1001 E. Knox RoadTempe, AZ • 85284

December 10, 2009Vol. 36, No. 4

Corona del Sol

Sports

Venturo leaves after 23 years

Page 12

News

Competition Government team wins District title

Page 2

EVIT Special

East Valley Institute of Technology helps Corona

students get ahead

Page 6

BY JESSICA HYDUKEEditor in Chief

Choir program gives back to community

BY PRESLIE HIRSCHStaff Writer

As the winter season approaches, students bundle up to try and survive the average 66 degree temperature, a

large diff erence from the average 103 temperature in the summer months that weʼre all much more

accustomed to. Arizonans fi nd comfort not only in their boots and sweatshirts but also in their food.

The American Heart Association reports that the average American gains anywhere between fi ve and 10 pounds from Thanksgiving to New Years Day. And it doesnʼt stop there. Once

the holiday season is over, the Super Bowl kicks off , as well as Valentineʼs Day. Luckily,

this unhealthy downer during your holiday season isnʼt inevitable. If you know your

favorites, you can fi nd healthy alternatives. Similarly, you will

discover which foods to avoid and tips on doing so.

Given the choices of

coff ee, hot chocolate, or

tea, students chose tea as their favorite cool weather beverage. Tea is a warm treat, which is often zero calories; whereas, hot cocoa contains both calories and fats. There can be calcium in hot chocolate, depending on what kind of milk is used. And coff ee, unless black, is the worst health wise.

Often coff ee consumers add crème to their

drink, which is another unhea l thy addition to the sugars, caff eine and

sodium.

Every year since 1998, the Corona choir program has traveled to Arizona Mills to give back to the community by participating in the “Angel Tree” gift-giving program. Students participated in this annual event on Nov. 30.

“The president of the choir program in 1998 came up with the idea while we were preparing for the Secret Santa gift exchange,” choir director Greg Hebert said. “Since we have so much, she thought that we should give back to the community.”

Students pick out a childʼs holiday wish from the Angel Tree and shop around the mall to get their gift. They also put on a performance for the public of holiday carols.

“I love Angel Tree,” junior Cecilia I o l e said. “I enjoy it because you get to spend time with your friends while helping out those less fortunate than you.”

Another tradition that the program has had since 1999 is the Alumni choir concert, which is on Dec. 12 this year.

“A lot of the kids were coming back after graduating and wanted to get involved,” Hebert said. “A student had seen a concert where the alumni participated in the concert and so we tried it here; it just stuck.”

The alumni are invited up at the end of the concert to sing the traditional Hallelujah chorus from Handelʼs Messiah. Usually about 100 alumni come to participate each year.

The holiday choir concerts fall on Dec. 11 and 12 and are at 7 p.m. in the James C. Love auditorium; tickets are available in the bookstore.

See FOODS | Page 4

INSIDE Sunrise

Staying healthy during the holidays

Aztyke Samantha Werner, 4, won the Sunriseʼs snowman color-ing contest. Samantha is the daugh-ter of percussion teacher Scott Werner.

2 • News CdS Sunrise • December 10, 2009

In the Sunnyside High School cafeteria in Tuc-son, 80 chess players were deep in thought, coaches and onlookers waited quietly for their team’s next move.

“I get up and walk around to get rid of pent up energy in between turns,” Corona freshman Lihong Tang said.

On Nov. 6 and 7, Tang, a varsity chess player on the Corona chess club team, and all the other var-sity team players competed in the AIA state team championships.

In the championships, the top five players in the club make up the varsity team. Each school’s top five players play against another school’s top five players in rounds that can last up to two-and-a-half hours (there’s a 75 minute limit per game). There are two rounds each day in the state cham-pionships.

Corona varsity players senior Trevor Whitaker, freshman Nathan Ogata, Tang, freshman Allen Huang and senior Michael Okada are Corona’s top 5 respectively.

“We play for fun,” Tang said. “But we make a big

deal about championships.”The Corona varsity chess club team placed sec-

ond in the AIA regional team championship. Then they drove to Sunnyside High School to play the four rounds of chess that would decide where they stood in state.

“We won more than half our games,” Tang said.

They tied for second, but in the tiebreaker match, got fourth out of the 16 teams there, plac-ing behind Catalina foothills, Gilbert, and Barry Goldwater High Schools.

“State is very competitive,” Leigh Trudgen, math teacher and chess club sponsor, said. ”There is nothing to be ashamed of getting fourth”

Especially since the team placed ninth in state last year.

“We had a good team and season and we did better than I expected. We look forward to next year with great players like the three freshman on varsity,” Trudgen said.

The Corona chess club is open to players of all levels and meets on Tuesdays and Thursday in Trudgen’s room (E060).

“Chess helps me get away from school and it’s fun,” Tang said. ®

The Corona del Sol construction isn’t a new subject for anyone. Seniors, juniors, and sophomores alike have been aware of the ongoing situation around campus; even freshmen, who are barely scraping the one-semester mark of their high school career, have witnessed the daily routine of construction workers and moving classrooms. Teachers and faculty have been, and may continually still be, affected—whether it be by picking up and transferring to a temporary home for their books, desks, and essential items for lessons, or just dodging around construction areas. There is a question that still lingers, right from the get-go: “When will it end?”

The primary impetus for the start of construction was the need for a new H-system; the beginning of development began in the fall of 2007. Effects of the process include, but are not limited to, improvement of air quality and CO2 levels.

The date of the completion of construction was initially aimed at October of this year; however, work has rolled through November and carried on over still today. Currently, construction is in its last phase with approximately twelve classrooms located in the “E”-building left to be done.

The current, tentative date for completion is January 2010. A mutual thought may resound in the heads of others as Principal Edwards states, “We should all be very happy that it is almost over.” ®

BY MARION MAGTOTOStaff Writer

Chess goes to state competition Construction continues in classroomsBY MARY KATE ECKLES

Staff Writer

The 2009 Corona del Sol dance program performed its winter show on Dec. 4 and 5. The show was called “Holiday in the Sun” and featured dancers of all grade levels. There are four different classes: company, junior company, advanced and intermediate.

Holiday in the Sun

Photos by JANAE MARI

Competition Government wins District 5Competition government won the district level competition on Dec. 5. The district

competition is the first level of competition for the “We the People” teams across the state.

Schools are divided into various districts and asked to compete against each other. Corona is in district 5.

Each team, or unit of six people, has a hearing and is evaluated by a three-judge pan-el. A unit can receive up to 60 points per judge, making the full score out of 180 points. The “We the People” team with the most points wins the competition. The victor from each district then moves on to the state competition.

The class went through several stages of preparation. First, the class is required to take a test on the fundamentals of government reviewing six units. The class must aver-age higher than 70 percent in order to qualify for the district competition. The team then must learn the basic structure of the Constitution before they can break into groups and participate in practice hearings.

Each unit forms a speech for each of the 3 questions assigned. Alongside the speech writing, each unit must research to prepare for rebuttal in the hearings. The judges take everything into account when they award points.

“I found the preparation process to be very fun and enjoyable,” senior Louis Spanias said. “I learned more in the first few weeks of Competition Government than I have in

entire years from other social studies classes. I found myself researching without hav-ing to, trying to learn more things not only about my unit but about the government in general.”

This is the second year in the history of Corona’s competition government team that it has won district. In the past, Corona’s team has moved forward in the competition after receiving a wild card invitation to the state competition.

“The poise and confidence of the students was impressive and the judges saw that,” adviser Tim Smith said.

Last year’s Comp Gov team won the state competition and then went on to compete in the National competition in Washington, D.C.

Smith believes the team has the capability of winning state with a lot of hard work. Smith also believes their main competition will be Hamilton and Dobson.

“This team certainly has the potential (to win state) but we have a lot of work to do,” Smith said.

Spanias believes the team’s success is somewhat dependent on people who have helped the team such as their coach, teachers and alumni.

“Mr. Smith has taught us so much,” Spanias said. “We still have a long way to go, but our success so far wouldn’t be possible without these outstanding mentors.”

Senior Tiffany Dayton is eager to compete in the state competition on Jan. 8. “I am so looking forward to state and I hope we advance to nationals where we will

take on the best of the best,” Dayton said. “I can’t wait for what’s next to come.” ®

BY JANAE MARIEditor in Cheif

News • 3December 10, 2009 • CdS Sunrise

Agency: Contact: Contact Email: rubenm@offmadisonave.com Contact Phone: Client: Job #: Pub: Size: Insertion Date: Color: BW

Sick of having to ask your mom for a ride all the time? It’s time to leave the ‘rents at home and get around on your own. In Tempe, people between the ages of 6-18 can ride for free with the Tempe Youth Transit Pass.* That means it doesn’t cost anything to take the bus to school or hop on light rail to hang with friends. Oh yeah, it’s good for the environment too. This freedom thing just gets better all the time. Thanks anyway, Mom!

To get your free pass to freedom, stop by the Tempe Transit Store at 200 E. Fifth St. with your parents. And to find bus routes, bikeways and light rail stops all around Tempe, visit tempe.gov/tim or call (480) 858-2350.

*Must be a Tempe resident to qualify.

bus · bike · walk · rail

CURRENT EVENTS Dummiesfor

Scientists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) found their Oct. 9 data collection from the moon successful when they discovered more than 25 gallons of water in debris kicked up from the col-lision. � e probe that NASA sent to collide into the south pole of the moon, LCROSS, made a cloud of lunar dust in which a second probe called Centaur passed through and collected data.

Scientists from NASA say that the discovery is a huge incentive for future space missions and could prove useful toward the evolution of the solar system.

“We are ecstatic,” said Anthony Colaprete to world-science.net, a principal project investigator at NASA. “� e concentration and distribution of water and other substances requires further analysis, but it is safe to say that (the moon) holds water.”

� e recent decision to bring Khalid Sheikh Moham-med, who is accused of devising the Sept. 11, 2001 at-tacks, and four other suspects to be tried in a New York courtroom has caused much controversy between the po-litical parties.

Attorney General Eric Holder decided to try the men in a civilian court “as a demonstration of America’s might and moral certainty” to huge approval from Democrats according to CNN.com.

“We have a judicial system that’s the envy of the world,” Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Le-ahy, said. “I don’t think we should run and hide and cower. Let’s use our system.”

On the other hand, Republicans feel that safety is the number one issue. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani

was backed by most of his fellow Republicans with a suggestion to conduct military tribunals for ter-rorism suspects held at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.

“Anyone that tells you that this doesn’t create additional security problems, of course, isn’t telling you the truth,” Giuliani told CNN. “And the bets indication of it is, just look at the additional securi-ty that’s going to be employed when this happens. � at also happens to cost millions and millions and millions of dollars.”

On Nov. 13, Holder announced the decision to hold a public trial in New York and expects all fi ve suspects to be tried together and that the death penalty should be boldly considered.

President Michael Scott of the Chicago School Board reportedly shot and killed himself on Nov. 16 near the Chicago River.

“Our personal loss is also shared by many throughout Chicago, the home he loved so much,” said Scott’s family. “We will miss him greatly.”

� e Board of Education president had con-fessed in August that he had been called to testify before a grand jury investigating the supposed use of politically infl uenced admissions to Chicago’s nine selective-enrollment high schools. � e stress of this has been considered a possible reason for the unexpected suicide but according to Police Su-perintendent Jody Weis told the Sam Luis Obispo Tribune, “it is simply too early for us to draw any conclusions.”

“(Scott) gave his time, energy and talents to im-proving the life chances of children. Chicago has lost a great leader, and the city’s school children have lost a devoted champion,” Scott’s colleague U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan told re-porters.

BY KAITIE EDELCopy Editor

Sept. 11 suspects trials to be held in NY THE ISSUE:

NASA fi nds water on the moon

THE ISSUE:

Chicago Board of Education president committs suicide

THE ISSUE:

4 • Life & Times CdS Sunrise • December 10, 2009

In addition, caff eine may provide short term energy or alertness, but unless taken in moderation may lead to side eff ects such as headaches, depression, restlessness and diffi culty sleeping.

Another toasty favorite is soup. Tara Anderson, the receptionist in the front offi ce, said soup is her favorite winter time food.

Soups are commonly high in sodium and calories. And when crumbled crackers or cheese is added, the sodium sky rockets. Broth-based soups are generally better for your health, instead of chowders, bisques, or cream-based soups. So remember to take it light on the toppings, and if you decide to indulge a little, try pairing your soup with a whole wheat roll or a side salad.

Pies and cheesecakes of all kinds are traditionally served during the holiday season. More than 90 percent of Americans enjoy eating pie, which, when compared to cheesecake, is considered a good thing. Cheesecakes are full of fats that clog arteries. One single slice of the popular Oreo Mudslide Cheesecake served at � e Cheesecake Factory has 1,050 calories, 71 grams of fat and 34 grams of saturated fat. Pie is a healthier alternative to cheesecake, but if you do decide to have a slice or two, just remember to take it easy on the portion size.

“Pumpkin pie is my favorite,” freshman Chance Amaro said.

Although pie isn’t the healthiest option, pumpkin is arguably the best as far as nutrition goes. � e main ingredient, pumpkin, contains no fat, but a lot of vitamins. If you were going to bake a pumpkin pie, making it with a graham cracker crust, opposed to a fat-full fl our and butter one, will improve its nutrition greatly. If you don’t modify the traditional crust when eating pumpkin pie, simply skipping the crust cuts calories alone. Also, using low-fat milk is a healthy way of cutting out fats often found in this seasonal favorite.

Substituting fatty items for healthier ones is a fun way to spice up your traditional baking. It will change the recipe, but it also changes the contents and as a result, makes it better for you.

First, you can work with some egg substitutes instead of whole eggs. Secondly, when baking bread, try replacing oil with some applesauce. Plain non-fat yogurt works great in place of sour cream. For more ideas, pick up a holiday magazine. Around this time of year, seasonal magazines stock the shelves in grocery stores everywhere, and lots off er tons of calorie and fat-reduced recipes that you can try at home.

Now, most people don’t want to consciously think about if what they are about to eat is healthy for them or not, which is understandable. � erefore, here are some tips to make healthy eating during the holidays a bit easier:

· Don’t go to a holiday party hungry. Have a little something before you leave the house to avoid sampling everything when you get there.

· When at a party, eat and enjoy your food slowly and socialize while doing so. If all your attention is just on eating, you’ll likely eat a lot more.

· Small cookies are an average 250 calories. But the huge CD sized ones are too much. Try splitting one in half and sharing with a friend, or saving the other half for later.· When you decide to bake, bake a batch and give a plate to neighbors or friends; and only save a little for yourself to munch on.· Chew gum while you bake. It will keep you from sampling all your decadent ingredients.· It’s a fact that less of six hours of sleep at night will make you hungrier throughout the day. So rest up and eat a regular breakfast to keep your appetite on track.· Add antioxidants to your food to make it better for you. � ings such as cranberries, strawberries, blueberries and apples are great mix-ins.· When you have the chills, try having some oatmeal

instead of coff ee or fatty soups to achieve that warm feeling.· Don’t eat junk food to soothe depression or temporary sadness. Do something productive, or talk to a loved one. Eating will only make you feel better for a short time; food doesn’t fi x problems.· Exercise. After a good work-out, you will likely feel great about yourself, and it burns off the unhealthy food you’ve consumed.By following the above tips, you

can easily avoid the weight gain and unhealthy habits most people experience this time of year. Just remember, overeating one day won’t make you gain weight. It takes days of doing so for eff ects to take place. If you eat a little too much at a meal, just relax, enjoy and when your plate is clear take time to remember what the season is really about.

FOODS: Holiday choicesCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

KATHRYN VALENTINE

Life and Times • 5December 10, 2009 • CdS Sunrise

noticed.I want to be...

CGCC faculty know me and are invested in my success.

www.cgc.edu

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It’s Christmas time again and for many of you, that means procrastinating until the last possible day and then buying the fi rst thing that you see in the store. So to help you plan ahead, here are some gift ideas to give your friends. Happy shopping!

1. iTunes giftcardAn iTunes giftcard is one of the most basic gifts to give, but that’s because most people always need money to download songs. If your friend likes to listen to music, they will probably love this gift.

2.Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen DVD� is is pretty much a present for guys only, because I don’t know of any girls who actually want this movie. Still, if your friend loves alien-robots and Megan Fox, this movie is a great choice.

3. Holiday candyIt’s cheap and delicious. Plus there is no better way to get in the Christmas spirit than by eating a Reese’s peanut butter cup shaped like a Christmas tree.

4. Movie theater giftcardOnce you give your friend the gift card, you can go to the movies with them! A win-win situation.

5. Bath and Body Works productsSince the Transformers DVD was for boys, we have to have a gift for girls too. Bath and Body Works has great holiday scents like Vanilla Bean Noel and Twisted Peppermint.

6. GumIf you have no idea what to give someone, gum is a great choice. � ere are so many diff erent fl avors to choose from to appeal to many diff erent preferences. Buy the Costco size box so you don’t appear to be a Scrooge.

7.Chocolate-scented calculator� is is a genius invention. Who doesn’t want to smell chocolate while doing their math homework? A chocolate-scented calculator solves that dilemma.

8. Framed pictures of you and your friends � is is always a great gift to give your friends, and it’s really easy to set up. On certain websites such as picnik.com, you can even edit your pictures to add messages and cool eff ects.

9. The Twilight Saga:New Moon- The movie board game

� is is for all the Twilight fans out there. Test your knowledge of New Moon with this trivia board game.

10. Homebaked cookiesBake your friend’s favorite cookies (when in doubt, make chocolate chip). By wrapping them in cute bags with holiday themes such as snowmen and snowfl aes, it adds a nice holiday tocuh to a delicious treat. Your friends will also appreciate the eff ort you took to make them. Guaranteed success rate.

BY SARAH DINELLOpinions Editor

For me, I need a variety of music that can accompany the many diff erent parts of my day. I use happy, fast-paced songs to help me wake up in the morning and to get pumped for working out in the afternoons. But when it comes time to do homework and study, I opt for softer music to help me focus and relax. � ese songs are what get me through the monotonous days.

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Acoustic #3The Goo Goo Dolls

Almost LoverA Fine Frenzy

BoyzM.I.A.

EetRegina Spektor

Jai HoA. R. Rahman

Nolita FairytaleVanessa Carlton

TiK ToKKe$ha

New SlangThe Shins

The Nosebleed SectionHilltop Hoods

SympathyThe Goo Goo Dolls

Top 10: Cheap holiday gifts

Photos by KAELI LAW

EVIT Special • 76 • December 10, 2009

Every morning while most Corona students are in their fi rst through third hour classes, two Corona juniors are attending the East Valley Institute of Technology’s Fire Fighting program.

Phil Delvecchio and Dylan Keirsted both spend their mornings learning the basics of fi re fi ghting through bookwork and physical training.

“Half of the day (at EVIT) we’re learning how to put out a fi re and the other half we’re doing drills,” Keirsted said.

Instruction includes fi eld trips, lecture, demonstrations and physical training. Bookwork consists of instruction about fi re hydraulics, CPR, emergency responses, employability skills, trench rescue, swift water rescue, fi re streams, fi re control, fi re cause and origin, dispatch, prevention, public education and fi re fi ghter safety.

The drills consist of working with tools, working out in the fi re gear, doing search and rescue and spraying the hose. All of the drills are hands on.

“We use the equipment and load the fi re truck,” Delvecchio said. “And second years get to put out live fi res on propane tanks.”

After having taken the fi re fi ghting class at EVIT, Delvecchio and Keirsted will have 32 credits towards a fi re science degree. If they want to continue on that career path, they only need to take two EMT classes to become fully certifi ed.

“After you’re fully certifi ed you can apply to any station,” Keirsted said, adding that this is what he wants to do. “As a kid I always wanted to be a fi refi ghter. I always wanted to help the community.”

Delvecchio joined the program for different reasons. “At fi rst I was bored with regular school,” he said.

“Now I learn all the stuff I wouldn’t normally know.”Now that he is in the program, Delvecchio also wants

to be a fi refi ghter to help people. “It’s pretty important to help people,” he said. As for his goals after EVIT, Delvecchio wants to stay

in fi refi ghting. “One day I want to be a captain,” he said. “And a

battalion chief when I’m older.”

KELSEY LAWSON

For many students at Corona, EVIT’s Automotive Technology class provides them with a chance to prepare them for their future careers.

“I plan to make auto tech my career. My dream is to work at the Audi Dealership of Chandler then move on up to NASCAR to work on their cars,” Brittany Trevor said.

The Auto Tech course is the top program in the United States for placement on jobs. The course offers a hands-on experience which gives students the opportunity to learn many tasks including engine repair, engine performance, electrical system tuning, and brakes and steering repair.

Students without previous training begin in the General Automotive Systems and service class and can work their way to higher level courses every semester.

The benefi ts of Auto Tech include possible qualifi cation for paid internships, post-secondary

training and ultimately, employment in automotive fi elds. Another activity called job shadow allows

students to go to a dealership to shadow the workers twice a year.

“It increase your chances (of becoming employed) because every year in the fi rst semester there is a job shadow at a dealership or private shop so they might offer you a job,” Brendan Quinlan said. “Also, the teachers have been in the fi eld for years and can sometimes get you an interview.”

Both Trevor and Quinlan agree that the teachers and the students are their favorite part of the Auto Tech class experience.

“The teachers are very experienced and knowledgeable in the fi eld and provide a lot of help,” Quinlan said. “The other students are great and we all help each other out with problems on cars and the experience we get on customers cars with real life problems is great.”

KAITIE EDEL

For many students at Corona, EVIT’s Automotive students to go to a dealership to shadow the workers

The cosmetology school is one of EVIT’s most popular programs. Students are taught skills associated with cosmetologists, nail technicians, hair stylists, makeup artists and aestheticians.

EVIT requires students to take 1,600 hours of instruction before they can take the licensing test. This high amount of hours means that students have to take two years of EVIT cosmetology before they can become certifi ed.

Senior Shannon Kelly has been in EVIT’s cosmetology program for almost two years.

“My favorite part of EVIT would have to be meeting all the girls who are interested in the same thing,” Kelly said.

EVIT prepares its students to potentially become cosmetologists, receptionists, state board examiners, manufacturer representatives, salon managers and owners, cosmetology instructors and cosmetology school owners. EVIT graduate Lenny Idso will hopefully soon have a job as a makeup artist at a salon.

“I had one interview and I plan on getting a salon related job,” Idso said. “I know other girls that I went to EVIT that have jobs right now.”

Kelly eventually wants to have a career in either runway hair and makeup or own a salon someday. She believes EVIT will help her achieve her goal.

“EVIT helps you to get you license and it helps you to prepare ahead of time,” Kelly said.

Students at the cosmetology program also operate their own salon for reduced prices.

“We have a salon where second year students work,” Idso said. “I personally did a lot of trims, and we had people come in for manicures.”

Any high school student who has a 2.0 GPA and has completed 10 credits at their high school can enroll. Students interested in enrolling should take chemistry, English and service type classes like public relations to prepare.

“I’m really glad I decided to take EVIT,” Kelly said. “It’s a lot of fun and I’ve learned so much about cosmetology from it.”

SARAH DINELL

Technology class provides them with a chance to Technology class provides them with a chance to prepare them for their future careers.

work at the Audi Dealership of Chandler then move on work at the Audi Dealership of Chandler then move on up to NASCAR to work on their cars,” Brittany Trevor said.

States for placement on jobs. The course offers a hands-on experience which gives students the opportunity to learn many tasks including engine repair, engine to learn many tasks including engine repair, engine performance, electrical system tuning, and brakes and steering repair.

General Automotive Systems and service class and can work their way to higher level courses every semester. work their way to higher level courses every semester.

qualifi cation for paid internships, post-secondary

fi elds. Another activity called job shadow allows fi elds. Another activity called job shadow allows fi elds. Another activity called job shadow allows fi elds. Another activity called job shadow allows fi elds. Another activity called job shadow allows fi elds. Another activity called job shadow allows fi elds. Another activity called job shadow allows fi elds. Another activity called job shadow allows

3D animation is another course option offered at EVIT. The course is a fairly expansive class that covers all aspects of animation including drawing, lighting, texturing and animating. The class also offers internships at professional studios and an introduction to basic business skills.

The course costs $37 per year and the duration is two years.

Be warned, however, the course is by no means easy. Course instructor Kelley Grantham said. “It is a very diffi cult class. The software we use is very

foreign to most students’ experience and it takes a while to get used to it. Also, many students have had very little fi ne art experience, which is a major part of animation, so a lot of time is spent practicing drawing and learning about art.”

The course instructors are also highly qualifi ed. Grantham has a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art and an associate’s degree in Ani0mation. The other two course instructors have

degrees in other forms of graphic arts and varying levels of industry experience providing students with access to invaluable advice.

For students who successfully complete the course, career opportunities are plentiful. 3D animators are used in a variety of fi elds including game design, movies, architecture, city planning and military simulations. Entry-level animators can earn between $47,000 to $63,000 per year.

Junior Halley Varga is currently enrolled in the 3D animation course and really likes it

“The class is really fun, but sometimes it gets frustrating,” Varga said.

According to Grantham anyone with an interest in art and computers would enjoy this class.

ERIC SMITH

Technology class provides them with a chance to Technology class provides them with a chance to 3D animation is another course option offered at EVIT. The degrees in other forms of graphic arts and varying levels

The East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) is an alternative to the average high school class schedule. Students in 10-12 grades are given the chance to attend EVIT for four hours each day, either in the morning of afternoon, then to spend the remaining part of the day back at the Corona campus for core classes. At EVIT, students have more than 30 options of hands-on programs of their choosing that they may participate in. Many of these programs are considered career training. EVIT is free to all students currently attending a home high school during the regular school day. To attend, students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher and must have already earned 10 or more credits. For more information, visit www.evit.com.

8 • Life and Times December 10, 2009 • CdS Sunrise

For the most part, teachers don’t become teachers without a rea-son. For Algebra and Honors Pre-Calculus teacher Deb Faber, it wasn’t just the thought of helping students learn to solve for “x” that inspired her to teach.

Just before her sophomore year in col-lege began, Faber’s younger brother passed away, making Faber realize the importance of living life to its fullest.

“I had an epiphany,” Faber said. “Life is to be lived and loved, not wasted away.”

Her epiphany showed Faber that she could make more of an impact on students than simply teaching them equations and formulas.

“Each year I am blessed with meeting a hundred and fi fty (plus) young men and ladies who are standing on the precipice of their adult life and I get to share a little part of this time with them. I am honored and humbled to share in these moments a part of myself and hope I am able to bring joy.”

Even in her high school years, Faber was trying to spread joy. In Faber’s junior year, her high school’s Student Council

raised money to buy dinner, presents and Christmas trees for families less fortunate than those of students at her school. One single mother and her 7-year-old son in-vited the students to help them set up a Christmas tree. Afterwards, the boy told the students to wait while he retrieved something from his room.

“He came out with an opened box of candy- it was his only other present for that Christmas, and he gave it to us,” Faber said. “I had been blessed with so much in my life and here was a little boy who had been dealt a very diff erent hand who was willing to give his only gift away. � e per-spective I gained that night has stayed in my heart always.”

Faber began teaching at Corona many years ago. Her coworkers agree that she is more than just a good teacher.

“Mrs. Faber is one of the most upbeat teachers I know. She can be having a down day herself and still always make you feel good,” math teacher and girls golf coach Pat Reed said. “She is also the only teacher who can talk faster than I and still get the math objective across to her students.”

Faber is proud to teach at Corona, which according to her is “an amazing place to be.”

“I am amazed and honored to be a part of this community,” she said. “(Corona stu-dents) are the future, and from what I see, the future is very bright indeed.”

Faber

Math teacher, Faber, inspired by brother

BY KAITIE EDELCopy Editor

Ahmed Soussi

I remember the first time I ate at Firehouse. It was so great, and I thought I tried the best subs in the world.

That is until I tried Spicy Pickle. I was seeing the world in black and white, but after I tried Spicy Pickle I saw the world in color.

“Firehouse is more of a meaty sandwich, although Spicy Pickle has more taste and flavor,” Senior Jon Tran said.

I totally agree with him. I would rather have a great tast-ing sandwich than just a pile of meat on bread.

Spicy Pickle also has the famous “spicy pickle” that comes with the sandwich.

“The pickle has a nice kick and it complements the sand-wich really well,” Freshman Brynn Jones.

Also at Spicy Pickle, you can make your own sandwich

with 362,288 possibilities, while Firehouse has a juvenile se-lection.

Now with a great tasting sandwich a great tasting salad would be nice too. Spicy Pickle beats Firehouse by a mile in this category. Spicy Pickle salads are all blasting with flavor, while Firehouse is com-prised of just a bunch a leaves.

Basically Spicy Pickle is the best when it comes to having flavor, while Firehouse is just a ton of meat. That’s not bad al-though I would like some flavor. Spicy Pickle is clearly the better choice out of the two.

Spicy Pickle provides both friendly service and a tasty sandwich as well as a great environment to enjoy your delicious meal.

“For sandwiches Spicy Pickle has been mine and my family’s favorite res-taurant.” Junior Brandon Land said. ®

Life & Times • 9December 10, 2009 • CdS Sunrise

VIEWPOINT

AHMED SOUSSIStaff Writer

Preparing for finals 2009

Restaurant review:Local restaurants battle it out

For students at Corona, final exams will be held on December 16th and 17th. With these dates quickly approaching, preparation time is beginning to run out, but there are still important things that students need to do to make sure that they are ready.

Of course, studying will be necessary in order to do well on almost any test. However, it is very important to balance studying with rest. (according to CNN) It is recommended that a high school student should get 9 hours of sleep on a school night. Although this may not always be possible, it would be a really good idea for students to get most of their studying done before the last couple days before their exams so they can be ready for the big day when it comes.

In addition, it is important to stay physically active in order to perform well on final exams. Getting exercise is an essential component of having good health, which is what students will need for the day of their tests. The recommended amount of exercise for high school students is about 60 minutes of moderate exercise each day. As important as it is to get this exercise, students should be careful not to exhaust themselves. By considering the recommendation and doing what feels right, students should have a pretty good idea about what amount of exercise they should get to feel prepared to take their final exams.

Another significant factor that students should keep in mind is diet. It is especially important around the time of final exams to avoid junk food and caffinated beverages. Unfortunately, this is often what gets shared at study groups or eaten. ®

ERIC TILLEYStaff Writer

Semester Exam Schedule “F”1-7 Periods = 76 minutes

First Day0-Hour 6:23 - 7:20Period 1 7:25 - 8:41

Period 2 8:46 – 10:02Period 3 10:07 – 11:23

Second DayPeriod 4/5 7:25 - 8:41

Period 6 8:46 – 10:02Period 7 10:07 – 11:23

10 • Opinions December 10, 2009 • CdS Sunrise

Editor in Chief | Jessica Hyduke & Janae MariManaging Editor | Wade Hooke Online Editor | Stephen Kuluris

News Editor Tatum HartwigOpinions Editor Sarah DinellLife & Times Editor Kelsey LawsonSpecial Projects Bree PurdySports Editor Luke SamuelsPhoto Editors Erin Blevins & John MaganaDigital Editor Kiwi ConwayOnline Sports Editor Alex BernalCopy/Briefs Editor Kaitie EdelBusiness Manager Bailey Wiegand

Sunrise Staff1001 E. Knox Road • Tempe, AZ • 85284

Staff Writers Leah Daley, Mary Kate Eckles, Preslie Hirsch, Marion Magtoto, Eric Smith, Ahmed Soussi, Eric Tilley, Anthony Valderrama Photographers Alex Bernal, Kiwi Conway, Kaeli Law, Kathryn ValentineCartoonist Alyssa GerwigAdviser Kris Urban

The Sunrise is an open forum for student expression and welcomes letters on all matters. The staff reserves the right to edit as required. All materials submitted for publication must be signed.

Views and opinions contained herein are those of the author and not considered to be the opinions of the Sunrise staff, the adviser, the Corona del Sol administration or the the Tempe Union High School District. Unsigned editorials reflect the views of the editorial board. Some material cour-tesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service.

BY SARAH DINELLOpinions Editor

BY JESSICA HYDUKEEditor in Chief

Sports are more respected than school

Unfortunately, in American society, sports are more respected than academics. Professional athletes are national celebrities, with reporters following their every move and fans proudly sporting jerseys. Yet for some reason, this is not true about scientists and authors.

While the most famous academics like Bill Gates are well known, most are virtually unrecognized. How many simple appliances do we use every day without knowing who invented them? And how many professional athletes can you list off the top of your head? There is nothing wrong with sports, but they do not contribute as much to society as academics do.

Sports have always been more respected than school. The pattern begins in elementary school, when the coolest kids are the ones who are good at sports. This continues throughout high school.

If a great athlete is a horrible student, coaches can “pull strings” and get them into most top schools anyway, even if their grades normally would not be high enough. This is just wrong. If an athlete cannot get good enough grades to get into college, then they should not be rewarded by getting into a top college. This is unfair to students who work hard in school and get good grades.

Even in the career world, academics are not given enough recognition. Teachers have possibly the most important job of all, yet they are paid virtually nothing. Professional athletes get

paid millions of dollars every year. Teachers should be paid much more because they are teaching new generations the information they need to run the world someday, and athletes should be paid less.

However, sports do have a part to play in society. During World War II, athletics like baseball helped to distract America from the war overseas. After Sept. 11 there was an increase in the popularity of sports, because Americans needed something fun to do in light of a tragedy. Sports do help people to forget about the troubles in their lives and to concentrate on something enjoyable.

However, America’s priorities are backwards. We should respect people who devote their lives to making society better for everyone else. Sports are entertaining, but their overall contribution to society is not equal to the standing they are given in society. ®

It’s funny how you can live your life, taking everything for granted and then one moment comes along and the days as you know them are cut short. The saying that you don’t know what you’ve got until it is gone holds true.

The much publicized beating and death of Derrion Albert, 16, captured the attention from many around the world as the issue of violence among teenagers is on the rise.

In Chicago, there have been 307 homicides from Jan. 1, 2009, to the end of August. Of these, over 40 are situations like Albert’s, where minors are beaten to death. Albert, an honor student, wasn’t involved in a gang, but he was killed by the members of one.

As “rich Corona kids,” we live in safe neighborhoods; we have a roof over our heads and food on the table. However, we rarely take the time to notice how blessed we are.

But that’s how humans are. We don’t know any different until we are faced with uncertainty of what the fu-ture will hold.

It is that time of year again – the holidays. Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah or anything else, you are probably spending a lot of time with your family and friends. If you aren’t, do.

I don’t know about you, but if I were to die tomorrow, I would not care about how well I did in school or which college I got into. Yes, those things are important, but they are not the world. The only thing that matters is if you made a positive impact on those you care about.

If you don’t do that, what have you done? Do you think anyone will remember you just because you are that one guy who aced the calculus test when everyone else failed? Or the one girl who always got the solo in the concert?

No one will remember you for these accomplishments. People will remember you for the type of person you were and if you were a true friend full of integrity, honesty and respect for others.

So don’t waste too much time on little things like worrying for a test or a big project. Although they are impor-tant, they will not count when it comes down to the end.

Make sure your actions count for something. Live today as best as you can and accept it.

Tomorrow will come soon enough and you can deal with it when it comes around.

Just focus on the present. Don’t waste a second of it because you never know when those days might be cut short.

You can’t change the past, so don’t waste time thinking about it. Just focus on changing the now.®

Change the now

Take time to find your nicheThrough-

out my life I’ve played almost every sport i m a g i n a b l e . I was a vol-leyball player, dancer, gym-nast, golfer,

baton twirler, basketball player and even a member of our very own Corona del Sol Colorguard. But it wasn’t until the sum-mer after my freshman year that I would discover a sport that would take over my life: rowing.

Rowing, which is also known as crew, is one of the least known sports in Arizo-na, mainly because of the fact that we live in the middle of a desert. My mother heard about the City of Tempe’s summer rowing program and signed me up without even taking my opinion into consideration. No matter how much I complained, my mom would not let me quit. I did not want to spend my summer mornings on a boat for two hours a day in the hot sun.

I remember that first day. I walked up to the Tempe Town Lake Marina and saw several kids laughing and talking. I later found out they were the varsity rowers. I was, to say the least, intimidated. I stood on my own in the corner just waiting for the two hours to be up.

But as the summer went on, I got to know that group and was quickly accepted by those once terrifying kids and became part of the team.

The sport I once dreaded to go to, I now loved. I chose to join the competi-tive crew team, Tempe Town Lake Row-ing, that fall. I looked forward to going to practices, working out on the rowing er-gometer and going out on the water in the racing boats.

Soon enough I climbed up the ranks and was given a spot in the Varsity Wom-en’s 4+, a boat with four rowers and one coxswain. These positions are normally unheard of for a novice team member. I was ecstatic. It was that race in New-port, California, that would seal the deal with my rowing obsession. The feel of the

boat gliding over the water, the adrenaline coursing through my veins and the beating of my heart. It was the greatest feeling in the world, the ultimate high.

From that point on crew truly became my life. Not only was I addicted to the sport itself, but I also loved my teammates. They quickly became my second family. I depended on them on and off the water. Those kids that I was once so scared of were now the people that I could not live without. To this day I still rely on them, even the ones that graduated and are thou-sands of miles away at universities across the country.

Rowing is about more than just boats and oars. It’s about teammates, friends, family, hard work and passion. Without any one of those things, you have nothing and with all of them you have everything.

It took me 15 years to find my calling. Now I can’t imagine life without it. If you don’t know what your niche is yet, it will come in time. It’s not always the obvious thing because, as we all know, life loves those little, life-changing surprises.®

BY TATUM HARTWIGNews Editor

Sports • 11December 10, 2009 • CdS Sunrise

Corona winter sports previews

The 2009 soccer season has begun and the Corona squad has some high expectations after an early exit in last year’s state tournament.

“We were pretty disappointed when we got eliminat-ed last year,” Senior Garrett Baker-Slama said. “But this year we’re back and that experience should help us get farther this year.”

The 2008 season ended in the first round of the state playoffs. After earning the no. 1 seed, the Aztecs lost to no. 16 Chandler High in penalty kicks.

“When we played Chandler, we just didn’t play well,” senior Kevin Biniazin said. “Chandler was ready for us and they took us down.”

The team has put this loss behind them and is pre-pared for a long season, stretching far into the postsea-son, starting with a preseason no. 1 ranking.

“Everyone got over last season pretty quick and now we are concentrated on the new season,” Baker-Slama said. “Being ranked first doesn’t really change anything we do but it’s still pretty cool.”

With a majority of the team returning, the Aztecs have a great deal of experience and knowledge to work with.

“There are a lot of seniors on the team this year,” Bin-iazin said. “And most of us were on the varsity team last year so we are very prepared for the season.”

With the new regions, the team will face new ob-stacles. The region is now larger and possibly more dif-ficult.

“It (the region) will be very competitive and it’s prob-ably the toughest region in the state,” head coach Dan Salas said.

The Aztecs have a simple strategy to have a successful run through the season and into the state playoffs.

“Just have confidence and never let down,” senior Trevor Allen said.

The senior heavy team began the season with a win. They defeated North High School 3-0.

For a complete schedule and score updates, visit CDS Sunrise website at www.cdssunrise.com. ®

BY WADE HOOKEManaging Editor

Boy’s soccer

After a sub-par season in 2008, the Girl’s basketball team is going to have a whole new make-up for the 2009 season.

The Lady Aztecs lost most of their players, with only two girls returning. Not only will they be going through an transition phase, there were rumors of too few girls to fill the team. However, this rumor turned out to be just that; a rumor.

“We had plenty of people (for the team). There was never really a question (that we could fill the roster),” Strom said.

The team is young and they know that they’re going to have to learn quickly if they want to hit the ground run-ning.

“We’re really young and inexperienced, but as we gain experience throughout the season, we have a chance to be really good,” Strom said.

The teams within the Central Region have been com-pletely rearranged, so change is going to be a constant theme for this young Corona team.

“We have a brand new team this year, but it will be bet-ter for the program. The team’s attitude is more confident and more relaxed. As a whole, the team has a better at-titude towards playing this year,” senior and team captain Cecilia Yocham said.

Corona’s success on the varsity level will hinge on its ability to remain composed, even when facing constant pressure (both physically and mentally) from the opposi-tion.

“We’re going to have to play tough defense; we’re going to have to be scrappy. If we can handle defensive pressure and limit turnovers, we have a chance to be really good. I think we’ll be able to shoot the ball well,” Strom said.

For a complete schedule and score updates, visit www.cdssunrise.com. ®

BY TONY VALDERAMAStaff Writer

Girl’s basketball

The Lady Aztecs have high hopes for this year despite its younger team.

“We have a really young team this year so we need to work on our team chemistry,” junior Sammie Weber said.

Although the team is sophomoric, coach Matthew Smith believes the seniors will lead the team.

“We are a young team overall, however we have some great leadership from our senior class,” Smith said. “I expect to surprise many people who have written us off based upon two tremendous classes of players graduating in the last two years.”

Last year the team lost to Salpointe in the quarterfi-nals of the state.

“Last year we ended our season short by losing in the quarterfinals of state,” senior Tori Papp said. “This year we are hoping to get back in there with some young tal-ent.”

The girls have won their first two games without any difficulty, proving to be strong competitors this season. The Lady Aztecs defeated North High School in record fashion on Dec. 1, winning by a final score of 19 -0. They scored the most goals in Corona history. The team also beat Salpointe on Dec. 2, 3-0.

Smith believes the toughest regional competition will be Gilbert and Highland.

“Across the state, Xavier Prep, Hamilton and Desert Vista will be teams that compete with us,” Smith said.

Though girls soccer has beaten North and Salpointe, Weber believes this is just the beginning of a fierce sea-son.

“We’re looking pretty solid this season,” Webber said. “But we haven’t seen much competition yet.”

Smith hopes the team will finish stronger this season.“We want to win a region title, play in the tournament

finals of our two regular season tournaments and make the state finals,” Smith said.

For a complete schedule and score updates, visit www.cdssunrise.com.®

Girl’s soccerBY JANAE MARI

Editor in Chief

Boy’s basketballBY WADE HOOKE

Managing Editor

The Corona basketball team has started the 2009 season and hopes defense and rebounding will carry them throughout the remainder.

“This years team needs to make sure we focus on defending and rebounding,” head coach Sam Duane said.

Taking small steps throughout the season is the focus for the 2009 squad, in a hope of making a successful state tournament run.

“We need to concentrate on getting better each game,” Duane said. “We have goals of being very competitive in our region and making a run in the state tournament.”

Taking the season on game at a time will be vital with a majority of the remaining games being against team in the new region.

“Our whole region will be tough,” Duane said. “It might be the toughest in the state.”

The athletes share the goals of the coaching staff and hope their ability can allow them to achieve these aspirations.

“If we can play to our potential and follow our coaches’ advice, then we should be poised for a strong season and playoff run,” senior David Whitmore said.

No one player stands out on the team as key but rather the team works as a collective unit to win games.

“I think all our players will be key for our team this year,” Duane said. “It will take a total team effort for us to reach the goals we like.”

The team started the season with a third place finish in the Mesa High Thanksgiving Invite on Nov 24 and 25. In the tournament the Aztecs beat Desert Vista 75-51, then lost to Hamilton 58-64, and ended with a win over Gilbert, 66-53. They also beat Perry High on Dec. 1 by a score of 59-45.

For complete scores and schedules, visit www.cdssunrise.com. ®

The Corona del Sol Aztec wrestling team start-ed off the season with a huge win against Desert Ridge. The Aztecs won the match, 60-18, in the Sammy Duane gymnasium at Corona.

“It was a good start to the season, but our real challenge is going to be against Mesa,” Senior Der-ek Felton said.

The Aztecs have high hopes for this season after winning both the individual and team state championship.

“We had a great team last year,” junior Ryan Cox said, “Although we lost some good guys, we’re going to have an amazing team this year.”

Also, at last year’s end-of-season banquet, head coach Dave Vibber decided to retire after a great season. Vibber coached more than 30 years at Corona before deciding to retire. Vibber want to spend more time with his family.

“The team isn’t the same without Vibber, but our team could be better than ever with the new coaching staff,” Felton said.

The Aztecs new coach, Jim Martinez was a bronze medalist at the 1984 Olympics in Los An-geles and Martinez helped coach Corona through-out the years.

“He’s a great coach and has a lot of experience with wrestling,” Cox said.

Mike Howard, Ryan Miller and Felton are all returning individual state champions hoping to win both the individual and team state champion-ship this year. Corona also has two new wrestlers, Michael Mioni and Simon Allen, who transferred from Gilbert and Horizon high schools, respec-tively.

“We have more talent and commitment than any other team,” Felton said “as the season goes on we will get our chance to prove it.”

For a complete schedule and score updates, visit www.cdssunrise.com. ®

BY ALEX BERNALOnline Sports Editor

Wrestling

Brooks Tennyson (above) and Calaen Robinson (below) taking the ball down the court. The next game is to-night at 7 p.m. against Camelback.

ERIN BLEVINS

12 • Sports December 10, 2009 • CdS Sunrise

On Nov. 21, the competition cheer squad performed in the AIA State Qualifier competition after the AIA told them they had to compete or else place all Corona sports on probation. The team ended up finishing 10th in the state qualifiers and did not place high enough to compete in the state tournament.

A few weeks before the State Qualifier, the cheer squad had a coaching change and some members quit.

“We had to make a lot of changes,” senior captain Taryn Burger said. “We weren’t ready and it was a safety hazard to just throw something together.”

So the team decided to pull out of the State Qualifier to avoid going into the event unprepared. The new coach, Kristina Harding, called the AIA and informed them Corona would pull out. The AIA called the activities office and said that if Corona cheer did not compete, all sports would be placed on probation.

“They said once we were signed up for an AIA event, we couldn’t pull out,” Burger said. “We were told to water down our routine and just compete.”

Schools placed on AIA probation are under advisement for an entire year and would not be eligible

for any post-season awards or competitions. “Everything is self-reporting in the AIA,” Assistant

Principal and Activities Director Jim Bell said. “We wanted to do the right thing.”

If Corona had been placed on probation, no sports would have been able to compete in playoffs or be eligible for awards such as the Blue Cup, which Corona won this past year.

“There was a coaching change and the girls didn’t feel ready,” Bell said. “But once we make a commitment, we have to compete.”®

Cheer competes to avoid probation

Long-time head football coach Gary Venturo has decided to hang up his clipboard. Venturo submitted his letter of resignation last month.

Throughout his life, Venturo grew up playing football. Four years of Pop Warner as a child, four years in high school, four in college were followed by more than two years on a semi-professional football team. During his college career, Venturo played for Arizona State University as a right guard in 1968-’70. After his college career, he continued to play football with the Phoenix Blazers, a semi-professional team.

“My favorite part about it all was being able to legally hit someone and not go to jail,” Venturo said jokingly. “Proving that you can be small and play with the best. To only lose four games in three years and play in the Peach Bowl has to be my favorite memories.”

Eventually, Venturo fell into the coaching world and has been coaching for a total of 39 years at a number of different schools including ASU, Dysart, Ray, Arizona Western College, Yuma and Nogales, which has made him the longest active head football coach in the East Valley. However, for the past 23 years, Venturo has been coaching at Corona establishing it as his second home.

“I worked with a lot of good teachers and had very solid relationships from all the years at Corona,” Venturo said. “I had great students in the classroom and on the field and was fortunate enough to work alongside some talented coaches.”

Over the years, hundreds of students have been fortunate enough to experience and learn from coach Venturo. Social studies teacher Cory Nenaber had the honor of playing for and coaching along side of Venturo.

“Playing for Coach Venturo was what high school sports was all about,” Nenaber said. “He taught us life skills like hard work, team work, ethics and determination. He made football fun and rewarding.”

Throughout his time at Corona, Venturo coached more than 250 games, accumulating a 154-101-1 record. He has helped guide the Aztecs to 12 playoffs in the past 23 years, reaching the 5A semifinals in 1989 and 1991. This year the Aztecs missed the postseason berth with a 4-6 record due to a 25-21 loss to Gilbert’s Highland on the last night of the regular season, Though the Aztecs season was not as successful as everyone had hoped, Venturo feels that the many years of coaching has had the largest impact on the reasoning for his resignation.

Venturo told the East Valley Tribune, “I’ve been coaching 39 years and been at Corona for 23. It takes a toll on you. I need a break. I’m not saying I’m done yet. I’ll take the next five months or so and see how I feel. If the itch is still there I’ll try to get back in it somewhere, 5A-4A-3A, it doesn’t matter. Coaching is coaching.”

Now that Venturo is retired, possibly for good, there is now finally some extra time on his hands. During the time he was teaching and coaching, he found time to travel around the world with his wife. Now that his days are not occupied with shaping the bodies and minds of adolescent Aztecs, the chance to finally embark on his hobby of seeing the world is achievable.

“I’ve been to Spain, Canada, Italy, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Australia and all over the United States,” Venturo said. “I would really like to travel to Greece, areas around Sweden and more Russian states.”

Twenty-three years of coaching and teaching has created traditions that will truly be missed with his departure. Whether it be his classroom riddles or his signature chant to kick off the bonfire, everyone has a favorite memory of Venturo they will forever cherish.

“Oh, so many to choose from,” Nenaber said. “I think any time he danced in front of the boys after a big win, or helping be a part of the first win against DV and seeing the pure joy it brought him.”

Venturo was loved on and off the field. Today, students are excited when Venturo subs in their classroom.

It will not only be the coaching Venturo will miss.

“I will continue to sub until a full time teaching job opens up where I can coach football again,” he said. “Until then I am going to enjoy my time off and spend time with my family and my wife, Vickie.”

Although he has no immediate plans to coach again anytime soon, his heart belongs to Corona.

“It’s been a pleasure to be the head football coach here at Corona, and to be around such top-notch administration, teachers, students and players over my 23 years here,” Venturo said. “I’ll miss you all and good luck. Even someday if I’m coaching at a different school, my blood will still run orange.” ®

After 23 years, Venturo bids farewellBY LUKE SAMUELS

Sports Editor

Coach Gary Venturo participates in a moment of silence alongside assistant coach Mark Rhiner at the Sept. 11 game against Desert Ridge. After 23 years of coaching at Corona, Venturo is retiring this year to spend time with his family.

JOHN MAGANA

BY KELSEY LAWSONLife & Times Editor

Corona defensive end, Todd Peat is attracting a lot of collegiate attention in his junior year of high school.

Peat has received many letters from Division I schools, such as Florida State, Clemson, Miami, Oregon, Louisi-ana State, University of Southern California, Nebraska, Washington, and Michigan. Peat also has received full ride scholarship offers from Arizona State, University of Arizona, Stanford and Wake Forest.

“I don’t think that he had the season he wanted to have,” offensive and defensive line coach Tim Kelly said. “He didn’t get the numbers, but he did what we asked him to do.”

Peat was injured in the second game of the season against Desert Ridge on Sept. 11 and was out for six weeks. He was chop blocked in the third quarter, resulting in a torn MCL and a stress fracture in his tibia.

“I was really upset,” Peat said, “knee injuries are pretty serious no matter what.”

Peat currently plays defensive end for the Aztecs, but he is being recruited as a defensive tackle. He has 18 solo tackles and 13 assisted tackles this season. Peat also had two sacks with a total of 14 yards lost.

“He’s very physical,” Kelly said. “He has a great desire to play the game and his motor never stops.”

Peats decision will attend also depends on where his little brother, Andres Peat, is accepted. Andres Peat start-ed his sophomore year for the Aztecs at offensive guard. Both of the Peat brothers are over six feet tall, and weigh more than 270 pounds.

“They’re good kids,” Kelly said. “Their parents have brought the up being respectful and kind, which makes coaching them a lot easier.” ®

Peat draws collegiate attention

BY ALEX BERNALOnline Sports Editor

Photo Courtesy of ASHLEY LUTTENEGGER

Cheer competed in the AIA State Qualifier on Nov. 21 after AIA threatened to put all Corona sports on probation if they did not compete.

Photo Illustration of JOHN MAGANA