Mini PhotoShop lesson

 Make sure you are at least minimally familiar with PhotoShop and editing some of your photos.Photoshop Process

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Last Story...Last Entry...Last Time

Oh boy... this is so hard. I can't believe this is my last blog entry, my last story done, and my last time in Journalism. I won't say that I regret taking this class but I will say that I will miss each and every one of you guys. You all have been the best staff I have ever had (on the account that I never had a staff).

I will still be a part of the newspaper from Writer's Club by submitting reviews and poems.

Overall, here are my thanks:
The Staff: Thank you all for your support and being great members of this class. Each of you are all talented (yes, even Kirk who just sits around doing nothing) and I know that you will take the class farther. In fact, you already have! I know that you guys will be great!

Mr. Burd: Gosh, I don't even know where to start. You have been a great teacher and you always will be. I have never seen you upset, only you to be so positive and happy in your work. I can bet that all of the students here really admire your enthusiasm and that's what gets us going. Thank you so much.

Gonna miss you all.

Dannie Malleo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Finals....

This week we have been working on everybody's favorites... FINALS. I know it's been stressful for more than just a few of us. But I have hope in all of you :) good luck on the rest of your tests, and look at the plus side,... we get out early all week!

Caitlin Farrington
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Cops who care 2009

Thanks to Ruben Madrid. Cops who care.

R. Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Winter Break

Only a few short days away, Winter Break is just around the bend, and I know that all of us can't wait. December 17 will be the last school day for the majority of us, though there are some students who might have to come in on the 18th to make up any finals they missed during the week. I wouldn't want to be those handful of students. During Winter Break we will have a little over two weeks of vacation before we all resume school on Monday, January 4th. There have been rumors about school resuming that Wednesday, but as far as I know, these aren't true.

I hope all of you have a good Winter Break, and do well on your finals. And a little side note: Thanks to all of the people who had their articles in on time. I know the deadline was short and it was probably hastily written, but from what I have read they all sound great! So yes, thank you again.

Shayna Innocenti
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Strange Finals schedule

The Finals for this semester are going to be a little strange. Monday is going to be a completely normal day, which I think is weird. Why have that extra day when all we will be doing is sitting and doing nothing? Anyway, the rest of the week will go as follows:

Tuesday
7th and 6th period Finals

Wednesday
5/4 (depending on what you have) and 3rd period Finals

Thursday
2nd and 1st period Finals

Friday
Make-up Finals

Remember, report directly to the Final you have first. There will be a break in between the two periods, and then you can go home. It is a Friday schedule. Don't come on Friday unless you missed one of the Finals. Have fun studying.

Lucy Randazzo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

EEP!

I have no idea why but I am like extremely hyper! Never will anyone see me like this twice in a row. It's a rare moment . . . like the moment of witnessing a comet crash landing in your backyard!

Anyway, I haven't been on this site for a while now mainly because everyone else took the computers. Don't worry you guys, I'm not mad; I just want to know what is new around here. Overall, have a great weekend and study hard for finals. Just think, after finals, two weeks of fun-filled Christmas Break!

Dannie Malleo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Weekend!

Hey everybody it's Friday! It's been a quick week, well, at least for me it was. Remember this is our last weekend before break! But also study, study, study to get ahead in all you finals.

Caitlin Farrington
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Baileys Lovely Thursday.

So the beginning of my Thursday began with it being freezing cold. So, I arrive at school and hello Mr.Strack (bad way to start off in the morning). So my entire day was filled with ISS. Thank you Strack. My day was not too bad, Chrissy the custodian was very sweet and caring and didn't make me stay out in the freezing cold weather and pick up garbage. So my real problem with the whole day is that Mr.Strck gave my mother attitude on the phone and was VERY rude. Why do we have such a rude man working at our school. Has he ever heard of manners? Then when I ask to talk to my mother he snaps his fingers at me. So the real question I want answered WHY does he work here? Hes rude inconsiderate and overall he wont listen to anything you say!

Bailey Gonzales
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

A Horrible Day

Yesterday was a horrible day for me. When I arrived home, I found out that my little sister was in the hospital. She was having stomach pains and couldn't keep anything down.She was at the hospital from 2:00 to 10:30. The doctor still doesn't know what was wrong with her. She's going to the doctor again today. I hope she feels better and that they find out what's wrong with her.

Amber Melot
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Final Review

Here it is, more or less. The things all writers should know. Part of the final will also be writing a story. Topics will be assigned randomly, and you can select the angle.

R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

All Reporters Should Know

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Writing headlines

headline writing

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Stressed

I am really freaking out because of finals. They could either help my grades or break them!

But I guess its all just a matter of extra study time and commitment to the subjects.

Amanda Aliser
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Finals are approaching

As said in the title, finals are approaching rapidly. I haven't started studying yet...even though I should. In Spanish II Mrs. Thomas is giving a test over all of the verbs next week for "practice". But note to all: this practice test on all the verbs is in fact a grade and worth a lot of points. I believe that the same goes for Spanish I students as well. So start studying those verbs this weekend.

Also, don't forget about the first rough draft being due next Wednesday. This issue will have to get out quicker, so the faster the articles come in the more time Hannah and myself will have time to put the whole thing together. Please write the articles well, but also make it snappy. Demanding I know.

I hope you all have a good weekend!

Shayna Innocenti
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Swine flu clinic

Yesterday, I was forced by my mom to get the H1N1 shot at the Mollen Clinic. I really didn't want to, but my grandmother gets sick easily and getting a full blown case of the flu could kill her. So I got the shot.

It wasn't too bad, to be honest. I have had the seasonal flu shot already and it hurt much worse than the one I recieved yesterday. People were even saying that when I got there. A lot of people were freaking out about it though. Some were crying before the shot was even administered. We also had to sit around for a few minutes to make sure we didn't have some crazy allergic reaction.

It got me out of class, which is all that matters.

Lucy Randazzo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

The Holidays

If you all haven't notice the holidays are getting extremely close! Around your house people are putting up Christmas lights, decorating the house, and everything else. Oh, and did I mention; nine more school days until we get our break! So let's fly through these next couple of days, and get the break going!
Oh, and hope you all have a great weekend!

Caitlin Farrington
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

UGH......

I kinda feel like crap today. My stomach is doing flops and squillies... must have been the lasagna last night. I don't have the Swine Flu for those of you who might be starting to say "GET AWAY!". I'm not coughing or sneezing or whatever. Probably just had some bad dinner. But it's OK... I'm going to be fine... but I am starving right now!

Anyone see those grills outside? They're making some kind of chicken and they are the same price as school lunch! So be sure to get in line and have some good food!

Dannie Malleo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Santa's elves visit

Spirit week brought out the pixie in some students on Tuesday. Student council members took on various roles, such as Kelsey and Cassidy, right, while the winter theme continues on Wednesday with another school assembly.

R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Long Weekend

That long weekend was exactly what I needed! I got to sleep in two days in a row, which is a big deal for me. I'm also really glad I got to see my mom for Thanksgiving. I rode up to Peeples Valley on Wednesday and had a great holiday, then rode back down to Wickenburg on Thursday night on my stepdad's motorcycle (which was freezing by the way). Then a couple friends and I went shopping on Black Friday (horrible idea, never doing that again). And finally we went to Bisbee Saturday night.
For most of you who have never heard of Bisbee, it's one of the very first mining towns in Arizona. It's about an hour outside of Tombstone. We got there pretty late and toured Tombstone a little bit. Then we went on to Bisbee to get something to eat. But when we got there our clumsy waiter spilled a large root beer right in my lap! To make matters worse I had to ride in the truck bed all the way from Bisbee (right on the Mexico border) back to Wickenburg, at night. I have never been so cold in all my life. Other than that mess the weekend was great. Hope your break was just as good (minus the root beer incident).

Janaye Campbell
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Happy early Thanksgiving

Well tomorrow I'm going to have a giant feast with a turkey I fought for... Well I actually fought an old lady for it, but still I won. So with my Walmart turkey trophy and my weirdly shaped ham I'm going to have a feast (need more pumpkin pie). I might tape the thing if I get the camera from my mom. Happy Thanksgiving from a Indian!

Kirk Hill
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Thanksgiving!!!!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I hope that it will be a good one, but I'm not so sure. You see, this Thanksgiving will be my first Thanksgiving without my great-grandpa. I hope that after I spend time with my family I'll get to go and visit his grave. I also might write my dad and tell him happy Thanksgiving. But I really hope that I'll get to go see my great-grandpa's grave.

Amber Melot
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Bunnies on the walls.

I don't even really have anything to say that's positive about this week, but I'll try. Hmm...okay, I've got one or two. Besides having all three tests that this week brought, back to back I might add, (Algebra II, Chemistry, and Spanish II) I did realize that when you are studying for hours on end your mind begins to wander and find interesting pictures in the paint swirls on the walls. That's always amusing. I found a cute little bunny. Any who, another positive note to make...besides cute bunnies...is that I've been working with Hannah on the upcoming newspaper and it's completely awesome! Note to all readers: take the time to see the awesome zigzag article on the front page. The zigzag took forever to figure out how to do, but I think that it turned out pretty awesome. By next week you all should be able to see it. We tried our best to get it out this week, but it just wasn't going to happen. Sorry. So, yeah. That's all I have to say without complaining. I hope all of you all have a great Thanksgiving/break!

Shayna Innocenti
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Dang....

There are so many things going on!

• It's fricking cold outside my fingernails are blue! No kidding!
• I've got some English due tomorrow...stupid Chapter Questions. Why do we even have them?
• I'm worrying myself sick over last week's Geometry exam.
• We have a four-day weekend! WHOO-HOO!
• Did I mention that it's cold outside and that my fingernails are blue? I did, didn't I?

Phew, that was a mouthful! But thankfully, Thanksgiving Break is on it's way and so is the newspaper. After today and tomorrow, it's all smooth sailing.

Dannie Malleo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Test attack

This week is completely crazy. There is a test in Ms. Webb's Algebra II and in Mr. Thomas's Chemistry class. Today. If you have already taken it, bravo for surviving. If not, study up. I'm having a heart attack and a stroke at the same time just thinking about it. Maybe if I do, I can get out of them. Maybe.

Mrs. Thomas's Spanish II class over 200 words to have memorized just this week. She is separating them into different tests for each day, but it is still ridiculous. I'm glad I'm still in Spanish I.

I'm sure there are loads more things that are due by Wednesday and I wish you luck in all your endeavors.

Lucy Randazzo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Thanksgiving

Hey everybody, so I hope you're all looking forward to your next couple of days off! Hopefully, everybody has an awesome day stuffing their faces with turkey! Have fun with family or who or whatever you may be doing!

Caitlin Farrington
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Strack strikes out

Did anyone take notes? Does anyone remember the answers to the many questions? I only remember one:  "I'm not answering any questions about that." Thanks, Lucy.

R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Thespian Adventures

This weekend some of the members of Wickenburg HS, Thespian troupe number 6646 participated in the Arizona Thespian Convention. It was a blast! Not only were we able to take classes from widely known actors, dancers, and other instructors, but we were all presented with the ability to meet other thespians! Every members expierience was very different but overall the convention was fun and exciting!

The worst part about this over night trip was the Hotel San Carlos. No it wasn't over priced, and it wasnt unclean, it was HAUNTED! Yes, the Hotel San Carlos was one of the first hotels ever built in the phoenix area, it also still has the orginal sinks form the 1900's. When the hotel was first built an actress Leone Jensen was stood up by her finace. Going through a whirl wind of emotions the woman decided to jump off the 7th floor. The same floor where we were staying! When asked the hotel front desk man Ian said that some people think the hotel is haunted but he personally has not had any supernatural expieriences. But some members of our troop did have some spooky feelings and scary pictures taken. But the hotel isnt haunted by only one lonely spirit, several stories have been told of other suicides, and the bones of little children. To read more about the hotels "haunted-ness" you can visit http://www.acrimony.org/article_haunted_history.php .

Although scared I definantly had fun meeeting new people and going to different classes. I would reccomend going next year to anyone who is interested in acting or wants to be a thespian.

Amanda Aliser
WHS
Wickenburg, ariz

Apologies and other stuff

Hi, Staff. Well, this was a major blunder. The newspaper did not get published this week because of the following reasons:

• I thought I could finish it on Saturday.
• My InDesign 3 is not compatible with InDesign 4 (the school's new version).
• Hannah offered to come in Saturday and finish it, but noooooooo, I said I could do it.
• I got the flu. I got really sick. I could not move. I did not do a bloody thing but stay on the couch and, well, I'll spare the details.

I feel so bad about not getting the paper out. We could have done it IF I had just let Hannah do her thing.
I hope we can get it done for this Friday.

Check out the nice comments from the fine people at the Webb Center on my.hsj.org. They really appreciate our taking an interest in their activities. Maybe a thank you note would be in order for their kind offer of two free tickets for every performance.

I'll won't be in today. Hope everyone is OK there. You have a new sub. I don't know him. Impressions are welcomed.

Thank you for all you do.

R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Short week. Big work load.

Next week, though we only have three school days, the teachers are insisting on giving us a normal/plus work load. During those three days most of the students will experience several short, but time consuming Spanish II tests, a Chemistry test, and an Algebra II test. This upcoming week will probably the most challenging of the weeks so far...and then finals comes in two weeks. Not to rain on anyone's parade, but this isn't going to be fun and there's no escaping it. So my advice to all of you....STUDY!!!

Shayna Innocenti
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

New Wrangler logo

I captured this picture off the new business cards from Mr. Clark. What do you think of our new logo?

R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Billy Wilson amuses his classmates

This is a video of Billy entertaining the class AFTER his work was completed for the day.

Thanks, Billy.

R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Secret Life: A Success

The secret life of bees, a beautiful novel by Sue Monk Kidd was adapted by the Play House place and shown at our very own school. Located in New York, it took one year for the officals at our school to finally get them down here. The performance we had the pleasure of watching was a short version of the novel, where the actress Denice changed characters several times. Also to go along with the secret life theme we had a nice and certainly energetic where actress Heidi Jackson worked several English 10 and Theater classes through tablou. She did this so that every student could "... get the essence of the picture." The theme of Jackson's fun workshop was What do you fight for? This symbolized the constant struggle to fight for beliefs in Sue Monk Kidd's novel the Secret Life of Bees. All in all the show and the workshop were both entertaining and also inspiring.

amanda aliser

WHS

Wickenburg, Ariz.

The Secret Life of Bees

Today, during the Enrichment Advisory time, all of Mr. Modzewleski and Ms. Baker's classes watched a one actor performance of " The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kid. I didn't go in expecting much, especially because only one woman was supposed to play all of the characters. But it went beyond anything I could have imagined.

Ms. Denis was spectacular. In one small stage space with a chair, she captured the essence of Lily Melissa Owens and her tragic story. Her voice and expressions fit perfectly with each character, making for an excellent experience.

My only problem with the performance was that literally half of the book was cut out, though I'm sure it was for time's sake. Despite that, I encourage everyone to take their families and see "The Secret Life of Bees".

Lucy Randazzo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Loving the Rich!

I'm totally loving these enrichment advisory classes! Totally beats anything else that comes around today. I have a theater class with Modz and we do tons of fun things. The only problem is that most of the people don't participate at all. It makes me sad.

Dannie Malleo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Weekend Is Near!!! :)

This weekend may be very exciting yet very busy. I got rodeo ALL weekend and a roping to where Im hoping I will come home with a couple thousand. How excitng!! I hope your weekends go well and safe. Get ready for THANKSGIVING!!!

A Very Sad Day

Today is a sad today for my family. It is a year today that my two cousins died. They are still in our hearts and our thoughts. I think about them everyday. I still often find myself crying just thinking about them. I miss them so much. Sometimes I feel like this is all a dream and that when I wake up that they're going to be alive and spending time with people who love them.

Amber Melot
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Early x-mas shopping!

Well it's that time of year again. Every one stressing about what to get their loved ones for this special holiday. Guess what... I'm one of those people! I can't think of a thing to get for my family and friends. It's getting harder to shop because each year I try to out do myself.. and it's gotten to the point where I'm considering giving them tube socks and scarves. Any ideas anyone?

Savannah Tignor
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Almost here

The deadline for the newspaper is in just three days. Articles need to be in today unless you have been given special permission. And special permission means Hannah Buff, our editor-in-chief, spoke directly to you and gave you the go ahead, not what anyone else said. I need to edit all of the articles. So get cracking.

Lucy Randazzo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

So excited

I can't wait for Friday! This will be the first time I have ever been to Theatre Convention, but I've heard great things about it. If you don't know, Convention is an overnight event where members of our troupe go to do workshops and learn tricks of the trade. A lot of great people are going and all the activities sound fun so this should be a really amazing weekend. I can't wait.

Janaye Campbell
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Veterans Day, for some

I spoke with a veteran today. He served in the Army for four years. He works for a company whose employees all had today, Veterans day, off as a paid holiday.

Well, not all of his company's employees had Veterans Day off. His department, which consists of about five or six workers, had neither the day off nor received holiday pay for this national day of remembrance and recognition--a day set aside to honor men and women like him.

He was working when I spoke with him. He was busy, getting work done that is much harder to do when the company is open for regular business. He had no complaints. He, like many of us in this current economy, is just glad to be working, though he did see the irony in the situation. His entire department, all veterans, was working on Veterans Day, without the benefit of the holiday pay that is graciously given to the other departments in his company.

So, who is this person? I won't say. But I will say this: the company he works for is the Wickenburg Unified School District.

This is not meant to be a slam against our school district or our school board. I was in business for about 28 years and I know that you cannot spend money that you do not have. Rather, this is an appeal to our staff's compassion. I don't think any of us got pay raises this year. But neither did we get pay cuts or loss of benefits; some departments got both. Perhaps we could take a collection for the others. If we really are a team and/or family, I think it's the right thing to do.


R. Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

In defence of wrestling

Wrestling. The very word causes some people to break out into laughter. These people instantly picture the ridiculous singlets and headgear and the awkward sight of two guys rolling around on a mat. For this reason, wrestling is not a very popular sport. Rather, it is usually a subject of ridicule.

I myself used to think like these shallow-minded folks, until I learned what high school wrestling is really like. It's an extremely physically and mentally demanding sport that only the most determined athletes have the stomach for.

Practices are grueling. Wrestlers go through extensive stretching for maximum flexibility; conditioning such as running lap upon lap, countless push-ups, all different kinds of sit-ups, walking on their hands, front rolls, back rolls, bear crawls, crab walks, burbees, cartwheels, round-offs, jump roping, sprints and suicides; strengthening exercises like weighted wall-sits, "Grote push-ups", jump roping with the heavy rubber rope, various weight-lifting and even pounding a tractor tire with a sledge hammer; and actual training to improve their wrestling technique, which includes hand-control drills, take-downs, sprawls, drills to learn new moves and live wrestling.

All of this, spread across a two-hour practice, is designed to give each wrestler an agile body strengthened to its fullest potential and a well-equipped mind sharpened and focused to an unbeatable cunning, not to mention an intense tolerance for pain. These are the tools he will need to beat his opponent, either by pinning him or bending him into submission. Girls can wrestle too-- it is officially a co-ed sport. Some girls have even placed excellently at state.

Last year, a few of my friends were in wrestling. From them, I learned how tough the sport is. I gained a new found respect for these incredible athletes, who showed such unbreakable determination and rigid discipline. It was easy to see that no other sport is as severe, demanding, or skill-requiring as wrestling. Since becoming a manager for the team this year, I have only fortified my opinion. Seeing their training up-close has truly made me realize the guts these guys have.

The first and only time that I went to a wrestling meet, I was shocked at the intensity of the struggle between two wrestlers. It is such an intriguing sport, and yet few people actually give it a chance. They fail to see the true side of it. Instead, they insist upon their idle prejudices and empty assumptions. If only people would open their minds long enough to consider it, wrestling would receive the respect that it deserves.

Emily Prevost
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Friday the 13th

Watch out! It's Friday the 13th! A day most people decided would be horrible for many. WHY? But good luck to all of you guys and hope Friday the 13th isn't a day of disaster. Also, I hope that all of you guys have a great weekend!


Caitlin Farrington
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Wow.

This week has been crazy for so many things. First off is the computer arrangements. I still think we should have some more for everyone to work at but hey, I can't change the way the school spends its budget and whatever.

The brand-new Enrichment Classes, or as I call it "The Fun Classes Where We Can Do Fun Activities", seemed to go pretty well yesterday. I don't know about all of you guys but I had so much fun in mine. This is a really good idea for everyone to get involved in something other than school-related topics.

Articles, articles, articles everywhere! We are all working so hard on what needs to be done it's driving me insane! I know that all of us are probably saying at the back of our minds, "No more please! I already got so much crap to do!" But you know, we will still live no matter what.

Lastly, so many truths have come out to me that I can't bear to hold them all inside but I can't bear to take them out either. So much is happening that I can't think straight. Apparently my dad keeps telling me to calm down, don't worry so much, and be "mindful" of what expressions come onto my face. He says that people know how you are feeling not just by actions or words, but what look is on their face. Unfortunately, I wasn't having a good attitude last night and I was bawling my eyes out. Dad thought I was depressed but I said that I was just frustrated. I guess you can say I'm scared and not entirely comfortable with sudden change.

But I have a postitive outlook . . . even if everything hurts so bad.

Dannie Malleo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Live, learn, lead and love

Best Buy has been awarding grants to teens for over ten years now. Check out the opportunities they are giving to teens who express their ideas and share their visions. Best Buy @15.

R. Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

School uniforms

I believe someone was doing an article (editorial?) on school uniforms. Here's an article that made the national edition of HSJ. Blue, Green, Black and Maroon.

R. Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Why the switch of rooms?

Seriously. I'm so confused... What was the whole reason for the room switch? This is gonna suck because it will take more time to finish the paper, because we all have to take turns on the computers... Wow.

Savannah Tignor
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

DON'T SHOP AT FRYS OR SAFEWAY!!!

Don't do it. You will not be helping your community if so.

About 20,000 Fry's and Safeway grocery workers in Arizona could walk off the job at 6 p.m. Friday if the companies and the workers' union fail to reach a contract deal by the deadline.

If a deal is not reached, it would be the first general Arizona grocery strike in decades.

Most working Americans cannot afford $5 a week for individual health coverage and $15 a week to cover an entire family. This is wrong!

The workers would be entitled to about $150 per week in strike pay should they walk out.

Typically, store managers and other salaried workers fill in as clerks and stockers during a strike. Sometimes salaried employers from other states are brought in to help.
The companies also could hire temporary workers.

See related story here.


My step father works at Frys, and the people that run those companies are trying to take away his pension, (money after retirement) and insurance. These people are greedy. Join the cause; (please don't shop at Frys or Safeway! Workers all over the state will be picketing this Friday to stop the madness. And I will be, too. Right next to them.

Alexandra Camacho
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Computers... again

We all know about the lack of computers, but have you been noticing all the lost data? Papers, articles, pictures, sometimes even whole folders are getting lost somewhere within the tangled inner workings of our system. Maybe it's time to start bringing in flash drives to store your important documents, just in case.
Another thing about the computer issues; because of the shortage of computer time for Lucy and I, please make sure all your blogs are in the correct format and remember to spell check before you publish. And don't forget your signature at the bottom! We have other things to do and don't have time to change every post. Thank you.

Janaye Campbell
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Computers

Since I have to be on a computer to do all of the editing since everything is saved on the school computers, I'm going to help Janaye out. She is officially the new online editor, but it is definitely difficult to do with this computer situation. If I see a mistake while I'm on, I'll try to fix it quickly.

Lucy Randazzo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Blogging

Haven't really done it for a little while, but I'm trying. I just checked Microsoft Word and my entire essay for English 10 is gone. I can't find it and now I'm nervous because it is basically due today. Well half of it...but still!

Megan Pebbles
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow I hope that I get to go to visit my great grandpa's grave. He was in World War II and passed away on October 4, 2009. I want to go and put flowers on his grave. I really hope that I get to go and visit his grave.

Amber Melot
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Are we up to the challenge?

Greetings, staff.

We have such a creative group of students on the Wrangler Gazette staff that I think some of you could come up with a unique and innovative way of connecting our journalism class to the rest of the WUSD area.

Would some of you be willing to check out the offer that is being presented by the Knight Corporation? We could definitely use a grant from these marvelous people who so avidly support high school journalism. New (Apple) computers, video cameras, radio station equipment, TV news broadcasting equipment are all items that we could apply for. Here is the link: http://www.newschallenge.org/

Thank you.

R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Weird week

Two days on, one day off, then two days on again. Seriously, why did we have to have one day of the week off that is exactly in the middle? Why couldn't we just have Wed-Fri off make everyone happy? I know I'd be happy. Because I'd be thinking, "Hey, only two days of school this week!"

Dannie Malleo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Changes

As all of those in journalism class, you have all noticed the lack of computers. There are now eight computers for a total at least 15 students. I'm thinking there's something wrong with that picture. So... where did they all go? But most importantly why did they go? Weren't we using them?! So good luck to all of us students, let's try and make the most of it.


Caitlin Farrington
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Monday

Is never good for me! (sorry Kirk) But hey we are all back at school and enjoying our new room, even though its slightly more boring than the prior. I hope every one's Monday is eventful!

Amanda Aliser
WHS
Wickenburg Ariz.

Location, location

So we all are now in this new room with fewer computers and I'm not liking it too much. All of my documents somehow got erased, along with all of my favorites and folders. I can't even connect to a printer properly. This totally bites the big one. But I just have to get through today and tomorrow and then I can sleep in on Wednesday. Yes!

Shayna Innocenti
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

The great race

Three of Wickenburg's cross-country team members medaled at the state championships this past week-end.

Pictured are Phoebe Blakeley, Viviana Ruiz and Chase Killer, all proudly displaying their hard-won awards for outstanding Wrangler competitiveness at the season's finale on Saturday.

Congratulations.

Photo by the Killer Family.

R. Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Done!

I am finally done with Mr. Booth's essay! Dang, it was so hard but thank goodness that it is over with. Now there are like three more left for this semester so yeah. Not really sure if I want to read them but I must since it's all for school. Oh well.

Dannie Malleo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Getting it done

I'm happy to announce that I have just completed the story on the Spirit Tree. Thanks to my interviews with Ms. Lutz and Mrs. Jacobson, I had plenty of information to write, in my opinion, a pretty good article. I am so close to finishing my volleyball article, but I am waiting on one more piece of information from Mr. Myers. He's going to get it to me as soon as possible, so I'm left twiddling my thumbs. The poems for this edition are all taken care of, finally. So now I can focus all of my energy on my most important article: the homecoming story. I'm hoping and praying that I'll have enough information to make it as long as it needs to be, and that I'll have enough time to get that information. I already have two interviews scheduled for this week (Monday and Thursday), and I most likely won't have time for any more until next week. Ideally, I want to get at least one, possibly two more interviews for the article, since it has to be so long, but I have to get in contact with those people that I want to interview. Hannah needs all the stories by November 19, so I'll really have to put the pedal to the meddle. This is going to be one heck of a week.

Emily Prevost
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

The yo-yo girl

This just in from Reuben Madrid

COPS WHO CARE is requesting help next Thursday, November 12, 2009.
We are stuffing envelopes that evening and need help in doing so. Should your club want to help in any of our events here is the schedule.

Christmas Tree Lighting:
Saturday November 28, 2009 at 6:00 pm
In-front of the Wickenburg Library

Car Show
December 6, 2009
Sunday
Want to sell something at the car show? Cookies perhaps.
Show starts at 10:30 am till 3:00 pm

Help remove toys from delivery truck at 2:30 pm at police station.

Santa Fest
Saturday December 12, 2009
Wickenburg Town Hall
Set up time 8:00 – 8:30 am
Start time 9:00 till 11:00 am

Wrapping Party
Sunday December 13, 2009
Wickenburg Community Center
Set up time 7:00 am
Start time for wrapping at 9:00 am till finish

Delivering of the toys
Saturday December 19, 2009
Set up time 7:00 am
Start time 8:00 am till 12:00 pm

Any questions call me (Reuben) on my cell 602-550-2008

Rick Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

It's Almost Here!

Yep, that's right! One more day until the weekend! I hope everyone has a good one this time!

Dannie Malleo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Stress free

This week has been a major pain. Tuesday was a giant Algebra II test and Wednesday held a disastrous Chemistry test. Though it might sound fun to those few, it wasn't in the least bit. I'm just glad that it's over and done with. I can't stand to memorize anymore definitions.

On a more interesting note, everyone should give a shout out to Lucy who will be taking her permit test this Friday. Though she might be being forced to take it under the command of her mother, she still hopes to pass in the first try. So give her a simple 'good luck'.

Shayna Innocenti
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

My Crazy Weekend

Yay!!! Megan is coming over to my house today!! I cant wait! I hear our favorite movie calling our names.
I wont be here tomorrow Im leaving at 4:30 a.m. for a deer hunt! Ive been waiting all week and its finally here!
I hope everyone has a great weekend and hope you are all coming out to support our football team in the playoffs this Saturday at 7 p.m. here at WHS.

Shelby Bishop
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Grafitti

I like grafitti. I dont see what the big problem is. I think grafitti is cool way to express yourself.

Oh Yeah!!

I got my grade check today from Mr. Hodgkiss, who is my advisory teacher, and I found out that I got almost all A's... but one B-. I'm so happy!

Dannie Malleo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Bad Day

One side of me is telling me that today is a good day, but the other side reminds me of all the bad things that happened to me this morning. It may sound odd, but I dropped my phone in the toilet this morning. Isn't that a great way to start my day? Then I dropped my lolipop on the ground, but it was all good because this was one of those times when the five second rule applied, but underneath it all I still can't decide if todays a good day or not.

Moving

I am going to move to Tacoma, Washington and get my own apartment there, woo! I'm so sick of Arizona, I've lived here most of my life. I need something different, something adventurous!

Savannah Tignor

WHS

Wickenburg, Ariz.

Untitled poems

Please note that all untitled poems will be given a name by me. If you don't like the name that I choose, I'm sorry, and title your poem next time. Also, include your first and last name, unless you want to be anonymous. And please, for the love of all that is holy, format it! I'm sick and tired of getting poems written like a paragraph. It's a lot more work for me, and I don't have time for it. From now on, formatted and titled poems will have priority over untitled and unformatted ones. That means that poems that have been formatted and titled will be put in the paper first, and there might not be enough space for poems that are untitled and unformatted. Thank you, and have a nice day.

Emily Prevost
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Nice

I love my new picture! It's supposed to be dancing. Can someone look and tell me if it is?

Kirk Hill
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Staying a little longer

Okay, I can't switch classes until next semester. I don't think I'm going to be here next semester, but I might as well stick with what I am given and appreciate everything that is going on with me in my life.

Dannie Malleo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

"Always to Remember"

I was just editing an article written by Amber Melot, and I was amazed. The strong opening paragraph for her book review on "Always to Remember" was great. I'm thinking of checking it out now. It sounds awesome.

Lucy Randazzo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Some changes

So from now on I'm going to be helping Lucy out with the editing. She had so much on her plate, it seems only fair that someone steps in and unburdens her just a bit. I'm now the online editor. No worries, I'm not going to be editing for content, strictly for grammatics. So please guys, remember to capitalize, punctuate, and NO text talk! Thank you.

Janaye Campbell
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Saying goodbye

Yeah, this is going to be my last issue for me you guys. Turns out I'm not exactly cut out for current event writing. Just like what Mr. Kevin Cloe has told us at the beginning of the school year, "Creative writing is not your friend in Journalism." At first I thought it would be easy for me but I realized that it got harder and harder for me to do stuff like interviews or even reports about past events. I don't know when I'm leaving but I'm not going to leave Hannah and the rest of you hanging without an article that I was assigned. I am going to be doing the article as promised but this will be my last.

For those of you in Writing Club, I'm still going to be in there so don't sweat it okay? I just won't be in Journalism any longer. I'm not deciding to move out of it because of all the hard work I'm given, it's just hard for me to do this. I told myself I was going to try this class and see if it works. Sadly, it hasn't.
Everyone has their strengths and their weaknesses. Creative writing like stories, poems, and songs are my strengths; journalistic writing is my weakness. I hope you all don't think I'm some big idiot but don't worry about my decision. I made up my mind about what I have decided.

I love you all, you've been great staff members and you all have got talents. I will submit some things like poems or reviews like Nathaniel but just maybe not interviews. Hope this doesn't spark chaos or whatever.

I'll let you all know when my last day here is going to be.


Dannie Malleo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Regarding poems

So, I know that I was complaining about not having enough poems, and I'm really glad for all the enthusiasm and all the poems that were presented. However, I am officially swamped. I have too many poems!

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate every single poem that was submitted, but there is a limit as to how many can be put in the paper. I told Hannah that I would like to print as many as possible, but there isn't enough space for seven or so of them. It was tough to decide which poems will be in this issue, but those submitted from outside of the class will most likely have priority. Sorry if this upsets anyone.

Those of you in the class who want your poems printed, I kindly ask that you choose your best work to be put in. This is because we now have plenty of poems to be printed, and I don't want poems that will just be used as "fillers" to take up the space. I want to put in quality work, now that I have enough options to choose from. You all are doing a great job of that so far, but remember to be very selective of what you want printed. Those that are not published in this edition may be used in the next edition, so hold on to them.

Again, thanks for the enthusiasm! I love to see so many poets with a desire to share their works. And I owe a big thanks to Shayna for helping me type up, edit, and choose the poems. I really need the extra hand this week.

One last thing: Nathaniel Evans wrote up a band review and a book review. These are both great ideas, and I really think readers would love to see them in the paper. I do have one suggestion, though; For those of you who are considering doing a book/band/movie review, make sure you state some actual facts along with your opinions. For example, be sure to say what albums the band has, how many members, the members' names, when the band was created, where the band is located, and other stuff like that.

That's all I have to say for now, and I have to get back to work.

Emily Prevost

WHS

Wickenburg, Ariz.

So much stuff in so little time

I feel like I'm at a job or something. If I don't want to get fired, I'd better do all of my stuff because honestly, I have been kind of slacking off. But hey, I'm not the only one to do it, but I may be the only one to admit it.

Dannie Malleo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

"Scream, Push and Run"

That was my #1 tactic this weekend. Friday night I went to The Nest, possibly the scariest thing ever! Everytime something popped out, or we passed something scary, my cousin's friend went flying and we ran screaming our heads off. It was possibly the most fun I have ever had in my life! I hope your guys' halloween was just as fun!

Amanda Aliser
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

The weekend

I am so happy my dad actually let me go do something! I have been grounded for a few weeks now but I am finally getting some freedom back! So that was last weekend. This weekend, starting way too early Friday morning, I am going on my first deer hunt. So I won't be at school.

Shelby Bishop
WHS
Wickenburg,Ariz.

Can't wait

My birthday is on January 1st, but it feels like tomorrow. I'm going to make a wish list!

Kirk Hill
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Poem-itis

This is driving me insane,
All the rhymes, the moods, the paper so plain!
A song will appear;
It's no suprise you'll find me writing near.
I write and write;
Rhyme and rhyme.
All day, all night.
An endless, un-winnable fight.
I can't stop this,
This crazy sickness called "Poem-itis"!

Dannie Malleo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Halloween weekend

How was it? Spooky? While everyone was having fun, so was I.

Now that school is back in my mind, I wish there were more breaks in the school year or I wish I had graduated already!

Megan Pebbles
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

My fright night

Well, I didn't go trick-or-treating, didn't have a party and didn't go to a haunted house. You want to know what I did do? I went to see the new movie, "Paranormal Activity", with my mom and fiance. Yes it was scary, yes I had nightmares, yes I slept with every light on in my house and yes I would definitely go see it again. It is the best scary movie that has been made in a while.

Savannah Tignor
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Best holiday ever

I have a stomach ache, but the best kind because of too much candy on Halloween. I got candy drunk. Now I'm hung over. It is the best holiday ever!

Kirk Hill
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

My weekend

My weekend was really great. Friday, I went and saw a friend of mine that lives far away from me. Then on Saturday, I went trick-or-treating with my friend and my sisters. After that I went and hung out with my mother, my sisters, and my mother's friend's son. Then on Sunday, my sisters and I went and got our pictures taken at Walmart.

Amber Melot
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

I'm blogging everywhere

OK, so maybe I do have too much time on my hands, but I always stay busy. I set up a another blog that I've been thinking about using for the other subjects I teach: Algebra 1B and Math Assistance.

I was wondering if some of you would mind giving me feedback. My attempt is to post the day's lessons and homework on-line for those who are absent and/or for those who simply did not get it done in class, lost it, bombed it, etc.

I thought I would also post links to math help sites and other groovy locations, such as the On Campus On Line blog. Click the link on our side bar for BurdMath.

Thank you,
R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Wishing you a Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween, everybody! I wish all of you a fun and safe night. Don't go too crazy with the candy, and be sure to scare a few people just for the fun of it. To celebrate the holiday, I thought I'd share a picture of my jack-o-lantern with you. I call it the Cannibal Pumpkin. Have a great Halloween, and see you all Monday!

Halloween was originally called All Hallows' Eve. The name is shortened from All Hallows' Even ("Even" being short for Evening), which then turned into All Hallows' E'en, then to Hallowe'en, and finally to Halloween. According to some religions, this holiday (beginning at sunset and ending at midnight) is a time for the spirits of the dead to temporarily enter our realm. November 1 is All Saints' Day, or All Hallows. This day religiously celebrates all of the saints, known and unknown.

Emily Prevost

WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Ruiz captures 3A west title

This just in from Coach Clementz!!

VIVIANA RUIZ WINS 3A WEST REGIONAL! PHOEBE
BLAKELEY 1ST TEAM ALL REGION! GIRLS CC TEAM 2ND! STATE NEXT!

VIVIANA RUIZ 1ST+@ 20:06
PHOEBE BLAKELEY 6TH + 21:39
TAYLOR MARTIN 14TH^ 24:19
VANESSA CASTRO 27TH 28:12*
LAURA SOTO 29TH 28:15
10/30/09
Team Scores:1. Sedona 21 2.WHS 74 3. River Valley 90
4. Chino Valley 91 5. Estrella FootHills 99
Parker (Did not have 5 runners).

* = Most Improved Runner
Improvement Rate: Castro 5:34; Martin 1:53; Ruiz :41;
Blakeley :18.

+ = 1st Team All Region 3A West
@ = Most Valuable Regional Runner
^ = 2nd Team All Region 3A West
3A State Championships Sat 11/7/09
@ Cave Creek Golf Course Phoenix,Az
3:10 P.M.
KILLER, STATEN FINISH 1ST TEAM ALL REGION – LEAD BOYS CC TO 2ND PLACE IN 3A WEST REGIONAL MEET!!

CHASE KILLER 5TH + 18:05
LEVI STATEN 7TH + 18:11
CRISTON HYETT 9TH ^ 18:51
ADRIAN RUIZ 11TH ^ 18:57
BETO PEREZ 13TH ^ 19:17
TIM KRECHEL 25TH 21:25*
JUSTIN BERGMAN 26TH 21:30
INDIVIDUAL WINNER: Jesus Rivera Sedona 16:21

Team Scores: 1. Sedona 21 2. WHS 45 3. Chino Valley 69
4. River Valley 118 5. Estrella FootHills 121
Parker, (only 2 runners). 10/30/09
* = Most Improved Runner
Improvement Rate: Krechel 2:39; Bergman 1:46; Ruiz 1:07;
Killer :55; Hyett :40; Staten :21
+ = 1st Team All Region 3A West
^ = 2nd Team All Region 3A West

3A State Championships Sat. 11/7/09
Cave Creek Golf Course Phoenix Az. 1:55 P.M.

My checklist

The following is the physical copy of my mental checklist. It helps me to write it out. Also, I'll be able to see it every time I log on.

I have:

• Interviewed Courtney Lutz regarding the spirit tree.
• Taken a picture of Ms. Lutz and Mrs. Fletcher with the tree
• Typed up and scheduled my interview with Mr. Myers (about the volleyball story) for next Tuesday
• Typed up an interview for Darcy Fuller, whom I plan to talk to for my homecoming story
• Confirmed that there are some poems to be put in the paper
• Acquired and edited at least one poem that wasn't put in the last edition
• Typed up interview questions for Mrs. Jacobson about the spirit tree
• Confirmed that there are some pictures from the homecoming football game that I can use
• Already taken pictures of volleyball, but I may have to get some more

I still need to:

• Interview Mrs. Jacobson about the spirit tree, and then write up the story
• Interview Mr. Myers, and then write up the vollyeball story
• Ask Darcy Fuller for an interview, and then interview her
• Possibly find another source or two for the homecoming story
• Write up the homecoming story
• Get some more poems and edit them
• Go through the photos from the game
• Get pictures from the dance
• Decide on a picture for volleyball

Emily Prevost

WHS

Wickenburg, Ariz.

Boo!

Tomorrow's Halloween! Here's a special "way to go" for all of you who dressed up today...even though it is in fact, not Halloween yet. Personally, this is my favorite holiday, and my second birthday. Make sure to get out nice and early tomorrow with your costumes and trick-or-treat.

Have fun, and be safe this weekend.

Shayna Innocenti
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Photoshop

Ugh, seriously I am totally out of the century. I'm testing out Photoshop and I know nothing at all. I'm testing it out on a picture of mine and trying to see if I can get the hang of it.

Dannie Malleo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Trick or treat

Here's an early Happy Halloween! I hope that you guys all have a great time doing whatever tomorrow! Also, to all of you who dressed up today, great job; you all look good.

Caitlin Farrington
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Halloween rules

I love Halloween. It is my favorite holiday. I dressed up as a penguin. I love everyone's costumes.

Kirk Hill
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Publisher shares experience

Mr. Kevin Cloe, publisher of The Wickenburg Sun, spoke to our journalism class on Thursday. Cloe is the driving force behind our printed edition of the Wrangler Gazette.

Cloe addressed several pertinent issues concerning our continuing development as a valid journalism force. Some of his suggestions were:

• implement a check list that is viewable to all staff members that will show articles assigned and the stage of the article(s) (e.g., interview done, research done, first draft, etc.).
• alleviate some of the pressure off the editor-in-chief by having separate section editors.
• alleviate some of the pressure off the copy editor by splitting up the task to on-line editing and print-edition editing. (Janaye has mentioned she would be interested in doing one of them.)
• using google.docs as a method of writing, editing and accessing articles on-line.
  
• establishing a physical in-box where articles that need editing can be placed for review.
• having Juan Jimenez come by to help us with out tabloid lay-out.
  
• and more that perhaps other staff members can recall.

These were all good suggestions that could be put into place, some immediately, to help us become an even better operation.

Ms. Scarcelli will be your guest teacher today. She has already been informed that this journalism class is the best class that Mr. Burd has ever had. True. She might have five candy bars as a reward for the winners of this week's current events quiz. There are some staff members who are still owed candy bars; yours will be there Monday.

If anyone needs a camera for the week-end, there is one in the bottom right-hand drawer of Mr. Burd's desk in room H-125. Show this post to Mr. Vechiola so he knows it is OK for a staff member to use the camera. There is also a tripod in that room.

I think it would be great if staff members started thinking about the national high school journalism convention that will take place in April. It would be an experience that would significantly advance your knowledge, expertise and education. And it would be lots of fun. For more information, click here.

Have a great week-end, and thanks for all you do. Go Wranglers!

R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Poems needed

I read Dannie's blog and it reminded me that I also need to collect some poems for the paper on top of all my other stories. If anybody has poems or knows people who would like to put poems in the paper, please contact me. If I don't get enough people offering to put them in, I'll have to go scout them out myself and put up posters asking people to submit material. I'm already swamped with articles and photos, so do me a favor. Thanks.

Emily Prevost
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Is everyone ready?

Is everyone ready to dress up for Mr. Booth's class tomorrow? He is telling his classes to dress for Halloween a day before Halloween!

A student in my class has the most interesting ways of thinking; he always has ideas and really is a funny guy. It's unexpected of him, but he keeps Mr. Booth and the class laughing.

Do your essays! Get them done before Monday. Do your best and make it worth reading.

Your life is your life, just be successful in it.

Megan Pebbles
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Brrr

Its still the flu season and super cold outside! So just a reminder bundle up and drink your orange juice. If you are sick, stay away from school.

Grab your hand sanitizer everyone, swine is in the air!

Amanda Aliser
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Classroom changes

Am I the only one who finds the budget cut thing ridiculous? I mean eight computers for a class of at least thirty where everyone has to be online daily? It's just crazy. That could definitely be a story. What do you think?

Janaye Campbell
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Just got to say

I've been writing so many poems recently that I can't stop. For some odd reason, I only focus on that when I'm trying to do my other stories. I guess I'm not cut out for writing current events. I'm more of the creative writer. But I'm not complaining.

Dannie Malleo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Rough draft

Yeah, I got most of my rough draft done. President Alex took a look at it during the Writing Club meeting. I still need a little more information about my topic.

Dannie Malleo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Discovered

I just discovered something cool. I was on Google maps and looked at my Reservation. It was three-dimensional. I felt like I was at home again.

Kirk Hill
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

My feelings

Yesterday, when I arrived home I found out that my dad had wrote us. My older sister read the letter to my younger sister. I really didn't want to hear what he had to say because I don't have faith in him anymore. I don't trust what he says to us. He claims that he will change, that this time will be different but I don't believe him. I know that once he gets out he'll go back to acting like he has no family.

Amber Melot
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Touching email

Wow, I got an email forward from my grandmother in Texas and before I opened it, I thought it was something worthless. Opening it and reading the contents, I realized that it had a very touching message. It was about how even though you may feel like the only person in this whole world who hasn't felt needed, there is one person there for you, that they will love you eternally and that they are the one to make things right. It makes me think about my relationship with my boyfriend and I. I'm going to send it to a friend of mine who has just broken up with their boyfriend and see if it can help her.

Dannie Malleo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Cold as could be

If you haven't noticed, it got extremely cold very fast. Last week we were able to go around wearing a short sleeve. But now it's super freezing and it's supposed to be just as cold tomorrow! Imagine how cold it's going to get over the weekend. A cold Halloween is within sight!

Caitlin Farrington
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Homecoming pictures

If anybody has any pictures whatsoever from Homecoming, I need them for my story. So please tell me if you do or know someone who does! Get back to me as soon as possible. Thank you, I'd really appreciate it.

Emily Prevost
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Get your efforts recognized

The International Quill and Scroll Society, is an honor society for high school journalists. WHS has been a chapter member of this highly prestigious organization since 1973.

Unlike most journalistic associations that focus on improving the school's publications, Q & S focuses on improving the individual staff member's skills. This is an opportunity for you, the high school journalist, to be recognized for your outstanding efforts, talents and abilities.

To be considered for membership into the Q & S Society, a student must meet the following five criteria:

1. They must be a junior or senior classmate. (Second semester sophomores will be considered, but membership will not be effective until their junior year.
2. They must be in the upper third of their class academically.
3. They must have done superior work in some phase of journalism.
4. They must be recommended by their adviser.
5. They must be approved by theexecutive director of the Society.

For more information, see Mr. Burd, click the link in our "links" group, or click here.

R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Cool shoes

This is really cool. You can make your own shoe, then buy it. A dream come true at (nikeid.nike.com)

Kirk Hill
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

First off: If anybody has any pictures of homecoming, please contact me! I need them!

I've scheduled an interview for tomorrow after school with Ms. Lutz concerning the new Spirit Tree. I also need to talk to Mr. Myers about the volleyball season. Then I can get working on the actual articles. After all that, I can finally work on the homecoming article, which will probably be the most difficult of the three I'm taking on. I've already put two short articles onto the online edition this week, and I hope to get my three full-sized articles done before the weekend. Busy busy.

Emily Prevost
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Story

Seriously, Mr. Burd's story is crazy! I have heard worse stories but that is just wrong. I mean, why do that at school? If it were at a public place (still creepy and wrong) it'd make much more sense. I'm surprised Mr. Burd didn't tattle.

Dannie Malleo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Secret lovers

Mr. Burd has caught some good dirt on a couple in the girls' bathroom near the cafeteria. But he won't reveal the names.

Kirk Hill
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

PSATs

For those of you who don't pay attention to the morning announcements, the PSATs are going to be this Wednesday at 12:00. Supposedly they are going to call you down by name if you signed up or send someone down to get you, but I'm not completely sure. It doesn't matter, they usually change their minds last second anyways. Also, for those of you who haven't signed up, you should. There are a few spots left and it only costs $15. By taking this test you are not only preparing yourself for the future SATs but you are also widening your chances for future scholarships. So sign up if you haven't or study hard if you already did. And good luck!

Shayna Innocenti
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

NHS improves the community

Early Saturday morning, NHS members volunteered to paint three different houses around town. The Paint-a-Thon began at 8:00 a.m. and the last house was finished at 3:00 p.m. A lot of hard work went into beautifying the residences. The houses were located on Jefferson St., Washington St., and just off Highway 60.

Emily Prevost
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Woah!

What is up with the new stuff on Blogger? Did it just get put up or was I just too out of it last week to notice? I really like the YouTube powered video bar. I think Mr. Burd just went crazy with it this weekend.

Lucy Randazzo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

New addition to the campus

Did anybody notice the Spirit Tree just off the corner of the G Building? I'd say it looks pretty good! I would like to pursue an article on this to find out more about it. This is just what our campus needs. Please contact me if you have any information on it.

Emily Prevost
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

There was a project?

Okay, I got a call from Alex over there asking me about this Geometry project that was somehow issued a few weeks ago. I'm like "What? When did this happen?" Apparently since I don't know about it or did it for that matter, I guess I'm gonna lose my points for it.

Hmm... maybe Mr. McDowell can let me make it up somehow. Hopefully he's in a good mood. I can't believe I'm gonna say this but I'm willing to do anything.

Dannie Malleo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

I so need to sleep...

This was one of the busiest weekends of my life without a doubt! On Friday a couple friends and I went to Wittmann to hangout with the guys. As soon as we got there we decided to go down to a restaurant in Peoria. After we got done eating all of us went to Fear Farm, where we paired up into the buddy system to go through the houses. My buddy was terrible. He would jump out of the corn and scare ME and when one of the creepy cannibal guys tried to hit on me, my little 'buddy' said "It's cool you can take her!" and tried to run away. Then after we got out of the haunted house, my friend who was holding my phone for me informed me that my phone, my baby who I worked all summer for, was no longer in her pocket. But thanks to quick thinking from Troy, the phone was recovered by a guy with a chainsaw. He's my new hero for sure. After the Fear Farm fiasco we all went to the movies. No one could agree on a movie, so we divided. Taylor, Brittini, Sydney, and Stephanie went to see The Vampire's Assistant, while Paige, Troy, Josh, Amanda, Dillon, and I went and saw Where the Wild Things Are. Our movie got out a good thrity minutes before theirs so we headed back to Wickenburg and told everone else to meet us later. We ended up getting back to Paige's and in bed and around 3:30 am. The best part is the next day we had to get up at 5:30 to go take the ACT test. When we got to the testing location the people informed me that because my transaction on the my card didn't go through, I couldn't take the test. So we drove all the way back home. As soon as I got there I went to sleep and pretty much slept all day. Then yesterday we were out until around 10:00 hanging out with the guys again. Needless to say, I am so so tired. I wish high schools let us have nap time.

Janaye Campbell
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

My weekend!

My weekend was great. I went to the Homecoming game and dance. Then on Saturday I went to a music festival. The music festival was awesome; I liked it a lot. It was a lot of fun. Then on Sunday I hung out with my sisters and went to the store with my aunt.

Amber Melot
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

AIMS tests this week

All sophomores and juniors, as well as some select seniors, will be participating in the Arizona state-mandated AIMS tests this week. Tuesday will be the AIMS writing test; Wednesday will be the reading portion; and Thursday will be the math section.

Arizona's Instrument to Measure Standards is what is commonly referred to as an "exit exam," because, irrespective of a student's academic performance during his four years of high school, the student cannot graduate without passing all three (soon to be four---science) tests.

Find help and helpful links on the Arizona Department of Education's web-site. For a preview of what math formulas you are expected to work with, click here.

Good luck, and don't panic.

R. Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Cross country results

"Hopefully we are all tuned up and ready to go for next Friday. Guys can knock off Sedona for the title but to get All 5 or 7 guys to have the race of a lifetime…that is the question and the task at hand." Doug Clementz

R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Weekend

So my Jake is here! Woo-hoo! Six months and he's finally here. How exciting! Homecoming today then Fear Farm tomorrow then Sunday just a chilling for me. It is going to be a fun weekend! Hope you all have a great one!

Bailey Gonzalez
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Homecoming!

Man I'm so excited for Homecoming today!

Being this hyper and excited about one school event really surprises me. I'm going to catch the game and I'll be in my dress afterwards with Chessnie Cline offering to do my hair. Everyone who is going to the Homecoming Dance is going to look great! I'm offering to take pictures for that night for two reasons:

1) I bet it would be good for the newspaper.

2) What can I say? My family, friends and orthodontist want pictures. Why my orthodontist wants a picture, I don't know; but hey, she's been kind to me and my teeth since I got my braces.

Hope to see all you there tonight!

Dannie Malleo
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

The weekend

I find myself pretty lucky! The reason being is that I got to come back to school on Wednesday. I was already waiting for Friday to come around and finally it's Friday! Two days of waiting seems forever.

So all of you have a great weekend! And hope that all of you who are going to the game and the dance. Have fun!

Caitlin Farrington
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Something funny and stupid

A man was driving when he saw the flash of a traffic camera. He figured it was for exceeding the speed limit even though he knew he wasn't speeding. Just to be sure he went around the block and passed the same spot but driving more slowly but again the camera flashed. Now he began to think it was quite funny so he drove even slower. It flashed again, then the fourth with the same result and then a fifth time he drove at a snails pace laughing as the camera flashed. Two weeks later in the mail he got five tickets for not wearing a seat belt. You can't fix stupid.

Kirk Hill
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Grand finale

Homecoming week draws to a climax today, October 23, the day of the WHS vs Parker Homecoming game and dance. The game starts at 7:00 pm and should end around 9:00. Be there to support our home team. The dance begins at 9:30. I hope you all have your tickets. Otherwise, the cost of admission at the door is $10. Homecoming Queen and King will be announced today as WHS Homecoming week winds down to its end.

Emily Prevost
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Weekend

My weekend is going to be great. Today I'm going to the Homecoming game and dance. I hope that the rest of my weekend goes well also. I hoping to either finish the book I'm reading today or sometime during the weekend.

Amber Melot
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Chairs are empty today

A very unusual sight: nobody waiting to see Mr. Strack outside his office on a Thursday morning. Good behavior before, during and after the awesome pep assembly?

Emily Prevost caught this picture about 11 a.m. as she and Lucy Randazzo waited for their interview appointment with Principal Jacobson.

R.Burd
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Learning about my culture

I learned something yesterday. My mom told me to "keep my medicine strong," which is like saying "have a good conscience." And so what I have is good and bad medicine.

With my good medicine, she says when I keep it strong it will be good to me, and my bad medicine, which is like curses, I can use them, but it will return three times harder. Then I thought, is it really worth it? Probably not; it's kind of like karma, but for Native Americans.

Kirk Hill
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz

Last game

Today, October 22, is the last normal game of the 2009 volleyball season. JV and Freshman teams' seasons will end today with the conclusion of the match at Estrella Foothills. Varsity, however, will still compete in Regionals and possibly State matches. The Freshmen play today at 4:00 pm, JV at 5:00, and Varsity at 6:00.

Emily Prevost
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.

Pep rally was the bomb

As for the pep rally, I think all classes did awesome for school spirit. For yelling, I think juniors should have taken it all the way. For colors, I think both juniors and seniors ruled! We all did well having school spirit; good job guys!

I think Parker has it in for our Wranglers this Friday night. But, our men will kick their boys to the dirt! Look out Parker, we're going to bring it on all the way. We are the bomb, we go tick tick boom!

"Don't dis' me, Parker," said the WHS rapper and horse.


Bailey Gonzalez
WHS
Wickenburg, Ariz.