HOWL HERITAGE

By: Anna Tomlinson
News Editor

The use of hand sanitizer is an easily accessible way to halt the multiplication of germs, which in-turn can prevent the spread of illness. There are many occasions when hand washing is inconvenient, or simply not possible. In times like these, hand sanitizer is in fact, handy.

Many myths cloud the benefits of hand sanitizer. For example, a number of people believe that the use of hand sanitizer will create super-bacteria, resistant to all soaps and sanitizers. This is not true, however. As long as alcohol is the active ingredient, and the concentration is between 60% and 95%, it is effective.

One place that controversy arises is in the restroom. While I certainly do not suggest foregoing hand washing, there are still many surfaces that need to be touched in order to exit the facility. This is where hand sanitizer comes in. It destroys those germs that we come in contact with after washing our hands. Plus, unlike soap and water which can leave hands dry, many of today’s sanitizers contain moisturizer, soothing as it kills.

Hand sanitizer is an incredibly fun way to get clean, and enjoy doing so. The fragrances are endless, and the specific therapies are as well. Bath and Body Works has a huge line of sanitizers, and it continues to grow. Scents vary all across the board, and their unique travel sleeves and compact sizes allow the sanitizer to easily hang from any bag and are an increasing trend.
The steady growth in the use of hand sanitizer has been beneficial to a generation so consumed with the worry of germs and illness. The use of hand sanitizer has been proven to reduce the spread of cold and flu viruses. This creative technique to promote the use of cleanliness has been embraced significantly.

Washing hands
By: Tyler Moulton
Reporter

Although hand sanitizer is a commonly used product to clean hands, people should really look under the microscope when they are finished. Hand sanitizer does kill the bacteria, but it does not get into the small places on your hands where it is most likely to be. Using hand sanitizer can also be dangerous, but when using soap and warm water there are hardly any risks.
When it comes to using hand sanitizer, there are some risks. Some people may be allergic to the chemicals in it (when it touches their skin or from the smell of it,) however there are not many people who are allergic to soap and water. If infants and toddlers get hold of hand sanitizer they could possibly swallow it, which would make them extremely sick or possibly kill them. It could even get in their eyes and cause them pain.

Using soap with any temperature of water will work better than hand sanitizer, but warm water and soap is the best. When using warm water and soap, it eliminates the living temperature for the bacterium which is a key part in their growth. The soap kills them and the warm water washes them away. Together, they can reach small cracks on your hands like under your finger nails, while hand sanitizer can only reach the main places on the hand and doesn’t get rid of the bacteria.

Also, water and soap is not just used for washing hands, but to clean off dirty places such as a car, table, or a counter top. Water and soap have been around longer then hand sanitizer and has been most commonly used. Hand sanitizer is mainly used for a backup after people get done washing their hands, but the water and soap are mainly relied on to get the job done.
All in all, warm water and soap are more effective than hand sanitizer.

By: Anna Tomlinson
News Editor
Through activities, students have the opportunity to be involved and to shape our community, becomimg educated leaders of tomorrow. As a former member of DECA, Knowledge Bowl, and drop-in volunteer of Key Club, I believe the best lessons are learned outside the classroom.

Originally joining DECA for its relation to a Marketing class I took, DECA ended up being one of the best experiences of my life. Transferring as a freshman, not knowing a soul, DECA allowed me to make stable friends who were positive influences. From there, I joined Knowledge Bowl, where all the facts I was told were ‘fun’ facts in class, got put to use. The socialization that took place during competitions changed my rival views of other schools into friendly ones, and brought out a healthy competitive spirit inside of me.

While my volunteering with Key Club was minimal, the experiences have influenced me greatly. After helping out in a Sifton Elementary classroom, I found deeper enjoyment in helping others which led to donating my time at Fish in Downtown Vancouver. The Fish organization has been wonderful for our community, lending a helping hand for anyone who may be in need of it.
Through the variety of clubs I have had the opportunity to be a part of over the last four years, I feel my understanding of the world around me has blossomed, and the learning opportunities have been something I can apply in every aspect.

After I graduate, you’ll all probably have memories of me interviewing an array of people, stealing your quotes for Heard in the Halls, and just shamelessly promoting newspaper in general. My life and everything I do revolves around writing and leading The Howler staff, and journalism is my passion. I’ve loved literacy since I can remember, but I was always partial to creative writing. Unfortunately, coming into sophomore year, I was notified that creative writing was no longer being offered. In that moment, I committed to the closest thing: being a member of the newspaper staff.

Joining newspaper was pretty intimidating, to say the least, but it has changed my life in every way. I have been offered so many opportunities either through or because of newspaper and the networking that has taken place is unbelievable. Had I not forecasted for newspaper as a sophomore, I would not have become a member of FBLA or been able to compete at the state level in Seattle. I would never have met or reported on U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell and her visit to Heritage High School. And had I not forecasted for newspaper, I would not have delved into the journalistic world, and would not have been able to be an editor for three years. I even was able to interview some of my favorite bands and was given press-treatment at their shows. Without journalism, I don’t know which version of myself would be walking on the stage this June for graduation; newspaper has made me.

In the fall, I am going to be attending Washington State University as a pre-Journalism major. Without newspaper, and various other CTE classes I’ve taken throughout my high school career, I probably would be beginning college as an undeclared major, not having the slightest clue what I’m about to begin studying. CTE classes, especially newspaper, transform average students and turn them into leaders. Personally, it has provided me with an opportunity to prove myself, and discover what kind of person I am. Every scholarship and college application I’ve filled out has not been without an exuberant recount of all the time I’ve spent in room 600, sometimes into late hours of the night, and all the memories I’ve made because of it.

The community needs to consider placing arts and CTE classes on a pedestal; the fact is that these classes transform average teenagers in high school to outstanding high school professionals. Newspaper has changed—no, made—my life.

By: Tyler Holbert
WebMaster

I believe that not all learning happens within the four walls of a classroom. Teachers can teach us a lot of factual topics, but there are many situations that our teachers cannot replicate in the classroom. Teachers can’t bring in some of the greatest most inspirational leaders in the state, among other things.
In Future Business Leaders of America, students gain knowledge about business and apply it towards competitions. This experience gives the student an opportunity of a lifetime.

I have been in FBLA for three years and every year I attend state competition, I learn something new. This year I learned how to run a campaign booth all while carrying the responsibility of meeting deadlines. With a student leadership organization like FBLA you have the opportunity to gain leadership skills, travel experiences, and community service projects.

You also gain the skills to become a leader of today, tomorrow, and forever when you join clubs such as FBLA, DECA, FFA and Key Club, etc. That is why it is important for students to be involved in these clubs they give members the chance to unlock their potential.

While being in FBLA I’ve gained a better attachment and experience at school because it makes me try harder in all of my classes. I also have to keep up with my grades, so that I can remain a chapter officer.

Clubs help students stay more focused in school as well bringing an element of fun because it can keep us involved and engaged.