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	<title>Thunder Media &#187; People</title>
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	<description>The School Newspaper of Desert Vista High School</description>
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		<title>Seeing beyond the surface is best way to break stereotypes</title>
		<link>http://dvthundermedia.com/life/2012/05/14/seeing-beyond-the-surface-is-best-way-to-break-stereotypes/</link>
		<comments>http://dvthundermedia.com/life/2012/05/14/seeing-beyond-the-surface-is-best-way-to-break-stereotypes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 18:09:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>SSeo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[People]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://dvthundermedia.com/?p=11310</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By Sujin Seo     All blondes are bimbos.  All Asians have genius IQs. All black people are involved in gangs. White people can’t dance. Muslims are terrorists. Fat people have no self-control. Sound familiar?     Every one of us encounters stereotypes daily and some of us are naive enough to actually believe them. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>
<p>By Sujin Seo</p>
</div>
<div><em>    All blondes are bimbos.  All Asians have genius IQs. All black people are involved in gangs. White people can’t dance. Muslims are terrorists. Fat people have no self-control.</em><br />
Sound familiar?</div>
<div></div>
<div>    Every one of us encounters stereotypes daily and some of us are naive enough to actually believe them. While some may argue that stereotypes are based in fact and occur pretty often, most people agree that stereotypes are nothing more than a bunch of generalizations that has nothing to do with the individual.
<a href='http://dvthundermedia.com/life/2012/05/14/seeing-beyond-the-surface-is-best-way-to-break-stereotypes/attachment/dsc_0083/' title='Raiden Fortun'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://dvthundermedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DSC_0083-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Raiden Fortun" title="Raiden Fortun" /></a>
<a href='http://dvthundermedia.com/life/2012/05/14/seeing-beyond-the-surface-is-best-way-to-break-stereotypes/attachment/dsc_0076/' title='Michael Hensley'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://dvthundermedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DSC_0076-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Michael Hensley" title="Michael Hensley" /></a>
<a href='http://dvthundermedia.com/life/2012/05/14/seeing-beyond-the-surface-is-best-way-to-break-stereotypes/attachment/dsc_0099-2/' title='DSC_0099'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://dvthundermedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DSC_0099-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="DSC_0099" title="DSC_0099" /></a>
</p>
</div>
<div></div>
<div>    The most common of stereotypes, especially in high schools, is the one that says all blondes are stupid, airheaded girls who are only useful for their looks. (Dumb blonde jokes, anyone?) The fact that people still quote this stereotype is proof that people don’t realize that blondes are smart, intelligent students that can take offense in this stereotype.</div>
<div>“I think it’s dumb,” said Emily Wolph. “It’s not true. Just because our hair color is different doesn’t mean that we’re different.”</div>
<div></div>
<div>    Another common stereotype is one that involves Asians. The norm dictates that all Asians are nerds who wear glasses and pocket protectors, who can pass a test with flying colors without even studying, and spend their free time reviewing for the SAT’s. The truth is, while many Asians do score high in their classes, many are just regular students who study hard for their grades and spend their free time hanging out with their friends. They are regular, mortal people.</div>
<div></div>
<div>    “It gets really annoying,” said Nikhil Patel. “Whenever I get a good grade on a quiz or something, people always say, ‘Oh, it’s because you’re Asian’ not ‘Good job’. It’s frustrating.”</div>
<div>
<p dir="ltr">    The definition of a stereotype according to Webster’s Dictionary is “&#8230; a fixed, over generalized belief about a particular group or class of people.” The biggest advantage to a stereotype is that we can respond faster to certain types of situations because we have seen it before. But the disadvantage is that we don’t judge a person based on their individual traits and personality. Psychologists have done multiple tests on this.</p>
<p dir="ltr">    “When we use stereotypes, we take in the<span style="color: #000000;"> <a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/gender"><span style="color: #000000;">gender</span></a>,</span> the age, the color of the skin of the person before us, and our minds respond with messages that say hostile, stupid, slow, weak,” said Dr. John Bargh of New York University in a press release. “Those qualities aren&#8217;t out there in the environment. They don&#8217;t reflect reality.”</p>
</div>
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		<title>Outta Here! Seniors ready to say hello to wherever they go next</title>
		<link>http://dvthundermedia.com/uncategorized/2012/05/14/outta-here-seniors-ready-to-say-hello-to-wherever-they-go-next/</link>
		<comments>http://dvthundermedia.com/uncategorized/2012/05/14/outta-here-seniors-ready-to-say-hello-to-wherever-they-go-next/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 17:50:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rfedasiuk</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Classes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[People]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://dvthundermedia.com/?p=11356</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Times change, people change, faces change, attitudes change, and now, for Desert Vista’s seniors, they’re getting a scenery change. The graduating class of 2012 will be spreading themselves not only across the state, but also across the nation. Results are back with acceptance to universities (including scholarships for some), and applications for community colleges are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Times change, people change, faces change, attitudes change, and now, for Desert Vista’s seniors, they’re getting a scenery change. The graduating class of 2012 will be spreading themselves not only across the state, but also across the nation. Results are back with acceptance to universities (including scholarships for some), and applications for community colleges are also in. Some students are glad about gaining a bit more freedom, yet have a slight reluctance to leave friends and family behind. On the other hand, others will remain nearby and even plan on helping out DV in the future.</p>
<p>Some plans for the future are outlined below as students recap where they’re going, what offers they’ve gotten and why they chose what they did. Isabella Schwartz is traveling far off to the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.</p>
<p>“I plan on majoring in Psychology, and UNC is ranked 20th in the nation, so it’s perfect for the cost,” Schwartz said. She continued, “It’s a large campus with small classes, so it really has a sense of community. Not only that, but my mom also lives there, so it’s on in-state tuition costs.”</p>
<div id="attachment_11406" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 160px"><a href="http://dvthundermedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Isabella-Schwartz1.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-11406" title="Isabella Schwartz" src="http://dvthundermedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Isabella-Schwartz1-150x150.jpg" alt="Izzy Schwartz" width="150" height="150" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Isabella Schwartz is ready to travel across the country to Chapel Hill in North Carolina.</p></div>
<p>Nicholas Selby is going to the Georgia Technical Institute to chase his passion for math, the sciences and technology as a whole.</p>
<p>“Georgia Tech is ranked second in the nation for mechanical engineering, which I plan on majoring in, so it was a great choice and they offered me a great deal,”   Selby said. “Location wasn’t really part of the decision, though I’ll be sad to see everybody go. I was offered scholarships to ASU, the University of Texas, and Harvey Mudd. I applied for Stanford as well, but unfortunately, was not accepted.”</p>
<p>Katie Giel, among other seniors, plans on attending the Barrett Honors College at ASU. Others plan on traveling afar to the Northeast, depending on where they received scholarships and which universities are most prestigious or fit their career interests. However, nothing is wrong with studying in state as Giel plans on doing. In fact, staying near family and friends has its rewards to visit for holidays or more frequently than that.</p>
<p>Options have closed for seniors, but no matter where they go, DV students know they have made a quality decision. ASU or other community colleges simply mean easier access to family, but the long-distance universities are also very prestigious. Wherever they go, Desert Vista’s seniors are sure to prosper and excel.</p>
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		<title>Hot and not for summer</title>
		<link>http://dvthundermedia.com/uncategorized/2012/05/14/11320/</link>
		<comments>http://dvthundermedia.com/uncategorized/2012/05/14/11320/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 17:48:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>nmarsh</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Features]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://dvthundermedia.com/?p=11320</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hot: Bandeau Bras: Now you can be promiscuous and adorable too! Sleep: You are now back in a relationship with your bed. Enjoy. Ray Ban sunglasses: Even the knock offs are cute. Thrifting: Now you can buy cheap and get the cutest stuff. Nautical: Now we can wear pirate merchandise and not look like Jack [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Hot:</strong></p>
<p>Bandeau Bras: Now you can be promiscuous and adorable too!</p>
<p>Sleep: You are now back in a relationship with your bed. Enjoy.</p>
<p>Ray Ban sunglasses: Even the knock offs are cute.</p>
<p>Thrifting: Now you can buy cheap and get the cutest stuff.</p>
<p>Nautical: Now we can wear pirate merchandise and not look like Jack Sparrow!</p>
<p>TV: Bringing back the 90’s for the win.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>NOT:</strong></p>
<p>OBEY: Nothing says “you’re a tool” like this brand does.</p>
<p>Small bikinis: We don’t need to see your&#8230;.areas. They’re called privates for a reason.</p>
<p>Yolo: Just&#8230;no. Cats have nine lives. YOLNT (You Only Live Nine Times.)</p>
<p>Swag: If you say you have swag, chances are&#8230;you don’t.</p>
<p>Half covering tankinis: It’s hard to decide between a bikini and a one piece. I suggest staying at home if you’re wearing this.</p>
<p>Logo shirts: If you’re flaunting hollister and abercrombie across your chest, go back to sixth grade.</p>
<p>Bobs: Please sketchers, I loved you when I was five.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Really?:</strong></p>
<p>Really James Cameron? As if Titanic didn’t make me cry enough the first time.</p>
<p>Really sixth graders? Just because you have a album on facebook titled ‘Photography’ You’re a professional photographer now?</p>
<p>Really Picnik? Finally we can see what girls really look like without editing.</p>
<p>Really, Yolo? Last time I checked Hakuna Matata was the motto.</p>
<p>Really high school teenage girls? Just because you have a Tumblr you’re hipster now?</p>
<p>Really disney channel? I suggest bringing back Lizzie McGuire.</p>
<p>Really One Direction? You make my standards for boys higher than NASA has ever travelled.</p>
<p>Really Nutella? You’re not helping me with my summer diet.</p>
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		<title>Raising money with the little you have</title>
		<link>http://dvthundermedia.com/uncategorized/2012/05/14/raising-money-with-the-little-you-have/</link>
		<comments>http://dvthundermedia.com/uncategorized/2012/05/14/raising-money-with-the-little-you-have/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 17:44:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kanigwe</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://dvthundermedia.com/?p=11351</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By:Kristine Anigwe Fund-raising is one of the basic foundations of a student’s high school experience. Once in your life you have to ask a neighbor to help you, either by supporting your team or an extracurricular activity. Knocking on the door in the heavy sun is worth it because in the end, you end up [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>By:Kristine Anigwe</p>
<p>Fund-raising is one of the basic foundations of a student’s high school experience. Once in your life you have to ask a neighbor to help you, either by supporting your team or an extracurricular activity. Knocking on the door in the heavy sun is worth it because in the end, you end up raising money for your school or just yourself.<br />
“I love doing fund-raisers,” said Jamyee Brugman a member of the girls basketball team who has participated in more than a dozen fund-raisers since her freshman year.“They are very fun and entertaining, plus there’s money involved; who doesn’t love money?” girls basketball collected coins that were matched by Midfirst bank, sold t-shirts and popcorn to help raise money for their $250 sports fee.<br />
Student council sold Valentines’ Day candy grams for five dollars each to raise money for prom. Choir members also sold butter braids for $10 each to go towards a field trip. Various extracurricular groups raise money because activities tend to become very expensive.<br />
“For our last concert we’re having we have raised over $14,000,” said Tia Howard, “Yeah, it’s a lot of money, but it’s worth it because we’re doing the things we love,” she continued. “Without fund-raising we wouldn’t be able to have this concert.”<br />
Prom committee has many activities that they fundraise. Parents are helping their children to fundraise, such as selling candy grams that are five dollars a piece or donating canned food. Both of these help pay for prom.<br />
Students raise money for sports as well, and makes it easier so families don’t have to pay for the whole entire sports fee. Various sports sell different types of food like popcorn and pizza, both for $25 each.<br />
“Fund-raising can sometimes be a hassle, since I play so many sports. Selling food to the same people every single time can be kind of difficult ”Lindsey Peyton said who plays on Varsity basketball, “I feel like they understand that I need them to help me so I can play, and not have to pay for all of it.”<br />
Fund-raising helps many of the students you are unable to participate in sports or clubs have the same experience that others have. Several of the clubs and all the sports at our school do activities that leads to fund-raising . Many schools get most of their money by using fund-raisers , Various of schools wouldn’t have prom without fund-raising or donating.</p>
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		<title>A building to undergo STEAMY changes for next year</title>
		<link>http://dvthundermedia.com/news/2012/05/07/a-building-to-undergo-steamy-changes-for-next-year/</link>
		<comments>http://dvthundermedia.com/news/2012/05/07/a-building-to-undergo-steamy-changes-for-next-year/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 May 2012 14:30:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MBorbon</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Classes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://dvthundermedia.com/?p=11209</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A new door has opened for Freshman Katelyn Miyasaki, one of the most passionate biology students at Desert Vista. For the girl who  wants to know all there is to know about cells and DNA structure, a new state of the art biotechnology lab in the A building marks the start of a new and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>A new door has opened for Freshman Katelyn Miyasaki, one of the most passionate biology students at Desert Vista. For the girl who  wants to know all there is to know about cells and DNA structure, a new state of the art biotechnology lab in the A building marks the start of a new and more extensive science program.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“I’ve known I’ve wanted to do something in science since I was little,” said Miyasaki. “I’m very excited about the new technology. I am planning to take biotech 3-4 my junior or senior year, and the new technology will be a big benefit.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">For Miyasaki, an aspiring scientist since elementary school, the new class will give her the tools to reach her dreams.</p>
<p dir="ltr">But life is a revolving door, and as one side opens up, the other side closes. The new science laboratory comes at a price: the FACS and culinary program will be chopped off.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At the other end of this door is Tino Bernasconi, a freshman with a different dream. Bernasconi aspires to be a great chef and own his own restaurant. For him, the new class puts his plans in jeopardy.</p>
<p>“It’s absolutely terrible,” said Bernasconi, with a practice baby doll in his arms. “I was planning on taking all of the 3-4’s of the FACs classes. Without them, I can’t get the certificate that shows I’ve studied food science, which makes it harder to get into a really good Culinary Arts School.”<br />
This begs the question: Who is to say Katelyn’s dreams are more important than Toni’s?<br />
“ I think mainly what we’re looking at as far as the FACs program was enrollment steadily declining,” said Mr. Dan Zavaleta, who is in charge of engineering at DV. ”There are more kids interested in science programs, and taking science classes. “<br />
The new biotechnology lab will have more room for new technology, and will allow students to work more closely with plants. Giving biotech a separate space makes it easier for students to do more complex experiments.<br />
“This is going to keep our program at the cutting edge,” said award winning biotechnology teacher, Mrs. Birgit Musheno. “ We deal with equipment that is very sensitive so its safer to have the classroom in an area that doesn’t have a lot of traffic.”<br />
There will also be a new 8th hour research class for students interested in pursuing their own research projects.<br />
“My goal is for more students to pursue their own research projects,” said Musheno. “The doctor of the future is going to need to understand genetics. Having a program like this will give students a leg up in college.”<br />
The new additions in science and math mark the beginning of a new direction for the A Building. No longer the Fine Arts Building, the STEAM  will be placing a heavier emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.<br />
As for kids like Bernasconi, the future looms uncertain.<br />
“EVIT is still there as an option, they can go there if they really want to go into those programs,” said Zavaleta. “So you know there’s still options available for them, so i think they’ll be okay.”<br />
But is just “ok” enough when talking about someone’s future?<br />
“ Some of my students want to be chefs,” said Mrs. Arlene Ransdell, the FACs teacher. “There’s a couple students in my advanced classes that I think will get there if they can continue, because they are extremely talented.”<br />
Without an instructor on campus of course, they can’t directly continue.Getting into a Culinary Arts school is more difficult. Scholarships are harder to get.<br />
“When you go to the culinary arts school, you are going  to know absolutely nothing, and that’s a really hard spot to be in,” said Ransdell.</p>
<p>According to Principal Dr. Anna Battle, guidance counselors will work with each student to determine the best program of study to meet the academic and career goals for the<br />
students.</p>
<p>&#8220;We will continue to offer courses that students need for the 21st century,&#8221; said Battle. &#8221; The Science classes that have grown, have proven to to prepare students in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.  Not only are students in these classes going to be prepared for coursework in post secondary training, but also will be ahead of their competitors in the job workforce.&#8221;</p>
<p>The Science, Technology, Engineering and Math classes will only be extensions of the art program, and it is not likely for more programs to be cut in the A building.</p>
</div>
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		<title>Small Groups for the Big World</title>
		<link>http://dvthundermedia.com/life/2012/04/24/small-groups-for-the-big-world/</link>
		<comments>http://dvthundermedia.com/life/2012/04/24/small-groups-for-the-big-world/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:10:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>LRogers</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Campus Clubs]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://dvthundermedia.com/?p=11023</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By: Lotus Rogers Staff Writer &#160; Although you may not hear much about them, they are there&#8230;and having one heck of a fun time learning: The foreign language clubs. “German club has been  a bit low key  this year with about 10 members but has been a place to socialize and connect with others who [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>By: Lotus Rogers</p>
<p>Staff Writer</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div>Although you may not hear much about them, they are there&#8230;and having one heck of a fun time learning: The foreign language clubs.</div>
<div>“German club has been  a bit low key  this year with about 10 members but has been a place to socialize and connect with others who are in the  German classes or  those interested in the German culture” Said Ms. Ward who is the German club manager, “We have played soccer, watched German movies, have made a trip to the Way Out West Oktoberfest in Tempe, had a combined Mardi Gra/ Fasching/Karneval party with  the French Club with good food shared from both cultures”.</div>
<div>Although the German club has been a bit unpopular, others like the Latin club, have a very good turn out almost every year. Latin may just be fighting its way to the most popular language at DV, alongside Spanish.</div>
<div>“There are 147 members in Latin Club” Said Latin teacher, Ms. Palumbo who has just consecutively won first in the Latin State Convention, “Of course I would recommend joining the club because Students can meet  others students from other classes!  And, they can participate in all the fun activities”.</div>
<div>Many students should consider joining a language club because of all the opportunities. The Spanish, Latin, German and French clubs hope to succeed in many competitions next year.</div>
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		<title>All together for the last time</title>
		<link>http://dvthundermedia.com/news/2012/04/19/all-together-for-the-last-time/</link>
		<comments>http://dvthundermedia.com/news/2012/04/19/all-together-for-the-last-time/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:52:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>atam</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Daily Announcements]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://dvthundermedia.com/?p=10863</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Thursday, April 5th was filled with cheers and screams as Desert Vista’s class of 2012 celebrated their last pep assembly with the rest of the school. They kicked off the assembly by checking up with the boys and girls varsity tennis teams. After listening to tennis captains talk about their outstanding season so far, the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>Thursday, April 5th was filled with cheers and screams as Desert Vista’s class of 2012 celebrated their last pep assembly with the rest of the school.<br />
They kicked off the assembly by checking up with the boys and girls varsity tennis teams.<br />
After listening to tennis captains talk about their outstanding season so far, the class of 2011-2012 Valedictorians were introduced.  The four seniors, including Jennifer Wu and Kevin Zheng, were introduced with the prestigious honor of being Valedictorians for their class.<br />
Track, baseball, and softball captains also talked about their winning seasons so far, and kept us updated on their latest games and activities.<br />
Following the sports teams was the presentation of the coveted the Diablo Award, won by Dr. Linda Peairs, the honored english teacher.<br />
Than, the new student body officers were introduced! The 2012-2013 president will be junior Mitchell Hammer, the new spirit director will be  junior Joey Steigerwald, the vice president position will be shared by juniors Carly Contract and Shannon Gilpin, and the treasurer spot will be occupied by sophomore Rachel Clark.<br />
After a round of applause for the newly appointed officers, some of the seniors boys and security guards took the dance floor. The boys danced a dance choreographed by a senior company dancer and got a standing ovation.<br />
“The dance was so funny! I was probably one of my favorite things about all the assemblies this year. It was cool to see the guys dressed in spandex and their jerseys, being goofy and funny, especially with the security guards who always seems so serious!” says Megan Fisher<br />
The assembly closed out with a smashing number by the DV Dance company, consisting of many seniors who will be dancing in front of the school for the last time.<br />
From the silly dances to the awards, what were the student’s favorite part about the last assembly of the year?<br />
“I definitely felt like we went out with a huge bang!” says Brittany Ly, ‘I loved the seniors dance with Snow and Walt and I had so much fun watching the senior company dance also.”<br />
This may come as a surprise but some seniors might even miss high school already.<br />
“ Being at the assembly brought back a bunch of memories from I was a freshman. It’s hard to believe things have ended so fast and I’m already out of here!” says proud senior Sydney Dale</div>
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		<title>Long and unnecessary or safe and needed?</title>
		<link>http://dvthundermedia.com/news/2012/04/04/long-and-unnecessary-or-safe-and-needed/</link>
		<comments>http://dvthundermedia.com/news/2012/04/04/long-and-unnecessary-or-safe-and-needed/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:22:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>atam</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[People]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://dvthundermedia.com/?p=10024</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As everyone knows, if a student ever wishes to bring a friend/date from another school to one of Desert Vista’s school dances, a guest pass is required before you enter the dance. The process of getting a guest pass approved is long and complicated, as many students would describe it. First, you need your own [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>As everyone knows, if a student ever wishes to bring a friend/date from another school to one of Desert Vista’s school dances, a guest pass is required before you enter the dance. The process of getting a guest pass approved is long and complicated, as many students would describe it.<br />
First, you need your own signature and your parents signature. Then you also need the other parties’ signature, and their parent’s signature. After, you have done this step, you must send it to the guest’s school, and have an administrator sign it and write a note. This process is probably the most complicated, since you might not know how to get in contact with the other school. Once this is completed, you submit it into Mrs. Bethea and she will approve it.<br />
This process may take weeks and is not something you would want to do last minute.<br />
Since the steps to getting a friend to a dance is so complex and extravagant, many students have a very strong opinion.<br />
“I think the process is ridiculous! Its long and unecessary. I think security takes too much time worrying about things like this instead of more serious issues.” says Larissa Harris.<br />
Some people think the process is fair.<br />
“I don’t really think it’s that big of a hassle,&#8221;  said Kyle Havriliak. &#8220;I mean, they should take non- students entering our campuses seriously. They’re strangers to the adminstration and they could carefully evaluate them before they let them enter.<br />
Wheather students agree with the long process or not, administration isn’t going to change it anytime soon.<br />
“ I think it’s really important that we take this seriously and get as much re-assurance as possible that the person entering our campus will not do any harm here.” says long- time security guard Watt<strong id="internal-source-marker_0.2175115612335503"><br />
</strong></div>
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		<title>Fundraising, put in the hands of teenage students</title>
		<link>http://dvthundermedia.com/opinion/2012/04/03/fundraising-put-in-the-hand-of-a-bunch-of-teenage-students/</link>
		<comments>http://dvthundermedia.com/opinion/2012/04/03/fundraising-put-in-the-hand-of-a-bunch-of-teenage-students/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Apr 2012 05:51:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MNichols</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[People]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fundraise]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://dvthundermedia.com/?p=9997</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are nearly 1,000 students that participate in school sports year-round. However, with participating in these clubs comes the need to raise money for athletic gear, wardrobe, and other team necessities. In order for enough supporting funds to be raised, participants are asked to raise money themselves to help support their team. Generally this fundraising [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are nearly 1,000 students that participate in school sports year-round. However, with participating in these clubs comes the need to raise money for athletic gear, wardrobe, and other team necessities. In order for enough supporting funds to be raised, participants are asked to raise money themselves to help support their team. Generally this fundraising takes form of dinner nights and food distributing.</p>
<p>Within the past month students that participate in the track and field teams have been raising money by selling pizzas to their peers. “I have been selling pizza’s for almost three weeks, and I have barely made any sales,” said freshman Hannah Pratt, “It is really hard to get people to buy overprices items in the first place, much less when there are about 100 people selling the same thing.” Pratt also mentioned that she felt the fundraising should be more parent and school bases, and less reliant on the students.</p>
<p>Some teams on campus choose to have school supported dinners at previous determined location in order to raise money for their group, as opposed to walking around school trying to sell certain items. The teams that do this are generally given a higher budget or have less athletes to support.</p>
<p>During the fall school sports season volleyball team was also asked to sell similar goods. “Back during the volleyball season, my coach handed out order sheets to all the players,” said freshman Kirstyn Sperry, “then she told us that if we all didn’t sell a certain amount, our team would be cut.” Sperry also mentioned, like Pratt, that she thinks fundraising should be taken out of the responsibility of the players, and put in the parent’s hands.</p>
<p>Seven out of ten athletic participants feel that booster clubs and school budgets should support the teams for needed purchases.</p>
<p>With so many clubs and groups and teams such as baseball, track, volleyball, basketball and many more on campus, it becomes difficult to fundraise. However with low budgets and little school support these fundraising opportunities are needed to help support the clubs in purchasing merchandise and other necessities.</p>
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		<title>Delicious donuts cause disdain among the masses</title>
		<link>http://dvthundermedia.com/news/2012/04/03/delicious-donuts-cause-disdain-among-the-masses/</link>
		<comments>http://dvthundermedia.com/news/2012/04/03/delicious-donuts-cause-disdain-among-the-masses/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 Apr 2012 18:02:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rfedasiuk</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Daily Announcements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NewsFlash]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[People]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://dvthundermedia.com/?p=9910</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Students chow down on the savory and sweet offerings of Renaissance club, as a celebration of their academic success. By Ryan Fedasiuk, Reporter In a perfect world, fairness is optimal. Utopian societies provide equal benefits to everybody within, and all are treated as one entity. However, as the saying goes, “Life’s not fair.” Unfortunately, this [...]]]></description>
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<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Students chow down on the savory and sweet offerings of Renaissance club, as a celebration of their academic success.</dd>
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<div><strong><strong>By Ryan Fedasiuk, Reporter<br />
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<p dir="ltr">In a perfect world, fairness is optimal. Utopian societies provide equal benefits to everybody within, and all are treated as one entity. However, as the saying goes, “Life’s not fair.” Unfortunately, this seems true for some students here at Desert Vista High School and false entirely for others. Last Thursday, Renaissance gold or silver card members received a free donut before school at 8:00 am in the courtyard. Not only this, but added benefits are also still existent through the option to exempt final exams, receive discounts at various stores across the valley, and park at discounted costs during the school year. So the question arises in the minds of students across the campus: “Why can’t I have one?”</p>
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<div>The Gold and Silver Renaissance Cards are obtained through maintaining a high grade point average throughout specific quarters. A 3.833 to 4.0 GPA must be achieved to receive a gold card, and a silver card requires a 3.677 to 3.833 GPA. Only gold card members can exempt one final, but students feel deprived of advantages they could have had if they aren’t receiving a card.</div>
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<div>“I’m not sure why I didn’t receive a card, but I feel as though I should have,” said freshman Allen Crowder. “My GPA is certainly high enough and I’ve been working hard for my high grades. The donut factor doesn’t bother me, but I would have liked one. I just want to exempt a final exam.”</div>
<div>In fact, some students are angry that a higher GPA means that you get one of these cards at all. They envy the benefits and feel that those successful enough to receive a card don’t even need to reap the rewards.</div>
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<div>“I don’t know why people with that high of a GPA need to be able to exempt a final,” said freshman Jackson Clithero. “They’re already earning high grades and are probably in honors classes where they don’t even accept gold cards. I’ve been working hard, too, even if my grades aren’t perfect. In fact, I&#8217;m just under the limit, but I am the type of person that would actually use the card for my benefit if I had one, because my grades would skyrocket.”</div>
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<div>However, students that have received these cards have certainly put a lot of time and effort into preserving their grades and valuing them holistically. Completing honors courses and turning in all assignments, even those rigorous ones, has caused the students to feel entitled to at least some benefits, and rightfully so.</div>
<div>“It only seems fair that hard-working students reap the rewards,” said senior Katie Giel. “It doesn’t make sense to just let anybody who slacks exempt a final exam. I work hard to achieve a high GPA, just like I know others do, and they definitely deserve what they are currently getting as rewards, if not more.”</div>
</div>
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