The Devils' Advocate - Grand County School District

Grand County High School

Moab, Utah

October 2007

The Devils’ Advocate -FREE-

Number 33 (Volume 5 Issue 2)

-FREE-

History teacher Hal Adams named Utah Teacher of the Year GCHS history teacher Hal Adams was named the Utah Teacher of the Year at a banquet held in Salt Lake City on Oct. 5. Adams, who was named Grand County School District’s teacher of the year back in June, was one of 40 teachers honored statewide by their respective school districts. Twentytwo of those teachers attended the banquet. Although Adams knew he was one of seven finalists, he didn’t expect to win the top award. “I’ve been fortunate to have been surrounded by great teachers and administrators,” said Mr. Adams. “I feel like I’m a player on an all-star team.”

Adams has taught for 17 years, including the past seven years at GCHS, where he teaches U.S. History, debate, and driver education. He has helped coach the Red Devils to three state debate championships over the past five years, and runner-up the other two years. Adams said one of the nicest things about winning the award was that he was accompanied by his father Clemont Adams, a retired educator who was once named Teacher of the Year for Iron County. “That was the nice thing about it,” said Hal Adams. “Having my dad there with me, and to see the joy that it brought him.”

Aron Ralston speaks to captive audience at GCHS By Cori Santos Noted adventurer Aron Ralston spoke at the GCHS auditorium on Oct. 1, recounting his remarkable story of survival and addressing wilderness issues. An estimated 250 people attended the twohour event, which was a fundraiser for event sponsor Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA). Ralston is the author of the book Between a Rock and a Hard Place, which tells the story of his experience in late April of 2003 in Bluejohn Canyon (near the Horseshoe Canyon section of Canyonlands National Park), where he was forced to amputate his lower right arm in order to survive. The beginning and ending portions of Ralston’s presentation focused mainly on SUWA’s efforts to protect the wildlands and the flora and fauna that Utah has to offer. He spoke passionately about the local wildlife and the beautiful scenery, including Native American ruins and petroglyphs. Ralston also spoke of respecting our surroundings, and said that respect is important not only for us but for future generations. He also encouraged audience members to get politically involved regarding the issue of off-road vehicle usage in potential wilderness areas. Throughout Ralston’s presentation, whether he was speaking about protecting public lands or his ordeal in Bluejohn Canyon, he was high-spirited and was constantly joking and smiling. It wasn’t until midway through his talk that he spoke of his six-day ordeal in Bluejohn Canyon, but it was obvious how excited the audience was to hear his story first-hand. As he began speaking of that experience, he first acknowledged that he major mistakes and realizes now what he should have done differently, but the fact remains he didn’t. Ralston used a slide show to help document his ordeal, including a heart-wrenching photo of himself trapped by the 800-lb. boulder that had pinned his arm

against the canyon wall. He spoke of his options and said he thought that selfamputation would be his last resort. Ralston also spoke of losing hope and making a goodbye video that he hoped would be taken to his family once his body was found. He told the audience about multiple out-of-body experiences and the things that gave him the drive to subsist. He made it clear that it was love for his family that ultimately drove him to the tough decision of cutting off his own arm. “No matter how bad it got for me, it was going to be a lot worse for my parents and sister,” he said, adding that thinking of his family enabled him to remain calm and “self-amputate with a smile on my face.” “Pow! Pow!” he blurted into the microphone as the audience cringed. He was describing the sound of his own arm bones being broken against the leverage he’d applied against the rock. He then told how he sawed through the flesh of his lower arm using a dull multipurpose tool, after applying a tourniquet. Ralston then told of the euphoria he felt immediately after freeing himself. But he wasn’t done yet – he still needed to rappel down 60 feet and hike over five miles before being found by a couple of hikers and flown by a rescue helicopter to the hospital in Moab. Throughout his ordeal, Ralston suffered dehydration, pain, hunger, freezing temperatures, and blood loss. He even joked about being on the “Bluejohn Diet,” during which he lost 45 pounds in a week. But Ralston said his difficult ordeal was the best thing that has ever happened to him. “I was given a second life,” he noted. “Life is short. Experience it. Appreciate it.” Following his presentation, Ralston was thanked with a standing ovation. He then signed copies of his book and posed for pictures in the school’s commons area afterward.

GCHS Principal Stephen Hren, who also accompanied Mr. Adams to the event, said, “I would not have missed the banquet. I had a strong feeling that Mr. Adams was going to win.” “With today’s role models usually coming from professional sports or the film industry, it is great to see that we have a true role model in our midst like Mr. Adams,” Mr. Hren added. “He does a tremendous job for our school and community. Thank you, Mr. Adams.” “I’m happy for Mr. Adams,” said student and debater Sam Webster. “He has done a lot for our school through debate as well as his classes and has helped me in my personal education over the past four years.” In addition to a $10,000 check from the Utah State Office of Education, Mr. Adams will receive a new computer, an electronic smart board for his classroom, a wireless microphone system, and other prizes.

Lopez wins state tennis title GCHS senior Emily Lopez won the Utah high school tennis title on Oct. 1, becoming the first female tennis player in school history to win the 2A state championship. Lopez upset the No. 1 seeded Jenn Mijer of St. Joseph’s, 76 (7-4), 6-2 in second singles at Salt Lake City’s Liberty Park to take the title. Lopez’s victory marked the first time in more than 11 years that anyone from the Southern Region has reached the state championship and won. GCHS senior Dailey Haren also took third place in her division in the state tournament. The Lady Devils placed third overall in the tournament, behind Rowland Hall-St. Mark’s and St. Joseph’s, who finished in a tie for first.

Sterling Scholars chosen

Twelve senior students have recently been selected to represent Grand County High School in the Sterling Scholar academic competition. According to the group’s adviser Melissa Meldrum, the GCHS Sterling Scholars for 2007-08 are: Sam Webster (English), Alyssa Mulligan (Science), Tessie Graham (General Scholarship), Dailey Haren (Art), Daniel Clyde (Speech and Drama), Brittney Tibbetts (Social Science), Dayton Minor (Math), Madeline Savarese (Foreign Language), Alyson Lema (Family and Consumer Science), Robyn Dickerson (Music), Jessica Colyar (Business and Marketing), and Jacob Tatton (Trade and Technology). The students have already begun assembling their portfolios and will be preparing for the competition, which will take place in the spring.

Table of Contents News.............................................1,3 Opinion....................................2 Sports .............................4-5 News,Features....................................6-7 BackBurner...................................8

Page 2

OPINION

Sam’s Column

By Sam Webster Some people live by the rationale that rules were made to be broken. Some people find it perfectly acceptable to bend or break minor rules, such as speed limits or stop signs. Other people find it acceptable to commit heinous acts of hatred towards other humans. You can’t pick and choose the rules you break and the rules you follow; our society is all or nothing. To say rules were made to be broken is like saying clothes were made so we could be naked. Countless times do we have people in our society today breaking the rules and dodging the punishments. It seems as though, over time, it has become morally acceptable to break a rule, so long as you have the ability to weasel your way out of being punished for your infringement. Our lawyers defend the guilty, our prisons allow bail, and our children soak it all up every night in front of the evening news. What kind of message are adults sending ahead of them by challenging rules that all must abide by? I can see why the level of insubordination in every incoming freshman class has risen dramatically. This acceptable rule-breaking has led us to believe that the mature thing to do when one has committed a crime is to object to it and shift the blame elsewhere. When a mature adult stands beside a student and defends them for breaking a rule, I no longer have respect for that adult as a role model in society. Our school has one rule that is continually broken: if a student isn’t in class, on time, on a game day, that student does not participate in their extracurricular for that day. Since we’ve been shown by our superiors that infringements are acceptable if one won’t get punished, we kids find nothing wrong with coming to class late or not at all. There is always some excuse to be had, and if that excuse is given to what we believe to be a “mature” adult, they’ll take it hook, line, and sinker. It’s normal to see a student argue against this rule, using every excuse they can muster up. A more unorthodox sight, however, is to see an adult leader attack the rule. The level of maturity in many adults still baffles me. I was surprised to find that our school has had coaches attack this elementary rule. I would expect adults, specifically adults in positions of leadership, to accept and respect the rules placed upon them by society. I would want my leader to recognize the necessity of these rules and repress their selfish emotions for the greater good. While some might not think a punishment is “for the greater good,” what you have to look at is the exemplary situation. Our school rarely catches the kids who break this rule, but when we do catch a rule breaker, we are obligated to punish him or her. The punishment serves as an example to other students who break the rule and get off without a hitch. Now that we have allowed coaches to argue against the rule and ultimately overturn the rightful administrator’s decision, we are essentially announcing to our students that the rule has lost its merit. I do my best to respect the rules of our school when few others will. I understand that some rules are unjust, and I do not think less of people who argue against them. But when our rules that are set in place to secure and protect something as basic and vital as education, I see a necessity to preserve them.

Thoughts on work crew ...

Dear Editor: I have some concerns about work crew for all kids in the court system or on probation. I think it’s ridiculous that all the kids who’ve gotten into trouble for different reasons all have to make up for their crime in some way. I do believe that kids should give back to their community, but in a way that relates to his or her crime. For example, if a person has stolen or littered, then picking up trash or working in the stores or buildings in which they stole from would be an appropriate punishment, But others may have been caught smoking, drinking, taking drugs, or even grand theft. Sometimes detention would be the answer and will teach a lesson, but at the same time the juveniles make up for it in the following ways. Possible punishments could be drug court, random urine testing, finding some way to pay for the car if it was totaled or damaged. There are other punishments to compensate for besides cleaning trash up on the highway, such as cleaning up a church parking lot. But some people don’t believe in the church or in God, and not all kids go to church. If their crime is graffiti on a church, then it would be okay for them to involve the churches in work crew, but having to do it just as something to have hours for is ridiculous. In conclusion, I think that work crew managers should find better ways to help the community, and not involve the church if it’s not necessary. Samantha Denney

School should start later ...

Dear Editor: I am in strong support of the idea that this school’s starting hours should be moved to 9 a.m. This new schedule would allow students to get the sleep we need. Once we get to school we need to be ready to learn. Too many times do we have kids simply slipping off to sleep in the middle of class. We can easily stop this. I have read that the release of melatonin, the hormone that makes you sleepy, is greatly affected during adolescence. In adults, it is released around 10 p.m. For us teens, it gets kicked back to around 1 a.m. To me, that means that we need our sleep hours to start around then. There are more benefits to starting school later. It would allow more time in the morning between waking up and getting to school. This time can be used to eat breakfast and finish up homework. We have all heard that your brain needs food in the morning, and I know that I never have the time to eat a good breakfast in the morning. So I strongly support a new school schedule that would benefit student health and performance. Ian Buckingham

Ask the Devils

Reject vouchers, vote against Referendum 1 on Nov. 6

By Cori Santos Utah is buzzing, and not because we are the Beehive State. The debate over school vouchers is flooding teachers lounges, and public service announcements crowd the airwaves. If you haven’t heard yet, it is a big deal. The voucher issue, or Referendum 1 as it is called on the Nov. 6 statewide ballot, is a plan involving public tax money for private schools. Proponents say that vouchers will make it possible for Utah’s public schools to spend more per pupil in public schools as more kids head towards private school while cashing in on the vouchers. However, a large percentage of people don’t think that this is how it will pan out. I’m sure many of you have heard slogans such as, “Vote AGAINST Referendum 1, Full of Flaws. Fails Utah Families,” and “Vote For 1. It’s The One Thing You Can Do For Utah Kids.” I disagree with voucher proponents; I don’t think vouchers will serve our schools in any positive way. By voting against Referendum 1, we are stopping a possible diversion of hundreds of millions of tax dollars from public schools. Utah is already last in the nation in per pupil spending, and I think by installing vouchers we are taking a seriously unnecessary risk. The “Vote For 1” campaign has used name-calling and union bashing as a way to get their point across, saying things such as “Why are they (the unions) kicking and screaming against a reasonable, proven and affordable solution for improving education in Utah?” and “Why are the unions so scared to simpy (that’s right folks simpy) allow parents every educational choice possible for their kids?”. Why should I take them seriously when they can’t even spell words like “simply” correctly, in their campaign fliers? I just simply cannot do that. (And I even spelled it correctly). I strongly urge all Grand County students, teachers, parents and residents to educate themselves on this topic, take a stand, and vote. If you don’t vote you don’t earn the right to complain, so take pride in your rights and “ simpy” vote AGAINST Referendum 1.

In favor of off-campus lunch

Dear Editor: I think that school lunch should be allowed off campus. Students should not have to have a note to leave every day. I think there should be a permission slip given to students at the beginning of the year, then the students who have parental permission can be given an offcampus lunch pass for all year. It is ridiculous to have a note every single day. I think many other students would support me in this, and probably also many parents. I hope you take this letter into consideration and support my opinion. Curtis Lovato

by Abi Taylor

What are your plans for Halloween?

Questions? Comments? Criticism? Send an e-mail to [email protected]

The Devils’ Advocate Got something to say? Send us an e-mail at [email protected]

“Nothing. Dressing up is for girly-men.”

Perry Houck, junior

“I don’t know.”

Ethan Kelley, freshman

“I’m going to dress up like Gene Simmons and plummage groups of small children for their candy.” TJ Revas, junior

“I’m dressing up, but I can’t say what yet. You’ll have to see on Halloween.”

“Trick-or-Treating, most definitely.”

Ariah Pierce, freshman

Jessica Colyar, senior

SCHOOL NEWS

Page 3 ‘Guys and Dolls’ to hit stage Nov. 15-17 By Sheena Stucki GCHS drama’s fall production this year is Guys and Dolls: A Musical Fable of Broadway. The play will be showing Nov. 15-17 at 7 p.m. each night in the high school auditorium. Starring in the play are Mike Nelson, Sheena Stucki, Daniel Clyde, and Abi Taylor, all seniors. The play opens with Nathan Detroit (Daniel Clyde) who runs an underground craps game in New York City. In his constant efforts to stay ahead of the law and his fiancée Miss Adelaide (Abi Taylor), he finds a place for the next game but lacks the $1,000 needed to rent it. Sky Masterson (Mike Nelson), an infamous gambler, becomes Nathan’s target for a bet, which Nathan is sure he can’t lose. Nathan bets Sky $1,000 that Sky can’t take Sgt. Sarah Brown (Sheena Stucki), of the Salvation Army, to Havana with him the next day for dinner. Sgt. Brown is doing her best to run her mission, but just can’t seem to be reaching the sinners of New

York. Threatened with the possibility of her mission being closed, she accepts Sky’s invitation on condition that he must supply one dozen sinners for Thursday’s prayer meeting. On their return from an unforgettable experience at El Café Cubana, Sky and Sarah find Nathan and the craps players just exiting the mission building, where they were holding a game. Sarah becomes angry at Sky, thinking that the whole thing was his plan, and Adelaide becomes angry at Nathan for skipping out on their elopement for the game. Over a course of ups and downs, twists, and misunderstandings the play ends at the wedding of Miss Adelaide and Nathan and a final rendition by the whole cast. The play promises to be another success under the direction of Maralee Francis. The cast thanks to Maralee, Stacey Garrett, Chris Holyoak and all other parents and volunteers who are helping to make this production possible. A special thank you is also extended to Fran Townsend for playing the piano during many long practices and past plays.

Debaters to hit the road again

By Dayton Minor For Grand High’s debate team, debaters are getting ready for the season to begin. On Oct. 24, they are sending a number of debaters, with a focus on underclassmen, to a Student Congress tournament at Jordan High School; this will give debaters with less experience a jump start on this year’s rather packed debate season, said head coach Hal Adams. The tournament at Jordan will have competitors from all over Utah there to find out who is the best “congressman” in the state. The Red Devil debate team, which has won the 2A state tournament the last two years, is also preparing to sent 29 students to go compete on the national level in Chicago, at the Glenbrooks Speech and Debate tournament. Those participating in that tournament will leave via train on Thursday, Nov. 15 and will be competing on Nov. 17-18 before returning to Moab.

Sadie Hawkins is Oct. 30

Girls, hurry and find your dates! This year’s Sadie Hawkins dance will be held the night of Tuesday, Oct. 30. There is no school that day because of the UEA statewide conference. According to organizer Ashlyn Walston, the dance is scheduled to last from 7:30 to 10 p.m. in the schools’ commons area. Dress is casual and/or western theme. Girls, be sure to buy matching shirts for you and your date! Admission charges will be as follows: the girls will pay for their dates at a rate of 10 cents per lb. ($20 maximum), with no additional charge for the girls themselves.

FCCLA club goes on retreat

Left: Chandra Christensen leads youngsters in rock-and-roll themed dance for Junior Drill. Right: Kandace Hugentobler waits between songs.

Devilettes drill team going strong The Devilettes of Grand County High School have had an eventful and exciting year already. The drill team’s members include Taylor Flanders, Mina Frandsen, Ariah Pierce, Tia Bates, Sami Colyar, Gabby Sanchez, Chandra Christensen, Jessica Carrigan, Tanisha Erb, Shyla Briese, co-captain Kandace Hugentobler, co-captain Mikayla Parriott and captain Jessica Colyar. Melissa Parriott is the drill team’s adviser and Jordan Keogh is the manager. The Devilettes started the season by going to Basic Dance Training, which is a superior dance camp that the top high school teams in the state attend. The drill team has already performed multiple times this year at football games, school assemblies and other events for the community. The Junior Drill performance at the halftime of the football game on Sept. 16 was definitely an exciting one, with many little smiles running around the school for a week. The Devilettes would like to

thank all the participants and their parents for helping to make the performance run smoothly. Our drill team has quite a full schedule planned for this year including a possible five competitions, basketball games, school assemblies, performances with Sounds Grand, and hopefully another state football game. The team is really excited for the upcoming year and all the new and fresh ideas for competition dances. Captain Jessica Colyar says, “This is definitely one of the strongest and most naturally talented teams we’ve had and I only see good things in our future.” Come and support the sports at GCHS and remember to also cheer for the Devilettes as they perform at school events and competitions throughout the rest of the year. With enough support from the community, any team at Grand County High School can be successful.

By Sunday Degraw The FCCLA club’s retreat took place on Thursday, Oct. 11. Club members took a hike up Moonflower trail and did a couple of leadership activities, like the spider web (pictured above). In the spider web, you have to get every member of your group from one side to the other without touching the web. It took lots of teamwork and planning, but we got all nine members over. When we reached the end of the trail we listened to a guest speaker, Kathey McNeely, talk about bullying and how to prevent it at a young age. A few of our members are doing a bullying prevention project at Red Rock Elementary, so hearing her talk gave them some good ideas. All in all, it was a great leadership activity and definitely fun.

Page 4

SPORTS

Football team wins season finale, eyes playoffs Golfers take 8th at state The GCHS football team beat Academy 49-14, while last year’s state South Sevier 20-9 on Oct. 12 to champion San Juan beat Gunnison end their regular season with a 334-22. Next weekend’s quarterfinal 2 record (5-4 overall). Later that games are Manti at Grand, San Juan evening, Richfield defeated San at North Summit, Juab at Millard, and Juan in overtime at Blanding, Richfield at South Summit. which created a three-way tie At South Sevier Oct. 12, Grand for second place in the 2A South trailed 9-7 at the half. “We got the ball region. A coin flip was held the to within one inch of the goal line, but next morning, and Grand ended up they stopped us, and came back to winning the No. 2 playoff seed and kick a field goal as time expired in earning a first-round bye. the first half,” Wells said, adding, “If GCHS coach Dennis Wells said we’d have made it in the end zone we he used the same lucky quarter would have had a 14-6 halftime lead he’d used two years ago when instead of being behind.” Grand earned the No. 1 playoff Grand struggled with penalties and seed after finishing in a three-way mental mistakes in the first half, but in tie for first along with Manti and the second half, it was the Rams who Juab. “It worked well for us two made several costly errors, including years ago, and it worked for us back-to-back penalties for roughing again,” he said. the kicker (punter Dallen Dalton). Richfield earned the No.3 seed “We ended up not having to punt and San Juan was No. 4. Derick Eddy carries the ball during earlier that possession, and Derick Eddy Red Devils will face Manti season loss to San Juan Sept. 28. scored on a 29-yard run to end that (maybe Beaver) in the quarterfinals drive,” Wells said. at Moab on Friday, Oct. 26. The game time is at 5 p.m. Grand held a 13-9 lead late in the third and early in the Wells said the earlier time was chosen so as to minimize fourth, when South Sevier came up empty-handed after conflict with the ACT test, scheduled for Saturday having a first-and-goal situation on the five-yard line. The morning Oct. 27 from 8 a.m. to noon. Red Devils managed to hold the Rams on four straight “We want the kids to not have to worry about playing plays, and Grand took over the ball on the one-yard line. a football game while they’re taking that test, which is A few plays later, Grand made it 99 yards to the other end important,” he said. zone, thanks to a breakout 52-yard run by Clay Cowan Richfield and San Juan both had to play inter-region to midfield, followed by another big run by quarterback games against the fifth- and sixth-place 2A North schools Gordon Garrett, who scored his second rushing TD of the the weekend of Oct. 19-20 in order to advance to the game from 35 yards out to put the Devils comfortably quarterfinals. Richfield defeated American Leadership ahead, 20-9. Garrett had 144 yards rushing.

Lady Devils’ volleyball season ends

The GCHS volleyball team ended its regular season with a match on Oct. 16 at San Juan. The Broncos defeated the Lady Devils in three games. The previous week, the Lady Devils nearly beat top-ranked Richfield, losing to the Wildcats in five games at Moab, 19-25, 25-10, 25-13, 1625, 15-8. Freshman Shelby Dalton had 27 kills and Sara Hirschfeld (pictured at left going for a dig) had 24 assists in the losing effort. The Lady Devils finished with a 3-6 record in Region 12, and will go to the playoffs as the fifthplace team from that region. The 2A state tournament will be held at Utah Valley University in Orem Oct. 26-27. Good luck at state, girls!

The Red Devil golf team finished eighth out of 14 teams at the 2A state tournament held Oct. 1-2 at the Soldier Hollow golf courses at Midway. Rowland Hall-St. Mark’s was the runaway winner with a total score of 616, an astounding 50 strokes better than second-place Beaver. Grand finished with a total of 707 over the two-day tournament. “What’s interesting is that everyone shot better the second day, even though that was on a harder course,” said GCHS coach Steve Hazlett. “Our team had the potential to play better, but we just didn’t,” added Hazlett. The Red Devils won the state 2A title last year. The top four scorers for Grand at state were Jordan Martin (83-80, 163); Ben Copeland (83-90, 173); Kristyon Saunders (97-85, 182); and Colby Wimmer (98-91, 189). Also participating for Grand at state were Jacob Tatton and Levi Sjoblom. Coach Hazlett said the team missed the presence of senior Chase Pruitt, who injured his leg in an accident before the season began and wasn’t able to play this year.

Red Devils at region: Jacob Tatton, Ben Copeland, Levi Sjoblom, Kristyon Saunders, Colby Wimmer, and Jordan Martin.

Page 5

SPORTS

Soccer loses in playoffs

The GCHS girls soccer team concluded their year with a 2-1 playoff loss to American Leadership Academy at Spanish Fork on Oct. 10. Senior Emily Lopez scored the Lady Devils’ only goal of the game in the first half. The Lady Devils’ regular season ended the week before, with a 3-0 win over South Sevier Oct. 2, followed by a 5-0 home loss to the undefeated Millard Eagles Oct. 4. Against Millard, the Lady Devils managed just nine shots during the game, two of which were on goal. Senior goalie Robyn Dickerson had 20 saves. “We gave it our all and played them really well,” said senior Grace Tyler. Captains Tyler and Brittney Tibbetts would like to thank their coaches for the help and support through their season. In the South Sevier game (above photo), sophomore Britney Clark (far left) got her 11th goal of the year to give the Devils a 1-0 advantage at halftime. Tibbetts got the Devils’ second goal of the game on an assist by Clark, and freshman Drew Camps, assisted by senior Grace Tyler, got the credit for the last goal. Dickerson had five saves and posted her fifth shutout of the season. The Lady Devils finished their season with a 7-8 overall record, including 7-7 in region play and a fifth-place finish in Region 12. Leading the way in scoring for the Lady Devils this year were Clark (11 goals) Tibbetts (10), Camps (nine), and Tyler (seven).

Girls XC team takes second in region, third in state

Region runners-up: Sheena Stucki, Laci Dolphin, Caitlyn Howe, Jamie Lamb, Ivy Hazlett, Audrey Baird, Hayley Knouff, and Dayna VanArsdol.

The Grand County High girls cross-country team took second place overall at the regional meet Oct. 9 at Salina. The girls were paced by junior Dayna VanArsdol, who placed first overall with a time of 20:31. Joining her in qualifying for the state meet in Salt Lake’s Sugarhouse Park Oct. 17 were teammates Audrey Baird, Laci Dolphin, Caitlyn Howe, Hayley Knouff, and Sheena Stucki. North Sevier was the region winner, but Grand placed ahead of San Juan, Richfield, and Manti. The GCHS boys team took a respectable fifth place at region, just one point behind San Juan. Charlie Schildt was the sole state qualifier for the Red Devil boys, placing in the top 10 at region with a time of 18:37. The team was given an enthusiastic send-off after school on Oct. 16, the day before the state meet.

At state, the GCHS girls placed third overall as a team, with VanArsdol being the top finisher with a personalrecord time of 20:05. Stucki (21:35) finished 13th, Lamb (23:17) was 34th, Knouff (23:37) was 36th, Dolphin (25:27) was 47th, and Howe (28:54) was 56th. VanArsdol ended up being 57th overall out of 464 runners for all schools (5A through 1A), and the Grand girls team was 37th of 64 complete Utah teams. Schildt did well in the boys race, taking 24th overall out of 68 runners with a personal-best time of 18:28. “Great job by all. Thank you for a great season,” said GCHS coach Bernie Radcliffe, who has announced he is retiring from teaching at the end of the current school year. “I will miss all of you.”

Page 6

NEWS and FEATURES

Movie review: 3:10 to Yuma

By Kortnee Graff Premiering in theaters on Sept. 7, the movie 3:10 to Yuma is a western story of a bandit and a rancher trying to turn the former in to the authorities. It is based on the short story by Elmore Leonard. One-legged Dan Evans (Christian Bale) is a settler in Arizona during post-Civil War times. His children are sick or unruly, he is in debt to a loan shark, and now the railroad is coming, passing him by. The drought is taking his crops and he is getting desperate for some good luck, when the loan shark burns down his barn. After he tries to appease the lender, he gets a drink in the local tavern, and meets the notorious Ben Wade (Russell Crowe). Perceptive and cunning, Wade intrigues Evans. During their meeting, the sheriff arrests Wade, and employs Evans in helping them get Wade to the prison in Yuma. From there, it’s a battle of wits between Wade, with the help of his band of cronies, and Evans, with a group of five guards. Throughout the movie, we see more and more about Wade and Evans; how they think, how they react. In the story, Wade reminded me of Hannibal Lecter, in that even though he kills people, he has this strict doctrine of rules. Break a rule, and you are dead; and most likely in a painful way if it’s a big rule. Another great actor in this movie is one of Wade’s cronies, Charlie Prince (Ben Foster). He was genius, loyal, and passionate in his role. One of the few recent westerns, 3:10 to Yuma is a movie which I advocate highly.

Teacher profile: Nick Jeffries

By Ivy Hazlett Nicholas Ray Jeffries is the new Physics/Integrated Earth Science teacher here at GCHS. He was born 26 years ago in Oregon and grew up with the girl who eventually became his wife, Alisa Jeffries, who is teaching science at the middle school. The newlyweds will be celebrating their first anniversary next March. When asked about his interest in physics, Mr. Jeffries replied, “Physics is the mother of all science -- and we get to build rockets!” He enjoys a good discussion and fun, hands-on projects that allow students to learn something from observation and experimentation. Math has always been one of his favorite subjects, which could explain why his favorite number is e2π i (go figure!). Besides rocket building, his hobbies include mountain biking, eating pizza, and reading. His favorite author is James Michener, who brings history to life in his exciting historical novels. Kung Pow tops the list as Mr. Jeffries’ favorite movie. The best advice he’s ever given or received is: “You only have control over one person -- yourself.” He looks forward to having a great first year at GCHS.

Car bash held in parking lot

The Devils’ Advocate

Grand County High School 608 South 400 East, Moab, Utah 84532 (435) 259-8931 Editors-in-chief: Sam Webster, Ari Ferro Contributing writers and staff: Sam Webster, Ari Ferro, Abi Taylor, Ivy Hazlett, Kortnee Graff, Sunday Degraw, Jessica Colyar, Sheena Stucki, and Cori Santos Faculty adviser: Jeff Richards Layout and design: Ari Ferro, Sam Webster Produced using Adobe InDesign CS2 Printed by Times-Independent Publishing Download this issue in color from the GCHS link at www.grandschools.org E-mail: [email protected]

1082 South Hwy 191, Moab (435) 259-7800

By Sam Webster Grand County School District has ceased funding of teams going to state competitions. The girls tennis team held a fundraiser for earning money to take them to state on Sept. 27. They held a lunchtime car bash on one of Mr. Huitt’s old cars and served root beer floats to all the bystanders. “Overall, we made about $200, enough to send us to state,” said senior Dailey Haren.

motorcycles, dirt bikes, scooters, ATVs, snowmobiles, parts, repairs, helmets, clothing, hats and gear!

GO RED DEVILS!

Group fights tobacco usage

SALT LAKE – Utah’s anti-tobacco youth revolution, the Phoenix Alliance, is announcing it will spend the 2007-2008 school year implementing an educational campaign called “Don’t Buy Their Bull.” The group will work to spread the word about tactics the smokeless tobacco industry uses to infiltrate Utah’s college and university campuses. The alliance will also offer information about the dangers of smokeless tobacco and distribute free “Don’t Buy their Bull” bandanas, air fresheners and information at high school rodeos, concerts and other youth-related events. The youth kicked off the initiative by offering free rides on a mechanical bull at a concert on Oct. 6. “Big tobacco sees young people as potential replacements for the 1,200 tobacco users who die every day from their deadly habit,” says Whitney Rutt, Phoenix Alliance president. “We can’t allow the tobacco industry to use our college and university campuses to recruit new users.” Since 1974, the U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company has awarded more than $4.4 million worth of scholarships to college and university athletes through the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA). In addition, tobacco companies have responded to declining smoking rates by increasing efforts to market smokeless tobacco products to young people. For example, the tobacco industry recently rolled out new tobacco pouches that taste like candy and do not require the user to spit out tobacco juice. Smokeless tobacco contains 28 carcinogens, and its use can lead to gum disease, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk for cancer of the esophagus, pharynx, larynx, stomach, and pancreas. Users receive four times more nicotine, the addictive chemical found in tobacco products, from smokeless tobacco than they would from smoking a cigarette. The Phoenix Alliance works to educate the public to see through the smoke and not be manipulated by the tobacco industry. Last year, the youth group collected 2,700 signatures on a petition asking the Food and Drug Administration to begin regulating tobacco products. For more information, or to join the Phoenix Alliance, visit www. utahphoenixalliance. org.

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NEWS and FEATURES

Pumpkins to fly at festival Saturday, Oct. 27

A pumpkin flies out of Club Red’s trailer-mounted slingshot at last year’s event.

By Kortnee Graff Ah, autumn. Color-changing leaves, cooler weather, Halloween…and flying pumpkins. Yes, flying pumpkins! But, that’s only if you head over to the Youth Garden Project’s 2nd Annual Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival on Saturday, Oct. 27. Employing construction, physics, and creativity, you can design a pumpkin catapult, trebuchet, slingshot, or any other device designed to fling objects around. The machines are judged on accuracy, distance, sportsmanship, theatrics, and design. You can register online. The team to beat is the Pumpkin Pirates, whose truck-mounted trebuchet won last year’s contest with a distance of about 360 feet. If you aren’t mechanically inclined, there are competitions such as a pie-eating, seed-spitting and

costume contests. Food and craft vendors, booths, as well as live music (Sand Sheff) will keep you entertained if flying pumpkins doesn’t do it. For younger children, there will be game booths, a hay-bale maze and arts and crafts galore! Also, the word on the street is that the fire department will have an aircannon that has blown great orange pumpkins up to 4,000 feet! The admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children and can be bought in advance at Wabi-Sabi and Arches Book Company. However, volunteers get in for free! All proceeds go to the Youth Garden Fund. The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 27 on the old airport runway about eight miles south of town, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call the Youth Garden 259-2326 or visit www.youthgardenproject.org.

October Students of the Month

Tessie Graham and Zephyr Glass have recently been named the GCHS Students of the Month for October. Graham, a senior, is the daughter of Tim and Audrey Graham. She enjoys painting in her studio art class. Calculus is her most challenging class. “We move very quickly, without much time to absorb new things before we need to know how to apply them,” she says. Graham is involved in a number of clubs at GCHS, including the recycling club, the art club, and Readers Anonymous. She also is involved in various community activities, helping out with the music festival, the half marathon, and as a tutor for younger students. In her spare time, she works for her dad classifying insects, and also works as a child care provider. Graham was recently named the school’s Sterling Scholar candidate in the general scholarship category. She hopes to become a high school math teacher, and would also like to pursue politics. Glass, a senior, is the son of Hugh Glass and Karol Johnson. His favorite classes are calculus, physics, AP English, jewelry, and ceramics. He enjoys studying mythology, and also likes to read medieval literature such as “The Canterbury Tales” and “Dante’s Inferno.” Glass said being in jewelry and ceramics classes has helped him discover his artistic talents. “I have always considered myself a horrible artist, mainly because I cannot draw, nor can I paint,” he said. “My jewelry and ceramics classes have made me see that I actually am good at art, just in a different form,” he added. “These classes allow for the creative side of me to break free, and I think they have been crucial to my development as a student.” Glass is also involved in a number of school clubs and activities, including the recycling club and the cross-country team. Outside of school, he’s involved with Youth Garden Project, in addition to being on the board of directors of the Wabi-Sabi thrift store. In his spare time, he works as the head busser at Miguel’s Baja Grill. Glass said he intends to pursue a doctorate college degree in theoretical or nuclear physics. The Student of the Month program is sponsored by the local Elks Lodge under the direction of Frank Vacarro. Students are nominated and voted on by the school’s faculty, and are also recognized by the local Rotary Club and Grand County School Board.

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BACK BURNER

HOROSCOPES

Aries March 20 – April 19

A toilet incident is set to make you question your faith this month, which can only be resolved by the use of a toy Tarot card set.

Taurus April 20 – May 19

Libra September 22- October 22

A tall lady with an exaggerated walk is set to make your in-town dining activities more entertaining than ever before, especially when she eats pizza.

An eruption, an earthquake, or possibly just a broken dish will increase the amount of uncertainty to “nicely pleasant” this month. Ensure you are only 10 steps away from a door at any time especially during the period of rest.

Scorpio October 23- November 21

Gemini May 20 – June 20

A dog with a limp will look into your eyes this month in an attempt to doggy-hypnotize you.

On the 16th, a street bum will improbably give you his loose change. Beware, this could be a prank TV stunt. Do not give your consent to them using the videoed evidence.

Cancer June 21 – July 21

Eat fish more than four times this month, but never on a Friday.

Leo July 22- August 22

Avoid underground caves, the dust bunnies under your bed, potato chips, and do not attempt any back flipping in your Yogic Boxing DVD workout unless you are being properly supervised.

Virgo August 23- September 21

A toy tiger or lion is set to make this month zing with jungle based uncertainty especially if you are wearing a loincloth or leopard-style underwear.

RED DEVIL SUDOKU - EVIL

Each row, column and box has GCHS DEVIL

Be pleasant to those rescuing you, especially if cutting equipment is required. Calmly ask them to retune your radio to 100.5FM while you wait.

Sagittarius November 22- December 21

Capricorn December 22- January 19

Avoid drop-kicking a ball of paper that you screw up on the 26th as you are at risk of a complicated incident ensuing -- you will miss the wastebasket in any case.

Aquarius January 20 – February 17

When invited to your next sleepover, get up in the middle of the night to rearrange the furniture downstairs.

Pisces February 18 – March 19

A baby’s cries will tell you the winner in a horse race later this month. Gamble a small amount and reinvest the winnings in a coffee with no froth from Starbucks.

Ten Things the Editors Hate About... Chairs

1. Make us lazy boys 2. Can’t stand on them 3. Aren’t always comfortable 4. Common object of vandalism 5. Break easily 6. Cost the school too much 7. Used and abused by students 8. Instigate fights 9. Never made right 10. Slouch fighters