What species are you?
By Jennifer Hamnett
From the time we are babies we are classified. The small ones, the pudgy ones, the bald ones, the hairy ones, we are put into specific categories according to our appearance.
As we age, these categories begin to reflect our interests as well as our appearance, and we are defined as a "this" or "that" depending on what group we belong to. These categories are most prevalent and diverse during high school when teen-agers are developing a sense of identity.
In scientific terms it could be said that our kingdom is the human race, our phylum North Americans, our class United Statesians, our order Arizonans, our family Tucsonans, our genus high school students, and our species "this" or "that." So which high school species are you?
The Band Nerds
Definition: Very reclusive species in which teen-agers associate solely with those who are interested in music and focused on a similar goal.
Attire: Band T-shirts, a must. Uniforms and drum line hats (optional according to occasion).
Accessories: Some type of music case, drum sticks (particular to drummers).
Location: Found at the band room before, during and after school.
Optional: Marching down the hall and playful physical abuse.
Self Opinion: "We're basically accepted, we are just known as the big geeks at school. We're big nerds," said Santa Rita High senior Deon Curry.
Artistic Individualists
Definition: Teens who like artistic expression and may be a mixture of other groups. They take pleasure in being "different."
Attire: A hodgepodge of clothing definitely not restricted to one brand name. Popular brands are rather shunned; an individual style is acceptable.
Accessories: Books of favorite artists, messenger bags, cameras, props, drawings, sculptures, various "creations" and other mediums used for artistic expression.
Location: Mingling with other groups or enjoying inspirational silence in a serene area - for example, the art room, photo lab, theatre.
Optional: Individual and extreme involvement in spirit week. Colored or non-traditional hair. Non-conformist style/going against the flow.
Self Opinion: "We're not very well-known but we're accepted to a point. I don't think anyone hates us because of who we are. I think Tucson has no problem with my clique, and I hope that it stays that way," said Salpointe Catholic junior Nicole DeMars.
Athletic
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Athletic Group
Definition: People who like to play sports and display awesome muscles, they are typically aggressive.
Attire: The usual sporty style is the norm, including running shoes (fancy/special), workout clothes and a jersey or school sport uniform.
Accessories: Basketball, soccer ball, etc.
Location: On the field as often as possible, in the weight room and in the gym.
Optional: Constant conversation concerning sports and related stats. Greeting members of the same group with high fives or other slaps.
Self Opinion: "Some cliques don't like us 'cause they think we think we're all that, but a lot probably do like us and hang out with us. We're pretty much accepted," said Sahuaro High sophomore Matt Kidd.
Peppy
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Profusely Peppy People
Definition: People who are "cool" and outgoing, strive for good grades and exude pride and school spirit. They are considered friendly, happy and spirit boosters.
Attire: Uniforms, school colors and school T-shirts. "Preppy" clothes mostly.
Accessories: Noise- making instruments, spirited hats, signs or fingers (the kind you see at sports games), pom-poms.
Location: Found at every school function: dances, arts performances, school games etc. Around campus, they can be found in the cheerleading room.
Optional: Involvement in the most clubs possible, though being a part of them all is not required.
Self Opinion: "We have a lot of school spirit and people always need happy people, so it's good for society," said Sabino High senior Lauren Brady.
Skater
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Skaters
Definition: People who enjoy the hobby of skateboarding. Often perceived as delinquents who have no regard for public property.
Attire: Baggy clothes and spiked jewelry. Major name brands are DC, Element and World Industries.
Accessories: Skateboard.
Location: Skating on school property, skate park or the UA Mall.
Optional: Lots of slouching, shocking hair, interesting piercings, immense cussing. Wide use of skating terms in conversation such as alley, kick flip and grind.
Self Opinion: "We are becoming pretty popular. It's on the rise and is pretty much widely accepted, except for some old stingy people," said Desert Christian senior Forrest Cook.
God Squad
Definition: A group of people who don't let other people influence them, but focus instead on God.
Attire: WWJD bracelets, cross necklaces and other such jewelry. Modest clothing, no offensive clothes (foul language etc.). T-shirts with Bible verses and religious/philosophical statements.
Accessories: Bible, religious books, ichthys (little fish) pins and other religiously affiliated products.
Location: Praying around the flag pole, in or outside of classrooms and evangelizing around campus. Dispersed in the crowds at school, mingling with other people.
Optional: Carrying a Bible every day. Replying with an "Amen" or "Hallelujah" to something someone says.
Self Opinion: "I think that pretty much people accept us because there's a lot of us. People are respectful and receptive of our group," said Palo Verde junior Jennifer Neubauer.
Intellectuals
Definition: People who go out of their way to feel smart, are overachievers and may have a superiority complex. Could be physically feebler.
Attire: Pant legs 5 inches too high, thick- rimmed glasses and tousled hair.
Accessories: A backpack that weighs more than they do. Armed with books.
Location: In the teachers' room before, during and after school.
Optional: Pocket protector, asthma inhaler and prodigious use of gran-diose words in conversation.
Self Opinion: "It seems like we are fairly accepted, but we have a rivalry with the jocks," said Sabino junior Darrin Black.
Movers and Shakers
Definition: Very social people who may be materialistic and do not always earn the best grades.
Attire: Very trendy and sophisticated look, definitely no unnatural hair colors (except for maybe highlight and frostings). Popular brands are Product, Kate Spade, Guess and DKNY.
Accessories: Cellphone, matching purse, shoes and jewelry, nice cars.
Location: Extracurricular events, school sports games and parties.
Optional: Snobby attitude.
Self Opinion: "We're accepted fine, and sometimes when we go to parties people from other schools look at us funny but they give us respect," said Sabino sophomore Annie Rhodes.
