Hidden in the sea of mountain peaks that make up the daunting North Cascades stands the elusive Dakobed - better known as Glacier Peak. The stratovolcano is only 70 miles northeast of Seattle but is inaccessible by road. Its summit stands at 10,525 feet above sea level, making it the fourth-highest peak in Washington. Despite being one of the tallest mountains in the Cascade Range, Glacier Peak is notorious for its rugged, isolated terrain and little-traversed natural beauty. Join the Viking Voice and explore this enigmatic piece of PNW culture.

The geologic history that makes up Glacier Peak is a story tens of thousands of years in the making. Nearby river valleys showcase remnants of numerous lava flows all dating relatively 10,000 years old. Both the summit and false summit are likely made up of lava domes - a volcanic feature formed by the slow extrusion of highly viscous lava from a volcano. Mudflows called lahars are seen both on the mountain and in its subsequent river valleys. The Cascade Range is volcanically active and has been for the past 36 million years, but Glacier Peak’s most recent eruption was in the early 18th century.

Glacier Peak offers 450 miles of hiking on a staggering 100 different trails. These trails vary from relatively easy hiking on maintained footpaths to strenuous and seldom-used old animal trails. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) follows the crest through the area for about 60 miles. The easiest hike at Glacier Peak is the North Fork Sauk River Trail. This trail is relatively flat and offers great views without having to hike for hours and climb massive elevations. One of the most popular hikes at Glacier Peak is the Highline Trail. This is a hike for people with more experience who are willing to go the extra mile for the best views near the summit.

From over a dozen stunning glaciers to rivers meandering through old-growth forests, Glacier Peak and its surrounding wilderness remain evasive toward the swaths of visitors that nearby natural wonders receive. This isolation gives Glacier Peak a unique charm that attracts only the most extreme hikers, mountaineers, and naturalists alike. For those who venture into its rugged embrace, Glacier Peak reveals an untouched wilderness, a true paradise for the intrepid explorer.

“Glacier Peak Wilderness on Trailforks.” Trail Fork, www.trailforks.com/region/glacier-peak-wilderness/. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024. 

“Glacier Peak.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Feb. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glacier_Peak. 

Compulsive gambling, also called gambling disorder, is the uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the toll it takes on your life. When you gamble, you are putting money on the line to win something more valuable. Though it’s not entirely clear what exactly triggers compulsive gambling, contributing factors could be biological, genetic, and environmental.

Gambling stimulates a “thrill” which triggers the reward system to release ten times more than the normal amount of dopamine and endorphins. After prolonged gambling, a person may eventually grow tolerant. At this point, the brain stops producing the same "thrill" it once did due to dopamine acclimatization. When the brain becomes overstimulated by compulsive gambling, it increases the brain's defensive response and weakens the reward system, ultimately lowering the amount of "pleasure" that a person feels.

For those of you who may not know what endorphins are, “Endorphins are peptides produced in the brain that block the perception of pain and increase feelings of well-being. They are produced and stored in the pituitary gland of the brain. Endorphins are endogenous painkillers often produced in the brain and adrenal medulla during physical exercise or orgasm and inhibit pain, muscle cramps, and relieve stress.” Whether gambling online or in person, gambling offers excitement, a chance to win, and socialization. However, to prevent addiction and possible financial loss, it's crucial to gamble sensibly.

Sources:

Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, April 11). Endorphins. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endorphins 

BASEBALL

League: 7-1

Overall: 10-2

RPI: 3rd

James Hull brought the Vikings the newest victory while pitching the entire game. The baseball boys are doing well with a 10-2 overall record.

SOFTBALL(FASTPITCH)

League: 2-2

Overall: 2-5

RPI: 42nd

The Vikings got their first 2 league wins last Friday against Ellensburg. Kyra Rudick was 4-4 with 2 homeruns. 

BOYS SOCCER

League: 4-3

Overall: 5-6

RPI: 37th

On the 10th of April, the soccer boys had an astounding win against Prosser 5-2.

BOYS GOLF

League: 5th

Make sure to cheer for the Viking golf team today as they head to Chelan to compete in an 18-team tournament. 

BOYS TENNIS       GIRLS TENNIS

League: 1-2      League: 0-3

Overall: 1-4       Overall: 1-3

Check out the Boy's and Girl's tennis as they practice this week. Cheer them on for their upcoming game against 5 other teams on the 11th.

Note from the authors:

In recent weeks, the students here at Selah High School have been treated to a masterclass in creativity by the district’s nutrition staff. Lunch periods have seen numerous new dishes along with the beloved classics of lunch antiquity. In reflection on these changes, the Viking Voice is proud to bring a weeklong school lunch review to its loyal readers. Bon Appétit!

Monday, March 18: Cowboy Burger

Chad  8.5/10: The Cowboy Burger: where juicy beef, smoky ham, melting cheese, and a crunchy onion ring come together for a flavor rodeo in your mouth. It’s like the Wild West had a showdown on your taste buds. I liked the combination of everything including the little bit of barbeque sauce. The new item on the menu got an 8.5 from me. The flavors were excellent but it could have used more barbeque sauce.

Noah 7.7/10: Sheer curiosity persuaded my venture into the unknown during second lunch today. This venture took my tastebuds to America’s historic southwest via the lunch team’s new Cowboy Burger. I was impressed by the complex palette presented with the beef patty, ham, onion ring, sharp cheddar, and barbecue sauce. My only regret in my choice was that I didn’t add any jalapenos. Overall, this new item got a 7.7 from me because it had great flavor, but could use more onion rings and sauce.

Tuesday, March 19: Spicy Chickenwich / Teriyaki Dippers & Rice

Chad 7.5: After devouring my Spicy Chickenwich, I could see smoke coming out of my ears. I felt like I was auditioning for a role in a fire-breathing dragon movie. Thankfully, my taste buds were the only casualties. The Spicy Chickenwich packs a spicy punch with its perfectly seasoned crispy chicken and fiery breading,  leaving me wanting more after every bite. The Spicy Chickenwich is a classic that I will always pick over other options when getting lunch 7.5/10.

Noah 7.2/10: Today Selah High School saw a classic lunch lineup. The Spicy Chickenwich is a safe option that I’m rather fond of. I had the Teriyaki Dippers and Rice, a meal I remember having in elementary school when they were called beef bites. The portion sizes are always good with this dish and the rice:meat: sauce ratio was solid. I would’ve liked to see some more variety in the fruit options today. Overall, it's a decent Tuesday roster.

Wednesday, March 20: Bánh mì Sandwich / Chickenwich

Chad 9.5: Today, I tried the Chickenwich, It was amazing. This sandwich was as straightforward as it gets,  just two slices of bread embracing a juicy piece of chicken. No fancy toppings, no complicated sauces just pure chicken goodness. With my first bite, I was greeted by the crispy and juicy chicken, each mouthful showcased the quality of the chicken. This item got a 9.5 from me because of its great flavor. 

Noah 9/10: Never in my short career as a food reporter have I had to communicate such raw emotions as I dealt with during lunch today. We got the high-quality chicken patties, which is always a pleasure. More importantly, today saw the dawn of the Bánh mì Sandwich, which ended up being a delightful concoction of new flavors. The savory chicken was expertly contrasted by a host of light greens and carrots. This alone would’ve made a good sandwich, but the dagger was the sauce topping it off. I was extremely impressed with the consistent quality of options today and I look forward to tomorrow’s menu.

Thursday, March 21: Super Nachos / Fishwich

Chad 6.5: Nachos are the friends who add flavors to every occasion. These had plenty of cheese but lacked in quantity and variety of other toppings. They tasted good but could have used more toppings like sour cream or salsa. The crunchiness was spot on though. A very classic enjoyable lunch item, but could have been better. 6.5 from me.

Noah 5.8/10: I don’t have many grandiose words or even much of an introduction for today. I’d like to disclose that I strongly believe nachos are good and a strong second option for lunch, but they can’t perform as the chef’s special. I like the idea of more toppings or a more plentiful nacho bar. I don’t mind the fish sandwiches, but I couldn’t get any tartar out of the container and they seem to get squished more often than their chicken counterparts. I’m not disappointed in today’s lunch, but it’s competing in a week full of some impressive lineups and it just didn’t stack up.

Friday, March 22: Pulled Pork Burrito

Chad (7/10): This burrito brings a decent amount of game to the table. Imagine tender shreds of pulled pork, not overly dry wrapped snugly in a tortilla. It's the kind of burrito you’d grab on a lazy Sunday afternoon when you’re not looking for a fancy meal to satisfy your cravings. It delivers a decent flavor punch.  While it won’t blow your socks off, it’s a reliable option for a satisfying meal. A decent meal for lunch. 7/10 from me.

Noah 6.8/10: Friday saw the last lunch of an interesting weekly menu. Today I tried the pulled pork burrito for the first time. The burrito was pretty filling and had a good meat-to-rice/bean ratio, but I think some sort of taco sauce could’ve taken this dish to the next level. I’ve had the grilled cheese before and the cheese is questionable but I enjoyed it with the tomato sauce on the side. No home runs in the lineup today, but some solid choices to round out the week.

Mount Rainier is an icon of Washington and the Pacific Northwest. For decades, the Cascade peak and the national park surrounding it have been a mainstay of recreation for locals and tourists alike. The area’s stunning beauty, impressive collection of outdoor activities, and proximity to the Seattle metro area have all contributed to a 50% increase in annual visitors from 2013 to 2022.

Due to this recent influx, the park has taken after Arches, Yosemite, Glacier, and Rocky Mountain National Parks and imposed a timed-entry system. Visitors entering the Paradise Corridor (SW or SE entrance) will need a $2 reservation from May 24 to September 2. A separate reservation is required for the Sunrise Corridor (NE entrance) from July 4 to September 2. The reservation is required to enter between these dates from 7 am to 3 pm along with the previously required park pass or entry fee.

Conservation is the driving force behind the park’s decision to implement these restrictions. Rainier’s slopes are home to alpine and sub-alpine meadows criss-crossed by a network of beloved trails. Limiting the crowds on these narrow paths sustains the fragile meadow ecosystems and makes the mountain’s popular destinations more enjoyable for all.

Despite these new constraints, Mt. Rainier is still a haven for outdoor adventurers. Hike the Skyline Trail to witness panoramic views of glaciers and wildflower meadows, or trek through the ancient forests along the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail. For a challenging adventure, the Wonderland Trail offers a 93-mile loop around the entire mountain, showcasing diverse landscapes and ecosystems. Ohanapecosh Campground offers a peaceful night under the stars, surrounded by old-growth forest. Take advantage of the opportunity to visit Paradise, a renowned spot for its stunning vistas, hiking trails, and the historic Paradise Inn. Keep in mind the new restrictions while planning for another memorable summer at Mount Rainier National Park.

For many, baseball season is the most exciting time of the year filled with spirited competition and impressive displays of athleticism. Last season, Selah was one of the best in Washington with a fourth-place finish at state and a 19-2 record. However, this leaves many wondering what this year will look like for the Vikings with many starters last year not available.  

They will need to replace starting pitcher Carter Seely, catcher Grant Chapman, and first baseman Ryan Bair who all graduated last year.  They will also be missing left fielder Evan Ancira who is out for the year and DH/pitcher/catcher Justin Busey who transferred to Ike.

This year, Selah has 3 returning starting seniors, starting pitcher Eian Peralta, shortstop James Hull, and right fielder Mason Bailey all of which will have a big impact on the Viking's season. 

Junior Rowdy Mullins is sure to have an impact on Selah this season. He is the likely candidate to fill the 2nd starting pitcher role after taking over the relief spot last year.  He showed competitiveness on the mound and Selah will need him to step up this year if they are going to make another run.  

Beau Benjamin, another Junior infielder for the Vikings who started at 2nd base last year will be coming back to keep some consistency in the infield. Benjamin’s athleticism and quick reaction time makes for him to be a great help in the infield. 

Selah should get some big help from incoming freshmen this year. Braxton Young should see the field quite a bit this season. With quick hands in the infield, and a strong bat at the plate, he should be a great addition to the team this year. 

Other players who will be crucial to the success this year are Keaton Pitzer a junior who started in center field last year, Lucas Williams is set to take on the catching role filling the big shoes left by Grant Chapman, and Dylan Kingston who will be a utility player that brings a ton of athleticism and he will fill in where he is needed.

Senior Mason Bailey says, “I’m excited to play Lynden this year considering we lost to them last year during the state tournament. I feel like this year we will compete and have to work even harder for a winning spot.”

This season, the Vikings will compete for the District title once again. This season's biggest rivals will be Ellensburg. Although Selah beat them in the 2023 season, Ellensburg was second in the CWAC, falling behind the Vikings. Ellensburg and Selah should create a competitive atmosphere, and make for a fun game when they play. 

The Vikings first game this season is the jamboree on March 8th, against Eisenhower at home. They then play Nooksack Valley, Saturday March 9th, at home at 11:00 and 1:00.  Selah should have a good year, utilizing key returning players and a few underclassmen to create another great team. 

Ricky Carmicheal gets the title Greatest Of All Time due to his talent on a dirt bike. With 67 amateur motocross championships, 9 of them being at the prestigious Loretta Lynns Ranch, he has proven himself as an incredible rider. In 1996, Carmicheal attended his first professional race in motocross, where later in the year he was awarded Rookie of the Year. Going into the ‘97 season, riding on a pro circuit Kawasaki bike, he achieved his first professional championship.

Going into the ‘98 season, Carimicheal had an undefeated season winning every round in the 125cc class. In 1999 he started to race the 250cc in Supercross but had a bad start due to the new bike. Ricky Carmicheal returned to the 125cc class for motocross and was able to get his third championship and last championship with Pro Circuit Kawasaki.

The 2000 season was off to a great start with a win at Daytona and an additional five podium finishes. On the 250cc, he was on Team Chevy Trucks Kawasaki and was able to get yet another championship and his first in the premier class (250cc). In this season he also got to ride alongside Travis Pastrana and Ryan Hughes in the Motocross of Nations.

In 2002, Carmicheal switched to Honda before another championship in Supercross. Going 24 out of 24 with an undefeated season Carmicheal holds the record of winning every race, a perfect season. In the 2003 season, there was no surprise that Carmicheal would win both championships, going 24 out of 24 win streak once again this time on a CRF450R instead of a CR250R.

In 2005, Ricky Carmichael switched to Makita Suzuki and once again won every championship that season along with the Motocross of Nations win for the U.S. However, this was when Carmichael decided to retire. In the 2005 season, Carmicheal secured his 5th Athlete of the Year reward from the AMA.

Later, Ricky Carmicheal went on to druce NASCAR and competed for Rookie of the Year, although he did not attend every round. Ricky Carmichael is now an announcer at every Supercross round. Carmichael owns a farm in Cairo, Georgia called The GOAT Farm, and is very limited to who can ride it. The only way to go to the track besides personally knowing him is by winning a championship at Loretta Lynn’s.

Brock Purdy, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, was born in Queen Creek, Arizona. Purdy would eventually play high school football at Perry High in Gilbert, AZ where he would lead his high school team to two state championships. 

Coming out of high school, Purdy had three stars coming in at 6’1 and weighing in at 200 pounds. He was strongly criticized by retired Alabama coach Saban "You're below average in height. Your arm strength is whatever. Your accuracy is average.” Purdy would use this criticism to fuel the Iowa State Cyclones, throwing for 12,170 career passing yards, and completing 993 of 1,467 pass attempts. During his time at Iowa State, Purdy won the starting job and played two full starting seasons, finishing with an overall record of 23-15 and 9th ranked nationally.

Purdy would declare his campaign for the NFL draft in 2022 where he was picked last (262 overall) by the San Francisco 49ers leaving him as “Mr. Irrelevant.” During the 2022-2023 season, Purdy would get a chance to prove himself despite being the shadow of starter, Jimmy Garoppolo and 2021 1st-round pick Trey Lance. Due to injuries, Garoppolo and Lance were unable to play and Mr. Irrelevant was forced to step up midway through the season where he would take the 49ers to the NFC Championship before suffering from a torn UCL and finishing the season with a 13-4 record. 

With much speculation on the starting quarterback as the 2023-2024 season

 neared, the 49ers decided to start Brock Purdy and trade away both Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance. Brock Purdy would go on to prove he is much more than a “system quarterback” by leading the league in passer ratings and taking the 49ers to Super Bowl 58. Unfortunately, the 2023-2024 season would come to a devastating end in the Superbowl against the Kansas City Chiefs with a record of 12-5.

Triannually, Selah High School runs a blood drive through the American Red Cross. The school has an average of 80 scheduled donors per drive. This 2023-2024 school year, blood dives were hosted in September and January, and together, 117 units of blood were donated. 

Donated blood is measured by viable units. Different “error” factors determine if a donor is eligible to donate before and during the donation process. Examples include height, weight ratio, medical history, deficiencies (ex. iron), unlocatable vein(s), and more. Of the 80 scheduled donors, 55-65 were qualified and donated. 

The Selah High School blood drive teaches students about the power of giving and community involvement. After each donation, donors receive a Red Cross t-shirt, as well as community service hours.

Recovery presents one of the most formidable challenges in athletics. It's not just about achieving full recovery, but also about finding ways to expedite the process. Whether that is getting in an ice bath or getting in compression boots, there are endless ways to get back to 100% quickly. Having the capability to master this process will improve your performance on and off the field. 

Many athletes have found success with cryotherapy, the exposure to frigid temperatures for short amounts of time. Studies have shown that cryotherapy reduces inflammation, pain, and soreness allowing athletes to recover quickly. Cryotherapy can also promote weight loss; some studies have shown that standing in a cryotherapy chamber for 3 minutes can burn from 500-800 calories. 

Another effective way to speed the recovery process is compression boots. These boots are long compression sleeves that go over your whole leg and fill with air to compress your body. Studies have shown that being in compression boots for 45 minutes can increase lymphatic drainage, in turn speeding up recovery. The boots increase blood flow and reduce inflammation, allowing for a faster recovery time. 

Electric muscle stimulation (EMS)  has also shown promising results on the way to recovery. EMS transmits electrical pulses through your muscles increasing blood circulation. Studies have shown that being on an EMS machine for only 30 minutes can help increase blood flow for a quicker recovery. 23 out of the 32 teams in the NFL use the Marc Pro, a reputable EMS machine. 

While there are many ways to speed up the recovery process, cryotherapy, EMS, and compression boots have shown time and time again to be effective and quick. The road to recovery will always be an issue for athletes, but using these techniques will help mitigate recovery time.

Laughter is the universal experience of joy that can be felt beyond cultural boundaries. In recent years, scientists have studied this common sensation to unravel the intricacies of laughter. 

A singular laugh can, “enhance your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulating your heart, lungs and muscles, and increasing the endorphins released by your brain.” (Mayo Clinic). Endorphins are the neurotransmitters located in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus within the brain which are responsible for sending signals throughout your nervous system. Essentially, laughter serves as a great form of relaxation and stress relief.

The art of laughter plays a fundamental role in developing relationships between people. Shared laughter, also known as comedy, allows multiple people to see through a common perspective which in return brings people together. Traditional comedy was developed by famous playwright and comedy writer, Aristophanes, often referred to as “The Father of Comedy”. According to Britannica “Aristophanes began his dramatic career in 427 BC with a play, the Daitaleis (The Banqueters), which appears, from surviving fragments, to have been a satire on his contemporaries' educational and moral theories.” The significance of this lies within the foundation of Aristophanes' satire and mocking jokes that have now evolved into modern comedy.

You are never too old to have a good laugh, in fact, you should laugh more as you age. “Researchers find that these positive emotions experienced with humor and laughter correlate with appreciating the meaning of life and help older adults hold a benign view of difficulties they’ve faced over a lifetime.” as mentioned by Professor of Cognitive Psychology, Janet M. Gibson in the article titled “The Science of Laughter and Its Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional Power”. 

In the end, laughing brings nothing but positive benefits to one's overall health. The joy of being able to share an uplifting feeling with others is scarce and unmatched, so if you haven't yet, be sure to laugh, it's contagious.

How does addiction occur? According to YaleMedicine.org, addiction occurs when a substance provides chemicals that provide splashes of dopamine in the brain which leaves the brain craving more of that substance. However, at the same time, your body builds up a tolerance to that substance which causes the user to ingest more of the substance to get that same initial satisfaction.

What are the impacts of addiction on society? In 2020 over 91,800 individuals died because of an unhealthy drug addiction. However, drugs are not the only addiction tool; individuals can also become addicted to entertainment devices such as TV or their phones. The increase in phone use is believed to account for depression rates climbing by 25% according to YaleMedicine.org.

Being addicted to harmful substances can have some physical effects such as cardiovascular problems, stroke, respiratory problems, and several types of cancer. Drug abuse dealing with syringes can also spread diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis. 

However, physical detriment is only half the battle. Addiction also causes mental health issues such as anxiety, paranoia, depression, delusion, hallucinations, violent behavior, insomnia, and learning/memory problems, or worsens the course of an existing mental illness. These are issues that many American citizens deal with every day of their lives whether or not it's an addiction to a drug or entertainment device, these effects will only be accelerated by prolonged abuse. 

There are some misconceptions about addiction here are a few of the most common. One misconception is that only hard drugs such as heroin and cocaine are addictive; When in reality, anything can be addicting. Another misconception is that all addictions are bad; however, some addictions are positive such as exercise, reading, meditation, healthy cooking, nature connection, learning, volunteering, journaling, and self-care. However, with anything, these activities can have adverse effects.

How does someone recover from an addiction? According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, common ways to recover from drug abuse are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in which institutes help people realize and avoid certain situations they put themselves in which cause them to take the drugs they are addicted to. Contingency management is when the drug user is awarded as compensation for not taking the drug they are addicted to. Family therapy is a common therapy for young people in which the family of the drug abuser(s) is brought together for therapy to help them get closer together. 

Addiction is a serious and ongoing problem in today's society. While innovations such as cell phones and computers should make it easier to get help, they have only become platforms for mocking and often facilitating the addiction itself. It is time society moves beyond misconceptions that drugs are the only addictive activity and embraces comprehensive efforts that aim to protect youth and teach them to traverse addiction. 

Rational thoughts are based on logic and facts, yet our mind goes beyond that. Irrational thinking is based on emotions and assumptions. Irrational thinking can either be positive or negative. An example of positive irrational thinking could be someone thinking they are destined for success after overcoming challenges. Negative irrational thoughts could be someone overthinking a simple mistake even though it didn't cause harm. Though both of these thoughts aren't promised to be true, people will likely believe them.

 Having a fear of getting hurt by a dangerous animal, such as a venomous snake or a dog with rabies, is a rational fear. On the other hand, irrational fears and phobias are exaggerated relative to the actual threat of the situation. With phobias being more intense irrational fears, the question is: what prompts people to have these irrational fears?

While there are many causes of phobias, according to mind.org.uk, the most common ways for people to form phobias are ”Past incidents or traumas, learned responses from early life, reactions and responses to panic or fear, experiencing long-term stress, and genetic traumas.” For example, if someone was on a plane with a lot of turbulence as a child, they could develop an irrational fear or phobia of flying. Another common way people can develop these fears is from other people's reactions to the situation, which is learned from early life. If someone sees their whole family panicking over having a small creature such as a mouse or spider, they will react the same way as they grow up. 

Though these fears usually start early in life, most can be overcome. Whether it be from growing out of it or simply getting accustomed to it. On the other hand, phobias need more intensive treatment. Spanning from simple talking treatments to immersive hypnotherapy. Though phobias may not seem to be that common, they are amongst some of the most frequent anxiety disorders. One Selah High School student said to have an irrational apprehension of cockroaches. Further questioning revealed that the fear stemmed from their childhood, ever since they stepped on a cockroach only to find out it survived, they have been avoiding any more that they happen to come across.

 According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 12.5 percent of U.S. adults were affected by phobias at least once in their lives. Though 12.5 percent doesn't seem like a lot, It's still approximately 3,240,249 people, which is a substantial amount. After a test done by the National Library of Medicine, where they assessed perceived treatment helpfulness for specific phobias, only 23 percent of respondents said they received helpful treatment from the first professional. Though they were meant to see nine professionals, only 14 percent persisted in seeing them, which resulted in only 47.5 percent reporting having helpful treatment.

Not all phobias can be treated the same way. Each individual's fears and phobias are unique and need different forms of care to treat them. Though they cannot always be treated, it is good to overcome any irrational fears since they pose no real threat. Even though they may seem confusing, facing them will allow the ability to strengthen courage and discover the mind.

Riley Maier is a math teacher at Selah High School, with a degree in secondary mathematics. Mr. Maier, a former SHS alumni, later attended CWU and attained a degree in secondary mathematics. Before education, he worked as a plumber in the summers.

 In Mr. Maier's free time, he said, “Oh, I love all sorts of stuff, hunting, fishing, skiing, golfing, dirt bike riding, virtual hiking, camping. Also watching my hobbies on YouTube, mowing the yard, watching people build things, buying/shopping on Craigslist and Facebook marketplace, etc” He added that he doesn't do karaoke often, but when he does, his go-to song is anything by Taylor Swift. 

Mr. Maier's favorite place to eat is, “Literally everywhere, unless it's expensive!” On his bucket list, he hopes to go on a bull elk hunting trip. Mr. Maier claimed he hasn't discovered his hidden talent yet, but added, “I have a pair of webbed toes. Do I swim faster? Maybe?” 

Selah High School's principal, Colton Monti, says, “Mr. Maier is cool as ice! He is funny and personable yet extremely knowledgeable! Students love him and he is great at connecting and supporting them. Grateful to have a guy like him at SHS.” 

Students at Selah High School also have some remarks. Sophia Ehlis, a junior at SHS stated, “He's really funny and makes sure that his students understand what's going on during class.”  

A SHS freshman, Avery Baker added, “I think he is really cool. He is super relaxed but makes sure everyone is caught up and doing well. He relates to students and understands what they need to learn better.”

Mr. Maier is an all-around great educator and person. He is appreciated by all students and staff and is a true asset to the SHS community.  

Sleep experts advise individuals should get at least eight hours of sleep, however, teenagers stay up for hours either on social media or playing video games knowing they have school the next day. Some students have other responsibilities such as sports, extra-curricular activities, and jobs which cut into the amount of time for them to get enough sleep. 

The use of social media like TikTok or Instagram, has profoundly contributed to the youth's lack of sleep. Teens regularly use casual scrolling as a technique to wind their brains down. Many times, this is counterproductive as they end up doing this for hours without realizing it. 

These habits cut into how much time teenagers sleep which is detrimental to them. 

Nationwide Children’s Hospital states that the average teen gets around only 7 hours of sleep, this is a far cry from the recommended 9-10 hours of sleep (John Hopkins).  

Too little sleep will always be a problem in modern society. Teens will inevitably spend hours on end scrolling on social media living vicariously through networking sites like Instagram. Extracurriculars will also contribute to the decline of sleep among the youth; time management is a skill that few teens will exercise and will choose to spend time on social media, rather than complete their work promptly, which will inevitably lead to a lack of sleep. 

Finding a career path that offers stability, job security, and good pay is a top priority for many people in today's rapidly shifting job market. Some careers stand out as winners as industries adjust to changing consumer demands and technological breakthroughs. If you have the right knowledge and understanding, you can locate opportunities that fit your interests, abilities, and financial objectives.

Job 1:  Industrial Engineer

Median salary in 2021: $93,500 

Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 10.2% (faster than average)

Pathway at SHS: Engineering and Manufacturing

Industrial engineers optimize and make business operations efficient using math, statistics, and engineering. They assess people, systems, and processes in areas like supply chains and operations to find the best ways to create products or services efficiently. They aim to integrate systems effectively, reduce costs, boost productivity, and achieve organizational goals.

Job 2: Marketing Manager

Median salary in 2021: $135,030

Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 9.9% (faster than average)

Pathway at SHS: Business and Marketing

Marketing managers spread the word about products, services, events, and brands, persuading customers to buy, attend, or follow. They may be generalists or specialize in areas like content marketing or social media. They create, execute, and refine strategies to boost awareness, engage customers, and increase sales or conversions.

Job 3: Physician Assistant (PA)

Median salary in 2021: $121,530

Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 28% (much faster than average)

Pathway at SHS: Health Science

A physician assistant or PA is a licensed medical professional who provides routine patient care. Just like an MD, a physician assistant can examine, diagnose, and treat patients; prescribe medication; and develop treatment plans. But unlike doctors, who work independently, PAs must be supervised by an MD. PAs can work in a variety of settings including doctors’ offices and hospitals and within different specialties from primary care to surgery.

In conclusion, it's known that getting a career with high demand and decent pay involves work, but the rewards are certainly worth the effort. Look for industries where your interests and skills fit in. In the end, the ideal professional route is one that not only offers financial rewards but also allows you to have a major impact on your industry.

What is fentanyl? Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug that is very dangerous if it's not prescribed by a physician. Just two milligrams of fentanyl which is about 15 grains of table salt is considered lethal. Illegally manufactured fentanyl is found in many drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit pills. This is one of the leading causes of drug overdose in the United States. In 2023, statistics say that 112,000 people died from overdose from fentanyl.

Narcan is an opioid antagonist to reverse an overdose. Narcan is good to have if and when there is an overdose and should be quickly administered. 

In 2021, 98 people in Yakima County died from overdose specifically fentanyl. This is an increase of 34% increase from the year before with 73 reported deaths from fentanyl, according to the Yakima Health District.

Quick facts: (From Yakima Health District)

Drug trafficking organizations distribute fentanyl by the kilogram. One kilogram of fentanyl can kill roughly 500,000 people.

42% of pills tested for fentanyl contain 2 milligrams or more which is considered a lethal dose.

Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin.

Short-term effects of fentanyl 

           Mental effects 

Dizziness

Confusion

In and out of consciousness

            Physical effects

Drowsiness

Slow breathing

Vomiting 

Constricted pupils

Itching or warm hot sensation on the skin

How does living in an urban environment affect your mental and physical well-being compared to living in a rural environment? For thousands of years, humans have lived in nature separate from large groups, but how have humans forming urban societies such as cities changed how we operate physically and mentally? 

According to studies done by the University of Oregon, living in a rural environment increases the absorption of natural vitamins. They also discovered that people who live in rural environments also have a lifestyle that relies on more physical activities relative to city dwellers. This promotes weight loss and has many benefits such as reduced anxiety, and stress, and an improved mentality due to having more physically straining tasks than people in urban environments. Overall, the University of Oregon discovered that living close to nature is very healthy for the human body and mind and that people who live in rural environments are generally mentally and physically more capable than most people who live in urban environments such as large cities. 

On the other hand, research done by citiesforum.org shows that living in an urban environment has benefits as well. Benefits include more access to things like education, healthcare, and job opportunities, urban environments also support more of a social aspect as more people means more socialization. And they state that you would have more access to utility services such as plumbing, electricity, clean water, and transportation. 

Citiesforum.org also quoted, “City dwellers generally have better financial situations. The highest educational achievement is among city dwellers, followed by those in towns and semi-dense locations. Cities, towns, and semi-dense areas (TSAs) perform better than rural areas in various aspects of health.”.

The evidence that has been provided has demonstrated the benefits of both urban and rural environments. The information seems to concur that rural environments are much more beneficial for the human body and mind than urban environments. The evidence clearly shows that in terms of mental and physical health, living in a rural environment is vastly more beneficial than living in an urban environment. Living closer to nature can lead to a stronger and healthier physical body and an improved mentality. 

This essentially means that people who live in rural environments have lower depression rates, a stronger immune system, more energy, and are generally healthier than people who live in urban environments.

Living in a rural environment seems to be more beneficial in terms of bodily health while urban areas are more beneficial regarding economic opportunity. The argument between urban and rural could go on forever as both have specific benefits and whichever one is better seems to purely depend on one's perspective and goals. But even despite this, both rural and urban environments have their place in the world, and people should be able to live in whichever is their preference despite the pros and cons.

A student's healthy diet is positively associated with higher academic performance. According to the “National Institutes of Health,” “79.3% of students who don't have fast food recorded excellent school performance compared to 50% of those who eat fast food.” 

Students who improve and maintain a healthy diet have significant increases in their academic performance. Sufficient nutrient intake improves a student's cognition and energy levels. However, these traits reverse when not enough food of nutritional value is consumed. 

Cognitive skills are a significant factor in a student's developing brain. A student's cognition refers to their ability to think, learn, problem-solve, and make decisions. Cognitive skills are constantly present in an educational environment. A nutrient-filled diet is required to uphold them. 

An article written by “MAPFRE” states, “...according to one of the authors, Jordi Júlvez, the association between food and cognitive development may be since healthy diets, including an organic diet, are richer in the nutrients required by the brain than fast food, such as fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, meaning that when combined, they promote cognitive functions” A healthy, nutritious diet improves one's cognitive skills, further enhancing ones performance in an educational environment. 

Nutritional intake heavily relates to one's energy level on any given day. High energy is critical for academics, but those who do not maintain a healthy diet have low energy levels. The majority of students in the US reported an intake of unhealthy and unbalanced foods. The article “Trends in junk food consumption among US children and adults” states, “In total, 92.7% of US children…reported at least some junk food consumption on any given day”. 

In correspondence (considering other factors), “In a nationwide survey of 21,678 U.S. high school students, researchers from the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and the Yale Child Study Center found that nearly 75% of the students’ self-reported feelings related to school were negative.” Many students who have negative feelings towards a school environment also have poor diets, which both heavily relate to low energy levels. 

In the article, “Nutrition has a large impact on a learner’s energy levels. Learn Healthy Habits”, written by Jess Corrine, states, “Spending the time to establish and uphold proper eating patterns is just as important as exercise and sleep. Nutrition has a large impact on a learner’s energy levels…” Maintaining a healthy diet as a student is highly suggested as an increase in energy levels also increases motivation, ability to engage, and enjoyment. 

Misbehavior in students who lack attention or act out can often be related to a poor nutritional diet. An article by “Pioneer” states, “When kids are hungry, they have an increased possibility for behavioral issues like hyperactivity, aggression or anxiety. Their moods can change. When they feel that physical hunger, it impacts their emotional and mental well-being, causing them to act out in different ways.” Misbehavior in class affects their ability to learn and their attention span. 

In addition, the article “Healthy Food Choices in School” states, “Studies show that malnutrition leads to behavior problems and that sugar has a negative impact on child behavior. However, these effects can be counteracted when children consume a balanced diet of protein, fat, complex carbohydrates, and fiber.” Misbehavior can affect an individual's ability to learn in an academic environment; therefore, a balanced diet is necessary to be a growing student. 

A student's healthy diet supports their performance in an academic setting and is essential to maintain. A poor diet engages one's negative characteristics in their personality, which can affect cognitive skills, and energy levels, and induce misbehavior. If you want to improve your academic performance, start with creating a healthy meal plan!

Over the last 7 years, electric cars have been on a consistent uprise in the vehicle market. Today, almost all major car manufacturers, from Nissan to Ford, manufacture at least one electric car model. Even a few exclusively electric car companies have taken shape, the most popular of which is Tesla. For those living under a rock, Tesla is an exclusively electric vehicle manufacturer founded by Elon Musk. Now, one of Tesla’s car models, the Model Y, is the best-selling car in America, the first fully electric vehicle to achieve such a title. Being that they are marketed as  “Zero-Emission,” many have switched from their gas-guzzling cars to what they perceive as an Eco-Friendly vehicle. That, however, is not entirely the case.

Offset emissions: 

Since the first lightbulb was installed, electricity has been produced primarily by burning fossil fuels. Modern electricity production is no different. According to the  

EIA, fossil fuels generated 2,554 billion kilowatts of electricity or 60.2% of all electricity generated in 2022. In comparison, renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric, only generated 21.5% of the electricity used.     

With this in mind, it's apparent that running an electric car still produces a carbon footprint, they just don’t come from the tailpipe. Another offset emission is the production of the electric car. Damien Erst, a researcher for Liege Universite, says, “The manufacture of the battery therefore emits 0.236 [kg / kWh] x 43022 [kWh] = 10153 kg of CO2, a little more than ten tons.”(Ernst 11). In comparison, Russel Campbell says, a gasoline vehicle produces, “ Around 5.6 tones of CO2 are released during a petrol or diesel car's manufacture on average, around three quarters of which are released during production of the steel body in white.”(Campbell 7). The electric car produces almost double the carbon emissions in the battery alone. This is the primary dilemma surrounding electric vehicles. The batteries have an extremely heavy carbon footprint, both in the electricity used to charge them and the production of the battery itself.

Consumer cost:

Another factor is the initial price of an electric car. A base model Tesla Model 3 will run about $38,990. That gets you rear-wheel drive and 272 miles of range. In comparison, and Toyota Camry, with all-wheel drive and 510 miles of range will cost the buyer $30,991. $8,000 less, but double the range and AWD included. From the consumer's perspective, the Camry is the best deal, at least upfront. Furthermore, brand reputation plays a crucial role in a consumer's purchasing decision. Toyota’s reputation for producing extremely reliable vehicles. In Motor 1’s list of 12 vehicles most likely to last longer than 250,000 miles, Toyota has 6 vehicles on it, and with longer-lasting cars, consumers need to buy less often, therefore, reducing cost. 

Charging infrastructure:

Another major factor to take into account is the potential issues it may cause in regard to the power grid. From 2012 to 2022, power usage in the US increased by roughly 5%. By 2030, it's projected that power usage will increase by 18%. The US power grid, for the last 25 years, hasn't seen any major surges in consumption. So upgrades are limited and largely implemented as needed. However electric car charging puts stress on an outdated power grid designed for joint usage with fossil fuels. Solutions are expensive and take time, Kevala, a Grid analytics company, conducted a study on how much a modernized grid would cost. For California, it would cost $50 billion. While this may not seem like a lot relative to California's massive GDP, however, over the last 10 years, California has only spent $100 billion on infrastructure, or about $10 billion annually. Furthermore, adopting a better power grid would contribute to the already staggering $33 trillion national debt.

In the distant future, electric cars could see more widespread adoption. They’re fast, quiet, and safe vehicles. Right now, however, there are several major issues with the vehicles themselves, and the power grid supporting them. Until these problems are addressed, they will only cause more harm than the standard ICE(Internal combustion engine) cars society has relied on for the last 137 years.   

The world is in a constant state of evolution, with new technology emerging every year. Technology has allowed students to obtain unprecedented access to information and with it, new ways to learn. However, it is not without its downsides.

One major downside is how technology can be used to cheat. ChatGPT, while it can be an effective study tool when used properly, can also be used to complete assignments entirely, promoting academic dishonesty and plagiarism. Another way technology has aided in cheating is the ability to send answers through texts or other forms of technology-based communication. 

The introduction of technology allows improved communication with all types of different people, this leads to more time being spent on devices, and in turn, stimulation of the brain, which can cause a lack of sleep, anxiety, and depression. If the brain is being over-stimulated, it can cause the user to feel overwhelmed, and exhausted.

According to the article, “How Does Technology Affect Mental Health?” published by Bradley University, “While the internet can be an agent for good in terms of education and the strengthening of interpersonal relationships, internet addiction can be problematic because it can negatively impact academic success and one’s ability to communicate effectively in person.” This further demonstrates how the usage of technology can be detrimental to teens.

While technology is crucial in day to day functioning of the modern world, it has not come without its drawbacks. For example, technology is instrumental to the function of modern education, however, it has also harbored and encouraged academic dishonesty and cheating. With this in mind, it is imperative that society take action to correct this gross miscarriage of academia and embrace solutions that simultaneously aid in student learning while limiting academic deception.