven-dors, merchandise in-hand, waiting for their chance to daz-zle my aunt. It was perhaps the most terrifying experience of my entire life. I honestly thought we were going to be suf-focated by wooden turtle whistles and head wraps.

So what have we learned today, children? Not peeing often enough can be hazardous to your health.

Wolf Pack Press 9Opinions Editor, Irina Levtsenyuk

OpinionsOctober 2, 2009

Amanda NelsonSatire Columnist

The week of April 19, just as we were finishing STAR testing, I stumbled across a headline under the Health section on Google News. It said some-thing about a highly-contagious virus in Mexico and promptly cut off. Not wanting to upset my anxiety—

Wait.Wait, I’ve already written this.Four months from when the swine

flu first reared its ugly head in Mexico and quickly disappeared off of the face of the earth, the scare is back and it’s worse than ever. While the nation seems to have cooled down considerably from the initial scare last spring, the same cannot be said for our school; for you see:

THE SWINE FLU IS HERE.Dearest readers, at least one case

of the accursed flu of Swine has been reported on the campus of our beloved school and it will surely bring upon us the demise of life as we know it.

One case will quickly multiply to two, then four, and then so on until wheezing, twitching, pig-germéd mu-tants populate our classes rather than bright students. Soon many will opt to stay home, living off of nothing but sterilized ramen and the holy elixir of life: green tea. Hopefully the potion will be able to keep away the parasites that crawl forth from our diseased class-mates, whom are now unrecognizable

due to their new forms of mutated pig-men-zombies.

Those unlucky enough to bribe their parents to stay home from school will be subject to the hoards of zombies, taking refuge in the small gym. At this point, those lucky enough to avoid catching the death-flu-of-deathy-death will have submitted to the group hysteria and now believe that our very school mascot is the icon of a holy deity. One by one, freshman sacrifices will occur as the upperclassmen present them to a new pagan god of health in the form of the pig’s greatest enemy: the wolf.

Eventually the remaining upper-classmen will have completely lost their minds due to the aforementioned hysteria combined with starvation and a wicked case of cabin fever and begin to eat the sophomores. Having resorted to cannibalism, the consumption of the sophomores will become a sort of Mad Cow Disease, putting the final nail in the coffin to the unfortunate upperclass-men’s crazed fate. Fever will break out amongst the juniors and seniors, and they will eventually break into crazed song and dance in tribute to Michael Jackson, finally perishing from partying too hard… or such the fear in our school has lent me to believe.

In all honesty, the Swine Flu is nothing to be afraid of. In the end, it boils down to this: some of us will get sick and have to stay home for a week. As horrible as getting ill is, things could be a lot worse (see above). We are fortunate enough to live in a healthy society with amazing doctors and access to all sorts of medication. Personally I believe the best advice to be given is to try to stay away from ill people, wash or sanitize your hands before eating or touching your face, take your vitamins, drink some green tea, and for God’s sake, don’t freak out.

As always, I’m not writing this to make anyone mad or cause anyone to flip out over the swine flu—I’m just expressing my thoughts on the impor-tant events around me. This is my own little side-commentary to the world. The Chronicles of Them. Much love - I’ll see you all next issue.

Jency JamesNews Editor

Ever since fourth grade, we’ve al-ways followed the typical grading scale. The smarty pants of the class strived for the A range of 90-100%; 80-89% got you an extra scoop of ice cream and a B; 70-79% made the slackers feel adequate with a C; 60-69% brought a D and a talk with you about rising to your potential; 59% or lower landed you with an F and a set of very angry parents.

But enter high school and you’ll find that some grading policies contradict the traditional grading scale.

Over the past few years, our admin and faculty have come together in order to figure out ways of improving test scores while decreasing, if not elimi-nating the D and F rate altogether just to make us smart, little well-rounded think tanks. If you happen to be a regu-lar follower of this paper, then you’ve seen all of the articles written about the intervention schedule. This is just one of the ways teachers have strived to implement Operation Think Tank.

With the four-by-four schedule, we’ve all been exposed to different teach-ers and their different grading policies. Since the board has given teachers free reign on how they structure their grad-ing policies, there are several different variations floating around campus. Some teachers have specific categories for homework, participation, tests, etc in their gradebook while others simply lump them together, differentiating between them by major and minor categories.

While it’s great teachers can have different grading policies and exercise their rights of freedom and all, think of what it really means. How well are students being prepared for the next level of a particular subject? So when one teacher hands out an A to

“Johnny” because 70% of the grade was homework, which Johnny religiously completed, how is he being prepared for that AP class where that easily earned A translates to a C or worse? More and more students are signing up for AP and honors classes, but they end up doing poorly because they’re not prepared for the amount of work and effort that’s expected of them. The best way to solve this problem is to get teachers to adopt a universal grading policy by depart-ment. “We [administration] would like to see grades be based on assessments, not homework and participation,” said Heather Schlaman, assistant principal. “It shows what students know. Not what they do.”

The English Department is the first to successfully implement this new plan. All of the English teachers have come together and developed a universal grading policy. In this policy, 70% of a student’s grade is made up of common assessments (I’ll explain that in a minute) and the other 30% consists of quizzes, participation, classwork and homework. Common assessments are tests the department has developed together that measure specific skills students need to advance to higher English classes.

Students have reacted favorably to the policy. “They like it because they know what to specifically focus on and how to achieve it,” said English teacher Kathy Eisenhower.

And it’s not like the policy has just been sitting pretty, it’s already delivered positive results. Last year’s CSAT scores increased and 80% of English students scored as proficient or higher.

While some teachers may say they have their own system that works for them, I think this is an instance where two (or 10, whatever the number of teachers are in a department) heads are better than one.

Innovative grading policy favors knowledge over effort

Alex AyersNewbie Reporter

It is an early Monday morning at the schoolyard and the first bell to get to class has officially sounded. It marks the beginning of a school day scheduled to benefit the needs of the academically inclined. However as the year progresses, the rest of us face a more challenging task with our modern four-by-four schedule.

In the 1996 school year the admin-istration and school district beheld an epiphany of allowing students to take more classes in a year. It was perceiv-ably a foolproof idea. More classes a year meant more classes throughout all of high school. With this advantage, students could now rack up units that would potentially boost the strength of college applications. However, these

benefits only portrayed one aspect of this double-bladed issue.

“The four-by-four schedule is too fast for some kids,” said counselor Roger Faranato.

In our current system, where stu-dents take four classes one semester and four new ones the next, we are forced into a system that is known to accelerate into warped speed. Each se-mester course must now be compressed and taught in what would originally be a full year’s time.

With these amplifications, some students have little to no time to com-prehend the material and thus fall into an evil vortex of catch-up.

Some counselors and teachers have suggested switching to a rotating block schedule, which would still allow for students to take eight classes a year.

On the rotating block schedule these eight classes would alternate every day,

so as to allow for a slower tempo to teach the material, while still maintaining an enhanced course load.

Unfortunately the school adminis-tration will likely never get the opportu-nity to allow for such a compromise. As of this year, every school in the Roseville Joint Union High School District has switched to the same schedule so as to provide singularity.

“At this point I doubt the dis-trict will go off the four-by-four,” said Faranato.

The district seems stuck in their ways, even though the AP and Cali-fornia Standard Tests are awkwardly scheduled into the school year.

“The schedule doesn’t align with the timing of AP and STAR testing,” said Physics teacher, Brook Reed. For students who study the test material in the first semester, their ability to retain information drops dramatically by the

second semester when the tests are administered. Students in the second semester are also at a disadvantage because they are still studying subjects relative to the tests by test time and won’t finish vital material in the time needed to be successful.

“Our goal is to help students,” said Reed. If this is truly the case, then why are we building a system that only ben-efits those capable of keeping up with the faster-paced system? In education we are taught that in order to strive we must adapt and overcome. Some have met the challenges of the modern four-by-four schedule and have embraced their benefits.

However education is also about diversity and meeting the requirements of all in need. If this is to remain true, then we must accept our new-found challenge to overcome and assist the whole school population.

Accelerated schedule gives no time to comprehend

10 Wolf Pack Press Opinions Editor, Irina Levtsenyuk

Opinions October 2, 2009

Dani ButterfieldAssistant Opinions Editor

We’ve all been sagely told since we were little not to judge a book by its cov-er. The statement on the surface seems to only be a tool used by adults to get children to read those boring books that don’t have cool pictures on the cover; however more often than not, we choose to ignore the true wisdom behind this old adage. The frequented phrase can also be used to describe our way of judg-ing other people by their cover, whether it be their looks, clothes, grades, skin, hair, smell, social skills, words or any other façade they may have.

I catch myself doing this way too often. It’s called prejudice, which means an unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought or reason. Now I don’t know about you, but that certainly doesn’t sound like something I want to be doing or have done to me. When we partake in this very human action, though everybody does it, we still are being unjust to those we judge as well as unjust to ourselves.

Everybody has his or her own story. We are complex and confusing people. You can know someone since the day you were born, yet still not know every-thing about them. So it simply doesn’t make sense to me that people can take one look at someone else and think they know enough about them to classify them as an ugly, stupid or bad person. Maybe that person doesn’t have enough

money to spend on nice looking clothes. Maybe that person has difficulty learn-ing and picking up concepts. Even if some of the conclusion is true, there is always more to the story that you can’t know right away. It’s simply not fair to judge people because that conclusion is a rumor backed up by no proof whatso-ever. It’s simply never true.

Not only that, but it’s unfair to those who are doing the judging. Just because the cover isn’t good doesn’t mean it’s a bad book. Who knows how many awe-some people I haven’t gotten the chance to really get to know because I pegged them as rude or unworthy of my friend-ship. I remember back in freshman Eng-lish, I met this girl who I immediately labeled as rude, because I would hear her gossiping about other people. I soon realized that yeah while on the surface what she did wasn’t nice, I still had no right to judge her for it. And eventually I got to know her a little better and she turned out to have a heart with some of the best intentions I had ever seen. I only wish I could have seen it sooner.

It’s just so easy to think that we are smart enough or intuitive enough to be able to conclude something about a person based on things we can see or hear. But the truth is, nobody is that smart. Nobody can look at the cover of the book and know the whole story, un-less they wrote it of course. But that’s no excuse for us human beings; we’re not the writer, just the readers. So let’s read, because that’s so much better than just staring at covers all day long. Right?

Prejudice creeps onto campusMatt George Staff Reporter

Most teens have to struggle with part-time jobs and ways to earn money. Junior and senior year of high school is used more for earning money for college and their future than focusing on school and grades. As the years pass, money opportunities get thinner for teens while their expenses for cars, college and insurance grow. Teens felt over-whelmed before and now it is proposed that when they hit 18 years-old, they will have to pay even more.

President Barack Obama recently came up with a new tax plan that was wrongly voted on and passed. Everyone from ages 18 and up will soon be re-quired to pay extra taxes. This wouldn’t be too bad normally, but what makes it bad is where that extra money is going. Believe it or not, that extra money is going to the retirement of government officials and men and women who have served for over four years in the Mili-tary, Army, Navy and Air Force.

Now the problem is not with the men and women who have served, but with the government officials. Now why the heck would these men and women need more money than they already have? It seems to me that the only reason this bill passed is that it benefits members in the government and congress. Selfish much? By the looks of it, we may be headed into a communist-like government. I’m not saying that is going to happen, but they have to realize that this is a step in that

direction. In the medieval period and all through the growth of Great Britain, it was said that the King taxed the “heart and soul” out of the people just so their money could sit in the country’s vaults and rooms, gathering dust. The clas-sic tale of Robin Hood references this, and this even happened to us with the ridiculous Stamp Act.

I don’t know about anybody else, but I know that I don’t want to pay for a bunch of rich people to retire. Why would they need the money? These people are the same as any other Ameri-can citizen, so why can’t they take care of themselves. I’m pretty sure they are older than toddlers.

The democrats have always be-lieved that all people should be treated the same. They believe it should be like that all over the world, not just in our country. But they don’t see that they are breaking their own rules and beliefs. Maybe it is pointed at us and not sup-posed to involve them. Do they think they are better than us? Last I checked, if we have to pay for other people who don’t need the money, that’s not equal. Also for middle class people, they are now required to pay for healthcare for lower class citizens as well. Now why should we have to do something like that! They can get a job, too.

Back to the matter at hand ,though. Since most of our congress and Obama’s cabinet consist of Democrats, more of these laws can and most likely will be passed over the next three and a half years. Prepare yourselves, teens of America, we are in for a rough economic ride.

Retirement tax could cause outrage

Hannah LeeNewbie Reporter

2:35 PM. The bell rings and groups of students pour out of classrooms, ea-ger to get to their awaiting cars or meet up with their friends.

But for some students, school isn’t over just yet. As directed by their teach-ers, they make their way to room 122 where another class is waiting for them: 5th period.

Under the supervision of Assistant Principal Mark O’Hair, who runs this program, these students will complete work that they didn’t complete in class or for homework.

In this class students are free to ask questions about their work to help them understand a subject. Room 122 even houses copies of every textbook Woodcreek uses to assist them in their learning.

Once their missing work is complet-ed, students are free to leave and return

to their lives. The next day their work is handed over to their teacher for partial credit and the student is hopefully more prepared for their upcoming tests.

This system, now known as 5th pe-riod, has been going on since last year. Not much has changed with this after school period besides the name; but I wonder, has it had any effect on the students who attend it?

“Fifth period is for those students who are falling back in their studies,” said Principal Jess Borjon. “This period is for trying to help students who are having difficulty catching up.”

5th period must certainly be work-ing for some students. According to O’Hair, he has received calls from teachers and even a mother that reveal students have improved in a subject because they attended 5th period.

But as with so many stories of success, there is always a con hidden somewhere. “It was not very successful for my class last year because of lack of subject understanding,” said science teacher Jennifer Marsh.

To address this, students assigned to 5th period may now meet with their teachers during that time to gain extra help on concepts and assignments.

Upon hearing the word “5th period,” most students think that it is some kind

of new detention, punishing them by keeping them after school for an hour. I myself have even heard a teacher use 5th period as a threat to students who haven’t gotten their work done.

Staying in a classroom under the watchful eye of an assistant principal long after one would hope to go home sounds like some sort of punishment to me.

“5th period is not a punishment,” stated O’Hair. “We give students a timely make-up for their work to help them right on the spot.”

Instead of a punishment, it seems these students are going to what sounds more like a quiet study hall with some-one waiting to assist them.

Though we students have access to such a system, we should try to aim above 5th period. This extra period is for those who have been sent by teach-ers and isn’t supposed to be an open study hall.

So get your work done and for those of you who do get sent to 5th period, relax. You’ve got help waiting for you in room 122.

Those interested in receiving extra help from their peers are encouraged to attend the Homework Club, which meets each Wednesday and Thursday in the library from 2:45-3:45 PM.

Check us out....

..at ww

w.w

olfpackpresspaper.org

Skip homework and expect to complete it after school

They just aren’t as good as us. :)

They’re just an-noying.

Cause he’s the bomb like tick tick.

It’s pretty :) and it tastes good. AND it’s half off sushi.

Woodcreek is the best.

Three Lombardi trophies in this de-

cade... legit.

“First they’re sour, then they’re sweet”

Black licorice is old man candy.

Bing is undepend-able and unreliable. You never find what you’re looking for.

Oregon State’s run-ning back Legarrette Blount punched Boi-se State’s defensive end Byron Hout and got suspended for the

season.

Last weekend, they ran out of pickles.

Better name, better colors,better search

O N T H E Q U A D

Wolf Pack Press 11OTQ Co-Editors, Julie Bales and Courtney Force

OTQOctober 2, 2009

COURTNEYNICOLE

FORCE It’s weird how much influence people have on our lives, how even when we aren’t consciously aware of it people influence our decisions, our beliefs, our actions and our mor-als. There’s this quote, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a lis-tening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” It’s true; you never know what someone is thinking or what they need, but the smallest act of caring really might help them in

ways we couldn’t imagine. People are complex and confusing. Unlike anything else in the world we have such a great ability to change and control and we have such an impact on the things around us. In the grand scheme of things, we are each only one person; but our lives count for so much more than we could ever imagine. Every person we come in con-tact with changes us in some way, whether it’s for the better or for the worse. Everyone makes us part of

who we’re becoming. It’s weird to imagine where we will be in 10 or 20 years. I mean, if we’re all people whose paths happen to cross for just a short time in this jungle gym called high school, what’s the point

of hating each other, holding grudges, start-ing fights. It all seems so point-less. I want to help people be better, stronger, smarter, more of “them” than they already were.

It’s a cool thing when you look in the mirror at the end of the day and you’re complete-ly satisfied with who you are. I think

it’s what we all strive for - to feel that self worth, to be able to look at ourselves and not hate what we see, to love ourselves regardless of the circumstances. Helping people find what makes them happy is something irreplace-able and that’s how we truly make a difference, taking someone one step closer to that happiness. That’s the great thing about life, there’s never a set answer. People change and people change you. Things change and things change you. Nothing stays the same, and everything’s up for debate. That’s why people are amazing and that’s what makes life so worth living: the uncertainty, the chaos, the mistakes. It’s all worth it. Love always, Courtney

Do you need guidance? The Wolf Pack Press’ wisest member, The Shadow, is here to help. Of course, it needs your questions. You may write to The Shadow with your most pressing needs, and its replies may be featured either online or right here in this section. The questions may be dropped off in the box of Lisa Edmisten in the attendance office or in room 127. You may also e-mail them to wolf-packpresspaper@yahoo.com. The Shadow looks forward to hearing

from you.

OTQ October 2, 2009

12 Wolf Pack Press OTQ Co-Editors, Julie Bales and Courtney Force

Julie Bales and Courtney Force, OTQ Co-Editors 13 Wolf Pack Press

Nick Layton Matt Mazzucca Jesse Mc Whirk James Friedrich Jordan Hardy Alexus Howze Alicia Becker Erin Mulvey

1.) Why should you be homecoming king/queen?James Friedrich: “Because I’m into that whole royalty scene.”Nick Layton: No commentMatt Mazzuca: “I’m just one of those guys.”Jesse McWhirk: “Because I always represent Woodcreek in a positive way. I get along with pretty much everyone and I always do my best in the things that I pursue.”Jordan Hardy: “Because my middle name is Woodcreek.”Alicia Becker: “I am fun, friendly, and do a great Cat Deely impression. :)”Erin Mulvey: “I try to be the best person I can be and influ-ence others to be too.”

2.) What’s been your favor-ite memory at Woodcreek?James Friedrich: “Winning our playoff game against Oak Ridge.”Nick Layton: “Uh, one of them was beating Del Oro, and going to the playoffs.”Matt Mazzuca: “When Adam and Nick locked me in the trunk of my own car and I still had my keys with me.”Jesse McWhirk: “Swimming at sections, squirting everyone with squirt guns and making Granite Bay mad, then being one of the only two juniors to make finals

(the other one went to Saint Mary’s), beating him, taking seventh and almost getting All American.”Jordan Hardy: “Junior prom”Alicia Becker: “Performing with Music-N-Motion last year at the black light rally!”Erin Mulvey: “Peter Pan my freshman year!”

3.) What’s your favorite

thing about being Home-coming Royalty?James Friedrich: “The free ticket and riding in a Ford at the Homecoming game. I’d like to give a quick shout out to my Ranger.”Nick Layton: “I get to see my good friend James more.”

Matt Mazzuca: “You get lots of attention.”Jesse McWhirk: “The fact that it’s not just a popularity contest, how it’s about spirit and sports and contributing to Woodcreek.”Jordan Hardy: “Representing our school”Alicia Becker: “I’m really look-ing forward to going around the track in the Mustangs at the game.”

Erin Mulvey: “The random people who come up and say hi to me!”

4.) What’s an interesting fact about you?James Friedrich: “I can’t poop in public restrooms.”

Nick Layton: “I’m Jewish”Matt Mazzuca: “I can recite every line to Happy Gilmore.”Jesse McWhirk: “I’m Sioux and Chippewa Native American, and do a good Scottish accent.” Jordan Hardy: “My right ring finger is cut off.”Alicia Becker: “I’m blonde, and I trip over things. All the time. :)”Erin Mulvey: “I’m fun-sized.”

5.) What are your future goals?James Friedrich: “To go to Cal Poly with all my best friends…and we will see from there.”Nick Layton: “Something suc-cessful” Matt Mazzuca: “To attend Cal Poly SLO and become an engi-neer.”Jesse McWhirk: “Get an All-American in swimming, go to a good college and get a scholar-ship for swimming but play lots of sports, graduate, possibly join the military and travel the world.”Jordan Hardy: “Building a dome for the stadium at Wood-creek. Discovering how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop.”Alicia Becker: “I want to attend UC Davis and then become a sci-ence teacher.”Erin Mulvey: “I want to go to Hollywood and Broadway.”

OTQ October 2, 2009

Special Section October 2, 2009

What is your position in ASB?I’m ASB President.

What are your duties with this position?

I run our agendas and each of the ASB members has a council with duties—[my council is] in charge of half-times at games. We try to task manage and make sure everything is getting done in a timely manner.

How long have you been in ASB?This will be my second year in

ASB and my third year in the class in general.

What do you enjoy about ASB?I enjoy that it’s a small-knit group

and the familiarity—we all know each other, and all know our courts and work together real well. [We are] like a family.

What are you in charge of?I oversee everything because I’m

the president. We don’t control every-thing; we just oversee all of the events and make sure everything is running smoothly.

What’s the atmosphere like in ASB?

It’s crazy, but it’s crazy in a good way. Around Homecoming we have so much going on. About every day we work on the rally, halftime, music, get-ting cars [for the floats]—for the month of September and the first week of Oc-tober, it’s extremely busy.

What is your position in ASB?I’m the ASB Secretary— the overall

secretary.

What are your duties with this position?

I manage the paperwork for the funds—basically I see that everything goes where it should. Since our class is made of 40 students, I’m in charge of 10 of them—sort of like a group leader.

How long have you been in ASB?I’ve been in ASB as long as I’ve

been in high school. This will be my fifth term, but it’s the first time I’ve been in an actual cabinet position—my freshman year I was president of my class and last year I was Cultural Commissioner.

What do you enjoy about ASB?It’s a chance for me to lead others

in becoming leaders. It’s also a position where I can voice my own ideas and express myself.

What are you in charge of?I’m in charge of the student store,

school spirit, multi-cultural events and Woodcreek recognition.

What’s the atmosphere like in ASB?

People think it’s a serious, profes-sional atmosphere. It’s really not; it’s more relaxed. You have more freedom and more access to resources. But it’s not a crazy free-for-all, there is some order.

What is your position in ASB?I’m the ASB Treasurer.

What are your duties with this position?

I keep track of student govern-ment’s spending. I’m also in charge of the council that is in charge of dances and athletics.

How long have you been in ASB?I’ve been in student government for

three years now.

What do you enjoy about ASB?I enjoy being connected to the

school, planning the rallies, and seeing and being a part of what goes on behind the scenes.

What are you in charge of?I’m in charge of the student govern-

ment’s money. And I’m in charge of the dances and athletic departments.

What’s the atmosphere like in ASB?

It’s really fun, because everyone knows each other!

Meet Your ASB Peer Leaders!

Taylor Shepherd Kevin Serrano Alex RitschardEvanne Conley

14 Wolf Pack Press

What is your position in ASB?ASB Vice President.

What are your duties with this position?

I oversee the rallies and make sure they go well and oversee our media and our advertising as well as student activities like dances and everything. I’m also in charge of the new student outreach program.

How long have you been in ASB?This is my first year, but I’ve been

in student government since I was a sophomore.

What do you enjoy about ASB?Having a lot of responsibilities and

making sure a lot of people in my class have a lot of school spirit---bringing spirit to our school, basically.

What are you in charge of?I’m in charge of rallies, media, ad-

vertising, rallies, etc...

What’s the atmosphere like in ASB?

It’s really, really stressful, especially during Homecoming because everyone is trying to get a lot done. But it’s really positive this year because we have a lot of strong ideas and everyone knows where we’re going [with ASB].

PHOTOS BY AMANDA NELSON

An introduction tothe people who represent

YOU

ASBCabinetMember

sSpecial Section Editors, Carley Higgins and Kaitlyn May

Special SectionOctober 2, 2009

Special Section Editors, Carley Higgins and Kaitlyn May Wolf Pack Press 15

Alyssa BakerStaff Reporter

The grass was dewy and the sun was barely up, yet 21 of the student government members piled into a school bus at 6 AM on a Friday morning to go to Sacramento State to begin a week-end of team building, leadership skill enhancement and fun activities for the student government retreat the week-end of August 1.

The 21 of us meandered onto the bus, half-awake but excited. We were awakened on the half hour ride to the campus by breakfast snacks and back-of-the-bus conversations. We were looking forward to a day of adventures that would make us par-ticipate in “a variety of planned initiatives and obstacles in order to ex-amine and share com-mon reactions, insights and emotions…to evoke a sense of accomplish-ment, self-worth, cour-age and the realization that seemingly impos-sible challenges can be overcome by working to-gether” according to the Peak Adventures website, the company who ran the course.

When we arrived at the course, the first ac-tivity was to get the day

started. Then it was on to a “get to know each other” game, so classmates and team members could become friendly. Then, it was time for partner activi-ties like a trust activity and a “creative handshake” competition.

We were split up into two large groups and sent to do more team build-ing, like “gutter golf,” “shark saviors,” and “drama theater,” where all mem-bers had to work together to achieve a goal.

When we went back into one large group again, it was finally time for the ropes course. In order for one member

Corey RuderASB Insider

Welcome back Woodcreek! Af-ter having a great summer, Student Government is up and running once more. Here are some things you should know.

First, Wolf Pack Days, Par-ent Night and Club Day were a great suc-cess. Thanks to everyone who helped make t h e s e g r e a t events happen.

As for re-cent developments, a select group of people have been chosen to form this year’s Student Senate. Student Senate makes many important decisions about school events and gets the opinions of a broad cross-section of Woodcreek stu-dents. The first decision Student Sen-ate made was a major one: this year’s Homecoming theme. After a nearly unanimous decision, Student Senate chose “Storybook” as our theme.

Speaking of Homecoming, the dance (and everything else that comes along with Homecoming) is finally here, so we hope you’ll attend all of the exciting events we’ve planned!

Float building began on Sept 21 at each class’ respective location.The

themes for each float are as follows: seniors are Willy Wonka, juniors are Alice in Wonderland, sophomores are Peter Pan and freshmen are Where the Wild Things Are. Float building ended on Oct 1 at 5 PM. Also on Oct 1 was the frosh football game against Del Campo

and the Bonfire. Tonight the JV

and varsity football teams will battle it out against the Del Campo Cougars. During halftime, the float parade will commence, along with the crowning of Home-coming Royalty.

Finally the Homecoming dance is on Oct 3. Tickets were sold the week prior to the dance, from Sept 28 to Oct 2. From Monday to Wednesday, tickets cost $12 each or $9 with an All Access Pass. Starting on Thursday all prices went up to $15. If your date does not attend Woodcreek, please pick up a dance bid from the office as soon as possible. Dance bids are $5 and do not constitute a ticket. Your date and his/her school must complete the required paperwork and your date must also buy a dance ticket.

Student Government has many more events planned. Check out Multi-Cultural Night on Oct. 16. Stay on the lookout for more ASB Insider news!

to scale the rock-climbing wall, three of their teammates would need to work together to keep their rope steady. When everybody had a chance to do the activities, there was a break and then more rope opportunities were opened to us. The rope course was not just a fun day in the sun; it also taught us to take chances, trust our classmates and congratulate them when they succeed in something.

When we were done with the ropes course, we all loaded into the bus and traveled back to school for a night of food and conversations about expecta-

tions and goals for this school year in student government. That Friday night we increased our awareness for the diversity of the school and made plans by deciding to reach out to less noticed groups on campus, so everyone is involved and spirited. On Saturday morn-ing, aided by donuts, we did more teambuilding activities with metaphors about juggling student government with other priorities as a high schooler, and more get-to-know-each-other activities along with class and council meetings to get a head start on student govern-ment business.

The days built teamwork. Those games, like the weekend they were a part of, taught me that teamwork wins and this year’s ASB class will do great things.

Summer retreat proves helpful

Monday: PJ Day

Tuesday: Nerd Day

Wednesday: Disney Day

Thursday: Twin Day

Friday: Class Color Day

Kim BairASB Advisor

How are events conceived/planned? Starting around January, the ASB

officers and I start planning our calen-dar for next year. By May, we have met with all the groups on campus that have requests, and we plan the calendar. At that point, we can start scheduling the events.

Our class is run by councils; each of the four ASB officers heads a council and oversees a different set of jobs. For instance, our president Taylor Shep-herd, oversees the council in charge of Clubs and Community Service. In addi-tion, his council is planning the halftime show for Homecoming.

The ASB council leaders meet with me once a week to talk about what is happening in their councils and to plan an agenda for the upcoming week.How many positions are there in ASB?

There are 20 elected positions. Four officers for each class and four ASB of-ficers. There are also about 16 commis-sioners and about six members at large. This number fluctuates, depending on the talent and interest of the student leaders in the class.Why should students consider join-

ing ASB?You know, despite all the hard work

(and let me tell you, it is hard work), students in this class feel a real sense of pride in all that they do. Sometimes they get frustrated when they spend hours putting on an event and all they hear are negatives. But on Homecoming Dance decoration day, when we have all had no sleep for at least a week, when we finally finish decorating and stand back and look at it, my students feel it. That pride. They feel it when they see their plans for a more inclusive Student Senate come to fruition like we saw at the end of August. They feel it when they see new faces at old events. They feel it when they realize that their hard work to get students connected at Woodcreek is paying off. How is ASB funded? What type of budget do students oversee?

ASB is entirely funded by itself. Most of the money we raise comes from dance ticket sales. As you know, those have been down lately, but we have committed to using all of our money to pursue our mission. So we spend a lot of money to get people involved. Prize money to the clubs with the best “red wagon float” at Homecoming is one example. Over the course of the year, we bring in and spend more than $20,000.

An advisor’s look at ASB

Members

Special Section Editors, Carley Higgins and Kaitlyn May

PHOTO COURTESY OF KIM BAIRLIFE LESSONS: ASB members climb the rock wall that is a metaphor for the hardships that they may need to overcome in the upcoming school year.

16 Wolf Pack Press Featainment Editors, Carley Higgins and Kaitlyn May

Volume 15, Issue 1 October 2, 2009

CARLEYMAUREEN

HIGGINSOriginally this column was sup-

posed to actually have a point to it, a method to its madness. However I real-ized that no one would actually listen to a single thing I have to say without an introduction to who I am and why you should bother listening. So, before I wax philosophical, I have decided to offer you a window into my life and a brief description of who I am.

Me. Where to start? At the begin-ning would be appropriate (or so you would think), but I don’t really think that I have the space for that in this little column. So instead, I’ll give you a brief overview of my 17 years of ex-istence.

I moved to the lovely little town of Roseville at the age of four. That, my

dear friends, is my sarcastic sense of humor kicking in. Not that Roseville hasn’t grown on me over the years; it has. But moving from the beach to this suburban city wasn’t the biggest thrill of my life. Then again, in retrospect, I was four, had no say in the matter and didn’t really understand the implica-tions of that decision.

Moving on... Since the day I learned what a hob-

by was, I have always had one. It hasn’t necessarily been the SAME hobby, but I’ve always had one. It all started with gymnastics. Then it was ice-skating. Then horseback riding, then taekwon-do, and so on and so forth. My longest lasting hobby is soccer, if you could even continue to call it a hobby at this point. I have been playing soccer for nearly 13 years. And somehow, I still haven’t gotten bored of it.

I’ve never really had much of a so-cial life. And no, this is not due to the fact that I’m a social outcast or that I have no friends. It’s just that to be per-

fectly honest, I would rather be alone than surrounded by people at all times. I’ve always been a rather private per-son. And on top of that, I kind of hate people. In genera l , people annoy me. It seems that society as a whole has become stu-pid, ignorant, and oblivious. Therefore I don’t real ly bother trying to connect with every person I meet.

D e s p i t e my introvert-ed tendencies when it comes to people, I love animals. I currently have two dogs. And, in my eyes, that is nowhere near enough.

Clubs join in float building

I plan on going to Sierra College after finishing my sentence at this high school. From there, I would like

to transfer to either UCSB or Santa Clara University to study and major in marine biology.

My goal in life is to be able to travel the world. I would love to have the opportunity to visit countries other than my own in order to experience a taste of different cultures. Un-fortunately I have been unable to begin my travels. The only time I was out of the United States was coming back from a cruise to Alaska when we stopped in Victoria, Canada for an hour.

Well, now you know a little bit more about me. And therefore you can expect a

much more eventful, interesting column from me next issue. And I expect you to listen.

Nominations for Homecoming Court are in and the results are...

Lyssa BakerStaff Reporter

When students arrived at the Homecoming Bonfire on Oct. 1, they were greeted by a new addition to the tradition: floats being paraded around by clubs.

The new endeavor was the idea of student activities director Kim Bair and club commissioners Lyssa Baker and Brandon Fields. Since the ASB’s goal is to increase school spirit and involve more students in activities, the com-missioners and Bair decided to have a creative contest involving clubs in the Homecoming hoorah. Reaching out to the clubs means reaching out to their club members and their friends, which brings more spirit to the student body.

A meeting was held 3 weeks before Homecoming to notify the clubs of this new contest. Out of the 23 clubs contacted for the meeting, seven clubs attended and four clubs participated in the float ceremony at the bonfire. Clubs were asked to apply the Storybook theme to their floats. The Japanese Animation and Mahjong club chose a Japanese animated movie, “My Neigh-bor Totoro,” while the Asian and Pacific Islander Culture Club chose Disney’s “Mulan.” The Sportsmans Club chose to present a story about Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny, and the California Scholarship Federation chose Shrek. The Make-a-Wish and Spanish Clubs are fundraising at the bonfire instead of participating in floats.

Four members of student govern-ment, the club commissioners, and a member of the administration team judged the floats. Each club received $10 for participating. The runners up received $50 and the winners received $100. The new tradition of club floats had the intended effect: a storybook ending for all.

Amanda NelsonSpecial Section Assistant Editor

Each year, students at our school become anxious waiting for the an-nouncement as to who was nominat-ed as the Homecoming Princes and Princesses. Out of so many students at the school, only eight are chosen. Four boys and four girls are nominated each year, hoping to be the lucky couple. But what is the total nomination process?

The first step in the process is to have all the students select students for nominations. Students are given a piece of paper with the names of all the senior boys and girls

and are asked to circle the students they feel fit the criteria for Homecom-ing Royalty. When many students decide to vote, the field from which roy-

alty can be chosen becomes much greater. Students and teachers alike become

deeply involved with this nomi-nation process; they must de-cide which of the 40 nomi-

nated students they feel would be best as royalty.

Each nomi-nated student is re-

quested to complete an interview, answering various questions such as:

“Why do you think you got nominated?” and “What type of school activities are you involved in?” These questions help to determine which student is best suited to become a part of Homecom-ing Royalty. Most students who help to choose royalty look at the student’s popularity as a major determining factor in their vote. If the student has made themselves well-known, then their peers are more likely to vote for them. Teachers look at a different cri-teria. They observe the potential royal’s academic and character record.

This year’s Homecoming princes are Nick Layton, James Friedrich, Jesse McWhirk and Matt Mazucca. The elected princesses are Alicia Becker, Alexus Howes, Erin Mulvey and Jordan Hardy.

Brooke BensonStaff Reporter

The word spreads panic and anxi-ety among the student population. Arrangements for dates, limos, dress rentals and corsages flood the thoughts of 90% of the students. The pressure, the stress and the anxiety all build up to four hours crammed in a hot, sticky gym grinding against our friends in a socially unacceptable manner. And we love it.

Homecoming is arguably the most popular dance of the year that is open to all students, and every year the same tired argument arises over one minis-cule sliver of the Homecoming experi-ence: the theme. This year, though, the argument seems to have receded into the background and the general reac-tion is more favorable. The theme, after all, is brilliant this year: storybook.

The freshmen this year were as-

signed Where the Wild Things Are (an appropriate title for this year’s crop of fresh meat), the sophomores were deemed Peter Pan, the juniors were given Alice in Wonderland, and the se-niors were assigned Willy Wonka. With the upcoming movies “Where the Wild Things Are” and “Alice in Wonderland,” and with the recent remake of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” the popular-ity for these old classics has increased tenfold.

This year’s theme seems to be more inspiring than those in the past, al-lowing for creativity from the students themselves. The themes aren’t rules and restrictions, they’re guidelines. This year those few individuals who actually enjoy showing their spirit won’t be hung out to dry sifting through half a dozen dresses at the local thrift store, and those who don’t allow their choices to be dictated by the theme will be more likely to give in and conform to the rules provided. After all, teenagers and rules

just don’t mix. The days leading up to the dance provided ample opportunity for those spirited individuals to show their stuff. Monday was PJ day (just like every other day of the year for some of our lazier students), Tuesday was nerd day, Wednesday was Disney day, Thursday was twin day (Fred and George Weasely day for us Harry Pot-ter nerds), and Friday found students decked out in their class colors.

Everyone knows that the Homecom-ing theme is one miniscule fragment of the Homecoming experience; however the dramatics that stem from this minor detail are astounding. The originality behind the theme this year is even more astounding. While the themes are always wacky and (to some degree) childish, this year’s crop of students seem eager to contribute to the school spirit week, as opposed to past years when students were ‘too cool’ to act like total maniacs and parade around in nerdy outfits.

GRAPHIC BY CARLEY HIGGINS

Wolf Pack Press 17

October 2, 2009

Carley Higgins and Kaitlyn May, Featainment Editors

The UgliesScott Westerfield

Synopsis:Tally Youngblood lives in a future

society where everyone dreams of their sixteenth birthday, when they will be surgically transformed from an ugly to a pretty. Except Tally, who finds herself

chasing after h e r f r i e n d , Shay, who has run away from this society’s twisted idea of beauty, only to find that it is even more twisted than they thought. Tu r n s o u t when sixteen-year-olds go in for their oper-ation, the sur-geons change

more than just their cheek bones.

Who Should Read This:This book is not quite fantasy, but

it sure is far from reality. However, it works to show what reality could be if society doesn’t change. It is very satiri-cal at times and extremely entertaining. It will get you thinking. I would recom-mend this to anyone who likes a good, insightful read.

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Synopsis:Set in the 1850’s Gold Rush, Michael

Hosea is told by God to love and marry a prosti-tute, Sarah, and teach her the true meaning of his redeem-ing love. If only she’d stop run-ning away from him long enough to learn that what he has to teach her is the redemption and love that she

has been look-ing for her entire life.

Who Should Read This:Redeeming Love is a very serious

romance novel. It addresses very deep issues such as adultery, prostitution and rape. I would recommend this book to anybody; however it may appeal more to girls who love an insightful, tear-jerking, romantic read and can handle intense issues such as these.

The Kite RunnerKahaled Hosseini

Synopsis:Set in deteriorating Afghanistan

during the Cold War, The Kite Runner is a lovely but heartbreaking story of a boy, Amir, who befriends the son, Hassan, of his servant. The boys grow up as best

friends until one day when Amir oversees a tragic act be-ing committed against Has-san and doesn’t have the cour-age to stop it. Their friend-ship is ruined by Amir’s guilt and they are shortly after ripped away from each oth-er by the con-

ditions of their country. It is a story of the corollary of betrayal, and the hope of redemption.

Who Should Read This:This book works to illustrate many

important life lessons about friendship, family, war, betrayal, guilt and forgive-ness. I would recommend it to anyone, guy or girl, mature enough to read about these elements of life.

Dani ButterfieldAssistant Opinions Editor

The wild things are comingBrittany AttwoodOnline Editor

The classic children’s story Where the Wilds Things Are is finally hitting the big screen. However, transforming the colorful graphics and relatable story line may prove a chal-lenge.

In case you’ve never read this de-lightful story, let me explain the plot. A little boy named Max dresses up in a mon-ster costume, takes part in mischievous events (like chasing his dog with a knife) and soon finds him-self being sent to his room. In his room, Max vents his frus-tration through his imagination and soon sails to a land of the Wild Things. While in this mystical land Max discovers that he is through being angry at his mother, and rather than act childish, turns to find that he just wants someone to love him and he will do any-thing to not disrupt that chance.

The film, unlike the storybook, took lots of effort to make. This movie went through a long process of chang-

Irina Levtsenyuk Editor in Chief

You are familiar with the term schadenfreude, yes? You are whether you realize it or not. Would you like me to use it in a sentence? Alright. “Yesterday I saw an old man drop his mint chocolate chip ice cream on his Doberman, who then proceeded to wet himself and all those around him, and this gave me an overwhelming sense of schadenfreude as I pointed and guf-fawed uncontrollably.”

Now do you understand? You are a sick and twisted human being who enjoys pointing and laughing at the pain of your fellow sick and twisted human beings, who in turn enjoy doing the same to you. It’s a vicious cycle. And how it amuses me.

In this shining, chrome-age of tech-nology, we managed to find a more mod-ern way of savoring the sorrow of those around us: FML. The acronym-savvy find great meaning in these letters, as they express a state of utter hopeless-ness. FML.com offers a quiet place to read about various “fail” situations sent in by ordinary people from across the country that just make you shake your head - half in pity, half in disbelief.

ing producers from Universal Studios to Warner Bros. in 2000 because of advertisement differences between the creator and the producer. Although this caused difficulty during production, it only makes for a stronger film. Using the great illustrations of the picture book with the new technology that is

used for animation and the enhance-ment of special ef-fects should make it a great film. The soundtrack to the film does its best to portray the emo-tions of the film’s characters while providing a clean way to pull both the plot of the 1963 book and the new era of the 2000’s together.

Whether you have read the chil-dren’s storybook or not, one thing is for sure - Spike Jonze, the director, is going to give us a good representa-tion of the theme: that the power of love can overcome

any other emotion. Max’s character fully portrays a realistic six year-old just struggling to learn about the world around him and the film brings that connection to the big screen.

MOVIE POSTER COURTESY OF WARNER BROS

FeatainmentIn the age of technology, books manage to captivate Editor’s

PicksWater for Elephants- Susan Gruen

Salem’s Lot- Stephen King

Electric Kool Aid Acid Test- Tom Wolfe

Past Imperfect- Julian Fellows

The Truth About Forever- Sarah Dessen

Well, my fellow FMLers, I give you…THE FUTURE! Sure, bitterly depressing stories about unfaithful partners and unforgiving circumstances are fairly entertaining; but there’s something better out there. Something that hits a little closer to home. Some-thing…average.

My life is average. There’s no doubt that it is. But add “.com” to the end of that statement, and you find the mystic wardrobe leading to a cyberworld filled with run-of-the-mill anecdotes. There’s absolutely nothing mind-blowing or life-altering about the stories MLIA has to offer, and that’s what makes it so much more appealing. I like reading about in-credible things, sure, but LOVE reading about the mundane shenanigans that could just as easily happen to me.

It’s impossible not to giggle and say “I’ve totally done that!” upon hearing about one boy stepping into his shower whilst still wearing his socky wocks. Particularly because I can count half a dozen times when my own socks were unknowingly drenched by my shower head.

I love both sites dearly, but FML has to take the backseat to my chosen favor-ite, MLIA. When you get right down to it, we all aspire to be average.

18 Wolf Pack Press Featainment Editors, Carley Higgins and Kaitlyn May

Featainment October 2, 2009

KAITLYNJAYNE

MAYI debated with myself for a while

about what I should choose to write about for my first column. I wanted to come up with something relevant, some-thing witty. I spent most of the summer contemplating how I would wow my new audience with brilliance and charm. Quite unfortunately, I’ve succeeded in none of these things and have settled instead for something basic but neces-sary. I have decided, dear audience, to introduce you to me.

So who am I? Were I sarcastic (which I am), I’d suffice with saying that finding oneself is something that most of us spend our whole lives searching for. While this is true of me - and most all high school students - I like to be-lieve that I have some sense of direction

in my life. At first glance, I am average. I’m not super pretty, I’m not into mate-rial gain, I wear glasses, and I, for the most part, enjoy school. I suppose by those standards that you could call me a bit of a nerd, but I choose to see it as having priorities. I adore English and history, and I have an interest in psy-chology and foreign language. So far I have taken three years of Spanish, and next term I will be starting my first year of French. I have high hopes of being multilingual, though I’ve yet to find a professional purpose for it.

If this were a perfect world - in most cases I’m glad it’s not, life would get FAR too boring for my tastes - then I would make a living writing original fic-tion from the comfort of my own home, producing best sellers by the bushel. But since this is not an utopian society, I’m not yet sure what I’d like to do for my profession. An ideal situation would be something that combines my interests but won’t keep me trapped in a cubicle. Since I am not going to be a corporate

guinea pig, I would do well in a comfort-able environment, where I can work from my couch with a bowl of popcorn or walk around outside and travel abroad.

My friends are one of the most important things in my life. We love and respect each other and have come to be an amoeba-like, dysfunctional family. We put up with each other’s craziness and feed into further mad-ness. We’re the group that gets together to hang out with the in-tention of finding some-thing semi-rebellious to do and instead wind up having deep politi-cal discussions around Diet Cokes in someone’s living room. I can honestly say that I’ve had an epic Mancala battle at three in the morning

with my best friend while other kids spent said Friday night doing other, less innocent things. Now don’t get me

wrong; my friends and I share our ‘lols-worth’ of crude jokes and sharp words. We’re nerdy in the fact that we write in our spare time, but we’re witty and friendly.

Ult imate ly , I would say that I am a scholar, a friend, and a ‘sister’ to those I care about. I have goals and I’m hard-working, but I love nothing more than hanging out and making memories.

Now, with intro-ductions out of the way, you can look forward to a wittier column from me next issue... hopefully.

When did you first begin your artistic career? IstartedthebassinfifthgradeatfirstbecausemybuddyDerekThomaswantedmetoplay.Ididmyfirstper-formancewithacoupleofmybuddiesforaSilveradotalentshow.

What first interested you in music? I’vealwayslikedmusic.MydadwouldplaymusicformewhenIwaslittleandIkindofpickeditupwhenmyfriendaskedifIwantedtostartaband.

What’s currently going on in your life music-wise?

I’mtryingtostartupanotherbandwithmyclosefriendsand I’malso practicing for the JanuaryAdvancedGuitarShow.

Any future plans? IwannagetagoodbandgoingandIwannatrythatout.Butifthingsdon’tworkout,I’llgotocollege.ButIdon’twanttogotocollegebeforeItrythatout.

When did y

ou first b

egin

your artisti

c career?

Istartedplayingdru

mswhenIwas

infifthgrade,butIdi

dn’tstartplayingins

choolbands

untilfreshmanyear.

What first i

nterested yo

u in music?

I guess just listenin

g toa lotofmusic t

hat I liked. It

inspiredmebecause

Iwantedtoplayalo

tofsongsthatIknew

.

What’s curre

ntly going o

n in your li

fe music-wis

e?

Ihavemarchingband

everyday;it’smyfirs

tperiodclass.

Everydayafterclas

swepracticefordru

mline.Ialsoplaym

y

drumseveryday.

Any future p

lans?

IknowI’mgonnakee

pdoingmarchingba

ndandsym-

phonicbandallthrou

ghouthighschooland

maybeevenintocol

-

lege.I’dlikeacareer

inmusicalot,butI’m

goingtohavetosee

howitturnsout.

When did you first begin

your artistic

career?

Aboutsixyearsago.

What first int

erested you in

acting?

Isawbadactorsinmo

viesanditmademew

antto

gointotheentertainm

entbusinesstooandbe

comeabetter

actor.

What’s current

ly going on

in your life

acting-

wise?

Iwasjustinamovie,

ahorrorfilmcalled“Nat

uralDe-

mise.”IplayJesseLin

coln-heisa16-year-o

ldversionofa

psycokiller.Therolew

asverychallengingan

d fun.Itwill

comeoutin2010.

Any future pla

ns?

IwanttomovetoLA,g

etasimplejobanddoa

udi-

tionsontheside.

Sam PleckerSophomoreAdvanced Guitar & Jazz Band

Adam JonesSophomoreIndependent Artist

Adam Jones

Sam Plecker

Andrew NunesSophomoreMarching Band, Symphonic Band and Drum Line

Andrew Nunes

Wolf Pack Press 19

FeatainmentOctober 2, 2009

Carley Higgins and Kaitlyn May, Featainment Editors

Jennifer’s Body provides endless entertainment

Guitar shows increase in numberJustien MatsuedaStaff Reporter

ManystudentssignupforGuitarhopingtogetmoreexperienceplayingoneof themostpopularand interest-inginstrumentsintoday’ssociety.Theclass gives all students an op -portunity to learnhow to read, playand master theartofmusic.Somestudents alreadyknowhow to playand this class justmakes them thatmuchbetter.

John Harmon,theleadteacherforGuitarandAdvanced

Guitar,isaverytalentedman.After35yearsofplayingtheguitar,heuseshisexperiencetoteachstudentshowtoplaybetterorjusthowtoplayingen-

er-al. “The

hardest taskfor new students

is to play together inunison,”saidHarmon.

In the past, beginnerand advanced studentswouldhaveaguitarshowtodemonstratewhat they’ve

learned.More recently, they changed it so

thatonlytheadvancedstudentswould

Amanda NelsonAssistant Special Section Editor

Forthefirsttimein11years,thedoorstothetheaterwereopenedwidetowelcomethestudentbodyforopenauditions for the upcoming produc-tion of “Arsenic andOldLace.”As aresult, amix of drama students andnewcomers,whohaveneverbeforebeenindramaclasses,havecometogethertoformthecastoftheshow.

Witha tight-knitgroupofprofes-sional drama students assuming themain roles,whether they arewillingto accept outsiders into their crowdbecomes a question.However, seniorBriannaLavelle, playing one of theleadrolesasAbbyBrooster,said,“I’mlooking forward toworkingwithnewpeople.”

SeniorMikePrinzing,playingMor-timerBrooster,isalsolookingforward

toactingwiththenewstudents.“[Thisnewproduction]isexcitingbecauseit’sdifferentfromwhatI’musedto,”saidPrinzing. “There’s a strangehybridof‘noobs’andpeoplewho knowwhat they’redoing—kind of like anX-factor.”

Upon observa-tionofarehears-al,it’sdifficulttotell thenewcom-ers from thosewho have beenin drama before.Experienced actorsandactressesarebegin-ning tomeshwith thenewcomers,evenonly intheirthirdweekofpractice.Ifonecastmember is struggling to remember aline or a visual cue, another actor oractressisquicktohelpthem.

Theplayitselfalreadyseemstobe

comingto life throughtheactorsandactresses portraying them.The darkcomedyfeaturesasetofspinsters(Bri-annaLavelle and Shelby Jaramillo)whohavetakentomurderingwidow-ers.TheirnephewMortimer(Michael

playduetothefactthatthereweren’tenough beginner students to

play in the show as well.Theonlyproblemwiththiswasitdidn’treallygivethe

beginners,whowere in theclass, an opportunity to show

whattheylearned.“Theywouldplayingroups[atthe

show],”Harmonsaid.Thismadeitlessnerve-ackingforthestudents.

This year they have addedmoreguitarshows.Thismeansthebeginnerguitarplayerscanplayinshowsagain.The fall guitar concert is onOct. 17and18.Inthisshow,theyarejoiningthe piano class. “This gives studentsanopportunitytoperformandgetbet-ter,”saidHarmon.It’sgoingtobeonephenomenalshow.

Prinzing)hasbeencaughtinthemidstof their activities, and those of hisbrotherJonathan(JuniorDominguez),awantedmurderer. Though still farfromfinalization, the cast is pouringtheirheartsintotheportrayalsoftheircharacters,whicharequicklybecomingimpressivelysincereandbelievableforitstillbeingsoearlyoninrehearsal.

Asfarasthecomedyaspectoftheplayisconcerned,ifitisnearlyimpossi-bletoattendapracticewithoutcrackingasmile,thenthefinalproductisboundtoprovideoodlesoflaughs.Theuseofblackhumor,irony,cleverreferencestotheater and straight-faced characterscreatesauniqueblendofcomedythatwill certainly leave the audience inhysterics.

The show is slated to premiereOct. 15at 7PMwith sequential per-formancesonOct.16and17,alsoat7PM.Andthoughitisanewconcept,itissuretobeamazing.

: unprecedented

Amanda NelsonAssistant Special Section Editor

Atthebeginningoftheterm,secondperiodteachersgatheredthedailybul-letin into theirhandsandannouncedthetry-outsforthedramaproductionof“ArsenicandOldLace.”Thiscameasasurpriseformanystudents,beingthatdramaproductionsareusuallylimitedto the intermediate and professionaldramaclasses.However,thereasonbe-hindtheafterschoolproductionisthatthere is only one professional dramaclassthissemester.

Duetoalackofstudentssignedupfortheprofessionalclass,theschoolwasforcedtolimittheclasstooneperiodinthespring,ratherthanthetraditionaltwo periods a yearwith one class ineachsemester.“Iwouldn’tdarespeakfor thestudents,”saiddramateacherTomFearon, “But the feeling I get isthey are not happy about it.” SeniorBriannaLavellesaysthelackofafallclasshasleftherfeeling“sadbecauseit’slike[they’re]afamily”.

However, the showgoes on.Thissemester,dramaisputtingonaproduc-tionof“ArsenicandOldLace”starringamixofprofessionaldramastudentsandnewcomers.Duringsecondsemes-ter, professional dramawill continueasplannedwithaperformanceof“TheCrucible.”Also, according toFearon,two semesters of professional dramamaybeavailablenextyear if enoughstudents signup. “Everyonewhohastaken intermediate can take profes-sional,” said seniorMichaelPrinzing.“Andtheydefinitelyshould.

Studentswhohavetakeninterme-diatedramainthepastareencouragedtosignupforprofessionaldramanextyear.

Kaitlyn MayCo-Featainment Editor

Dark,sexy,dangerous,and…fun-ny?Thenewhorrormovie“Jennifer’sBody”wasdefinitelybetterandmorecomplexthanIhadanticipated.Featur-ingMeganFoxasJenniferCheckandAmandaSeyfried as her best friend,NeedyLesnicky, the story focuses onthemysteriouseventsofDevil’sKettle,Minnesota.Writtenbyup-and-comingscreenwriterDiabloCody(thescreen-writer of “Juno”), themoviemanagesto balancemythological occult, teencattiness,andmacabrehumor.

Despitethemovie’stitle,theaudi-ence follows the life ofNeedy asherworld starts to unravel around herfeet.Reservedandbookish,sheseemstohavenothing in commonwithherunlikelybestfriend:anoverconfident,conceitedcheerleader.ThemoviegetsinterestingasNeedyiscowedintogo-ingtoa‘club’onenightafterJennifer

decidestobecomeagroupieforthemys-terious out-of-townband,LowShoul-der.Onedevastatingfirelater,thingsget peculiar around townasNeedy’smale classmates startbeinggruesomelypickedoff one-by-one, and shebecomes determined touncoverthetruthbehindthekillings.Thisresultsinadesperateattempttosave the life of her boy-friend,Chip.

Themostnoteworthypart about thismovie isthe fact that there’s ac-tually a plot.While thisseems like an obviouselementinamovie,mostinthehorrorgenrearen’t quite aslogicalorcomplex.Actuallymosthor-ror flicks are composed of ridiculousamountsofgore,morebloodthancanpossiblybestoredinonehumanbody,and a stupid blondewho trips over

herhighheelswhilerunningfromthevillain. In sharp contrast, “Jennifer’sBody” features tasteful gore (theuseof camera cuts and silhouettesnicely

enhance the scenes), ana-tomically realistic amountsofblood,andpowerful,cleveryoungwomen.Suchcontrastsare further accentuated byquirky humor andmoderndayreferences.Thedialogueisbelievable,andwhileFox’slinesmayseemover-the-topattimes,itallwrapsupnicelyintoarealisticcharacter.Themost outstanding point isthatthefilmisoriginalinitsownright.Thismovietakesamoderntoneonmythology

withoutgoingtoosciencefictionontheaudience.

Allinall,“Jennifer’sBody”isworththeticketpriceandwouldbeagoodfilmforthosewhoshyawayfromlavishlygoryhorrormovies.

One Professional Drama Class is deemed enough

Mike Prinzing, Brianna Lavelle, and Shelby Jaramillo rehearse.

PHOTOBYTOMFEARON

GRAPHICSBYTYLERBENOITMOVIEPOSTERCOURTESYOF20THCENTURYFOX,

Volume 15, Issue 1 October 2, 2009

Sports Editor, Zachary Bredberg20 Wolf Pack Press

Matt GeorgeStaff Reporter

The cool autumn season is a season of beauty and color. A season of holidays and nice weather before the plunge into the cold days of winter. To many, autumn is for peaceful reasons, but not for the wolves. For them, autumn means only one thing, football!

Every season brings a surge and new life to Woodcreek. Friday nights come alive and the howl of the wolves echoes through the normally quiet streets of Roseville. Coming off of last season, there were high hopes for our football team and an anxiousness to see them take the field again.

Even through the support and high expectations the Wolves are struggling to win their first game this season. But Homecoming has come and the school is confident that the always great week

will bring them a new fire and desire to win.

So far the Timberwolves’ running game, led by James Nunley, has been, as always, effective and promising. The game through the air has been a struggle for Quarterback Matt Maz-zucca and his receivers. The defense has had minor struggles defending the run and pass so far this year, but nothing too bad. Coach John Hildebrand says, “We need to work on our third down defensive stops and spreading the field vertically on offense.” He said the play-ers were, “Pumped up and excited on their own.”

When asked about his goals for the next few games, Nunley said, “I want to get a lot more rushing yards and a few touchdowns.” If they want to start win-ning some games, their running game definitely needs to step it up and Hil-debrand and the players know that.

On the defensive end of things, the team focus is more towards pass defense. They are working hard on their covering of receivers and pressure on the quarterback. Their goal: to force the opposing quarterbacks to throw an easy interception or sack him as well as drive them back all four downs of their first possession.

Mazzuca is confident for the up-coming games and says, “The team is always ready to play. We have a great

Matt GeorgeStaff Reporter

Queen’s song “We Are the Champi-ons” has always been a hit for sporting events and other competitions. From classic football movies to modern day basketball championships, the song has endured.

Now the hit has become a reality for the Sportsmans Club who placed as the 2nd best shooting club in California at high school skeet shooting champion-ships this summer.

The Sportsmans Club is climbing the hill of success by beating out many more experienced teams and shoot-ing clubs. When asked about the win, sophomore Conner Gray said, “It felt good. People don’t expect a high school team to beat out clubs that have been around for 50 to 60 years. That was the feeling I liked the most”. The 2nd place finish was an impressive performance for the club. It has given members more motivation for the upcoming year.

With the beginning of the new sea-son in sight, newly elected president of the Sportsmans Club, Tyler Stein, said, “I am hoping we can raise enough money for everyone to be able to shoot for free.” Stein feels confident about his

Despite a slow start, the Timberwolves remain optimistic about the remainder of the season

EXECUTION: The Timberwolves’ offense has been very effective on the ground in their first three games of the year.

team’s standing for the upcoming year. “I want to win the state championship again this year,” he said.

Every sport has its own version of stress or nervousness. Gray said, “I like to clean my gun and listen to music before events. It loosens me up.” Stein also mentioned the fact that music helps him relax and stay calm.

When asked about his goals, Gray replied, “I would like to get 170 solid hits out of 200 or more if possible.” Armed with his Benel Nova Pump shotgun, sophomore Ryan Boyle said, “I would like to get a perfect 50 score during practice and competitions this year.

There are many new members of the club this year from all grade levels. When asked about them Stein said, “I expect them to shoot to their highest level and ability.” Gray also told us, “I want them to try their hardest to make and win the championships this year.” Many of the new members seem confident and excited to shoot a gun for school reasons.

The team looks strong this year and with Coach Kelly Mayo as their super-visor, they look to go even farther than last year and, in the end ,be known as the best shooters in California.

connection and get along well.” The Homecoming Game has always

been an attraction to students, kids and Roseville residents who come to see the game and the fun floats. This year’s game against the Del Campo Cougars is sure to draw similar crowds. Del Campo is sure to bring tough competition for the Timberwolves as the Cougars are 3-0 so far on the season and ranked

139th in the state. The Wolves are confident and

thrilled to get back on the field. Even though they struggle, the boys are keep-ing their heads high and are anxious to capture their first win. A fact about wolves - they always catch their prey.

So watch out Roseville, Rocklin and Del Oro - the Wolves are ready to howl and are on the prowl.

Girls Lacrosse team hopes to be joined by boys soon Kelly MulliganStaff Reporter

Attention boys: are you interested in playing a fast-paced sport? Come out and join the boys lacrosse team. There are many girls who play on the girls lacrosse team and now there is a boys lacrosse club.

Last week the boys lacrosse team became official and is now a club. Some of the members include sopho-more Sam Plecker, juniors Sean San-droni, Tanner Marshall and Casey Liebler and senior Trevor Braas.

There are about 15 guys cur-rently on the team and they will start practicing soon for games in the Spring. Senior Trevor Braas said, “We will be starting practice soon be-hind the school near the hay bales.” The boys have a coach but “We need a staff advisor; otherwise we cannot have a school club,” stated Braas.

So if you are interested, come out and play. Help the guys find a club advisor.

The girls lacrosse team has been going strong since the club started last year. They are still trying to “scoop” up any girls who are inter-ested in playing, but they are ready to get in the “zone” and start off their season strong. Hopefully their team will “cradle” any girl interested in playing.

The girls started practicing in January, but their games do not start until March and the season goes from March until May. The girls hold practice almost every day after school between 3:30-4 PM at Silverado Middle School.

Sophomore Courtney Rowell, junior Kailee Hartono and senior Savannah Jones are three of the girls who are devoted players to the intense sport of lacrosse.

All three girls agree that lacrosse “is unlike any other sport” and is re-ally fun, though it is one of the most intense sports to play.

So if you are interested in play-ing an extreme, intense, unique and different sport, join the lacrosse team!

PHOTO BY TYLER BENOIT

Sports Editor, Zachary Bredberg Wolf Pack Press 21

SportsOctober 2, 2009

Rugby seeks new members Alex AyersNewbie Reporter

When many think of the sport rugby, they think of large, illiterate barbarians who run and smash into those around them. While aggression is a regular aspect of rugby, it remains a gentlemen’s game at heart. Over the years, however, the common miscon-ception of the sport by parents and student-athletes alike has discour-aged those willing to play.

“That’s old school rugby. In the old days it was presented that way,” said Todd McKillop, head coach of the Rugby Club. “Character and sports-manship has tamed the sport. Until it becomes more accessible, people are going to think rugby is played by a bunch of crazy people,” he said.

McKillop, who founded the club two years ago, has been continuing to push the team in hopes of becoming a more competitive rugby club. Even though the team has exceeded most expectations, including McKillop’s, they undergo their biggest challenge yet in the upcoming season. Next year the club will be moving up com-petitively to a varsity level known as A-side, along with having a frosh side team.

With two teams, and a lacking of parent approval and student willing-ness to play, the upcoming season may become more challenging than expected. However it is an issue the club has been dealing with since day one. In the past, adversity was met with the assistance of some talented senior athletes; but because of their departure, the team will now rely on veterans from the last two years, along with some new faces unknown to the game.

A number of veterans on the team have questioned whether a larger co-alition of players last year would have been beneficial throughout the season. There are very few to no pauses in the game of rugby and conditioning is vital to success. With fewer players, substituting becomes rare and can leave players exhausted and subse-quently reduce their playing level.

Because rugby is not recognized as an official sport by the Sierra Foot-hill League and is only affiliated with Woodcreek High School in means of facility use, the Rugby Club remains an independent entity. This allows for students from other schools within the Roseville Joint Union High School District to play for the club with no repercussions.

Rugby has evolved throughout the years and has departed from its stereotypical “wild fraternity image.” The large, illiterate drunk barbar-ians from the days of old have ceased to exist, especially when it comes to high school rugby. Coaches now urge everyone who is willing to come out and play the game, whether they know how to play or not.

Woodcreek hosts invitational tournament

Woodcreek races the opponents players for possession of the ball.

Coach Grant Guensler instructs his team as they watch the game.

Woodcreek shoots and scores over the opponent’s goalie.

The goalie prepares to block yet another shot.

Woodcreek’s goalie goes up in an attempt to block

the opponents’ shot.

A lady Timberwolf throws the ball to her teammates a f ter a

save.

Woodcreek takes aim for another Timberwolf

goal.

Woodcreek winds up for an important shot.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WOLF PACK PRESS

Sports Editor, Zachary Bredberg22 Wolf Pack Press

Sports October 2, 2009

ZACHARYT Y L E RBREDBERG

After 3 excruciatingly long years at Woodcreek, I’ve finally made it. I’m finally a senior. I had always thought that this would be the best year ever and hoped that everything was going to be perfect without a worry in the world, as it would be just months away from finally finishing school. I thought it would be great.

I was wrong.While only a brief two months into

the year, I already want it to be over with. There are more things that I’ve had to worry about than I ever imag-ined. I have to take my SAT’s, ACT’s, SAT subject tests amd apply to several universities while worrying about the mass amount of work from my mul-tiple AP classes, about my pages in the newspaper, and still attempting to have

Christine MurrayStaff Reporter

Christine Murray: When did you first start getting involved in football? Blaine Wickstrom: I started football when I was six years old. I was on the very first “mighty mite” team in the Jr. T-wolves program. CM: What has been your best football moment? BW: Definitely when we won the state champion-ship my last year in the Jr. program. I had waited so long for it and had come so close up until that year. And I even had the most tackles on the

team. That includes James Nunley. CM: What position do you play? BW: Center, except right now I’m

kind of on the IR (Injured Re-serve) list.

CM: How do you feel the

season is going to turn out?

BW: I feel like if our team will not give up, turn on each other or start pointing fingers

at each other, then we will be just fine.

CM: Who is your favorite professional player? BW: Tshimanga Biakabutuka. But Johnny Holly is definitely a close second.

Justien MatsuedaStaff Reporter

Justien Matsueda: How does it feel to be playing varsity as a freshman?

Cody Meza: It feels great. It’s an honor to be on the team and to have the chance to beat my brother.

JM: Do you like playing with your brother?

CM: Not really. It doesn’t matter, but we have good chemistry.

JM: How long have you been playing?

CM: I’ve played for 8 years.

JM: Do you do anything

before your games to get pumped up?

CM: I listen to music on my iPod.

JM: Who’s your soccer idol?

CM: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona.

JM: How many juggles can you get?

CM: 100, but I never really juggle for a number.

JM: Do you feel better making a goal or an

assist?

CM: Either is good, as long as I contribute.

a social life on top of all that. It’s just too much.

I miss the simpler times from school. Back when I was just a teeny freshman with classes I thought were incredibly hard because, god forbid, I was given homework almost every night. Or sophomore year, where I had my one AP class and couldn’t believe how much work it was because I had to read every night. Those days were the best. Looking back, I laugh at myself for ever thinking that school was even that tough.

But now, I am just drowning in school. It seems as though there is work coming from left and right. Dead-lines for applications for colleges are approaching frighteningly fast. And editing two sections for the newspaper is definitely more work than I thought. Even though it’s this early into the year, I just want to graduate already.

So I’m done with my whole mindset of “I don’t want to graduate because I’ll leave everyone.” Yeah, that’s gone. I don’t care if I leave any of my friends. I

just want to leave. Maybe it’s because I’m lazy and don’t want to do any work. Maybe it’s because I’m heartless and don’t care about my friends. Or maybe it’s because I don’t have any friends. I have yet to choose which one quite yet. I’m guessing the lat-ter one.

All I know is that I keep imagining my life not in school. No homework. Staying up until 6 AM (the time I wake up now). I do realize that there is still college after the glorious summer that is coming, but I just don’t care. I also real-ize that this summer I am dreaming so much about is more than half a year away. But can’t you just let me dream a little?

On a separate note (because I hon-

estly couldn’t think of anything else to write another 100 words about), my Broncos are 3-0. That is one of the hap-piest surprises ever. I, honestly, thought

they were going to win 2 games all season. But, for once, I’m glad I am wrong. It actu-ally looks like Coach Josh McDaniels knows what he’s doing. But, then again, the Broncos haven’t played a team that is good so far this season. And let’s not forget it’s almost play-off baseball time. Tears for the Giants not mak-ing the playoffs. Maybe next year.

Well, if you made it this far, thank you. I feel honored to have assisted you in this

three minute journey of love, hate and mystery. And if you just skipped to the end, good for you.

Wolf Pack Press 23Sports Editor, Zachary Bredberg

SportsOctober 2, 2009

Check out our online site for more stories at

wolfpackpresspaper.org

Justien MatsuedaStaff Reporter

Justien Mat-sueda: How long have you played volley-ball?

Stevie Walsh: I’ve played vol-leyball every year since 7th grade.

JM: How many years on varsity?

SW: This is my first year playing on the varsity team.

JM: What position do you play?

SW: I play right back.

JM: What kind of things do you do to get pumped up before games?

SW: Me and Sarah Peterson blast jams.

JM: What is your favorite food?

SW: I love Chinese food, ice cream, kiwi and cereal.

JM: Who is your celebrity crush?

SW: Gerard Butler because of his hot Irish accent.

Justien MatsuedaStaff Reporter

Justien Matsueda: How long have you played foot-ball?Derek Kimball: I’ve played for 11 years.

JM: What are your favorite sports teams?DK: The Atlanta Falcons and the Georgia (University) Bulldogs.

JM: What is your favorite food?DK: My favorite soup is definitely vegetable soup. I eat it before every game.

JM: What do you do to get pumped up before a game?

DK: I listen to my music.

JM: What does it feel like to be on varsity?

DK: I feel honored to be on such a potentially

great team.

JM: What position do you play?DK: I play both wide receiver and corner back.

JM: What is your fa-vorite sports player?

DK: It’s definitely Larry Fitzgerald (WR from the Arizona Cardinals).

PHOTOS BY JUSTIEN MATSUEDA

Last Page Editor, Zach Bredberg24 Wolf Pack Press

Last Page October 2, 2009

Sean Sandroni enjoys long walks on the beach while

listening to Marvin Gay. He loves to just lie in the sand,

sip Kool Aid and whisper Beyonce lyrics in your ear. His

smile is so amazing it’s hard to control yourself from fall-

ing in love. He also loves SWISS ice cream; so if you two

happen to go on a date, get him some SWISS ice cream

and he won’t be able to resist you.

Stan Okasako is a math genius. If you ever have a problem, you know he’ll be able to solve it. No matter how hard your problem might be, Mr. O will always be able to plug it into a formula and figure it out. –B plus or minus the square root of B squared minus 4AC all over 2A is a treasure map to Mr. O’s heart.

Orrey Severet is a cute and cuddly type of guy, who loves kittens, giving grandmas back rubs and taking the homeless out for dinner. This kind-hearted soul couldn’t kill a fly and would treat you like a god. So if you ever want to go out with him, just pretend you’re homeless OR be over 65.

Jeremy Jackson loves to go to a tropical jungle and swing from trees like he’s Tarzan. His big muscles bulge from his body and glisten in the sun. He will sweep you off your feet and swing with you from vine to vine while softly singing Kelly Clarkson to you until you fall asleep. So if you’re ever in the jungle and you see a long-haired beauty in the trees beating his chest and swinging down towards you, it’s your lucky day.

Corey Sheefel loves to skate on his skateboard,

with his long dirty blonde hair flowing in the wind.

It’s hard not to stare while he rolls by, doing cleaner 3

flips than Davis. This cutie enjoys listening to Vanessa

Carlton while he’s “makin’ his way downtown, skatin’

fast, faces pass and he’s homebound.” He also likes to

bounce on trampolines, but you might feel like he’s

jumping on your heart when you discover he has a

girlfriend.

Zach Bredberg enjoys putting out fires, but he’s so HOT that he might light a fire in your heart. He has a burning passion for Harry Potter; he even got surgery to look like Ron. So when you are walking down the street and you start to feel the heat, Zach might be close by. You’ve heard that song where they say “shortyz fires burnin”… well, that shorty is Zach.

All these MEN have waited years to show off their luscious hair to the school. Here’s their chance... and they won’t tone it down.