Chris Denham was a key player for the Grizzlies, scoring early in the first quarter.

The Saint Mary’s team was next to score, but could only manage to get the ball past GBHS’ goalie one more time throughout the rest of the game.  

The Grizzlies played well and scored 14 more points before the final buzzer.

   Key players on the Granite Bay team were Sarah Kaplan and Alexa Wolf, who scored multiple goals for the team. Our defense was also an advantage, with our goalie blocking all but one shot. Halftime ended with the score of 12-0.

The Gazette: How was your experience with the Academic Decathlon?

Hilton: It was amazing. I’ve learned so many different things and I’ve made a lot of friends through the program.

G: How has what you’ve learned affected you outside Academic Decathlon?

H: I can use all the information that I have learned through my every day life. For in­stance, on the SAT, so much of the information came up. While writing essays, I can refer back on information that I’ve learned about.

G: Since you’re also in Musical Theater, what’s your position in the upcoming musi­cal Grease?

H: I co-star as Sandy Dowbrosky.

G: How has production been?

H: It’s been pretty good. We’ve been moving slow but it’s now getting rushed because it’s out in a month.

G: What other activities are you involved in?

H: I also do cheer. Actually, this year I joined competitive squad but it’s currently ended. Now game squad is back up and we’ve been performing at basketball games.

G: How do you balance three various activi­ties when they are taking place around the same time?

H: I have a really big calendar that I write my schedules into. Also, everyone is aware of the other activities that I’m involved in so they are understanding with my commitments and where my time is being spent.

Gazette: What is the process like building up to Powder Puff?

It involves placing all the orders for the T-shirts and organizing T-shirts’ numbers nicknames. Also, we have to organize all the referees, announcers, male cheerleaders, staff coaches and male student coaches for the event.

Gazette: What changes have been made to the program this year?

A: This year we created the “Dog Pound.” We discovered that many girls last year stayed on the sidelines, not actu­ally wanting to play. The “Dog Pound” lets girls be a part of the experience and have a T-shirt without playing. It’s great for college-bound athletes that don’t want to risk becoming injured.

Gazette: How would the “Dog Pound” still promote school spirit?

A: It allows more girls to be involved in Powder Puff, rather than being actual players. And, the “Dog Pound” will be on the field cheering on their classmates.

Gazette: How does Powder Puff differ from other school spirited events?

A: I think it’s unique because it blends a lot of elements in one event. I’m an athlete and it’s great to have an event focused on athletics. For girls that aren’t involved in athletics and school events, this is a great opportunity for them to become more involved. Guys are also a part of the experience as male cheerleaders.

Gazette: How big of an event is Powder Puff expected to be this year?

A: Usually, we fill the stadium. We’re hoping to have a bigger community audience attend and that the “Dog Pound” will help girls get involved more in their class.

Sam Kim

   Most freshmen at GBHS are average teenagers finding their way through high school by their own means and pace. Freshman Samuel Kim is a per­fect example.

   Though Kim has many junior and se­nior friends, he admits that most of his high school social life involves many of his freshmen friends. Together they break dance, and even participated in the lip sync together.

   Since he was very young, Kim loved dancing and was amused by the sight of it.

   His first inspiration was America’s Best Dance Crew and from there his friends guided him to his passion.

   “I found the confidence to dance on my own but ABDC and my friends gave me my motivation to pursue dancing,” Kim said.

   Through dancing, Kim has devel­oped an active build.

   “If you think about break dancing in a sports’ perspective, it requires a lot of athleticism,” Kim said. “At first, a break dancer may start out with underdeveloped muscles but after you progress, you’ll eventually develop the muscles needed to become advanced.”

   Despite the fact that Kim isn’t the typical athlete, he’s just a normal ac­tive freshman making the most of his teenage years among the upperclass­men.

   “At first you think that high school is going to be harsh because there are so many upperclassmen,” Kim said. “But after thinking that and experiencing the first part of high school, I just feel like a normal kid who will be a se­nior like everyone else one day.”

Colin Fitzgerald

   Around campus, upperclassmen can usually be identified by their taller height and grown beards. By upon closer exam­ination, one student with those features isn’t actually an upperclassman.

   Freshman Colin Fitzgerald entered high school at 5 foot 10 inches tall with facial hair like his junior brother, Ian Fitzgerald.

   Colin and Ian are the only males in their immediate family that have the capability of growing beards. Their appearance may be similar, but Colin differs from Ian by having straighter facial hair.

   Since the end of seventh grade, Colin has been able to grow facial hair that gives him the allusion of being older.

   “I first really noticed that people thought that I was older when I went to the Sacramento Anime conven­tion,” Fitzgerald said. “I didn’t know that they would be shocked that much when they learned I was only 14.”

   The benefit of having a beard to ap­pear older is understandable, but that’s not the reason Fitzger­ald keeps his beard.

   “I admit that I don’t want to always look older but I am actu­ally just (too) lazy to shave,” Fitzgerald said. “Also, facial hair keeps the wind from penetrat­ing your skin and I’ve now come to think of my beard as a blanket on my face.”

   Due to his laziness, Fitzgerald can be seen around campus displaying his beard with pride. Countless times class­mates have approached Fitzgerald and commonly touched his facial hair like they’ve known him their whole life.

   “After people touch my beard, they can then come to conclusions about my age or my appearance,” Fitzgerald said. “Some people say comments that are humorous like ‘are you a werewolf or Hugh Jackman?’ while others can be quite inappropriate.”

Phillip Vogeley

   Senior Phillip Vogeley has been one of the most talented wrestlers that varsity wrestler coach Shane Dixon has ever taught. This year, Vogeley was one of 10 varsity wrestlers that have advanced on to the post-season.

   However, Vogeley did not become the shining star that Dixon knows today until his last year of wrestling at Granite Bay High School.

   Vogeley was a late bloomer.

   He entered his freshman year of wres­tling in the weight class of 103 pounds, and since then has progressed to wres­tling in the 140 pounds. weight class. Only recently has he dropped down into the 135 poundss. weight class in order to compete beyond post-season.

   Though his progression may have gotten off on a rough start, Vogeley isn’t ashamed of the physical progress he has made since his smaller freshman year.

   “It’s just the normal development of my body,” Vogeley said. “I can’t complain especially since I’ve seen an improvement in myself in wrestling and outside wrestling.”

   Since his freshman year, Vogeley has grown over 9 inches. Not only has his height and build changed since then, but also Vogeley now has the confidence in himself that he lacked before.

   “Growing taller and growing up in general is such a social, emotional and physical change,” Vogeley said. “You be­come more confident when you’re older and bigger built.”

   Shane Dixon has been able to work with Vogeley over the past four years as an assistant varsity wrestling coach. This past year, when Dixon stepped up to be the head varsity wresting coach, he was easily impressed achievements.

   “Phil has always been technically sound,” Dixon said. “However, just this year alone he has just blos­somed with an incredible athletic year.”

   Overall, Vogeley has grown into the strong wrestler he is today.

   “It just goes to show that if you stick with some­thing you love and you’re not the most fearfully big opponent, one day your work will pay off and your body will catch up,” Vogeley said. “Trust me, it feels good when hard work pays off and you reach your goals.”

Kyle Howarth

   Senior Kyle Howarth is not the typical senior and that’s because he wasn’t a typical freshman either. Coming into high school, Howarth was a few inches shy of six feet tall.

   Due to his height, Howarth has been able to excel in sports year round, including soccer, basketball and volleyball.

   “Being tall is such an advantage when you’re play­ing sports at competitive levels,” Howarth said.

   Though being tall gives Howarth an advantage over his opponents, Howarth knows that he can’t only rely on height to compete.      

   According to Howarth, sports require a wider ability range.

   “I’ve personally focused on developing skills rather than trying to perform by only brutal strength and height,” Howarth said. “With basketball and rebound­ing in particular, it’s mainly about determination and technique.”

   But Kyle has regular day advantages that most of his fellow classmates don’t have.

   “I’m fine with people mistaking me for being older if it only benefits me,” Howarth said.

   For GBHS sports fan and coaches, Howarth’s height adds greatly to his athletic contributions.

   “Kyle has embraced the skills like being a great defender, moving without the ball and rebounding,” varsity basketball coach Jason Sitterud said. “He does all the dirty work that no one wants to do for us and because of that he’s our team’s best rebounder.”

   Yes, the Safeway Parking Lot has many small restaurants, quick eats and ails of boxed food and serve-yourself sections. Though convenient, the SPL can become overcrowded and repetitive.

   When it’s decision time, there are countless options outside the small proximity of the SPL – the trick is where to look for the most unique restaurants with the best quality of food.

   At Pottery World Cafe, shoppers and eaters unite under one roof. At Venita Rhea’s, the atmosphere makes the eating experience far from normal. And Parker’s Hot Dogs is known for its famous food challenge.

 Pottery World Cafe

   Out of its two locations in Rocklin and El Dorado Hills, Pottery World Rocklin shines past its decor brother with its unique and unexpected cafe.

   Since its opening nine years ago, the Cafe has been under the current manager’s hands for four years. Judy Faulknar takes pride in the unusual success of a restaurant within Pottery World’s paradise of exterior, interior and boutique shopping.

   Many people may not be convinced that a cafe inside a home decor store is more of a restaurant than a quick bite to eat. However, their views may change after eating the Cafe’s acknowledgeable sweets, such as carrot cake, Italian lemon cake and homemade scones.

   With a growing popularity, the Cafe recently had to make changes that further improved the service and quality of the Cafe. These changes include breakfast being served from nine to noon and group reservation.

   Also, afternoon tea is served twice a month starting at two p.m. On the first and third Thursday of each month, reservations can be made for the occasion.

   The Cafe’s charm is simple – they make everything homemade from scratch, like the salads, dressings, sandwiches and scones, with a splash of heart and passion.

   “Our food is always fresh, crisp and unique,” Faulknar said. “It satisfies countless people who step into the Cafe.”

   Among the older customer pleasers are the grilled chicken panini, with aioli sauce, grilled chicken and pepper jack cheese and the spinach salad with a signature dressing, cranberries, sugar walnuts, blue cheese, and pear slices.

   As for teenagers, Faulknar knows the way into their stomachs and hearts.

   “Teenagers love to eat so I recommend the lava cake,” Faulknar said. “Who wouldn’t want to have warm chocolate gush from the center of a dessert with a dab of whipped cream?”

   After shopping, some costumers may stop by for a quick bite to eat, but in fact, more will come to the Cafe primarily to eat its delicious dishes.

Venita Rhea’s

   After 36 years of successful business, the workers at Venita Rhea’s have to be doing something right at 4415 Granite Drive in Rocklin.

   The atmosphere takes costumers onto a visual journey with a feel of Italy.

   Outdoor seating is desirable when the weather is perfect for a relaxing breakfast, and a black iron fence provides a secluded shaded area way from the cars and street.

   Inside the restaurant, murals of the markets and streets of Italy cover the walls. Also, the brickwork brings in an outdoor feeling with rustic colors. Flowers are place everywhere to make a care-free, enjoyable environment. The eating bar and window wall are also big focal points.

   To owner, manager and operator Ralph Kim, it’s not just the atmosphere that makes the restaurant far beyond normal

   “Our goal as a restaurant is to cater to family,” Kim said. “We focus on providing good old fashioned American breakfast and lunch.”

   With such a simple recipe to success, it’s easy to see how Venita Rhea’s has stayed so popular throughout the years. Of course, its quality of food, large portions and freshness also add to its popularity for a perfect family outing.

   “The cinnamon roll French toast is huge and weighs about one and a half to two pounds,” Kim says. “It’s popular and commonly shared.”

   Even though Venita Rhea’s is more popular during the weekends, Kim is not discouraged.

   “During the weekdays, business community people come to the restaurant to have lunch and our specials,” Kim said. “Weekends are just livelier.”

   Among popular weekday and weekend favorites besides the challeng­ing cinnamon roll French toast is the Benedict Arnold, the wide variety of omelettes and chicken fried steak.

   “If it weren’t for the community we wouldn’t be great,” Kim said. “We work closely with the community and because it supports us, we make it important to help any community based organi­zations in need.”

Parker’s Hot Dogs

   Parker’s Hot Dogs was made famous by Man vs. Food, a popular TV show on the Travel Channel. In the program, host and food enthusiast Adam Richman took on a hot dog eating challenge.

   At the franchise’s Pleasant Grove location, the challenge is called the Knuckle Head Challenge. On Douglas, it’s known as the Five-Pound Chili Dog Challenge. Out of a hundred challengers, none have succeeded – not even Richman.

   The prizes for a winner for eating it under 20 minutes includes not having to pay for the $24.50 hot dog, while also receiving a t-shirt and, above all, prestige.

   The task sounds simple before learning that the challenge consists of five hot dogs and a pound of cheese, chili and French fries.

   In the late ‘40s, magic was made when Parker Wilson established Parker’s Jumbo Dogs off the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Though it was only open during the summer until the arrival of Labor Day, Parker’s Jumbo Dogs made quite an impact.

   Wilson and his son John once planned to expand Parker’s Jumbo Dogs into the Bay Area but Wilson passed away at a young age.

   Since then, his son opened Parker’s Hot Dogs at 1605 Douglas Boulevard in 1997. French fries, onion rings and potato salad were added to the menu in later years.

   Other than a few additions to the menu, Parker’s Hot Dogs maintains its simple roots and is all about family.

   John Wilson uses his mother’s chili recipe, while also serving a hot dog that was created by his oldest daughter – the Western Bacon Cheese Hot Dog. The hot dogs are hand made, with no fillers and the buns are bakery buns.

   Besides the famous chili dog, Parker’s Hot Dogs has other great quality hot dogs and side food.

   “I’d say that we have the best hot dogs in California,” John Wilson said. “Not only that, but we treat everyone like family here as soon as you come in.”

Where: Santa Clara, California in the middle of the Silicon Valley and adjacent to San Jose

Tuition and Fee Cost: $37,368

Acceptance Rate: 59%

U.S. News Ranking: Not ranked

Athletics: The Santa Clara Broncos

SCU has 19 varsity teams as well as 18 club teams.

The football team was discontinued in 1993 after equal funding for male and female sports was required, which allowed for other sports such as base­ball, soccer and volleyball to take the spotlight.

Mascot:

Bucky the Bronco, a grey untrained horse is the official mascot of SCU.

Academics:

Santa Clara has six different academic programs, located in either Santa Clara, CA or Berkely, CA.

Santa Clara offers more than 45 under­graduate majors in arts, sciences, busi­ness and engineering, as well as many other interdisciplinary majors, minors, and special programs.

Fun Facts:

Santa Clara was originally an old mis­sion. Cattle used to roam on the mis­sion’s lands.

In order to differentiate between the University of Southern California and the University of Santa Clara, the university changed its name to Santa Clara Univer­sity in 1985.

Famous athletes from Santa Clara include former womens’ soccer player Brandi Chastain, Khaled Hosseini, the author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, Phoenix Suns basketball player Steve Nash and Boston Red Sox baseball player Daniel Nava.

Gazette: Originally, what was your po­sition in Student Government? What does it entail?

I was ASB athletics commissioner. Basi­cally, I promoted sports on campus, went to the events to support the all the teams and organized the student sections.

Gazette: With the increase of boys’ basketball success, how have the “white-outs” been?

For the very first game, I designed a GBHS tribe shirt that continued the idea from football season. At “white-outs,” fans wore all white to support the teams. Cheerleaders now sit in the student sec­tion and help start cheers.

Gazette: How are “white-outs” going to be a new tradition at GBHS?

At the moment, it’s new. We had a “white-out” last year with a basketball game against Del Oro High School but we lost the game. But, now our team is really good and we hope to beat Del Oro this year so we’re promoting it more.

Gazette: By promoting people to show up at athletic events, how has the over­all school spirit been improved?

I think that more people have taken pride in our school now than they have in past years. We are GBHS and we do have great athletics, but we have school spirit in all of our organizations.

   It has been a decade since Dr. Seuss’s infamous children’s picture book was turned into a feature film.

   Award winning actor Jim Carrey almost steals the spotlight of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. His acting skills never cease to capture attention, especially in a hairy, green costume. With Carrey’s attitude, costume and make-up, the childhood vision of the Grinch comes to life.

   However, the decorations throughout the movie seem to out-shine the leading actor. The magnitude of the decorations makes it easy to become engrossed in the holiday spirit.

   Though additional characters, scenes and extravagances are noticeable differences between the motion picture and the book, the message of the Grinch remains strong – Christmas is about the gathering of people and not about presents.

   “(How the Grinch Stole Christmas) is the perfect childhood movie,” se­nior Kelsey Waltrip said. “The characters spread both the Christmas cheer and the idea that Christmas doesn’t need presents and food to be a special day with the people that you love.”

   Though Whoville is a microscopic town, the message of this Christmas movie reaches far beyond the town’s seclusion on a snowflake.

 The Nightmare Before Christmas

   The Nightmare Before Christmas stays away from the more common Christmas programs by adding a nice twist to holiday spirit. Not only is it a Christmas musical – it is a Halloween musical as well.

   Producer and co-writer Tim Burton incorporates both darkness and light­heartedness in the tale of how Christmas can start off on the wrong foot.

   In the film, Jack Skellington finds joy outside of Halloween when he learns about Christmas. With the help of his spooky friends, Skellington kidnaps Santa and nearly destroys Christmas. But in the end, Christmas is set right and the nightmare is resolved after dawn.

   The stop-motion puppetry gives this fantasy film a unique touch and almost a realistic liveliness while the characters sing both Christmas and Halloween songs.

   Maybe the success of The Nightmare Before Christmas can be traced back to its memorable soundtrack.

   “I like (The Nightmare Before Christmas) because it’s very random and creative. It connects two unrelated holidays – Halloween and Christmas with songs,” junior Nick Jones said. “How could you not like that?”

   Over the years, the characters have become household names and the story’s holiday combination has been so admired that The Nightmare Be­fore Christmas is now another holiday movie continually played on TV.

 Elf

   Unlike many other Christmas movies with the story taking place in fantasy worlds, Elf is closely relatable to the modern lifestyle.

   In the movie, Buddy was raised in the North Pole, completely unaware that he was a human and not an elf. He then begins his journey to New York City to find and connect with his real father while spreading the Christmas spirit throughout the town.

   With such a peculiar plot, Will Ferrell adds the element of innocence and playfulness by incorporating family friendly humor for everyone to enjoy during the holidays.

   “I watch Elf twice a year and each time Will Ferrell makes me laugh,” junior Andrea Barrett said. “But he also brings the message that family comes first before work.”

   To sophomore Scott Allison, Will Ferrell is also a compelling reason to watch Elf.

   “Ferrell inspires me to bring joy around the holidays (because) of the energy that he brings to (Elf)”, Allison said.

   With the help of a hysterical leading actor, Elf is more than a family movie.

   Today, people are constantly on the go. Thankfully, the lifestyle of careless Buddy the elf is an annual reminder to enjoy the littlest things – whether it’s the gathering of a family or syrup over pasta.

 Classic Christmas Favorites

   The Classic Christmas Favorites DVD pack includes 10 memorable TV specials. Among the favorites are Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas and Rudolph’s Shinny New Year.

   While the full length movie has unbelievable decoration, the simplicity of the 1960’s animated special How the Grinch Stole Christmas can’t be overlooked. Due to its popularity, it is one of the few remaining 1960s TV Christmas specials that is still shown every year.

   Some even feel that the animation is superior to the full length film.

   “For me (the TV special) is better than (the motion picture), because it’s about how you spend the holidays and not about what you (receive),” senior Mackenzie Sato said. “Plus the animated dog Max and chubby Cindy Lou Who are so much cuter.”

   In Rudolph’s Shinny New Year, the most highly acclaimed reindeer once again saves the day. Instead of helping Santa Claus make his way through the sky, Rudolph relates to the little boy Baby New Year because they both have unusual, quirky characteristics. He also helps Baby find his inner light.

“The story is worth watching because it’s about being yourself and finding a place in the world no matter what you look like,” junior Ian Fitzgerald said.