Nobody Likes to Lose a Friend
by: Austin Lopez
There have been a lot of drug influences around lately and it's good to remember the consequences and dangers you face when you take, or are near anyone who uses drugs. There are many types of drugs that are available to students such as tobacco, marijuana, and prescription drugs. The most statistically deadly out of all of these is tobacco, then prescription drugs, and lastly marijuana. Tobacco causes the deaths of almost 450,000 Americans every year including those who are exposed to second-hand smoke. Men are more susceptible to tobacco related death than women.
Some facts about tobacco and it's dangers include the following:
* More deaths are caused each year by tobacco use than by all deaths from HIV, illegal drug use, alcohol, motorcycle injuries, suicides, and murders put together.
* Smoking cigarettes, pipes, or cigars increases the risk of dying from lung cancer and other infectious diseases.
* Nicotine in smokeless tobacco may increase the risk for sudden death from a condition where the heart does not work right, then the heart pumps no blood at all to the body's organs.
Prescription drugs are also very harmful to those who are not careful with medication that they are not familiar with. There are many drugs that are abused by teens :
1. Opioids
* Examples: OxyContin, Vicodin, and Demerol used to treat pain, relieve coughs, and/or stop constant diarrhea. Opioids attach to opioid receptors in the central nervous system (the brain and the spinal cord), stopping your body from feeling any pain.
2. Depressants
* Examples: Nembutal, Xanax, and Valium. Depressants are used to treat anxiety, stress, panic attacks, and sleep disorders. Depressants slow down brain activity by increasing the activity of a neurotransmitter, which can make you drowsy or calm.
3. Stimulants
* Examples: Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrin. Stimulants can be used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and other illnesses. Stimulants increase the brains activity, making you more aware and full of energy.
Using these drugs abusively can result in dangerous side affects or even death.
Last but not least we have the most common drug that is available to teens, Marijuana. Marijuana or cannabis can be seen as a relaxant. It stimulates the nerves and sometimes leaves the subject paranoid. Americans that use marijuana illegally outnumber the population of those who have medical prescriptions. Since Marijuana has been so easy to obtain, more and more teenagers and young adults are being prosecuted and affected by the drug's effects. So remember guys if your friends are doing it and they pressure you into doing it just say no. You'll not only be doing yourself a favor, but you'll be helping to influence others that doing drugs is not an okay thing. So, stay safe Raiders, because nobody likes to lose a friend.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Southwest Shines!
By Cheyenne Alexander
From the beginning of the year, band and color guard have practiced for many long hours and many long days preparing for the 2011 Band Pageant. This year, band class decided to make a show revolving around the military. These students prepared for many competitions, which in the end, were canceled but that didn't stop the Royal Raider Regiment. Band, including color guard, practiced very hard and even added practices just to prepare for this first and last performance. On November 15, the Royal Raider Regiment lit up the field and made the crowd fall in love.
The big day was finally here for Band and Color Guard, and they were prepared but a little frightened. The pageant was at Southwestern College at 6:00 PM. No one was nervous until they were in line to go one field. In what felt like only a minute, they were announced to go on field. Then, the
Band and Color Guard went out on the field and did the best they ever did. They did so well that they were the only band who had everyone in the stands standing up, clapping, screaming, and crying. Plus they had actual sailors performing with them. Everyone did amazingly well. Band would like to thank the sailors who helped them out and also the school and fellow band mates for their support.
Congratulations to the Band and Color Guard members; that was a wonderful show you performed. It just goes to show you that you can be the best, if you put your heart and mind into something you truly love and want. Remember Raiders, you have the power to be your BEST!
By Cheyenne Alexander
From the beginning of the year, band and color guard have practiced for many long hours and many long days preparing for the 2011 Band Pageant. This year, band class decided to make a show revolving around the military. These students prepared for many competitions, which in the end, were canceled but that didn't stop the Royal Raider Regiment. Band, including color guard, practiced very hard and even added practices just to prepare for this first and last performance. On November 15, the Royal Raider Regiment lit up the field and made the crowd fall in love.
The big day was finally here for Band and Color Guard, and they were prepared but a little frightened. The pageant was at Southwestern College at 6:00 PM. No one was nervous until they were in line to go one field. In what felt like only a minute, they were announced to go on field. Then, the
Band and Color Guard went out on the field and did the best they ever did. They did so well that they were the only band who had everyone in the stands standing up, clapping, screaming, and crying. Plus they had actual sailors performing with them. Everyone did amazingly well. Band would like to thank the sailors who helped them out and also the school and fellow band mates for their support.
Congratulations to the Band and Color Guard members; that was a wonderful show you performed. It just goes to show you that you can be the best, if you put your heart and mind into something you truly love and want. Remember Raiders, you have the power to be your BEST!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Occupy San Diego
Opinion: Occupy Everywhere
by: Sierra Holter
Occupy Wall Street. Occupy San Diego. Occupy Everywhere. I know many of you are thinking, "what does this mean"? Why is all over the news and Downtown?" Occupy Wall Street is where it all began. It was a people-powered movement against the power of major banks and multinational corporations over the democratic process, and the role of Wall Street in creating an economic collapse that has caused the greatest recession in generations. This one protest has fueled over 100 more in different cities across the U.S. Occupy San Francisco and San Diego are the biggest ones on the West Coast.
You may ask yourself, " Why San Diego? We're not overflowing with bank power?" The answer is simple, they are protesting the financial corruption and corporate greed of 1% of the population that negatively affects all aspects of our lives. Basically, they are protesting for the common people, not the 1% but the 99% that is affected by the 1%'s decisions. This protest is far from being over. Just look at their website.
On their website, http://occupysandiego.org/, there are many links on which to click on. One of them being their "Legal" link. This link gives you basic information on what to do if you are arrested for being a part of this protest. Nevertheless, protesting in San Diego is still legal; therefore, you have your right to voice your opinion, just be careful about posting videos and photos. Those who are already involved in this protest aren't going down without a fight.
A local man, John Kenney has been on a hunger strike for more than a week now, "because of the inaction of the City Council after nearly a hundred people have petitioned them by taking part in the Non-Agenda Public Comment in City Council session twice weekly, asking for OSD’s proposal or resolution to be considered." He says he will "Continue until the San Diego City Council puts Occupy San Diego’s resolution on the agenda." Until then he and many others will fight for this protest and stand up for the 99% affected by the greed of Wall Street.
OSD's main argument is to create a world for the 99% not just the wealthy 1%. If this is something you are interested in, drop by their website and find out how you can get involved. Or if not, just go Downtown. Chances are you'll see dozens of people protesting around the Civic Center. Don't worry, it's legal and you can do something to help the 99%. Remember, Occupy Everywhere, not just Wall Street.
by: Sierra Holter
Occupy Wall Street. Occupy San Diego. Occupy Everywhere. I know many of you are thinking, "what does this mean"? Why is all over the news and Downtown?" Occupy Wall Street is where it all began. It was a people-powered movement against the power of major banks and multinational corporations over the democratic process, and the role of Wall Street in creating an economic collapse that has caused the greatest recession in generations. This one protest has fueled over 100 more in different cities across the U.S. Occupy San Francisco and San Diego are the biggest ones on the West Coast.
You may ask yourself, " Why San Diego? We're not overflowing with bank power?" The answer is simple, they are protesting the financial corruption and corporate greed of 1% of the population that negatively affects all aspects of our lives. Basically, they are protesting for the common people, not the 1% but the 99% that is affected by the 1%'s decisions. This protest is far from being over. Just look at their website.
On their website, http://occupysandiego.org/, there are many links on which to click on. One of them being their "Legal" link. This link gives you basic information on what to do if you are arrested for being a part of this protest. Nevertheless, protesting in San Diego is still legal; therefore, you have your right to voice your opinion, just be careful about posting videos and photos. Those who are already involved in this protest aren't going down without a fight.
A local man, John Kenney has been on a hunger strike for more than a week now, "because of the inaction of the City Council after nearly a hundred people have petitioned them by taking part in the Non-Agenda Public Comment in City Council session twice weekly, asking for OSD’s proposal or resolution to be considered." He says he will "Continue until the San Diego City Council puts Occupy San Diego’s resolution on the agenda." Until then he and many others will fight for this protest and stand up for the 99% affected by the greed of Wall Street.
OSD's main argument is to create a world for the 99% not just the wealthy 1%. If this is something you are interested in, drop by their website and find out how you can get involved. Or if not, just go Downtown. Chances are you'll see dozens of people protesting around the Civic Center. Don't worry, it's legal and you can do something to help the 99%. Remember, Occupy Everywhere, not just Wall Street.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Veterans Day
11/11/11: More Than Just a Number
by: Cheyenne Alexander
Friday was an important day to remember, not just because it was 11/11/11, which many of you made such a big deal about. No it was Veterans day. While many of you spent the day on Facebook counting down the seconds until 11:11 AM and PM, others spent the day remembering those brave men and women that fought for our country. This is year is the first and only Veterans Day that will be 11/11/11/11. If you have Ms.Stretcher, then you know what I'm talking about as she would say, " The 11th hour, the 11th day, the 11th month, not its the 11th year." Originally called Armistice Day, it commemorated the fallen dead of the First World War. Now, Veterans Day is a very special day that pays tribute to all those that care so much about our country.
For Southwest Raiders, it was a day off. Many Raiders spent the day hanging out with friends and on Facebook . However, we still had Saturday school this weekend so their fun was cut short. Remember, if you are one of those Raiders who are failing a class and are forced to go to "Saturday Study Session" you should have taken the time off to do homework and catch up on missing work. We will have Saturday School this weekend, Raiders, so do your work, be productive and be ON TIME!
by: Cheyenne Alexander
Friday was an important day to remember, not just because it was 11/11/11, which many of you made such a big deal about. No it was Veterans day. While many of you spent the day on Facebook counting down the seconds until 11:11 AM and PM, others spent the day remembering those brave men and women that fought for our country. This is year is the first and only Veterans Day that will be 11/11/11/11. If you have Ms.Stretcher, then you know what I'm talking about as she would say, " The 11th hour, the 11th day, the 11th month, not its the 11th year." Originally called Armistice Day, it commemorated the fallen dead of the First World War. Now, Veterans Day is a very special day that pays tribute to all those that care so much about our country.
For Southwest Raiders, it was a day off. Many Raiders spent the day hanging out with friends and on Facebook . However, we still had Saturday school this weekend so their fun was cut short. Remember, if you are one of those Raiders who are failing a class and are forced to go to "Saturday Study Session" you should have taken the time off to do homework and catch up on missing work. We will have Saturday School this weekend, Raiders, so do your work, be productive and be ON TIME!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Senioritis
Just a Common Cold?
by: Sierra Holter
With only six weeks left in the first semester, many seniors are finding it hard to pay attention, stay awake in class, and even do do sports. This lack of motivation is called Senioritis. The scary thing about this common 12th grade disease is that it can strike anytime. It can be first semester, second semester or even on the last day of school. You may feel that your Senioritis isn't so bad, or that it'll go away with time, but that's not true. Like any other illnesses, the only way to get rid of it is to do something about it. Here are some helpful tips to kick your Senioritis to the curb and enjoy your senior year.
1.) Keep yourself occupied- The more extracurricular activities you're involved in the less likely you are to slack off and become lazy.
2.) Eat Breakfast- If you feel more awake during the day, you'll be more likely to get through the whole day and even do your homework at night.
3.) Stay Positive- Maybe you didn't win Homecoming, or you're failing a class, just keep a smile on your face and breathe. The more you let stress get to you, the more likely you are to just give up and let Senioritis take control.
4.) Take time for YOURSELF- You may be so busy your senior year that you forget what really matters. Stressing about a college or about a club that you're president of isn't the most important thing. YOU are the most important person your senior year. Everything you do this year affects your future life in some ways. If you can't take time out to enjoy the awesome person you are then you already let Senioritis win.
Lastly Seniors, don't slack off. I know first hand that it's hard to stay on top of your work, especially this year, but don't freak out, stay calm and work hard. Everything you're stressing about will pay off, whether it is a college you're applying to or a part-time job you got, your hard work will be something to someone. Don't get depressed when things don't go exactly as planned. Remember, you've got six more months of school left and the rest of your life to become something great. So next time you feel Senioritis coming on, stop, breathe, and remember YOU have the power to be your best.
by: Sierra Holter
With only six weeks left in the first semester, many seniors are finding it hard to pay attention, stay awake in class, and even do do sports. This lack of motivation is called Senioritis. The scary thing about this common 12th grade disease is that it can strike anytime. It can be first semester, second semester or even on the last day of school. You may feel that your Senioritis isn't so bad, or that it'll go away with time, but that's not true. Like any other illnesses, the only way to get rid of it is to do something about it. Here are some helpful tips to kick your Senioritis to the curb and enjoy your senior year.
1.) Keep yourself occupied- The more extracurricular activities you're involved in the less likely you are to slack off and become lazy.
2.) Eat Breakfast- If you feel more awake during the day, you'll be more likely to get through the whole day and even do your homework at night.
3.) Stay Positive- Maybe you didn't win Homecoming, or you're failing a class, just keep a smile on your face and breathe. The more you let stress get to you, the more likely you are to just give up and let Senioritis take control.
4.) Take time for YOURSELF- You may be so busy your senior year that you forget what really matters. Stressing about a college or about a club that you're president of isn't the most important thing. YOU are the most important person your senior year. Everything you do this year affects your future life in some ways. If you can't take time out to enjoy the awesome person you are then you already let Senioritis win.
Lastly Seniors, don't slack off. I know first hand that it's hard to stay on top of your work, especially this year, but don't freak out, stay calm and work hard. Everything you're stressing about will pay off, whether it is a college you're applying to or a part-time job you got, your hard work will be something to someone. Don't get depressed when things don't go exactly as planned. Remember, you've got six more months of school left and the rest of your life to become something great. So next time you feel Senioritis coming on, stop, breathe, and remember YOU have the power to be your best.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Construction
SOH Construction to Overcome Snags
by: Omar Navarro
We’ve all noticed the construction at our school and have asked ourselves why isn’t done already? Why aren't there any workers? According to proposition O, it's supposed to repair and improve old and new schools - 42,000 middle and high schools. Proposition O is giving nine of the oldest schools in the district these funds first, such as Sweetwater High School, Montgomery High School, Mar Vista High School and Southwest High School. Construction usually takes about two years, and so far ours has taken three years and it doesn't look like it'll be done any time soon. HAAR, the company that was in charge of the construction construction, had some problems paying their subcontractors causing the deadline to be pushed further and further back. Because of all the unanswered questions, this Raider sought out the truth.
Q: What is the main reason why there's no work getting done on our construction site?
by: Omar Navarro
We’ve all noticed the construction at our school and have asked ourselves why isn’t done already? Why aren't there any workers? According to proposition O, it's supposed to repair and improve old and new schools - 42,000 middle and high schools. Proposition O is giving nine of the oldest schools in the district these funds first, such as Sweetwater High School, Montgomery High School, Mar Vista High School and Southwest High School. Construction usually takes about two years, and so far ours has taken three years and it doesn't look like it'll be done any time soon. HAAR, the company that was in charge of the construction construction, had some problems paying their subcontractors causing the deadline to be pushed further and further back. Because of all the unanswered questions, this Raider sought out the truth.
Q: What is the main reason why there's no work getting done on our construction site?
A: “HAAR wasn't paying the subcontractors, that’s why there's no work getting done”.
Q: What are your feelings towards the completion deadline being pushed back?
A: “Disappointed, sad that it had to be that way, but good as well because it will be back on track.”
Q: When can we expect work to begin?
A: “Work is expected to begin after the next board meeting, and be ready next year.”
Q:Many of the seniors are disappointed that there isn’t a Senior lawn anymore. Is there anything you can do about that?
A: “I am open to suggestions about a new senior lawn, or make a bench with 2012 imprinted in it or a plaque remembering class of 2012, I'm open to any suggestions.”
As construction is expected to be completed next year, us Raiders will have to hang in there with the daily, noisy, interruptions. As for Class of 2012 we will have to unite and push for a bench or plaque or anything that will leave a memory of us imprinted in the school. Though the pending construction has been a main issue for three years, it will be a beautiful contribution to our school and will be beautiful when completed.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Football Season Opener
Raider Football Starts Off Strong
by: Cheyenne Alexander
Great job at the football game last Friday, Football players! Our Raiders did a fantastic job of stopping the Hamilton football team. The team did their best and didn't stop until they took it home, and they got what they all worked so hard for, which was 27 to 0.What a wonderful game! Keep up the amazing work, boys! Remember always believe in yourself and your teammates and a little hard work will pay off. Always,"Imagine, believe and you will Succeed."
R.J Rodriguez said, "The game was exciting, we had confidence that we were going to win. Our coaches, team players, cheerleaders and the fans on the bleacher were our motivations. We are looking forward to wining the bell back this year." R.J also stated that Ernie made 3 touch downs and that includes the the first touch down. Then R.J included that B.J made a touch down as well. R.J was very proud at all the members and hard work they put in the game and so were the coaches.Keep it up, Raiders, show off that team spirit!
Yadira Ramon-Soto stated that "The game was very fun because we won and because the game was very intense." She ended her statement with, "Southwest Raiders are on top!"
Jocelyne Chavarin, who is a cheerleader said, " The game was a memorable first game and it was a lot of fun cheering for the guys."
Jocelyn Leal, a fan of our football team, supported the boys by yelling and cheering from the bleachers. She said, "I was so proud of them."
Raiders, keep up all the hard work. Always keep in mind to never stop trying and always do your best. Our school is very, proud of you and we are supporting you every step of the way. Good luck to you guys for the up coming games that await you. Everyone has faith in you guys. Dont ever stop believing in yourself and your teammates. Congratulations, way to start off the season!
by: Cheyenne Alexander
Great job at the football game last Friday, Football players! Our Raiders did a fantastic job of stopping the Hamilton football team. The team did their best and didn't stop until they took it home, and they got what they all worked so hard for, which was 27 to 0.What a wonderful game! Keep up the amazing work, boys! Remember always believe in yourself and your teammates and a little hard work will pay off. Always,"Imagine, believe and you will Succeed."
R.J Rodriguez said, "The game was exciting, we had confidence that we were going to win. Our coaches, team players, cheerleaders and the fans on the bleacher were our motivations. We are looking forward to wining the bell back this year." R.J also stated that Ernie made 3 touch downs and that includes the the first touch down. Then R.J included that B.J made a touch down as well. R.J was very proud at all the members and hard work they put in the game and so were the coaches.Keep it up, Raiders, show off that team spirit!
Yadira Ramon-Soto stated that "The game was very fun because we won and because the game was very intense." She ended her statement with, "Southwest Raiders are on top!"
Jocelyne Chavarin, who is a cheerleader said, " The game was a memorable first game and it was a lot of fun cheering for the guys."
Jocelyn Leal, a fan of our football team, supported the boys by yelling and cheering from the bleachers. She said, "I was so proud of them."
Raiders, keep up all the hard work. Always keep in mind to never stop trying and always do your best. Our school is very, proud of you and we are supporting you every step of the way. Good luck to you guys for the up coming games that await you. Everyone has faith in you guys. Dont ever stop believing in yourself and your teammates. Congratulations, way to start off the season!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)