Paw Print

“Print

OAK HILLS HIGH SCHOOL, OAK HILLS, CA

Paw

Th ey’re here, they’re peers...go talk to them “The apparitions of the faces in the crowd.” Ezra Pound wrote this line in light of how people sometimes get lost in translation, without regard for one another. Every student has a story that no one else is aware of, and some students feel that their story may be too big or too small to share with anyone. Peer Assistance is the exact defi nition of its title. It is a group of students dedicated to helping their peers cope with whatever problems or issues they may be ex-periencing. It aims to spread a campus-wide message that students are not alone. Together co-presidents Brizzy Arredondo and Ciara Wilson state, “We are a club of listeners.” These two young ladies feel that this club is more than just a class. It is a family entrusted with the specifi c duty of dedicating themselves to the aid of students on our campus, while allowing them to feel like they have someone they can come to. Peer assistance students won’t judge, make assumptions, or give advice, but are always ready to “genuinely be there for someone,” Arredondo said. Today, so many students are constantly strug-gling with personal battles, whether it comes from home situations, or at school, and they may need somebody to talk to. Peer Assistance is the perfect outlet to simply be yourself and let your problems be heard in a confi dential and private manner. Even if you merely want a simple conversation, these students are there to listen. For anyone interested in speaking to a peer coun-selor, appointment-making could not be easier. Simply go up to the counseling offi ce, fi ll out a red request form located on the front counter, and turn it in to the secretar-ies behind the desks. Then, wait for them to call you out of class. This club started after the opening of Oak Hills and has been slowly developing into a program where

lives can be touched through the empathy of the peer assistants on this campus. Renee Browning, advisor to the club and counselor at our school, envisions this club to evolve into something much more than it already is. She would like to eventually see a Grief Group or Support Group come into effect, but like all great ideas, progress takes time. Some members of this club have entirely altered their perspective on life. Selfi sh thoughts have trans-formed into selfl ess actions, and compassion for one an-other has paved the pathway for peer assistance students. This is what Peer Assistance Club is all about, and prom-ises to grow into so much more.

THIS SATURDAY NIGHT!

Get your tickets now for the wildest show

of the year!

PARTYING WITH JAMES & SANDLER She was born unable to breathe, her bones bend from gravity itself, most her life has been defi ned by hospital stays and doctor visita-tions. But Paige Saenz is happier than words can express. On October 2nd, Paige, one of Oak Hills High School’s County students, took a trip down to Santa Monica with her mother, father, and cousin, Riley. On this particular day, the public was blocked from access to the pier because a private party was taking place. Kevin James, from King of Queens, Paul Blart: Mall Cop, and Grown Ups, threw a party for children associated with the Make-A-Wish foundation, and invited many of his celebrity friends. Last January the foundation sent Paige to Disneyworld, Universal Orlando, and Sea World in Florida, giving Paige a spot on the guest list of the Santa Monica bash. “A lot of the stars were from TV shows on Nickelodeon or the Disney Channel,” Paige’s mother said, “since the kids know them best. When we were leaving the event and check-ing out, they gave Paige, and all the other wish kids, a brand new iPad 2! Which said, ‘Thanks for partying with

us, Kevin and Steffi ana James’.” But the iPad isn’t what Paige can’t stop talking about. Of all the celebrities who attended the party that day, Paige couldn’t contain her excitement about the idea of meeting Adam Sandler. She rehearsed lines from The Waterboy in anticipation of seeing Sandler, and quoted, “Benja-min Franklin is the devil!” A familiar voice happily re-sponded. Paige not only exchanged movie lines with her favorite celebrity, but he gave particular attention to her, talked with her, and took photos with her. “It was great,” Paige says with a smile on her face, “it made me really happy.” The Foundation is adamant about constantly keeping in touch with Paige and her family, inviting them to special events and fund rais-ers in hopes that she has the best life possible. The foundation plays a par-ticularly vital part in Paige’s mother’s dreams as well. She claims “I want to give my daughter the world. Every par-ent does. Knowing the reality is that I can’t always do what I wish we could, can make things hard. I want her to

have every experience possible. Make-A-Wish makes it possible to give her something I can’t.” Paige struggles most with a disease called Osteogenesis Imper-fecta (or brittle bone disease), which leaves her bones extremely fragile and vulnerable to breaks. Her spine is con-torted which also affects her breathing due to the pressure. The Make-A-Wish experiences are indeed an unleashing experience for Paige, opportunities to forget her problems, and live the life every teenager strives to have. “I think it helped Paige see that she doesn’t have to be stopped with her disability,” says Paige’s nurse in reference to the event in Santa Monica, “She can still go out and do things and meet people. She doesn’t have to be held back.” Paige is bound to disabilities that she cannot help, but they cer-tainly do not defi ne her. Her optimis-tic outlook enables her to break free from any chains which might hold her back.

BY NICOLE OLNEYeditor-in-chief

UPDATEUPDATE

photo-JIM GARRETT

Winter 2011Vol. 3, Issue 2

OHHS Student, Paige Saenz, recently spent a day hanging out with Adam Sandler and Kevin James

“Peer assistance students won’t judge, make assumptions, or give advice, but are always ready to “genuinely be there for someone,”

INSIDE

WHAT...OUR TEACHERS HAVE A LIFE OUTSIDE

OF CLASS?Read about the passion and amazing exploits of Bulldog

teachers in and out of the class-room...Details Inside

MEET THE BULLDOG IN CHARGE OF

KEEPING EVERY INCH OF THE CAMPUS CLEAN AND OPERATING SMOOTHLY

Read her story and the amazing personal narrative of an OHHS

student who is a cancer survivor ...Details Inside

THE BULLDOGS VOTED and our mascot’s name is...

SPIKE

MORE NEWS:

photos-COURTESY OF PAIGE SAENZ

TOP DAWGSRead about recent honors for OHHS students, Bulldogs that

race, and winter activities ...This and more all inside!

According to MAXPREPS.COM:

Marshaun Coprichfinished the season with 2,058 yards, 27 touchdowns, and an amazing average of 9.31 yards per carry. While many know this amazing athlete’s story, many don’t know about the linemen

blocking for him.

Their story on page 5.

BY GENELLE WATKINSasst. editor

photo-STAFF

The Paw

2THE PEOPLE, PLACES, AND EVENTS THAT MAKE OHHS

CampusWinter 2011

Talent Show:The Talent Show will be this Saturday December 10 at 7pm in the Bulldog PAC. Tickets are on sale in the student store. Ticket prices are : $5 with ASB, $6 without ASB, and $6 at the door. Bulldogs’ Choice Awards PAW PRINT

www.oakhillsbulldogs.com

“I feel like its paying off, all the hard work and all my involvement, it’s fi nally going to go for something good in my future,” said senior Kimberly Aguilera. Wendy’s High School Heisman Award recognizes seniors all around the nation for their athletic and academ-ic achievements. Gage Santos, Miranda Mobley and Kimberly Agu-ilera are three senior Bulldogs that were nominated for the Wendy’s Heisman Award, with the much appreciated help from Mr. Porras and Diane Rodriguez, the Career Center specialist. An achievement like this is an honor to these students. Out of all the students that attend Oak Hills High School, these three students were recognized for the Wendy’s Heisman Award. The Wendy’s High School Heisman Award is given out every school year. High schools are allowed to nomi-nate students with outstanding grades, such as students that maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher throughout their high school years. In order to qualify, the three senior Bulldogs had to write an essay about their community leadership involvement, academic and athletic achievements. They will also get recognized at Senior Awards Night. “He’s matured from that 3rd grader I had to con-stantly remind to do his homework,” said Theresa Santos, Gage’s mother. “I’m proud of his accomplishments” Independent, successful, and athletic senior Gage Santos entered an essay about his community involvement and his best memory in high school. He has been in Re-naissance, ASB, sports, and has maintained a 3.0 or higher all four years of high school. Senior Miranda Mobley, dedicated to sports and academ-ic achievements, has been in track and fi eld all four years, ASB and Renaissance. “Miranda has always been dedicated to whatever comes across her. She’s always looking forward to accom-plishing her goals,” said Mrs.Mobley, Miranda’s mother. Maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher all four years in high school Kimberly Aguilera was happy to fi nd out she’s fi nally going to get recognized for things she likes doing such as being involved in tennis, basketball, Chess Club, and Peer Assistance Club. “I believe to be nominated from your high school is an achievement to be recognized,” stated Diane Rodriguez. ”All three nominees have been in Interact Club, another way to serve their community.”

Our Wendy’s Heismans

mbitious, dedicated, organized, and honest. Vicki Ferren puts in hours and hours of hard work to help keep the life of a Bulldog clean and well kept. All this hard work helped Ferren

advance from a Scorpion custodian to a Bulldog plant supervisor. “Vicki is probably one of the most important workers at Oak Hills High School that cares about her job; she is best de-scribed as the top of the food chain,” said Jesse Macias, custodian at Oak Hills High School. Mrs. Ferren is the only woman plant supervisor in the Hesperia Unifi ed School District. She has a crew during school hours: Jesse Macias and Micheal Abram, but also a night crew: Latonya Lee, Richard Turner, Edward Valenzuela, and David Whitemore. All of her crew helps her keep the campus well managed and fi t for both students and staff. “Without them the campus would not be as it is now,” said Ferren. “They come and work hard all night and morning.” Ferren was raised by her father, and he encouraged her to become something in life. She had majored in fi re science, but then got pregnant and wanted to be closer to her family. She then began work as a custodian at Hesperia High School.

“I was always one of those people that would help my father do all the manly jobs,” said Ferren. She would help build the motors of cars and all the construction around her house with her father. She was always like one of the “guys” in her house. She has been a plant supervisor since 2008, and performs her job very well. She does all the maintenance around the campus, repairs all the broken property that belongs to Oak Hills High School , and cleans up after sporting events. “She’s very important to the school and makes sure everything is ran successful-ly throughout the campus of our bulldogs,” said custodian Latonya Lee. “Oak Hills High School without our very own Vicki Ferren would be total chaos.” Vicki is the glue that holds the school together. She is an independent woman that cares about all her fellow Bull-dogs. “Keep your campus clean so when it comes time for you to return for your tenth year high school reunion, you may see the school as it was when you attended,” said Ferren.

JROTC: Leadership and Character

Kimberly Aguilera, Gage Santos and Miranda Mobley were honored with the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award.

Nicole Olney, editor-in-chief.Genelle Watkins, assistant editor. Sahmahntha Salazar, assistant

editor. Kyle Fulkerson, Haylee Carlos, Monique Cordova, Fernando Gomez, Priscilla Gutier-rez, Davin Payne, Leonard Rodriguez, Arlene

Strother, Alisha Tardiff, Sabrina Watson, Danielle D’Epifanio, Fernando Bedolla, Crisitan Ro-

driguez, Breeanna Manciocchi, Jade Howe , Samantha Horton, Marissa Henson, Michaela

D’Epifanio.

The Paw Print is a nonprofi t student publication published by Oak Hills High School’s Advanced Journalism class.

All opinions expressed are those solely of the writers and do not represent

those of the students or staff of OHHS or HUSD.

Letters to the editor can be sent to [email protected]

Print staff

VICKI FERRENVICKI FERREN

BULLDOG PROFILES:

BY FERNANDO BEDOLLA &DANIELLE D’EPIFANIO

staff writers

BY MONIQUE CORDOVA & PRISCILLA GUTIERREZstaff writers

Bulldogs Bowling Club

At Victor Bowl, the place is fi lled with the sound of pins crashing and booming from the bowling balls as they hit the ground. Ever since the school opened, OHHS has had a Bowling Club that competes in the USBC High School Bowling League at Victor Bowl. The Bulldog Bowling Club started in 2009 when sophomores, Kenny Johnson and Matt Aguilera, who were part of the HHS Bowling Club before our new school opened, asked Mrs. Trish Johnson, school admin. secretary to be the advisor so they could

start one here. “The fi rst year, we were off to a slow start. We only had 2 teams and 9 players. We now have 4 teams and 18 players that compete for scholarships and trophies,” said Mrs. Johnson. The students who are in the Bowling Club have a lot of fun at Victor Bowl and fi nd that it is a good way to make friends. “I just like to play for fun”, said senior William Spurlock. This is his second year in the club. He was on the JV team last year that took home a second place trophy. Several of the team members have earned schol-arships to be used at any

college or university. The Bowling Club is open to all students to have fun, expand their knowledge of the sport of bowling, and provides students with the following: a recreational outlet, an opportunity to experience the spirit of team competi-tion, sanctioned high school bowling competition as de-fi ned by the USBC, opportunity for student bowlers to meet bowlers from other schools and opportunity to receive college scholarships. Bowling isn’t just about being good at it. It is about having fun. So remember, you can always come down to Victor Bowl and watch us compete against other High Des-ert schools on Thursdays from 3pm – 5pm. Support from our fellow Bulldogs is always welcomed and appreciated!

BY HAYLEE CARLOSstaff writer

“This is a program that every high school needs,” said 1st Sgt Howard, Junior Reserve Offi cer Training Corps (JROTC) instructor. From working hard on a Physical Training (PT) day to uniform inspections and listening and paying attention on the-ory days, JROTC is working hard everyday learning new skills. During P.T. days cadets stretch and do many exercises. On theory days cadets learn leadership skills and life-long lessons. The cadets can join Col-or Guard, Raider Team, Armed Drill Team, and Unarmed Drill Team. There is Winter Survival Camp, a Knott’s Berry Farm trip, Military Ball, and plenty of other opportunities to help in the com-munity. The two JROTC instruc-tors are 1st Sgt Howard and 1st Sgt Williams. They both work hard to teach the cadets. They teach fi ve periods called com-pany’s. The fi rst is Alpha, the second in Bravo, the third is Charlie, the fourth is Delta, and the fi fth is Echo. The JROTC mission is “To motivate young people to be better citizens.” Students that aren’t in JROTC think that it is just an alternative for a P.E. program and they don’t know the actual meaning and the point of it. “Students go from thinking that it’s just another P.E. program to realizing that this is a program that teaches good lessons,” said 1st Sgt Howard. When a new cadet enters the program they realize that it isn’t what they thought it was. “I honestly thought that it was

going to be like some sort of a boot camp,” said Elijh Calvert, Leadership Education and Training (LET) 3 in JROTC. “JROTC is a wonderful program and it teaches me leadership skills,” said Calvert.

BY SABRINA WATSON &DAVIN PAYNEstaff writers

Presenting the colors before home games is just one of the many services JROTC performs.

Cadets work on theory and training weekly.

Ferren works day and night with her crew to keep Oak Hills spotless and in working order. No job is too big or

small for our plant supervisor.

A

photo-TRISH JOHNSON

photo

-JADE

HOW

E

photo-JIM GARRETT

photos-STAFF

A personal story about someone you know hits the heart harder than a story about a stranger. This is a story of a survi-vor. This is my story. According to skincancer.org/Skin-Cancer-Facts, Melano-ma is seven times more common between the ages of 10 and 20 than it is between birth and 10 years. “The worst thing about melanoma is that you never know what will happen next. The questions that went through my head at the time were: Is she going to be okay? Is the can-cer ever going to go away?” -Ashley Tardiff, sister. My name is Alisha Tardiff, and I am a cancer survivor. When I was eight, I was diagnosed with melanoma skin can-cer. It formed from a black mole on my left arm. When I found out I had it, I had no clue what melanoma was. My parents just rushed me to John Wayne Cancer Institute where I went in for surgery. The surgery lasted about four hours and when I got out, I was really weak. I had stitches on my neck, my arm, and under my arm. According to skincan-cer.org/Skin-Cancer-Facts, one or more blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life. I had stage 3 cancer, which is where the cancer spreads to your lymph nodes. Finding out that I had such a strong type was a surprise to my family and me because we never knew that the cancer spread that much. It was a relief to hear that

they got most of the cancer out. “It was a really rough time for the whole family. Me and her mom would trade off days in the hospital with her, and some days I would drive all the way home to work and be with her older sister and twin brother. Some days I would sleep down in the car because sometimes she wouldn’t react to the medications very well and we didn’t know what would happen next,” - Jerry Tardiff, father. After my surgery, I was sent to Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, where I did Interferon.

I was stuck in the hospi-tal for six months to take

all of these medications. Some days I wouldn’t feel so good and would just sleep all day. Sometimes I wouldn’t eat. Other times I would react to medications really well, and I would walk and be in a good mood. It was really hard time for me in the hospital. I lost patches of hair, but I was lucky I didn’t lose all of it. I wanted to be out of the hospital so bad; I was tired of basically living there. My dad had promised me a pony if I stayed strong. I did. When I got out of the hospital, he went and got me that pony. After I stayed in the hospital, I went to Ronald McDonald House and lived there for a month. It was close to the hospital in case something were to happen to me. I was

still very sick from medications, but I improved daily. It was the worst feeling in the world being sick everyday, not wanting to eat, and being so weak that I couldn’t stand it, but I made it through and that’s all that mat-ters. When I went home I still did chemo, but they were in shots, and I had to do them everyday. I wouldn’t let anyone else do it but my sister and my mom. My sister was always the only one I ever wanted to help me with anything. “I think we always had a strong relation-ship with each other.” - Ashley Tardiff Now looking back, I am

so happy that I stayed strong through it all. I would never want to go through that ever again because it really is the worst. Seeing people wearing pink, and wearing pink ribbons is a great thing to see,

and I thank the people that support any cancer.

The support from charities and the community really helps those who have cancer. Support-ing cancer makes me feel better because I think I can be there for anyone that has it. I know what they are going through. When you’re in the moment, all you can really do is be there for them and just pray. However, all of the support, the fund raising, the money for research, the money for mammograms, all makes a huge difference in helping fi ght for a cure. No mat-ter how little or how great the time or money donated, you can make a difference in someone’s life.

3THE PEOPLE, PLACES, AND EVENTS THAT MAKE OHHS

CampusWinter 2011

Can You Believe It?Mrs. Sharky’s classes dominated

the recent canned food drive. Mrs. Sharky’s students stepped it up and

donated

3,121cans! Great work!PAW PRINT

www.oakhillsbulldogs.com

Through 18,000 feet of rugged uphill mountain cycling, he is pushing the very limits of his being. Through 120 miles of the grueling Utah desert, he is visualizing his success. Through the thrill of intensely competitive opposition, our Bulldog science teacher, Romolo Forcino, still manages to educate the young minds here at Oak Hills High with relative ease. The date was October 8th, 2011 when Ro-molo Forcino and his duo pro partner John Nobil gave it their all in the 17th Annual “24 Hours of Moab” mountain bike race. “Hard work pays off,” said Mr. Forcino, and pays off is right. Forcino and Nobil both received a hefty cash prize of $1,000 for their fi rst place efforts. “24 Hours of Moab” is one of the sport’s most respected competitions to date. The race is 120 miles long and consists of a variety of terrain from twist trails to uphill sandy paths. “We had time to breathe” said Mr. Forcino refl ecting on the intensity of the race, “but you can never really escape the grasp of Moab” As a student, it is sometimes easy to forget that teachers actually have lives outside of school, and Mr. Forcino’s laid back personal-ity doesn’t exactly scream out “extreme athlete.” However, Mr. Forcino has been competing in cycling races and competitions since 1995. In fact, besides placing 1st place in “24 Hours of Moab,” Forcino also won the 2008 California State Cham-pionship in Cross Country Mountain Biking. Ever since his childhood, Mr. Forcino was practically forced to ride his bike in order to get from point A to point B. He had to make a choice

for his transportation to either walk or to ride. “It just came natural to me,” said Mr. Forcino. “I enjoyed it and it took me to the places I needed to go.” Aside from getting from place to place, Forcino also used his BMX bike for recreational purposes. He spent his free time in off road areas, where he would go catch his daily dose of adrena-line, pushing his BMX bike’s frame to the test in backyard jumps created by him and his childhood friends. From time to time Mr. Forcino still takes his BMX bike to unoffi cial tracks and backyard jumps to see if today’s youth has the passion for the sport as he did. “On occasion I see a rider that had the same look of determination as I did as a kid,” said Forcino. “ I guess you can say it’s my refl ection time.” It isn’t all play and no work with Mr. Forcino. His dedication for biking is matched equally for his views on education. Forcino com-pleted his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Delaware and continued his education to fi nish off his graduate work earning his Master’s in Edu-cation at Westchester University, in Pennsylvania. “Never judge a book by its cover,” said OHHS student Daniel Rodriguez. The age old phrase still relates to our everyday lives and our relationships with ordi-nary people, because some times the “ordinary” people might not be as ordinary as they appear.

A healthy junior now at OHHS, Alisha Tardiff once faced cancer and its physical and emotional toll. With support of family and the care provided, she survived

and symbolizes the hope charities work for.

The classroom can be the most dy-namic, energetic and enriching place. It can also be the longest 58 minutes of the day. What makes the difference for many stu-dents is having a teacher who is excited, creative, and energetic. This means a new teacher, right? Not necessarily... After 33 years in education, Ma-dame Nigro is still as enthusiastic as her fi rst day walking into a classroom. Starting right out of college she was once the young teacher who was “always being asked for my hall pass.” She started her long career in Hollywood and has progressed her way to being a Bulldog. After a 25 year friendship, Principal Porras speaks highly of the “bright light” she is to the school. Meeting each other through being UCLA Bruin fans, it was an instant friendship. “She is a wonderful lady, wife, teacher, mother, person,” says Porras. “She makes you want to listen,” says freshman Danielle D’Epifano, “She makes sure everyone understands the lan-guage.” Madame Nigro is very passionate about French. She has visited Paris numer-ous times and understands the complex beauty that is the French language. “She has worn many, many hats,” says Porras. Madame Nigro is more than just a French teacher, she is also a very important helping hand in all drama pro-ductions. With the French Club by her side, they sell all concessions at the productions and the hard working rehearsals that make the productions so great. She is more than willing to support the school in every way, since the beginning. Madame Nigro is more than just a teacher. After many years in the district and beyond, she has yet to lose her spark. She has the ability to keep her students enter-tained and gain the respect of her co-work-ers. Madame Nigro loves this school about as much as she loves French, and it’s this kind of passion and spirit that defi ne what it means to be a Bulldog.

Mrs. Nigro: Bulldog’s Bright Light

BY SAM HORTON & MARISSA HENSONstaff writers

Mr. Forcino wins famous endurance raceForcino conquers

the grueling 24 Hours of Moab

mountain bike race...not bad

for a “teacher”

A SURVIVOR’S STORYAfter two months focused on cancer awareness, a Bulldog student shares

her personal story of battling cancer, and appreciation for charity work

“It was a really rough time for the whole family...we didn’t know what

would happen next”

“

BY ALISHA TARDIFFstaff writer

BY LEONARD RODRIGUEZstaff writer

20% off any single regular menu item with this coupon

and an OHHS ID.Does not include specials. For a

limited time only.

photo-STAFF

photos-COURTESY OF MR. FORCINO

4 Entertainmentwww.oakhillsbulldogs.com

Special Thanks to Our Sponsor:

Supporting Student Media in the High Desert

FOOD:The Back AbbeyIn Claremont Monday-Thurs-day 11:30 am-11:00 pm Friday-Saturday 11:30am-12:00amFamous for the “Back Abbey Hamburger”

Hodads5010 Newport ave. San Diego Monday-Thursday, Sunday 11:00am-9:00pmA place for the whole family fo go to and enjoy a classic burger joint with a casual at-moshpere.

The Boiling CrabMonday-Friday 3:00pm-10:00pm Saturday-Sunday 12:00pm-10:00pmSea Food!

The Lucky Elephant Daily 11:00am-10:00pm San Dimas Ca 91773Thai Cuisine.

MOVIES:New Years EvePG-13Starring: Sarah Jessica Park-er, Jessica Beil, Ashton Kutch-er.The lives of couples and singles In New York City inter-twine over the course of new years eve.In theatres December 9, 2011

Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of ShadowsStarring: Robert Downey Jr,

Jude Law, Jarred Harris.Sherlock Holmes and his side-kick Dr. Watson join forces to outwit and bring down their fiercest adversary.In theatres December 16, 2011

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chip Wrecked.Starring: Justin Long, Matthew Gray, Jesse McCartney.Aboard a cruise ship the chip-munks and the chipmunkets fall over board and find them-selves in a tropical paradise.In theatres December 16, 2011

ACTIVITIES:Holiday Skating Center Roller14950 Palmdale Rd. VictorvilleSkating could be fun why not go try it?

Color Me MineFriday-Saturday 11:00am-10:00pm Sunday 11:00am-6:00pmRiverside Ca, 92507 5225 Can-yon Crest Dr.Have you ever created your own ceramic? Come try it!

Ontario Reign HockeyDo you enjoy hockey? Have you ever been to a hockey game? Well here is your chance to visit the Citizens Bank Arena. Ontario is only 45 minutes away from home it might just be a new adventure.

With the holiday season here, it’s time to start thinking about gift ideas, and video games are one of the hottest selling items during the Christmas season. Two of the hottest out are Call of Duty: Mod-ern Warfare 3 and Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. In 2011 gamers around the world enjoyed some of the most highly anticipated games of the year. “Pretty much every game I wanted came out this year, and I got them all,” said Nathan Howe. Tons of sequels were released this year, especially recently for the shopping season. Novem-ber 15th the Assassin’s Creed series was continued with Revelations, the Halo series continued with

Halo: Combat Evolved Anni-versary, Need For Speed: The Run, Saints Row: The Third, and Marvel vs Capcom 3 was also released.

Though not as recently, a few more sequels were released earlier in the year. Battlefi eld 3, Batman Arkham City, and Gears of War 3 were all amazing on epic proportions. Twins Issac and Isiah Mora both “can’t wait” to get all the hottest releases. They are particularly excited to, “order them from Gamefl y.” According to the Online Gaming Associa-tion, 20 million players play 17 billion hours on Xbox Live. That’s more than two hours per person. Surprisingly it isn’t only the male population playing these games. It’s split about half-way with a fi fty-eight percentile being male and a forty-two percentile being female. Nathan agrees, “The gaming community is get-ting bigger everyday. It used to be something I did with the guys, but now playing online, I can play with who-ever I want.” If your gamer has all the latest games, then gift cards for online play, such as Microsoft Points with an Xbox Live card, or a sub-scription to Game Informer (only available through Game Stop) might top their list. Now that all of these exceptional sequels have been introduced, gaming, whether it be in campaign or online has never ceased to be more than a form of entertainment. It’s a way of life.

Shopping for a gamer?

T

T

eeT

The High Desert, what can we say? It takes a creative mind to fi nd something to do out here. A thirty minute sacrifi ce to drive down

the hill is more than worth it to be able to just fi nd entertainment. So here are a few ideas to get you out of the house during Winter Break.

WINTER BREAK BOREDOM BUSTERS

BY SAHM SALAZARasst. editor

Winter 2011

BY JADE HOWEstaff writer

5THE STORIES BEHIND THE GLORY

SportsWinter 2011

WINTER SPORTS SCHEDULE

Boys Basketball:Girls Basketball:

Wrestling:Boys Soccer:Girls Soccer:

www.oakhillsbulldogs.com

ouchdown, Bulldogs, the run-ning back could not be stopped. I’m sure you saw him score, but I’m sure you didn’t see what helped him get there. It was a

result of not only the athleticism of the running back, but it was also a product of the offensive line making their blocks and opening lanes for the running back. When it comes to making lanes, the Bulldog line is very expe-rienced. Ryan Kistner, Garrett Welch, Dillon Jinnies, Alex Gammell, and Brant Sweeney made up the start-ing fi ve offensive linemen for the 2011 season. With exception to Alex Gammell, who has only been playing football for two years, the other four linemen have been playing for over 5 years. Junior Quarterback David Richardson feels that the line is “re-ally important,” because they could “not at all” succeed without their

huge contribution. Generally, only “skill play-ers” get recognition for large gains or touchdowns. The linemen are a huge part of the offensive success. Unfortunately, they do not get noticed for their contribution. Normally fans only notice them when they make a mistake; however, they don’t take this to heart. They are just focused on winning and doing their job. “I feel like the line, as a whole, is a major contribution,” says junior starting center Ryan Kistner. The line is very close to each other, which is a very important factor for them to succeed. They are constantly training together, pushing each other to do their best and to help one another get better. For most of them, their suc-cess starts in the weight room. They also work extremely hard during the off-season. Senior Garrett Welch makes

himself better “by working hard in the weight room and running sprints after practice and all the work I did in the off-season.” Kistner also gets better with “a lot of hard work in the weight room and out on the fi eld, doing the best I can on each down.” The line isn’t always recog-nized for helping the offense succeed, but instead may get harshly criticized for committing a single penalty. They may do their job all night long, but if they get beat on one play, that’s all that many people remember. Welch talks about dealing with penalties, “If you get a pen-alty, you’ve got to make sure and just do better on the next play.” These football players work extremely hard at what they do because they want to win. Unfortu-nately, football fans don’t normally recognize the line for their work. One notable exception is our own Oak

Hills P.A. announcer Jeff Gunnerson, who shows his support of the line by naming each linemen whenever a rushing touchdown is scored. The linemen don’t feel like they need to be recognized, all they want to do is help the team win. The offensive line, as a whole, is still a huge reason for the offensive success. Although they don’t want the credit, they still deserve to be recog-nized for what the work, sacrifi ce, and heart they show on every play.

They train hard. They prepare for competi-ton. They sweat and bleed for the sport they love. They are Bulldog athletes. The dedication of OHHS student athletes shows as they strive to achieve the ultimate levels of success in all sports. As the gates go down and the race starts, three of the many athletes here at OHHS race their motorcycles competitively against others in their class for the same goal as all Bulldog athletes--to be the top dog. Just like their stick and ball counterparts, these athletes compete for the same reasons: the love of the sport, the thrill of competition, and the dream of rising to the highest levels. “It’s the dream to go pro,” explains Evan Courville, junior. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve been on a dirt bike.” “I’m pretty sure I could ride my dirt bike without training wheels, before I could ride my bicycle without training wheels” explains Courville. Riding his Yamaha YZ 250F in the novice class, Cour-ville knows that it takes, “time, money and serious dedication” to meet his goals. “The passion, to get out there and go ride,” is what both Jake Wingate and Zach Sizelove, seniors, agree drives them to success. All three of the riders started at a young age. Following in the footsteps of family and friends, the boys had no other passions. Whether it’s motocross or desert racing, dirt bikes offered an alternative to the regular sports and gave them “something cool to try, besides playing baseball,” said Wingate, who has been racing for the majority of his life. Like the other riders, he has known nothing more than to compete, not only with strangers in his division, but also for-

mer Bulldog Danny Barrett, who is indeed a friend of Jake, but also his biggest competitor on his Yamaha YZ 250F. The pair race against each other about 3 times a month. Motocross racing is one of the most mentally and physically demanding sports requiring elite con-ditioning to succeed at the highest levels. “The strength it gives you, it works out every muscle in your body.” As most people brush it off their shoulder and not think much of it, dirt bike racing is a very aggressive sport. There are many different types of dirt bike racing, tracks, terrain, and challenges faced by the racers. “I race desert” which is a little different, explains Sizelove, “no track is ever the same.” Sizelove started around the age of 2 on a quad and progressed to the point of racing a Yamaha YZ 450F, one of the biggest and fastest bikes. Mostly racing in Lucerne Valley twice a month, Zach is an AMA District 37 125 CC Intermediate Champion and hopes to pursue his career in not only profes-sional dirt bike racing, but as a professional race car

driver as well. “It’s just what I like to do.” There is more to being an athlete than competing in the average school sport. Here, in the High Desert, many students enjoy the competition of motocross. It takes serious dedication, passion, and hard work to make it. That’s what this sport, or any

sport, is all about.

Bulldog athletes exemplify dedication in racing

“Hey, isn’t your brother...?” Our star varsity wide receiver here at OHHS, Garrett Reece-Scott, has an older brother who you may know as one of the most dynamic fullbacks in the NFL, Marcel Reece. Despite the famous brother, Reece-Scott has built his own reputa-tion here on the OHHS fi eld as one of our most competitive and hardwork-ing football players. Garrett has been playing varsity football here at OHHS since his sophomore year with his mind set to get where his brother is now. “I just want to take the same road he did and end up where he is now,” said Reece-Scott . Reece-Scott is currently in his senior year and just fi nished his last football season here at Oak Hills High School. To fi nish the season strong, he put in long hours of concentration in the

weight room and gave it his all on the football fi eld. Garrett has always been truly set on contributing as much as possible to his team, “I just want to do whatever it takes to help my team win,”

said Reece-Scott. With 753 receiving yards on the year accompanied by 8 touchdowns, he surely had a great year with some down fi eld blocking to go along with it. “I just like to make the big plays when it counts,” said Reece-Scott, showing his determination to contribute to his teams success. Instead of living in his brothers shadow, the young athlete looks up to

his brother instead. Reece-Scott is very proud of his famous brother, but is more focused on his own ca-reer with his own mind-set on being successful and working on getting

where his brother is now. Reece-Scott plans on going to college and has been scouted by Fresno State, Cal, and ASU. With every game Reece-Scott plays, he becomes one step closer to achieving his goals and

making his own name. Here at OHHS, Garrett Reece-Scott is a name that will be remembered.

TOP STORY

SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT ON THE LINEMAN

T

Garrett Reece-Scott: Emerging from the shadows

“ I just want to take the same road he

did and end up where he is now”

1/4 vs Hesp. JV 4:30pm, V 7:30 pm

1/4 vs Hesp. JV 3pm, V 6pm 1/5 vs Sultana 3pm JV 5pm, V 6 pm

12/21 vs VHS 3pm. 1/4 vs Hesp. 3 pm

12/16 vs Serrano 3pm. 1/11 vs Sultana 3pm

The dedication of a motocross racer doesn’t stop, even when they’re sit-ting in the classroom. Just because they don’t have a Bulldogs jersey on

doesn’t mean that they are not a student-athlete or our champions.

The Bulldogs offensive line moved bodies and opened holes helping Marshaun Coprich gain over 2,000 yards this season

Reece-Scott was the Bulldogs leading receiver

this season.

BY MARISSA HENSON & SAM HORTONsports writers

BY KYLE FULKERSONsports writer

BY CRISTIAN RODRIGUEZ & FERNANDO GOMEZ

sports writers

photo-JIM GARRETT

photo

-MRS

. SAV

AGE

photo-STAFF

DogDishPAW PRINTwww.oakhillsbulldogs.com

6 THE L IGHTER S IDE OF NEWS AT OHHS

MORENEWS

OHHS

WEB Do you have stories, photos, videos, press releases, or are you

just looking for more news? The Paw Print staff also publishes content on the school’s website: www.oakhillsbulldogs.com

Forward any items or ideas to the advisor, Mr. Kleber, at [email protected]. We can’t promise to publish everything, but the staff will do its best to cover as much of the dog’s life as possible.

Bulldogs ace CAHSEE Perfection! “Itisgoingtoreflectontheminaverypositivemanor,”saidAssistantPrincipalMikeCapps. MultiplestudentsfromOHHSre-ceivedperfecttestscoresontheCaliforniaHighSchoolExitExamination(CAHSEE).“WhenIgotthetestscoreIwasreallysur-prised,”saidTimothyTaylor,juniorhereatOHHS. TheCAHSEEisatestthatallhighschoolstudentsneedtopassinordertogetahighschooldiploma.Thetestwascreatedtoimprovestudentachievementinhighschool. ThesestudentsaregoingtorepresentOHHSinagoodway.SomepeoplemayviewOakHillsHighSchoolasjustanewschool,butnowpeopleinthecommunitycanseethatthestaffandstudentsarededicatedtoacademicsuccess. Thiswillopenupmoreopportunitiesforthestudentsandmakethemfeelproudofthemselves.“Iamveryproudofthesestu-dents,”saidMikeCapps. “ItfeltreallygoodthatIaccomplishedthat,”saidTimothy. CongratulationstothefollowingBull-dogsforrepresentingourschoolsowell!

All the Bulldogs who scored perfection on one or both of the CAHSEE sections were honored

during the last pep rally. The staff of OHHS promises to reward student success on testing!

Perfect on both ELA and Math: Rosa Ruiz, Rebeca Thweatt, Caleb

Mings, Amber Kroeger, Evelyn San-chez, Gabriela Duarte

Perfect on ELA:Quinton Astgen,Vy Nguyen, Natalie Gonzalez,Viet Huynh,Selena Steensland,Alejandra Ji-menez,Bronte’ Sullivan,Timothy Taylor,Mary Victoria Wiggan,Skye Gamet,Alyssa Navarro Yellen

Perfect on Math:Kyshia Henderson,Thomas Fitzpat-rick,Karla Santos,Christian Rabadan,Cassidy Erbst,Dominick Garcia,Daniel Chavez,Edgar Palacios,Cameron Wood-bury,Elias Manzo,Kevin Kim,Kimberly Aguilera,German Chavez

Our Perfect Bulldogs

LEAV I N G A

BY SABRINA WATSON, staff writer

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photos-JIM GARRETT