The Powderpuff Game

Annie DiBernardo

January 5, 2016

Girl’s playing football? Boys shaking pom-poms and cheering? This is not your average football game. It’s the Colonie Central High School annual powderpuff game. It’s fun. It’s exciting. This is a tradition at our school.  Unfortunately it did not happen this past fall. Students were in uproar over this.

A lot of juniors and seniors here at Colonie High were very upset this past fall when they heard announcement that the annual powderpuff game would be canceled.  The students were confused as to why this could be. Aaron Muia, a senior here at Colonie says, “The school is being sexist by not having a powder puff game. It provides entertainment for the student body and teachers while juniors and seniors have a friendly competition. Although the game can get intense, we’re raising money for a charity organization.” Emily Satin, another senior here at Colonie says it’s not fair that the varsity football team couldn’t take some time and contribute to senior activities off to coach us. She also brings up the point that the coaches are not in that position of power to control an annual event.

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Mr. Robilotti, Colonie High Schools principal sat down to clear the air on this subject.  Mr. Robilotti explained that the game was never actually canceled, he said there was, “no administrative push to cancel it.” Since homecoming week was so early this year a powderpuff game was never really mentioned. In past years the game has never been canceled. Usually there is some drama with the girls over social media but it is nothing that can’t be resolved. Although there won’t be a homecoming game to go along with it, our principal mentioned the possibility of having a game in the spring as long as the money raised is donated and no one misbehaves.

Clearly there was a lot of confusion this past fall involving the annual powderpuff competition. Hopefully this spring the juniors and seniors can come together to organize a game.  

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Implementation of Coffee in Colonie High

Ella Brownson



While it may sound like a small decision, the implementation of coffee in the South Colonie High

School had many rippling affects. This addition to the school’s other food and drinks available to

students was put in to place in the first week of December. The options for the students include an

assortment of coffee flavors, teas, hot chocolate, and even different sizes to choose from. This small

change definitely caught the eye of students, but the motive behind its presence was unknown to many.

When walking through Colonie High School in the morning, one would often see many students

toting Dunkin’ Donuts or Starbucks cups. More often than not, these students were also running to

class, cup in hand, attempting to avoid a tardy mark on their record for homeroom.  Since

administrators have put the coffee and tea in place in the cafeteria, less and less of these orange or red

cups can be seen in the hallways. While the excessive amount of tardies caused by coffee runs in the

morning may not have been the main motive behind putting the coffee in school, the problem has

definitely decreased as a result. The overseers of the office of the senior principal, Ms. Sullivan, were

unable to give a conclusive number as to what the total lates were before and since the presence of the

coffee in the school. However, several students feel as though they “don’t need to be late to get coffee

because I can just get it once I get here,”. This statement made by senior Clare Reilly was also followed

up with the point that, “while it is nice to have it here, the selection isn’t the same as Dunkin’ or

Starbucks… and the coffee here is only available during certain periods. Sometimes I have class and I

can’t get it.” This justifiable issue was also felt but a number of students. But when a poll of over 50

students was taken, about 87% were happy with the implementation of the coffee, 3% were indifferent,

and 10% did not think it was good to have in school. While the student opinion dominates the majority

of the conversations surrounding the coffee, the people responsible for the care, distribution, and

maintenance of the new drinks, also had opinions on the matter.

Cafeteria manager, Debbie Sterge was able to shed some light on the motives and affects

behind the coffee. “It is for the money. The school district was losing money to the big coffee companies

and other food places. We had to do something different to get the kids to start spending money at the

school again.” While the common misconception was that it was a principal or cafeteria staff decision to

put the coffee into the cafeteria line-up, it actually came from a higher up position. Debbie revealed that

the District Office of Colonie made the decision to put in the coffee. This reinforced her theory that it

was just another idea to get money back into the school. Debbie further explained her role in the

process saying, “I just place an order about once a week to re-stock. That is when they offer us the

holiday flavors. It’s kind of fun.” The teas, cocoas, and coffees seem fun and exciting to the students as

well, as Debbie says they are becoming increasingly popular. So far the flavorful, warm drinks have

decreased tardiness, increased school district profits, and even bettered mood in some not-morning-

people. While coffee and tea may have some serious long term health effects, Colonie High has chosen

to focus on the current positives of the caffeinated beverages.

Minimum Wage

Alan Weloth

1.6.2016



Now that New Years has passed the time has come for the federal raise on minimum

wage. Every employee that receives minimum wage has been bumped up to a staggering nine

dollars an hour, from the highly satisfying eight dollars and seventy-five cents. The extra quarter

that minimum wage has been set to doesn’t exactly change anything. The Minimum Wage Act,

created by the federal labor system, doesn’t actually change much in New York. Employers will

continue to pay the bottom line dollar of income to their workers if it is in their own greedy

interests.

The fact is that because Employers pay bottom line for labor, they will hire just about

anyone, no matter their background. Leaving people like college students and kids who truly

deserve a job stuck between minimum wage, and being jobless.

Minimum wage currently only barely covers a semester at Hudson Valley Community

College, if the student doesn’t go on college leave. While there are numerous ways to get money

for college students to go to college, minimum wage puts a stress on students. It is nearly

impossible to a student to provide for themselves when working long hours for minimum wage

and juggling school into the mix as well, given, if college in the United States could catch up to

the rest of the world and raise taxes to provide free college then that would take a huge amount

of pressure off of students in which case minimum wage of nine dollars would be sufficient.

Review: Tiffany's

By: Kayleigh McClean

1/20/16

          When one hears the name Audrey Hepburn, they are bound to create a very specific set of images in their head. A little black dress, pearls, and a perfect tiffany-blue box all come to mind. The role of Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s is one of the most iconic characters in American film history. It didn’t get to be such a classic for nothing however, and people who actually view the movie will find it to be about a lot more than diamonds.

            The movie, which is based on the novel written by Truman Capote, centers around the charming Holly Golightly, a New York socialite trying to secure her spot in high society through the most eligible bachelors. It is impossible to not be taken by Miss Golightly, her wild spirit that longs to remain away from any cages excites any audience it comes upon, especially young writer Paul Varjak who moves in next door.

            But past all of the charm and wit that Hepburn effortlessly uses in her acting, her character is in a rather dark situation. If you look past the glossy exterior of the 50’s era film, you will find that Holly earns her living by being a call girl, and that she has run away from a dull past life and lover. Holly Golightly’s happy appearance is only covering up a terrified young woman.

            Breakfast at Tiffany’s is one of my favorite movies, but there is undoubtedly something for everyone within the film. The mystery of Holly’s past and her fate keeps the audience on edge, the exaggeration of human traits keeps the mood light, and the grand, dramatic, frustrating romance that blossoms between the party girl and the writer makes it one of the great classic films. Holly’s quest for a sense of true belonging is genuine and relatable, and makes us all wonder if a special place where all is calm like Tiffany’s is out there for us too. Set in the dynamic and glamourous streets New York City, Breakfast at Tiffany’s is bold yet beautiful, and the themes that it illustrates are timeless. Without a doubt, everyone should have their own copy of Tiffany’s in their DVD collection, the perfect watch to inspire you on a rainy day.

Donald Trump, the man for the job?

By: Dylan Weinman

1/20/16






Trump is at it again, and this time he is taking the media by storm from his proposal that the United States should ban all Muslim immigration coming into the nation. Although most Americans see that this plan of action is not the most rational, there is a scary perspective to take into account here. A poll issued on Vox.com stated that 25% of Americans support Trump’s view on preventing Muslims to enter the country. Out of the 318 million people that currently live in the United States, an estimated 79.5 million people take this view of Islamophobia.

 Let’s take into mind the amount of support Trump has acquired over the run of his ongoing campaign. If you were to take into account the 79.5 million Americans that hold this view, you would have to compare it to a well-stocked group of people to complete this analogy. The current estimated population of New York City is 8.59 million people. That covers all the way from Staten Island in the southwest, to Queens which is located in the east. In order to put a mark on Trump’s support, you would have to multiply the population of New York City ten times. That’s 10 cities worth of political gain that backs up most, if not all of the views of Donald Trump. Can you imagine what he could do with that much power? 

 If one should have that power, there should be a natural reaction to do the thing that offers the most in terms of stability. If this man is claiming to do so much in terms of closing off the borders to foreign nations even before his potential presidency began, then who knows what he will propose if he ends up in office. Donald Trump is currently leading in 1st place on the GOP candidates, if we are to place the title of president in the hands of this man, then he should provide improved decisions, or at the very least, improved justification of his actions.

Syrian Refugees

By: Julia Crist

1/15/16

The refugees from Syria are a big deal right now, And the issue is whether or not to let them into the country. This was a controversial issue before but became an even bigger issue when the Paris attacks happened. We were planning on letting in 10,000 refugees this year but since the attacks we have closed our doors. The ironic thing is that Jeb bush thinks we should let in only the Christians from Syria and not the Muslims but isn’t whole reason people came to America to begin with was to escape religious persecution? And now we aren’t allowing people in because of their religion. Not to mention the fact that Paris has said that they are accepting 30,000 refugees in the next two years and we can’t even accept a third of that when we weren’t even the ones directly attacked is beyond me. America needs to wake up and realize that if we are going to help bomb Syria we also have to provide refuge for the people of Syria. America is supposed to be open for immigration, everyone in America is either an immigrant or is a descendant of immigrants. Immigrants are the foundation of America and if we don’t allow it what does that say about our character?

Interview with Sullivan

By: Amanda Diaz

1/15/16

Walking into the interview I didn’t know what to expect, but I did know that I wanted to get to know our class principal before we left on our journey for college.  I waited in the senior office after school for about five minutes until Ms. Sullivan walked in.  She walked into the office after helping with dismissal and smiled upon my arrival.  Inviting me into her office, she had an open energy to her as she sat down behind her wooden desk.  Her glasses were of and the burgundy dress she wore complimented her figure in every way.  The sun glinted in the window and brightened her green eyes and she was happy that a fellow student wanted to get to know her.

Q: Many students don’t really know you’ve been a part of the school system for several years now, what is your history in the school work force?

A: Yes, that is correct I am new to the high school, as you know this is my second year here but I have actually been a part of the district since 1987.  I was a part-time Spanish teacher at Lisha Kill and I got the job at the end of summer after I attended SUNY Oswego.  My roommate had a job at South Colonie and told me about the job opening and I was interviewed and got the job.  I was also a 3rd grade teacher at Saddlewood for 9 years which I loved because I was a first-time mom and we had the summers and holidays off.

Q: Where are you from?

A: You can’t tell? *with excitement* You can’t tell by my accent?  C’mon

Q: The city?

A: Yes the city.

Q: The Bronx?

A: Yes the Bronx!

Q: Do you ever miss it?

A: Sure, I miss the bakeries and the pizzerias, I grew up in the Pelham Bay section it’s kind of near the Throngs neck bridge.  I’m from an Irish family and there were five girls.  My dad is now a retired judge and my mom was a homemaker.  And I went to an all-girls high school.

Q: Oh wow, what was that like?

A: It gave me what I carry with me today in terms of values.  Things that I cherish, things I like to embark on my own children now.  But I was a very shy teenager in high school, so I regret not taking advantage of activities and extracurricular clubs.  And you have to remember we didn’t have yellow school buses, we took city buses so I was very nervous about missing my bus and we had to change buses.  I had to go on Westchester Square and take the 5 bus.  So it was a completely different experience than what Colonie students have today.

Q: Do you know why you were shy?

A: I think we just lacked confidence, we were just shy and timid, all of my sisters and I.  And of course being in the Bronx helped me to learn my Spanish.  

Q: Did you always know from a young age you wanted to be a part of the school workforce?

A: Yes, I always knew I wanted to be in education, at some capacity, always first and foremost I wanted to be a teacher.  In fact, I am going to tell you a short story.  In my basement I used to have a blackboard and student desks and a pretend classroom because my Aunt Marie, who’s like a second mom to me, was a school teacher.  So she would bring me chalk, and bring me home different things from the school that they no longer needed or was being thrown out and she would give them to me to set up in the basement.  So one day she came by and her and my mom were having a cup of tea and she said, “Who is Nora talking to, who does she have down there?” and my mom replied, “Oh those are her imaginary students.”  So I always knew I had a passion or being a teacher.  And at Oswego they had a great educational program, so I majored in elementary education but my minor was in Spanish.  And when I graduation all of the job opportunities or openings were in Foreign language at the time, not so much elementary.

Q: Do you have any hobbies or any other passions?

A: I love to swim, I usually go to the Guilderland Y and jump into a swim lane and it’s just great exercise.  And I love to walk, and I love to bike ride, I wish I had more time for leisure reading often times I read one of Oprah’s books on her good reads list, but I just don’t have the time.  And of course I love to spend time with my kids.

Q: How many kids do you have?

A: I have three, I have a son Jack who’s twenty, and I have two girls.  Caroline who’s a junior at Guilderland High and Emmy she’s a ninth grader.

Q: Do you see any overlaps with being a principal and a being mom?

A: Yes, and I kind of have to wear two hats but yet one hat because my job here is as an assistant principal but a lot of times what helps is that I walk in the shoes of that student.  And I put myself I their shoes and I say okay what is really going on here it’s not just Algebra 2/Trig it’s not just Spanish 4 that’s causing this student to make poor decisions or struggle.  So yes, I do wear multiple hats and sometimes it helps you be a little more empathetic knowing I’m a mom and I would hope that who was dealing with my son or daughter would be supportive and helpful.

Q: What’s one challenge you’ve seen within yourself as a principal and how did you overcome it?

A: A challenge for me, *pause*

Well I think with anything the more experience you have the more confident you are and you feel in the know.  Last year I didn’t know all the policies in place at the school, I didn’t know um, you know the procedures more or less to handle certain situations so I think the first year at anything is always a challenge for anyone entering any field in a new role or new position.  When you’re doing it for the first time you’re going to have to face those difficulties or challenges and work through them.  Um just being it’s a new and it’s a first and you haven’t done it before.  Other challenges… um I would say just balancing it all between work and family.  Just something that takes careful attention and you have to be really organized.  You know you have to prioritize and schedule your day based on priorities.  So that can be a challenge because you have to give it some planning and forethought.  

Q: What would you want the females in the Class of 2016 to think of you/ look up to you?

A: Well, I would encourage them and support them to enter any type o leadership role we need women leaders.  I mean look right now at the political race, we now have Hillary Clinton, Carly Fiorina who was just featured on the debate very well spoken very successful.  We have Christian Gillibrand for one of our senators of NY.  So I think it’s a wonderful thing when women set goals and achieve them.

Q: Is there anyone you look up to?

A: Arianna Huffington, I just read one of her books this summer called Thrive.  And she is definitely a leader who has overcome obstacles she’s a mother as well and she runs a successful web business, Huffington post.  So I would look up to her.

Q: What would you want the student body to know about you not only as a principal but as a person?

A: I would like them to know outside of school I am a hug advocate for finding a cure for breast cancer.  I participate in a lot of relays for life and breast cancer awareness organizations because I lost a sister to breast cancer and I have another sister who was diagnosed last year.

Common Core, is it really helpful?

By: Emily Satin

1/15/16

Many teachers within the past year have been bending over backwards in attempt to implement common core into their student’s minds effectively.  Common core is a state mandated program integrated into education kindergarten through twelfth grade.  The purpose of it is merely to prepare students for a higher education, and also to improve test scores which will allow us to compete with other nations.

            Unfortunately, this new program is evidently ineffective as test scores have been proven to decrease since the application of common core.  I think that instead of only measuring student’s knowledge by standardized testing results, students should be evaluated by other crucial factors such as: participation in class, classwork assignments, projects and papers, and overall class average.  I think that a student’s class average reflects their understanding on the topic as it provides a joint grade incorporating other details rather than just a verbose, incomprehensible exams.  Education is supposed to provide society with social mobility by offering kids extended opportunities in life to increase their success.  Rather than properly educating children, teachers are spending class time teaching seven year olds to fill in scantron forms and strategically select multiple choice answers,  The sole content kids are absorbing is about tests, and not applying their knowledge to real life in any way.  This is not only irrational, but it is increasing the difficulty to succeed in higher education systems such as college, because colleges consider test scores as validly proving ones knowledge.  

Handling Cliffhangers

Natalia Carmon

November 2,2015


Finally, the big season finale of your favorite TV show. Life could not get any better than

this moment where you are curled up on your bed or couch. You are so anxious to find out what

will happen within the last ten minutes. Then within those ten minutes that curious expression of

yours turns into a bug eyed, wide mouthed look of amazement. Just in those few minutes the

writers of the show completely turned your whole world around with the unexpected. Now you

have even more problems than when you started watching the show. It may seem only fair to

take out whatever you are feeling on your cat, who was gently sleeping until you woke him up

with your screaming, or on the Christmas present your Aunt Sally gave you. Before anything

happens that could get you into a bad situation, please take the time to read the following steps in

order to handle getting over the cliffhanger until the next season.

Step 1: Stop Panicking

It may seem like the end of the world right now. Just let out whatever you need to but not

with violence. Find someone you are comfortable talking to like your mom or your best friend.

Also it may be smart to talk to someone else who is in the same state of mind as you. You may

not feel completely resolved after this but you will like a huge weight has been lifted off your

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chest. Since the panic is gone it is time to start thinking about what to do after.

Step 2: Reassurance

Make sure you watched the scene correctly. Maybe you weren’t paying attention when

the cliffhanger started. You probably missed some detail which could have made the ending

make more sense. There is always something you might miss and if there is something you

missed you might be okay with the way the episode ends. Cliffhangers are not always bad but

they kind off make you miss your show especially before a long break before the new season

comes out.

Step 3: Acceptance

Now that you’ve seen the last scene over again and know what exactly happened you

need to accept the fact that the writers are just doing their jobs. They need to put the dramatic

cliffhangers into the show to gain attention from the audience. Even though they do make you

keep guessing what will happen next it is only to keep the show on air. Now with that

information relax even more and accept the fact that there will be another season so you won’t

worry about never finding out what will happen next.

Step 4: Re-watch previous episodes or seasons

Even though new episodes aren’t coming on weekly at the moment you could still enjoy

your favorite TV show by watching previous episodes. There are so many ways to re-watch an

episode easily with the Internet. Many TV stations have websites where you can find previous

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episodes from the current season. Also many websites have made life so much easier for TV

addicts like Netflix and Hulu Plus. While on those websites you could easily catch up on your

favorite TV shows for just a small amount of money each month. Also you could start watching

new TV shows to occupy yourself while your other show is on break. As a free option you could

look on YouTube for music videos or highlights of the show to help you remember the good

moments. There are plenty of ways to occupy yourself while you are stuck waiting for the new

season to begin.

Step 5: Use your Creativity.

If you like your show so much and you have a creative talent, like sketching, drawing,

writing, etc., then you could create a piece related to your favorite show. You could draw your

favorite couple that you ship on the show or one that you would like to see. Maybe as a writing

theme come up with a new character and put them in the same situation as the main character of

the show. Doing activities like this not only keeps you busy but it also helps you forget that the

show isn’t even on right now. These kinds of activities put you into the world of the show and

make you think about the good events that could happen in the future.

Step 6: Not Really Missing the Show Anymore

So you have finally stopped trying to work out every solution possible. What happened

already happened and nobody can do anything about it now. The fate of your show does not rely

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in your hands and no matter what you think should happen it will not happen because

unfortunately, you are not the writer. At this moment you are worried about everything else in

your life. You might go back and watch an episode or two but that’s not important to you.

Besides there is always something to watch on TV. Or on your cell phone, tablet, laptop, and

pretty much anything that connects to the internet.

The Season Opening

Alright it’s okay to be excited now that the show you have been so patiently waiting for

comes back on. You have earned the chance to relax and brace yourself to repeat this process

over again after this season’s finale but for now enjoy it. Forget this whole list and just watch

your show. Actually you probably should remember some things on the list since your show only

comes on once a week. Sorry I will let you enjoy your show now and I hope this helps with

handling cliffhangers.

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Picking a College

Lizzie Green

November 3, 2015


After interviewing seniors and teachers at Colonie Central High school I have created a list on

how to pick your college. Picking a college can be stressful and time consuming but by following these

steps you can go through this process with less difficulty. All you have to do is get through the

application process and looking at schools and then all your stress we be gone and you will have a great

time at whichever college you chose.

1. MAJOR: First make sure all the schools you’re looking at have the major you want to study. If

you end up at a school without your major it will be a waste of four years. There is no reason

that you should change your major to fit that school because there are so many schools to

choose from. Only apply to a program you can see yourself in and one you’re interested in

because no one wants to transfer if they don’t have to!

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2. SIZE: Look at the size of the schools. Some schools can be the size of a high school and some

can have around 40,000 undergraduates. The size of a school can determine how comfortable

you are there and it has a big role in your class size. The more students the bigger the class. I

recommend if you are going to a major that needs more individual help like nursing or pre-med

that a smaller size school is better. You will be in smaller classes which will allow you to get to

know your teachers better and you will get more individual attention. Therefor before visiting a

school look up the enrollment number, ask about class sizes, and see how many people they

accept in your major.

3. LOCATION AND DISTANCE: High school senior Jenna Snide says location and distance is a

major factor when choosing a college. First you can decide if you want a city or suburban/rural

school. Then look at how far it is away. Maybe you want to go down the road from your house

or you want to be a plane ride away. Location and distance can also narrow down your list of

possible schools which in the end makes it easier. Senior Erin Charton says that she is looking for

a school far enough away where her dad won’t come visit every weekend but close enough

where she can drive home if needed. The perfect distance for her is about four hours away.

4. ATHLETICS: I know from my experience that sports play a huge role in which college I go to. I

want a school with a big football team, a big fan section at every game and a lot of sports to

watch! But some people are just looking for classes to go to and a library to study in, so sports

may not matter to them. Know what you’re looking for with sports then ask students at that

school about their athletic program.

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5. VISIT THE CAMPUS: You have to visit the campus to get a good feel for the school. A campus

visit has a major role in senior Jessica Annello choosing Oneonta. Jess said’ “I grew up with the

dream of playing softball for Oswego, but after visiting their campus I knew it wasn’t the school

for me.” Jess didn’t get the right vibe from Oswego so she knew there was no way she would be

happy there for the next four years. A campus can make or break how happy you are at the

college you choose.

6. MONEY: Money is a big part. A very good path to take is a public school because of the price,

but not everyone likes public schools. Scholarships will make a huge difference in the price you

will owe. Try for every scholarship you are eligible for because there is a good chance you can

get it. Another way you can lower the price is by trying hard in high school. It may not seem like

it now but getting good grades is very important. It can get you more money so you can go to

the college of your dreams. The main thing you should think about with money is make sure you

realize the debt you will come out with and the loans you will owe. Also, community college is a

very good idea. If you are not sure what you are going to do with the rest of your life might as

well save some money until you figure it out.

The biggest suggestion my guidance counselor gave to me was wherever you choose to go make

sure you can picture yourself there. If you can’t picture yourself happy in a city school don’t look at

city schools. If they don’t have as many clubs or outside activities as you were looking for there is no

reason to go there. College will be a great time in your life so make sure wherever you go is what

you are looking for. There are thousands of colleges in the United Sates so I guarantee one of them

will fit your needs. Don’t settle for a college because you don’t want to keep looking. Once you’re

done looking and applying the stress goes down and you are ready for the next four years of your

life.

How Leelah Alcorn Changed Transgender Equality

G. Ross

December 23, 2015

                One year ago, on December 28, 2014, transgender teen Leelah Alcorn took her own life after suffering from anti-gay conversion therapy and transphobic hate. In her suicide note, she stated that she wanted her death to spark change in how others deal with LGBTQIA people. One year later, some things have changed for the better, but many things have stayed abysmal.

                On a positive note, on June 28, 2015, the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states. Though it was a big step for LGBTQIA equality, the decision only really benefitted the LGB part of LGBTQIA.

Earlier this year, petitioners advocated for a new law called Leelah’s Law which would illegalize anti-LGBTQIA conversion therapy. Though it has not been officially passed, the law has caught the attention of several high-ranking officials, including President Obama, who affirmed that the practice of conversion therapy is harmful and should be banned.

Progress is being made with the Supreme Court decision and Leelah’s Law, but to many LGBTQIA-identified individuals, these progressions seem more like a tiny bandage on a gaping wound. Since Leelah’s death, 21 other transgender people worldwide have committed suicide. The transgender community has one of the highest suicide rates of any group at 41%.  

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The murder rate for transgender people is also incredibly high. Since January 1, 2015, 21 transgender women have been murdered in the United States because they were transgender. Most of these murdered women were women of color. LGBTQIA people of color face a much higher risk for discrimination or death.

Dying as a transgender person is hard, but living as one is even harder. A GLSEN survey found that 75% of transgender youth feel unsafe at school. This unsafe feeling causes low attendance rates and significantly lower GPAs. The feeling can stem from many causes including denied access to proper restrooms or locker rooms, misgendering by faculty and staff, and constant bullying from peers. 59% of transgender teens are forced to use restrooms and locker rooms that do not match their gender identity. 61% of transgender teens report that they have been harassed or bullied about their gender identity at school by teachers and students alike. 8% of these cases of harassment are cases of sexual harassment.

Most people escape bullying after they leave school, but transgender people still suffer well after they graduate or drop out. Over 75% of transgender employees have been the victim of some form of workplace discrimination. 25% of transgender people have been fired because of their gender identity. Because of this constant unemployment or fear of discrimination, many transgender people turn to sex work or drug trafficking to make income. Approximately one-eighth of the transgender community has turned to illegal underground economies because they could not get or safely keep jobs.

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                Furthermore, 20% of transgender individuals will experience homelessness at some point in their lives. Most homeless shelters will house people by sex and not by gender expression or identity. This causes transgender people to be placed in treatment areas with the wrong gender. This can lead to dysphoria, mistreatment, eviction, and in some cases, physical violence.

                It’s been a full year since Leelah Alcorn died for transgender equality, and nothing has happened to bring about that equality. Has she died in vain? Is her memory that deeply buried that we are willing to let people starve and die because they dared to be who they are? When will action be taken to better the lives of people who are living at the rock bottom of society? Leelah’s Law will be a good first step, but it cannot be the last step. It will be a long road to equality, but we can never finish the journey if we do not even start it. In Leelah’s honor, I have signed the petition to pass Leelah’s Law. I encourage everyone else to do the same. ###

Specialization in Schools

Amanda Diaz

December 23, 2015

            Why would you take classes you’re not interested in and will not succeed in, in the long run?  Well that’s how schools are run today, students must take classes that they have no interest in and are expected to accomplish great things with the facts they learn.  But without passion toward a subject nothing good can be achieved and ultimately the school and the student loses valuable time and resources that could have been changed to aid the student.  Having a variety of students all learning the same material only makes them a jack of all trades not valuable assets to society.  In America, specialization is key for example there are numerous doctors out in the health care system, but they all work on different parts of the body.  There are cardiologists, dermatologists and orthopedists, it’s not just one doctor who works on everything instead we flip that and have one doctor specialize on one body part so they can become experts in their fields.  Not everyone wants to learn about the same topics so why are we treating each student the same?  We should implement the college outlook on education in high school so students understand that their life is their own to make, whether it is what society wants it to be or otherwise.