SENIOR
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CLASS OF 2012 COLLEGE ATTENDENCE BAY AREA St. Mary’s (4) Jacqueline Arechiga Brandon English Brandon Smith Justin Traille Miguel Angeles
UC Berkeley (8)
Dominican (4)
Nicole Havey Kassandra Mangoba
Jade Santos Matthew Comandante
Academy of Arts (4) Jessica Marin Brandon Cruz Bianca Jordan Angela Doty
University of San Francisco (5) Jacob Donida Stephanie Ho Sandya Joshi Bianca Marquez Katrina Sison
Howard Wu Robert Housden Jr. Benjamin Jackson Jonathan King
Anuraag Kumar Ryan Ma Akshay Patel Lisa Wilson
Chabot (7)
Carlos Cueva Johanna Olsen Nicole West Celena Bonner
Mills College (2)
FIDM (1)
Lauren Ann Pagtaconan
Marlene Imana-Iyemura Melissa Palanca
Reliann Viray
CaĂąada College (1) Jaipal Kaur
Laney College (1) Daniel Aguirre
College of San Mateo (8)
Christopher Baca San Francisco State (16) Aaron Arguelles Matthew Mansilla Jeremy Imlach Anees Khan Christina Comic Alyssa Simon Zachary Martin Arianna Cruz Andrew Herce Kris De Leon Avery Balasbas Roxanne Eramela Lorenz Bautista Jatin Kumar Alexandra Chan Leonard Lacap Janessa Catipon Mary-Angeline Limun Brittney Nguyen
Sean Regner Adam Sagpolu Shane Glover Matthew Wong
Genica Blanco Marisa Espanola Meagan Blanchet Adirana Carrillo Alexis Castro Christopher Kalra Marbella Mejia Anai Virelas Melissa Daos Victoria Aceves Nathan Timbang
Foothill College (1) Pamela Tuazon
Las Positas (1) TJ Marcelo
Saratoga City College (1) Joseph Kahrnoff
De Anza (5)
San Jose State (16) Sofia Aguirre TJ Booker Lauren Casareno Ricardo Gonzalez Nicholas McNeil Alston Pacheco Crystal Pereira Vishal Singh Rachel Velasco Kevin Murray David Radic Darshan Advani Joseph Culaton Tyanan Otts Deryck Ylanan Paramvir Singh
CSU East Bay (23)
Marianna Alfaro Sean Asilo Gabriela Corral Allison Delos Angeles Josie Jayme Kris Manuel Rickey McConnell Gina Recuero Adan Sanchez Michael Troung Brandon Villiados Nicole Virrey
Holy Names (2) Aveda Institute (1) Kristia Candelario Jessica Suguitan
Robert Christopher Dzul Iscandari Daniel Valencia
Joshua Corpuz Ryan Nguyen Francis Delfino Jordan Jabson Arthur Chitpedakorn
Santa Clara University (6)
Ohlone College (11) Cassandra Boccaleoni Brenden Espanola Justin Gonzales Jocelyn Maroun Reina Oneal Michelle Paquia Mayumi Regala Elise Reyes Emilio Galaviz Savanna Ulloa Jeffery Veneable
Carlos Briones Jana Lee Clayton Magasanay Rebecca Nepomuceno AJ Santillano Jaylen Wingward
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Moreau Catholic High School --- 27170 Mission Blvd Hayward, CA 94544 ---- Volume 44 Issue 7 ---- May 18, 2012
Photos courtesy of Christine Kosmicki
Honors, Excellence
Moreau recognized stand-out students, families, faculty, and staff at separate events, the Evening of Excellence and the Academic Assembly, held Mon. May 4 and Tue. May 5.
A night of Adiós to one of MCHS’ finest Moran departs after lengthy tenure recognition By Athenie Galvez Editor in Chief
By Matthew Comandante Staff Writer
» Excellence Page 13
Señora Yolanda Moran
This year, however, her retirement is absolute. “It’s time,” she said. “I’ve taught many students throughout the years, and now I’m even teaching some of my past students’ children.” Moran expressed that what she will miss most after retiring is her students. “They’re such a diverse group and they’re different every year, but that’s what makes them all special to me.”
» Farewell Page 13
2012’s “Chosen Ones” take center stage at graduation By Karanvir Singh Staff Writer
Nanduri and Perlas receive coveted end-of-year honors
Valedictorian. Salutatorian. Being selected to represent your class is perhaps the greatest achievment for a graduating senior. The honors are a culmination of four years of hard work. And you are rewarded with the opportunity to give a speech to your peers, on behalf of your peers, at
graduation. You have received the highest recognition our school community can bestow. This year, two outstanding students were selected to these honors. Samhita Nanduri was chosen as the Class of 2012’s valedictorian, while Percival Perlas was named
salutatorian. What many don’t know is Valedictorian Nanduri that the positions aren’t simply awarded on the basis of academic history, especially at Moreau, a school that promotes educating hearts and minds. We sat down with Moreau’s chosen ones to discuss the honor and process behind it.
» Valedictorian Page 13
Salutatorian Perlas
Photos courtesy of Samhita Nanduri & Christine Kosmicki
The Evening of Excellence is a night that honors all the outstanding students at Moreau and their accomplishments in academics and co-curricular activities. Students from every grade gathered with their families into the Main Gym for this amazing ceremony. And out of all those who were attending, the majority were newcomers. “It was such a honor being there as a freshman because I was with a lot of upperclassmen who were really dedicated to Moreau and their studies,” freshman Antoinette Acosta said. The night started off with military athletic awards being given to seniors who exemplified the qualities and ideals of the American armed forces. The recipients of these awards were seniors Matthew Ramson, Karra Gardin, Lisa Wilson, and Richard L’Heureux. As the night progressed, the ceremony went on to awards recognizing those who have excelled in academics. This includes awards for GPA, excellence in specific subjects, and standardized testing scores. “It makes me proud to be part of a school with such a diverse and achieving student body,” senior Ben Jackson said. A large part of the student experience at Moreau is an emphasis on service-learning. Of course, all students are required to devoted a minimum number of hours to community service work. Part of this ceremony went on to honor those whose commitment to service goes beyond all expectations. And out of all the students who were recognized for their volunteer work, senior Crystal Esparza stood out.
After 32 years at Moreau, Spanish teacher Yolanda Moran is retiring. “It feels like an eternity,” Moran said. “But I’m glad I got to spend it with my wonderful students.” Moran planned to retire when her granddaughter Sadee Moran graduated last year in 2011, but decided against it because no one had been trained to replace her as the Language Department chair. Because of this, Moran agreed to stay one more year as a part-time teacher.
4
Partisanship:
a political reality
By Athenie Galvez Editor-in-Chief
OPINIONS
May 18, 2012
Holy Cross values in the classroom By Matt Ramson News Editor It’s one thing to learn at a Holy Cross institute. It’s another to teach at one. Moreau’s own Nichole McGowan has had the pleasure of
English teacher Nichole McGowan knows how it’s done.
doing both. As a student, McGowan attended the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, where she originally studied pre-med, switching to the program of liberal studies. “I felt that I was in college to figure out who I wanted to be and what kind of lifestyle I valued, rather than finding a major so I could have a great job,” McGowan said. Not drilled on the Holy Cross values at the time, she noticed them shine through McGowan attended the in her education. University of Notre Dame, “Definitely being family, a Holy Cross school. although I know educating hearts and minds is a close second. It wasn’t stated -Shankar Vedantam like that at ND; you just felt it in the way you were treated by the administration, professors, alumni, and party advocates. Unwilling to compromise, partisans make it un- other students,” McGowan said. bearably difficult to come to agreements in Congress. Now as a teacher at a Holy Cross high school, President Obama’s campaign rhetoric called for America to put aside partisanship and discrimination in order to come together for the greater good. That being said, David Redlawsk of Encyclopedia Britannica doesn’t think partisanship should be done away with so quickly. “Most Americans may say they don’t like partisanship. But to put it bluntly, just because Americans don’t like something doesn’t mean it isn’t good for them,” he said. “Being partisan does not mean being nasty, negative, or simApril. A month of rejuvenation, the start of spring. ply mean. One can be – I hope! – partisan with respect for the But to the seniors at Moreau, it was a month of sincerely held positions of the other side,” Redlawsk said. “What dreaded college decisions. we need is respectful, thoughtful partisanship with open, honest UC, state, private and out-of-state schools mailed debate.” their acceptance letters last month. Some made it, and Total support. It would seem that in politics this is what parties and candidates desire most. In the larger scheme of things, however, this is not the case. Political partisanship refers to supporting a party so exclusively that supporters are sometimes even reluctant to recognize the validity of the positions of their political opponents. The concept has carried a negative connotation throughout history, and most Americans today express their distaste for it, with Encyclopedia Britannica describing it as “rampant individualism and looking out for [themselves]”. “Partisanship is the new racism,” Shankar Vedantam of Slate Magazine said. “We love to criticize it, and we love to claim we’ve transcended it. We recognize it in our enemies but not in ourselves. We use it to discriminate against those who do not belong to our group. And increasingly, we find sophisticated ways to mask it in a veneer of open-mindedness.” This type of political support tends to breed closed-minded
McGowan reinforces these themes in her interactions with students. “I think I emphasize all the values - I treat my students like my family,” McGowan said. “It’s important to me that they learn what I’m teaching in the classroom, but I recognize that they are people with their own needs, interests and problems.” One thing McGowan makes clear is found right in Moreau’s mission statement, which states: “We prepare our students through academic, social and spiritual learning experiences that form and transform them as they become responsible citizens of our global community.” “I think students learn better when they know that their teachers and administrators care about them. It’s not just about their grades and test scores, but also about helping students develop into strong, healthy, happy young adults,” McGowan said.
“Partisanship is the new racism.”
McGowan utilizes Holy Cross values in class.
College admissions now more competitive than ever some didn’t. We cried with pain, and laughed with happiness. There was a myriad of emotions. I have gone through these emotions - the rise, the fall. Redemption. Success. Failure. So have many Mariners these past few months. The acceptance rates at most the high-tier California schools nowadays are below the 15% mark. The acceptance rates for state schools in California have dropped 5-10% in the past years.
So yes, political partisanship does have its benefits. With parties’ supporters as resolute as they are, political partisans can help better define a party’s political values, building a more loyal support group. In politics, differing views and opinions always result in disputes and heated arguments. Parties know what they want, and compromise isn’t usually at the forefronts of their minds. Hopefully, with some of that “open, honest debate,” our politicians can develop bi-partisanship, with two opposing parties coming to an agreement on a law or policy. That’s the idea - developing ideas, arguing about those ideas, and ultimately coming to an agreement about how those ideas will or will not be implemented in our democratic society.
California schools, including the prestigious University of California system, have shown a trend in lower acceptance rates in the past few years. “Many people I expected to get into good colleges didn’t get in,” senior Darshan Advani said. The competition this year has increased due to budget cuts that were implemented in preceding years; California acceptance rates have dropped considerably. Now, students need to work smarter, not harder, in order to get into college. With job competition global
THE EXPLORER
Have a nice summer!
Statement of Purpose: The Explorer is an open forum committed to honest and fair coverage of news and information for the students of Moreau Catholic High School and its community. Students produce the newspaper and make primary decisions, making every effort to distribute a high-quality publication. Letters to the Editors Policy: -Letters must be signed. Anonymous letters will not be printed. -Letters will be printed as is except in the case of obscenity, libel, personal attack, or excessive length. -The Explorer will edit minor grammar/ spelling mistakes without altering content.
By Jatin Kumar Opinions Editor
rather than national, a college degree is now a necessity, not a luxury. “20 years ago, it was really common to see a classroom where kids didn’t want to go to college. Nowadays it’s almost a requirement to get anywhere in this new world,” Advani said. The college environment today is the pinnacle of competition. Students from all over the world compete with the spots that you strive for. If you are planning to apply to schools in California you’ll also have to worry about the competition from other states, since California has some of the most prestigious colleges in America. Add that to the hundreds of thousands of kids instate vying for that spot you so desire. Let’s keep that in retrospect and try not to forget about the college admission process. Last year, Mariners went to schools all around the nation and the world, and I was amazed at the extent that the seniors went through in order to get into their colleges. “The class of 2011 set the bar too high and it seemed extremely hard, but when it actually came down to the college admission process, it was not as stressful,” senior Dania Delfino said. “Early action really made it less stressful, and by the time November arrived, I was already done.” Stressing out and keeping everything to the last minute can really put a roadblock to assuring your success of getting into your college. But one mantra will keep you from rolling in the deep. “Stay on top of your college admission process, and try not to overload,” Delfino said.
Editor-In-Chief Athenie Galvez
A&E/Health Editor Karra Gardin
Opinions Editors Josie Jayme Jatin Kumar
Design & Graphics Editor Seth Borneman
News Editors Dana McCall Matt Ramson Features Editor Arianna Cruz Sports Editors Elise Reyes Jon Vivet
Staff Writers Kathy Parra Karanvir Singh Katy Carscadden Anton Cardenas Matthew Comandante Elissa Joseph Jaipal Kaur Michael Tacchellla Adviser: Dave Baptist
OPINIONS
May 18, 2012
5
By Matthew Commandante Health Editor
Over the four years students spend at Moreau, they often manage to overlook some of the great educational and co-curricular opportunities available to them.. According to the Moreau Catholic Philosophy of Teaching, “Teachers at Moreau Catholic facilitate the educational process of information at the service of formation directed towards transformation. Teaching at Moreau Catholic includes the ability to understand people: what motivates them, how they work, and how to work cooperatively with them.” As students, we usually complain regularly about the homework we get, or the extreme difficulty of a certain topic. And personally, there have been those late nights where I constantly complained about the amount of math, english, and science homework I had gotten. So instead of doing my homework I spent my time complaining. These feelings cause the students
Graphic by Jatin Kumar/THE EXPLORER
Everything you didn’t do at Moreau here at Moreau to become lazy, and misconception is that you have to be put little effort into the work they are that ethnicity to join that certain club. given by certain classes. “The cool thing about clubs at “When I get a lot of math homeMoreau is you don’t have to be a work, I usually don’t do it because certain race to be in a certain club. In seeing all those problems makes Nuestra Gente for example, there are me unmotivated, ” senior Mayumi people who are white, which brings Regala said. variety,” senior Lupita Gonzalez In addition to the value of our said. education, Moreau students tend to But besides ethnicity, the main overlook another great opportunity reason people do not join clubs is beknown as having clubs. cause they just don’t want to sacrifice According to the International their time. Debate Education Association, “CoBeing in a club means having to curricular activities are particularly dedicate yourself to the club and all good at providing opportunities for the events it’s a part of. As young students to work in teams, to exercise adults, we get lazy, and just laying leadership, and to take the initiative around sounds like a better option. themselves.” Unfortunately, falling to laziness At Moreau, students know the means that most students tend to wide variety of clubs offered here. overlook the ability to lead in a club. Most even focus on things imporSo with so much to be thankful for tant within our society today such as here at Moreau, we should utilize all saving the environment, and helping the things that are available to us. the needy. And because of the opportunities Though, the majority of clubs at we receive, we will be able to have a Moreau, are those associated with higher chance of having a successful a certain ethnicity. But the common future. An array of activities that students have utilized in the past year. Sports, dances, events, art classes and many others.
Zimmerman Trial By Kathy Parra Staff Writer
Photo from Google Images
MLK Jr. once said, “Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away, and that in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty.” George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer, was arrested on second-degree murder charges in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed African American teen. What brought Zimmerman to shoot Martin? He claims that he only shot Martin in selfdefense. According to The NY Times, “Protests and marches popped up around the country spawning a national conversation about racial profiling, Florida’s self-defense laws and the criminal justice system.” After waiting for a long time to apologize to the family, Zimmerman spoke directly to Martin’s parents. “I wanted to say I am sorry for the loss of your son. I didn’t know how old he was. I thought he was a little bit younger than I am and I didn’t know if he was armed or not,” Zimmerman said. “He makes this self-serving apology in court 50 days later. The real George Zimmerman website never once said I’m sorry,” Crump said. Martin’s families are praying Zimmerman’s freedom will only be temporary. Some of our very own Moreau students and faculty had their own opinion about the Zimmerman trial. “I think that Zimmerman should have done what the dispatchers told him to do, which was to leave it up to the police,” government teacher Colleen Galloway said. “I cannot really make a judgment about the case; I would have to see the evidence and the claims that Zimmerman was injured in the confrontation. But I think that the big debate here would be that he was not charged with the crime for about a month.” There was a major uproar questioning why Zimmerman was not tried for the crime of shooting an unarmed citizen,” senior Jolee Espinosa said. “I don’t think it was fair that Trayvon was not given justice even though he was shot and killed. Zimmerman should have at least been held and tried for the crime. That way it would show some justice, but as of right now there is no sense of justice.” The Zimmerman case has been a center of media attack from the past couple months and it seems that everything has fizzled down. But has everything been sorted out? Not the way we would expect. According to MSNBC the recent news on Zimmerman was that his not guilty against second-degree appeal was accepted, and he remains free after he posts the $150,000 bond. Not the most optimistic end to the death of a young boy. But that’s the way the world works.
Budget cuts the college classes School. Books. Homework. School. Books. Homework. Those are the three primary things that play an antagonistic role in most students life. To me, they’re everything, despite how tedious these tasks become. Whenever my television is turned onto the news, nothing pertains most to me than the segments regarding the budget cuts California is making in order to save money. As someone who is excited to transition from high school life to a new student in college, it’s a bit frightening to know there will be a few more things to worry about besides the usual tests and projects. Tuition is expected to rise roughly 20% next year, programs all over the state are being shuttered, faculty positions are being left unfilled and class sizes are continuing to grow. [nytimes.com] As a means for the state to take in more revenue, California Universities and State Schools have recently started to accept more out-of-state students to compensate for their financial losses. “It will affect everyone,” senior
Josie Jayme/THE EXPLORER
By Josie Jayme Opinions Editor
Alex Chan worries that budget cuts will impact available classes. Alexandra Chan said. “Because of the budget cuts, I might not be able to get the classes I need because of the high demand. It’s really hard. It’s like we’re paying for the mistakes other people made.” In a perfect world, these sorts of troubles should be the least of students’ worries, but the reality is that it’s not. Classrooms that are continually being filled to their fullest capacities will make it harder for students to know their teachers on a personal level and compete amongst another for specialized help.
Rising tuition will force some students to have to get a job to pay for their classes, making it all the more difficult to focus on their studies and finding that time to enjoy college and the amenities it has to offer. “I’d probably transfer to another school that might not be as affected by all the budget cuts,” senior Janessa Catipon said. “It’d be the best way to avoid those kinds of problems.” The one thing that I’m personally afraid for is the lack of classes that will be available due to the budget cuts. The first two years of college are consisted of courses you’re required to take in order to graduate on time, but with less faculty and more students being accepted, what if you can’t get those classes? This sort of situation can cause more of a financial burden on the student as well as graduating on a timely matter. Not getting those required classes can backtrack students’ plans and ambitions for their future. For all these reasons, an education is more meaningful than ever.
May 18, 2012
How much has changed in the past five years?
More than you would expect.
By Dana McCall News Editor
Image courtesy of Cruise Market Watch
Earth Week I’m always ready for it ... but then again, I’m just always ready One week dedicated to our favorite planet, planet earth. A couple weeks ago, Moreau hosted their own homily earth week here in the Mariner family. The Earthwise club collaborated efforts to bring animal activists and JATIN KUMAR/ The Explorer
“I think it was a great opportunity to learn about what we can do to help out” --Senior Clayton Magsanay
other earthy enthusiasts to showcase their work to the Mariner community. I really enjoyed the different displays that Earth week had to offer, but what about the rest of school? “I think it was a great opportunity to learn about the state of the earth and what we can do to help out,” senior Clayton Magsanay said. Earth week was a great opportunity for Moreau to learn about the environment and the different risks that we have put on it. And most Mariners have their favorites in the week. Freshmen Sina Abdolliah said,
Page 6
By Jatin Kumar Opinions Editor
“I really enjoyed seeing the different animals from the presenters and I enjoyed the BBQ that the Earthwise team had brought out for us to enjoy.” Two animal activists showcased animals all over the world, including a lynx and porcupine named “Pig.” The next day a barbecue was hosted at Moreau and many students and faculty enjoyed the variety of organic food that was offered.
One of the beautiful, often overlooked green-spaces on campus.
Littering ... really, Mariners ... really? Junior Marcus Ng said, “I thought that the shark presentation was great and I was engaged the whole time.” Teacher/moderator Ms. Serena Maniscalco and the Earthwise Club took on a tremendous amount of responsibility in making sure Earth Week both entertained and informed. “I thought Earthwise did an organized and good job of (arranging earth week),” junior Stephanie Chen said. “This year, for me, was memorable because I felt like everyone was interested in what was happening.” Check out the EarthWeek feature on Page 11 ... and make sure to recycle!
What makes the mall experience worthwhile JATIN KUMAR/ The Explorer
By Josie Jayme Staff Writer
Spending the day at the mall is a attract more customers. typical pastime for most people, but “I think Stoneridge is the the experience might not always be best mall in our area, so they the same. should use it as a model to Some shopping trips serve as a improve their own malls,” Senior Celena Bonner believes clothes make the kind of relaxation, that is, if you’re senior Crystal Esparza said. mall and the local malls need a major makeover. visiting another area of town and want If you were going to to explore around, while other trips travel a few miles in any factor when it comes to managing a are “chores” that need to get done and direction from Newark or Hayward’s business, this shouldn’t serve as an out of the way. malls, you’d see that Stoneridge Mall excuse for the malls in our own area The local shopping areas and malls in Pleasanton, or Valleyfair in San to not tailor themselves a bit better. aren’t exactly exciting shopping desJose, make their shoppers feel more The selection of stores they offer tinations—just by appearances, they welcome as well as immersing them aren’t entirely bad, but it’s not so don’t make the greatest first impreswith entertainment to make their much of what they sell but the way sions to anyone that might be visiting shopping experience more enjoyable. they present themselves to everyone out of the area. The atmosphere and ambiance is more around them. Newark’s own Newpark mall looks inviting—and lively. There are inexpensive ways these uninviting from the outside—the “The malls in our area should defi- malls can make themselves look more buildings are massive yet dull, the nitely be remodeled.” Senior Celena appealing to the public, like planting sidewalks are all cracked and while Bonner said. “They should have some flowers or adding more outside the mall does provide a lot of parking stores that sell better quality clothing. décor to attract potential customers. space, the roads are rough and bumpy A lot of the clothing stores at SouthBesides providing convenience if when driving. It’s a barren wasteland land sell the same kinds of clothing.” you need to run a quick errand, these that continues to disintegrate as stores Although money does play a key malls are sights for sore eyes. move their businesses to newer parts of town, like the newly bustling Pacific Commons in Fremont. The malls, especially Southland, should have more department stores that are popular in order to Newpark needs an extreme makeover and could follow the lead of Stoneridge in Pleasanton. Pictures from Google Images
In 2007, George W. Bush was our president, the Boston Red Sox won the World Series, and the Dixie Chicks took the Grammys for Record, Album, and Song of the Year. 2007 was the end of my sixth-grade year. Flare-leg jeans were the cool thing to wear, Facebook and Twitter hadn’t yet become mainstream, and only a few of my classmates owned cell phones. It was a whole different era, even though it was only five years ago. Five years ago, the iPhone was released, and with it, a cultural revolution began. Apple’s device was a never-before-seen mix of functionality and simplicity. Its App Store now hosts over 500,000 apps, and iPhone sales have easily surpassed 100 million. If you look around Moreau today, you’re bound to see what seems like every other person tapping away at an iPhone. While 2007 saw the beginning of the iPhone era, it saw the end of another: the Harry Potter saga. The first iPhone was released five The final novel in the boy years ago - now, we’re onto the wizard’s tale, Harry Potter generation five of Apple gadgetry. and the Deathly Hallows, was released on July 21. I know many of our generation grew up with the series, and I was no exception. I began reading the books when I was in first grade, and eagerly waited for the release of the novels from the fifth book onwards. Attending the midnightpremiere of the seventh and final book seemed like the only logical thing to do. I remember devouring the book in less than five hours, and unashamedly shedding a few tears when it was over. I still had the movies to look Oh Harry ... wherefore art thou? forward to, but it would never be the same. In 2007, I also began my seventh grade year. Being my second year of junior high, I was more accustomed to the switching of classes that was so different from my elementary-school routine. However, because I was still at the same school at which I had spent the first seven years of my education, I was pretty safe - no upheaval or huge changes that I had to learn to adjust. Seventh grade was a year of great change for me. Before that year, I had mostly kept to myself, not really paying attention to trends or the opinions of those around me. I was a typical bookworm, reading in every spare moment I could find. But that year, I decided that I didn’t want to be like that anymore; I enacted a change. I cut off my long hair, finally got my ears pierced, started following “fashion” - or however fashionable seventh-grade girls could really be - and made an effort to be more social. Taking a look at how society is now, it seems as if we’ve used the culture of five years ago as a building block for today’s achievement. While social-media sites were just starting up then, now they’re a major component of everyday life. The iPhone, in 2007 surrounded with doubts as to whether it would actually take off, is now cemented as the world’s smartphone of choice. Five years can make a world of difference.
OPINIONS
May 18, 2012
Skype-ology 101
NEWS
By Karra Gardin A&E Editor
Imagine a world where you create your baby. You pick the eyes, haircolor, intellect levels, and athleticism, or for some, lack of. This is the world discussed in the skype session on April19 with panelists in the field of biotechnology. Organized by English teacher Jessica Guidotti and Amy Armstrong, the skype session was meant to bring awareness about the religious, ethical, social, and legal perspectives from which to analyze bio-technology. “One of the main questions we must ask ourselves is how is important is science for ethics?” said David Winickoff, Associate Professor of Bioethics and Society at UC Berkeley. Some of the other topics Experts in academics and the biotechnology discussed field visited Moreau by way of Skype chat. were genetic engineering, green technology, and the socio economics impacts on the poor. “The ethical questions come in after you develop the technology,” said Kathy Jo Wetter, a Senior Researcher at EaTC Group. The goal of the session was to introduce the concept of combining different disciplines to teach students the different educational dimensions involved in social and ethical dilemmas. “We want to get departments to work together to enhance the curriculum,” Theology teacher Amy Armstrong said.
In a comment-style discussion forum, students from Ms. Guidotti’s English 10 post relevant news articles and pose questions that Mr. Hannon's Moral Theology students then answer using terminology and theories teachings from their discipline. “We hope that students' online conversations and respective contributions enhance one another's understanding of the issue,” Amy Armstrong said.
The Library hosts a unique forum on green technology that brought together classes from multiple depts.
Many took an opportunity to follow the program online.
By Seth Borneman A&E Editor
of the most likely frontrunners for the vice presidential nomination include New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Ohio Senator Rob Portman, and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum. While some remain skeptical of the importance of a candidates running mate, a reminder of the importance of one’s choice can be exemplified by John McCain’s choice in 2008. Sarah Palin’s stint as a vice presidential candidate was highlighted by her time on SNL, Youtube, and coventional news sources where she was criticized for her lackluster public speaking skills. John McCain was reprimanded for his choice in Palin and many claimed his choice as one of the primary reasons for his loss. “I think that Palin was mostly seen as a joke and she had a Portman, left, and Santorum are VP options negative impact on McCain’s
Tykes Takes
By Michael Tacchella Staff Writer
At 7:37 AM on a Wednesday morning, I walk into Michael Tobler’s room. I immediately point at him and whisper in a threatening voice, a terror-inducing mix of Freddy Krueger and Golem from Lord of the Rings, and say, “You!” He slowly turns his head and says, “I’m typing it right now.” Michael Tobler is one of the new members to the Moreau teaching community this year. He teaches physical science, Algebra 1, and both engineering courses.
Math teacher wants to reward hard working students By Kathy Parra Staff Writer Hakuna Mata. The beloved phrase from the famous Disney movie The Lion King. It means no worries, but if we have no worries, then everything will be calm and cool and we’ll end up being lazy. It’s okay to worry about school, or your social life, after all we are teenagers. One of the subjects that we often worry about is math. Math teacher, Jeffrey Stone says, “I thought that some students fail because they are lazy and don’t do their homework. However, I had to admit that wasn’t true. Many good, hard-working students were struggling.”
Stone encourages math students to keep trying.
Romney VP will likely say, “YOLO”
While Mitt Romney has sealed up the Republican nomination for presidency in 2012, he has a long way to go before he is ready to hit the campaign trail. One of the largest tasks he has left on deck is picking a reputable politician to run alongside him as his vice president. Many options have been presented to him, and these politicians have been seen on the campaign trail alongside Romney as they “audition” for the role. According to ABC News some
Cold Stone Mathery
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Republican candidate Romney throws his hand up, throws his hand up. campaign” senior JC Guittard said. With this being said it is obvious that a Vice Presidential candidate can make or break a campaign for presidency. “I would say the role of vice president is very important because, the vice president acts as someone reliable who helps to solidify your views and decision making skills, and someone a candidate can rely on to help in tough times.” Andrew Herce said. While Romney has a bit of time left before November, the search for a Vice President is certainly on his desktop.
laying all the cards out on the Tobler
However, underneath it all, he’s a normal person like most of us. “I enjoy snowboarding, hiking, and of course, gaming occasionally,” Tobler said. He teaches science and math with a passion. “I personally believe that one of the pillars supporting an advanced society is science, and you can’t do science without math. My goal is to get more people interested in these sciences,” Tobler said. Tobler has taught at multiple schools
Mr. Stone has tried to implement a program in which students can learn from past failures. “I decided that all students want to learn, so it was my job to figure out how,” Stone said. This left the math teacher back at the drawing board. “I came up with a list of essential skills for the course, and then a list of essential skills for each chapter,” Stone said. “If students can master the essentials, then they should be guaranteed a passing grade.” The program was only available for students with a below average grade after the first quarter, “But now it’s applied, without any choice, to all students,” Stone said. Although this program is new this school year, Mr. Stone says, “I think that the program has potential to be successful.” It’s no doubt that the essentials are helpful for some students. I know that for me, it has really helped me understand math more. Having access to the essential skills online helps you study for what the upcoming test will be like. Instant access is key. Before when we used our textbooks, it was harder to focus and study on what sort of problems were going to be on the test. “I think it’s a better resource, in the books they don’t have full examples, but on the essentials, it shows you how to do a problem step-by-step,” junior Amanda Geraldo said. Even though this program is doing pretty well so far, “I think that the idea needs to be developed a lot more,” Stone said. In this program, the pace isn’t too fast or too slow, it can be very helpful for students who find math too difficult. “In any course, I think a teacher should concentrate on mastery of essentials, not how much you can cover,” Stone said.
“I personally believe that one of the pillars supporting an advanced society is science”.
since he graduated from UC Santa Cruz. “Before Moreau, I taught at a public school in the South Bay. Before that, I taught English at a private school in Japan. I’ve been teaching, if you include Japan and this year, for a total of five years,” Tobler said. He grew up in the East Bay and after moving around many times, he has settled down here back in the East Bay to teach. “I was born in the East Bay, grew up in
the North Bay, went to school in the South Bay, worked in Japan near the Tokyo Bay, and here I am again in the East Bay. I guess I just like bays,” Tobler said. Overall, Tobler has a healthy personal life at home and enjoys his job. In my books, he’s doing pretty well for himself. “I’ve been married for almost six years now and we are just about to have our first child,” Tobler said.
NEWS
May 18, 2012
Career Day: Round 3
Even though he is a not an alumnus of Moreau, Mark Tarpenning took time to come and talk to students about what he does. He is the co-founder of Tesla Motors, co-inventor of the Tesla Roadster, and co-creator of the eRocket book. Throughout his presentation he discussed the importance of an electrical car. Though this was the youngest group he has ever presented to, the students gave him their full attention.
Mark Tarpenning
Maestra de Español
By Josie Jayme & Jaipal Kaur Opinions Editor & Staff Writer
Photos Courtesy of the Communications Department
Seniors Brandon Smith and Tynan Otts were enlightened by Tarpenning’s presentation. “You don’t need to have a lot of talent, knowledge, and potential in a subject to become successful. All you need is an idea and to be a bit outgoing to get off the ground,” Otts said.
By Josie Jayme Opinions Editor
From DJ and radio personnel in college to sacrificing a pig as a sign of respect for the people she befriended while leaving Paraguay, it seems like Serena Maniscalco has taken more risks than the average person is able to cross off their own bucket list in a lifetime. The one thing she thought she would never do in her life? Become a teacher. It all began when she needed more credits in order to graduate from college, so she decided to take a public speaking class. It allowed her to become more extroverted around her peers and colleagues. It also opened a new desire in helping kids to not only overcome their own problems, but educating them about controversial issues plaguing today’s society. “I love teaching Spanish because it’s not solely focused on vocabulary and grammar,” Maniscalco said. “It allows me to incorporate real-life lessons as well.” Maniscalco teaches Spanish 1 to freshman and AP Spanish 4 to the more experienced juniors and seniors. In her AP Spanish class, she taught a unit about issues facing the environment and introduced new vocabulary regarding climate change, recycling, and how people can reduce their carbon footprint. She had her students pair into groups to create a video as an assessment to show what they learned from the unit. She runs Moreau’s Academic Support Center and is the adviser for Earthwise, combining both education and her passion for environmental awareness together. She’s probably the only teacher in the entire school that has actual plates, cups, and silverware hanging in her classroom, but that’s not the only thing she prides herself in. “I pride myself in being flexible and knowing my students on a more personal level besides academics.” Maniscalco said. “The best way to make an impact is through educating children because one day, the world will be in their hands.”
Senior Kyrus Mohta explained how attending Career Day helped him with future plans. “I want to join the FBI when I grow up, and learning from law enforcement officers will point me in the right direction,” Mohta said.
Graduation Rates Declining By Jaipal Kaur Staff Writer
As the last semester starts to come to an end, many high school seniors are anxiously awaiting graduation. A lot of teens look forward to the day where they leave high school and start on new paths for themselves. Although many go off to college after they finish high school, some don’t even make it to the end. Over the course of many years, the graduation rates for high school seniors have been slowly declining. According to a recent article on CNN, “Utah’s rate dropped from 90% in 2010 to 75% in 2011 - 15 percentage points. Georgia dropped 13 points from the last year.” A formula is used to come up with these exact percentages, and all it involves is some simple math. They take the number of current graduates now, and divide them by the number of students that were in 9th grade. Essentially, the state is responsible of keeping track of where a student goes, whether they graduate or go somewhere else.
Senior Natalie Tierney explains why it’s necessary to finish high school. “It’s important to graduate high school because one needs to develop confidence in their work and study
ethics to survive in the competitive job market,” Tierney said. “A high school education can improve your future by increasing the job opportunities available after graduation.” Washington County, in Maryland, got their rates to go from 78% in 2000, to 92% in 2010.
From all of us here at The Explorer, CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2012!!!
According to The Washington Post, “Washington County devised a strategy in 2001 to turn around its sagging graduation rates. Teachers worked with struggling students most at risk of dropping out. Intervention specialists were hired. Support was offered to at-risk students before, during and after school. Summer classes and evening high school were expanded to help students complete graduation requirements.” The Washington Post concluded that high school graduates earn $130,000 more in their lifetimes, compared to their peers who dropped out of school. The more education one attains, the more income they are likely to receive. “It effects my future because without a proper education I wouldn’t be able to go to college,” senior Maddy Pruneda said. With this being a national problem, it does not mean someone will magically take care of it. People need to step up and address this issue. Images courtesty of GOOGLE IMAGES
On April 27, Moreau held the third Career Day of the year. The speaker list consisted of Mark Tarpenning (inventor of the Tesla Roadster), Matt Warren ‘03, and Mike Carroll ‘83 (police officers from the City of Newark.) Each of them shared their stories and professional experiences through the years. At the end of each of their presentations they answered questions for students that attended.
Commander Mike Carroll ’83 and Officer Matt Warren ‘03 took time from their busy schedules to come and speak to the students about being in law enforcement. They started off talking about themselves and the education they had gone through. After that, both of them took turns discussing the different career paths in law enforcement, requirements, training and much more.
JOSIE JAYME & JAIPAL KAUR/ The Explorer
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May 18, 2012
CSI: M
NEWS
reau
9 By Matt Ramson News Editor
Mysterious find in the science dept. spooks faculty and staff When you go to show something to your class, you Anatomy & Physiology classes here at Moreau. generally have a plan of action and know exactly what “We looked at it, and she thought pretty clearly that you want your students to find. it was a human jawbone,” Showers said. “And, also, we This usually rings true for Moreau’s own Steven had the model in class, and I held it up there and it was Showers. All until one day, when he took a closer look at the same shape and structure. It had some of the teeth still the bones he had selected for his students to view during in there, but the front ones had fallen out.” Showers then brought the a lecture. issue to the attention of school “I pulled out the tray, and administration. I saw what looked to be a huLuckily, one of the school man jaw bone. These are just resource officers happened to supposed to be animal bones. be visiting campus that very So I thought, ‘That’s kind of day. odd, I don’t remember seeing Showers promptly turned that before,’” Showers said. over the bones, and explained “We get our bones from a his hunch regarding the bones’ supply house, and these didn’t origins. look like they came from one.” “Most of the time when As the science department you receive products from a chair, Showers was quick laboratory company, there’s a to act, first summoning the certain look and feel to them. help of Kerrie Gibson, who The jaw bone found in Mr. Showers’ classroom did teaches the majority of the They’re clean, they’re wellNOT come from this skull, just so we’re clear on that.
maintained. This set of bones was not,” Principal Lauren Lek said. “These actually arrived in the 70s. They are official. They did come from a lab company.” But how or why they ended up here is still somewhat of a mystery. Upon examining the condition of the teeth and jawbones, Showers thinks they may be quite old. “These aren’t from a recent cadaver or body found in the woods or anything; it’s a low level of investigation,” Showers said. And now the cold case, briefly warmed, rests again in the back closets of the B-Hall Science labs. “So now it’s just a question of, ‘Are we really using these, or do we donate them back for another school to use?’” Lek said. “It was just kind of unusual,” Showers said.
By Jon Vivet Sports Editor
JON VIVET/The Explorer
Cafeteria Changes
striving for a healthier menu
As the school year comes to a close Moreau bids a sad goodbye to the cafeteria staff as they prepare for the next chapter in Mariner food. “We heard a presentation from our Catholic social teaching class and A.P. Statistics class … [who] were very interested in providing healthier food options,” Principal Lauren Lek said. “These presentations were the fire we needed to look holistically at the food we offer and what other opportunities are out there.” After visiting multiple schools, tasting food from different companies, and researching for several months Moreau finally decided after long deliberation to go away from their in-house cafeteria. Still to be determined is how this will affect cafeteria staff that have been at Moreau, as staffing will be handled by the new company in charge of food services. “We chose a company called Chartwells. We were very focused on providing choices that were exciting and interesting to our students while still exceeding minimum nutrition standards,” Lek said. Although prices may slightly increase they will be relatively competitive with what Moreau currently offers, while being able to provide more options due to professional chefs. “Some options include fresh salads, Panini sandwich-
es, an Asian station with rotating menus, as well as either a rotating pasta or Mexican station, depending on the palates of our students,” Lek said. Aiming to broaden the Menu, Moreau hopes to be able to satisfy all of the different preferences and needs for Mariner students. “From an athlete’s perspective I can’t wait. I’d to be able to choose healthier lunches on a daily basis,” sophmore Brandon Tieu said. In addition grab-and-go options will be available for easy get in, get out access. The set up of the new lunchroom will also hopefully cut down on time in line. “The average time we anticipate a student to get through line, get into the area, choose their food, and get out, is anywhere from three to five minutes,” Lek said. Chartwells will also be providing cooked breakfast, break, and after school options for student convenience until at least three in the afternoon. “The same options will be available on minimum days. Maybe even more exciting options, so you don’t feel the need to go off campus,” Lek said. Although time availability will be widen a card only system will be required. In order to purchase food parents will have to pre-load a students card or four digit cafeteria I.D.
A closer look at Close Up
The Ivaldi Student Center will undergo a massive facility makeover before the 2012-13 school year. Although accessible online 24 hours a day, students will not be allowed to pay at the registers with cash of any form. In addition the Ivaldi Center will be receiving a slight facelift, with new flooring to replace the current tiles. With the possibility of booths in the near future Moreau’s dining facilities look to have an extreme change in store. By Dana McCall News Editor
Moreau’s annual Washington DC trip to be reinstanted during next year’s inaugural said. “This year, we’re going to the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court.” The highlight of the trip, however, is the inaugural activities. Students on the trip get to witness the swearing-in, inaugural address, and inaugural parade. After the official ceremonies, Close Up holds its own Inaugural Ball to mimic the official Inaugural Ball. After the more set-in-stone activities are finished, there’s an entire day for students to spend in the city together with little restrictions. “In the past, we’ve gone to plays at Ford’s Theatre and visited colleges in DC that students are interested in,” Parker said. “The whole city’s ours.”
Flickr
By the close of this election year, either Barack Obama will be set for another four years as commander-in-chief, or another candidate will be poised to lead the country. In January, the inauguration of November’s victor will take place in Washington DC, an every-four-years event that draws thousands of people from across the nation. What better time for Moreau to reinstate its Close Up program? Close Up is a program that brings students to the nation’s capital to educate them in the processes of democracy and roles of citizenship. However, during inauguration week, the program alters to include activities related to the events going on in the city. The last time Moreau participated in Close Up was in 2009, during the last presidential inauguration. “We’re going to be going every year from now on, though,” history teacher and trip moderator Robert Parker said. “This special trip is just to kick-start the program again. We’re hoping to get twenty students to sign up, but as many people can go as they want.” Parker said that the Close Up organization takes care of most of the trip’s details. “All I have to do is register with them, and we’re set.” The week’s itinerary includes visiting landmarks such as the Smithsonian, the city’s many memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, and Holocaust Museum. “We get to meet with prominent political figures, have debates, and meet with students from all over the country,” Parker
Farewell, Friends
10
FEATURES
best wishes to our esteemed faculty and staff
Susan Geiger
Twenty-nine years ago Susan Geiger started working for Moreau Catholic’s library. However, throughout the years, no day has been similar to one another. “Everyday is different,” Geiger said. “We respond to the needs of teachers and students, and that is one of the exciting things. One of the things I like about my job is I never know Librarian Susan Geiger what’s going to circa 1986. happen.” After completing her last year here at Moreau, she hopes to reserve more time for the things she loves to do such as sailing with her husband, and working on her crafts. We all wish her the best of luck in whatever she chooses to do. Librarian Susan Geiger uses persuasion tactic to make student return a book.
Gerald “Kookie” Nasario
Gerald Nasario, aka Kookie, applies both meanings of the Hawaiian word aloha as he departs from Moreau and prepares for what’s next. Kookie came from the Hawaiian Island of Kauai in 1959, a time when many Hawaiians moved to the mainland, and started working at Moreau much later in 1996. However, after this year, he will moving onto a new part of his life, which is a well-earned retirement. “I will miss the people the most, Moreau is a special place” Nasario said. “I will miss the people the most, Moreau is a special place” Nasario said. “I’ve been honored to work Kookie poses with his with him over the years, and weapon of choice. he’s taught me so much more Janitorial staff Gerald than how to maintain the campus, he taught me how to be Nasario circa 1997. a good person and carry the aloha spirit,” Tom Alcott said.
Michelle Dwyer
Although a new school year brings many new friendly faces, the 2012-2013 school year will also lose a friendly face from campus. English teacher Michelle Dwyer is currently getting her masters to become a Holistic Health Coach and Nutrition Consultant. Dwyer claims that this is definitely going to be a huge change for her. “I’ve been at Moreau for 12 years now and it has been a fantastic 12 years,” she said. “It’s also where I met my husband, so Moreau is very Michelle Dwyer instructs special. It was not an easy to decide her class with enthusiasm. to leave Moreau.” Mrs. Dwyer has taught a number of courses throughout her twelve years, ranging from freshman honors English to junior English. “I am going to miss the daily interactions students the most. They just crack me up” Dwyer said. “And I am definitely English teacher going to miss all of the great friends I’ve made.” Michelle Dwyer.
Logan Irons
May18, 2012
If you have had him, he usually starts off the class with a joke or a story. The embarrassment that fills the faces of the students is definitely one that he will never forget. Logan Irons, has been apart of the Moreau for the last four years, being a History teacher, PE teacher, a football coach and a basketball coach, it is definitely a hard goodbye Moreau will have to say. Irons will be moving to San Diego to attend the sports MBA Logan Irons addresses a program at San Diego State University. “There are windows question in a blue tie. in your life where you can do certain things, and when you are at my age, I still have that opportunity to go back to school and earn my masters degreem,” Irons said. Although it is a tough loss for Moreau, just as Irons said History and P.E. himself, “It is hard seeing everyone move on, but I know it is teacher Logan Irons. great, because everyone has a bright future ahead of them.“
Jerry Sheets
History teacher Mr. Jerry Sheets, has decided that it’s time for him to retire after 30 years of teaching at Moreau. Not only did he serve as a history teacher but Mr. Sheets also taught and served as a coach for the Moreau freshman football team. “I’ll miss the outstanding teachers, students, friends, the History teacher Jerry tech department, and Sheets circa 1987 of course the patient library staff.” Sheets said. In retirement he plans to assist the Athletic Department, exercise more often at the gym, read a good book, and last but certainly not least coach the Freshman football team here at History teacher Jerry Sheets Moreau. confirms historical accounts.
Father Tito Bonoan
A friendly face that has graced Moreau’s campus is heading out. “I felt like I was going to work here forever. I was delighted and joyed by the great opportunity that was given to me to work with young folk,” Father Tito Bonoan said. After 15 years with the Moreau community, he has decided to embark on a journey of his own. “On May 30th, I’m flying to Europe and I’m going to spend 90 days backpacking. I fly to Paris and I have no certainty of what I’m going to do when I get there,” Bonoan Father Tito Bonoan. said. Aside from being the chaplain, Father Tito was the CCS coordinator for 13 of his 15 years. “[It was] one thing that stood out for me,” Bonoan said. “I knew I [was] doing something good in the sense that these kids were having powerful, transforming experiences through service.” From his ministry as a priest to his work as a CCS coordinator and also a friend to all at Moreau, Father Tito Bonoan deliv- Father Tito’s legacy and time with the Mariner community will not be forgotten anytime soon. ers a sermon at mass.
Joanne Couling
Some know her as a former cross country coach. Others know her as the teacher with the fancy classroom. And some just remember her as the wonderful, tall British teacher who loves her students. Whatever it may be, science teacher Joanne Couling has definitely formed a number of memories at Moreau. But this year will be the last of her four-year journey. “After a very, very long summer, I’m going back to Graduate school,” Science teacher Joanne Couling said. “I’ll be working toCouling. wards my PhD at UC Santa Cruz, researching alternative assessments in science education at the high school level.” However, as excited she is to pursue her PhD, Couling admits that she’ll miss Moreau. “Of course I’ll miss my lunch dates with Mrs. Gibson and Mrs. Kleczek,” Couling said. “You build up good relationships when you are lucky enough to have students for multiple years. I have many students this year who know me well Science teacher Joanne Couling grades papers. and that made teaching them fun.”
Michael Aquino
Assistant Principal Michael Aquino will return to the classroom as a social studies teacher and technology coach at De La Salle. He has loved the experience of working at Moreau: “Part of the reason I love Moreau is because I graduated from here, so coming back and adding to the school that gave me so much has been a big deal for me,” said Aquino. This transition coincides with a major development for him and his wife who welcomed their first child in April. “I miss working in the social studies department and coaching, but I also want to be able to spend more time with my family and going back to teaching will allow me more time to do what I want,” said Aquino. As he leaves, Mr. Aquino will be missed while he takes his next steps in Aquino led the 2012 WASC accreditation. life at De La Salle.
FEATURES
May 18, 2012
Earth Week
Monday:
Animal presentations
Earth week started off with two presentations regarding animals and the life of sharks. Students and staff were able to see animals that they usually dont see every day such as a hawk, lynx, and porcupine. Along with that, they learned more about the natural habits of sharks and the area they live in which is North of San Francisco.
Tuesday:
Animals & Wine Bottles
Tuesday had two events: -Sulphur Creek Nature Center visited Moreau and brought with them an owl with one eye, tarantula, snake, turtle, and frog. -Two students turned wine glasses into vases by tying a string around them, lighting it on wire, and dumping it into ice water.
By Elissa Joseph Staff Writer
For $5, students and staff ate from the salad bar filled with fresh vegetables and were given a slice of lasagna.
Groups from around Hayward gave presentations about ways to eat healthy, how to properly dispose of garbage, what the inside of sewer drains look like, and much more.
Ecothon
Friday:
Thursday:
Ways for Healthy Living
Salad Bar
Wednesday:
Moreau’s celebration of Earth Week ended with a walkathon and various activity booths around the festival area.
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HEALTH
12
May 18, 2012
Wisdom Hurts Teen fad or health concern? By Anton Cardenas Staff Writer
Cinnamon Challenge spikes in popularity again
Photo by Karanvir Singh / The Explorer
on you. There have been several cases reported where kids needed ventilator suptheir videos on YouTube port because they weren’t and Facebook and are getable to maintain their ting more than 20,000,000 airway.” hits. Unfortunately, The vidmany people do eos often end not understand with people these dangerous spitting, results. The Amerchoking, and ican Association gagging out for Poison Control the cinnareported that 88% mon. of the calls to the “It’s country’s poison always funny control centers in the to see people first three months of spitting out 2012, were related to the cinthe cinnamon chalnamon.” lenge. Students enjoy videos of people doing the Cinnamon Challenge senior Sahil CBS news reports Photo by Karanvir Singh / The Explorer Chugani said. “But I would that its difficult for never try because it seems teens to stop the chalimpossible.” lenger, when adults Impossible it is. Doctors like the governor of are claiming the spoonful Illinois, Pat Quinn are of cinnamon will never go doing it. Along with down because the mouth him, basketball stars does not produce enough Nick Young and JaVale saliva to make it easy to McGee posted their cinswallow. It leads to traces namon challenger video cinnamon particle going on ESPN. Larissa Sterling feels the challenge is impossible. down your windpipe and “I think it’s a very into your lungs. “If you have fine parstupid challenge,” senior “When I did it, I expectticles like cinnamon in your LaRissa Sterling said. ed it to taste good,” junior lungs, it may be hard to “People think they can beat Kristen Leahy said. “But clear out,” he said. “Your it but it’s not possible.” it was really dry and bitter, lungs can kind of collapse
By Karanvir Singh Staff Writer Eating a spoonful of sugar is sweet. Eating a spoonful of salt is sour. And eating a spoonful of cinnamon is now considered deadly. The famous, decade-old cinnamon challenge has had a recent spike in popularity since the beginning of 2012, and it has had some poor consequences.
“It was really dry and bitter. My whole mouth got super dry so I couldn’t really swallow for while” -- junior Kristen Leahy said. “The cinnamon challenge is when a person takes a spoonful of cinnamon and tries to swallow it in a minute,” junior Jasmine Dhillon said. “You can’t have any water to wash it down.” Many have been posting
and my whole mouth got super dry so I couldn’t really swallow for while. ” Doctor Robert Zaid from Providence Hospital shared his findings with ABC news.
Photo by Karanvir Singh / The Explorer
They come out of nowhere during these high school years. And it gets ugly. Your wisdom teeth are the third molars behind your two prominent ones, usually appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth commonly affect the development of other teeth, causing them to shift or move. Sometimes when wisdom teeth start to come in, they grow in an awkward direction. Sideways, vertically, and this typically damages other teeth. “I had my wisdom teeth removed when I was 17,” senior Kristen Segismundo said. “It wasn’t that big of a deal and it didn’t irritate me, the dentist just said that I needed to get them removed.” Most of the time though, wisdom teeth become impacted. When a tooth is unable to fully enter the mouth, it is "impacted." In general, impacted teeth are unable to break through the gums because there is not enough room. Nine out of ten people will have at least one impacted wisdom tooth. “I had an impacted wisdom tooth,” senior Siddarth Sharma said. “It really irritated me and it honestly hurt a lot. They came out pretty fast and it disrupted and hurt my other teeth. Getting them removed was such a relief to me.” I had two impacted wisdom teeth removed from my bottom row. At times it was incredibly painful.
Watching your years away I play sports too, only adding to the irritation. Having impacted wisdom teeth can have other serious consequences such as infection, swelling, and bacteria in your mouth. Some people also have their wisdom teeth come in without much pain, but this does not mean that they are not negatively effecting the rest of your teeth and mouth. It all comes down to the fact that it is very important for your dentist to check the status of your wisdom teeth. “The operation isn’t bad at all. They give you a shot and you knock out. They even let you keep your wisdom teeth when it is all done,” senior Justin Deng said. “It happens to a lot of people and it’s really normal. Getting them taken care of in the right way is very important though.”
No one would think that watching your weekly shows would actually kill you. But the thing is that television isn’t what kills you, it’s the lifestyle it
encourages. “Prolonged watching of television equals a lot of sitting, which invariably means there’s an absence of muscle movement,” author
Photo courtesy of Google images
Senior Justin Deng thinks the operation was painless
It’s that time of the night where your favorite show is about to be on television. So like any normal person you plop yourself on the couch. You sit on the couch and watch television until you feel tired, or until your show ends. Well according to a study by the American Heart Association, people who watch four hours or more of television per day are 80 percent more likely to die from heart disease. “The opportunity cost of watching television is the root cause of the concern,” senior Howard Wu said.
Watching too much T.V. has poor consequences in the long run.
By Matthew Commadante Staff Writer David Dunstan, Ph.D., said. “If your muscles stay inactive for too long, it can disrupt your metabolism.” Instead of watching television and grabbing that remote, it might be smarter to grab those shoes and go outside. “Personally, I prefer going outside, and hanging out with my friends instead of being in front of the television,” senior Pamela Tuazon said. In the end, how much you watch television is all up to you. Just remember that if you subject yourself to a life full of a television you might end up watching your life away.
Media’s coverage on autism may be one-sided Autism is the new face of American media. Hit T.V shows and media outlets spotlight the psychological disorder as a superpower rather than more of a problem. Shows around America have included an autistic character while some even focus their story around the aspect of autism. “Touch” a new Fox TV show centers their story about an autistic child who can see the future through numbers and the connections that people share. “It is a disorder that affects the brain’s normal development,” junior Mazda Bathena said. Most people have described autism in its most basic dictionary definition that may have been achieved
through biology or psychology type classes. about a nine year old autistic boy. Even though he is auThrough the years the mental disorder has received tistic, he is able to crack any type of code including one much acknowledgcalled Mercury,” Bathena said. ment; however tv The Huffington Post recently wrote shows, internet an article containing 8 facts about posts, and other autism that the media does not cover. media outlets fail to It includes aspects about how autism perceive the real asaffects the life of grown people, how pect of Autism and parents feel and their “guilt”, and the how autistic patients effect autism has on marriage. really behave. Many Autism is a growing concern for people mistake autistic many Americans but most of the inforkids as geniuses, or mation that Americans receive are too behaviorally chalone-sided and do not give the whole lenged, but they do not Autism is a growing concern for many American families. picture of autism. To really learn about understand the real lives autism try to read articles online, or even betthat autistic children face. ter find someone autistic and see the world through their “I watched a movie called Mercury Rising, which is eyes; it might even change your life. Photo courtesy of Google images
By Jatin Kumar Staff Writer
May 18, 2012
NEWS
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Student’s recognized for outstanding achivment » EXCELLENCE FROM PAGE 3 She received awards for her help in the Breakfast Club that feeds children in the Hayward area. “It was nice to see that all my hard work paid off in the end because it was definitely a challenge having to balance everything,” Esparza said.
The ceremony concluded with scholarships awarded to Moreau students from different grade levels. “Seeing all the people who got the scholarships and have such high GPAs really motivates you to be like them someday,” sophomore Helene Malanzo said. At school the next day, further recognition was given to many of these same students in front of their peers at
the Academic Assembly. Additional awards were given for club and club officers of the year. Both days held memorable events for students who have excelled in and out of the classroom to be recognized for their accomplishments, and hopefully encouraged to continue their efforts in the future. Photos courtesy of Christine Kosmicki
Adiós to Señora Yolanda Moran » Farewell From Page 13
» Valedictorian From Page 3
Q: Percival, how excited you were you when you found out you were selected? PP: When I got the letter that I was chosen as Salutatorian, I was surprised and I literally started jumping with excitement. I also felt honored but also just a little bit nervous to have been chosen especially because my speech will basically sums up our whole 4 years as a class. Q: What was the process? PP: First I had to file an application that I was interested in becoming the Salutatorian speaker. With that application, there are certain requirements (ie: grades) I had to have fulfilled, and I also had to create an outline of what I was planning to talk about in my speech. After about a week, I got a letter from the panel stating that I was part of the ‘semi-finalists’ for the Salutatorian speaker. I then had to present my speech in front of a panel of about 10 people (teachers, counselors, AP’s, and other administration). A day later during 9th period Econ, a letter was sent to me that I was chosen as Salutatorian. Q:How are you feeling about giving the speech on graduation? PP: Though I have those moments of nervousness, I’m overall ready and excited to give my speech. The senior class is a group of 227 students that I’ve grown up with in these past 4 years, and I want to represent them as best as possible.
Junior Narciso Bernardo said that even though her class could be challenging at times, Moran always found a way to engage the class. “She pokes fun at her students and jokes around a lot, but that’s just the way she interacts with us,” Bernardo said. “It’s one of the main reasons I enjoy her class so much.” Junior Stella Martinez expresses the same sentiment for Moran. “Even though I only had her as a teacher for one year, her class was a good experience and it’s going to be sad to see her retire after all her years at Moreau,” she said. No one will never forget all the contributions Moran has made to the school community, and she will never forget the students who have made her years at Moreau so memorable. “Teaching is like a box of chocolates, except I got the best box.” Senora Moran has a vivid and bright past with Moreau Catholic through photos and memories. She will be greatly missed and will always have an impact on her students.
Q: Samhita, how excited you were you when you found out you were selected? SN: I am still very surprised, but grateful. The other candidates were as qualified, and that makes this an even greater honor. Q: Were you nervous about giving your speech to the panel? SN: I wasn’t very nervous speaking in front of the panel as much as I was concerned about my speech. I had to say everything within a certain time limit: I was thinking about speeding up and slowing down the entire time! Q: How are you feeling about giving the speech on graduation? SN: I’m very excited. I’ve seen my classmates and friends mature around me in the last four years, so it is a great privilege to deliver the farewell. I want our final high school experience to be memorable, and that’s what I hope to Samhita Nanduri’s commitencourage with my speech. ment to her academic excelQ: What will you remember the most about senior year lence has been a positive and your life at Moreau? influence on other students. SN: I’m really going to miss the environment. Moreau is fantastic at balancing the importance of sports with school with faculty/student communication with fun. A lot of people don’t realize how much Moreau can do for us. And that’s what I really want to emphasize in my speech. Finals and AP weeks seem to be just as encouraged as spirit week. I’ve seen my classmates grow into mature people who are ready to take on college. I’m going to remember all of the close connections I made with people. I reconnected with old friends and made new friendships that have had deeper meaning than I expected. Every senior in my position knows that we’re all going our own ways. So our class has become more united in the last year.
A&E
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May 18, 2012
Talent on display in The Wiz The new Avatar Seniors shine in their last high school musical
We’re off to see the wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz! Theatre director Arlene Hood has done it again, providing Moreau with another fantastic spring musical. This year’s selection: The Wiz. A spin off the 1975 Broadway musical, and ‘78 film starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, this version of the story features some of Mrs. Hood’s theatrical genius, adapting the story to fit today’s audience. “I like how they adapted the script so that it was more modern,” junior Myla Azofeifa said. Freshman Helene Malonzo starred as Dorothy, the girl swept away from home and carried off to the magical world of Oz, where she encounters a scarecrow searching for a brain (senior Andrew Salvatin), a tin man longing to acquire a heart (senior Brandon English), and a cowardly lion hoping to be granted some courage (senior Robert Christopher). Also featured in the cast were seniors Hawa Foster and Dani Issa, who played the infamous Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch, respectively. “Personally, I thought that the scenes that Hawa was in as the Wicked Witch stole the show. She did a fantastic job.” Azofeifa said. “I genuinely think that our performance only got better and better, every time we had a performance,” senior Dani Issa said. Hood chose to incorporate the Cheerios, the cheerleaders from the popular television show, Glee, as the chorus for this year’s play. Also included in the play were appearances by Kanye West (sophomore Christopher Castro), a pregnant
By Matthew Ramson News Editor
Snooki (junior Kayla Wilder), and an allusion to the recent Occupy Movement. “I feel that the modern twist made the musical more entertaining. It made watching the musical more enjoyable and it was easier to relate to rather than the original musical,” senior Marbella Mejia said. “The urbanization of such a classic adaptation of American history in The Wiz makes the play both refreshing and true to its 1930s roots,” junior Eyouab Tadesse said. As the curtain closed, and the play ended, the seniors of the cast gave their last bows on the Moreau stage, closing the doors on their high school acting careers. “It’s so much fun because not only are we putting on a show for people, but we are hanging out with friends. As a senior, I was very pleased with The Wiz. The seniors definitely went out with a bang this year!” Issa said.
The Crow, Dorothy, and the lion in the musical The Wiz.
Senior artists say their final farewell By Matthew Ramson News Editor
Cassandra Boccaleoni’s painting “Metamorphosis Part 2”
Zach DeCastro’s concetration piece focuses on dance.
“The Monument Valley Highlights Tour” by Jonathan King
Nikki Havey shows off her tribal themed concentration pieces.
By Dana McCall Staff Writer
Earth. Fire. Air. Water. A new Avatar cycle has begun – the hit TV show has returned, starting last month, with an entirely new series, dubbed The Legend of Korra. A sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender, which first aired in 2005 and ran three seasons until 2008, Korra picks up 70 years after the first show’s close. “Everyone’s favorite monk, the precious Avatar Aang, has died,” junior Derek Buss, a self-proclaimed Avatar buff, said. “The next Avatar in the cycle is Korra.” The shows take place in an Asian-influenced fantasy world where some inhabitants have the power of “bending” – the ability to manipulate either water, earth, fire, or air. One person – the Avatar – has the ability to bend all four elements. “All of the power generated by bending left the world unbalanced,” Buss said. “That’s why the Avatar exists - to keep the benders in check and serve as a mediator between the nations.” In the first series, Avatar Aang, the last living airbender, successfully prevented an all-out war between the Fire Nation and the other nations. In the time between the series’, Aang and the new Fire Lord, Zuko, have created a republic where benders
“It’s more mature – like it grew up with the audience”
of all nations live together in harmony. Korra has a totally different feel, as compared with the first show. While the cities of Avatar were market-based communities, Republic City, the main setting, is much more modern, complete with automobiles and electricity. “It looks almost like it’s set in the 1920s, with gangs and industries,” junior Aditya Dharma, another Avatar fan, said. “[Korra] is focused on a non-bender’s revolution in this new republic,” Buss said. “The series still has much to reveal, but I’m not quite as hooked onto it the way I was with the first. The first series had that perfect balance of humor and fantasy action.” Dharma agrees with Buss. “The old series had more humor. It also came out when I was a lot younger, so maybe I thought it was better than it actually was.” However, Dharma is still a fan of the new series. “It’s more mature – it’s like it grew up with the audience,” he said. “I’m still a firm believer in the creators, so I will continue to watch religiously every Saturday,” Buss said. “I just miss Aang.”
Legend of Korra has generated much excitement for fans of Avatar the Last Airbender.
Dance Spotlight: Kimberly Katen By Karra Gardin A&E Editor
Sophomore reflects on her experience in the 2011-2012 dance program Q: How have you seen yourself grow as a dancer from the begininig to end of the school year? A: I have become more flexible and learned how to become more fluid with my body, especially in my dance movements. Q:How does it feel to lose the seniors this year? A: It will be different next year. I’ll definitely miss LaRissa because she always made dance fun by making people laugh and smiling all the time! Q: What do you hope to acheive in the upcoming school year? A: I hope to be able to choreograph a dance piece with some of my classmates as we are supposed to next year for the class that I am going to be in.
Summer Style
A&E
Katy Carscadden
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Must-have pieces for every summer ward-
Josie Jayme
Tupac @ Coachella Virtual East Coast/West Coast war imminent Tupac, the first of many holograms to come. The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is an annual gathering where hundreds of famed performers meet on separate stages all at one central location. At Coachella 2012, the deceased rapper Tupac Shakur appeared on stage in the form of an optical illusion. With the use of both primitive and advanced technologies, as well as the aid of those who worked with him before his death 16 years ago, he was recreated on stage in high definition. “I thought it was pretty cool, it looked realistic, but I knew that it was fake from the beginning” senior Christopher Baca said. Although most people immediately considered the ghostly apparition a digital hologram, according to Gizmodo, it was a two dimensional image projected in mid-air using a smoke and mirror trick known as a Pepper’s Ghost. A Pepper’s Ghost illusion uses several components (as pictured) to project an image off of a mirrored surface on a reflective semitransparent sheet that is suspended in mid-air. While a description of the Pepper’s Ghost illusion was first published in 1584, the feat at Coachella was not as simple as the first Pepper’s Ghosts. The image of Tupac that was projected
Elissa Joseph
Detailed Skirt
Dana McCall
Floral Lace Detail
By Katy Carscadden
One-Shoulder Dress High-Low Dress
Sydey Cariel
Floral Skirt
One-Shoulder Top
May 18, 2012
By Seth Borneman Staff Writer
Kristen Leahy
One Direction? Two directions?
By Elissa Joseph Staff Writer
Recently, Caliwe all hope the hits ing in the background fornia boyband, One keep on coming. by accident. Direction, sued British “I think the British “I don’t think they boyband, One DirecOne direction shouldn’t should completely tion, for using the name change their name. I have to change their without permission. name because there think the British 1D “The court case does should add something are already so many get kind of iffy because people who have heard to their name so they they are both of them and know established in “We don’t have any idea what’s them, and changtwo different going to happen, the only thing ing their name countries,” would somewhat we do know is that our name is ruin their image,” senior Rachel Velasco not changing.” -Zayn Malik junior Sydney said. Cariel said. The American One “This whole same can distinguish themDirection claims it put name deal was obviselves easily. Maybe a copyright on the name call themselves ‘X facously accidental and the in 2009, which was tor: One Direction’ or British One Direction a year before Simon something along those is way bigger, so they Cowell formed the Brit- lines,” junior Alphonse should have the rights ish version. Simon said. to the name, but maybe “We don’t have any A court of law will have to componsate the Tupac Hologram performing the song “Hail Mary” idea what’s going to most likely have to other band by giving using this simple trick was created by AV happen; the only thing them a small percent of settle this dispute. One Concepts. we do know is that our the revenue,” sophothing most people do According to ABC, the Southern California name is not changing,” more Brett Betchart agree on is that regardA.V. Studio charged around $400,000 for their said band member Zayn less of the band’s name, said. creation of a digital Tupac. Malik in a recent Regardless of this high price, it has been interview with BBC. rumored that the “hologram” Tupac, as well as “I believe the other deceased artists, may tour alongside their California band does old musical companions in the near future. have the right to sue However some are skeptical of the holobecause they were gram tributes. technically ‘here’ “I don’t think replication is a good idea,” first, and claimed junior Kelsen Adeni said, “because when a their name first, while famous artist dies, their live music becomes the British band just special, so seeing a replication of this is disapmade it ‘big’ first,” pointing and it doesn’t do the artist justice.” Velasco said. However, as long as there is a profit it be The British boy made, it is likley there will be more holograms band was featured in the future. Freddie Mercury of the British on NBC’s “Today” rock band, Queen, is rumored to make a digital with music from the appearance in the near future American band play-
SPORTS
16
May 18, 2012
One Team, One Mission: Mariner baseball wins big in Atwater Brings hope for NCS playoffs
(Above) The team pictured with the championship trophy after winning the Atwater tournament. (Right corner) Players crowd around senior Daniel Aguirre after he records the game-winning strikeout. (Right) Seniors Aaron Acosta, Daniel Aguirre, and Richard L’Heureux proudly hold the trophy they worked so hard to achieve.
Battle of Pennsylvania
in this series and 12 NHL hearings. Of the Pittsburgh Penguins, James Neal, Aaron Asham, and Matt Cooke are having to serve
time. Of the Philadelphia Flyers, Wayne Simmons and Scott Hartnell have been put behind NHL’s bars for a few games. This has by far broken the record of suspensions for one playoff series, as it was once held by the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks series of the 2009 Western Quarterfinals where they had 3 suspension and 1 NHL hearing. Remember though, that series went 7 games. The Penguins and Flyers have already passed that mark in 4 games. In addition, there have been a total of 286 penalty minutes served in this series. That amount of penalty minutes has exceeded more than any other series combined in this years playoffs. A Flyers fan from here at Moreau gave his idea on the series. “I think that this a very good match up. I’m a big Flyers fan so I rooted them on. This series just made me hate Pittsburgh much more. They played dirty and disrespectful. I’m really happy that they got eliminated in 6 games,” senior Siddharth Sharma said. Throughout this Battle of Pennsylvania, goals have been scored and hits have been dropped, but in the end, the bitterness between the Penguins and the Flyers just exemplifies the passion that fans, players, and coaches have for this sport and the logo on the front of their jersey.
Every four years we celebrate this event somewhere around the country, this year it will be London, England during the summer of 2012. The Summer Olympics joins the nations together to compete in a memorable event that all athletes hard work will pay off. The athletes that are competing, spend their whole lives preparing for 17 days that will determine who is the best in the world. There are 203 different places are competing in the 36 different sports. These athletes have done intense training in order to be apart of a team or compete as a representative from where they came from. Each athlete has that common goal, to win. In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the United States finished with the most Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals. They hope to repeat
Image courtesy of london2012.com
Image courtesy of flickr
“NHL Playoffs is a whole different animal then regular season playoffs or any other sport,” Theology teacher James Hannon ‘02 said. “Obviously seeing this series, players have lost their cool and have started to do some nasty things.” Currently, there have been 5 suspensions
By Anton Cardenas Staff Writer
Image courtesy of flickr
There are rivalries in sports, this one leaves blood on the ice. In the first series of the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Philadelphia Flyers have faced off with their in-state nemesis, the Pittsburgh Penguins. The famed “Battle of Pennsylvania” has brought a ton of energy to the fans, players, and rivalry. Recently these teams have faced each other in the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals, where the Penguins won the series 4 games to 1. In the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals, the Penguins also won in 6 games. These recent post season encounters have just oiled the already flaming rivalry, that has been alive since Mario Lemieux, The Broad Street Bullies of The Flyers, and Eric Lindros of the 1990’s. In this current 2012 Eastern Quarter Final series, the bitterness between each team has risen to an out of control level. The Philadelphia Flyers rose to take a 3 game to 0 series lead, which undoubtedly frustrated the Penguins a lot more, as they started playing more dirty, having their gloves “a little bit looser and easier to fall”.
walk, with the score now 3-4, Daniel Aguirre came in and struck the hitter out in three pitches.” With the end of the season only a few games shy, Mariner baseball holds high hopes of reaching NCS. “We fully expect to make playoffs,” senior and co-captain Richard L’Heureux said. “Unfortunately, we lost some games that we should have won early in the season, so it will be a lot more difficult to make our way through the playoffs, [but] that’s just the truth of it.” Regardless of what the closing of the season brings, the team has the memories of Atwater and the bonds they created to carry them through. “I will always remember the fun times I had to with my teammates, my boys,” L’Heureux said. “Off the field, it was a great time, so I thank them for that.”
Olympics 2012
Image courtesy of london2012.com
NHL Playoffs:
Image courtesy of The Sacramento Bee
“The dogpile on the mound after the game was amazing. It felt like we won the World Series.” Junior Larry Maya couldn’t have said it any better--Mariner baseball’s victory in the Atwater tournament easily channeled the feelings experienced after a euphoric professional championship win. “Catching the final strike of the championship game was amazing,” junior Marciano Reichel, named tournament MVP, said. “The championship game was crazy, literally fitting the mold of the saying, ‘The game’s not over until the last out,’” senior Aaron Acosta said. “We took an early 4-0 lead by the sixth inning, thinking that we had the game [in the bag], but the last inning was killer. A walk, a hit, a walk, a hit by pitch (HBP), and the next thing I knew, the bases were loaded, 2-4, bottom of the seventh, two outs. After a four pitch
Photos courtesy of Daniel Aguirre and Anton Cardenas
By Elise Reyes Sports Editor
By Arianna Cruz Features Editor
their successes in London, doing whatever it takes to claim the world title.
Every year, we celebrate the beginning of the Olympics with the Torch and Rely ceremony that is started in Greece. The ritual takes place in Greece, Athens, and the host country. The last flame will be lit at the opening Olympic ceremony in London and will be distinguished on the last day of the games, at the closing ceremony. The Olympics are beginning on July 27 and ends on August 12, be sure to watch or else you won’t get that chance until 2016. (Upper left) The traditional lighting of the Olympic torch took place in Ancient Greece. (Bottom left) One of the stadiums in which events will be held during the summer.
SPORTS
May 18, 2012
Track shines at HAAL’s
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Born to compete By Athenie Galvez Editor-In-Chief
By Jonathan Vivet Sports Editor
All Photos by Jonathan Vivet/Explorer
Moreau Catholic’s track and field team took H.A.A.L finals by storm on last Thursday 10 and Saturday 12 held at Castro Valley High. Aiming for NCS, athletes from around the Hayward Athletic league hoped for their top performances. In the sweltering heat of the Thursday competition, the Mariners looked forward to the challenge ahead. Congratulations to NCS qualifiers David Radich for 100 meter, Karra Gardin and Sehej Grewel for 200 and 400 meter, Kelsin Adeni for discus, Brandon Smith and Yvette Navarror for 1600 and 3200 meter, Shahin Marzband, Lauren McGary, and Moreau track runners stretch for their up coming Hugo Barraza for High Jump, pole vaulters Kyle Lee, Nando events. From left to right, Marco Del Rio 13’ , David Tovar, Kevin Jay, Stephanie Ho, Kassidy Hebert, Tynan Otts, Radich 12’ , Michael Truong 12’ , and Amanda Ang 12’. Kim Rivera, and Sebastion Rodriquez.
More widely known as the Special Olympics, the Paralympic Games is a multi-sport event held every four years for athletes who have physical, mental, or sensorial disabilities. The six categories which paralympic athletes fall under are amputees, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, wheelchair, visually impaired, and athletes with other physical disabilities such as dwarfism and multiple sclerosis. Almost 4,000 athletes from 136 countries participated in the 2004 Paralympic Games, and the numbers are steadily increasing. Paralympic sports like wheelchair basketball and athletics are well known by the general public, but there are some sports that sometimes go unnoticed.
A Candian double amputee Josh Vander Vies prepares for his second throw in the Boccia
Junior Nando Tovar qualified for North Coast Section in Varsity men’s pole vault thursday afternoon.
Senior Derek Buss takes his fifth throw of the day, placing seventh in shot after throw off.
Pole vaulter’s from left to right, Tynan Otts 12’ , Nando Tovar 13’ , Sebastian Rodriguez 13’ , Kyle Lee 14’ , and Kevin Jay 12’ , gather for a group picture after their event.
Sophmore Hugo Barraza as he dashes to the finish line in the second heat of the Varsity 400 meter race
Pride is on the service line in faculty-student match By Elissa Joseph Staff Writer
coaches. “We always win and I believe we have the will and skill to win again this year.” said Peter Shelley. Coming off of a strong win last year, it’s hard to believe the teachers and coaches won’t be back to claim their title as the champions again this year. “We’re used to winning, so we will just be maintaining the status quo.” said Shelley. The annual “Men’s Tennis Team vs. the Teachers/Coaches” is scheduled for Thursday, May 17th at 3:00 at Hidden Hills, with matches starting promptly at 3:30. Representing the staff are Coach Dave “Saint John the” Baptist, Peter “Saint Francis” Shelley, Gretchen “To Be Or Not” TorTony Rodriguez smashes a fore- nabene, Coach Rose’s “Are Red, Violets Are hand in the 2011 match.
Courtesy of Tony Rodriguez
Every year the staff vs. men’s tennis team match is played to bring the men’s tennis season to a close. The prize? A nice trophy and bragging rights for a year. What could be better? This week the Moreau Men’s Tennis team will again challenge teachers and staff to see who will take the title as champion. This annual event always proves to be the highlight of the men’s tennis season The event gives us a rare glimpse into the raw talent of our Mariner players, teachers and
Boccia is a target sport that tests muscle control and accuracy. Athletes playing boccia aim to land balls close to one target ball across a series of demanding ends. Athletes with cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders compete in this sport, which tests the nerves and concentration of the competitors. Biathlon is a snow event that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. The paralympic version of this sport includes standing events, sitting events for wheelchair users, and events for the visually impaired.
Blue” Borja, Karen “The Anvil” Strawn, Coach Andrew “Welcome Back” Cotter, the awesome Tony “T-rod” Rodriguez and the other Men’s Tennis coaches. Participating faculty and students pose Although the teachfor a picture after last year’s match. ers and coaches here sophomore Sina Abdoat Moreau seem to be hollian said: “There’s full of confidence and are no way we’re letting the without a doubt planning teachers walk off with our on bringing “it’ to the trophy.” courts, the students are “In order to beat the not planning on making it teachers, we must show easy for them this year. no mercy.” said Dharma. “I think that we have a good chance of beating the teachers. Hopefully we can use what we achieved in our season and finally take down the teachers.”said junior Aditya Dharma. Or to put it in Playing coaches Borja and Schroeder is like simpler terms, as facing a pack of wolves in a locked closet.
The Biathlon is winter olympic sport that was adapted for the paraplegics and visually impaired Wheelchair dance is exactly what its name implies - dancing in a wheelchair. Just like regular dancing competition, dancers are judged and scored based on elegance, style, and rhythm. Forms of wheelchair dance include combi dance in which one wheelchair user dances with an able-bodied partner, duo dance in which two wheelchair uses dance together, and single dance in which a wheelchair user dances alone. With the London 2012 Olympics fast approaching in July, let us not forget about London 2012 Paralympics in August. Though the rules and regulations for the sports may be different, the competitive nature in the hearts of the athletes are sure to be the same.
In order to participate in the 2012 Wheelchair dance, two atheltes perform for qualifications.
SPORTS
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May 18, 2012
Senior Athletes of the Year:
Some of 2012’s Best from courts, pools, courses, fields, and tracks get ready to say farewell
Badminton
Daniel Aguirre
Boy’s Volleyball
Victoria Lathulerie
Boy’s Basketball
Jonathan King
Baseball
Daron True
Girl’s Golf
Deryck Ylanan
Class Cross Country Chris Ragasa
Girl’s Soccer
of
Katie Pruneda Karra Gardin Boy’s Golf
Football
Brandon Smith
Boy’s Tennis
Carlos Briones
Track & Field
Chris Baca
Softball
Michael Truong
Rally Squad
Ricky Gonzalez
Swimming
Boy’s Soccer
Chris Jackson
Karina Sanchez
Track & Field
Kassandra Mangoba
Girl’s Tennis
Adam Sagapolu
Cross Country Vishal Singh
Football
Yvett Navarro
Badminton
Greg Spallas
Amy Moore Boy’s Basketball
Jessica Marin
Swimming
Baseball
Joe Calub
Softball
Sara Kipps
Jana Lee
20
Volleyball
Jade Santos
Boy’s Soccer
Clayton Raber
12
20
SENIOR EDITION
May 18, 2012