Tennis players excited for upcoming season

by Josh Haslem

Tennis players of Timpanogos are anxious to hit the courts as they prepare for tryouts.

The Timberwolves season last year didn’t go as well as hoped, but the desire to do well this season is on the rise. Region four offers some tough competition, but Timberwolf tennis players still have their hopes high.

Coach Jorgensen had this to say on the upcoming season, “I think the players will be more prepared for this upcoming season and will have more of a desire to get better and progress.”

Even with a lot of hard work will the team have the talent to compete? Former tennis player Jake Merrill had these thoughts on this years tennis team, “I think they should do good for sure. Even if they aren’t the best of teams I know that the players will still have fun playing, and thats really what it’s all about.”

At last years state tournament the Timberwolves didn’t have as much success as they had hoped. In the first singles category, Tyler Mayberry blew by his fist opponent to make it into the second round, beating Hunter’s Bronson Shmidt. Unfortunately in the second round he played the would-be state champion, Spencer Smith from Brighton, and just got rawly dominated. The damage from the match was 6-0, 6-0. Even though this was a rather devastating loss, it still leaves him standing in the top eight.

One factor that may affect the T-Wolf tennis team is that the tennis courts here at Timpanogos didn’t get finished and won’t be in time for the tennis season. This will force the team to play at their opponent’s courts every meet. This presents a distinct disadvantage. The feeling of playing at a different school is much different than being in your familiar surroundings. I asked Tyler Ostlund, a member of the team, what he thinks about the tennis courts not being finished. He said, “It really kind of stinks. It’s way more comfortable to play here at Timpanogos. I hate getting on the bus and driving to the other team’s school.” The team will just need to have a good attitude and keep on stroking it.

As the general feeling from the team the main reason they play is to have fun, not necessarily just for the competition. I asked team member Jason Evans what his favorite part of being on the tennis team is. He replied by saying, “Well I don’t even really care if I win or lose. At the end of the day I just look on how well I played and if I lived up to my potential. It’s also just fun in general. I really love tennis and even going to practice is a good time.”

No matter what the record says for the tennis team this year, the will to succeed will be high and there will be plenty of effort. Just get your feet set, bring your racket back, then hit the ball with good form when the time is right. The rest is up to that green ball.

The End of School Spirit?

by Josh Haslem

For generations, high school students have taken pride in their school; sporting events were the cool thing to go to; but now, high school pride may be diminishing.

It’s a Friday night in October, high school football in the air. You’re going to be at the game, right? “What game?” This is a more common answer these days. Going to high school sporting events just doesn’t sound as fun to people anymore.

“There’s just way more fun things to do than go to high school sports games,” said senior Jake Grazzini. With all the entertainment options today, students are distracted away. Movies, bowling, or just hanging out with friends at their own homes. These are just some of many things that are driving students away from games.

Back in your parents’ day, going to the football game was almost just common sense. Everyone would go, whether or not they actually cared about the sport being played. The reason for this is that everyone went because everyone else was there. People went just to socialize. With more kids not going to games, it could eventually drive many students completely away from the games.

I asked junior Garrett Madsen what he thinks of high school sports and school spirit. He said, “High school sports are a joke and school spirit is gay. I’m just grinding out my high school career.”

A big part of attendance at games may also be related to the success of the team. As a whole, Timpanogos hasn’t won many state titles or top events in football or basketball, but for most schools, these are the highly attended events of high school sports. Because we don’t usually compete at the big state events, these are under-appreciated and attended at THS.

This brings up the question of what students at Timpanogos currently think of their sports teams. Senior Jacob Honeycutt said, “Our baseball team is really good and our golf team was really good at getting controversy.”

Sporting events aren’t the only things that are becoming less meaningful; it’s all school spirit in general. Walking through the halls one just doesn’t get the feeling that people care about their school. Are people just more rebellious these days or does the increased competition of getting into colleges make them focus purely on their studies?

I took a survey of 20 students at Timpanogos, asking their level of school spirit. 45 percent said that they had none, 35 percent said they had a little, and 20 percent said they had a good amount. This survey pretty much speaks for itself.

Some probably think it’s just Timpanogos that has seen a decline in school spirit, so I asked Mountain View student, Travis Cheeseman, what he thinks Bruin students think of school spirit. “They don’t really seem to care. I played for the golf team and none of the people on it cared that they were representing our school, we just want to put the ball in the hole.”

Will school spirit die away just like dinosaurs did? Only time will tell.

THS coming down with high fever of Senioritis

by Kim Hugh

Have you gotten it yet? Has it made your last few months of school seem never-ending? If you’re a senior and you haven’t been taken over by senioritis, consider yourself extremely lucky.

THS students are finding that it is becoming more and more difficult each day to roll out of bed and go to school.

Many are asking themselves: What’s the point? By now, seniors should be done applying for college admission and every scholarship imaginable.

Knowing that the routine they’ve experienced since preschool is coming to an end in only a matter of months is both thrilling and exhilarating.

Although it’s exiting, for most seniors, the reality that they now have to grow up is pretty scary. Since flying off to Neverland isn’t an option, this is the time that seniors have to be an adult and to decide what they want in life.

Although it’s pretty much impossible to get rid of senioritis once you’ve caught it, there are a few ways to handle it so that you can make it through your last year without failing all your classes.

One helpful tip is to plan ahead. Assignments and projects always seem to coincide with the big events: research papers the same week as the Spirit Bowl, presentations due after the ACT weekend, AP tests during Prom week. If you do your homework ahead of time, you can party all you want at the school dance or big game without stressing about assignments.

Another thing you can do is talk about it. Your senior year tends to bring back every happy and sad memory you’ve ever had. Talk with your friends about your last first day of school, or your last high school dance. Remember the good things that have happened to you through all these years of school.

You can also talk about the future. Get yourself excited about moving on, going to college, meeting new people and living a new life style.

Have fun, but work hard. Keep your focus on school, but enjoy your senior year, and make it the best you possibly can.

“My stage of senioritis is 9.7 out of 10; I’m so ready to get out.”

-Morgan Freestone

“The worst part about it for me is that I still have to do stuff, and I don’t do my homework at home ever.”

-Devin Moore

“It’s really really hard to get up in the morning; I’m just ready for it to be over.”

-Alyssa Casper

“I have senioritis, but there’s still things I’ll miss about being in high school, like sports, dances and social activities.”

-Bryce Vanchiere

Long road out of Snakes and Arrows

by Devan Almquist

Snakes & Arrows is the latest release from the Canadian rockers Rush. Although they have not had any new releases since 2002, Snakes & Arrows show just how tight and together the band is currently.

The music is fresh and exciting, and the sound is massively full. It overflows with strong vocal melody and sonic drum punch. There’s a lot of what fans expect, of course: the high melodic vocal sound, keyboard precision and incredible bass lines of Geddy Lee; Neil Peart’s massive percussion genius, along with that incredible gift for imaginative lyric composition.
Billboard magazine said that Peart’s reflections on personal faith while journeying throughout North America via motorcycle inspired the lyrical content.

But the icing on the cake is Alex Lifeson’s imaginative guitar sound, layered with crazy overdrive and an amazing diversity in tone and lots of quality acoustic work as well. “The Larger Bowl” is a perfect example, with its layered rhythm tracks, arpeggio acoustic arrangement, intense chops and amazing soloing.

You can listen to many of the tracks over and over and still find things you missed the first time. The single off the CD, “Far Cry”, rocks out hard and forcefully, as does most of the album. There are three instrumental tracks on the album as well, which is unusual for Rush; other than their 1981 hit “YYZ”, Rush is not known for instrumentals.

The band, as a whole, has definitely evolved over the years, and they’re not to be taken lightly. They have the amazing ability to fit in with the new sounds while also appealing to their old listeners.

Usually, when a band releases a greatest hits album, as The Eagles did in 2003, it means that they are done recording, or at least that their best work is behind them.

The Eagles, however, are breaking free from this conformity with the release of Long Road Out of Eden.

Long Road Out of Eden proves that The Eagles still have it. It has everything you need for a great Eagles album. Great love ballads, sweet innovative guitar solos, imaginative Don Henley lyrics and some soft acoustic sounds.

The ten minute title track has a little bit of everything starting off slow with some whistles and horns and picking up into a more of a “Hole In the World” sound. Finally the song adds the electric guitars and you arrive at the classic Eagles sound.

This album is a little more idealistic than previous albums, with tracks so obviously hopeful with names such as “I Don’t Want to Hear Any More” and “I Dreamed There Was No War”. It may be that the older age of the musicians has brought a more nostalgic, wise outlook on life, or possibly they are just going in a different direction with their music.

However you look at it, the great Eagles sound is in Long Road Out of Eden, as well as new hopeful, dreamy lyrics.

Embarrassing Moments: “Why does it always happen to me?”

by Kimberlee Hugh

Finally, your day brightens up as your eyes find them. That secret crush you’ve had for years is making their way through the crowded hallway and is headed in your direction.

As they quickly approach, a million questions are flying through your head. Should I smile? Should I say “hey”? Will they notice me? Have they ever noticed me? Ah! All these thoughts clutter in your mind distractedly when the time finally comes.

However, suddenly you realize your whole focus has been on them the entire time, and you’ve hardly looked twice at where you are going. That’s when it happens, they finally look at you! But why is this not good? Because you are laying on the ground, after you have run into a TV cart that a teacher was pushing down the hall.

Have you ever had this happen to you? Well, most likely, you haven’t been unfortunate enough to run into a TV cart, but you might have had a similar experience. Maybe yours was running into a pole, or you slipped on ice on your way into the school.

Whatever the case, everyone has embarrassing moments that may not be so funny when it’s actually happening or even months down the road. However, sooner or later, you will find that humiliating moment funny and without even thinking, you will share it with a friend.

Shanae Luna
“Okay, so it was in the 9th grade. Me and my friend were hanging out with the guy I liked. We were playing ‘1,2,3 Up/Down.’ My friend was it, so it was me against this beautiful boy. My friend said ‘1,2,3 Up/Down.’ All of the sudden…a RIIIIIP fills the air. My pants had just ripped all the way from my crotch to my knee. I ran out of the room and all the way home, without stopping, where I just sat in embarrassment on my bed for hours thinking about what had just happened. I’m not sure that I ever talked to that boy ever again.”

Michael Lanham
“I was home-teaching with my stake president at a widow’s house. She was kind of heavy. I gave an object lesson about the foundation of the Mormon church and said, ‘If you were to stand on it with even one piece missing, it would break.’ Never tell a portly woman she will break something if she stands on it. Anyways, I looked at my stake president and he laughed.”

Jacob Heiss
“Just the other day I was sitting in Chemistry class. I was asking Mr. Richards a question. It was, ‘So on the pink sheet you…?’ However instead my tongue got tied and instead of saying pink sheet, I said, ‘Pink ****’! It was very embarrassing and the whole class laughed at me.”

Emily Knorr
“My friends and I were in our church building playing a game where someone sits in a big, roll-y garbage can. They would close their eyes and after we rolled them around for a bit, they would guess what room they were in. It was my turn, so I jumped into the garbage can and closed my eyes. They rolled me and rolled me and then the rolling stopped. ‘Guys, can I guess where I am now?’ No one answered. So I stood up out of the garbage can and I was shocked to find myself in the boys bathroom! Trying to get out of the garbage can was a problem, so eventually I knocked myself and the garbage can over and crawled out.”

Secret Garden shouldn’t be kept secret

by Megan Lisonbee

One secret that shouldn’t be kept is Timpanogos’ production of The Secret Garden. The THS production of this well-loved musical will open on the night of Jan. 24 at 7:30 pm and will play through the 28. Also, there will be a matinee on the 26 at 2:00 pm on Jan 24.

The Secret Garden is a musical based on the 1909 novel of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It is a story about a girl named Mary who lost her parents, and has to leave India to start a new life in England at her uncle’s house. She discovers the beautiful gardens at the place where she lives. She begins to spend most of her time in the fresh air exploring. Being in the outdoors begins to make her feel healthy and to come to life again. She hears about a secret garden. She breathes life into the world around her.

The cast of this play are all THS students. Emily Peterson, senior, will be playing the part of Lily, Cassie Jex, senior, will play Mary Lennox and Bryan Humpherys, sophomore, will be Colin Craven. Ashley Humpherys will play Mrs. Medlock, Alan Abaldskov will play Dr. Neville Craven, and Tim Leue will play Archie Craven. There are a total of 41 THS students performing in this musical play.

Ms. Broberg, THS’s drama teacher, says, “We chose The Secret Garden because it has a large ensemble, and it is a beautiful piece that has wonderful music and is a very popular musical.”

She said that the most special or best moments of the play would be very hard to choose because there are so many, but there is one fabulous song that everybody loves called, ‘Lily’s Eyes’. Archie and Neville Craven, Tim and Alan, will be singing it. She said it is just an amazing piece, and her favorite. Ms. Broberg also said, “Emily Peterson is doing a fine job as Lily.”

Ms. Broberg said that if she could give thanks to anybody specific that has been a big help with making this musical happen, she would thank her assistant, Denise. Also, the choreographers, Kathy and Danny. She’d also like to thank her student teacher and students, Karissa Patterson and Kate Karns for helping with costumes and designing them. As well, Ms. Thorn is doing all the music, and she is doing it brilliantly, and Mr. Levar will be directing the wonderful THS student orchestra.

Ms. Broberg says, “It’s going to be a really good show, and it has funny parts and tender parts. Once you see the musical, and then you the movie or read the book, you will really miss the music. The entire cast is THS students, besides the 8 or so children that will sing in it. This is the all school show, it’s not just Productions Company, so come and support your fellow students and friends.”

Timpanogos’s production is sure to be a treat for all those who are familiar with the story as well as for those who have never seen it.

Unsung Heroes: the Custodians

by Zach Heckert

We take up residence in a massive building. We then fill that building up with students, and tell them to keep it clean.

Naturally, the building is made into a filthy pigsty, and no one will take responsibility for the mess. I’ve seen hallway intersections after lunch that are so messy, you’d think that we’d taken a step on over to the nasty old dump, overflowing with partially consumed meals and wrappers.

At lunch, Mr. Kendall, the school principal, can often be found picking up trash do to the extreme amount that inhabits the floors.

So now what do we do? We have a building infested with trash, and no one who really wants to clean it. We have dirty bathrooms, and no one wants to clean them.

Who can we call on to preserve not only the cleanliness of our distinguished institution, but also the state of our morale?

It is at this point that mysterious figures wrapped in mystery emerge from the shadows. They swoop through the school, and in their enigmatic wake leave nothing but a cleaner floor, an unclogged drinking fountain, and fresh trash bags. Who are these amazing people? These, fellow students, are a race of incredible human beings known as janitors.

“We fix the heaters, chillers… If we can’t fix it, we go to the district,” Says Melissa Harrington, the head custodian. “We also change lights, change air belts, clean carpet, tile, re-wax the floors, paint…I couldn’t do it without the other janitors; Norley, Rosa, Ken and Ernesto.”

And somehow, these people walk among us unknown. Is there something wrong with that?

Without these amazing citizens, we would be not only up to our necks in garbage and filth, but we would probably be unable to use drinking fountains, or worse, the toilet. Windows would be caked with inches of slime.

All I’m asking for is to respect these diligent individuals. How would you feel if you had just cleaned up a utterly nasty bathroom and as you are leaving, a mob of filthy vermin rush into the bathroom and destroy all that you had just created?

If you do manage to see one of these hygienic ninjas, be sure to thank them. Without them, we would be slogging through mountains of our own refuse.

When asked what she wanted students to know about the custodial services, Harrington said, “We try to make the school look the best, so that you students can be proud to come here; Proud to let others know that you come here.”

It’s not that difficult, it keeps the halls clean, and it is respectful to those who already have work to do and things to clean.

Says Harrington of students littering: “It’s very frustrating, very disrespectful. Is that how they act at home? Or do they act like that here because they know someone will clean up after them?”

So there you go. Don’t be such a slob.

Junk of the Month: Lance Seale

by Michael Lanham

While perusing yet again the snow-swept lots of Timpanogos High, and after pushing my endurance to the limits, I almost gave up on finding a suitable vehicle for Junk of the Month.

Thoughts of home, hot chocolate…and Halo…pushed me forward; I strengthened my grit, girded up my loins, and finally, after what seemed like years in that ice prison on “The Chronicles of Narnia”, chanced upon the paradigm of perfection- the progeny of power- that sweet, sweet Turkish Delight…

What’s the make and model?
“It’s a 1978 Chevy Silverado.”

What do you call this boxy beaute?
“Her name is Betsy. Just ‘cuz.”

How did you acquire such a stunning lass?
“Well, my gramps bought it and passed it down through my brothers to me. I got it when I turned sixteen.”

What crazy adventures have you had riding behind the wheel?
“I used to go to Powell with my family and sit in in the bed of the truck with blankets and look at the stars.”

How does she handle snow?
“Betsy handles snow like a champ.”

Have you ever gotten in a wreck?
“I had a head-on with a Dodge Neon. It scratched my car, but totaled the other car. Betsy is made with real metal, not cheap aluminum stuff.”

Have you ever been pulled over?
“I got pulled over for rolling through a stop sign and for speeding.”

What do you want the world to know about Betsy?
“The rust spots are just age spots. And the transmission is off by one, so neutral is really drive, and reverse is park. Oh yeah, it has automatic windows!”

Artist’s Corner: Ang Garner

by Becca Yeats

Many talented artists have gone through the Timpanogos High School art program; Ang Garner stands out above many. She has the rare ability to make her artwork stand out to the point where you actually feel what she’s trying to express. An interview with Ang was quite the experience.

What inspires your artwork?
“I really have no specific inspiration, I always start with just a simple, black, ball-point pen and the lines kind of just show up!”

What made you want to become an artist?
“In first grade I drew all over the wall at Northridge Elementary. Pretty sure thats where it began.”

When did you learn about your talent?
“I drew on my shoe one day in art and I was like, ‘Wow that looks good!’”

Have you taken any art classes outside of school? If so, where?
“Not so much, but I have a studio in my house that my daddy, Paul, built for me, but I used to teach a drawing class when I lived in Arizona.”

Who is your favorite artist? Why?
“Andrew Adams. His art is ridiculous! It’s so amazing! Everything he does is so unique and thought provoking. I’m jealous.”

Do you think your mood affects what you draw? If so, what was your mood when you were drawing this picture?
“Oh H#@$ yeah! When I started drawing this I was in ARC actually. I was a little pissed off. I’m pretty sure I do my best stuff when I’m ticked.”

What media do you tend to use?
“I always start with pen and I tend to add Prisma Color pencils or acrylic paint. Sometimes I make up my own stuff, I’ve used mud, lipstick, leaves and toothpaste before!”

THS student helps change the world

by Megan Lisonbee

While most people were stuffing their faces with turkey and getting ready for the Christmas season, Timpanogos’ very own Kristine Freeze was trudging through the jungles of Nicaragua giving the best gift of all; service. She was there on the 14th of November, through the 25th. She spent her Thanksgiving giving time and effort to the people there.

Freeze, senior, said, “It was a really great and rewarding experience to go on a humanitarian mission. We went with a group called ‘Smiles for Nicaragua’. There were dentists and pre-dental students that came and helped the missionaries and nurses to clean ears! I helped give x-rays, did paper work, went to hearing clinics, went to a women’s hospital and gave clothes and stuff for their newborns.

“They were so cute and the mothers were so happy what we brought them. Also, they were so happy that we were there to help them and be with them. I’ve never seen so much gratitude! We went to a cancer hospital which was very meaningful to see all the little kids and we handed out toys, which they have never seen in their lives before.

“It’s so sad to see the way they live, but it is so rewarding at the same time. Their lifestyle is crazy and probably so hard to live, but they accept it. Then we went to the villages that were out of the city and there was a lot of poverty trash everywhere you looked, mud houses, people bathing in the river, even if you had a stick house you were rich.

“So, practically I feel like a God living in the US. Now that I have been back I appreciate things a lot more. The people that live there are amazing and wonderful examples to me. They are the happiest people I know but the poorest at the same time, which shows that money is not going to make you any happier. I think every student should go on a trip like this. It will change ‘you’ for the best. I know that service is the best thing you can do and it will make you the happiest!”

Kristine had an amazing experience, and it would be good for teens to take some time out of the stressful life of school, family and friends, and serve others. They don’t need to go to a 3rd-world country, but at least help those in need, nearby. It is so sad to see people so many people that live in America, take everything they have for granted. Many people need to realize how blessed they are for all that they have. People in places like Nicaragua, or any 3rd-world country for that matter, hardly have anything. There are people around the world who barely have any food to eat daily, or any kind of shelter over their heads or clothing.

Thanks to Kristine, everyone was able to get a feel for the lifestyle of the people and families in places like Nicaragua.

Hockey team hopes to increase student support

by Tyler Christensen

Many of Timpanogos’s sports teams have had good seasons this year, but the success of our hockey is a well-kept secret. Compared to the football and soccer games, the attendance for hockey games is relatively low. However, their performance certainly doesn’t suffer from lack of spectators.

They play home games at the Peaks Ice Arena in Provo, but they play just as well even at their away games. The team has a high reputation to live up to as well. “We’ve been in the final four for the last four years,” says Ryan Kepo’o, a junior, who is the team’s official caption.

So far, they are living up to the reputation. Out of the ten games they’ve played, they’ve only lost one game, leading to a 90% winning percentage. Individual player stats are impressive as well, says Kepo’o. “Our goalie [Josh Van Dyke] only has five goals scored on him all year.”

The success of the team may have something to do with the players’ love of the game. “Everything is good about the hockey team,” says John Killen, a junior. “There is nothing bad.”

Supporting the hockey team is easier this year than ever. Many of their games are held on Friday or Saturday evenings, making them easy for homework-laden students to addend. And because the school refuses to accept them as an official school team, they began an official Hockey Club for people to voice their enthusiasm for the team.

“We get some official recognition from the school because of the hockey club,” says Dennison Conger, a junior. “The school won’t let us be an official team. We just play hockey.”

As a result of the team’s lack of official recognition, the school doesn’t announce their schedules or results. “We don’t ever get on the announcements,” says Conger.

Hockey is well known for its fights, but the Timpanogos hockey team’s slate is surprisingly clean. After one game, in which the team wiped away the competition 8 to 3, the opposing team’s players tried to start an argument. “They tried to start a fight with us after most of the Varsity players had left,” reports Josh Van Dyke. “The Provo City Police had to come split us up.”

The team hopes more students will come out to the Arena to support them in the future. The captain says that there aren’t a ton of people that come to the games, though there are some. Conger thinks this is one of the worst things about playing on the team, saying “We have a really small crowd, but we love them and wish more people would come to the games.”

There are still many chances to attend a game, and chances are high that Timpanogos will win those next few games. At their next home game on January 24th, the team will play Juan Diego at the Peaks Ice Arena. The team loves the support of students at their games, so any student looking for something to fill their evening should go to the Peaks Arena to support the team.

For more information about the hockey team or their schedule, check TimpanogosHockey.com or talk to one of the 20-plus members of the official hockey club.

Winter sports enjoying record season of snow

by Michael Lanham

As one of the wettest months on record, December dumped enough snow to finally push snowboard and ski resorts into full gear. Most resorts have all of their lifts operating, and most now provide access to every run. Even Sundance, a relatively small, low-elevation resort, has been having amazing success.

It just goes to show that if there’s snow down here, there’s definitely snow up there. (Thankfully, this matches up with common sense.)

Summer was great while it lasted, but now that Autumn’s over it’s time to really let the fun begin. The snow is calling, and Timpanogos students are getting great reception, although they often have to leave school to answer the beckoning of the great snowy slopes. And answer they do, by strapping on their gear, slipping into snug snow attire, and calling out a cheery hello to their snowbound neighbors as they fire up the engine and fishtail down the road. If they manage to beat the snow, the wind, and the cold, they’ll be ready for another amazing day on the mountain.

Timberwolf Times interviewed a number of students to see what they have to say about their experiences on the slopes.

Jesse Hardy, junior, has skied for most of his life. He hits the slopes just about every day. “My favorite resorts are Alta and Sundance,” he says. “My favorite style of riding is some sick ‘pow,’ but also a little jibe session every now and then.”

Jordan Fisher is a senior who skis and snowboards. “I’ve actually only been to Alta and Sundance,” he says. “I like Alta a little bit better though, for the snow and mountain. Sundance is good if it just barely has snowed, (but) the powder is a joke. Also, Sundance gets really crowded, so watch out for the beginners. Alta is good for skiing; the powder is great.”

Senior Nate Last likes to go to Sundance. “It’s not the greatest resort out there…but in the right conditions, it is the greatest resort out there.”

Kim Taylor, senior, says, “I love powder! I go on boxes and picnic tables and do some jumps, but nothing crazy.” She snowboards at Canyons and would recommend it to other students, although she adds that it’s “okay if none of them go there. They can leave the resort empty for me.”

Clearly, winter sports are popular among many students at THS.

Cell phone laws won’t prevent student texting

by Devan Almquist

It wasn’t long ago that people did not need constant access to telephones. They did not need to be constantly chatting with their BFF’s, or LOL-ing, even in the middle of school. OMG this is ridiculous. WTH are you doing with your life that you need to spend so much time on your phone, during class?

At least that is what Representative Sheryl Allen is saying. Allen (R-Bountiful) is trying to pass a law that would require school districts to have electronic policies. Basically she is saying that school districts in Utah will HAVE to have rules about cell phones and other electronic devices. As of right now, it is up to the districts to decide whether or not to have rules governing electronic devices.

Allen says, when asked about the law, “Yes, children need them for safety … and parents (want) to have confidence in knowing they can communicate. But no, it cannot be a distraction in the education process.”

Madelyn Connor, junior, says, “I use my phone during school a lot. I can’t stand not talking to my friends, plus I have it in case of an emergency.”

Alpine School District, including Timpanogos, has a rule stating that cell phones have to be shut off during class time or other school activities, and also are not allowed in restrooms or locker rooms. So while the rule will not force Alpine School District to change their policy, it may encourage them to make it stricter.

ROFL. If Allen thinks that these policies will change the use of cell phones and other electric devices in school than she must be looking at different schools than the ones around here. This law will be a joke. Students are so good at texting they can do it under desks, in their pockets, or even in their backpacks. The only way they are going to get cell phones wiped out during class are to not allow them in class at all. As in, searching backpacks and clothes so kid’s can’t sneak them in. However, this is currently illegal to do, so for the moment it looks as though cell phones are here to stay.

Justin Nickle, junior, says, “I think that people are crazy to think cell phones are going to go away. It’s not hard to hide it from teachers, and some teachers don’t even care.”
Many students at Timpanogos openly admit to texting or using cell phones in some way during class.

Gregory Gardner, junior, says, “I use my phone to take pictures of the notes in class. That way I don’t have to copy them down. I don’t use them during tests or anything, just to study off of.”

IDK why people are getting their panties in a knot, obviously a rule like the one that’s being put into effect isn’t going to do much, so why all the controversy? A silly law such as this is not going to keep cell phones from being used, so why make it?

Resolutions for a new year

by Brad Fullmer

Over 75 percent of Americans make one or more New Year’s resolutions, over half of which fail.

People set these goals as they look optimistically upon a new year. It is a chance to start fresh and break old habits in order to lead a better life.

The problem with setting New Year’s resolutions is that people are habitual creatures. Breaking an old lifestyle habit will be hard. Some aren’t prepared for the challenges, and when they arise their common response is to give up.

The most popular of these goals involve saving money, losing weight and balancing work and family.

When asked about setting a resolution in 2008, Corry Shurtliff, senior, said, “I want to save more money, stop spending when I don’t need to… I’m preparing to move out and life takes money.” Corry says that he intends to stick to it and said, ” Its early in the year, I have not faltered but I have not done much.”

Ginger Gorno says that she will not be setting a resolution this year, “I just cant stick to anything.”

Tatiana Flores, senior, said, “I tend to hold grudges, I want to work on being less stubborn this year. “As far as sticking to it she said, “I think that I’m on track so far… We will see!”

For everyone who is trying to achieve a New Year’s resolution, here are some tips for doing so.

Be committed to your goal. Create a plan of how you are going to achieve it. One way of doing this is to break your overall resolution into smaller, easier to attain goals, that way you stay motivated and it doesn’t seem so intimidating.

Another way to stay motivated is by tracking your progress. Celebrating how far you’ve come every week or two will keep your spirits high. However, doing so too often will usually end in frustration.

Tell your friends about your New Year’s resolution. No goal is easily attained alone. Use other people as a source of support. If someone you know has the same goal, go in on it together and keep each other motivated.

Most of all, be prepared for setbacks and challenges. Don’t let them discourage you. Creating a list of reasons why you want to reach the goal will help you get back on track if you happen to come to a roadblock.

Whether it’s losing weight or getting good grades throughout the year, you can achieve it, just stay the course. You can do anything this year!

Working the System: Easy “A”

by Ben Olsen

Believe it or students can get the grade they want without putting in the required work. Everyone knows there are certain classes at Timpanogos High School where getting an A requires as much work as going to class and saying that you did the assignment.

Chris Atkin said, “There are some classes where I don’t have any homework at all.”

Whether it’s extra credit or test retakes, most classes have ways that the students can achieve the grade they want without doing the initial work. If the combination of the right teacher and the right class is present, there are some classes, come the last week of the term, where any student can have a F and be able to raise the grade up to a B. Maybe with luck an A is possible. Even though there are some classes where there is nothing to do except the work, for the most part there are a lot of little things students can do to improve their grade at the last second. Here are some techniques students can use to improve their grade:

One of these techniques, even though it is abused by students, is going in after school and talking with the teachers. Oftentimes this is the one thing that makes the biggest difference. The key, however, is not to go during the last week of the term but rather go in around mid-term, and again a couple weeks before the term ends. The reason this works is because it puts the teacher under the impression that the particular student is coming in to learn rather than to just raise their grade as much as possible. Then a couple of weeks later, the student can express their displeasure with their grade and then kindly ask the teacher what they can do to improve it. Since the teacher thinks that the student’s effort doesn’t reflect their grade they will do what they have to do to give the student the grade that they think the student deserves.

Another thing to do is try to connect with the teacher. Whether it is a certain sport that the student and teacher have in common or a hobby that both of them enjoy, try to find this connection and then apply it to the teacher. Talk about it with them. If the teacher feels they have a relationship with any student, then they are more likely willing to work with that student to improve their grade. The reason this is so successful is because if the student-teacher connection; they see a part of the student in themselves.

Last but certainly not least, the teachers weaknesses can be found and used to the students advantage. Some teachers are unorganized, and others can’t remember everything. No teacher is perfect, and once their flaws are identified, they can be exploited. The reason this works is because deep down the teacher realizes that the student may know what is going on better than they actually do. The key is to not abuse this because eventually the teacher is going to get mad.

With all of these things combined, any student should be able to get the grade that they desire. High School teachers are not heartless robots, and if appealed to, they will cater to the student’s goals and desires. Now there are some classes, albeit few, where these techniques will not pull through; students will just have to do the work.

Josh Haslem, senior, said, “I wish there was a way for me to get out of doing my English homework.”

The only thing that would help a student out here is if he were to take working the system to the next level and attempt to beat the system. Good luck with that…