Why do we change our clocks?

By Julia Schexnayder

Twice a year we adjust our clocks one hour, throwing off our sleeping schedule and generally confusing everyone for the next few days. The main reason for this change is to make better use of the daylight. During the spring and summer season we move an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening, causing time to “spring forward.” In fall, we move the hour back to the evening, causing time to “fall back.”

In the United States, Daylight Saving Time begins at 2:00 AM on the second Sunday in March and changes back to Standard Time on the first Sunday in November.

People tend to have strong opinions each time we have to change the clocks. Either you lose an hour of sleep or lose an hour of daylight. Along with these drawbacks no one really knows why we have Daylight Saving Time.

“Something to do with farmers, right? Ben Franklin came up with it to plant crops earlier…?” sophomore Megan Rose L. Macapinlac answered aloofly when asked what she thought the origin was.

Each person interviewed had similar answers, confused mumbles of Benjamin Franklin, farmers, and saving energy.

Changing our clocks is good for activities that need sunlight, such as sports and farming. On the other hand, DST makes travel, record keeping, and billing complicated and confusing.

We change our clocks to make the most out of the daylight we have and save energy. People use natural daylight instead of electric lights when they are awake when the sun is up. Daylight Saving Time is supposed to save energy. It was aimed to reduce the use of incandescent lighting at night, which was used primarily in the late 19^th and most of the 20^th century. Today however, we use mostly fluorescent lighting which uses less energy.

DST was intended to save multiple weeks’ worth of energy, but a recent study by the California Energy Commission found the energy savings to be barely 0.18 percent at the most. Other studies have shown that DST causes a greater use of energy due to the use of air conditioning later into the evening.

Changing our clocks does more harm than good overall. Many people believe that we no longer need it; others think we can’t live without it. But ask anyone from Arizona, Hawaii, Asia, Africa, or South America; they’re doing just fine without it.

 

Get involved at School this year

By Gabrielle Rackner

School activities are a great way to get involved and have fun at school, while doing the things you are interested in. Here at West Seattle High School there are numerous ways to get involved including clubs, sports, and community service opportunities.

Clubs are well underway but it is not too late to join! From debate club to bridge club there are many ways that you can find something that you like to do and participate in at school. Also, many of the clubs here at WSHS offer community service credit, and any way to try to achieve those 60 hours required to graduate should be taken. Especially when you can achieve those hours doing something that interests you. Some clubs that offer community service hours are National Honors society and Key club. Talk to the YMCA office about joining any clubs that interest you.

If you are more into drama and the arts, there is a great drama program here. Two productions are coming up that you can get involved in: “Rhinoceros” the student directed show (auditions were November 24 and 25) and in December, there are auditions for the Spring musical; “The Addams Family” Even if you are not into acting or singing you can be a part of the lighting and sound design program, house crew, or stage crew that accompanies the school productions.

Sports are also a great way to get involved and get fit. Even though Winter sports are coming to an end, spring sports are coming up, from softball to track, there are many sports that you can join. Not only is it a good way to get exercise but also you can meet a lot of people. And a lot of the sports here at West Seattle High School don’t require tryouts, so come participate in a school sport this year.

School activities and sports are not just a good way to get involved but it is also a great way to meet new people who share your similar interests. Doubtful about joining a school activity because of your schedule and commitment? Try to go for one practice, or meeting just to try it out.

One of the biggest regrets that a lot of people have when they look back on High School is that they didn’t get involved. Let’s eliminate the possibility of those regrets by joining a school activity or sport today.

Ask Dr.Mo

Dear Dr. Mo,

I’m worried about getting a job. I’m doing a lot of volunteer work that I love, but it’s eating away my time and I’m not making any money. My mom is the only one in the family who works and I feel bad asking for money all the time. There may be a job opening at my mom’s library system, but because I’m her daughter I might not get it. Do you have any advice for me?

Sincerely,

Needing Income

 

Applying for jobs can be stressful. However, just limiting yourself in applying for one job can be even worse. That’s why you should try to widen your horizons by applying to multiple jobs at once. Use online applications and even the help of teachers to write successful resumes and send them into multiple businesses at once. In addition, while volunteering is very important to helping society, think about the most efficient way to spend your time. If you already have your necessary service hours for graduating, then consider getting a job rather than spending time volunteering. And then when its summer and you have more free time then you can fill your empty time with volunteering. Also, remember that these hours spent volunteering can also strengthen your resume! Some examples of places hiring for part time work regularly include retail businesses and food places around Westwood Village, Westlake Mall, and even around Alki.

Dear Dr. Mo,

What can I do to apply for scholarships?

Sincerely,

In Need of Money

 

For many, applying for scholarships is a necessity. However many students reject the idea of applying for even small scholarships. My advice is to search out any scholarships that you might be eligible for, even the ones that offer just a few hundred dollars. I recommend using the website www.scholarships.com and choosing the option to receive notifications about the scholarships you’re eligible for. Doing independent research is also important, so don’t just wait for scholarships to find you. Do active research on the web typing in certain criteria like “Athlete scholarships” or “Scholarships for women” if you fit the criteria. Remember not to shy away from scholarships that seem unimportant or too small to apply to. After all, these scholarships are often the ones that add up to save you the most money when it comes to college.

 

 

Dear Dr. Mo,

How do you suggest seniors balance school work, college apps, and extracurriculars while having time devoted to their mental/emotional wellness?

Sincerely,

Seeking Balance

 

Taking time out of your day for yourself is very important, even if it doesn’t seem like the most productive thing to do. Sometimes students freak out about making time for themselves and instead of being productive they stress themselves out about getting everything done and end up with less time to do the things they have to get done. Instead of putting off work until the last moment, schedule your time so that each day you put off a few hours for homework and be sure to get it done in a certain time frame. Also, schedule the time that’s taken out of your day for extracurriculars and other necessary activities. That being said, overloading yourself with all these things to do can be overwhelming to say the least. That’s why you should always take time out of your day to treat yourself. Take a bath, go on a walk, or watch a TV show you like or go online. Whatever you like, be sure to make time for it. Be sure to scatter these moments throughout your week at any moments possible. Even a 10 minute bus ride can turn into a 10 minute meditation break, a time to listen to your favorite music, or time to draw in a sketchbook.

Hurrican Patricia

By Julia Vreeman

Hurricane Patricia struck Mexico with bafflingly high wind speeds of 185 miles per hour and extreme levels of devastation seen by tourists and locals alike. Those who experienced the storm in full strength noted just how terrifying it actually was.

Many were intrigued and scared to learn that the strongest recorded hurricane hit Mexico late last October. Despite low death counts, Hurricane Patricia was not a storm we would soon forget.

Brad Powles was one of the many US citizens visiting Mexico during hurricane Patricia. Near the beginning of the storm Powles said over his Twitter

“Hotel has given us 2 [hours] to pack and get to the shelter. Said we’re no longer “guests” but “refugees” ”. Fortunately, Powles said Patricia didn’t hit them too hard, but that he was just one of the lucky ones.

Powles further explained via Twitter, “There are a lot of people who are not so fortunate and we probably won’t know the extent of the damage until tomorrow…” Power outages and floods took place across Mexico following the storm. However, many communities are banding together to help out the people negatively impacted by the storm. Thankfully, though, the hurricane hit in an area with a pretty low population, so fewer people suffered the aftermath of the actual storm.

The total death count was officially tallied at zero people. However, the string of floods and mudslides following the hurricane are still impacting Mexico.

Though Mexican officials are currently reporting there was no major damage in Mexico, some would say other wise due to the toppled power lines and uprooted vegetation scattered across the areas where Patricia hit the hardest.

Thankfully though, most of Mexico just experienced rain and some wind- downgrading the hurricane to the level of a Tropical storm.

Give Back this Holiday Season

By Gabrielle Rackner

The Holidays are coming up, and with all of the presents and gifts it is easy to get caught up in it all. But, this year, try something different for the Holidays and get some community service hours too. It’s easy to find volunteering opportunities and activities that fit your interests.

The YMCA is not just a place where you can go for a run or play some basketball. There is an “Adopt an Elf” program at the YMCA during the Holidays. When you walk in the door you notice there is a Christmas tree with a bunch of tags on it. These tags represent a gift that a child in need wants. Next time you go to the YMCA, take a tag and get a gift for a child in need, and know that you are giving back. If you are interested visit your local YMCA.

Another community service opportunity is at the Salvation Army on December 19, where you can be “Santa’s little helper,” and help set up and arrange the gifts. Also, at the Renton Salvation Army, you can help serve Christmas baskets to more than 500 families in the city of Renton. This activity can also get you four hours of community service hours. If you are interested sign up at: https://www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp1804190.jsp

Want a community service activity that has more one-on-one connections? On Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the year, you can be a volunteer tutor helping recently homeless kids with their homework. This opportunity also is year round in case you want to volunteer for long amounts of time. If you are interested sign up at: https://www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp1792916.jsp

Is photography more your suit? Nature Consortium is looking for a volunteer photographer to help take pictures of their classes and youth programs outdoors. You will get credit for your work. If you are interested sign up at: https://www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp2071924.jsp. Also, be prepared to send a photo portfolio.

Even if none of these volunteer options interest you, there are many great websites where you can find an option that relates to your interests and hobbies. A great resource is Volunteermatch.org. During this Holiday season, try and find a way to give back to your community.

Flag Squad

By Gabrielle Rackner

What is Flag Squad? Flag Squad here at West Seattle High School is a group of ten people who perform with the band in numerous parades, and sports games. You may have seen the Flag Squad at the Huling Bowl during halftime, or performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, or even practicing outside of the school in the Courtyard or in the gym. They work hard every day rain or shine, even when there is a lot of wind they still flag through it with no problem.

Participating in Flag Squad requires a lot of concentration and focus, and the memorization of sets and motions. It definitely takes a lot of dedication and hard work, especially with arm strength. And while they are focusing on their set routines, they also have to march and keep the group synchronized, while keeping in time with the band. Even though there is a lot of work that goes into it, Flag Squad is also very fun and the group is very close. They also get to go on trips with the band, and they are going to go on a trip to Victoria, Canada this year.

West Seattle High School’s Flag Squad is looking for some more people to join too, and you do not need any prior experience in Flag Squad, and you get to go on trips and perform in parades. It is not too late to join, so you can talk to one of the Captains, Emma Weglin or Hina Casaba if you are interested in joining.

Good Grief!

The Peanuts have been warming people’s hearts since Charles M. Schulz created the comic in 1950. Charlie Brown has always missed the football, Linus always had waited for the Great Pumpkin, and Snoopy as always been on a mission to track down the Red Baron. The Peanuts comic strip has appeared in over 2,000 newspapers and for 65 years. Furthermore, Charles M. Schulz’s comic strip was actually modeled off some of the people in his own life.

In 1965, the comic strip was put to life into the movie “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” which won an Emmy and a Peabody award. The success of this movie sparked other Peanuts movies that aired in the same year, “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown” and “Charlie Brown’s All Stars.” These movies sparked plays and TV Shows.

Even today, the Peanuts legacy lives on. In fact, a couple years ago, West Seattle put on the play, “You’re a Good M

an Charlie Brown.” This year, Charlie Brown returned to the movie theaters with, “The Peanuts Movie.”

The new movie still follows the same adventures and misdemeanors of the Peanuts as the comic strip contained and although it has a way different animation style than the original movies, it is said to still captur

e the wholesomeness that the

comic strip contained.

So go to a theater near you and check out the newly updated Peanuts Movie!

Sounders leave Playoffs with a devastating loss to FC Dallas

By Gabrielle Rackner

After a roller coaster season, it seemed as if the Seattle Sounders were on track to return to the Western Conference Finals for the third time in four years, they were a seemingly unbeatable team. But as close as they were to getting there, a devastating loss against FC Dallas in Game two of the Conference Semifinals ended their Finals-bound hopes.

This season has been full of many up and downs and the road to the semifinals has not been a completely smooth one with many injured players being out for games. But, the determination and grit truly showed during the game, knowing that this game had to be won or they would have to go home, ending their winning streak.

Their keeper, Stefan Frei, definitely put in the work with numerous saves that kept us in the game, even though the Sounders were out-shot by FC Dallas 25-11. Without his outstanding saves we would not have made it to the overtime. In the 90^th minute, Chad Marshall scored a goal with the help of Marco Pappa’s assist. Just like that, the Sounders were back in the game; with it tied 1-1. But, Walker Zimmerman’s pass made the game go into overtime and a very nervous ending to the game.

Although the Sounders dominated on possession for most of the game, after a scoreless overtime, the game resulted in the dreaded penalty kicks. A very unfortunate way to end the game, FC Dallas moved on, while the Seattle Sounders headed into the offseason.

Although this is an upsetting way to close up the season, their coach, Sigi Schmid still has high hopes and confidence to return again to the Finals for the 2016 season if they put a lot of effort and work into the offseason.

In addition, numerous Sounder’s players are still contenders for the MLS Goal of the Year, including Obafemi Martins. Even though this was a very heartbreaking way to end their season, they have hopes to be final bound again.

Carter Golgart Athlete Profile

By Ginny Sunde

Senior basketball captain, Carter Golgart, has high hopes for his final season at West Seattle High School.

“I think we have a chance to have one of the most successful seasons we’ve [ever] had since I’ve been here,” says Golgart.

Hoping to improve on last year’s record of 11-13, “Hopefully we will have a run at state.”

Golgart, a Small Forward on the Varsity basketball team, believes that an older, more experienced team this year will lead to a fantastic, and successful season.

Another plus for this year’s team is the coaching staff.

“I love the coaches. They do a really good job with the team. The coaching is great.”

With his father’s College basketball past experience, Carter Golgart’s parents got him playing basketball at the young age of five. He played for a basketball club separate from school up until ninth grade and has played for WSHS since he was a freshman. Over the years, shooting hoops has created many great memories.

“The district and playoff games my sophomore and junior years were some of the memories that I’m most fond of.”

Golgart also loves the competitive aspect of the game.

“Basketball is fun to play and it’s one of the most competitive sports. We play in one of the best leagues on the West Coast, so every night you go out you’re probably playing against at least one, if not two, tree, or four Division 1 players. It’s pretty exciting.”

The position Golgart plays also is one of the reasons that he likes basketball.

“I play small forward. It’s fun because you’re kind of playing like a guard but you’re also playing like a big guy. You get both sides of it.”

Of his final basketball season Golgart says, “I’m excited. I’m just trying to have fun and also take it serious at the same time. But definitely enjoy it.”

“Being part of the basketball team has been one of my favorite memories throughout high school. We’ve had a really good coaching staff and all of the guys I’ve played with have been really fun and it’s created a lot of friendships.”

Despite thoroughly enjoying basketball at WSHS, he says that he has no plans to play college basketball. However, a basketball player since the age of 5, he says that he will still like playing just for fun.

Cater Golgart, aside from playing basketball, is involved in football, Link Crew and Special Olympics Project Unify. He enjoys hanging out with his friends, watching football and basketball, and playing fantasy football.

Athletes sign to play in College

By Gabrielle Rackner

On November 11^th, many people gathered in the commons to watch three of our West Seattle High School athletes sign their letter of agreement to participate in college sports. All of these athletes worked hard and put in lots of dedication over the years in order to get to where they are today, moving onto play in college.

Three senior athletes are going off to play college sports, Lydia Giomi, Morgan McCullough, and Gabby Wen.

The first athlete who was called up to sign their letter was Lydia Giomi, along with basketball coach Sonya Elliott, who gave a heartwarming speech about Lydia and her work ethic and past seasons. Lydia Giomi is going on to play basketball at the University of Oregon.

The second athlete who was called up to sign their letter of agreement was Morgan McCullough, along with baseball coach, Velko Vitalich who spoke about how dedicated he is on the field and his determination. Morgan McCullough is going on to play baseball at the University of Oregon.

Finally, the last athlete who was called up to sign their letter was Gabby Wen, along with softball coach and athletic director Trevor Leopold who spoke about Gabby’s Perfect Season last year as a pitcher and her commitment to the team. Gabby Wen is going on to play softball at Villanova.

The event was very exciting to attend to and our school appreciates the commitment and contribution that these athletes have brought to West Seattle sports. WSHS wishes the best of luck to these athletes in college.