Issue 6 volume 87

highlights

November 26, 2013 Volume 87, Issue Six Beverly Hills High School Beverly Hills, Calif. beverlyhighlights.com

ASB enacts new election procedures

From Canada, students visit service group

Jessica Lu spotlight editor Associated Student Body (ASB) adviser Mark Mead has changed the way in which commissioners run for office, an action following his trend of modifying certain ASB processes. He was inspired by a combination of analysis of the ASB Constitution as well as his own concerns about the class.

“I wanted to make sure that when I ran this election, it was as close as possible to what the Constitution says,” he said. “I also wanted to keep it as similar as it has been in the past, like similar process, similar forms to fill out [and] similar due dates.”

Mead’s process differs from previous years, in which most students who ran for commissioner could choose what specific title they wanted. According to Mead, students before determined what special skill set they could offer.

“They could say, ‘I want to be the commissioner of fill-in-theblank,’” Mead explained.

The prior system, in which students did not run for a specific role, resulted in several commissioners joining the class, in numbers that were too high for Mead.

“For me right now, at my early stage in ASB, having fewer commissioners will make it easier to structure ASB,” he said. “I don’t want to have a lot of commissioners whose jobs I don’t understand.”

For the spring semester, Mead has decided upon five specific positions: Commissioner of Publicity, Audio Tech, Written Publications, Graphic Design and Video.

Mead chose these to address his concerns about ASB’s current functions.

“This semester, we had to outsource a lot,” Mead said. “For example, when we had a pep rally on the front lawn, we’d have to go to KBEV. I think it is a bother for Mr. Carey and it is a bit hard for us to organize because we have to go through groups.”

Mead explained that he wants an Audio Tech Commissioner to keep track of equipment. For graphic design, video and other skills, ASB currently seeks the work of students in other classes and so Mead hopes to rid ASB of this inefficiency.

Continued on Page 3

Audrey Park staff writer

WATCHTOWER, 1988

Remembering Mr. Pressman

Alumnus Joel Pressman, who taught music and theater classes here for 38 years, passed away last Tuesday. More on Page 4

Men drop razors for cause Service group continues its annual drive Mabel Kabani editor-in-chief Jessica Lu spotlight editor

The month of November conjures images of Thanksgiving, holiday shopping and facial hair.

No Shave November and Movember are two separate annual events in which males, primarily, forgo shaving for 30 days.

No Shave November, also known as “Noshember,” is mostly done for fun or for competition, and is a tradition Beverly students and faculty participate in.

Senior Jake Peskin joined the campaign simply in order to experiment with his look.

“I joined the no-shave campaign because I wanted to see what I’d look like with a beard,” Peskin said. “I consider myself to have a bit of a baby face, so I thought having some facial hair would give me a more mature look.”

For some students, No Shave November proved to be too itchy.

Peskin was among those who decided to cut his commitment short.

“A hairy face is a rough face,” he said. “Having an unruly mess of hair on my face and neck had the inevitable effect of making me feel dirty, and I began to miss the feeling of smooth skin against the palm of my hand.”

Alumnus Omid Shamoil, class of 2013, continues the tradition in college.

“I was going to shave on Halloween, [but] my razor was rusted

and I had no more [of them] so I said, ‘Hey, why not do it?’” he said. “It itches and can be irritating at times, [but at least] my mom is freaking out about this.”

Others, though enthusiastic about participating in the campaign, received no support from those around them. Junior Jackson Prince found himself not participating on account of his girlfriend, sophomore Molly Hersh, and her opinion.

“My boyfriend, Jackson, grew a beard to emulate his teacher’s facial hair for a Halloween costume,” she said. “Let’s just say it got very hairy very fast. I didn’t

“I thought having some facial hair would give me a more mature look,” Peskin said. discourage him from partaking in Movember, but I do have to say I prefer a clean, shaved face.”

Movember, a separate event, began in order to promote Men’s Health Awareness month. Thirty men grew out their mustaches in Melbourne, Australia in 2003 and now over 3.9 million people in 21 countries participate, according to us.movember.com/ about. Men join by registering on movember.com as well Continued on Page 5

Dani Klemes web editor-in-chief Continuing its streak of annual food drives, Service Learning hosted this year’s Thanksgiving drive over the span of two weeks: from Nov. 12 to Nov. 21. The group collected non-perishable canned food items excluding soda cans and cereal boxes to donate to the People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) organization.

Service Learning raised 1500 cans in last year’s drive, and on Friday afternoon, members were able to collect over 2000 cans for this year’s drive.

As it has in past years, Service Learning awarded the class with the most donations a Sprinkles cupcake party. Information about the winning class was unavailable in time for press.

“Sprinkles was generous enough to donate a box of cupcakes to the class who brought the most cans,” Service Learning advisor Michelle Halimi said. “In addition to cupcakes, we gave the winning teacher a new set of Expo markers.”

Each Tuesday and Thursday of the food drive, members from Service Learning went to sixth period classes to collect cans for PATH, an organization with which Service Learning has developed a strong relationship.

“We always donate to PATH,” Halimi said.

Continued on Page 11

Service Learning and ASB recently teamed up to give Canadian students a first-hand perspective of Beverly on Monday, Nov. 18.

The day consisted of a lunch provided by the culinary program, a discussion of the different leadership programs on campus and a tour of the athletic department.

Service Learning president senior Leora Hakim is confident that the day well. The experience she gained through the program helped her learn about the culture of students in other countries.

“The day was actually really fun. I wasn’t sure what to expect because we weren’t given much background information about who these students were prior to their visit,” senior Leora Hakim said. “But after talking to them for a while you realize they’re just like you. Meeting the students made me realize that I would love to go to Canada with Service Learning.”

Through the program, the students of ASB and Service Learning not only compared and contrasted the educational aspect of

“The Service Learning kids were really excited because they got to meet new kids.” both schools, but also discussed the cultural aspect of Beverly.

“I asked a group of girls if they had any expectations when they first came to our campus. One girl mentioned that their tour guide told them that we filmed ‘90210’ here,” Hakim said. “She was pretty shocked when I told her West Beverly High doesn’t exist.”

Service Learning director Michelle Halimi said that the program was an opportunity for both her students and the Canadian students to get an understanding of the differences and similarities between the two countries.

“The Service Learning kids were really excited because they got to meet new kids from a country that’s different yet similar to theirs,” Halimi said. “They also got to exchange different ideas for programs at our school.”

news

culture

comment

sports

Hawthorne Elementary School is piloting a program for the district that strives to form a paper-free classroom by substituting textbooks with iPads to all elementary students. page 4

Students of different cultures share their Thanksgiving experiences.

Staff writer Zoe Kenealy is the first in the new series to comment on high school culture.

After four seasons of playing volleyball, senior Liat Hackman signed with Georgia Southern University, where she will receive a full scholarship to play volleyball. page 12

Hawthorne + iPad

Turkey Culture

page 8

Culture surrounding Beverly

page 9

Hackman’s Scholarship

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HIGHLIGHTS IN MEMORIUM NOVEMBER 26, 2013

Remembering Joel Pressman In honor of Pressman’s memory, Highlights gathers photographs and quotes from students

Joel D. Pressman passed away on the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 19. A Beverly alumnus, he spent 38 years working on campus before he retired at the end of the 2012-2013 school year.

Throughout his years as a professional in this school, he served as the conductor of the Madrigals and Minnesingers, as well as the teacher of Piano Workshop. Details on his funeral and memorial services are to be announced.

I was so lucky to have spent three years with an incredibly talented and passionate instructor. I am not sure if I enjoyed the music we made or all the life lessons we learned in his class more, but I do know that few teachers come in comparison to the dedication and care you gave to everything you worked on. I think you serve as an example to all of us in more than one way, but especially as a reminder for us to never stop searching for knowledge and educating ourselves. You are truly a legend and will be dearly missed Mr. Pressman. But I assure you that you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Mr. Pressman.

Senior Shanna Benji Mr. Pressman was a wonderful person who had a very big impact on my life. When I was a freshman I took Introduction to Theater, and was really intimidated by it. But when I was in Mr. Pressman’s section of the class, I had so much fun. I learned the fun of improv and got over my fears of embarrassment on stage. Mr. Pressman was so supportive of all of us, and when I was in his musical theater section later, I was inspired to audition for Madrigals because of the fun I had. Next year in Madrigals, I had so many fun memories with Mr. Pressman, and his joke of the day was so inspiring for me because he said that laughter was the best medicine. He is right. I felt a true connection to Mr. Pressman in New York when we were singing a song called “Amor De Mi Alma” for the Festival of Gold. The way he conducted us when we sang this song made me feel that our hearts were linked. This was one of the most precious memories I have of him, and I can remember that warm smile on his face after we were done that showed us that he thought we did an excellent job no matter what anybody else thought. After this trip, Mr. Pressman missed a lot of school because of his health so that memory is one of the last real memories I have of a happy, conducting Mr. Pressman. I loved him so much and I still do. Mr. Pressman is one of a kind, and I don’t ever think I will meet anybody else like him. He was a beautiful human being with his head in the right place. I miss him very much.

Junior Andrew Rudy

Dear Joel D. Pressman, You were the most intelligent, brave, intuitive and caring man I have ever had the privilege of knowing. It has taken me so long to figure out what I want to say to you. Everybody I know who had the honor of spending any time with you has been touched in some way. I may have been just another student to some other teacher but you made me feel special, able, and incredibly gifted.

You believed in me to such an extent that now, even though I never did before, I truly believe in myself. Whenever I am about to do something I am not particularly confident about, I remember you. I remember you telling me to “sing ‘Martha’s Ditty’ like you have balls.” I remember you telling me, “‘Hold On’ is an anthem. You can belt it out.’’ I will never forget that beautiful, long hug at the cast party where you told me how proud you were of me, and how amazing it felt to make someone like you proud. Today, I made my last-minute grief counselor actually listen to “Hold On” with me. The song now has a much deeper meaning and an even greater place in my heart. It’s going to get me through this and a lot more. It hurts me knowing you won’t be here to know where I go to college, and that I can’t invite you to my first equity gigs in my career. But you will be here. Sitting my shoulder, like you said you would be, telling me to “mix” and “not breathe in the middle of a phrase.” And reminding me I can do it. There is so much more to be said. So many little stories I want to share. And so many questions I have for you. You trusted us all so much and respected us like we were your equals, not your students. I am so appreciative of that. You taught me everything I know about politics, and you helped shape a lot of who I am today. You will always remain a legend. I will personally make sure everything you taught me stays on this Earth forever. Thank you for being the first person to believe in me, and for understanding my musical theatre references. I love you Mr. P. Rest in Peace.

Junior Yassi Noubahar

Students who are currently dealing with grief can receive counseling on campus through the Norman Aid Center.

Furthermore, Our Houses Grief Support Center recommends playing sports, listening to music, writing journals and taking a walk on the beach.

For additional resources, student can contact the Maple Counseling Center.

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HIGHLIGHTS NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

YES WE CAN

Key Service Learning holds annual Thanks- Dates giving food drive to fundraise for PATH Continued from Page 1 Each Tuesday and Thursday of the food drive, members from Service Learning went to sixth period classes to collect cans for PATH, an organization with which Service Learning has developed a strong relationship.

“We always donate to PATH,” Halimi said. “Half of my Service Learning class volunteers, along with the girls basketball team, to cook a meal at PATH

before Thanksgiving. This is our second year [cooking meals at PATH].”

Service Learning member senior Tori Hertz believes that the drive is a great way to embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving.

“This food drive is really going toward a great cause,” Hertz said. “Out of all the things Service Learning does, this is one of the most important drives.

Thanksgiving is a time to be

thankful and give back so I’m glad I get to help those in need.”

According to Service Learning member junior Daniela Shirazi, donating to PATH is a very fulfilling experience.

“The shelter really appreciates all we do for them,” Shirazi said.

As opposed to other Service Learning drives, the food drive, according to Halimi, allows students the chance to participate in more interactive, gratifying

charity.

“With all the drives we do, we raise a lot of money,” Halimi said. “Actually giving to the homeless shelter gives students the opportunity to give back in a different way.”

With the conclusion of the Thanksgiving food drive, Service Learning is currently planning its annual Albion Street event which will take place on Dec. 6.

Continued from Page 1 I think it is a bother for Mr. Carey and it is a bit hard for us to organize because we have to go through groups.”

Mead explained that he wants an Audio Tech Commissioner to keep track of equipment. For graphic design, video and other skills, ASB currently seeks the work of students in other classes and so Mead hopes to rid ASB of this inefficiency.

“I believe the installment of specific commissioner positions ensures that all of our fields are covered,” Headrow Treasurer Josh Schenk said.

“For example, for Color Wars second semester, [we will need] specific commissioners for graphic design to make sure that our event is successful..”

As for Publicity Commissioner, Mead presented his objective for creating this role, by stating: “This is probably the most generic and hard to fill position. Ideally, [the commissioner] isn’t exactly the most verbal, outspoken person, but he or she would have ideas to fuel leadership.”

He hopes to use the position to make ASB in charge of its image.

“I think ASB should deal with its publicity on its own,” Mead said. “I’d like it to be somewhat humorous. Over time, I’d want the Publicity Commissioner to be in touch with the school and somehow appeal to the students. We could generate our own fun and informative style of commission.”

Because of these specific roles, the application process has changed. He considers it to be like applying for a job and so he is requiring a résumé. Qualifications like being in Debra Joseph’s graphic design class or Phil Chang’s Broadcast Journalism class should be included, he said.

The decision is made by Mead, an assistant principal and three incoming ASB members, and is made completely anonymously.

By using this process, Mead

hopes to draw in students who genuinely care about the future of the school. “[I want] anyone who cares about the school first,” he said.

“I care about every kid I have now, but I can’t and don’t want to control the election process.

I hope that all the kids understand that I expect them to care about others first and that it’s hard work.”

Mead hopes that, in general, students take the elections for ASB members in a serious manner.

“I hope the kids who vote actually care about the school,” he said. “I hope that everybody who votes, votes seriously and reads the candidate statements.”

Mead expressed that he hopes to see current and former ASB students run as well.

“The group that I’ve worked with [has] a lot of kids new to ASB,” he said. “We’ve learned a lot together and when you go

through hard times you get closer. As for those [previously ineligible to run], I’m all about second chances. I have no problem; in fact, I hope to see them run.”

Senior Adam Steinberg plans to run for Senior President next semester now that he is permitted to do so.

“I feel I was unjustifiably restrained from running for a position on ASB this past semester,” he said. “I would love nothing more than to get our family back together and finish high school the way it should be.”

Sophomore Kate Ganon decided to run in her junior year instead of next semester.

“My whole schedule will change [if I join second semester],” Ganon said. “[But] I still want to be a part of ASB so I will [run] next year.”

During the spring, Mead hopes to use Google Drive to promote events. In general, with the help of the commissioners, he wants

to prove to the student body that ASB does care about the school.

“I think that the changes Mr. Mead is carrying out are unexpected and new to many of our students,” Headrow President Leili Hashemi said. “But I believe we should go into the process with open minds. Mr. Mead came into ASB as an English teacher but he has worked so hard and adopted so many responsibilities that now I see him as ASB director. He’s done a great job so far and really puts a lot of passion into his work.”

Mead hopes the class can echo his belief in hard work.

“We don’t have a ton of fun in the room,” he said. “We like to create fun outside the room.

We’re going to work hard and help the school because that’s what we do.”

As outlined in an email sent out last week, statements for both elections and commissioners are due Monday, Dec. 2.

Thanksgiving holiday

Hanukkah begins Nov. 28-29

Winter Blood Drive Dec. 5

Holiday Music Festival Dec. 11

Winter Band Concert Dec. 12

First Semester Finals Dec. 17-19

Branches of ASB Commissioners

MARGUERITE ALBERTS

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HIGHLIGHTS NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

ACADEMIC APPLICATIONS

Hawthorne starts to implement iPad program in classes Dani Klemes web editor-in-chief After writing and submitting a proposal to the school board, Hawthorne was chosen as the pilot school for the iPad program beginning this year, which features a one-on-one implementation of iPads in selected elementary classrooms.

Hawthorne, which has had shared iPads on campus for the past two years, piloted the program to move toward a paperless classroom and increase access to technology throughout the school day.

“We spent a lot of time planning and did a slow roll out, so there were very few glitches,” Hawthorne Principal Kathy Schaeffer said. “Our main goal was to prepare for interactive textbook adoptions and improve collaborative work with Skype and shared documents. Overall, we want to increase the students’ interest in the subject matter.”

The program involves six elementary school teachers, ranging from kindergarten teachers to fourth-grade teachers. Schaeffer believes the new technology has greatly improved the quality of projects and the speed at which assignments are completed.

“Anything new is always exciting,” Schaeffer said. “The research process is much faster, allowing students to spend more time developing their actual projects.

There is also a lot more creativity in a Keynote project as opposed to an old-fashioned poster project.”

According to fourth-grade teacher Ellen Poltorak, the program has promoted student engagement and has resulted in greater student interactivity and efficiency in

activities.

“The level of student engagement has increased. Students would prefer to look up the spelling of a word on dictionary.com rather than in a book dictionary,” Poltorak said. “It is more efficient and students are spelling more words correctly in their final drafts.”

In addition, Poltorak claims that certain applications, such as the ShowMe Interactive Whiteboard app, have saved class time and have progressed Hawthorne toward an eco-friendly campus.

“Students are more engaged when using a digital whiteboard rather than an actual whiteboard, eraser and marker,” Poltorak said.

“We can get more done in the same amount of time and we have also saved paper. Most recently students published five paragraph essays on the Pages app, then digitally submitted them to me through the Edmodo app. I corrected them online and reported their scores to them digitally. No paper was used!”

As technology advances, teachers continuously look for ways to transform their teaching standards to fit the rapidly changing trends.

First-grade teacher Anita Naiman works to blend various teaching methods together in order to promote the most efficient learning environment for her students.

“I am not sure there is a standard way of teaching anymore. Teachers use numerous tools to educate their students--we use crayons, pencils, books, CDs, computers, videos and iPads. I am motivated to create meaningful lessons that utilize the power of the iPad,”

Naiman said.

Besides improving efficiency and interactivity at Hawthorne, the program has had some setbacks, including shaky internet access.

“We need to increase the school network capability in a couple of areas because signals don’t travel well through our very thick brick walls,” Schaeffer said.

Kindergarten teacher Gena Schmidt agrees with Schaeffer about connectivity issues and also believes that heavy research is required in order to make the best use of the iPads.

“There are so many apps to choose from.

Spending time and researching what would be the best use of the kids’ time and the school’s money is challenging,” Schmidt said.

“Also, there are days when I want to show a great video clip about something we’re learning about, but I can’t get the internet to work or the content is blocked.”

The iPad program is still in its beginning stages, so these issues are no surprise

to teachers and administrators.

Faculty is currently working on troubleshooting these minor problems and staying up to date with advancing programs.

“It’s all very exciting and a little scary to try to keep up with this rapidly changing technology,” Schmidt said.

The implementation of electronic devices in classrooms is no new feat. Computers, projectors and televisions have been present on

campuses for decades now.

The main attribution of the iPad program, though, is its emphasis on adjusting to new technology as it becomes more available and user-friendly.

“Technology has been in the schools for the last 30 years in some form,” Naiman said. “We need to adapt to the current trends in technology in order for our students to be prepared for their future.”

“Students would prefer to look up the spelling of a word on dictionary.com rather than in a book dictionary.”

“The ShowMe Interactive Whiteboard app has saved class time and has progressed Hawthorne toward an ecofriendly campus.”

“Most recently, students published five paragraph essays on the Pages app.”

“[After writing the essay on the Pages app], students digitally submitted them through the Edmodo app. No paper was used!”

DANI KLEMES

19th ANNUAL JON CHERNEY HUMANITARIAN AWARD In loving memory of Jon cherney, a 1985 Beverly graduate and Broadcast Production Coordinator of the Media Center This $2500 college scholarship is awarded annually to a member of the senior class who epitomizes Jon’s unique combination of academic achievement, creative talent and spirituality, and, who like Jon, embraces a sincere devotion to humanity and a great passion for making a positive difference

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Describe ways in which your actions demonstrate a sincere devotion to humanity and a passion for making a positive difference through an essay, video, picture collage, audio recording or any other medium. Also, please submit two letters of recommendation from two adults who can best attest to your humane qualities (parents and relatives excluded). One recommendation letter should be from a Beverly faculty member and both letters should specifically address the student’s qualification for the award and must be sent directly to the Cherney Committee. (Students may submit the letters if they are in a sealed envelope). Applicants may be requested to interview before the Committee. Please provide email and cell phone information with your submission.

All submissions can be made electronically or as hard copy and are due by Friday, December 13th, 2013 BY 12:00 NOON. Please email your submission to submit@jcaward.org. Or turn in your submission to Mrs. Boyarsky in the library.

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HIGHLIGHTS CULTURE NOVEMBER 26, 2013

Seven Potter books in Remember, remember no-shave Movember: 70 minutes: Theatrical performance premiers (not) Shaving the world Marguerite Alberts graphics editor

The Barclay Theatre at University of California Irvine had a full house when it hosted “Potted Potter,” a parody of all seven books of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, on Nov. 16.

For 70 minutes, ‘Potted Potter’ actors and creators, Daniel Clarkson and Jeff Turner, acted as many of the main characters in “Harry Potter” as they summarized each book. Turner acted as the ‘Harry Potter Expert’ while Clarkson pretended not to have read the books, thus adding humorous plot twists to the telling of each book.

Whether the audience members have read the books, seen the movies or have never heard of Harry Potter, they will enjoy seeing this two-man act. One of the great things about this performance is that Clarkson and Turner interact directly with the audience. Instead of the actors giving speeches about the books, they not only have conversations with each other, but they talk to the audience, thus creating a more welcoming vibe.

Because the actors use members from the audience as assistants, each show becomes specifically tailored to each audience, further adding to the interactive atmosphere. One of the funniest parts of the performance was during the ‘Quidditch World Cup’ from the fourth

book, “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.” Two members of the audience, a young boy and girl, were brought onto stage as the ‘seekers’ for the ‘snitch,’ which happened to be Turner dressed up in a large, round golden costume with a yellow hard hat on his head. It was hysterically funny to see the little boy, who played for the Gryffindor team, kick down Turner in order to catch the snitch. Afterwards, the little girl, seeker of the Slytherin team, refused to take the Chocolate Frogs that Clarkson offered her as a prize for participating. Moments like those were completely unscripted and caused both Turner and Clarkson to fall out of character, simply out of pure amusement. This in turn heightened the enjoyment of the audience .

As a Potterhead, a member of the Harry Potter fandom, it was slightly disappointing that some characters, such as Minerva McGonagall and Dolores Umbridge, were left out, even though they weren’t necessarily essential to the plotline. In any case, the show was thoroughly enjoyable and Turner and Clarkson did a fantastic job. “Potted Potter” will continue its tour throughout the US in Houston, TX., before returning to California to the Bay Area on Dec. 3.

Students can find the tour dates on the “Potted Potter” website, www.pottedpotter.com.

from health challenges

TIM BRIGGS

Continued from page one as directing family and friends to their accounts to donate. Participants start cleanly shaven and collect funds throughout the month. These participants are dubbed “Mo Bros” and receive support from their “Mo Sistas,” who help to involve men and women contributing the campaign. The Movember Foundation has raised $446 million to fund 577 projects, such as Men’s Cancer Navigation Services, a program that provides free one-on-one support for men afflicted with prostate or testicular cancer

Math teacher Daniel Zadeh is growing out his mustache specifically to spread Movember’s message.

“Me and a couple of friends decided to grow out mustaches this year,” he said. “It was for fun, but we also decided to participate in the Movember campaign in order to bring awareness.”

Zadeh has made an account, but has yet to receive donations.

“I feel like just bringing about awareness is more important, though,” he explained. “Students see me in the halls and ask me why I’m growing this

weird thing on my face, and it’s a good way to explain an important cause to students.”

Students in his classes certainly see the change in Zadeh’s appearance, and gain a sense of the message he is trying to promote.

“It somewhat resembles Mr. Zadeh’s spirit of trying to assimilate with the students, in a good way,” senior Michael Simozar said.

Whether supporting the cause or simply testing the limits of facial hair, November is a month for men to sport their masculinity by growing out facial hair.

Meet the Teachers

John Borsum chooses a cosmo-pilot-an lifestyle, pursues traveling

DANI KLEMES

“When I was in high school I used to always go after school to Long Beach Airport and sit near the runways to watch the airplanes land and take off.”

Dani Klemes web editor-in-chief Hailing from Long Beach, Calif., math teacher John Borsum has his head in the books and his heart in the sky. Having earned his pilot’s license at age 50, Borsum balances his schedule between flying his instrument-rated airplane and traveling worldwide in his pursuit to gain a more cultured outlook of the world.

A SoCal native, Borsum attend-

ed Cal State Long Beach to earn his Bachelor’s degree in math, and went on to earn his Master’s degree in school management and administration at Pepperdine University. In addition, he has taken courses at USC, UCLA and the University of Redlands, and now teaches calculus at West Los Angeles College.

“I’ve always lived a fairly busy life, always teaching full-time and going to college classes or

teaching at college,” Borsum said. “I’ve taught virtually all levels of math between high school and college.”

Though Borsum was interested in math at an early age, he developed a passion for airplanes as a teenager and decided to pursue his pilot’s license.

“When I was in high school I used to always go after school to Long Beach Airport and sit near the runways to watch the air-

planes land and take off,” Borsum said. “I always thought it would be fun to be a pilot.”

After discovering his love for operating aircrafts, Borsum worked hard to turn his pilot dream into a reality.

“To be a pilot, you need time and money, so once I became an administrator here in the district, I’ve had a little more money and a little more time to take flying lessons,” Borsum said. “I’ve had my license for roughly eight years.

I’m not the most advanced, but I’ve gone as far as I think I need to go.”

When Borsum is not behind the instrument panel in the cockpit, he likes taking the passenger seat. Having travelled to all 50 states and various continents, Borsum is an experienced flyer in more ways than one.

“I’ve learned to go to places that are not so much tourist places,” Borsum said. “I’ve been to Australia, the Middle East, the Scandinavian countries, Europe, the Caribbean, North and South Africa, and some countries in Central and South America. I’m lucky that I’ve been able to travel a lot.”

As well as enjoying the recreational aspect of traveling, Borsum believes that traveling promotes cultural awareness and exposes him to multiple aspects of life.

“I think [traveling is] important. It’s a good way to see what people are like around the world and it gives you a different perspective. I find that my friends who live in France, for example, have a very different outlook on life,” Borsum said. “Having time to spend with their family and friends is much more important to them than making money is, whereas, in the United States, success is equated with money.”

In addition, seeing the world gives Borsum the sentiment that he belongs to something on a much greater scale.

“Traveling makes me feel like I understand the people of the world much more because it’s very fulfilling. I feel like I’m a member of the larger global community rather than just my neighborhood,” Borsum said.

Borsum plans to continue his traveling excursions as he heads to Puerto Vallarta for two weeks over winter break. As for his future in teaching, he is nearing his final destination.

“I won’t teach math forever; I’ll probably retire within the next couple of years,” Borsum said.

“After I retire there are several things I might be a little more involved with. I definitely want to travel more and get more rest. I haven’t been flying a lot lately because I’ve been too busy grading papers.”

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HIGHLIGHTS SPOTLIGHT NOVEMBER 26, 2013

Family Form and Function

The modern family re-invents itself Braden Bochner staff writer Audrey James-Anenih staff writer Michelle Banayan news editor Over the past 50 years, the nature and makeup of the traditional American family has undergone changes. Today’s families come in all shapes and sizes.

There are families of mixed race or religion. There are single-parent families, blended step-families, those with natural and foster children, and same-sex marriages in which the children may be adopted. There are those with adopted children of ethnicities different than the parents.

Changes in the workplace and dynamic shifts in social customs and attitudes explain much of this new landscape.

Many fathers, who traditionally had the role of the “breadwinner,” now stay at home to raise their children. According to the Census Bureau, 332,000 children were being cared for by stay-at-home dads in 2010. Such a large percentage of American women have joined men fulltime in the workforce, that it is common for children to be in daycare facilities from infancy until they are ready to attend school. In an infographic created by California Cryobank, a study showed that in 1960, women comprised only 33 percent of the U.S. labor force, and in 2009, women reached near parity with men at 47 percent.

The social changes brought about by the new composition of the American family are far-reaching and will likely have significant implications for future generations. Popular culture has embraced society’s changes in family form and function as well. Television shows like “Modern Family” have developed characters in same-sex families, as well as multi-racial ones. It will be interesting to look back, 50 years from now, to see the effects on our culture and economy that these new families have created.

Birracial Families “That’s so cool - I’ve never seen anyone with that combination before.”

This is just one of the comments that senior Hans Tercek, a biracial child, hears from his peers once they learn about his Slovenian and Chinese descent. Though his parents both met in America and no longer live in their respective home countries, they make sure to implement the culture they grew up with into their childrens’ lives.

“My dad’s Slovenian culture isn’t reflected as much [in my daily life], since he himself was never really immersed too far into it,” Tercek said. “But my mom’s Chinese culture plays a larger role, as I attended Chinese school as a child.”

According to the United States census, the population of biracial children in this nation has grown from approximately 500,000 in 1970 to more than 6.8 million in 2000. In fact, nowadays one in 12 marriages in the United States are interracial.

However, despite their increasing population in the country, biracial families are continuing to receive backlash as a minority. Earlier this year, Cheerios released a commercial starring a young girl of African-American and White descent trying to “treat” her father’s heart with the cereal. The commercial, which was intended to reflect

Cheerios’ mission to be a “tasty trusted family favorite,” received so much criticism on YouTube regarding the featured biracial family that the video’s comment section had to be disabled just a day after the video was posted.

Although there may be a stigma regarding families of multiple races among the overall population of America, students at Beverly feel otherwise.

“I think that stigma shouldn’t exist because I can relate to these families and I know that those who are biracial have a better understanding of different cultures and perspectives,” freshman Lena Shapiro, who was born to Cambodian and North American parents, said.

Additionally, junior CoryAnne Roberts also disagrees that there is a stigma regarding biracial families.

“My parents always taught me equality,” she said.

Roberts, with an African-American mother and a northern Italian father, takes pride in her culture and in the benefits that a biracial family has given her.

“I love being biracial; I feel like it makes me different and exotic. Plus, I get to have really interesting hair,” Roberts said. “[My background] has allowed me to travel all over the world. And because my entire [father’s side] only speaks Italian, I am always working to make sure I practice speaking the language.”

While Beverly’s biracial population cannot compare to that of the United States, biracial students on campus are free to take advantage of the variety of opportunities available to make sure they never feel alone. For example, there are an array of ethnic clubs, such as Black Student Union and French Club, which can help multicultural students connect to their familial roots.

How would you describe “We’re lucky, being able to remain your family? a unit for so long and are all open

“Typical Persian family.”

with each other.”

“My dad is from Spain and my mom is from South Africa, but my grandmother is from Germany.”

“Obvio crazy, usly my mo m is a but m y dad little deals with it .”

“Loud!”

172%

50%

1 OF 12

110,000

Increase in adoptions from 1944 to 2008

Divorce rate nationwide

Marriages in the United States are interracial

Children living in a same-sex household

Married [215] Other [17]

No [306]

Yes [6] Separated [16]

Are you adopted?

No [306]

Yes [6]

Divorced [75]

What best describes the relationship between your parents?

Are your parents of the same sex?

Families with adopted children For many couples who postponed having children due to dual careers, who married later in life, or who are unable to have children naturally, adoption is considered to be a viable option. Adoption rates have increased 172 percent from 1944 to 2008, according to the Census Bureau.

In recent years, celebrity adoptions have been placed front and center as the rates of adoptions increase. Highprofile celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, who have adopted three children, have brought adoption to the media’s attention and have made it more socially acceptable.

Several laws and policies regarding adoption have been created, that form different types of adoptions. For example, a second-parent adoption is the adoption of a child by a second parent that is not married to the legal parent of the child. A joint adoption is when a couple petitions to adopt a child together.

As states across the country begin to pass same-sex marriage laws, couples turn to adoption to start a family.

However, a majority of states currently have laws preventing same-sex couples to adopt children. Only 19 states, as well as the District of Columbia, permit same-sex couples to jointly adopt.

When a child is adopted, there can be many challenges. Growing up is difficult enough, and an adopted child may feel as if they are different than the rest of their family and friends.

Of the 333 respondents, 40 percent were male, 60 percent were female. Twenty to 30 percent of each grade participated in the survey, which was distributed Nov. 13.

School can be a challenging environment for an adopted child. Young children may ask questions such as, “Why do you not look like your parents?” or “Do you know your real parents?”

Alumna Stephanie Ordaz, class of 2013, shared her experience about what it was like to be adopted, along with her half-sister.

“What I can tell you about being adopted is that it’s great. Growing up, I was always told that I was adopted,” Ordaz said. “My biological mother is first cousins with my adoptive mother.

Even though I was adopted into my own family, I still looked different.”

Ordaz expressed gratitude toward her adoptive family and hopes to share her experience with her future children.

“I was lucky enough to be adopted into a great family that loves and cares for me. In the future I hope to adopt my own children and keep the adoption tradition going,” Ordaz said.

As a way to raise awareness for children in foster care in the U.S. waiting to find permanent housing, National Adoption Day was launched 13 years ago. Each year, communities across the country celebrate National Adoption Day, the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Experts at the National Adoption Day Coalition expect 4,500 children in foster care are to be adopted this year on Nov. 23rd.

According to a study conducted by PBS, approximately 250,000 children are adopted each year. Even though adoption is on the rise, there are still more than 463,000 children nationwide living in foster care, according to the Children’s Bureau.

Divorced or separated parents Divorce or separation of two parents can have a large impact on children, according to an article written on the Huffington Post that addresses

nine effects of divorce on children. According to www.divorce.usu.edu, 50 percent of American children have witnessed the breakup of a marriage.

The U.S. Census Bureau found that divorce rates for most age groups have been dropping since 1996.

According to a recent poll taken at Beverly, 23 percent of students have parents who are divorced.

Problems within a marriage before a divorce can often impact the children involved.

“I was 10 years old when my parents separated. I don’t really remember the exact details of what happened nor does it really matter to me,” a Beverly student, who wished to remain anonymous, said. “Before they were divorced they would sometimes have arguments and disagreements. I’d rather have them be together but I wouldn’t want them to be unhappy together.”

Families with divorced or sepa-

rated spouses contribute to children who receive psychological help, according to mckinleyirvin.com.

“I remember when my parents got divorced, but I didn’t fully understand what was going on, [so] I was confused,” the source said. “At the beginning, most of my family recommended that my siblings and I go and share our feelings with a therapist but the idea didn’t sit well among us. What helped me out was just letting it all of my feelings out with my older brother.”

The transition from seeing both parents at the same time to living intwo different houses can be a struggle to adjust to for anyone. Yet over the years the source has gained more understanding for her parents’ circumstances and adapted to the changes that came with their divorce.

“It’s been hard for me to adjust to the fact that most of my friends can attend a function with both of their parents sit-

ting next to each other. But it is not in my control to tell my parents to get back together, but I do have an understanding as to why they got divorced,” she said.

Same-sex parents Over the years, the number of children living with lesbian or gay parents has risen tremendously. A Census Bureau study revealed that out of the 594,000 same-sex couple households, 115,000 reported having children. As attention on topic continues, the amount of same-sex families only increase, as same-sex parenting and adoption becomes more and more widely accepted and present in the media.

As reported in the 2012 U.S. census, 110,000 children live within a same-sex household. Only recently did the U.S Census began to count same-sex couples and their children.

Sophomore Ava Hill doesn’t believe

that having a gay father negatively impacted her or her sister growing up.

“My parents are divorced and have been almost all my life and both of my parents are equally involved in the lives of my sister and I,” Hill said. “People usually ask me what it’s like to have a father that’s gay, as if it’s really different than having parents of a different sex. But it really isn’t different at all.

Neither my dad nor my mom impose their sexual orientation on either me or my sister, so it’s really not different than anyone else’s partner. It’s hard for people to see that usually.”

The number of same-sex marriage couples is growing throughout the states because of the increased amount of sexual tolerance through the decades. This may be attributed to a change in demographic factors, increasing media attention and gay rights movements. More than 16,000 adopted children are living with lesbian

and gay parents in California, the highest number among the states. According to a study conducted by Lifelong Adoptions, gay and lesbian parents are raising four percent of all adopted children in the United States. Currently, 16 states have legalized gay marriage.

Senior Vivienne Hill also shares her views on what gay and lesbian rights mean to her.

“For me it’s hard to imagine being bullied for the sexual orientation of my parents because I’ve always been surrounded with people that are not judgmental. My dad has been really involved with my education and schooling, by coming to meetings with my teachers, but is really good at keeping his personal life separate from that. I wish everyone had it like I do,” Hill said.

Although same-sex relationships are still unable to receive complete equality in the United States, they are becoming more and more widely accepted.

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HIGHLIGHTS CULTURE NOVEMBER 26, 2013

N I

A H

V I

T G

K N

S G

Students celebrate holiday with cultural spice

Zoe Kenealy staff writer As the turkey holiday approaches, a popular topic of discussion is food — lots of food. In a place as diverse as Los Angeles, this discussion can be taken to the next level. With every culture imaginable existing in Los Angeles, ethnically infused Thanksgiving dishes can be found in the households of several students at Beverly, some of which may come as a delicious surprise. From Russia to Iran, and even to Korea, the Thanksgiving traditions of students at Beverly represent the melting pot that Los Angeles truly is.

Russia In senior Simonna Krichevsky’s Russian household, Thanksgiving means mom’s famous braised chicken with a red wine flavoring instead of the traditional turkey.

Additionally, her mashed potatoes are served with a vodka gravy.

“For as long as I can remember, my family has been celebrating Thanksgiving with chicken. This is common in Russian house-

holds, and I am thankful for that,” Krichevsky said. “It is what I look forward to most about Thanksgiving.”

“That [vodka gravy] is somewhat of a joke in my family, and when we have people come over for Thanksgiving it is always a laugh,” Krichevsky said. “It’s a very small amount though, just enough to add flavor.”

Korea Senior Sasha Park’s Korean Thanksgiving. In the Park family’s Thanksgiving, there is traditional pumpkin pie, stuffing and yams.

However at the opposite end of the table there is a large serving bowl of fried rice with turkey chunks and yellow corn mixed in.

“The fried rice: there is no stopping Sasha from eating it all,” Park’s mother Ae Soon Kim said.

“I made it one year because my husband wanted fried rice on Thanksgiving and I figured I could just use the ingredients that I use to make the traditional American Thanksgiving food that we also love. We always had leftover tur-

key anyway so cutting it up and putting it into the fried rice is perfect.”

Iran Senior Nicole Nedjat-Haiem’s Persian Thanksgiving included easily-prepared turkey kabobs.

A large dish of the kabobs sits in the middle of her coffee table for guests to eat throughout the night.

“The kabobs are great because finger food is always a necessity at parties and my family hosts a party every year for Thanksgiving,” Nedjat-Haiem said. “They’re always a hit because people want to eat turkey on Thanksgiving, but who doesn’t love kabobs? Also I feel it’s easier on my mom who has to prepare all the food.”

Around the world, food is an opportunity for connection and bonding. In the homes of students at Beverly, the ethnically infused Thanksgiving dishes illustrate the true meaning of Thanksgiving: Being thankful for the beauty behind all cultures and traditions, and the brilliance that can come out of doing so.

Something to pie for History of America’s favorite Thanksgiving pies Pilgrims’ Pumpkin Pie Juliette Deutsch staff writer Braden Bochner staff writer One of the staples of the American Thanksgiving table is pie. Whether its apple, pecan or pumpkin, people always save room after the classic turkey dinner for these delightful desserts.

Pumpkin pie was first introduced to the holiday table in 1623, at the pilgrims’ second Thanksgiving. More recently, due to the popularity of the pie’s flavor, non-pie twists have been created to mimic the taste of a pumpkin pie. Starbucks debuted the Pumpkin Spice Latte 10 years ago. Pumpkin cheesecake and pumpkin pie M&Ms are also a favorite.

Pumpkin pie is another fall favorite especially for Thanksgiving dinner. Pumpkin pie is traditionally prepared with spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg.

The holiday dish can be served with a simple pie crust or with a graham cracker crust and topped with sweet whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Find tasty variations on the classic pumpkin pie, such as a pumpkin pie cheesecake at Urth Cafe.

As American as Apple Pie Contrary to popular belief, apple pie is not rooted in America. According to the history of apple pie website, the recipe for apple pie recipe originated in England. The Pilgrims brought apple spurs to the New World, and apples quickly became a popular pie-filling among early Americans. The flaky crust is the ultimate finish to the warm and sweet apples, making it a perfect seasonal dessert. Over the years, apple pie has become an American culinary tradition and a Thanksgiving staple for American families. One of the best apple pies in Los Angeles can be found at the 66-year-old hole-in-the-wall burger joint The Apple Pan.

Southern Piece of Pecan Pie Pecan Pie is typically served during the holiday season and is a speciality of Southern cuisine. It is argued where the pecan pie originated. It has been said that the delicious treat was brought by the French when they first settled in Louisiana after being introduced to the pecan by Native Americans. However, Pecan pie was first seen at the Kentucky Derby in the 1800s. After its debut on the race track, pecan pie became a common dish in many southern homes especially in New Orleans. There are many variations of pecan pie; the sticky treat can be prepared with sugar syrup, molasses, maple syrup or bourbon whiskey.

A gourmet take on pecan pie can be found at Bouchon Bakery.

HIGHLIGHTS COMMENT NOVEMBER 26, 2013

THE FORUM

a debate within the Highlights staff

9

What kind of culture has the school created? Over the next several issues, members of the Highlights staff will contend with this question. As the discussion develops, different writers will bring up different aspects of the overarching question, elaborating upon and refuting arguments brought up in previous articles. Last issue, comment editor Max Stahl concluded the previous debate. Now, staff writer Zoe Kenealy addresses the new question.

High school’s paradoxical culture shapes character Zoe Kenealy staff writer When I moved to Beverly Hills the summer before my freshman year, I was blissfully unaware of what I was getting myself into. The next four years of my life would be challenging on a level that I would have never expected.

It was the first day of school, and my older brother and I were walking across the front lawn up to Beverly’s two front doors. When we reached the doors my brother asked me the expected, “Are you nervous?”

I had been itching for him to ask me this. I knew that he was worried about the big day being too much for ninth-grade Zoe to handle, and I wanted to convince him otherwise.

Because in actuality, even though I was unaware of what lay ahead, I was confident in my ability to take on high school without struggle.

In fact, for him to question if I was nervous was somewhat of a criticism of me. How could he think so little of me as to even consider that

I could be nervous for my first day?

Before he could finish his sentence I answered with a snicker and a “no” and walked into the first day of the next four years of my life. Had I known what the four years were going to be like when he asked me, labeling me as nervous would have been quite the understatement.

High school is one big whirlpool that spits every one of its victims out a different person, and my brother, a junior at the time, was aware of that.

The cliché of high school being one’s formative stage is entirely valid, and the effect that experiencing high school culture has on people is, in fact, not overstated. This, of course, would have gone against the notion I had going into high school of the cliché existing simply because of its appearance in the movies. But what is it about high school’s cruel culture that changes teenagers so considerably by the end of their senior year, and leaves 12th-grade Zoe knowing that ninth-grade Zoe had been completely mislead?

The culture that exists in the cli-

ché of the high-school experience is in fact a paradox — or at least very hypocritical. High school is known to be a time to make mistakes, find out whom you want to surround yourself with, express whoever you think you are and find out what makes you different from the rest; in other words, the formative years.

While this is accepted, however, the culture of high school is also one of the most judgmental and selective you will ever encounter. While it is important to be different, you can’t dare to be too different without experiencing some form of ridicule.

While being yourself is commended, you should not be too much of yourself if that self is too different from the rest. Whether it is your taste in music, your style or the goals that you set for yourself, if you want to play it safe in high school and receive minimal criticism, “fitting in” seems to be the answer.

It is this desperate need to fit in and receive minimal judgment from others that forces many people into large cliques in which they can feel

safe in, giving them the false confidence to mock the ones who choose not to join, or are simply not allowed to. Although it may come as a surprise, it is this hypercritical nature, or culture, of high school that curiously does teenagers a favor. The favor is that of allowing teenagers the self-revelation that they hope to have at some point between their first day of school and graduation day. Because when you are criticized, you either realize the fault in your doing or regard the judgmental comments as merely pitiful. Out of this comes the “formative process” — the time when life forces you to learn that, “it is a tough world out there,” and that, despite the ensured snide remarks and dirty looks, some qualities are not going anywhere because you actually do not want them to.

At times, high school culture can be unpleasant and threatening, but at other times captivating and rewarding. The peaks and valleys of experiencing the culture is what teaches teenagers both what

they want and do not want to see in themselves. It carves the chunks of clay that teenagers are when entering high school, so that by the end of the experience their work-inprogress selves can have at least the slightest idea of what each of their finished-masterpiece selves are supposed to look like.

This is not to say that bullying and judging are good things to do, but rather to give valid reason as to why the brutal culture of high school can be looked at in a not-so-brutal way.

To speak of another cliché, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” and this can also be said for the criticism that high school culture is likely to throw in your face. Because although the reality of high school would have made a ninth-grade Zoe too afraid to show up to her first day, the extremely lambasted, senior Zoe has learned to appreciate even the harshest, non-constructive criticism as something to laugh at. However, that quality is acquired, and a part of senior culture — a completely different topic.

Nuclear power atomizes competing energy sources Arman Zadeh sports editor Just this past week, The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. is on track to overtake Russia as the world’s number one producer of oil and gas. One thing is clear from this recent finding: energy demand is rapidly increasing in our modern world.

In light of this, it is important to remember that we still need to fear a looming energy crisis. Oil and other fossil fuels cannot last forever, obviously, and are making harmful and permanent changes to the planet.

There is, however, a solution to most of our problems related to the to the energy crises, but it’s already clear that this solution will be unpopular.

There is one clean, efficient and safe energy source that doesn’t get nearly enough credit. In a world of uncertainty regarding the approaching global energy crisis, nuclear energy, in my opinion, is the best solution.

This may be completely inappropriate in light of the recent Fukushima disaster, or perfectly opportune, for when nuclear power goes wrong, it goes terribly wrong.

However, with modern technology, the possibilities of such catastrophes have been minimized. In fact, in over 14,500 cumulative reactoruse-years, there have been only three major accidents: Chernobyl, Three-Mile Island and Fukushima.

It is important to remember that a few freak accidents in old and already failing reactors is not enough

reason to think negatively of nuclear energy.

Here are the facts. A review by the International Energy Agency states that millions of people have died over the past 50 years from coal and fossil fuel pollution, and that is not taking into account climate change or ocean acidification. In the past 50 years, in comparison, fewer than 60 direct deaths have been attributed to nuclear plants along with their residual effects. Yale.edu even estimates that nuclear power has prevented over 1.84 million premature deaths related to air pollution since 1971.

The Department of Energy predicts that nearly one-fifth (35-60 gigawatts) of the U.S. energy supply from coal power plants will need to be shut down by 2018 partly

because of future clean-air legislation. Meanwhile, electricity demand is expected to grow by 30 percent through 2040. So the problem becomes one not only of providing clean and safe energy to the world, but also of finding a way to provide enough energy. No other source of energy—solar, wind or hamster running around in a wheel—is as efficient and reliable as nuclear energy, and none have the potential to wean the world off cheap fossil fuels like nuclear energy does.

In recent years, naysayers of nuclear energy have been making headlines not because of their antinuclear positions, but because of their ideological shifts to nuclear energy proponents, like “Pandora’s Promise” director Robert Stone.

This major shift of ideology is due,

in part, to new developments in nuclear technology that have made the practice much safer, such as architectural improvements to plants and more efficient technology, specifically “comprehensive monitoring and regular testing to detect equipment or operator failures, redundant and diverse systems to control damage to the fuel and prevent significant radioactive releases, [and] provision to confine the effects of severe fuel damage (or any other problem) to the plant itself,” as reported by the World Nuclear Association.

The benefits of switching to nuclear energy far outweigh the risks.

With proper training, upkeep and maintenance, nuclear energy can and will be the future of energy production worldwide.

A Black Friday in decline may be the worst thing ever Max Stahl comment editor Nielsen, the information company famous for its TV ratings boxes, forecasted on Nov. 18 that 85 percent of American consumers will not go shopping on Black Friday this year, up from 82 percent in 2012. Instead, Nielsen predicts, 46 percent of consumers will wait until Cyber Monday and do their holiday shopping online, a 16-percent increase from last year.

America, what gives?

Black Friday was our day, our celebration of money and things.

Yes, people will still be spending tons of money on tons of things this year, but from the safety and comfort of their own homes, using their reliable and relatively nonviolent computers. Call me a purist,

but without the human interaction — without the pushing and trampling and macing and yelling and brawling and fainting and shooting — it just won’t feel like Black Friday to me. If no one gets run over by an SUV this year, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to get back into the holiday spirit again.

Those laminated wristbands the massive retailers dole out to avid shoppers were a sacred commitment to American consumerism.

The brave souls who donned the wristbands had pledged to uphold this nation’s holy doctrine of quid pro quo — so long as the quo outweighed the quid. Black Friday was our sacrifice to the capitalist gods, and they demand blood.

What are we to do this year if we fail to appease them? What will become of our fragile economy if this

year’s Black Friday sees no fatalities, not even one poor sod trampled to death beneath a stampede of holiday frenzy?

It could be the end of America as we know it. As you should’ve learned in history class, the decline of Black Friday in a nation is directly linked to the rise of communism. It happened in Russia, it happened in China and it happened in Cuba. Had those countries had more holiday spirit (or, in other words, spent more money on Christmas gifts), Lenin, Mao and Castro would never have come to power. The same could very easily happen here in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

If we don’t keep buying more and more, if we become satisfied with our already-immense prosperity, if we stop clawing at each other and

pulling guns on each other over 80-percent-off coffee makers, perhaps we deserve to be called “comrade.” Never mind that practically everything lining the shelves of Walmart and Target was manufactured in the People’s Republic across the Pacific. This is about sticking to your guns and not taking no for an answer and asserting your freedom of choice and… and…happiness, man.

Big business knows what makes you happy, or at least it used to. In 2011, Walmart began luring consumers away from their families Thanksgiving night so they could get a head start on their Black Friday shopping. But, as Nielsen indicated, the appeal may be dwindling. Are you seriously going to tell me, America, that you’d rather spend Thanksgiving with your

family than with strangers you’re willing to elbow in the face so you can get a new wireless mouse for your computer? You see, this is why we’re gonna fall to the commies. This is why we’re the laughingstock of the rest of the world.

America, you’re losing your edge. You need Black Friday.

You’re not just failing your consumerist gods and your nation; you’re failing yourselves. You’re deluding yourselves with the notion that the holiday season should be a month of peace and sharing and family. You’re leaving yourselves vulnerable to your feelings, to your thoughts, to the things that have meaning beyond their dollar values. You’re changing your character. You’re growing soft. You’re growing up. But, you know, whatever makes you happy.

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HIGHLIGHTS COMMENT NOVEMBER 26, 2013

Get back to your own side of the generation gap, Mom Jackson Prince staff writer Whatever happened to the generation gap?

When our parents were our age, they rebelled against their own parents by listening to music their parents hated, wearing clothes their parents hated, watching television and movies their parents hated, and using obscene vocabulary and humor to further widen the gap between the generations.

But our parents aren’t playing by the rules.

Instead of wearing button-down shirts and slacks, appropriate for 40- and 50-year-olds, they squeeze into skinny black jeans and V-necks that appear uncomfortable, both for those donning them and for those of us forced to observe. They’ve trashed their cassettes and CDs, and now their iPods shuffle Drake and Avicii, not The Eagles and Al Green.

(They only rediscovered vinyl after a few of our generation’s hipsters deemed them cool again.)

These baby-boomers and Generation Xers continue to filch The Millennials’ tastes, possessions and style in order to reduce the size of the generation gap. And we’re not going to take it anymore. (In case our parents have forgotten, that’s from their generation’s “Twisted Sister.”)

Do they really need to play Candy Crush on their Neon iPhone 5Cs? Does “Girls” really satisfy their craving for a sophisticated television show? Just because our generation likes cutting-edge stuff doesn’t mean it’s any good.

The problem is that they don’t understand how it feels. Our grandparents did it right; they were utterly horrified at their children’s taste in anything and everything, giving our parents (their children) a taste of rebellion, and they reveled in the chance to create their own identity.

But once they found out “who they were,” they were supposed to keep this mindset, allowing the next generation to follow in their footsteps by not following them at all.

Every generation, in order to grow and change, has had to rebel against the generation preceding it.

Sometimes, rebellion leads to valued change, such as the birth of meaningful rap music and the death of rhinestoned denim jackets. Other times, the change is not so favorable, such as the end of romantic slowdancing and the beginning of autotune. Either way, rebellion against the previous norm must occur in order for a generation to define itself.

But, how are we supposed to rebel against authority if the authority is in favor of what we’re doing?

For the sake of the argument, let’s assume that the disappearance of the generation gap is a good idea. That parents and their children should share the same taste in fashion, entertainment and lifestyle. Without a gap, our parents will spend their time with us singing along to Drake, coasting down Beverly Drive in a cherry-red Camaro after a “hitter” burrito from Chipotle. Wearing snapbacks. No thanks.

Take yourself back to the painful day that your mom or dad joined Facebook under the guise of “making sure it was safe for their kids.”

And then they added everyone and their dogs as “friends.” Soon, they killed the new phenomenon of Farmville, making it woefully dull.

They created photo albums of family trips, wished “happy birthdays” with emojis to our friends and posted long-winded statuses. All of which has made Facebook, altogether, uncool.

But they didn’t have the courtesy to stop there. Today, our middleaged parents stalk us on Twitter, post our baby pictures on their Instagram and boast their “hip” Spotify playlists to anyone who will listen.

So, to my parents and the parents of my friends, I have a message for you: if you’re going to steal our generation’s identity, at least have the decency to whisper.

The ultimate victims of the iPhone’s autocorrect function, our texting-handicapped parents refuse to give up their fleeting hope of mastering a touch screen, abandoning the friendlier rubber buttons of a hand-held landline. They constantly badger us about the degradation of phone calls and the death of “real music,” but they’re just hurting their own cause by buying into our forms of rebellion.

In 1969, Woodstock captured the rebellious spirit of teenagers and young adults nationwide. And their parents did the right thing: they forbade their children from attending because it meant that they’d be dropping acid and mud-bathing in the nude. Today, we have Coachella, another opportunity for teenagers to listen to some of the best music of their generation (and maybe participate in some not-so-savory

activities). But what are our parents doing? They’re buying our tickets, booking our hotel rooms and, in some instances, actually showing up, bragging at the PTA meetings that they’re looking forward to “getting a little buzzed and listening to 2 Chainz.”

Back off, guys. It’s pathetic.

But, if we were honest with ourselves, Millennials, we’d admit that Trinidad James is hardly a musician, and that some of our beloved dubstep DJs produce excruciatingly painful noises that we celebrate as our music. Our parents were firsthand witnesses to some of the greatest music in history: The Beatles, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Who, Hall and Oates, Carole King. Music that’s so good that even our generation embraces it. So why can’t those desperate-to-stay-forever-young adults on the other edge of the generation gap stop wearing board shorts and sporting faux-hawks stay on their side of the chasm, listening to classic oldies on satellite radio as they drive their Lexus hybrids? Oldish people, your taste isn’t “expanding,” it’s losing its identity. And so are you.

I think our parents miss being young. And I don’t blame them. Being young is awesome, especially in this day and age when teenagers have greater influence in society than any teenagers in history. I believe that Generation X’s attempt to “stay relevant” is merely a pathetic plea to join the ever-changing, everprogressing wave that is “we.” We, the “texters” and “Viners,” with a voice that, thanks to technology, can

EDITORIAL

iPads have a place beside the blackboard Education as we know it is undergoing a global pilot program. Since the 1950s, when the Manchester Mark 1 first booted up at the Victoria University of Manchester, scholars, educators and computer scientists have sought to integrate digital technology into classrooms worldwide. Although efforts to marry computers to schools have so far been obtuse and inconvenient, as entire rooms have been set away as “computer labs” where rows of desktop computers spend much of their time unused and unloved, a landmark experiment may be advancing this pilot program into a groundbreaking phase.

At the center of this evolutionary stage is the tablet computer. By mobilizing practically every tool and service used by students, tablets, especially Apple’s ubiquitous iPad, have developed into Swiss Army knives of education.

Now schools themselves are looking to build the fruit-emblazoned slates into student experiences.

Close to home, Hawthorne Elementary School is pioneering an iPad-based program in some elementary classrooms in the pursuit of a paper-free curriculum. With the school’s objectives to include the adoption of interactive textbooks and collaboration via Skype and shared documents, the initia-

tive seems poised to meaningfully enrich student education, as long as the program is not mishandled.

It is not unwise to expect Hawthorne to succeed, as technology has very successfully melded into education in the past. Massive open online courses, which offer unlimited and open access to students and require no more supplies than a device with a web browser, have received widespread acclaim and support, especially the non-profit websites Khan Academy and Coursera.

In fact, Khan Academy’s lessons, which are used by over 6 million students each month, have been integrated with the curriculums of about 20,000 classrooms around the world, according to Forbes. Services such as Khan Academy will likely become more prominent in education in the future, as educators opt for flip teaching, wherein students learn from video lectures at home and teachers of-

fer guidance to students via “homework” assignments done in class.

However, the difficulties have typically resided with making education fit technology. The Los Angeles Unified School District’s initial phase of its $1 billion iPad program, which would put tablets in the hands of each student in the district, has been infamously troubled. Students hacked their devices, protestors loudly abhorred the program and information about what the program actually entailed was slow to spread.

Although the implementation of 21st century technology in school appears to have proven itself a cataclysmic farce, the current transition should be sustained by educators and administrators. Despite the

LAUSD’s fiasco being riddled with issues, it is an important step for not just California, but the entire nation in terms of the advancement of education. With about 655,000 students enrolled, the LAUSD is the second-largest school district in the country, and if the district makes headway with the program, it could quickly encourage districts across the nation to follow suit.

If that wave of advancement is going to spread, and it most likely will, Beverly ought to stay at the forefront of the action. A little responsibility on Hawthorne’s part in making sure their iPad program is administered responsibly and patiently could go a long way in keeping Beverly on the cusp of innovation.

be heard everywhere. We, the Millennials, with the ability to change the world with an iPhone app and start a revolution with a Twitter account.

Come to think of it, maybe their treading on our taste is a compliment. Maybe it’s not just about staying young. Perhaps it’s about being more like us. Maybe they’re the first generation that wants to close the gap because they see that we might be on to something. And in that case, thank you, parents. We’re honored.

Now, can you at least leave Miley Cyrus to us? The last thing our generation wants to see is any of you at your high school reunions, twerking.

Highlights Mabel Kabani and Danny Licht editors-in-chief

Michelle Banayan news editor

Max Stahl

comment editor

Dami Kim

culture editor

Jessica Lu

spotlight editor

Arman Zadeh sports editor

Marguerite Alberts graphics editor

Robert Katz and Dani Klemes web editors-in-chief

Marguerite Alberts and Dami Kim social media directors

Braden Bochner, Juliette Deutsch, Audrey James-Anenih, Zoe Kenealy, Eunice Kim, Brenda Mehdian, Audrey Park and Jackson Prince staff writers

Nicole Leibman, Audrey Park, Sasha Park and AJ Parry cartoonists

Gaby Herbst adviser ­— The mission of Highlights is to deliver community-relevant news in a timely manner while adhering to professional ethics.

Highlights is a forum for student expression that is produced by the Advanced Journalism class of Beverly Hills High School, 241 Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90212.

Letters to the editor may be sent to beverlyhighlights@gmail.com.

Visit beverlyhighlights.com Follow @bhhighlights on Twitter and Instagram.

Ads are not endorsed by BHUSD. Beverly Highlights is sponsored by PTSA and BHEF.

Corrections On p. 4 of our Nov. 8 issue, the headline of “Minnesingers to carol to fundraise for school trip” is incorrect.

It was the Madrigals, not the Minnesingers.

On p. 5 of our Nov. 8 issue, we stated that the Career Center is robotics’ permanent classroom, but it is only temporary. The permanent classroom is Room 285.

NICOLE LEIBMAN

11

HIGHLIGHTS SPORTS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

Choi makes history, places at State, signs with UCLA Jessica Lu spotlight editor Senior Lydia Choi is the first golfer from Beverly to make State, snagging third place at the CIF Southern Section Finals in San Diego, Calif.

Choi played at State on Nov. 20 and tied for 10th place.

“Making it to State made me feel accomplished,” Choi said. “But [at State] I didn’t play the way I wanted. None of my putts dropped.”

Coach Jason Newman explained that at the eighth hole, two of Choi’s shots hit the edge and lipped out, yet she was at par until the 10th hole. Choi scored 75, four under par.

Choi has played at CIF individuals for the past three years but this year marks her first time advancing to State. At the section finals, Choi shot two under par 70.

“I feel the same way that I have felt in observing her over the four years that she has been in our program,” he said. “I have been tremendously impressed with her work effort, practice habits and more than anything, her courage. It takes courage to aspire to be the best.”

Teammate Justin Hong felt similarly about Lydia’s achievements.

“I felt happy for Lydia because she worked hard to make it and she deserved to make State,” Hong said.

Some of Choi’s competition in the Southern Section involved the usual players she sees at tournaments, from schools like Mira Costa, Diamond Bar, West Torrance and Torrey Pines. Though she has played

these girls several times before, she believed her practice helped her stand out at the section finals.

“I spent more time putting and doing drills that helped me with short putts,” she said. “Mentally, I made sure that I wouldn’t get ahead of myself and play one shot at a time.”

Choi is attending another tournament in Florida on Monday, Nov. 25. She expressed that she feels confident because of the lessons she has learned these past couple of weeks.

“CIF helped me understand the strengths and flaws of my golf game so I know exactly what to work out,” she said.

On Wednesday, Nov. 13, Choi signed an athletic scholarship with the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) for golf, one that covers about 90 percent of her tuition, room and board, books, meal programs and other fees at the institution.

“I was so happy when I committed,” Choi said. “UCLA is my dream school, so it was very exciting and memorable for me.”

Lydia’s family gathered at her home to watch her commit to the school. Choi considers UCLA to be her top choice, and so she and her family were particularly excited when she finalized the contract.

“I wanted to stay close to home because of the weather and for the ability to see my swing coach more often,” Choi said.

UCLA’s golf program addresses

Choi signs with UCLA, committing to a 90 percent scholarship.

Choi’s passion to continue playing the sport at a collegiate level.

“The golf program at UCLA is one of the best in the country,” Choi said. “They have access to the best private golf courses around, so I know my golf game will progress at UCLA.” Though Choi is not sure what she wants to study at the university, she does have an idea of what her future pursuits look like.

“I want to try professional golf,” she said. “If that doesn’t work out, I want to stay in the sports business.”

While aiming to excel on the golf course, she expressed that balancing sports with academics may come with a challenge.

“Student athletes definitely need time management skills,” she said.

“I need to work on that.”

Yet she maintains an optimistic viewpoint for both golf and studies,

Photo courtesy of LYDIA CHOI

a perspective she believes other student athletes should have as well.

“Practice [is important],” she said. “You are going to have to make many sacrifices, but at the end, all your hard work will pay off.”

Choi’s ultimate golf goal is to be named All-American, but she also wishes to help her team succeed in tournaments and practice as much as possible while at UCLA.

12

HIGHLIGHTS SPORTS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

Boys basketball preps for season with high hopes Jackson Prince staff writer The Normans, coming off of an offseason filled with various scrimmages against top-ranked teams, will begin their season on Tuesday, Nov. 16, hosting South Torrance.

Forward Max Walder believes the team to be eager for their 2013-2014 season debut.

“We’re hungry,” Walder said.

“We’ve set our goals higher than they’ve been in the past.”

The goal, according to senior guard Ben Cohen, is “to be the league, CIF and state champions.”

And the Normans are set on accomplishing this for the 20132014 season.

Guard Eli Sachs, having just finished his last football season at Beverly, understands that the task at hand is achievable, yet difficult.

“The mindset of the team is to be ‘all in,’ leaving everything out on the court,” he said. “With seven seniors graduating in the spring, the time is now.”

Over the summer, coach Jarvis Turner emphasized the importance of “cohesiveness on and off the court,” according to junior guard Trevor Bergher.

The team was involved in many tournaments over the offseason, defeating highly-ranked teams such as Long Beach Poly, Redondo Beach and Santa Margarita. Guard Ryan Manoochehri saw further “development of chemistry” as they trained and played together.

Guard and three-point marksman Siavash Yektafar used the offseason to improve on his own

game, “working on [his] midrange pull-up jump shot, as well as [his] ball-handling and athleticism.”

Cohen described himself as “being in the gym every day, getting a lot of shots up, working on his footwork and staying in shape.”

The Normans kept much of their core from last year, only losing one starter, Danny Dayan, from last year’s squad. The team believes that the retention of most of its varsity players from last year created a strong bond.

Bergher believes that the intensity during their games in the Swim Gym last year will be present this year as well.

“The fans should look forward to a very exciting and energetic season. As we plan to commit 100 percent of our energy to the game, we need the attendance of the fans and the noise which ensues from their presence to create an intimidating atmosphere within the Swim Gym,” he said.

A season highlighted by Brandon Neman’s (then a junior) buzzer-beater against Samo at home, the 2012-2013 campaign ended with a 63-44 loss to Compton High School in the CIF Southern Section Playoffs. The major difference between the past and the present, as identified by Sachs, is “maturity.”

“This team is very experienced, which is going to help us grind out the tough wins we’ll need to succeed,” he said.

Overall, the boys are “excited to begin the season,” according to Bergher. With high expectations, the Normans are set to tip-off tonight at 7 p.m.

AUDREY PARK

(From left to right) Guards Max Walder, Trevor Bergher and Navid Rafalian work on footwork in the team’s practice on Nov. 21.

AUDREY PARK

Guard Siavash Yektafar speeds past teammate Jaylen Sands in a scrimmage.

AUDREY PARK

Guard Brandon Neman works on his free throws.

Hackman signs with Georgia Southern for volleyball Danny Licht editor-in-chief The summer before her freshman year, senior Liat Hackman started to train for volleyball, and she hated it. She asked coach Marla Weiss if she could quit. Weiss convinced her to stick with it for two more weeks, and she did. And for the next four seasons, too. Last week, four seasons later, she signed with Georgia Southern University, where she will receive a full scholarship to play volleyball.

While he was coaching at George Mason University, GSU

coach Dustin Wood saw Hackman at a Las Vegas tournament.

That night he emailed her to offer her a scholarship to George Mason, but the school didn’t really attract her.

“I wasn’t into the school but I was into him as a coach,” she said. “He constantly invested in me as an athlete from the very first time he laid his eyes on me as an athlete.”

Since that first encounter, Wood moved to Georgia Southern, a Division I school, and continued to approach Hackman. Georgia Southern was

a more interesting option for her, she said, because it was the highest-ranked school that was interested in her.

“I have been watching Liat for the past two years, and there is a huge upside in her development,” Wood said in a Georgia Southern Athletics release. “She will bring size to our outside position and help our program get to the next level. She has great footwork, which will help her to develop quicker. She brings energy and passion to the game, and her leadership qualities are second to none. Her high-

AMIR MOVASSAGHI

Hackman and teammate Alex Sams block an attempted spike from Culver City on Oct. 17.

school, club and USA Volleyball international experience will serve her well in her tenure here at Georgia Southern, and we are excited to add Liat to our program.”

Georgia Southern is in Statesboro, Ga., population 30,000.

It’s an hour outside Savannah, where the nearest airport is. Its population density is 1,812.9 people per square mile. For reference, Beverly Hills’s is 5,973.1. Its median

household income is around $19,000, as compared with Beverly Hills’s, which is around $70,000.

The places, as one might imagine, are very different, and Hackman welcomes the change.

“I’m used to my hometown, the very JAP-y Beverly Hills,” she said. “Some of AMIR MOVASSAGHI the things I loved Liat Hackman readies her serve during the 3-0 loss to Culver most about the City Oct. 17. school were the team and how close they were, out at night and showed me how much athletes are praised what nightlife was like around at the school, the school spirit, campus.”

On the trip she attended a the location and campus, and definitely the southern hospi- football game, got a tour around campus and met with the athtality.”

In September, when she ar- lete tutors, to which each athrived for her official visit, she lete is assigned and must meet was “treated like royalty.” The at least six hours per week.

To younger athletes, she ofschool paid for her and her dad’s flights, transportation, fers this advice: “If you have a passion for something, do it and meals and hotel rooms.

She said, “I got to stay with don’t hold back. We only have the freshmen so I saw how they so much time in high school lived and what their daily sched- to figure ourselves out and do ule was like….The girls took me something that we truly love.”