Fight the Fear

The Fight the Fear Campaign is excited to announce a Sexual Assault Awareness Evening for Western Washington High School Girls. This free event will take place on Thursday, April 28th from 7-9pm in Roosevelt High School’s Performing Arts Center. Girls will learn to recognize the red flags that often precede assault, as well as the assertive communication, self-defense, de-escalation, and boundary setting skills that are a proven deterrent to violence. Guests will hear from survivors, including Jennifer Hopper, whose story is the subject of Eli Sanders’s new book While the City Slept. To get tickets for this free event, please visit our News/Events page at http://www.fightthefearcampaign.org.

Check out the Kiro news article here: http://www.kiro7.com/news/fighting-back-against-sexual-assault-school/81785225#cmComments

Are you ready for March Madness?

By Gabrielle Rackner

In 1939 the University of Oregon beat Ohio State to win first ever NCAA Basketball tournament, often called March Madness. There were only eight teams invited in the tournament in the beginning and has now grown to a 65 team format decided in 2001. Since then the tournament has grown in popularity and importance. It has evolved and become a tournament for attracting students to their schools, showing off their basketball team, and of course winning that trophy.

Not just are the players involved with March Madness, but many people in the U.S. get involved by predicting the winners in the tournament by using a bracket. Brackets are fun and competitive with friends because usually the person with the winning bracket gets a prize. It also helps people get more connected with the tournament and follow it more frequently. Some people do research or have been following the teams year round but others just pick teams based off the higher seeded team in the match-up. But, it is good to not always rely on the rankings because often there are upsets, and the upsets are part of the beauty and excitement of March Madness. It is great when your predictions are spot on but sometimes it sucks when your teams that you predicted for the Final Four are losing in the third round to a worse team. But remember, there are upsets.

Since the University of Oregon’s win in 1939 there have been a total of 77 winners in the history of the NCAA tournament. From UCLA with the most March Madness wins, to Kentucky, to Duke who won last year’s March Madness tournament.

Be sure to follow this year’s 78^th annual NCAA Basketball tournament which starts on March 17^th (but the match-ups are announced on March 13^th) and grab some friends and a bracket and get ready for a month of madness!

 

EmbRACE the 5k

Gabrielle Rackner

What if there was a race that anyone could do and is the perfect distance for any runner or even non-runner? Oh wait there is. Introducing the 5k; a 3.1 mile run that is perfect for anyone regardless of running level.

What is a 5k? A 5k is a race of 3.1 miles where hundreds of people come out in the morning and run and walk together for the fun of it. There are many varieties of 5ks and people run 5ks for different reasons, whether it is getting in shape for a sports season, trying to get a new PR (personal record), or a fun activity to do with friends. Even if you don’t consider yourself “a runner” or feel as if it is much too long of a race, it is simple to train for, and 5ks are filled with people with ranges of running experience and speed, and there is no pressure.

When deciding you want to do a 5k it is important that you pick one that suits what you are looking for, if you are doing your first 5k or just want to do it for fun there are so many kinds of fun 5ks. If you want to run while getting sprayed with color, the Color Run is for you, run through tubs of 6 foot high bubbles, try the Bubble Run! These races are stress free and there is no clock so you don’t have to worry about time but just enjoying the run. A lot of these fun runs also require dressing up in costumes and some people dress up and go all out on their running costumes. Looking to be competitive in 5k races? Many races offer prizes for the top three in age groups, so there is a good goal to shoot for.

5ks also benefit others; most 5ks donate all the proceeds to a charity or organization. The Good Karma 5k lets you donate your race money to a charity of your choice, so you are also running for a good cause.

Another plus about 5ks is all the free stuff and food afterwards! You just did 3.1 miles and you deserve to rewarded, (usually the bigger 5ks have the most stuff, and PCC usually hands out brownies).You also get a free T-shirt from the 5k. If you are interested in running or walking a 5k it is usually a good idea to sign up early, most 5ks have an early bird special and it also gives you plenty of time to train for the upcoming 5k. It is good to start off your training by building up your endurance over the weeks to prepare for the distance and to figure out your pace. There are many apps to help such as “Couch to 5k” or the “Nike + Running app”. Strength training by doing core exercises such as planks, and crunches will prevent side aches. Music is also a great way to stay motivated during your run with whatever music pumps you up the most. But, don’t always rely on music, sometimes it is good to unplug and focus on your surroundings.

On the day of the 5k, have a light breakfast and try to head to the race early to warm-up, stretch and find parking. The line-up at the starting line is usually pretty intense because there are a lot of people packed tight together; some 5ks have helpful signs that can help you find what area of the starting line you should line up based on your pace. When the starting gun goes off people usually start off fast but it is important not to get sucked into that and just worry about your pace or else you will regret it later.

After you have finished your 5k you get a great feeling of accomplishment and free food! Once you have finished you might want to sign up for another one, and if you really like running 5ks you can join the Cross Country team at West Seattle High School in the late summer and fall.

Upcoming 5ks:

March 6^th – Hot Chocolate 5k

March 13^th – St. Patrick’s Day dash

April 24^th – Top Pot Doughnut dash

May 8^th – Color Run

May 22^nd – West Seattle 5k

June 5^th – Briefcase Relay

Let’s get fired up Fredricks

BY LINDSEY JENSEN

“Being a cheerleader is more than just standing on the side of the court/field in a skirt,” said junior cheer member, Riley Fredricks, “A lot of what being a cheerleader is what people don’t see. It’s cheering on your team win or lose, it’s the countless hours of practice for a performance that only last three minutes.”

Although Fredricks was already thinking about trying out for cheer her eighth grade year, the main person that really convinced her to tryout was senior cheer member, Olivia Owenby, with her constant support.

“I remember the first day of tryouts was really hard for me but Olivia kept helping me with the cheers and jumps, by the second day, I picked up things much faster and the workouts became easier, “ said Fredricks, “I am really thankful to have had that support.”

Fredricks realized that she gained 20 new best friends instantly after making the team, and the opportunity of making new friends each year. She loves the amazing sister like bond of the team after going to cheer camp every summer, which is a full week of eating, breathing, and sleeping cheer but really brings the team together.

Because cheer is a year-round sport, Riley had to quickly learn to balance academics with athletics. The sports seasons were always tough, basketball being the worst. Although basketball season called for practice plus cheering for 2-3 games every week, Riley manages to figure out how to make time to fit everything.

“My favorite sports season changes by the minute but right now it’s basketball, especially with our amazing teams,” said Fredricks, “For basketball we are a lot more involved in the game, being a foot away from players, the only hard part is making sure you don’t get hit by the basketball or player.”

Along with the rest of the team, Riley is sad about the recent news of the current cheer coach not returning next year, but is very excited that the coach decided to go back to school for her masters degree. Fredricks has complete faith that the next chosen coach will be equally as amazing and has the right experience.

Fredricks has been on the West Seattle high school for three years so far and plans to tryout for her senior year. She supports anyone to tryout for cheer, as it has been an amazing experience for her.

Riley recommends that people trying out to come in with a positive attitude ready to give it their all. The judges are looking for more than just people with sharp arms and dance skills, they also look for individuals with positive encouraging attitude and people who want to be there.

 

 

 

 

Chaaka shoots for three

By Lindsey Jensen

 

“Basketball has impacted me for the better, it has made me a more social person and able to connect with other athletes in a different way that I never got to experience on a daily basis.” said senior varsity basketball player, Chaaka Trahan.

Playing basketball for the past seven years, Chaaka Trahan joins the West Seattle high school basketball team his junior year. The main reason he decided to continue playing basketball was knowing that Keffrey Fazio was the coach. He has personally known Fazio for years prior and had a huge influence on him to tryout for the team his junior year.

“I was very excited that I had made the varsity basketball team my junior year because it was the first actual varsity team for basketball I was on because I played on junior varsity at Bishop Blanchet.” said Trahan.

Trahan has previously played on the JV basketball team at Bishop Blanchet for his freshmen and sophomore year. He wasn’t given much of an opportunity to play very much at Bishop since he was on JV but is thankful for the opportunity to play the game at West Seattle.

“Being a varsity basketball player means a lot to me because only so many kids get the opportunity to be a part of an organized high school team which you can never take for granted.” said Trahan.

A normal week of basketball consists of practice everyday after school plus two games a week for the three month season. Trahan had to quickly learn how to balance academics and athletics. He had to learn to prioritize his school work by doing his homework after school before a practice or a game and getting help from his teammates.

“Next year I will definitely miss the family like bond I made with all my teammates and the new mark we set as a basketball program that we never achieved before.” said Trahan.

Although he doesn’t plan to play on a college team next year, he plans to continue playing basketball in his free time. Trahan plans on doing track and field in college.

“As for the members of the team next year, I advise you to just enjoy the experience and have fun playing the game you love.” said Trahan.

Trahan has been thankful for his best basketball season yet. He believed that this year the team was able to achieve new heights for the West Seattle program to reach. He feels this season was one of the best because of the brotherhood has brought the team closer that made the season more enjoyable overall.

He is very thankful for the amazing student section at West Seattle that ‘always knows how to get it poppin’”. Trahan remembers the crowd at last two games against O’Dea high school and Chief Sealth high school. He has never experienced that level of support with his fellow classmates.

Chaaka will always keep Coach Kasey’s words with him throughout his life on and off the court, “stop playing like a bunch of cupcakes, have fun cause when you’re my age, you’ll only have the memories.”

 

 

 

Annika Salenjus & Audrey Lansdowne

Annika Salenjus and Audrey Lansdowne are the co-captains of this year’s Gymnastics team. Both Joined their freshmen year. Lansdowne is graduating this year and Salenjus is a junior. They’re both looking forward to this season. This is a promising team with more girls qualifying to stick with the team long term.

 

Lansdowne was inspired to join the gymnastics team because her mom did it for 15 years.

Lansdowne started her first year of gymnastics her freshmen year and has continued to do it all four years. She made varsity all four years.

“We just recently got a spring floor this year and i’m really happy about that because past years we had to use the wrestling mats and that often gave people shin splints” said Lansdowne.

As co team captain she has many responsibilities like organizing team dinners, leads stretching in the beginning of practice and making sure everyone feels welcomed and supported on the team. Other than gymnastics Lansdowne enjoys going on hikes around washington, hanging out with friends and she has recently started to play piano.

Salenjus always had a interested in gymnastics. That’s when she decided to join the gymnastics team freshmen year.

“ When I was little gymnastics always my favorite thing to watch in the olympics, so I tried it out t0 see how i liked it.” Said Salenjus

Ever since she joined she fell in love with it and likes how it pushes her to try new challenging things. Her biggest gymnastics role model is Sandra Izbasa who is a Romanian gymnasts that took the gold from U.S gymnast Aly Raisman on vault at the london olympics. Salenjus loves sharing the spot of captain with Lansdowne and can’t wait to have a great season with all new new comers to the team”

“ Audrey is such a great girl and we look forward to having the whole team become closer and bond because past years the team had some negativity.” Said Salenjus.

Salenjus Also made it to districts all-around. She’s placed in every meet so far.

“ I’m so excited to compete in districts this year, this has been my best season so far. I’m really hoping I also make it to state.” said Salenjus.

Salenjus also enjoys playing volleyball. She’s played All three years she’s been at west seattle high school and also plans to play senior year.

The West Seattle Gymnastics team placed fourth overall out eight teams.

“ Before my freshmen year our team had a few really high scoring gymnasts but they graduated and our team was a lot worse but now we’re getting better again. We have a lot of talented new people on the team for example the freshman Summer Kramer who is also going to districts all-around.” Said Salenjus.

The gymnastics Team finished strong having two gymnasts going to state this saturday.

 

 

 

 

 

How to stick with your New Year’s Resolutions

By Gabrielle Rackner

Even though we are now deep into February it is still good to keep being focused on those New Year’s Resolutions and to check in and try not to stray off them.

It is hard to keep motivated after the Resolution phase of January is over, but it is easy to stay on those resolutions after January. I know it is tempting to just give up or put it off until another day, such as “I’ll start drinking more water on Sunday because it is the beginning of the week,” but there’s no better time than now to start.

With all of the technology in this day and time your phone can be a valuable tool in keeping in check with your resolutions. Let’s say for example your New Year’s resolution was to run a 5k, there are many apps out there that can help you get started such as the Nike + Running app that tracks your daily mileage and has a “coach” feature that can help you train for that and keep at it. It also is good when there is commitment instead of just words, instead of talking about running that 5k, sign up for it so that there is no backing out.

The second semester has just started so it is good to think in that “new semester, new me” mentality. Maybe you feel that your grades could have been a little better last semester or you didn’t feel you were as organized as you should be. Even the little things, even as small as putting little sticky notes in your notebooks to mark out units or chapters can make you feel accomplished and organized when studying or taking notes.

New Year’s resolutions can make a big impact on your life and health. Let’s say that your goal was to get more sleep at night, I know that at night with homework and activities it is hard to get everything done and still get enough sleep, and I understand that feeling of “one more episode of The Office and then I’ll go to bed” but starting out small can help you achieve your goal, such as if you went to bed at 11:00 yesterday try to just get 10 extra minutes of sleep tonight and go to bed at 10:50, then the next day ten more minutes, go to bed at 10:40, next day 10:30 and woah! You have already earned 30 extra minutes of sleep than you had three days earlier.

Little changes here and there can help contribute to your overall resolution and lead to good changes and a better year!

 

How to start second semester strong

By Ginger Gionet

The first day of second semester is much like the first day of new year. Promises and pledges are made to apply yourself better at school, to get that rare 4.0, to acquire a better work ethic. Just like new year resolutions, many of these goals are never met. Why? Often times it’s because you don’t know where to start.

So, you may ask, how do you make them happen? Easy!

School is a puzzle. Sometimes it’s hard to figure out, so you quit and start a new one. However, sticking with it and seeing the end result is much more satisfying.

Often times, even just buying a new notebook and a pen can make students pay attention better at school. Waking up in the morning and dressing for success, feeling confident in your own skin, being assured by your abilities to learn, are all fundamental parts to being successful.

When I wake up, the last place I want to go is school. Not because it’s not fun to learn, but because it’s boring. The weight of the next six hours overcomes me and makes me want to give up and stop trying. But, no matter what, I always end up getting out of bed and heading to class.

School sets you up for life. Going to school every day increases your chances of getting into the college you want to go to. Turning in your homework gets you closer and closer to that 4.0 you’ve always wanted. Socializing with the kids in your classes can get you friends for life.

The best part of second semester is that we have already made it past the first half of the school year. Everyday becomes a countdown for summer. So why not try your hardest? We are almost done, so you might as well give it your all!

 

Why you should be a Democrat

Cats vs Dogs. Ice Cream vs Cake. It is always difficult to make a decision between two likeable things. But in the case of choosing your political party, it is easy.

Democrats lead the political game, with over 43 million followers compared to Republicans that have only 30 million. Democrats are liberal individuals that advocate for social justice, supporting same-sex marriage and abortion. They believe in the rights of the common people through the support of the community and a balanced economy, regulated by the government.

The word democrat derives from democracy, which is an organization or situation in which everyone is treated equally and has equal rights as defined by Merriam-Webster. It is a government by the people, where the citizens elect the leaders of the nation through votes.

The Democratic Party evolves around the idea of leaders representing the people as a whole. It is not a party devoted to elitist ideologies, but rather acceptance and equal treatment.

Whenever I try to picture a Republican, I imagine that they are straight from Texas, are a little bit overweight and own a gun. The differences in ideology between Democrats and Republicans is substantial. Democrats are radicals that support and accept everyone.

A prime example of why you should be a Democrat is Donald Trump. Do you really want to associate yourself with that kind of a person? Someone who disrespects others ancestry and strives to ban other cultures from being allowed into the United States? Consider the magnitude of his statements.

In the speech announcing his candidacy for president he began by comparing Mexican immigrants to “rapists.”

“When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending the best. They’re not sending you, they’re sending people that have lots of problems and they’re bringing those problems. They’re bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime. They’re rapists and some, I assume, are good people, but I speak to border guards and they’re telling us what we’re getting.”

Republicans are conservatives that are unable to welcome the modern era of acceptance that we live in now. Why would you ever want to support a party set on living in the past?

Democrats know to separate politics from religion, unlike the uptight religious republicans who believe that one religion (Christianity) should influence our political structure and decisions.

In terms of women’s rights concerning abortion or birth control, democrats support the decision of the mother, letting her decide what she finds appropriate for her case.

Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan says that he personally believes that rape is just another “method of conception” and not an excuse to allow abortions, according to an interview done by Rawstory.

The freedom given to each individual whilst a part of the democratic party is promising. The community expects people of all genders and races to unite in order to form a stronger country. Being a democrat is not something to be ashamed of, but rather celebrated.

The question isn’t why you should be a democrat, but why shouldn’t you?

Want to join a WSHS club?

Diversity Club

What: To make WSHS anti racist institution

When: Tuesdays and Thursday at 2nd lunch

Where: Room 133

Why: To stay informed and make a difference in our Community and School

How: Talk to Ms.Mckinney or Stop by during 2nd lunch

 

National Honors Society (NHS)

What: Community service and Volunteer with the school

When: Monthly

Where: Theater

Why: Fun way to be recognized for your scholar accomplishments

How: Apply and Teacher Recommendation

 

Flag Squad

What: Wave flags , Perform with the Marching band and go on band trips

When: Wednesday after school

Where: Band room

Why: Super fun,exercise and go on trips

How: Talk to Emma Weglin or Mr.Thomas

 

Chess Club:

What: Play chess with your friends

When: During both lunches on Tuesday

Where: Lunchroom

Why: Challenge yourself to play a game of chess

How: Drop in during lunch

 

Weightlifting:

What: Exercise and Weight lifts

When: Tuesdays and Thursday.Where: Weightroom

Why: To have a Healthy lifestyle

How: Drop in afterschool

 

Drama:

What: Act in the School Productions or work as Tech Crew.

When: Afterschool

Where: Theater

Why: It’s a welcoming community and also trains you for the long hours of work.

How: Talk to Mr.Finley and for more information check Westsidedrama.com

 

 

Blank Pages:

What: To work on many different forms of art

When: Mondays After School (2:30-3:30)

Where: Artroom

Why: Make art that will be published into a Magazine

How: Talk to Bryan (YMCA) or Drop in

 

Get Real:

What: mentoring middle school students and get community service hours

When: Thursdays

Where:YMCA office/Madison

Why: To make a major impact in middle school students lives.

How: Talk to Bryan (YMCA)

 

Ultimate Frisbee:

What: Learn/play the game of Ultimate Frisbee

When: Mondays and Wednesday (2:30-4:30) and Fridays (2:30-3:30)

Where: Hiawatha Field

Why: Meet new people and play against different schools

How: Talk to Bryan (YMCA)

 

Music Production:

What: Write Music or Play in the Band

When: Wednesday (2:30-5:00)

Where: Band Room

Why: Be apart of a passionate music community

How: Talk to Bryan (YMCA)

 

Geocaching Club:

What: Go outside hiding and finding geocaches

When: Wednesdays after school

Where: Room 262 (Mr.Barth)

Why: To go out exploring and find cool things

How: Drop In

 

Deca:

What: Business and Marketing Club

When: During Marketing Class

Where:Room 131(Ms.Salnick)

Why: Gives a real world career experience

How: Join Marketing Class

 

 

 

Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) :

What: Talk about current issues and Successes in the LGBTQ community.

When: Every Tuesday

Where: Room 154

Why: Great way to meet like minded individuals and make significant changes at WSHS

How: Drop in ( they also are having a Ice cream social soon)

 

Student Health Council:

What: Talk about different Health issues or Education issues.

When: Every other Monday (2:30)

Where: Teen Health Center

Why: If you passionate about healthcare or being healthy

How: Drop In