Team Fresh Faces

Meet the team! Members of the 2008-09 Unleashed crew are charged with serving as the eyes and ears of their campuses, communities and generation. Their job is to document issues and ideas, events, people, places and things that are important to today’s young people, particularly the young people in Central Washington. This group — the 10th since Unleashed started in 1999 — has been writing, photographing and creating illustrations since May. Their stories, columns, reviews, photographs and works of art appear in the pages of the Yakima Herald-Republic as well as on the Unleashed blog at unleashed.yakimablogs.com. Here’s a chance to get to know them a little better.

Student Editor Alyssa Patrick Eisenhower, 17, senior Favorite subject: English. Activities: Modern dance, ballet, writing, acting, reading, leadership, relaxing with friends and family. Favorite food: Safeway’s Hail Caesar sandwich. Favorite music: John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson, Eric Hutchinson, Ingrid Michaelson, Sara Bareilles, Counting Crows, just about any song on “Grey’s Anatomy.” Favorite films: “A Knight’s Tale,” “Benny and Joon,” “Good Will Hunting,” “Pride and Prejudice,” “Ferris Beuller’s Day Off.” Favorite books: “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” series by Ann Brashares, “Wicked” and “The Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister” by Gregory Maguire, “1984” by George Orwell. Three words to describe yourself: Motivated, over-analyzer. Greatest achievement: Organizing a Rachel’s Challenge assembly and club at Ike. If you could leave tonight on an all-expenses-paid trip, where would you go? Greece. What would you do with $1 million? Pay for college, donate to education programs in Yakima, and fly myself to anywhere John Mayer might be playing in a small venue, like a quaint café in New York. If you could meet anyone, who would you choose? Martin Luther King Jr. Who is your hero? My parents. Biggest fear: Being tortured in any way, including the loss of loved ones. Greatest wish: To better understand those around me and see all-important moments more clearly. When and where were you the happiest? My entire seventh-grade year at Wilson Middle School. That was the last year before stress and world-awareness fully settled in. As they say, ignorance is bliss. Most treasured possession: The yellow, crocheted blanket my grandma made for me before I was born. Favorite place in your hometown: Gilbert Park on Sunday nights during the summer, for movies in the park. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Graduated from college, in a serious relationship or married, getting into a career that involves writing, speaking and traveling, and helping people who were born into bad situations. Why do you want to be on Unleashed? Unleashed has been a part of my life for almost four years, and I can’t imagine my life without it. Because of this program, I have broken down many of my personal boundaries, heard the stories of many incredible people, and greatly enhanced my writing and editing skills. It is a truly phenomenal opportunity. Hannah Besso Davis, 14, freshman Subject: English. Activities: Soccer, reading, watching movies, hanging out with friends, listening to music, tennis. Food: Bananas. Music: Jack Johnson, The Beatles. Films: “Stardust,” “Juno,” “The Princess Bride,” “Mulan,” “The Lord of the Rings.” Books: “The Book Thief” by Marcus Zusak, “The Golden Compass” by Philip Pullman, the “Sabriel” series by Garth Nix. Three words: Opinionated, compassionate, friendly. Achievement: Playing Brutus in “Julius Caesar.” Trip: Australia. It’s far away and has kangaroos, and Australians have great accents. $1 million: Buy a new house with a pool, put some in the bank, start a fund or organization to build schools in an underprivileged country. Meet: Jack Johnson. I love his lyrics and agree with his opinions. Hero: My dad. He’s an amazing cook, he works overtime in a job he doesn’t get paid enough for, and he loves the outdoors. Biggest fear: Being unhappy. Greatest wish: Finding someone with whom to live happily. Happiest: The day of my bat mitzvah. Possession: My laptop. It’s my link to the Internet and friends who don’t live in Yakima. Favorite place: The library. I love browsing through books and being able to choose any of them. 10 years: Still in school. Unleashed: I think it will be a great experience and an opportunity to work on my writing. Alex Braman Davis, 13, freshman Subject: Math. Activities: Video games, biking, sleeping. Food: Pasta. Music: Lostprophets, System of a Down. Films: “Stealth,” “The Meaning of Life.” Books: “House of Reeds” by Thomas Harlan. Three words: Calm, lazy, random. Achievement: Making it on Unleashed. Or, being on the front page when I was 3. It’s a toss-up. Trip: Australia. $1 million: Save it, live off the interest. Meet: My future self. Hero: I don’t have any heroes. Biggest fear: A lot of things. I’m paranoid. Greatest wish: Fix all the mistakes I’ve made. Happiest: Wherever I can listen to music and relax. Possession: My iPod. Favorite place: The hills behind my house. 10 years: An engineer for Google. Unleashed: I want to be published in the paper. David Brinkman Eisenhower, 17, senior Subject: Math. Activities: Music, producing graphics and music, hanging out with friends. Food: Quesadillas. Music: Rap, hip-hop, DJ Khaled, Will Smith, Chamillionaire. Films: “The Pursuit of Happyness,” “Superbad” and others, especially comedies. Books: I don’t read books as much as I read online material. Three words: Fun, nice, entrepreneur. Achievement: Working with 211’s manager on an album cover. 211 is one of Young Jeezy’s signed rappers. I made the connection on MySpace. In the end, it didn’t go through, but I felt it was a great achievement because it really got my name out there. Trip: New York City. $1 million: Make sure my family is well off. Meet: Will Smith. I love everything he has produced — from movies to music. Hero: Will Smith. He is a very successful and respectable man. Biggest fear: Failure. Greatest wish: Be successful in my passion, graphic design. Happiest: At home, in front of my computer. I love being productive, promoting musicians, creating graphics, producing music. Possession: My family and friends. They are my inspiration for wanting to be successful. Favorite place: Best Buy, because of all the technology. 10 years: Being well off as a result of creating computer-aided graphics and producing music. Unleashed: I love being in group-related activities. I also would love the experience gained from being on Unleashed. Loren Button Riverside Christian, 17, senior Subject: English. Activities: Video games, writing my novel, soccer, golf. Food: Pizza. Music: Techno, Christian rock. Films: The “Star Wars,” “Bourne,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” series. Books: Jude Watson’s “Star Wars” books. Three words: Random, paradoxically profound. Achievement: Living this long. Trip: All of the Six Flags Theme Parks combined. $1 million: Invest, expand my wealth, then donate to the poor and charities. Meet: I would not like to meet dead people. Hero: Jesus. Biggest fear: Bees. Greatest wish: Doing what God has planned for me to do with my life. Happiest: Two years ago when I had not a care in the world. Possession: My family. They can put up with me the best of any other group. Favorite place: My house. 10 years: In medical school, or in the middle of my residency. Unleashed: I’ve never had an experience like this, and I want to improve my writing skills. Andy Carroll La Salle, 17, senior Subject: History. Activities: Writing, watching movies, going to baseball games, ASB. Food: Pizza. Music: The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Journey, U2, The Beatles. Films: “American Beauty,” “Batman Begins,” “The Departed,” “Munich,” “There Will Be Blood.” Books: “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown, “Election” by Tom Perrotta, “No Country for Old Men” by Cormac McCarthy. Three words: Ambitious, caring, dedicated. Achievement: Being elected “junior prince” at homecoming last year. I felt like I was on top of the world! Trip: New York City to see a baseball game at Yankee Stadium, because it’s the last year they’ll be playing there. $1 million: Save some, give some to my school, give the rest to a charitable cause. Meet: I would want to shake hands with Abraham Lincoln, because he was largely responsible for bringing a crumbling nation back together. Hero: My dad. Biggest fear: Total failure in any form. Greatest wish: That I might always live life to the fullest. Happiest: After I finished speaking at a “state of the class” discussion at the junior retreat. I stopped being so quiet, and I’m still amazed that I was able to say some of the things I did. Possession: My computer. Favorite place: Movie theater. 10 years: I hope to be a well-liked high school teacher with an excellent personal life. Unleashed: I’ve loved writing for Unleashed for the past two years, and I want to send my high school career out with a bang. Kacie Cross Eisenhower, 15, sophomore Subjects: English, art. Activities: Tennis, volleyball, dance, reading, drama, leadership, listening to music, watching “One Tree Hill,” hanging out with friends, talking, singing, swimming, playing board games, texting, taking pictures, shopping, being around kids, and so much more. Food: Pizza, pasta. Music: Alternative, pop, oldies, Coldplay, Death Cab for Cutie, REM, MIA. Films: “The Notebook,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Never Been Kissed,” “10 Things I Hate About You,” “Iron Man” and others. Books: “The Named,” “The Dark” and “The Key” by Marianne Curley, “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens, “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” by Ann Brashares. Three words: Cheerful, loving, content. Achievement: Making it through freshman year without losing it. Trip: Ireland. $1 million: Save most of it, go on a trip with my family, go shopping, give some to cancer research and kids that need help. Meet: George Washington. Hero: My mom. She is the strongest and most amazing woman I’ve ever met. I couldn’t imagine what I would do without her; she is what makes my world whole. She has a loving heart for anyone I bring into my life. And she has so much love for my entire family — my dad, sisters and brother. When I grow up, I want to be just like her. Biggest fear: Losing my family. Greatest wish: Go to Pepperdine University, get married, have a loving family. Happiest: Right here, right now. Possession: My family. Favorite place: Movie theater. 10 years: Graduated from college with a career, 25, maybe married, maybe not. Unleashed: It is a really fun thing to do. You get to speak with interesting people about different issues, write about it, and see your stories in the Yakima Herald-Republic. Kami Cross Eisenhower, 17, senior Subject: English. Activities: ASB, leadership, cheer, tennis, drama club, dancing, reading, writing, watching various television series including “Dawson’s Creek” and “One Tree Hill.” Food: Chicken. Music: I like all kinds of music, from country to rap to rock ’n’ roll. I’m not too picky. Films: “Jerry Maguire,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Titanic,” “Drop Dead Gorgeous.” Books: “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexander Dumas, the Sarah Dessen books, “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck. Three words: Fun, motivated, happy. Achievement: Being part of a loving family. Oh, and passing the WASL. Trip: The East Coast to visit colleges. $1 million: Pay for college, put the rest into savings. Meet: FDR. He had a lot of personal strength. Hero: My parents. They evince a truly happy and functional marriage, which is rare. Biggest fear: Needles. Greatest wish: To attend an East Coast college. Happiest: Either in kindergarten because I didn’t have a care in the world, or now because my life is very blessed. Possession: My seasons of “One Tree Hill.” Favorite place: My house, or the movies. 10 years: Married with a career I love, looking forward to my 10-year high school reunion and seeing how people have changed, if at all. Unleashed: I want to share my views and opinions and experiences with our community. Jessica Cummings Bickleton, 16, junior Subjects: Band, English. Activities: Playing the flute, working with my birds, reading, writing, drawing. Food: Seafood. Music: Casting Crowns, Superchick, Celtic Woman, Amy Grant. Films: “The Chronicles of Narnia” series. Books: The Bible, “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis, “The Inheritance” series by Christopher Paolini, “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien. Three words: Christian, conservative, honest. Achievement: Maintaining a 4.0 grade point average throughout high school. Trip: Ireland and the British Isles, because they’re part of my heritage, and I love the landscape and culture there. $1 million: Save it for college for me and my brothers. Meet: Joan of Arc. I love the story of her faith and how she saved her country. Hero: Jesus. Biggest fear: Spiders, big, hairy spiders! Greatest wish: Seeing my entire family in heaven. Happiest: I’ve been happy a lot, but if I had to choose one time it’s probably when I was a baby and sleeping on my mother’s lap. Possession: My faith, family and friends. Favorite place: Church and youth group with my friends. 10 years: Probably still in college or working as an apprentice under an avian vet. Unleashed: I enjoy writing, and it helps me improve while telling people about the unique little town I live in and love. Colleen Fontana Davis, 15, junior Subject: Photography. Activities: Volleyball, track, drama, watching movies, writing, reading. Food: Spaghetti. Music: Regina Spektor, John Mayer, Sweet Miss Coffy. Films: “Anastasia,” “The Princess Bride.” Books: “A Great and Terrible Beauty” by Libba Bray, “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. Three words: Spontaneous, outspoken, fun. Achievement: Living my life. Trip: Italy. Many of my ancestors are from there, and I want to see where they lived and learn about their past. I would also love to float through the canals of Venice and eat pizza and gelato at authentic Italian restaurants. $1 million: Travel, get a really nice camera, buy out Urban Outfitters, save the polar bears. Meet: Sweeney Todd as played by Johnny Depp. Hero: John Paul Jones. Who else can control the water with such cunning and be both a pirate and a gentleman? Biggest fear: Losing someone I love, drowning. Greatest wish: For polar bears to no longer need to be on the endangered species list. Happiest: I am always content at the beach. I love the ocean. Most treasured possession: My family, because I love them. Favorite place: Lincoln Avenue Espresso Bar for the big raspberry peach iced teas. 10 years: Working at National Geographic, traveling, writing, taking photos. Unleashed: Writing is my passion. It’s how I can communicate. I express myself and live through my words. Lisa Garrigues Naches Valley, 14, freshman Subject: Math. Activities: Swimming, dancing. Food: Ice cream. Music: Any hip-hop or rap. Films: “The Simpsons Movie.” Books: “Chasing Redbird” and “The Wanderer” by Sharon Creech. Three words: Friendly, funny, smart. Achievement: Making it onto Unleashed. Trip: Australia. $1 million: Share it with my family. Meet: My grandpa. He died before I was born. Hero: My parents. They’re always there for me. Biggest fear: Heights. Greatest wish: An end to global warming. Happiest: My first time at the beach. Possession: My digital camera. Favorite place: Lions Pool. 10 years: Getting out of college with a job in business. Unleashed: I think it will be a great opportunity to meet new people and improve my writing skills. Georgia Gempler Davis, 14, freshman Subject: History. Activities: Soccer, dancing, reading, painting, watching movies. Food: Sushi. Music: The Beatles, Bob Marley, Jack Johnson, reggae, soundtracks. Films: “An Affair to Remember,” “The King and I,” “Indiana Jones,” “The Princess Bride,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” “Sense and Sensibility.” Books: The “Redwall” series by Brian Jacques, “The Wind on Fire” series by William Nicholson. Three words: Busy, creative, compassionate. Achievement: Winning first place in the documentary division of the regional History Day competition and in the Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest. Trip: The North Pole to see the Northern Lights and polar bears in their natural habitat. $1 million: Help the people of Tibet who are under Chinese rule, help refugees in Africa escape genocide. Meet: The 14th Dalai Lama. I think everyone in the world can learn from his example of peace and compassion. Hero: Sir Salman Rushdie. He spoke out for free speech. Biggest fear: Arranged marriage. Greatest wish: Being successful in life, learning from my mistakes. Happiest: Every day in orchestra. Possession: My cello. It helps me center myself, and music is one of my greatest passions. Favorite place: Essencia Artisan Bakery and Chocolaterie. 10 years: Painting in a small studio, going to graduate school. Unleashed: Improve my writing skills, have a fun, new experience, meet amazing people. Ashley George West Valley, 17, senior Subject: Spanish. Activities: DECA, Honors Society, volunteering, tennis, ASB. Food: Pita bread and hummus with peach tea. Music: Band of Horses, Rogue Wave, Fionn Regan, Liam Finn, Brand New. Films: “Across the Universe,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” Books: “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde. Three words: Sarcastic, funny, random. Achievement: Being elected to ASB. Trip: England. $1 million: Travel, attend many concerts and music festivals, shop in California, save some. Meet: The casts of “Gossip Girl” and “One Tree Hill.” Hero: The creator of the VW bug, because I love my car and it’s a very creative design. Biggest fear: Rattlesnakes, spiders, diseases. Greatest wish: Unwavering ambition. Happiest: Night swimming in summer. Possession: My cell phone. It’s social interactions in an electronic box. Favorite place: Starbucks. 10 years: Graduated from college, beginning a career, in a serious relationship or married with cats, not kids. Unleashed: A sense of accomplishment, the chance to voice my opinions to the community. James Hibbs Davis, 15, sophomore Subject: Spanish. Activities: Reading, gaming, editing, sleeping. Food: Deep-fried cheese curds. Music: George Gershwin, Beethoven, a capella music. Films: Too many. Books: Too many. Three words: Tall, tired, scholar. Achievement: Surviving public education. Trip: Florence or Barcelona. $1 million: Go to college, travel and buy a house, in that order. Meet: Ursula K. LeGuin or Robert Barclay. I like what they write, and they would be interesting to talk to. Hero: I admire many people. Biggest fear: Not being understood or not understanding others. Greatest wish: World peace. Happiest: Spending an entire day at Powell’s City of Books in Portland for my birthday. Possession: My psyche. Favorite place: The library. 10 years: Outside the United States with a house full of books. Unleashed: I wish to become a better writer and photographer. Hannah Kivi Riverside Christian, 14, freshman Subject: Bible study. Activities: Playing fastpitch, writing, hanging out with friends, listening to music, four-wheeling. Food: Italian. Music: Switchfoot, Relient K, Stellar Kart. Films: “Freedom Writers.” Books: “Left Behind” by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis. Three words: Friendly, laid-back, optimistic. Achievement: Making the Unleashed team. Trip: Italy. $1 million: Share it with my family, donate to charities. Meet: Anne Frank. She kept her faith in God during a horrible time in the world. Hero: My dad. Biggest fear: Open water. Greatest wish: For as many people to come to Jesus Christ as possible. Happiest: At the beach. Possession: My Bible. It has gotten me through very hard times. Favorite place: Movie theater. 10 years: With a good career, hopefully writing. Unleashed: I believe Unleashed will be a great experience. I aspire to write for my future and career. Samantha Knittle Davis, 17, senior Subject: Band. Activities: Band, bowling, relaxing, doing any kind of art, looking at old houses. Food: Ice cream. Music: Drum Corp International. Films: “The Great Escape,” “Pride and Prejudice.” Books: “The Great Escape” by Paul Brickhill, “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen. Three words: “I love marchingband.” Achievement: Learning to operate our toaster. I’m working up to my cell phone and computer. Trip: A road trip across the U.S. to tour historical places (I hate flying). $1 million: Put some in the bank, donate part to ProLife, start a DCI marching band in Yakima. Meet: John Phillip Sousa and Jesus. Hero: John Philip Sousa. He invented marching band! Biggest fear: Breaking my leg and not being able to march. Greatest wish: That my marching band makes it to finals. I want to march under the lights. Happiest: During the summer, outside, in the sun, with nothing better to do but swim, walk and read. And when I’m marching! Possession: My clarinet, my family and “The Farmette,” our cabin in the mountains. Favorite place: Marching band practice. 10 years: Alive, hopefully still in marching band. Unleashed: To see my work in print. Catherine Maier Davis, 14, freshman Subject: Math. Activities: Dance, soccer, tennis, biking, being outdoors. Food: Crème brûlée. Music: Good, unique music with original lyrics. Films: “Lupin the Third,” “Superbad,” “Ten Things I Hate About You.” Books: The “Sabriel” series by Garth Nix, “The Sea of Trolls” by Nancy Farmer. Three words: Outgoing, fun, athletic. Achievement: Going to nationals for biking. Trip: Africa. $1 million: Save it. Use it when I need it. Meet: Jack Johnson. Hero: My brothers Ethan and William because they make mistakes, but are perfect in my eyes. Biggest fear: Not being able to exercise. Greatest wish: A happy life. Happiest: On the soccer field. Possession: The “Sabriel” series, the “Twilight” series and the “Lupin the Third” movies. Favorite place: Football games. 10 years: In college, happy. Unleashed: It is a good experience and fun activity. Janessa Mains Eisenhower, 16, junior Subject: Sign language. Activities: Photography, reading, writing, hanging out with friends. Food: Ice cream. Music: Gackt, Hyde, Disturbed, Evanescence. Films: “Lord of the Rings,” “Moon Child.” Books: “Trickster’s Choice” and “Trickster’s Queen” by Tamora Pierce. Three words: Loyal, responsible, myself. Achievement: Having my work recognized. Trip: Great Britain. It’s beautiful and has a good history and hot guys with great accents. $1 million: Donate it to different foundations, buy camera supplies and books, pay for college. Meet: Ansel Adams. He was an amazing photographer. I greatly admire him. Hero: My grandmother. Biggest fear: Spiders. Greatest wish: To be myself. Happiest: With my camera, surrounded by friends. Possession: My camera. Photography is a HUGE part of my life. Favorite place: The Yakima Greenway. 10 years: Traveling the world, taking photos. Unleashed: Gain more experience with photography and work with other photographers. Sean Nagle-McNaughton Davis, 15, freshman Subject: Math. Activities: German longsword fencing. Food: Macaroni and cheese. Music: They Might Be Giants, Fiddlers’ Bid. Films: “Mystery Men.” Books: “Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster. Three words: Entertaining, compliant, weird. Achievement: Living this long and being able to be entertained by any people. Trip: New Zealand. $1 million: Place it in the bank, wait a month, spend the interest. Meet: Gengis Khan. Hero: Anyone who has bad handwriting but still writes stuff. Biggest fear: Getting shots in my toes. Greatest wish: Find entertainment. Happiest: When I went back one year in school to be in the same grade as my friends when I was 13. Possession: My pets. Favorite place: Friends’ houses and my own. 10 years: Designing bridges with my friend Alex. Unleashed: I like writing and showing people what I’ve made. I also enjoy showing people different sides of things. Hannah Naughton Davis, 15, junior Subject: Chemistry. Activities: Soccer, golf, swimming, being crazy with Mia. Food: Tropical Typhoon Mike and Ikes, and Tootsie Rolls. Music: Too Short, P. Diddy, M.C. Hammer, any music that has a good beat that I can dance to. Films: “The Italian Job,” “Good Will Hunting,” the “Bourne” series. Books: “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë, the “Twilight Series” by Stephanie Meyer. Three words: Humorous, stubborn, rambunctious. Achievement: Living life to the fullest. Trip: Sailing around the bright blue waters of the Caribbean so I could relax and swim with dolphins. $1 million: Buy a car so I wouldn’t have to drive my mom’s silver minivan. Meet: The person who finds a cure for cancer, because he or she will make a great impact on the lives of many. Hero: My mom. She cleans, cooks, drives, and basically does everything. Biggest fear: Being lost in a big city. Greatest wish: A cure for cancer. Happiest: When my little sister Fiona was born. Favorite place: The Yakima Country Club pool. 10 years: In medical school. Unleashed: I wanted to express my opinions and meet new people. Jasmine Okbinoglu Eisenhower, 16, junior Subjects: History, science, English. Activities: Tennis, reading, music, hanging out with friends. Food: I pretty much like anything and everything. I’ll try any food you give me. Music: The Beatles, Modest Mouse, Queen, Blur, Harvey Danger, Mystery Jets, Spice Girls, Weezer, The White Stripes, Cake, Radiohead. Films: Too many. Favorite book: “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott. Three words: Smart, (slightly) lazy, caring. Achievement: Being on Unleashed for my third year. Trip: Fez, Moracco. I’ve never been there, but they have this really cool festival called The Fez Festival of World Sacred Music that I would love to go to. $1 million: Buy a car and a house with a loaded library, donate the rest to cancer research and green science. Meet: Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. He founded Turkey. He also gave equal opportunities to everyone, including women. Hero: Tulin Okbinoglu, my sister. She’s just plain awesome. I look up to her because she is hard-working, smart, and amazing. Greatest fear: Being alone. Greatest wish: No more racism. Favorite place: My hometown is Izmir, Turkey. The best place in Izmir is my summer house, because all my friends live next door and we have a huge pool that we spend hours in. Happiest: With my friends. 10 years: Getting my doctorate degree. Unleashed: I want to be on Unleashed because I can help change my own corner of the world. Unleashed is an amazing opportunity and gives voice to people who normally don’t have one. Lety Clark-Olivero Eisenhower, 16, junior Subject: History. Activities: Writing, swimming, soccer, pole vaulting, singing, praying, running, hiking, being awesome! Food: Chicken fettuccine, fajitas from El Porton, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Music: Hip-hop, anything I can dance to! Films: “The Notebook,” “Finding Nemo,” “Juno,” “Step Up” (I love Channing Tatum). Books: Anything by C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling. Three words: Hilarious, extravagant, fantabulous. Achievement: Becoming the person I am. Trip: Cancun! Hello beaches and gorgeous, Mexican boys. $1 million: Save some for college, get a hybrid and a new wardrobe, donate a bunch to Cambodian orphanages. Meet: Jesus and Ghandi. I would want to sit down and compare notes, maybe even write a story on how to live a good life! Hero: My parents. Biggest fear: Being afraid, failure. Greatest wish: To be happy forever! Happiest: My birthplace, Ellensburg. Possession: My cell phone. Favorite place: Franklin Park. 10 years: Just starting my career after getting my degree. Unleashed: It’s a great experience. Veronica Quintero Wahluke, 17, senior Subject: English. Activities: Honor Society, writing, reading, leadership, traveling, sewing, shopping, volunteering. Food: Anything spicy. Music: Spanish pop, Juanes, Enrique Iglesias, Laura Pausini, Linkin Park, Rihanna, Mana, 3 Doors Down, Maroon 5, Sin Banderas. Films: Anything scary. Books: “Rain of Gold” by Victor señor, “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. Three words: Determined, dedicated, ambitious. Achievement: Getting accepted into the LEDA Scholars Program at Princeton University. Trip: Spain. I would like to learn how to dance the flamenco professionally. $1 million: Donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, make sure my family is well off financially, travel the world, shop until I drop, save some for the future. Meet: Selena Quintanilla. She made history with her music, and her humble ways are still admired today. Hero: My mom. She and I have made it through the worst of times, and her love is unconditional. Biggest fear: Going blind. Greatest wish: A never-ending shopping spree. Happiest: Elementary school when I was living a carefree life. Possession: My planner. I would go crazy without it. Favorite place: Community Park. 10 years: Graduated from college. Unleashed: I want to learn more about the journalism profession and news reporting. I hope to make long-lasting friends, connections, and report on eye-catching stories throughout the year. Molly Scofield Eisenhower, 17, senior Subject: Chemistry with Mr. Von Ruden. Activities: Student government, swim team. Food: Rice. Music: “The Beatles,” “The Spice Girls.” Films: “The Little Mermaid.” Books: “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien. Three words: Funny, outgoing, sweet-natured. Achievement: Being elected ASB president for my senior year. Trip: New Orleans. $1 million: Go on a trip around the world. Meet: The cast of “Dawson’s Creek.” Hero: My parents. Biggest fear: Birds. Greatest wish: World peace. Happiest: With my friends. Possession: My stuffed giraffe, Pinkie. Favorite place: Lincoln Avenue Espresso Bar. 10 years: Living on the East Coast with my family and a career I enjoy. Unleashed: I enjoy writing and I hope to continue it in college. Jessica Serrano La Salle, 17, junior. Subject: English, chemistry. Activities: Tennis, reading, writing, music. Food: Thai food. Music: Indie music, The Postal Service, The Shins, Brand New, Muse, Death Cab for Cutie, Blondie, Moneen, Spinto Band, rock. Films: “Vampire Weekend,” “Band of Horses,” “Armageddon,” “Anastasia,” “Juno.” Books: “Twilight” and anything else by Stephenie Meyer as well as anything by J.K. Rowling, Edgar Allan Poe and Sarah Dessen. Three words: Persnickety, frank, unique. Achievement: Becoming ASB vice president at school, being on the Unleashed staff for two years in a row and getting the “Story of the Year” award, getting second place in varsity singles tennis. Trip: Tokyo, to interact with the locals and view the not-so-toured sites. $1 million: Donate some to the World Wildlife Fund and save the world. Meet: Bob Marley. Hero: My mother. Biggest fear: I’m fearless. Greatest wish: Make my life worthwhile by making a difference for the greater good of humanity. Happiest: When I’m with my favorite five friends anywhere. Possession: My memories. Favorite place: Kissel Park. 10 years: A successful businesswoman, mother and wife. Unleashed: Inform my community, make a difference. Evalyn Suarez West Valley, 16, junior Subjects: English, history. Activities: Playing guitar, singing, poetry, writing stories, learning about history and heritage. Food: Lasagna. Music: Superchik, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, Delirious, Newsboys. Films: “The Lord of the Rings,” “Howl’s Moving Castle,” “Star Wars.” Books: “Dragon’s Dawn” by Anne McCaffrey, “Eldest” by Christopher Paolini, “Piercing the Darkness” by Frank Peretti, “Twilight” by Stephanie Meyer. Three words: Intelligent, literary, empathetic. Achievement: My Unleashed article on Brittany Travis’ Operation Christmas Child senior project. Trip: France or Italy. $1 million: Pay for college, give some to my parents, give to missions, help others. Meet: My great-grandma Evalyn. I am named for her, and everything I know about her is interesting. Hero: My grandpa, because of his patience, kindness, wisdom, composure, faith and the way he knows what to say and when to say it. Biggest fear: Heights. Greatest wish: Being able to help everyone who needs it. Happiest: When I was 5 years old and accepted Jesus Christ. I still remember the day rather clearly. Possession: My journal. It holds my thoughts, starts of stories, poems and bits of my life in its pages. Favorite place: My grandparents’ house. It always feels like home, and I like to spend time with my grandparents. 10 years: Writing poetry and prose and maybe even journalism articles and columns. Unleashed: I really love journalism now. I like writing about things that matter. Kateri Town La Salle, 16, junior Subject: Biology. Activities: Photography, playing video games, debates, softball, cheerleading, watching movies with my brothers, listening to music. Food: Tofu dipped in ketchup, avocados, eggplant parmesan. Music: Gorillaz, The Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, the “Juno” soundtrack, Placebo, The Decemberists, The Postal Service. Films: “Juno,” “Across the Universe,” “Garden State,” “Elizabethtown,” “Mean Girls,” “Kill Bill,” “Sin City,” “Clerks,” “Chasing Amy.” Books: Sarah Dessen books, “Choke,” “Fight Club,” and “Invisible Monsters” by Chuck Palahniuk, “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson, “Bloomabilty” by Sharon Creec, “1984” by George Orwell, “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. Three words: Sarcastic, vegetarian, opinionated. Achievement: Having my photos published in the Seattle Times and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Trip: I’d like to go on a road trip across America to see everything I’ve missed out on. I’d also like to see France. $1 million: Donate part of it to good causes, buy myself a new camera, visit my entire family. Meet: Kevin Smith, George Carlin. Hero: I’m holding out for a hero. Biggest fear: Losing my family, never becoming anything worth someone’s time. Greatest wish: Becoming a famous photojournalist. Happiest: At my brother’s wedding. I was with my entire family again. Possession: My camera. It gives me control to show people how I see things, and I can arrange the world however I like. Favorite place: St. Joseph’s, Randall Park, my own backyard. 10 years: Successful, happy, 26. Unleashed: Because every person, including me, has a story to tell. Mia Walsh Davis, 16, junior Subject: Chemistry. Activities: Dancing, reading, writing, cooking meals for my family, singing in the car at the top of my lungs with my sisters, playing with my dog Romeo, being wild with Hannah, hanging out with my family, talking to my sisters. Food: My mom’s delectable Italian meals. Music: Lil’ Wayne, Kanye West, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Pitbull, Madonna, Justin Timberlake. Films: “The Bourne Ultimatum,” “Step Up 2,” “The Breakfast Club,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “A Walk to Remember,” “Sixteen Candles.” Books: “Gone With the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell, “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë, “Emma” by Jane Austen, the “Stephanie Plum” novels by Janet Evanovich. Three words: Focused, creative, vivacious. Achievement: Rappelling down a 180-foot cliff in California. Trip: Naples, Italy, because that’s where my family is from; Paris, France, because of the fashion; India, because of the culture; and Greece, because of the sea. $1 million: Give some to the World Wildlife Fund, put the rest in savings. Meet: Betsey Johnson. Hero: Mohandas K. Gandhi. Biggest fear: Being sprinkled with salt and pepper and eaten alive. Greatest wish: I wish it wasn’t too late to stop global warming. Happiest: With my family on Christmas morning, eating breakfast together. Possession: My cornicello charm. It symbolizes my Italian heritage. Favorite place: The Toppenish city pool on hot summer days. 10 Years: In medical school, living with my sisters. Unleashed: Give a voice to the stories of the teenagers of the Valley. Libby Young La Salle, 14, sophomore Subject: English. Activities: Dance, band, reading. Food: My mom’s pot pie and any Asian food except sushi. Music: Oldies music, The Beatles. Films: “Across the Universe,” “Star Wars,” “The Producers,” “Galaxy Quest,” the “Back to the Future” movies. Books: “Uglies” by Scott Westerfield, “The Secret Life of Bees,” by Sue Monk Kidd, “Rocket Boys” by Homer Hickam. Three words: Entertaining, humorous, hard-working. Achievement: Giving the class speech at eighth-grade graduation. Trip: Europe. $1 million: Pay for college, put the rest in the bank. Meet: Queen Elizabeth I; she made many smart decisions that changed the world and had a very interesting life. Hero: Anyone who has helped me in my life. Biggest fear: Bugs, fire, losing anyone I care about. Greatest wish: Doing well in life. Happiest: At home relaxing with my family, or at camp with my friends. Possession: A ring handed down through my family, because it is beautiful and unique. Favorite place: The pool near my house with my friends. 10 years: Getting a job and establishing my life. Unleashed: I think it will be fun and give me a valuable writing experience.

2008 Unleashed Picnic

It’s become a summertime tradition for the Unleashed team: Meet at Yakima’s Franklin Park for hot dogs and hamburgers and the chance to get to know each other better — without story or photo assignments!

Unleashed teens — and many of their parents and siblings — gathered for the third annual Unleashed picnic on Wednesday, Aug. 20. We took a team photo, then hung out and chowed down. Here are some photos from the event.

New Unleashed Students Tour Newspaper

Each summer, new members of the Unleashed team get a behind-the-scenes look at the Yakima Herald-Republic during a tour of the newspaper building.

The tour, led by John O’Rourke, the newspaper’s facilities manager, takes students through the newsroom and packaging center to the press. Students learn about how the daily print product is put together and get a chance to see the press in action.

Here are some photos from this year’s tour, which took place earlier this summer.

2008 Unleashed Boot Camp

Cameras ready. Pens in hand. A mock press conference. Professional journalists. And plenty of pizza.

A dozen new student reporters and photographers from the 2008-2009 Unleashed team spent Saturday in a workshop designed especially for them.

We call it Unleashed Boot Camp.

The fourth annual training for new team members took place at the Yakima Herald-Republic on Saturday, Aug. 16. Here’s a peak at the schedule — and some behind-the-scenes photos from the four-hour workshop.

2008 Unleashed Boot Camp Schedule

10 a.m. Olivia Hernandez, Unleashed alumna and rising journalism star, talks about on her time on the team and gives tips for being a great teenage reporter.

10:45 to 11:15 a.m. YH-R business and agriculture reporter Mai Hoang talks about finding stories, gathering information and interviewing sources.

11:15 a.m. to noon, Kim Nowacki, lead reporter of On Magazine, the YH-R’s weekly arts and entertainment magazine, talks about writing reviews and gives an introduction to multi-media.

Noon. Pizza.

Noon to 12:30 p.m. Unleashed student editor Alyssa Patrick leads interviewing activity. Students draw characters and scenarios out of a hat, then practice in front of the group.

12:30 p.m. Break. Time to read the press release for the mock press conference.

12:40 to 1:20 p.m. Mock press conference: Alyssa, Olivia and YH-R political reporter Pat Muir lead this exercise. Get your cameras, notebooks and pens ready!

1:20 to 2 p.m. Mock press conference follow-up and Q & A.

2 to 2:30 p.m. Surveys. Fill them out before you go!

YH-R Welcomes 10th Unleashed Team

By SARAH JENKINS
YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC

Here’s today’s reflection on how fast time can pass by: When the original Unleashed team was gathering to create the first weekly section “by and for teens in the Yakima Valley,” many of the kids who would make up the 2008-09 Unleashed team were getting ready to start kindergarten.

Time does indeed fly …

This year’s group of 31 teenagers from throughout the Yakima Valley is the 10th Unleashed team. And their responsibility in the coming 52 weeks will be to report, write, photograph and illustrate the same quality of journalism as their predecessors.

Since the 2007-08 team captured a big national honor this spring — first place for “program excellence” among all youth sections published by newspapers with circulation up to 60,000 — that’s quite a responsibility.

Of course, the chore will be made somewhat easier by the return of 18 “veterans” to the Unleashed crew, as well as the continuing work of student editor Alyssa Patrick, an Eisenhower High School senior who is in her second year helping to lead the team.

And reporter Adriana Janovich is continuing as the staff coordinator for Unleashed, a role she has enthusiastically tackled for the past five years.

The photographers on this year’s team will have Sara Gettys as their mentor.

Each year, we assign a Yakima Herald-Republic staff photographer to help coordinate the teens’ work, and to mentor them in the process. This year, it’s Sara’s first shot at that responsibility.

But she won’t be the only neophyte.

There will also be 13 teens who are new to the team, and together they will all be intent on making this 10th year of Unleashed something special.

The veterans will help the newcomers understand that Unleashed is not a school project; we expect team members to view it as a job, as professional journalists facing deadlines, standards and editing.

As the program excellence award shows, they embrace that responsibility. It’s a fun thing to watch.

This year’s 31 team members represent 10 high schools stretching from Wahluke to Bickleton.

They are listed below by their class level, with an asterisk (*) noting those who are veterans returning to the team:

BICKLETON HIGH SCHOOL
Jessica Cummings*, junior, reporter.

DAVIS HIGH SCHOOL
Hannah Besso, freshman, reporter; Alex Braman, freshman, photographer; Colleen Fontana*, junior, reporter; Georgia Gempler, freshman, reporter; James Hibbs, sophomore, photographer; Samantha Knittle*, senior, artist; Catherine Maier, freshman, photographer; Hannah Naughton*, junior, reporter; Sean Nagle-McNaughton, freshman, reporter; and Mia Walsh*, junior, reporter.

EAGLE HIGH SCHOOL
Sharon Reyna, graduated this spring, reporter.

EISENHOWER HIGH SCHOOL
David Brinkman, senior, Webmaster; Lety Clark-Olivero*, junior, reporter; Kacie Cross*, sophomore, reporter; Kami Cross*, senior, reporter; Janessa Mains*, junior, photographer; Jasmine Okbinoglu*, junior, reporter; and Molly Scofield*, senior, reporter.

LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL
Andy Carroll*, senior, reporter; Jessica Serrano*, junior, reporter; Kateri Town*, junior, photographer; and Libby Young, sophomore, reporter.

NACHES VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
Lisa Garrigues, freshman, reporter.

RIVERSIDE CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL
Loren Button, senior, reporter; and Hannah Kivi, freshman, reporter.

WAHLUKE HIGH SCHOOL
Veronica Quintero*, senior, reporter.

WAPATO HIGH SCHOOL
Samantha Wofford-Hall, junior, reporter.

WEST VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
Ashley George*, senior, reporter; Evalyn Suarez*, junior, reporter; and Ariel Villaseñor*, junior, reporter.

* Sarah Jenkins is editor of the Yakima Herald-Republic. If you have a question or concern, you can reach her at 577-7703; P.O. Box 9668, Yakima WA 98909; or sjenkins@yakimaherald.com.