Birthday Egging: Funny Tradition or Hurtful Hazing?
There are many weird traditions that people have during their birthdays. Sometimes we don't even know where they come from, but we still keep the traditions alive. Some of these customs can include shoving the celebrant's face in their own cake, or one of them involving eggs. But what does an egg have to do with birthdays? 'Egging' someone on their birthday is when the birthday recipient has an egg smashed on their head. It has become a tradition from an unknown origin; funny for some, humiliating for others. This is what some PV students think about this infamous birthday tradition:
Alan Reyes (10) "It hurts and smells a lot! I got egged last year and I had to use a lot of soap to take it all off."
Alondra Diaz (10) says, "I hate it man. It got me so angry, because it hurt so bad! It smelled so nasty too! I don’t ever want to be egged again!"
Nancy Gonzales (10) "I've egged my friends on their birthdays, but I've also gotten egged on mine. I still remember the smell in my hair that I had for almost a week and how hard it was to remove."
Alan Reyes (10) "It hurts and smells a lot! I got egged last year and I had to use a lot of soap to take it all off."
-Joana Yanez
What's it Like to be a Cheerleader?
Cheerleading at PV is one of those things that is either underappreciated or absolutely adored. The ordinary student doesn't really know just how hard these selected group of ladies work on a normal day.
"There is a lot of intimidation from other teams to make sure we are the best. [There is] lots of pressure," says Coach Jennifer Garcia. With the pressure of making up new dances, cheers, side lines and new ways to pump up the crowd every single week, these girls never stop. They even go to cheer camp for 4 days just to polish their performance for the adoring crowds.
"Honestly, we work our butts off to represent the school well. We work really hard to look great and make our school look great," said Aundrea Valle (12), Varsity cheerleader.
Cheerleaders, believe it or not, must have incredible stamina and considerable athleticism. Stunts have to be put up, jumps have to be higher, arms need to be strong, and up-beat dances need to be performed with a big, bright smile. "Cheer should really be considered a sport with all the work these girls put in!" exclaimed Coach Garcia.
"Cheer has given me more opportunities to be more involved in school and to hype up the crowds during our games," said Selena Salinas, Senior Varsity.
There is more to being a cheerleader than just cheering. Maintaining the PV cheer reputation in the community is another part of the job; as well as decorating the locker room and supporting the football players.
- Madison Skaufel
Varsity cheer at USA Cheer Camp held at UCSB.
Aundrea Valle and Coach Jennifer Garcia who is full of encouragement and love for every single cheerleader. She is the glue that keeps the team together.
Both JV and Varsity Cheer Leaders cheering on the football players at their scrimmage against Bishop Diego.
Varsity cheer practicing their halftime dance.
Selena Salinas with freshman cheerleader Sierra Rodriguez.
ASB & Club Officers Attend SLO Conferance
More than 150 Santa Maria Joint Union High School District students honed their leadership skills during a conference yesterday in SLO. The day’s activities included motivational speakers, workshops to develop leadership skills, and ways to connect to others on campus.
“It’s important for us to grow as leaders and get new ideas for events on campus,’’ said Natalie Ramirez, the PVHS Student Commissioner of Dance and Entertainment. “We are going to learn a lot of new and useful things.’’
The conference is one way the SMJUHSD’s Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) is helping student engagement and keeping students involved in school. This year, the district decided to fully fund all athletic programs. The revenue generated by sports now goes to ASB (Associated Student Body) activities. It’s being spent on leadership, dances, clubs, trips and other related events, reducing the need and time for fundraising.
“This is just one of the ways our increased funding is increasing student involvement,’’ said PVHS Activity Director Lisa Walters. “By training student leaders, we motivate them to work to connect other students to school – and future success.’’
"It was very overwhelming, but fun. They showed us how to be a leader and how you should be open and confident. I met a lot of cool, new people there."
-Jewelle Biascan (11) c/o '17 ASB Treasurer.
“It was great actually. We developed our leadership skills and explored ways to improve the school. The biggest thing that I learned from the conference was that being told ‘no’ has nothing to do with you, so don't ever be afraid to ask for anything.”
-Joseph Codamos (12) ASB President.
FFA Members Get Low at First Meeting
The first FFA Chapter meeting was held on Wednesday, September 17th. Members got out their lei’s, grass skirts, beach balls, and headed to the meeting for some Hawaiian themed fun. A limbo contest was held, where members had to get “as low was they could go” for a shot at success. After the meeting, members stayed for killer tacos and refreshments. Soon after the floor was cleared and game faces were put on. The night ended with dodge balls soaring through the air. The meeting had a great turn out! We hope to see the members again at the next monthly meeting!
-Yadira Barrera
FFA Officers and Members in the Limbo contest.