Mountain Pointe - Tempe Union High School District

Voice of the Pride
500 Days of Summer
Page 4
Choir and Their Goals
Page 3
Cash For Clunkers
Page 2
Mountain
Pointe
High School
September 2009
Vol. 19 Issue 2

2
News
Murderer stains image
Morgan Phister
Junior Editor
Ever wonder how fellow
classmates will end up in the
future? MP graduate class
of 2007 most likely had no
idea that one of their fellow
classmates would be convicted
of murder just three short
years later.
Former MP student, Joseph
Woodard, 21, was convicted
of first-degree murder on
August 11, 2009.
Reports say on the night of
August 23, 2006, Woodard and
accomplice, Sergio Acosta,
decided to invade Brad
Eaton’s residence. Woodard
claimed he and Acosta were
after marijuana, jewelry,
and money from Eaton’s
roommate. With the help of
Acosta’s older brother, Juan,
also a former MP student,
the three boys successfully
entered Eaton’s house through
the garage, and fatally shot
Eaton.
As Eaton’s roommate,
Talor Zavacky, escaped to a
neighbor’s house to call 911,
the three boys drove their
red Cadillac down the street
to get away from the crime
scene. They did not realize,
at the time, however, that
Juan had inadvertently left
his gun behind.
Authorities arrested Sergio
Clunky idea
Linnea Bennett
Junior Editor
People lucky enough to qualify have
new cars courtesy of taxpayers.
Acosta and Joseph Woodard
the night of the murder.
Zavacky initially lied to
police about the whole
incident for fear of getting
into trouble because, at this
time, he was on probation
for aggravated assault and
possession of marijuana.
In July and August, just shy
of three years after the crime,
the trial took place with the
jury deciding on a guilty of
first-degree murder verdict
in a Maricopa County Superior
Court.
Sergio Acosta quickly agreed
to a plea bargain of seconddegree
murder and was
sentenced to 10 years in prison
in return for testifying against
his accomplice and prime
murder suspect, Woodard.
Acosta’s brother, Juan, is still
on the run, and is suspected
of being in Mexico.
Former graduate of the
MPHS class of 2006, Brian St.
Aubin, vaguely remembers
Joseph Woodard during his
high school experience.
St. Aubin said, “I just
remember wrestling with him
on the wrestling team. He
seemed pretty normal and
was definitely a sports dude. I
think he was a football player,
too, and he seemed pretty
The Cash for Clunkers program lent a
hand to families and car dealerships alike.
The program, that aided dealerships in
selling 250,000 cars in its first four days,
offered vouchers ranging from $3,500 to
$4,500 when families traded in a vehicle
for another that either met or exceeded
their original car’s MPG.
The Cash for Clunkers Program allowed
people to trade in their current car if it
received less than 19 miles per gallon.
The amount of the rebate each person
was credited was based upon the amount
of improvement in gas mileage in the
newer vehicle; the greater the increase
of MPG was rewarded with a larger sum
of money.
Not only did this help out families struggling to pay for their gas guzzling
automobiles, it was an attempt to throw a rope to the auto industry that is
drowning in America’s struggling economy.
Many Mountain Pointe students and their families jumped at the opportunity
this new program brought about.
Cecily Abbadessa, 11, whose family traded in a GMC truck said, “We ended up
buying a Pearl 2010 Prius. We love it because it helps the economy, and it saves
us a ton on gas money.”
Chelsea Premeau, 12, and her family also participated in the program.
However, the program proved to be less of a smooth ride for her and her
normal.”
Coach and History teacher,
Brandon Buck is asked about
how he feels about knowing
the murdered is a former
Mountain Pointe student. Buck
says, “It is really strange to
think this kid once attended
MP. I feel sorry for kids like
this and it makes you wonder
what people in their lives
could have done
differently to stop them. If
you knew what these kids
were going through and what
was going on in their lives,
you wonder if you could have
prevented it in any way.”
Unfortunately, no one was
aware of the life threatening
intentions of the boys.
This normal guy, who stole
While most
people hope to hear about
their classmates once they
graduate from high school,
the class of 2007 never thought
they would read about one of
their own being charged with
murder.
the murder weapon from
a family friend in Yavapai
County, had a pair of tennis
shoes with Eaton’s blood on
them, and is also accused of
plotting to kill two prosecution
witnesses in the case, will
be sentenced October 2. He
faces up to life in prison. No
trial date has been set on the
additional charges.
family.
Premeau said, “My family traded in our 1988 Jeep Cherokee for a 2009 Honda
Civic, [and] Cash for Clunkers allowed us $4,500 for a car that was worth
nothing. The most difficult part of the process was finding a Civic; none of the
dealerships possessed the inventory to keep up with Cash for Clunkers due to
the reward, especially for fuel-efficient, compact cars like the Civic.”
Even teachers took hold of the Cash for Clunkers program.
Sophomore English teacher, Carol Miller, traded in a 1990 Dodge Dakota, that
got 19 MPG and was driven by both of her daughters throughout her high school
years, and later by her husband on his daily trek to work.
She used her $3,600 rebate from the Dakota to purchase a 2009 Hyundai
Sonata.
Miller was thrilled with the trade, shown when she immediately responded,
“I love it!” after she was asked how her new vehicle was fairing out. Miller said
she had very few problems except that they had to prove they had owned the
car for a full year in order to receive the full rebate.
The car had been insured, though, so she was able to prove ownership through
insurance paperwork.
Many have said that the Cash for Clunkers “honeymoon” stage did not last
through its entire duration. One problem many participants faced was dealerships
withholding their new cars even after all the appropriate paperwork has been
submitted. Another issue was need of funds. GM also exhausted its financial aid
from the government in Cash for Clunkers’ first few weeks, which led to the
conclusion of the program on August 24.
Despite some bumps in the rode, Cash for Clunkers did a fair job of delivering
help to both car owners. Now that it has ended, however, the dealers are not
as happy. Many have yet to be paid.

You
answer!
Responses
from faculty
and students
to serious
questions
With all the recent talk about
the man who exercised his
2nd Amendment right to
bear arms during President
Obama’s recent visit. Voice
of the Pride wants to know
how people feel about the
growing number of people
who are getting concealed
weapons permits. The
Arizona Department of
Public Safety’s Concealed
Weapon Unit says the number
of active permits are as follows:
2004: 68,856, 2005: 74,161, 2006: 85,404, 2007: 99,370
2008: 117,684, Today: 135,689
Michael Vick
Avery Feryer
Senior Editor
He’s back. Michael Vick has
signed a two-year contract with the
Philadelphia Eagles after serving
23 months in federal
prison for participating
in illegal dog-fighting
affairs.
The Eagles introduced
Vick in a press
conference on August
14, and he addressed
the public.
According to ESPN,
Michael Vick said, “I
know I’ve done some
terrible things, made a
horrible mistake. Now I
want to be part of the
solution and not the
problem.”
The Eagles are hoping
that the two years away
from football has not diminished Vick’s
incredible athleticism on the gridiron.
Vick will most likely be used in some
variation of the “Wildcat” offense.
“As an Eagles fan, I am surprised
that the team signed Vick, but if it
will help them win a Super Bowl, then
I am all for it”, said science teacher
Meredith Morrissey.
As a result of the Atlanta Falcons
drafting quarterback Matt Ryan to
replace Vick in the previous draft, he
was released from his former team in
June 2009.
Upon his release from home
confinement on July 20, 2009,
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell
conditionally reinstated Vick, allowing
him to sign with a team.
However, Vick will not be eligible
to play until week six of the regular
season when the Commissioner may
grant him full reinstatement. Vick is
allowed to participate in organized
team practices and play in the final
two-preseason games.
Michael Vick was the first overall
draft pick in 2001, and once the
Feature
highest-paid player in the NFL. He
redefined the position of quarterback
by being the first to rush for 1,000 yards
in a season.
But his career
was abruptly
halted and his
image forever
tarnished.
On April
25, 2007,
a u t h o r i t i e s
raided a house
owned by
Michael Vick in
Surry County,
Va., where
they found 66
dogs, a dogfighting
pit,
bloodstained
carpets, and
other equipment associated with dog
fighting. Vick was convicted in August
2007, of conspiracy and running a
dog-fighting ring. He was sentenced
to 23 months in federal prison and
suspended indefinitely by the NFL.
Vick is teaming up with the Humane
Society of the United States to try and
prevent dog fighting from happening.
As a result of Vick’s return to the
NFL, people are taking sides whether
he deserves a second chance.
“Michael Vick does not deserve to
be allowed back into the NFL after
what he did. He committed a terrible
crime and he does not deserve to
make millions of dollars,” said Steven
Gorman, 12.
“Vick definitely deserves a second
chance to play in the NFL. There are
tons of other players still playing in
the NFL that did far worst things than
Vick”, said Alex Blasi, 12.
Vick wanted a second chance;
now he has it with the Philadelphia
Eagles. Will he make the best of the
opportunity, or has two years out of
professional football eroded his skills?
Vick on his way to court
How do these statistics change or not change your views
on the subject of concealed weapons?
“As principal, it concerns me because we have so many events
that the public attends. If we have people carrying concealed
weapons at our events, it obviously creates a more dangerous
situation for all. I will be meeting with local police to make sure
we are properly prepared.” -- Bruce Kipper, principal
Taking the High Note
Rico Medina
Senior Editor
Many of the students believe the
misconception that taking choir as a
class would be easy because all there is
to do is sing in the class. The reality is
that choir students learn not only how
to sing, learn music theory, understand
the ins
and outs
of reading
music, and
learn some
piano, they
learn to
b e c o m e
c o n f i d e n t
performers.
Student’s
a b i l i t i e s
range from
a pure
novice to
those ready
“Although concealed weapons in public places is disconcerting
to me, I support our personal freedoms in the Bill of Rights. I
believe the numbers are increasing due to the fear of losing
that right.” -- Marissa Chavez, social studies
“I think that it is great that so many people want to excercise
their 2nd Ammendment rights because that’s something the
government can’t give or take away.” -- Alyssa Ferrin, 11
Choir Council
to take the stage, but there is
learning occurring at every level
each day.
In fact, Jordan Brilhante, 12,
said, “For the past four years, I
have been given the opportunity
to learn and grow through music.
Choir has challenged me in ways
that still amazes me today. I only
hope I can leave some of that
knowledge and enjoyment behind for
others.”
The choir class not only meets each
day to sing. They work together to
meet goals they set for themselves
each year, and live by the motto:
Everything We Do, We Do Together.
This year’s ambitious group has a
whole laundry list of what they hope
to accomplish, with one ambition
of wanting to score higher than a
bronze in the spring at The Heritage
Festival.
Kelly Wilmink, 11, says that is
possible, but she also want choir
students to “have fun and become
better as group. I also think that choir
should be a peaceful place, too.”
3
Choir has three classes: The Union
Choral Group consisting of Chorale, the
beginner’s class, which encompasses
Cantabile and the Women’s ensemble,
and then the advanced class which is
Acapella. There is also a competition
only choir consisting of Downbeat,
the Advance Jazz ensemble. All the
groups make for a
lot of music and “a
chance for everyone
to act a tad crazy
for a grade,” said
Maggie Potts, 10.
Choir has seven
shows this school
year. Two of the
shows are free,
while the other
five come with a
five dollar ticket fee per person. The
dates for the concerts are September
22, December 8, 10, and 11, 2009,
February 25, 2010, and the Pops
concerts are on May 6 through the 7,
2010, having a matinee show on the
seventh at 3:30 pm.
“I hope that choir will be a beneficial
musical journey for all the students. I
am looking forward to the year to see
how everyone will grow musically and
how everyone will become phenomenal
singers, as well as musicians.
Choir is on the up and up and is
growing each year, and I hope we will
have a great year and four choirs for
the 2011 class,” said Andrew Nguyen,
12, the Choir Council President.

4
500 Days of
Summer
Breanna Johnson
Sophomore Editor
The classic story of romantic
comedies is always about meeting,
breaking up and making up.
Some romantic comedies can be
better than others, but in the end,
they are always very predictable.
However, the movie, 500 Days of
Summer, promises to leave viewers
with something new and different to
be intrigued about.
The movie is a charming romantic
comedy starring Joseph Gordon-
Levitt and Zooey Deschanel as the
two main characters.
Gordon-Levitt plays as Tom Hansen
in this heart-warming film. Tom has a
job as a greeting card writer. He is a
mildly depressed person, who believes
mostly in fate, love, and destiny.
Deschanel plays as the character
Summer Finn, the beautiful girl with
whom Tom falls in love.
Ironically, Summer does not believe
in such things as fate and destiny, but
that does not stop Tom from chasing
after her.
Though the film has a touching
romance to it, it does not begin with
them meeting. Rather, it begins with
their harsh break-up.
“I do want to see it,” said librarian
JoAnn Pompa. “I’ve read the reviews
and I’ve always liked the two main
characters.”
The movie takes place throughout
the 500 days of their relationship.
To add an in-genius flair to the tale,
the 500 days are told out of order.
The rest of the movie goes into detail
about the ups and downs of the main
character’s relationship, even when
they were not necessarily a couple.
“I would like to see this movie
because I heard it was a cute love
story,” said Erin Heck, 12.
It is obvious that first time director
Marc Webb learned a lot about the
value of moments to which viewers
can relate.
These skills helped advance the story
in a new and unique way.
The audience will especially enjoy the
fact that the story is very realistic.
“I thought 500 days of summer was a
cute movie.” said sophomore Destree
Ruiz. “I loved it.”
Many agree that 500 days of summer
was an adorable romantic comedy.
Most people especially liked the movie
because it is staring two well- known
actors
The movie, 500 Days of Summer, is
both enlightening and sad, humorous,
yet dramatic.
This movie is sure to win the hearts
of people everywhere.
Entertainment
How About Them Apples
Marissa Villarreal
Junior Editor
As an up and coming artist from Vero Beach, Florida, 20
year-old Priscilla Renea got her start strumming away on
her guitar at home on her popular YouTube videos.
After her
videos received
1.7 million
hits, she was
a p p r o a c h e d
by Power
Entertainment
and Capital
Records to
join the team
and be signed.
Now two years
later, Priscilla
has recently
released her
newest and first
ever, three song
EP, Hello My
Apple.
After listening
to the EP, one would say that Priscilla has put her heart
and soul into her music; and it defiantly shows. The album
named song, “Hello My Apple” is acoustic, sweet, and
calming. For those who enjoy the small things in life, this
song is for you. Priscilla’s soft voice sucks you in and soon
enough you find yourself taping your toes to the beat.
In “I Fell in Love;” one can see the more upbeat and fun
side of Pricilla Renea. She sings of the perks of falling in
love. Most fans enjoy this playful song because they can
relate to the beautiful lyrics. “I fell in love with your good,
Although the Arizona based band, Second Star to the Right,
is fresh meat in the
Phoenix music scene,
and are already on the
highway to success.
The mastermind of
behind the guitar is
Ryan Bishop, who was
the former guitarist
of The Voice of the
Pride’s recent spot
light The Amorous.
Starting off solo Bishop
has now increased his
one man act, to a
trio, by adding friends
Jeff Buckingham and
Jonny Strunk. This
acoustic Never Shout
Never sounding band
has fantastic songs.
Why Second Star
to the Right? Peter
Pan Fan?: I’m not
necessarily a huge
Peter Pan fan, I
just really like the idea
of “Neverland,”where
everybody just goes to have fun with no worries. You can
just be a kid forever and enjoy life.
And, that’s what music is for me. Music is my never land
In love with your bad, In love with your everything, In love
with you, In love with your happy, And with your sad, In
love with the little things, In love with you, In love with
tomorrow because I know I’ll wake up lying next to you, Oh
You, I fell in love with you.” To Pricilla, the lyrics are one
of the most meaningful and important parts when creating
a song. According to the
star’s Myspace, she says
“I’ve always had a way with
words, I write songs that
people can relate to; when
I sit down with my guitar,
it sparks my creativity and
it’s easy for me to pick out
a melody and write.”
The third song, “Cry”
is much deeper than the
previous two. It captures
the true essence of a tragic
break up. The heartache
she brings out in the song
is what takes over listeners
and turns them into true
Priscilla Renea fans; much
like myself. Her versatile
beats and lovely lyrics steal your heart and make you beg
for more. Luckily for her fans, Jukebox, her newest fulllength
album is soon to release on October 20. The album
consists of her first single and fan favorite, “Dollhouse.”
Pricilla is a young artist on the search for place in the
music world.As one can see, Pricilla Renea is excited to
continue doing what she does best: singing and making
great music. People can get a sneak preview on Priscilla’s
Myspace, www.myspace.com/pricillarenea. And the single
is also now available on Itunes.
Rocking Straight on ‘till Morning
Jordan Laughlin and Marissa Villarreal
Junior Editors
Second Star To The Right is an up and coming Arizona band
who is on its way to success.
where I just have fun and it takes away all my worries. So
since “second star to the right and straight on till morning”
are the directions to never land, i figured it’d be a good
band name.
Ryan, you used to be
in the amorous how is it
different from the music
you make now?:The
Amorous has a stronger
approach to music and
here in Second Star we
are acoustic based, so
our songs have more of a
natural laid back feel to
it.
Your a semi-Full band
now? Why?I decided to
make it a full band so that
I had people to bounce
ideas off. Three people
can accomplish a lot more
than just one person.
If you could have any
stage name what would it
be?: (laughs) I already like
my name as it is.
Preshow rituals? Usually
before shows Jeff and I
like to get HUGE bottles of
orange soda walk around and
drink them.
Advice to everyone with the heart of a musician? I’ve
been writing songs for 6 years now, so it just goes to show
that if you keep trying, you’ll eventually get somewhere.

Theatre
Company
Linnea Bennett
Junior Editor
The way the Mountain Pointe Theater Company is
starting the new school year may seem out of the
ordinary, but with the presentation of the classic
production, The Odd Couple, people will see how
director Kim Bonagofski intends to shake things up.
The Odd Couple originally debuted on Broadway in
1965, and later became an Academy Award winning
movie and successful TV series. Its story follows
two men, Felix and Oscar, who share living quarters
with one another after Felix’s wife divorces him and
forces him out of his apartment. Having nowhere to
go, Felix moves in with his childhood friend, Oscar.
It is here where the story gets interesting as the
two bachelors realize they are the complete polar
opposites of each other: one being fastidiously neat
and healthy, the other being a sloppy, downright
pig.
The Odd Couple is a classic tale sure to be filled
with lots of laughs, pranks and some comedic
performances from MP talented students. However,
drama teacher and MPTC’s director, Bonagofski, has
decided to shake things up th is year. and present the
play in two different lights. MPTC will actually hold
two different versions of the play; The Odd Couple
and The Female Odd Couple. The male version will
be directed by Bonagofski and the female version
will be directed by seniorJessica Plate.
Portraying both genders of this play will be a new
and creative feat for Mountain Pointe’s Theater
Company. Marcus Loomis, 11, said, “I’m really
excited for The Odd Couple. It’s going to bring a
big technical aspect to things.” MPTC officer, Jake
Toepel, 11, said, “It’s going to be a great show with
some great people!” The names of the lead roles in
the productions were not available at press time,
but auditions for the play began on September 1.
Theater member, Michael Einstein, 11, said, “It’s
going to be like a battle to see who gets the most
ticket sales, so each play gets one day and whoever
sells the most tickets gets the Saturday show.”
The two original shows will be performed on
November 5 and 6. The production who sells the
most tickets will win the coveted Saturday time slot
on November 7.
Though both the guy and girl teams are eager to
see who brings in the most cash, Loomis is pretty
sure who the winner will be. “Personally, I think the
guys will win…like we usually do.”
Students in Advanced Drama act out a scene
during class.
Activities 5
Neon Nights
Avery Feyrer
Senior Editor
Neon lights glowed throughout
the gym, as students were
preparing for the first assembly
of the 2009-2010 school year.
The seniors rushed into the gym
waving their neon glow sticks in
the air, eager to get underway.
The assembly featured
performances by Senior Dance
Company and Salsa Dance.
The assembly also had a musical
chairs game, won by senior Annie
Uriell.
Student Body President Sam
Haghoo led “Glow” assembly
to one of the greatest his ever
seen.
“I think that Glow had the most
school spirit and involvement out
of any assembly I have seen in my
four years at Mountain Pointe!
And it is only the beginning of
the year!”
Mountain Pointe Principal
Bruce Kipper introduced the
long-awaited revised Mountain
Pointe Football helmets, which
hold a logo for the first time in
school history.
The Pride has a whole new
identity with new uniforms,
new coaches, and even a new
division.
The opponent on Mountain
Pointe’s schedule was Dobson
High School.
The Pride traveled to Mesa to
face off against the Mustangs in
the opener of the season.
The Zoo Crew was in fullfledged
neon, pressed against
the steel fence cheering their
team to a victory.
Junior Jordan Kipper went
all out, wearing a neon blue
jumpsuit in 100-degree weather.
The Pride cruised on to win
over Dobson, 37-6.

6
He is still the Mann
Dani Green
Junior Editor
The new school year brought many new changes;
the schedule changed, some teachers changed,
an administrator changed, the temperature in the
building changed, and a few coaches changed.
The varsity girls volleyball coaching staff has
changed a bit this year, but the changes seen
on the court are only subtle.
For many years, guidance counselor Fred
Mann, has been the only head varsity coach
for girls’ and boys’ volleyball. This year, Mann
is sharing the girls’ varsity volleyball coaching
and responsibilities with a very familiar face
on campus, last season’s assistant coach, Brian
Wagner. This does not mean there will be any
changes in the momentum or the expectations
of the players. The team expects to move
forward at a run toward the State Championship
match.
Wagner, a Mountain Pointe alumnus, has been
coaching side by side with Mann for several
years and working at volleyball camps. He even
played for Mann and was part of one of Mann’s
six State Championship Teams.
After high school, Wagner played volleyball
at Loyola Marymount for one season before the
program was dropped. He then became a star
player at Pepperdine University. He played there
from 2001 to 2003, the remainder of his collegiate
Kicking off the season
Melissa Mercier
Junior Editor
School is no longer out for summer,
but the excitement continues with the
anticipation of the first football game
that will occur on August 28.
A new year always brings the fall
sports season back, which means
that the golf balls will be flying down
the courses, the volleyballs will be
headed over the net, and the runners
will compete in the sweltering heat.
But what it means for many is that
almost every Friday night from August
28 until November 6, students have
a place to be: Karl Keifer Stadium.
Football season is an exciting part to
the beginning of a new year, especially
this year with several renovations
done to the team.
To kick off the series of home games
to come, the first will be against
Highland on September 4. Themes
for home games add to atmosphere,
especially when it is a toga theme.
Immediately following the game, will
be the Sadie Hawkins dance, taking
place in both gyms.
This year is different from the
others, in more ways than one. Not
only is there a new coach at the helm,
but the team faces new opponents
including Perry and Desert Skyline
High Schools. All MP sports will face
new opponents such as these because
of the recent change in MP’s region.
Rivals that the Pride are used to
facing will not be in the schedules like
previous years. MP will not see teams
like Corona del Sol and Chandler High
due to this change of region. However,
Sports
career.
The decision for Mann and Wagner to become cohead
coaches for the Lady Pride was a decision Mann
Coach Mann is working toward State Championship Number
seven this year.
made due, in part, to all he has had on his plate for
the last couple of years. In addition to his duties
with the varsity girls’ team, Mann is the head varsity
volleyball coach for the boys, while overseeing the
DV makes one appearance in a game
that is sure to cause commotion
around both campuses.
Adam O’neil, 11, said “We have
a great group of guys with the same
goal, as well as the coaching to make
it a reality.”
Those who know Ahwatukee, know
of The Tukee Bowl, or the rival game
between MP and DV. This year, The
Tukee Bowl will take place on Thursday,
September 17, at DV. Current students
at MP are used to switching fields every
year for the game, but yet again, this
year is different.
Players and fans alike are already
excited for the kick off of the new
season.
Erik St. Germain, 12, said, “This
season should be great, we all have
high expectations.”
But the coaches and the players
are not the only excitement on the
horizon. The MP themes are sure to
draw many towards the field, adding a
air of excitement to football game.
In addition, the Lionheart Marching
Band and Drum Line will be there to
pump up the crowd. The third quarter
will continue to be a highly anticipated
part of the experience.
Lionheart, Marcus Loomis, 11, said,
“Our newly reformed Drum Line this
year has been practicing a lot. We
have worked hard and have a couple
of tricks up our sleeves.”
With the season approaching quickly,
the season looks promising, and is sure
not to disappoint.
junior varsity and freshman teams for both boys and
girls. He also coaches his own club volleyball team
for both boys and girls. He is the highly recognized
coach of the AZ Primitive, a club team that
has enjoyed success since 1996. This is all on
top of being a busy guidance counselor at the
school, and spending time with his family.
The Lady Pride volleyball players are
handling the new change well, and are hoping
for a great season.
Senior and varsity volleyball player, Kaitlin
Conley, said, “I’m excited for the new season.
I think Coach Mann and Coach Wagner balance
each other out.”
Player Erika Papadeas, 11, agrees. She
said, “The change will be good. Brian is
a great coach and it is not like he will be
replacing Coach Mann. Coach Mann will still
at all practices and games, but now Coach
Wagner is going to be at everything, as well,
which is great.”
Mann and Wagner push their athletes so
they will excel as individuals and teammates.
They plan to foster this same environment
during the season.
Information about the team, as well as their
schedules can be found on the MPHS website at
http://www.pridevolleyball.com/.
Splashing into fall
Alex Curry
Senior Editor
Try something like this: a double
front flip, a back one and a half flip, or
a one and a half front flip, full twist.
These are just some of the extremely
hazardous tricks divers have to face at
competitions while being saddled with
unbelievable pressure to not mess up.
The pressure for MP divers, however
was not just from the feats they have
to complete, they have had to deal
with having their coach abandoned
the team for an internship.
It seemed the odds of finding another
coach was stacked against the divers.
However, with a little bit of luck and
Mancuso’s ongoing perseverance, the
divers acquired D.J. Paine as the new
coach.
Last year Paine was a senior diver at
Mountain Pointe High School. But, this
year he is returning, not as a diver, but
as the new temporary dive coach.
Paine was happy to be part of the
Pride, once again, and said, “I will
push my divers to the limit, and I
expect nothing less then one hundred
percent from them. This year will be
their best year, and I will make sure
of it.”
However, after two weeks of
coaching for free, Paine was relieved
of his duty due to his age, and a new
dive coach has been instated. Coach
Blake Glazner, is the new head of the
Dive team. He has worked as a dive
coach in Phoenix for six years.
The divers are concerned, but are
ready to move forward. They hope
nothing else will change, and they will
be able to dive without interruptions
The returning seniors Cassie Laughrey
and Alex Curry are excited, but don’t
know what to expect. Laughrey said,
“Diving last year was lots of fun, but I
was scared to do the more dangerous
dives like gainer and inward flips. But,
after taking club dive for four months
during the summer, I have gotten over
my fear and I am ready to try anything
now.”
The team has been enhanced with the
addition of the new divers including
seniors Hannah Shreve, and Courtney
Smith, and junior Troy Burklow.
Excited and ready to begin diving
Burklow said, “I’m excited to dive and
I know that this year will be great.”
Scoring in a diving event is similar
to a swimming event where who ever
wins, gets points. For example, first
place gets six points, second place
gets four points, and so forth. Then,
all the boy’s/girl’s points are tallied,
and whichever boy’s/girl’s team
has the most points wins the diving
competition for that group.
The divers are ready and willing to do
anything to win, but most importantly
to have fun. That is just the kind of
attitude that the divers will need
when they go up against some of the
toughest divers in their division like
DV.
Curry said, “I don’t care how good
the DV divers are, they don’t scare me.
All I care about is doing the best I can
and to be prepared to be destroyed by
them.”

Just a Thought
Jessica Teiman
Editor-in-Chief
A few weeks
ago, I stumbled
upon a
website called
givesmehope.
com, and the
messages posted
there got me
thinking about
what it means
to be a good
person.
Basically the
site functions
like fmylife.com. People post messages
and others comment on them. The only
difference is that unlike FML where
people complain about their lives, GMH
is a place to say nice things and honor
others who “give them hope.”
All of the posts are heart-warming,
and it is just amazing to hear of other
people’s generosity and kindness. While
I have never personally experienced
many of the situations, it gives me hope
that people are so good at heart.
One post says, “A few years ago, my
mother had a minor operation. The
morning of the surgery, we were in the
admissions line, and she was crying and
scared of going under the knife. The
woman in front of us in line spent 20
minutes talking to her, consoling her,
etc. Then we asked her what she was
there for: surgery to remove a brain
tumor. Her strength GMH.”
It has since occurred to me that I get
flustered by traffic, get angry over silly
things, and sometimes just take life for
granted while others have the strength
to comfort someone else even as they
prepare for brain surgery.
I never considered myself a bad
person, but these people have inspired
me to become the best person I can be.
There are pleanty of ways to give hope
to others and this raises the question,
“why can’t we all be better people?”
Little things can make a person’s day
and one really does not need to go out
of their way to do so. Commenting
someone on a cute outfit, leaving
friends and family a friendly note or
just letting someone know that you
value his or her friendship is a sure fire
way to make a person smile.
In this very rocky economy, many
people are struggling to make it through
each day. Spreading a little hope and
making someone smile may be all the
inspiration they need to continue.
I am not suggesting that we all do
something radical, but the little things
can really make someone’s day. If we
stop taking things for granted and
appreciate the people in our lives,
maybe life will be a little bit more
fulfilling. After all, laughter and smiles
are contagious.
But, it’s just a thought.
To the Pointe
Nicole Schulke
Editor-in-Chief
I am very resistant
to change. I never
order anything
different at any
restaurant I
regularly attend,
I have had the
same hair-cut and
style for a year
and a half, and
I certainly have
never participated in “Mix-it-Up”
day at school. However, I have been
surprisingly accepting towards many
of the new changes facing students
this year. I did not pitch a fit about
going all traditional, and I certainly
did not really mind school starting
more than fifteen minutes earlier.
One change I find ridiculous,
however, is the enforcement of the
Tempe Union Policy J-327.2, which
says students will not be given any
over-the-counter medications unless
the student has a medication form
on file that is signed by both a doctor
and parent. The form not only needs
the signatures, it also has to include
SPECIFIC instructions from the doctor,
including the dose, how many times
a month the nurse is allowed to
administer, and what it is for. This
policy includes Tylenol, cough drops,
Tums, throat lozenges, Carmex,
antiobiotic ointment, and anything
else that is medicated.
These medications will not be
provided by the school even with a
form, either. The supply of medication
must be brought into the office with
the supply of medication.
Back To School
Kierstin Turnock
Senior Editor
Opinion 7
United Press International
(UPI) is a globally known
company who publishes
articles that are written by
the people they employ. It is
a company that is commonly
compared to the Associated
Press. When I was accepted
for a college level internship
with this company this
summer, I instantly became
grateful for all I have learned
in high school about meeting
deadlines.
During my years at Mountain Pointe, I never noticed
how the skills that I was acquiring would help prepare
me for real life. I was hit hard with this reality with the
acceptance of this job, and I am now grateful for the
sense of urgency the teachers in AP and honors classes
taught me. I am now meeting deadlines within two hours
of beginning work, and it is for work that is published
within minutes of completion.
Although I began this internship with trepidation, what I
have learned from this level of internship is that demanding
The specific policy states, in part,
“A student who needs access to
medical drugs in school shall leave
them, in the original container,
with the school nurse. Exceptions
to the above must have written
permission from the school nurse.
Permission and written directions
from a physician concerning their
use shall be left with the school
nurse.” The policy goes on to
state that “student who are in
possession of medically approved
drugs, but have not followed
directions described above, shall be
disciplined in accordance with school
disciplinary policies; [and] students
who distribute such drugs to others
will be considered as distributing
drugs for nonmedical purposes.”
Up until now, I was never aware that
Carmex was a serious risk. It’s only a
simple complex of menthol, camphor,
and phenol to hydrate, refresh, and
renew lips to their natural state.
One cannot get high off of Carmex,
even though it is documented that lip
balm, any lip balm, can be addictive.
Problem solved, though. Chapstick,
or even Hiku, Free-verse, Rhyme your
lips, but don’t be caught with the
little yellow and red tube. Just make
sure each is not medicated.
Past the silliness of what can come
from some of the “forbidden drugs,”
there’s also a giant financial strain
involved with this methodology,
because the parents are required to
schedule a doctor’s visit to get the
required signature. This means they
have to pay out of pocket costs for
the co-pay, or if they do not have
insurance, they have to pay the full
amount. Then, the doctor and the
parent must become Nostradamus
so they can determine when their
child will have the next headache,
full blown cramps, or even a nagging
stomach ache or cough so they can
schedule the usage on the form.
Why has the district put this adopted
policy into action? Maybe it’s because
they are attempting to reduce the
number of teenagers who are abusing
drugs, but it seems a little silly,
especially when anyone can buy
Carmex and cough drops on his or her
own. The purchaser does not even
have to show ID, and certainly does
not have to be over the age of 18.
School nurse, Marsha Neal, says the
Arizona State Board of Nursing states
that a registered nurse cannot give
medications without a doctor’s order,
so this policy is in line with the state
boards. But, that still does not explain
how something that is not prescribed
can be considered on the same level
as OxyCodone, Xanax, or Codeine, to
name a few.
We all know students feign stomach
and headaches to get out of class. We
all know that students will hide the
lip balm and cough drops – especially
with the looming flu season. But, this
policy makes people become sneaks
and liars to just make it through a
day.
I have many friends who are
eighteen-years-old, and still attend
high school. They can purchase
cigarettes, enlist in the army, and
sign themselves in and out of school
with a less formal form. In addition
to this, they can attain any over the
counter medication they want.
In short, the new medication policy
seems counter-productive.
teachers are simply preparing students for the boss who
will demand top level work, with no exceptions.
While I am lucky that my boss happens to be my stepcousin,
the work I do for him is reviewed on the same
level with collegiate level interns, so it must be superb
and done efficiently.
And, where in high school, one is given an assignment
that will only garner a failing grade for choosing to not
complete it, in the real world it’s get the job done, or the
loss of one’s job is eminent.
There is no coddling for the death of an animal, the loss
of a relative, an emotional breakup, or the inability to
drive to a 24-hour computer center to complete a task.
When the work is not done, the blame falls on the shoulder
of the one who missed the deadline.
While I have only had a taste of what it is like to be in the
work force, it has been a mind-blowing experience. The
expectations are high, the time limits are short, and the
work isn’t fun. However, the ability to be able to list this
on a college application really comes at a very low price.
High school is a precursor to college, which is a precursor
to life. The struggles we face now as high school students
will only be doubled when we reach freshman year in
college, and tripled when we land our first job.
Practicing good study skills and meeting due dates while
in high school only teaches good habits that will help later
in life.

on Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution
on Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution
All the Rest
!
ution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution
On Wednesday August 26, 2009, a
student at Mountain Pointe brought a In 2005, there were
loaded gun to school in his back pack. 16,298 kids injured by
The student proceeded to show the gun
to other students before the gun was
!
a firearm --
confiscated.
Staffer’s Pick:
MP administration handled the and an additional Local Gym
situation to ensure complete privacy.
The administration employed the 14,052 kids were
assistance of the Phoenix Police and the
student faces a hearing on the matter. injured from BB or
The student was a minor and the name
cannot be released.
pellet guns.
ution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Dani Green
Junior Editor
Nationally in 2005,
youth ages 15 to 24
had a death rate
due to firearms of
16.2%
per 100,000.
“I think it’s
crazy, that
someone from
our school
is capable
of doing
something like that. You really
wouldn’t expect that the kid
sitting next you everyday in
class, could become a murderer”
- Brandon Johnson,11.
ution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution
“I feel that just because
one person goes wrong,
doesn’t mean all Mountain
Pointe students should
be labeled poorly. If you
surround yourself with the
right people, then things
like this [murder] are
preventable”
- Jenna Mallon,9.
ution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution
On average, three
children died every
day in
non-homicide
firearm incidents
from 2000-2005
The overall firearmrelated
death rate
among U.S. children
aged less than 15 years
was nearly 12 times
higher than among
children in 25 other
industrialized countries
combined.
About 35% of homes with
children ages 18 and under
had at least one firearm, but
only 39% of these families
keep their firearms locked,
unloaded, and separate from
ammunition as recommended
by the American Academy of
Pediatrics.
ution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution
on Caution Caution Caution Caution CautionCaution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution Caution
8
LA Fitness makes
one feel they have
died and gone to
gym heaven.
When walking
through the double
doors of the gym,
members are
greeted by familiar
faces and a positive
atmosphere, which makes working out less of a
chore and more of a hobby. With all the different
workout machines, basketball court, racquetballs
court, and variety of class schedules, one can
never get bored. In addition, this gym provides
a children’s center, a locker room with personal
showers, an indoor lap pool, and a juice bar.
Ann Thorpe, 11, is one person who agrees that
this gym has it all. She said, “I like how at LA
Fitness everything is spread out, but not too big.
Also, I like the variety of things there are to do.”
Each exercise class challenges club members in
different ways. LA Fitness offers an array of classes
including: Step plus Abs, Cycle, Latin Impact, Yoga,
Kick box Cardio, in addition to water aerobics, and
more.
LA Fitness also provides group leagues and
activities for its members.They have day
tournaments for racquetball and competitive
recreational leagues for basketball.
Ryan Leach, 11, said, “LA Fitness is an awesome
gym to keep in shape. This summer my friends
and I would play racquetball together almost
everyday.”
If one has a fear of gym commitment, have
no fear, LA Fitness offers a free trial pass to
any possible new members. The pass includes a
three consecutive day trial of the gym and all its
amenities, although some charges may apply for
extra services.
Agreeing about gym comitment phobia, Lexi
Zellers,12, said, “I was really hesitant to join a
gym, but after walking around LA Fitness all my
fears were put to rest.”
LA Fitness takes normal, average-Joe Americans,
and gives them a hand to a healthier life. So, if
one is feeling the need for a heart pumping, sweat
pouring work out, he or she might want to check
out the gym right around the corner, LA Fitness.
LA Fitness is located on the northeast corner of
48th Street and Chandler Boulevard, right behind
the Waffle House. This gym is open from 4 am to
midnight, Monday – Friday, and 4 am until 10 pm
on Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, LA Fitness is
open from 6 am to 8 pm.