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Entertainment Features

Homecoming Game: McClatchy vs. Burbank

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Entertainment Features

Barbie Homecoming Dance

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Features News

Celebrate Fall with Planet Zine!

Are you craving Halloween art, recipes, poetry, and more? Be sure to check out Planet Zine’s newest issue and keep up with their latest zines, released every other month. Their most recent Halloween issue was just released, now selling for $5 each. To purchase their bi-monthly zines, find a member or follow them on Instagram, @916planetzine!

If you enjoy the Prospector’s cartoons and poetry, you will love the (independent) zine club, Planet Zine! Together, they make collaborative, themed magazines every other month. This most current issue is their 7th so far, though there will surely be many more to come. Their zines compile artwork and writing from students at McClatchy; If you want to support student artists outside of school events, definitely keep up with their projects throughout the year!

Halloween is one of, if not the most, artistically expressive major holidays, and Planet Zine’s staff has taken advantage of it. This month’s zine is Halloween-themed, and it will surely be one to remember, as students went above and beyond to celebrate their favorite spooky festivities. Articles in this month’s edition include Halloween makeup, art, and even a delicious recipe for pumpkin bread. In addition to their regular poetry, cartoons, and more. Planet Zine’s artists are given total creative freedom when it comes to their work, every piece is handmade, from the heart. If you are looking to embrace the creativity of All Hallows Eve, Planet Zine welcomes you to celebrate with them!

If you aren’t in a particularly creepy mood, Planet Zine changes its monthly theme with every new issue. Some other themes the club has done include pride, botanical, love, and even under the sea. If any of the latter strikes your fancy, many are still for sale within the club. Always be sure to keep up with future themes and Planet Zine’s newest articles. Rumor has it that the next issue may be without color… stay tuned to find out! 

All of the members of Planet Zine are either students or young Sacramento artists, they compile, print, and distribute completely independently, which is why your support is so important. While many of Planet Zine’s artists go to McClatchy, Planet Zine is not affiliated with CKM whatsoever. All their fundraising is done through selling zines, whether that be via Instagram or at one of their booths. If you do decide to purchase from Planet Zine, know that your support will go toward helping the club stay independent and unrestrained. 

I have to admit my bias toward Planet Zine as I am a member as well; However, you don’t have to join the club to find its value. Planet Zine is fairly accomplished as far as zines tend to go. Their February zine, love, was put on display at the Kondos Gallery at City College along with dozens of other artistic zines made by Sacramento artists alike. Sadly the exhibit has already ended, but if you missed it you should keep up with Planet Zine on Instagram so you never miss another beat! They post all their events as well as updates on their hard work. Stay in the loop with Planet Zine to see just how high they can fly!

If you do end up investing in Planet Zine’s zines they would like to thank you personally and they hope you enjoy and continue to support their work.

Cover credit: Charlotte Carmona

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Features Opinion

Homecoming 2023

The CKM 23’ homecoming has come and gone, here is everything that you might have missed!

Homecoming has been a long standing tradition in most to all high schools and should not be overlooked as it plays a key role in one’s high school experience. According to “omella.com”, the homecoming tradition began in the 1910s “to welcome back alumni in their alma mater for a football game and other festivities.” That has not necessarily changed as compared to a modern homecoming. 

The tradition would begin to gain popularity in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Schools would have a football game and then right after, everyone would go back to the school for the dance. Now, schools, Like CKM, will typically have the football game a day before the homecoming dance.

Students here at CKM were pumped up for homecoming. This year’s homecoming week, game, and dance have all been a blast with this year’s theme being Barbie. I attended this year’s Homecoming and was able to get some quotes from attendees, this is what McClatchy students had to say.

During the dance, I got the chance to interview a couple of people who had attended. Although not being able to talk to many people as everyone was busy having fun, I still got some information.

“What made you want to come to this year’s homecoming?”

“Those who came to homecoming, went primarily just to go. They had no reason to come, but there were people that came to go on a date.”

“What would you rate this year’s homecoming?”

Those who I had asked this question all had something to say about the dance. Most people did not think the dance was all that great, with the music not being as great as past years or there not being much to do, and I can agree. 

The music, although being kept up to date, was not the best in regards to a dance. It felt more of a rave with everyone circling in the middle of the gym and moshing. While some were in the gym, most people were outside standing around. Which could say a lot about the vibe of the dance. 

As I said before, there was not much to do. The only thing that you could do, if dancing didn’t interest you, was eat and take pictures. This wasn’t helped by the fact that the lines took 20-30 minutes. 

I get it was a dance so the main purpose was to do just that, but those two problems go hand in hand; the music was not all great in regards to a dance, so as a result there was nothing to do.

Although nothing should stop you from attending future dances, this year’s homecoming has obtained a reputation of not being all that great. As said before, nothing should stop the students from attending future dances and should be pumped for them.

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Features Sports

HOKA Meet

The state championship-bound, McClatchy cross country team set out last Saturday to Cordova High School to race in the grand HOKA meet. 

The meet was sponsored by the very popular running shoe brand HOKA and the top three runners from each race had the opportunity to win a limited edition HOKA backpack. The race was two miles on a track, so about eight laps. 

The Lions gave it their all and did incredibly, even with many runners setting new personal records. The team has been doing really well this season, even with some runners being injured they give it their all. 

Reina is a sophomore at McClatchy and has been out from running due to an injury she sustained earlier in the season. She has just returned to running and has run 3 races since returning, including the HOKA race. 

“So Ms. Reina you have been injured for quite some time now and you’ve just recently gotten back to running. How does it feel to be back?”

“It feels really good. I’m really excited especially about the track season because I know there’s not a lot of cross country left and I feel like I am satisfied overall with my performances during these races.”

“Yes you’re already such an amazing runner and I’m sure the team is joyed to have you back! How did you feel you did at the meet?”

“I know I didn’t run my personal record and I was initially really frustrated about that but I think it’s due to the fact that I haven’t really done a lot of speed workouts and I know that I’m just going to have to be patient. Like, it’s a waiting game and it’s completely mental.”

 “Yes it is so mentally challenging, but I know you will do great!”

Hugh is a McClatchy freshman and is already an incredibly talented runner. Hugh suffered a nasty ankle injury at the last race in Clovis. He was tripped and his ankle was stepped on, but he didn’t let that hold him back as he only continued to get stronger. 

“So I know you had a pretty nasty accident at the last meet in Clovis. I’m sure many people weren’t expecting you to be back racing so soon. How do you feel after the incident?”

“It definitely hurt a lot and I couldn’t run for a week, which sucked. So I tried to get back to racing as soon as possible”

“Well, I am just glad that you’re okay because you’re a really good runner and you’re only a freshman at that! What did you feel like during your race?”

“The first 800 hundred meters I think I went out too fast, but I eventually settled in and started to feel a lot better. I feel like if I didn’t start off so fast I probably could’ve gotten top 5.”

“You can do this Hugh, we’re rooting for you!”

The runners repeatedly prove that lions are at the top of the food chain. They work hard and run strong. Another honorable mention is Marisa, a junior at McClatchy who ran such an amazing race that she moved by 4 points! Way to go Marisa and remember to stay lion-strong!

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Features Sports

Tom Laythe Invitationals

The amazing McClatchy Lions took off this Saturday at the Tom Laythe Invitationals

The race was held at Willow Hills in Folsom, a very brutal course that consisted of many big calf-wrenching hills. The freshmen/sophomore boys raced strong and were so close to placing first but they got passed by five racers at the finish line. 

The freshmen/sophomore girls also had an incredible run, placing 5th in the race! I spoke with the team’s coach, Coach Watkins, who had many pleasant things to say about the team’s performance.

“So Coach Watkins, how do you feel your runners did?”

“I think they did amazing. We started off today with Suja and Aiden going 1-2 in the freshmen and sophomore boys race and the team took second overall. That was fantastic, along with the freshmen and sophomore girls placing 5th overall and were looking really good. I was very excited, it was a really nice day to run!”

“I see you have coached them well, good job! Do you think they could have improved on anything?”

“Oh always, we can always improve and this only midseason we’re still looking at these races as training at this point and figuring out what we can do better. Just always looking for ways to improve!” 

“Well, we look forward to seeing that improvement! Thank you for your time and keep being such a good coach!”

Suja Amarkhil, a sophomore at McClatchy ran a phenomenal race finishing first out of many other teams. This is only his second year running but he is already so incredibly fast! 

“First off congrats on your race, you ran so effortlessly! I know the course was pretty tough, with all the hills and just having to compete against so many other runners. How did you feel as you ran?”

“I felt really good, the hills were really challenging. But I pushed through it and caught up to many people.”

“That’s so good. What was going through your mind as you approached the finish, about to win the race?”

“That was my first time winning a cross-country race and I couldn’t believe it! I thought there were more people right next to me, but they were a few seconds behind me. Which really motivated me and I finished strong” 

‘“Thank you so much for your time and once again, you did so well!”

Well, folks it just proves that when a team has a great coach the team will be great as well. Every runner ran so amazingly and made us all so proud. The Lions have a Metro League meet this Wednesday in Elk Grove and I’m positive we will see many more astonishing achievements from the team. Go lions!

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Features

BIG STEEL

A variety of musicians walk the halls of CKM and a band in particular dominates them!

The massive, heavy, gut-wrenching masculine maniacs. Big Steel creates the most masculine music of all time!

The band consists of Logan, the buff, tough, rough man made of steel. Arlo (who also works for the prospector), the finger shredder. Bryce, the rock-beating drummer. And myself, the thunder-creating bass player! 

With all of our muscles combined and Arnold Schwarzenegger worship, we’ve created the heaviest, biggest music ever made. 

As of recently, we’ve blessed the masses’ ears with our demo/EP “Bigger Is Better”. Now streaming on Spotify and YouTube! If you haven’t listened yet you must listen, NOW! It will benefit you greatly! Your muscles will instantly grow upon listening, with the help of your new best friend, THE GYM! 

“Bigger Is Better” consists of seven amazing, beautiful songs that will be added to your playlist immediately after listening to it! My personal favorites are the self-titled “Big Steel and Unforgiven 4”! All of these songs have a good blend of our influences such as Black Sabbath and S.O.D.!

We take great inspiration from a lot of the early metal/rock of the 70s/80s/90s! We all listened to and played music from this era and wanted to make music that reflected our interest in it! We are bringing the true strength back to rock and metal with the strongest metal, steel!

We also love the gym. Nothing is better than building strength in a world like this for ourselves! Also to achieve true beauty like the muscles of Arnold Schwarzenegger!

There is no other option except to become the unforgiven soy. So go listen now and check out our Instagram @bigsteel916. There you will be given updates on everything we do. Remember, nothing is stronger than Big Steel. 

We plan on expanding our empire to even more platforms in the future. But for now, as far as social media goes, we are most active on Instagram. We also plan on being on more streaming platforms.

This band has appeared from the spirit of the Iron Lion of CKM and will conquer anyone who stands in its way. Choose the right side in this battle of strength and fight for the good of the battle. It shall pay off in the end.

The lion always watches over you and your judgment shall be made soon enough so choose wisely. There will be even more music coming soon for all of your ears and even live shows to see the glory of us playing the best music of all time, a true divine sight to witness! 

We embody everything great about the school, and followers of the music who embrace strength will spread the good word for new listeners to learn the truth. So go lift some steel, NOW!

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Features Sports

Ready? Set! *Bang*!

The McClatchy Lions XC team set off on Thursday all the way to Irvine to race at the big Woodbridge Classic!

The runners went in with their heads held high, tightly laced running shoes, and a passion to win. And they did just that! Nineteen of the twenty-two racers from McClatchy set new personal records, along with several of the racers receiving medals for placing in the top 50 to finish the race. I had an opportunity to speak with two of the many amazing racers who ran at the meet.

Colette Combrink is a senior at McClatchy and has been running cross country for all four years! I asked Colette several questions during our interview but here are the most notable ones! 

“How did you feel leading up to the race?

“I was really nervous because it’s a really big meet, a ton of teams were there, and they’re really fast. But I was also super excited because I’ve run this meet before and I remember it being really fast and really fun.”

“That sounds really fun but quite challenging. Did you face any challenges during the race?”

“Yeah, I have been injured leading up to the race and hadn’t been practicing as much as I would have preferred to. So I was a little worried that my injury was going to start  hurting really bad during the race and I also just got out running really fast and struggled to keep that pace up, but I pushed through and made it to the finish!”

“Agh being injured sucks and I applaud your strength to keep running. Thank you so much for your time and stay hydrated!”

“Of course!”

Sam Rounds is a junior at McClatchy and has been running cross country since freshman year. He’s on the Ultraviolets, which is the second-fastest a person can run. He also placed in the top 50 at the race. 

“So Sam, how did you feel leading up to the race?”

“I was a little bit nervous the day before, but on the drive there as we got closer the more nervous I became. 

“So what did you do to calm your nerves?”

“I tried to sleep to keep my energy levels low so I didn’t over-exhaust myself.”

“I bet the anticipation leading up to the actual race was thrilling!”

“Yeah, when we started to warm up before the race I got more excited!”

“How did you feel after you received your medal?”

“It felt great, but I know I could have worked harder for it. I was happy to receive it though.”

“Well, that’s still so good. Thank you for your time Sam and keep working hard!”

The Lions ran their hearts out and gave it their all. Many of them felt they could have done so much better than they already did and we should look forward to seeing how great they do at the next meet! Stay Lion strong!

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Features News

Club Rush 2023 Highlights

With a new year at McClatchy, comes another club rush. Plus, it seemed as busy as ever! 

McClatchy’s student population has grown significantly. Hundreds of students rushed into the lunch quad wanting to get a look at every booth. There was absolutely no shortage of clubs with over forty available to join.

Finding a club that interests you is a great way to become a part of a community of like-minded people. Clubs are places to make friends and pursue your interests outside of school. With so many clubs, finding a club that’ll suit you is almost guaranteed.

The number of clubs to choose from was vast, so how did club organizers influence people to join their clubs? Well, many decided to draw people in with music, and beautiful decorations, while others gave out snacks and candy to people who stopped by.

With forty-five great clubs to go over, here are some highlights from some of them.

The New Romantics Club, a new book club this year focusing exclusively on romance novels, held a book raffle for those who signed up. They also gave out homemade heart-shaped sugar cookies. And by the look of it, people were lining up to sign up.

A new club, Asian Plus Club, is all about sharing various Asian cultures with everyone. To draw people to their table, they gave out various Asian candies and drew intricate pictures of anime characters and other mascots.  

Life Skills Club is focused on teaching its members basic, necessary skills.  They plan on going over many things, like allocating funds, to help their members achieve financial success and stability. So, if you want to be even more prepared for your life after high school, Life Skills is the club for you.  

Another club, The Freedom Club, is focused on raising awareness of the growing problem of human trafficking. They plan on holding fundraisers to support their cause, possibly donating what they make to charity.

The Satirical Conspiracy Theory Club is about wearing your tinfoil hat and sharing your lighthearted (not offensive) conspiracy theories with others.  

Overall, this club rush was very successful, drawing in hundreds of students eager to join clubs.  If you missed it, you can always join a club at a later time by attending a club meeting.

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Book Reviews Features Opinion

Review of Divergent *SPOILER FREE*

Divergent is a fantastic novel that takes place in a dystopian society where people are placed in different factions based on their personalities. 

I rate this book a 10 out of 10 because I personally like dystopian novels such as The Hunger Games. And I for one think that movies and books are incredible, but I highly recommend reading the book before watching the movie. Divergent is based on science fiction, young adult fiction, and dystopian fiction. So if you read The Hunger Games and like it then you will love Divergent

I will be reviewing the characters and how and why the book is incredible. I will also try my best to give you the information that is necessary to convince you to read the book and find out for yourself how interesting Divergent is.

Veronica Roth is the author of the Divergent series, she is 35 years old and was born on August 19, 1988. Veronica Roth wrote the book over winter break during her senior year at Northwestern. Divergent was released on March 21, 2014. 

As I said the book Divergent takes place in a dystopian society in Chicago, the last known location on Earth with a population. Beatrice Prior (our main character) lives in a version of Chicago that is split into 5 different factions, all of which are based on the personality of the person. Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the kind), Erudite (the intelligent), Abnegation (the selfless), and Candor (the honest). 

Newborns are raised in the faction that their parents are in and as they get older they will develop the personality of their faction. But when they turn teenagers they must take a test to reveal their actual personality. The test is facing a few obstacles and the way they face these challenges will reveal what their personality is. Beatrice takes the test only to find out she has more than one personality, making her “Divergent”. 

A day later they must go to a ceremony in which they choose the faction in which they truly belong in front of their families and friends, as well as the 5 faction leaders. Beatrice must choose a faction that feels closest to her personality. After she does she is sent to the faction in which she will learn the ways and make a few friends and enemies along the way. But she begins to realize that the society she lives in is wrong. 

What I liked about this book is that it has romance and it really shows that the world that Beatrice lives in can be a reality. I like the characters of the book and the development that they have later on in the book. There wasn’t much I disliked about Divergent.

Divergent could be interesting for readers who don’t like reading all that much. I rate Divergent 10 out of 10 because it really is just an interesting book with lots of plot twists and romance. I recommend this book to all who love The Hunger Games and want to read more about dystopian novels.