September 2014

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INSIDE THE ISSUE

THE ICE BUCKET B TREND

STUDENTS+feature 8

HUMANS of DBHS

the bull’s eye NEWS

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EDITORIAL

ATHLETE GABRIELLE NIKO

a&e 10

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F E AT U RE

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sports 15

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014 VOLUME XXXIII, ISSUE I ONLINE AT DBBULLSEYE.COM

ART S & E N TE RTA I N ME N T

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S P O RT S

Mountain Biking team disbanded

A smashing four-peat

After one year of competing, the Mountain Biking team is forced to put on the brakes. sarah markiewicz staff writer

ANDREW CHOI

Students watch as Senior Austin Cox takes a swing at a car tagged with Mustang graffiti during a lunchtime activity before the annual Branding Iron game.

‘Spare’ time for Homecoming Homecoming, Sept. 20, will be held at a ‘striking’ new venue. bernard chen asst. news editor United Student Body puts a spin on Homecoming this year by holding the event at Bowlmor Anaheim. The dance will include not only the usual photo booth and DJ, but also bowling and other yet-tobe revealed activities.

The rather mysterious theme, “Lost in Wonderland,” accompanies the unique venue for Home-

coming 2014. With various ideas that could go so well with the wonderland atmosphere, it was an easy decision for USB Commissioners of Special Projects, Yasi Hekmat and Christiana Salvosa, to choose this theme. “[Bowlmor Anaheim] had many different aspects that drew us into it. You’ll find out when you go to the dance, but it was the bowling that intrigued us because it was kind of like a ‘wow’ factor,” Salvosa said.

In comparison to previous years, Homecoming 2014 will have unprecedented activities because of its location, and students will be able to bowl on the 24 available lanes throughout the night. The

venue also features billiard tables.

Because Bowlmor Anaheim is within walking distance of Anaheim Gardenwalk, students can enjoy the vast selection of restaurants in the outdoor center for shops, dining, and entertainment before the event begins at 7 p.m.

“The largest challenge is always finding a really great, fun venue… but we definitely have that this year. It will just be a really [enjoyable] and special experience,” USB advisor Chelsea Grunseth said.

Although many details of the event remain a surprise, the venue will be decorated with USB-made

˃˃ HOMECOMING on p.2

After two accelerating seasons of biking their way through hills throughout the region, the Diamond Bar High Mountain Bike team’s races have come to an ominous halt. As of now, the team has been forbidden from participating in competitions.

With a full list of riders from the past season wishing to return for the next season, the members of the team were in for a surprise on August 28 when they learned via email that the association has been disbanded due to issues over insurance.

“The team and I were very sad and we hadn’t known why the team got cancelled after two successful years of racing and riding,” commented the team’s captain Kenji Yoshimoto. In the past week, the riders and parents have united to change the minds of district officials.

At the last Walnut Valley Unified School District board meeting on September 3, a majority of the team was present to support the cause. A few of the members and one parent spoke to the school board and to the superintendent.

“We felt that it was great to advocate and practice our sport and it gave opportunity to a lot of people,” said former rider James English, who had been a member of the team last year. “They didn’t have any direct comments or response to it,” continued English. “Mrs. Real spoke to the parents and stu-

Photo courtesy of DBHS.ORG

Ed Tseng, one of the members of last year’s mountain bike team, pedals down a trail during a competition. dents after the meeting to explain how we can be informed about the progress of our case.” As of now, the district’s ruling still stands.

“The district’s insurance company deemed the sport as too big of a liability to continue because of the dangerous environment that it creates,” said Morgan Galeener, who was the advisor for the team. However, this does not support the fact that other high schools in the region continue to have mountain bike teams.

“I think that the main reason is the way that the school’s insurance policies are structured,” said English. “Mountain biking league [the National Interscholastic Cycling

˃˃ BIKING on p.3

Going global for leadership in Malaysia and Singapore Senior Saakib Akbany attended a leadership program over the summer. victoria ly asst. feature editor There is a wide variety of summer programs that give students the opportunity to expand their horizons and seek new experiences around the world. For senior Saakib Akbany, the American Youth Leadership program was the perfect fit.

As a government-funded program, AYLP offers students the opportunity to acquire firsthand experience with people from different cultures. It is specifically focused on how different countries handle their environmental issues while striving for a more sustainable, well-balanced society.

As someone who aspires to become an environmental engineer, Akbany applied for AYLP’s Singapore and Malaysia trip in the win-

ter of 2013. After going through a series of interviews, Akbany and 21 other students were handpicked to participate in the program.

Before embarking on the journey, the students collaborated through online projects and did extensive research on the cultures of both Singapore and Malaysia, thus preparing themselves for the threeweek trip in July.

“The projects were all virtual because everyone’s separated throughout the country; we’re all from different schools and different states,” Akbany said.

The overall purpose of AYLP’s Singapore and Malaysia trip was for students to obtain knowledge on how different countries approach environmental sustainability; to learn what they are doing correctly and how they, as students can implement their newfound skill sets in ways that can ultimately improve their community’s environmental conditions.

˃˃ AYLP on p.2

Photo courtesy of SAAKIB AKBANY

Saakib Akbany and other students enjoy their time in Malaysia participating in the ALYP leadership program.

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NEWS

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

THE BULL'S EYE

USB begins updating school constitution The governing group of DBHS, USB, has recently made alterations to the school constitution.

Infographic by BERNARD CHEN

Diamond Bar High School ranking skyrockets to 54th in nation The annual listing by Newsweek released a new list of the ‘best’ high schools across the U.S. yusheng xia news editor Students at Diamond Bar High School devote much time following challenging academic standards in hopes of expanding their chance of entering a prestigious college and chasing after a luxurious life.

However, the hard work and effort Brahmas’ have put in have resulted not only in an improvement for their academic knowledge, but also an improvement for their school’s national standing.

Diamond Bar High School received a national ranking of 54 in the recent addition of Newsweek magazine, while placing in the Top 10 schools of California with a ranking of 7. In addition, DBHS is the one of two schools in the top

seven of California that is open to public and does not require its students to take an entry exam.

“Our ranking is a result of our hard work with our students, our excellent staff, our supportive community, and the commitment to responsibly increase access to rigorous courses to a greater number of students,” DBHS Principal Catherine Real stated through an email sent out to parents and staff.

Newsweek released its rankings of over 700 schools in The Daily Beast on Aug. 26. The rankings were based on six criteria that included the school’s college acceptance rate, graduation rate, percentage of students enrolled in college level courses, percentage of students with free or reduced lunch fees, and average scores of the SAT or ACT. Out of these indicators, graduation rates and college acceptance rates have the most importance in terms of ranking.

DBHS placed in the Top 100 nationwide in the categories of rigor level, ACT/SAT scores, and gradu-

ation rates. The school boasts a 99.8 percent graduation rate followed by a 94.9 percent percentage for students that are college bound.

Meanwhile in terms of the school’s rigor criteria, DBHS contains 39.6 percent of students who take college level courses and has an average SAT and ACT score of 1742 and 27.2 respectably. Overall, the school’s ranking at 54 places it over 200 ranks higher than its previous ranking of 283 back in 2013. This jump has DBHS overtaking rival schools like Walnut High School in the national school rankings. In addition, DBHS and WHS are the only two California high schools from the same district that are in the Top 100.

“This is a remarkable achievement when considering it’s estimated that there are more than 30,000 public and private high schools across the country,” Walnut Valley Unified School District Superintendent Robert Taylor said through an email to all WVUSD staff members.

ing the descriptions of certain USB Commissioners’ roles and the purpose of purchasing an activity card will be reviewed and updated. USB will also be adding a new position of Spirit Commissioner to DBHS’s Constitution while simultaneousnadia lee ly removing the position of Commissioner of the Sierra League staff writer Affairs, since DBHS is no longer a part of the league. Other additional Diamond Bar High School’s Con- updates to the Constitution will stitution, a document that was rati- definitely be made, such as the byfied in 1983, is steeped in 32 years laws, but it has not yet been fully of tradition. Even with such a rich determined which part of it will be history, the United Student Body changed. decided that it was time to update In order for Diamond Bar High’s the Constitution to meet today’s Constitution to be ratified, USB standards. must propose USB advisor the amend“It’s necessary to Chelsea Grunseth, ments to periodically review our and USB Attorney the Execuconstitution and by-laws in General senior tive Board order to insure that it stays Alisa Nyguenalong with up to date.”

Le, reviewed the a petition amendments of containing CHELSEA GRUNSETH the Constitution 100 students’ this summer and s i g n a t u r e s. concluded that an update was nec- Then the USB president will read essary. The reason for this action the proposed amendments at a was to insure the Constitution’s meeting with the Executive Board accuracy by removing outdated and set a date for the vote to take clauses and amendments that do place. The Board members will not follow the “The Brahma Code” then review it and edit it as needed of today. As of now, USB has yet for clarity. to decide when the ratification and After one week, the amenddistribution of the Constitution ments will then be distributed to will take place, but its goal is to fin- the school’s principal, class counish this project before the end of cils and the school newspaper. Any this semester. proposed amendments must then “It’s necessary to periodically re- be publicly released to the student view our constitution and by-laws body in one issue of the school’s in order to insure that it stays up to newspaper. Finally, the proposed date,” Grunseth stated. amendments must receive twoAlthough they expect only mi- thirds of the votes of the student nor changes, USB believes that it body and will then be officially part will help get rid of clauses that do of the Constitution. not follow school regulations and “We want to make the process as also help enforce “The Brahma transparent as possible,” Grunseth Code.” Alterations such as chang- said.

the staff Editors-in-Chief News Editor Asst. News Editors Editorial Editor Asst. Editorial Editors

Katlyn Lee, Joseph Park Yusheng Xia Bernard Chen, Frances Wu Hanna Kang Eric Hong, Sasha Rivera

Feature Editor Asst. Feature Editor A&E Editor Asst. A&E Editor Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editor

Emily Leung Michelle Ki, Victoria Ly Emily Wong Lilly Ball, Vrinda Chauhan Andrew Choi, Joseph Park James Kil

Photo Editor Business Manager Asst. Business Manager Web Editor Asst. Web Editors Staff Writers Advisor

Andrew Choi Emily Leung Vrinda Chauhan Katlyn Lee Gaby Dinh, Evon Hung Calvin Ru, Nadia Lee, Sarah Markiewicz Doug List

contact us Diamond Bar High School, Room 563 21400 Pathfinder Road Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Phone: (909) 594-1405 x33563 Email: eye.editors@gmail.com Business Inquiries: thebullseyebusiness@gmail.com

editorial policy The Bull’s Eye is a public forum that welcomes the views of our readers. Letters to the Editor and Op-Ed pieces will be accepted only if they are signed. The author may, however, requrest anonymity. The staff reserves the right to edit letters without changing content. You may forward letters to Room 563 or submit them online at dbbullseye.com.

Photo courtesy of littlequest.com

There will be 24 lanes for Homecoming attendees to try their hand at bowling.

Going mad in Wonderland

HOMECOMING from p.1 props relating to the theme. To express a full wonderland atmosphere, a moving projector will display clips and scenes from “Alice in Wonderland” onto the walls and ceiling of the bowling alley.

The Homecoming dance itself will be a time for students to meet

new people as well as kickoff the upcoming school year.

“It’s a welcome back. I think it’s a way to start off the school year and a fun, exciting, and suspenseful way because no one really knows as much going into the school year as they do when they arrive at the

dance,” Salvosa said.

Tickets are $45 for a single person with an activities card and $50 without. It is $90 for couples who both have activities cards and $100 if both do not have a card. If only one of the two has a card, tickets are $95.

Brahma visits Asia for AYLP AYLP from p.1

AYLP works alongside a nonprofit organization, Cultural Vistas. In the previous years, Cultural Vistas and AYLP conducted an exchange program in Japan. For four years, these organizations have been working together to provide educational exchange programs for students all around the world.

In Singapore, the students stayed at the Yale NUS campus before experiencing life with a family.

They were able to visit Singapore’s parliament and embassy and even sat in on some government meetings. Yet among all those amazing experiences, Akbany most notably enjoyed learning about how the country disposes of their waste in an eco-friendly way.

“Because Singapore is so small, it doesn’t have space for landfills.

What the people do is burn the

trash, get energy out of it and remove the pollutants from the air, then use the incinerated ash and pack it with some sort of cement to create more land.” Akbany said.

The program also sent the students on a water plant tour. Akbany, along with the other participants of the program, was able to experience how the country cleans its water supply through reverse osmosis, or RO filter process.

“It’s cool because every single problem they are faced with, they have a really good attitude about it, which is something we lack in the United States” Akbany said.

Although the program places a large emphasis on educational aspects, the students also enjoyed plenty of sightseeing experiences.

In Malaysia, the students experienced many different cultural ac-

tivities from bamboo water rafting to mountain biking in the jungle.

But what Akbany enjoyed most about the program were the people he met.

“Seeing and meeting people who were like-minded, and had the same drive and passion—that was just the coolest thing,” Akbany said.

After returning from AYLP’s Singapore and Malaysia trip, the students will act as influential leaders and apply their new skill sets to help improve their community and the environment around them.

“It’s inspiring to see that there are things we can improve on,” said Akbany. “People do things better, people live differently, and there are things we can all do better and now we have the skills to do it.”

THE BULL'S EYE

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

NEWS

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Frustration-Free Wellness Center DBHS is to implement a new room to help students deal with stress. eric hong asst. editorial editor When things become too overburdening, everyone needs something to fall back on. At a school as competitive as Diamond Bar High School, high stress levels are simply inevitable yet students had not place to vent their anxieties-- until now.

Principal Catherine Real and Vice Principal John Terry plan on introducing the Wellness Center, a program aimed to serve as an outlet for students under unhealthy loads of pressure and bring balance into their hectic lives. This was the “missing piece” of the otherwise prestigious DB community, as Terry described it.

“This was an idea that Principal Real and [Vice] Principal Terry had, to have a place on campus where students could go if they were in a crisis and needed some help with how to manage those emotions, express them properly, and identify where they came

Photos by EMILY LEUNG AND YUSHENG XIA

from,” Stacey Woodward, school psychologist, said.

Although still in development, the Wellness Center will be located in room 254. Administrators hope to have it up and running before the end of finals week. The center may also have multiple contributors, including Woodward, Peer Counseling, part-time psychologists and psychology interns. Terry is expected to oversee the program.

At the Wellness Center, distressed students would not only express and vent their emotions, but also learn more about what they are facing and develop a plan to secure their emotional stability in the future. Some components of the plan of action include participating in guided meditation, learning more about psychiatric issues and their triggers, and developing a proactive attitude toward overcoming emotional turmoil. Additionally, developers plan to have a library for students to access and gather information about particular mental health problems.

A major contributor to anxiety and stress levels among students is the competitive environment of DBHS, which makes them prone to mental instability. The academic pressure produced by homework, impending exams, and expecta-

tions from parents all serve as stressors that often cause psychiatric issues.

“I have students that put an incredible amount of pressure on themselves; they want to take schedules that are very, very demanding in terms of [academics], and they want every single one of their classes to be very demanding, for the entire four years that they are here. It’s an overwhelming amount of work that they have to do, and that creates stress,” Woodward said.

Meanwhile, the causes of mental instability do not stop with academics pressure; social factors of adolescence and emotional sensitivity that come with high school also play a significant part in creating the “perfect storm.”

Students are encouraged to take part in the program, which administrators said will be maintained with individual confidentiality in mind. The administrators’ ultimate goal for the Wellness Center is to provide a “non-threatening” environment where students will be free to speak about their issues and get burdens off their chest.

“I’m hoping students will take advantage of it the way it’s intended to be taken advantage of,” Woodward said. “There are a lot of stu-

Ice Bucket Challenge is ‘Real’

Teachers Albert Lim (top right), Mike Wagner (bottom left), Taylor Canatsey (top left) and Sally Jarvis (bottom right) are the newest members of the DBHS staff.

Expanding upon the Brahma family This school year, four new teachers have been added to the teacher staff.

since I don’t do very well with science. I was like well, my degree is in English, and I like teaching, so why not teach at a high school.”

Jarvis stated.

At DBHS, Jarvis teaches personemily leung al management, as well as career feature editor and college explorations. During her senior year in high school, she worked with the special education Every year Diamond Bar High program as a teacher’s assistant.

School adds a few new teachers to Ever since then, she has felt a conthe Brahma family. This year Mike nection to special education.

Wagner, Sally Jarvis, Albert Lim, “[It] made me grow as a person and Taylor Canatsey have been because I realized I [could] actuadded to the roster. ally connect with a student. When Before starting at DBHS, Mike I teach them something then to Wagner worked as a criminalist fo- see them actually understand [the rensic scientist with a focus on bal- material], it’s just made me believe listics for 24 years. He also used to more in myself that I can be a great train detectives and police personnel teacher,” she said. in crime scene investigation and thorJarvis looks forward to workoughly enjoyed teaching others. ing at DBHS not only because she His interest in teaching was first is a fan of purple but also because sparked when she has heard he substituted that Brahmas for a Forensics are outgoing, in“[Teaching] has made me Science class at volved individubelieve more in myself Edgewood High als. Because she that I can be a great School.

They values school inteacher.” soon hired him volvement, she SALLY JARVIS as a full time really admires teacher, and he the fact that our taught both Fostudents care rensic Science and Administration about the school. of Justice.

Once a Brahma, always a BrahHowever, after going back to fo- ma applies very well to Class of rensic science for a while, Wagner 1996 alumni, Albert Lim. A former missed interacting with students. football player, Lim was part our Thus, he now works at DBHS as 1995 CIF Championship team. Lim a ROP Environmental Science has coached football at DBHS ever teacher. He instills a focus on class since 2009 but just started teaching participation because he believes this year. He currently teaches acathat students can feed off of this ex- demic support and health science. change of ideas.

“One of the best and famous Another addition to the teaching coaches of all time is John Wooden, ranks is Florida native, Sally Jar- and he was also a teacher as well. I vis. Jarvis moved to southern Cali- feel like a lot of [teaching] overlaps fornia two months ago from Orlan- [with coaching] in terms of skills do. She has worked in education for because to be a great coach, you five years now and has taught spe- have to teach the kids. To be a great cial education, debate, and English teacher, you have to coach the stuhonors. She fosters the idea of be- dents,” Lim stated. ing an actively involved teacher, so Taylor Canatsey also joined the she has coached boys cross country Brahma staff to teach Health Caas well as boys track and field. reers at DBHS. Health Careers “When I was younger, I wanted focuses on widening the students’ to be a teacher, and then it changed grasp of the evolving health field and I wanted to be a doctor. [How- and the careers available in the ever,] I realized that’s not for me health industry.

Photo courtesy of DBHS.ORG

The varsity football team douses Principal Catherine Real and Vice Principal John Terry as they take on the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

Insurance concerns have broken up the biking team BIKING from p.1 Association] has its own insurance, and these two policies may not be in accord regarding full coverage for students. Waivers may not have been signed and things may not have been done to exempt liability from the school district.”

In the past two seasons, there have been only two significant injuries. One rider broke a finger in the first season, and another rider had a concussion last year. As of now, the riders can only hope that they can participate in another season this spring. Tryouts would have taken place from Sept. 20 to 21.

The team began as a club in the 2012-2013 school year, and it transcended to the status of a competitive sports team in the spring of that year. Under Coach Yoshi Yoshimoto, some of the team’s accomplishments include a scholarship awarded to Andrew Tsing and involvement in the State Championships last May. “They [the riders] enjoyed the experience and they had the opportunity to win scholarships and those opportunities are no longer available,” said Galeener. “They put in a lot of time and effort. We all did.”

more on THE WEB NEW CLASS ADVISORS

By Vrinda Chauhan Grade levels recieve new class advisors

THE BUZZ: THE GIVER

By Vrinda Chauhan Thoughts on the recent book-to-movie adaptation

MENTAL HEALTH & HIGH SCHOOL

By Eric Hong The deteriorating mental stability of high schoolers

FOOTBALL’S FIRST WIN

By Andrew Choi A win for football against Montebello starts the season off on a good note

RESTAURANT REVIEW: THE BURGER PARLOUR

By Sasha Rivera One writer’s take on a popular fast food place

FRESHMEN SURVIVAL GUIDE

By Gaby Dinh A guide to navigating high school and becoming a successful student

For more information on Class Advisors, Senior 2015 Latitia Thomas Emily Clark Matt Brummett Juniors 2016 Pat Wakefield Jon Haprov Ty Watkins

Juniors 2016 Shari Decambra Stacy Tenace Mary Gaxiola Freshmen 2018 Teresa Hebert Chris Holmes Carly Russo

VISIT DBBULLSEYE.COM

4 EDITORIAL

EYE OF THE EDITORS THE ENGLISH CLASS FIASCO: The removal of English IV Honors caused hectic confusion for many.

M

ost seniors jump into their final year of high school with a grudging yet eager attitude to finish the last stretch of their race to freedom.

They carefully plan their perfectly balanced schedule and ready themselves to tackle the year.

However, for some students, expectations failed when the principal, dean, and GLC’s walked into English classrooms to announce that their English class was nonexistent.

English IV Honors, a class seniors were told at the end of their junior year would be added, was rejected by the University of California. Although the English IV Honors teachers and several administrative staff attempted to rewrite a new curriculum to get approved, they were too late. English IV Honors students would have appeared to have not taken a fourth year of English, a requirement for UCs and Cal States. Thus, on the first day of school, students in the four English IV Honors classes were told they had to either move to English IV or remain with their teacher and take AP English Literature and Composition. A chaotic whirl of schedule changes for irritated students ensued.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

THE BULL'S EYE

Clearly, this was a careless mistake by whoever agreed to list English IV Honors as a class before approval. The cancellation of English IV Honors is unfair for those who move to English IV because they completed the summer work for no reason.

Students who chose AP Literature must also do more work than those already enrolled. Although they do not have to read the same novel, those from English IV Honors must make up most of AP Literature’s summer homework. In the end, these students do more work cumulatively with the English IV Honors essays and several AP Literature worksheets. Perhaps the only benefit (or drawback depending on how you view it) to this unforeseen event is for previous English III students, who were able to slip into AP Literature through English IV Honors without making the English III Honors prerequisite.

The rash decision resulted in the premature availability of English IV Honors, and frustrating faculty members and students alike. Though mistakes are an inevitable part of human nature, it is imperative that something like this never occurs again for the sanity of GLCs and students.

from the brahmas’ perspective: “Did the cancellation of English 4H affect you negatively or positively?”

ANTHONY MALATKA “Positively, because it allowed me to take [the] advanced class without doing the summer homework.”

“I guess it affected me positively because I can take another chance at AP Lit.”

ALEX SILVA

FLORENCE LO

“Super negative because I wanted to have an easier senior year and I couldn’t just go from AP Rhet to regular English, so I was forced to take AP Lit.”

Buckets of Empty Gestures

CINDY PARK

“It’s kind of both because English 4H was going to be my easy class. I was afraid of time constraints but I think I can handle it.”

HANNA'S HARANGUES

“O

kay, so my friend soand-so nominated me to participate in this challenge.” Sounds familiar? “I’m doing this to raise awareness for ALS.” What about this? Ever since Day 1, the whole deal with the ice bucket challenge has been driving me insane.

I stumbled upon this “frigid” awareness campaign this summer when I was scrolling down the list of videos posted daily on Fox News. Mildly interested, I did some additional research on the challenge. Here are some of things I learned: ALS stands for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” former Boston College baseball player Pete Frates helped the Ice Bucket Challenge go viral, and that the countless buckets of ice water dumped over people’s heads are creating a bad image while California is in a terrible drought.

As much as I sound like a treehugger on that last note, I am not an environmentalist of any sort.

However, when people, especially teenagers, waste precious resources without a definite cause (at least for themselves), it becomes a problem. The ice bucket challenge, I must admit, is quite a remarkable idea, having already raked in close to $95 million.

However, getting drenched with an icy torrent of water has become more of a simple trend than a worthy cause.

High school students are prone to follow trend after trend without giving much thought to why they are doing it. We have all seen and shaken our heads at so many senseless and sometimes dangerous teen fads, such as the cinnamon challenge, smoking Smarties, and most recently, beezin. Honestly speaking, I don’t care what happens to the juveniles who seem to spend their whole teenage life chasing after the latest trends, trying to keep up with what’s “in.” However, when I see a group of otherwise sensible young people taking part in those same trends, it breaks my heart.

A large number of students at Diamond Bar High have participated in the ice bucket challenge, and I wonder how many of them, off the top of their head, can tell me what ALS stands for. I

wonder how many of them, know who Lou Gehrig is (a baseball player who died of the disease in 1941). I wonder how many of them actually care. And lastly, I seriously wonder how many of them actually did some research before participating in the challenge and posting a video of it.

I remember bumping into a friend, a devout Christian, who informed me that he had participated in the ice bucket challenge and had even donated a small amount of money. I was appalled. Was he not aware of the fact that the ALS Association sends a generous sum of money to a research group that uses embryonic stem cells and cells harvested from aborted fetuses in hopes for a cure?

I am in no way trying to attack the association, the challenge, or the serious participants. If you have done enough research and have established that you genuinely support the cause, you have my cordial invitation to douse yourself in freezing water. This is all I ask: If a friend nominates you and you think, “Well, she’s my best friend, so yeah, I’ll do it,”— DON’T DO IT. Do yourself a favor and go read a good book. I mean, who wants to take ice-cold showers anyway?

Photo courtesy of WWW,TSNJSIGNAL.NET

“Negatively at first, since I wanted to take an honors class, but AP Lit isn’t that bad and I can take the AP test so it’s positive in the end.”

ROWENA APO “I think it affected me positively because it made me push myself.

I thought it was better to rise up to the challenge than to go down.”

BLAZING TRAILS O F S AT I R E

Participants of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge fail to recognize its original intentions. hanna kang editorial editor

SAMANTHA WONG

SASHA RIVERA

frances wu asst. news editor

D

iamond Bar High works tirelessly to create and implement changes around the school to make sure that students have a smooth journey. This year, I was surprised to find out that the formerly six-minute long passing periods have been extended, so that I now have an extra fifteen seconds to walk to my next class. When I heard about this change, my first instinct was to laugh derisively at the school. However, just a few seconds later, it dawned on me.

Fifteen seconds is actually quite a long time. In this precious period of time, I can finally try my locker combination for the third time or check my hair in a mirror without panicking about tardiness. So many times before, I’ve heard other students complaining about not having enough time to get to their next class. With this new adjustment in effect, I’m optimistic that there will be far less whining to be heard in the hallways.

The walk from the math building to the foreign language building is renowned among students for its distance. Some resort to running all the way across campus so that they will not be late for class.

I myself, on many occasions, have

missed the bell by just a few seconds.

In addition to being able to do things that I otherwise would not have been able to do, these fifteen seconds can also be used as a stress reliever. As a junior, this year will be the most academically challenging year. With multiple AP classes, afterschool activities and tons of homework to be done, the majority of us juniors are bordering on mental breakdowns. With this additional time, I can stop and take a deep breath to reduce my stress levels.

Never before had I realized that the passing periods needed to be longer.

Previously, I had always considered issues like funding for the Prom Committee and lack of textbooks for classes to be more important, but now I realize that the school has taken care of a greater issue that I had never even thought of. It’s comforting to know that I attend a nationally ranked school in which problems are taken care of before I even take note of them.

Thinking back to my previously stressed out and panic-stricken self, I am more assured that this change was by far the best thing that could have ever happened for students. With this brilliant new modification already brightening my day, I am excited to experience the other novel changes that the administration might make to further facilitate my time at school.

These fifteen seconds are truly an underappreciated gift to us students.

THE BULL'S EYE

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

EDITORIAL

5

With Israel I Stand

captivity kills

In the conflict between Palestine and Israel, many Americans view Israel as the sole aggressor. hanna kang editorial editor

I SASHA RIVERA

STEM vs. Humanities Should the U.S. education focus more on STEM education at the cost of the humanities? bernard chen asst. news editor

PRO|

The truth is… poems don’t cure cancer. While the humanities may enrich the mind with culture, history and literature, it contributes little to nothing in the effort to advance society. If anything, the humanities regress the progress of the human race, as it focuses on the past rather than the future. In contrast, the sciences, technologies, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, further society as a whole.

In recent years, studies have shown that applicants for humanities majors have been on the decline. Harvard University has reported a decrease of 20 percent in humanities majors in the past 10 years. Moreover, students in high school have been focusing their efforts in STEM topics more than to humanities.

This shift in majors provides a foundation for a more advanced society. As more and more students go into various STEM fields, the scientific community of the U.S. will be fueled and thus, the amount of advancements made will greatly increase. This boost in STEM majors can help contribute in solving the world’s problems through practical solutions and studies.

It has always been a long-standing belief that STEM majors are more profitable than the humanities. For students whom may be on

a tight budget, money is especially important. While in STEM fields during college, these students are able to begin their career with reputable companies by doing research at institutions and earn a higher income than others not in this field. With the rising prices of consumer goods and the competitive atmosphere of academia, there is no doubt why students are choosing more lucrative STEM professions over humanities professions.

Simply, the payout rate of a STEM major is generally much greater than that of a humanities major.

More money will be beneficial to students paying their college tuitions and will be supportive of furthering STEM research.

Progress and wealth come as a benefit of STEM but at an expense of the humanities. While one may argue that history is very important to be civilized and cultured, the greatest scientists of today came after the philosophers of the past, showing how modern times are moving toward STEM. Since then, the amount of advancements made in medicine, technology, and science has grown exponentially, leading our world toward a more STEM related future.

STEM can fix the problems of this society while the humanities only lingers over what has already happened. Subsequently, STEM is a direct path to success because with further emphasis on these fields, students, as well as others, are able to reap more benefits and push the technology of the U.S. to become even more advanced.

sarah markiewicz staff writer

CON|

Think about this: If the center of our education system was to rebuke the field of humanities, you might be discouraged from reading a school newspaper like this one, or any newspaper for that matter in the future. You can also predict a decline in communications and international cooperation.

Consider what would happen if people start to rebuke the humanities, which are the studies related to personal experience. Unfortunately, our society is becoming more skewed to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, so that the education of history and language is seen as impractical.

This July, there was a proposal by the Republicans in the House of Representatives to cut funding for the liberal arts organization called the National Endowment for the Humanities by five percent.

While this may not directly afflict high school and college education, it is proof that there is a growing skepticism over the value of the humanities.

Have our expectations become so shallow that we prefer not to waste our time on anything that won’t guarantee us lucrative careers?

Some people don’t realize that while professions in the arts may seem hard to find, these careers

do exist, and can be obtained if the person is motivated to achieve one of these careers.

Even for those who aren’t interested in the humanities, they are just as relevant today as they were at the time when science and math were rebuked in favor of a “classical education.” Actually, the progression of math and science careers has caused an even greater need for certain aspects of the humanities. For example, if a scientist is limited to only a certain number of languages, he or she could miss out on the research of scientists from other nations.

Communication between people of all languages is vital for international cooperation and progression- a key factor for any field.

Reading and writing are tools we need to make educated decisions and analyses. Yes, it is true that words themselves will not cure diseases. However, without proper means to communicate, how effectively and safely would knowledge of this cure spread? Is it also not true that the study of history will help us to make more educated predictions of what will happen in the future, as well as to understand how and why the wars and tensions of today began in the first place?

Instead of cutting funds from the humanities, these classes should be reformed to give students awareness and analytical skills of modern events. It may not make a difference between a yearly salary of $55,000 and $84,000; it could be the defining difference that brings enlightenment to the world.

Should the U.S. focus education more on STEM or the humanities?

“The U.S. should prioritize STEM over the humanities because the future lies in STEM, technology and science especially.”

FOREST HU (11)

“I think the STEM program is more beneficial than the humanities because it’s more practical in the real word.”

ERIC JIA (10)

“I think there should be an equal focus since humanities are just as important as STEM education.”

AMAN SHAMIM (12)

was honored to be part of the thousands of people on Tuesday night, who gathered for an event hosted by Calvary Chapel Chino Hills. “Americans for the Defense of Israel: A Night of Solidarity,” drew quite a crowd, including Diamond Bar Councilwoman Ling-Ling Chang, California State Assemblyman Curt Hagman and Deputy Consul General of Israel Yaki Lopez.

After the doors opened, it was only a matter of minutes before the gymnasium of the spacious church had to be made available. Seconds after, the gym was fairly bursting with passionate supporters of the Jewish state. The evening was truly life-changing, and as I walked out of the sanctuary into the night, I was hit with a wave of gratitude and respect for the people of Israel and for those in their defense.

Thousands of miles away in sunny California, it is effortless (but not completely faultless) for us to be blissfully unaware of the depth of terror the Israelis are forced to cope with from the moment they wake up to the moment they close their eyes. They have no clue as to when Hamas, a Palestinian Islamic terrorist group, might fire a barrage of rockets toward the very neighborhood they live in, or infiltrate their borders to kill Israeli children.

In lieu of our lack of knowledge of the current situation in Israel, we Americans are quick to condemn the Israeli troops for the civilian casualties they inflict while attempting to destroy the tunnels. Just as keynote speaker and nationally syndicated radio talk show host Dennis Prager pointed out on Tuesday evening, much of the outside world is blind to the atrocities of Hamas’ game plan. The terrorist organization reveals grisly images of dead or wounded women and children in hopes of gaining empathy for their portrayal of Israel as the bad guy hell-bent on slaughtering the residents of the Gaza Strip.

If there are any readers who wish to disagree, who declare that Israel has used an unreasonable amount of violence to preserve its safety, I want you to make a trip down memory lane and remember the inception of the present chaos.

Lopez mentioned on Tuesday evening that Hamas initiated the conflict and continue to launch rockets, breaking multiple ceasefires. It is true that Israel’s airstrikes have caused a considerable amount of Palestinian fatalities, but that is largely due to Hamas’ premeditated strategy of placing its troops in and among residential communities.

The terrorist force uses innocent Palestinians as human shields to protect its leaders and to turn public opinion against the Jewish state.

The people of Israel should be able to protect their state from evil forces, and we should never criticize the Israelis for exercising their God-given right. Rather, we should stand alongside Israel as they carry on with the battle that the Western powers have neglected.

6

FEATURE

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

THE BULL'S EYE

Anaheim Packing District nadia lee staff writer When I first heard about the Anaheim Packing District, I imagined it as some kind of unattractive place and simply dismissed the idea of ever going there. Eventually, just out of curiosity, I visited the Anaheim Citrus Packing House— the main site in the District—with very little expectations.

However, the moment I stepped inside, I was in a completely different world. How could this vapid, ancient building transform into a lively, packed center of activity just by walking through the door?

With country music—good country music—playing in the background and new restaurants, bars, and ice cream shops, this is one place not to be missed out on.

My first look at the exterior of the Anaheim Packing House made

me wonder why I came here in the first place since it resembled like a farmers market. However, I then learned that this packing house was built in the heart of Anaheim in 1919 and was one of the last remaining houses to be restored to its primary state.

Located near the South Pacific rail line, this historic site once received carts of citrus fruit and distributed them nationwide. During the restoration, two flatbed cars were installed beside the packing house and are currently used as an outdoor dining area for the restaurants.

Ranging from Indian to Japanese cuisine, restaurants in the Packing House uniquely present their culture-based meals. Though all restaurants in this two-story building had customers waiting in line, the most popular one seemed to be PopBar, an eccentric ice cream shop that required at

least a 15-minute wait before actually reaching the shop. Customers can choose from two types of popsicles—gelato or sorbetto—with a variety of flavors, which can be half dipped, full dipped or drizzled by the sauce of their choice.

Just outside of the Packing House, a ping pong table was set up next to a garden filled with vegetables and fruits such as peppers, pumpkins and tomatoes. For those who didn’t want to sit inside, there was an outside grass area with seats, guaranteeing shade on a hot day.

Because of the positive atmosphere, I felt peaceful and was able to enjoy my time there. With the music and different combinations of aroma lingering in the air, time seemed to slow down at the Packing House. When it was time to leave, something held me back and I knew that I would be back one day.

Photos by NADIA LEE

One of Anaheim Packing District’s popular restaurants is PopBar. Though many humans enjoy this popular hangout spot, pets aren’t welcomed on the premises.

Photo courtesy of Danny Lee

Danny Lee asks Shani Chen with a London-inspired telephone booth poster.

A Wonderland of Askings evon hung asst. web editor With Homecoming approaching in a couple weeks, balloons, posters, and flowers have begun sprouting at various locations around campus. Although these annual Homecoming askings may seem based off of a generic standard – banners and all – several Brahmas reveal the process behind the works and their own unique takes on coordinating proposals for their dates.

For junior Justin Kang, red balloons strategically dispersed on campus substituted a bouquet of red roses. Kang arranged the balloons into a scavenger hunt trail, attaching a dozen pieces of junior Joyce Kang’s favorite candies to the ends.

It led her to the 11th balloon and two options: Joyce Kang’s best friend, junior Rachel Hwang, and brother, senior Peter Kang, wearing shirts labeled “Yes” and “No,” respectively. If “Yes” was chosen, the last balloon revealed Justin Kang beside his proposal poster.

“I found out what she had for 6a, walked around the campus a good three times, and asked her best friend about the things she liked,” Justin Kang said.

While Kang’s proposal sailed smoothly, senior Sean Lee’s asking took an unexpected swerve.

Dressed in a full-body panda suit, Lee planned a surprise banner with flowers for senior Grace Kim. However, his surprise almost failed when she unpredictably passed by during preparation. Fortunately, Kim took no notice, and the plan succeeded.

Lee spent the Labor Day weekend preparing, choosing to wear the panda suit because it was Kim’s

favorite animal. On the day of, he attempted to remain collected around Kim but was overwhelmed with worries.

“My hand wouldn’t stop shaking, and I was sweating a waterfall, but when she said yes I felt a huge relief after,” Lee confessed.

Such nerves are not uncommon, especially in the case of senior Danny Lee’s asking, which was his first time asking a girl to Homecoming. In honor of his date’s penchant for London telephone booths, Danny planned a “Telephone Booth” themed proposal.

In the dance room, Danny Lee and members of the All Male Dance Team placed a telephone booth, crafted out of cardboard and paint, and balloons in the center of the floor. Inside the booth, Lee incorporated a vintage phone as part of the display. Once Lee’s date, sophomore Shani Chen, entered the booth and picked up the phone, Lee answered the call with his proposal and walked into the room to reveal himself.

With some help, Lee spent six hours painting the poster and recycled boxes which created the “telephone booth” contraption. In addition to focusing on the plan’s details, he also ensured that everything was tailored to his date’s particular likes.

“I asked [her friend], Nicole Chang, what colors, and kinds of drinks she likes. I also talked to her about things she loves,” Lee said via Facebook.

Although most askings lasted less than a minute, behind the show, the askers actually spent multiple hours to coordinate such an event. Despite the varieties in Homecoming askings, one thing remains the same: it’s a nervewracking experience, but when the girl says yes, everything is worth it.

A Look Behind the Counter victoria ly asst. feature editor It’s lunchtime. You rush over to the nearest window and scramble to be first in line. When your meal is within arms reach, you bid your “good-byes” and “thank-you’s,” and once the exchange is done, you leave the premise. It’s the same routine everyday, but have you ever stopped to wonder who is behind the window? Who prepares your lunches and embraces you with warm smiles day by day?

Apart from the familiar-faced teachers and guidance counselors, there are so many other staff members on campus who students rarely get to speak to.

While purchasing your lunch you might be greeted by Martha Lopez, who manages the vegetarian lunch line at DBHS. Every morning, Lopez arrives on campus to a set of already prepared meals. Before her shift begins at noon, she brings out the orange juice and the milk and sets up her window to get ready to sell.

Martha Lopez is one of the women at DBHS who serves lunch to hundreds of students every day.

“I love the kids and the rush during lunchtime,” Lopez said. “I have a lot of the same customers, and I already know their names before they punch in their numbers.

That’s what makes it fun.”

Lopez has been apart of the Brahma staff for about four years.

Because her daughter attends school within the Walnut School District, Lopez applied for the job at DBHS in order to pass time and insure minimal travel between the school district and her home in Azusa.

“I started at some of the smaller schools and I ended up here,” Lopez said. “I love this school and won’t go anywhere else.”

The most difficult aspect of her job is managing her time efficiently. “Once you get behind for that first 10 minutes, it’s hard to catch back up,” Lopez said. “Everything is very precise, and you only have a certain amount of time to get things done.”

Meals and menu plans are selected through the superintendent and arrive on campus frozen. Every morning a handful of staff members start their shift at 6 am, cutting cucumbers and preparing salads by hand. Brahma staff members prepare meals for not only DBHS, but also for nearby elementary schools.

Despite the hustle-and-bustle of lunchtime, Lopez is always making an effort to pay attention to her customers.

“I do notice when a kid gets a haircut or when a girl decides to shave one side of her head,” Lopez said. “It’s nice just seeing the different styles and trends students take on.”

As a lunch staff member, Lopez is always interested in her customer’s opinion. “I love it when we get something new like pomegranate tea, because then I can ask the kids ‘Do you like it?’ and they are always very honest with their an-

swers,” Lopez said. After gathering constructive feedback, she reports back to her other staff members.

“Getting that honesty from them, especially when we have new items, that’s always good.”

When Lopez isn’t diligently serving food to Brahmas, she spends time with her co-workers, sometimes even getting together for a potluck party on special holidays.

To commemorate the end of the school year, the staff gathers at a restaurant.

“I really like the atmosphere; we all get along very well,” Lopez said.

Outside of her job in DBHS, Lopez directs her daughter’s Ballet Folklórico dance group.

“The dance is all about zapatating the feet with passion,” Lopez said.

She helps with scheduling gigs and making costumes for the girls.

When Lopez finds spare time during work, she’s either braiding costumes or making jewelry. Their group, called Zapateando Con Pasion has danced for weddings, Quinceañeras, Sweet 16 celebrations, and even grand openings for

VICTORIA LY

Staff member Martha Lopez organizes the kitchen after lunch time. restaurants.

Lopez, one of the many dedicated staff members on campus strives to meet the needs of students every day. Eager to improve upon lunches, Lopez is open to students’ opinions and is always willing to accommodate to their suggestions.

7

FEATURE

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

THE BULL'S EYE

Alumni Spotlight: Sasha Harrington michelle ki asst. feature editor As students, we all have our dream occupations, whether it be doctor, lawyer, engineer, or teacher. However, Sasha Harrington, a Diamond Bar High School alumni, has a career that is anything but ordinary. Harrington is an aerial acrobat for Cirque du Soleil, the biggest theatrical producer in the world, in Las Vegas.

Sasha Harrington was originally a part of class of 2005 but graduated a year early in 2004. She attended college at San Francisco State University, majoring in Psychology with an emphasis on Human Sexuality, and graduated in 2008.

As a child, Harrington did not know she would one day become an acrobat. She recalls having an assignment in her French class with Tony Tietz to present her future dream job. Partly joking, she decided her dream job would be an acrobat.

However later on, she realized that it was truly what she wanted to pursue. Although Harrington didn’t love performing from the start, she had always loved creative expression and circus artistry and being an acrobat combines those two.

“DBHS taught me how to wake up early and get through a lot of

Photos courtesy of Sasha Harrington

Harrington performs at a show (left). At a photoshoot, Harrington lifts herself into the air for a good shot, (right). busy work and have the patience to deal with frustrating bureaucracies. It also taught me how to work around the path that was laid out for me to find and follow what I wanted out of life,” Harrington said.

It may seem as though Harrington is living her dream, after accomplishing what she aspired to do with her innate talent. However, there were uphill battles to get to where she is today.

“There were many hardships

when I was initially building my career. My training was very difficult to get through, and there was no guarantee that I would have a secure job when I finished. I had to have patience and trust that things would work out eventually and that whatever happened, it would be worth it to stay committed to pursuing my passion because it truly made me happy,” she said.

Harrington believes that the best part about her job is being able to share the message of the show to a

new audience on a daily basis and to see people experience all the emotions of the show. However, although Harrington loves her job, there are challenges that come along with the physically demanding career.

“The hardest part about my job is performing when I’m tired or sick. Those days are hard to get through, but it can be done and it’s good to know your limits— how far you can push yourself, to test your strength[s],” Harrington said.

Harrington advises high school students to look at life as a two way street.

“My advice is to approach life with curiosity and excitement and an open mind— to experience all you can to find what you are truly passionate about— to give yourself time to find something that makes you deeply happy and committ[ing] yourself to pursuing it— despite how much money it may make you or the social status it may give you in the end,” the acrobat said.

RESTAURANT REVIEW:

Bageti Sandwiches katlyn lee editor-in-chief

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Sorenson

Gracie Sorenson uses a puppet to interact with the children from Ecuador.

the Sorensens Take on Ecuador sarah markiewicz staff writer Many foreign language teachers emphasize to their students how valuable their language skills will become in the real world. Over the summer, Diamond Bar High School Spanish teacher Charlotte Sorensen used her knowledge of the Spanish language to help provide wheelchairs for impoverished people in Ecuador. Although she has taught Spanish for 25 years, this was her first experience in Ecuador.

Along with 16 other teammates, Sorensen and her daughter Gracie spent nine days there assembling and distributing wheelchairs for disabled civilians of the South American country, as part of an organization called Free Wheelchair Mission. Sorensen described those she helped as incapable of walking without an assistant. After presenting people with the wheelchairs, the team would also share the Christian Gospel with them.

They traveled from the high altitudes of the Andes mountain range and the capital, Quito, to the coastal city of Guayaquil. Along the way, the team also stopped at daycare centers to donate amenities, such as toys and desks, which many American daycares take for granted. Having visited other Spanish-speaking

countries before, Sorensen was able to help fellow group members communicate with the people of Ecuador.

“There were several native speakers in the group,” explained Sorensen. “However, I did translate from time to time; not for the group, but for individuals.” Her ability to speak Spanish was not all that prepared her for the trip, as she also used her prior knowledge of Latin American countries to anticipate what the culture would be like.

“I knew that I would find a lot of poverty there, which there was.

Sadly, Ecuador is a very poor country,” she said. Still, what prepared her most was “just knowing that there are people who struggle in other ways than we do. We all have struggles, but theirs just happen to be in the realm of finances and money.”

This was Sorensen’s first mission trip, although Ecuador is not the first Spanish-speaking country that she has visited. The Spanish teacher had attempted to schedule mission trips in the past, but had been unable to do so until this year because of her job. She plans to go on another mission trip in the future, and she affirms that she would encourage her students to visit Ecuador and any other Spanish-speaking country.

Better known for its doubledecker bus than its menu, Bageti Sandwiches is a restaurant that is perfect for those who are looking to enjoy a nice French ambiance while having a decent meal.

Even as I was walking toward the restaurant, located in a small shopping area in Diamond Bar, I could already sense that eating at Bageti would be a unique experience. The exterior consisted of a bright, antique turquoise piano with a few chairs and tables, and inside, I was welcomed with music that one might hear during the Roaring Twenties in Paris. I also noticed that there were only a few couches inside the restaurant, which meant customers had to eat outside or in the double decker bus, which was parked in close proximity.

Although there were not many options, the menu at Bageti Sandwiches has a unique fusion of

French and Vietnamese food. Because there were many favorable reviews for the baguette sandwiches, I ordered a BBQ Chicken Sandwich and a Mango Mania Smoothie and made my way to the doubledecker bus.

Inside the bus, I went up the stairs to the top deck and took a seat. The seats were not entirely spacious, but fairly comfortable.

Each table seated four people and was nicely finished with a vase of flowers. The open windows also allowed a nice breeze to flow through the bus. In a few minutes, I saw an employee walking across the parking lot to deliver my food.

When I took the first bite into the foot-long sandwich, it was nothing short of flavorful. The chicken was covered in a mildly spicy Vietnamese bahn mi sauce, and the cilantro and thinly sliced carrots gave the meal a fresh taste. The crushed tofu inside the sandwich was also an unexpected addition, although its taste was not as distinct as the carrots and cilantro. The sandwich tasted very similar to a sandwich I

might eat in a Vietnamese restaurant or at Lee’s Sandwiches.

The mango smoothie, on the other hand, was a bit bland and not sweet at all. Although I could taste the blend of fresh mangos, I thought a little more sugar could have made the smoothie a better complement to the savory sandwich.

Overall, Bageti Sandwiches may not have the most variety in their menu, but its French cafe environment is a pleasant atmosphere to enjoy a small bite with good company.

Address: 1241 Grand Ave, Diamond Bar, CA Phone #: (909)-6124422 Hours: Tues- Sun 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Price Range: $3.00 $12.00

KATLYN LEE

Vietnamese-style chicken sandwhich and mango smoothie at Bageti. The double decker bus that sits inside the plaza.

8 FEATURE

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

THE BULL'S EYE

“I just recovered from stomach surgery.”

“Standing up and playing soccer was an obstacle. We would run six miles a day which was tough, but after a few baby steps, things eventually things got easier.”

When asked if he aspired to become a professional soccer player...

“Yes...or a doctor. “

Noel Renteria, Sophomore

Students + Humans of DBHS

“I was so alone in middle school. It really changed me because I would just walk around and count how many people would actually look at me.”

“I’m actually a really open person. Most people don’t know that so I just stay in my shell.”

Alicia Meneses, Junior

“I like freshmen [in my] English class.

They’re so cute.

They’re like little puppies. I feel like I’m training them— guiding them in the right direction.”

joe Moran, English teacher

“I do boxing. I like to punch stuff.

Once in fourth grade, this kid was bothering me, so I brutally pushed him to the ground. He hit his head against the concrete, and at that moment, I thought that if I knew how to box I could have just punched him and broken his nose instead of almost seriosuly injuring him.”

Samuel Franco, Freshman

“I’m a hardcore gamer.”

Tiffany Yang, Senior

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

THE BULL'S EYE

9

ARTS and ENTERTAINMENT

Photo courtesy of KANSASCITY.COM

R obin Willia ms “You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.”

1951-2014 “He meant a lot to me because he was in a lot of the movies I watched in my childhood. It was very surprising because he seemed like such a happy man that would be the last thing for that to happen.”

“I kind of miss his really good movies like ‘Dead Poets Society’ and less popular movies such as ‘August Rush.’ He did it in such a way that allowed others to realize that life is good for everyone.”

Elias Zuno (12) Sarah Lam (10)

“It was really upsetting that [he was] someone who could make so many people laugh and everyone loved him, but he himself didn’t feel it. It was hard to imagine how lonely he must’ve felt.”

“I was a really big fan and I really loved his movies”

June Lin (10)

Victoria Shen (11)

10

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

THE BULL'S EYE

Marveling at New Heroes

#trending t h i s m o nt h vrinda chauhan asst. a&e editor

lilly ball asst. a&e editor

Photo courtesy of MARVEL.COM

Marvel debuts new heroes, breaking the social norms of comic book characters. holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor,” inscribed on its side will now be wielded by a new mystery woman.

Thor will be the eight Marvel title to feature a leading female protagonist, proving that comic books aren’t just for boys.

Although Marvel is already known for its strong female characters such as Black Widow, Mystique, and Storm, it is refreshing to see a female in a role that had previously been given to a male. With all the recent debate over gender equality,

Organizing Your Year frances wu asst. news editor

As technology becomes more advanced, and smartphones become more common, students should begin to explore the world of educational apps. These suggestions can be used in and out of the classroom, and provide a very convenient source of knowledge. There are a ton of useful apps out there that have been designed specifically for high school students, so here are some of the more useful ones.

30/30: This free time management app is a great start for students who are looking to make good use of their time. Having several different homework assignments written down at once can be intimidating, but 30/30 allows users to organize their tasks into lists and easily control and adjust the amount of time that they have to complete the job.

In addition to this, students can distinguish the assignments from those of other classes easily by changing the color of one class’s homework to a different color.

While the use for this app may seem trivial, time management is one of the most important qualities that a student should have to succeed in high school.

Quizlet: Although this app originally started as a website, a free mobile version is now also available. Students can create flashcards on the go or study from pre-existing ones all while working offline. Teachers can now also create a class and allow students to utilize sets that they have made for everyone to use.

This app blends seamlessly with

the website with its games and short quizzes that test the user’s knowledge of the flashcard set. Users can now study anywhere, anytime without having to sacrifice ease of use or function—almost everything that users can do on the website, they can do on the app.

Khan Academy: This famous website is now also an app, and it has attracted new fans with great videos that clearly explain and expand on academic subjects. Once upon a time, students had to be at a computer to watch the videos, but now students can watch them as studying tools via this app. Part of what makes the app so successful is that students immediately have a list of subjects to choose from. The tutorials are very well-organized, and there is never any time wasted when watching the lessons. With over 3,500 videos on any topic you can imagine,, this app is great for students of all ages and classes.

Wo l f r a m A l p h a : This app is the encyclopedia of school topics without the exhaustive search for information. From the integral of a function to a list of the most populated cities in the world, WolframAlpha has it all. Students can easily look up information on questions that they may have without having to look it up online and weed through unreliable sources with subjective information like Yahoo!Answers.

This app is the ultimate resource for students and is one of the most important tools that a student can have on their phone. While this app does cost $1.99, the use is unlimited and the benefits of having information just a few clicks away far outweigh the meager price.

the new female Thor is a huge step toward equal treatment in the world of comic books.

While these drastic changes to such famous characters are taking place, it is more than obvious that Marvel is striving to add heroes that all members of society can relate and look up to. A more diverse range of heroes opens up many opportunities and doors, and it is pleasant to see a major company rise up and make the necessary changes to accommodate America’s diverse society.

BUZZ: If I Stay

the

With the release of Marvel’s “The Avengers” in 2012, members Thor and Captain America rose to superstardom. These beloved characters, each with their own successful comic book franchises, will soon become unrecognizable to even their biggest fans.

Fans who watched “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” will remember Sam Wilson, an ex-pararescueman who uses his skills as the superhero Falcon to aid Black Widow and Captain America.

Robbed of his super strength and youth due to an issue with his supersoldier serum injection, Captain America will be passing the red, white, and blue shield to Wilson.

Coming this fall, leaving his Falcon wings behind, Wilson will assume his responsibilities as this nation’s newest African American hero in the new Marvel comic series, “AllNew Captain America” #1 by Rick Remender and Stuart Immonen.

Thor will also be passing on his title and beloved hammer, Mjölnir.

To be released in the fall along with the All-New Captain America, Thor, written by Jason Aaron complimented with art from Russell Dauterman will feature a very different Thor than the one we know now. The famous hammer, which has the words “Whosoever

With all the stress that comes with coming back to school, the internet is equipped with the most entertaining, amusing, and distracting features to help students procrastinate. The rise of new trends this month has definitely given me a reason to smile through my sometimes sullen school days.

Kim K Hollywood: This summer’s surprise hit app gives fans and players the opportunity to live out their Hollywood story. In the game, players must flirt and party their way to stardom, with help from Kim Kardashian herself, who pops up from time to time to keep things interesting.

The app sat on top of the Apple App Store charts for several weeks, at the #1 overall spot and #4 in topgrossing apps. It made $1.6 million its first five days on the store, according to the game’s studio Glu Mobile.

Kim Kardashian, who inspires the game, is allegedly also making money from the franchise. Kardashian receives 45 percent of the game’s profits, which has amounted up to about $100 million so far.

Reasons My Son is Crying: This may sound immoral or just plain mean, but there is something surprisingly hilarious and adorable about different babies crying over trivial things. “Reasons My Son is Crying,” a blog run by Greg Pembroke, allows users to submit photos of babies crying to be dis-

played on the blog, along with a caption explaining why children are lamenting so.

“I wouldn’t play the ‘Let It Go’ music video for the 10th time in a row,” reads one submitted by Joseph S., along with a picture featuring a blonde girl toddler looking quite miserable.

The blog was launched via Tumblr last year and has rapidly gained popularity since. A year later, he published a book compilation on Amazon, which was also successful.

Race and Genderbent Disney: The collection of images for Genderbent Disney, posted on various sites throughout the internet, illustrate popular Disney characters as the opposite gender, while Racebent Disney portrays Disney characters as different races, down to the race of princess Jasmine’s tiger, Rajah.

The designer, TT Bret, began working on it three months ago, and set out to explore social norms, and introduce more diversity in Disney’s princesses.

“I wasn’t focused on historical accuracy or content, and I didn’t have any political agenda in mind,” Bret told The Huffington Post in an email. “It was simply an exploration of race and culture from an artistic standpoint.”

Bret began posting his designs online, via websites like Tumblr and Wordpress, and the designs rapidly began to gain fame. Genderbent Disney was an immediate hit, and Racebent Disney followed shortly after.

gaby dinh asst. web editor

The film version of the popular teen romance novel focuses too much on the past, detracting from the overall story.

There have been a countless number of novels adapted to the movie screen and whenever a new one comes out, I play a little game with myself. In my mind, I predict whether or not it will be a successful movie. When I found out the movie “If I Stay” was being produced, a part of me genuinely hoped it would be successful. While the elements that made the book so wonderful were still there in the movie, the film was a bit lacking.

The plot revolves around teenager Mia Hall (Chloe Moretz), a gifted cellist who aspires to go to Julliard. She has a loving relationship with her parents and her younger brother, Teddy. But Mia struggles with the idea of Julliard, even though she wants to get accepted. While she loves the cello,

she doesn’t want to leave her family or her boyfriend, Adam, because she will be thousands of miles away from them if she decides to attend. However, the choices in front of her disappear when her family decides to take a drive on a winter day. When their car hits an oncoming truck, Mia goes into a coma. The unusual thing about her predicament, however, is that she can “see” herself out of her body and watch the events after the car accident unfold in front of her. Thus, Mia is left with only one choice, to choose whether she wants to live or die.

In terms of movie adaptations, “If I Stay” is a solid one that doesn’t require you to read the book prior to watching it. It stays faithful to the novel’s highlights:

Photo courtesy of LETYOURVOICEBENERD.COM

Mia Hall, a passionate cello player, finds herself in a challenging situation in which she is forced to choose between life and death in the adaptation of “If I Stay.”

Mia’s love for the cello and the relationships she has with her family, best friend, and boyfriend. Chloe Moretz’s emotional performance is worthy of a mention as well because she carries the role of a teenager obsessed with the cello that is confused about what she wants to decide with her future wonderfully.

The biggest downfall of the film was the way it handled the novel’s flashbacks. In the book, the writer does a good job of switching back and forth between Mia’s life before the accident and the events that take place while she is comatose in the hospital.

The movie, on the other hand, focuses a bit too much on the past.

While Mia’s life before the accident is definitely important, the way the film switched between the two was poorly done. Although I had already read the novel, I was silently urging the film to go back to the present so I could find out about the condition of Mia’s parents and brother in the hospital instead of her relationship with Adam.

“If I Stay” is definitely a tearjerker. But when some of the film’s most dramatic moments came, I couldn’t help but turn away, not because I was so moved, but because it was rather cheesy.

Despite my complaints, “If I Stay” is one of the better teen novel adaptations out there. So if you’re in a mood for a movie that might make you cry, this movie is it.

THE BULL'S EYE

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

11

On The Run with The Monster

Diamond Bar students enjoyed their time off school by attending music festivals, such as FYF, as well as summer performances from superstars Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Rhihanna, Eminem, and rock artists Puddle of Mudd. sasha rivera asst. editorial editor There are three summer activities that seem to be the most popular amongst Diamond Bar High School students: taking selfies at the beach, traveling, or going to various music concerts. This summer was especially musical for several DBHS students, who went to music festivals and saw performances by mainstream artists and rock bands.

Juniors Damanprit Kaur Kooner and Felicitas Anijielo went together to Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s On the Run tour concert at the Rose Bowl on August 3. Kooner and Anijielo, both avid Beyoncé fans, were pleased with the variety of songs

the singers performed, ranging from newer hits to throwbacks like “Bonnie and Clyde” and “Crazy in Love.”

“There are no words. It was pretty fun and cool because they’re both pretty iconic,” Anijielo said about her experience at the concert.

The tour contributes to charity by being in partnership with #BeyGOOD and donating $1 from each ticket and proceeds from Chase Lounge VIP ticket packages to The Shawn Carter Foundation, which gives scholarships to underprivileged students.

Kooner and Anijielo weren’t the only ones who enjoyed Beyoncé’s performances. Aliya Simjee, also a junior, went to the concert as well and was just as ecstatic about the experience.

“There was honestly no dull part. I loved when she sang ‘Partition’ because she showed that even after a child she could be classy and sexy. I also liked when she sang ‘Forever Young’ with Jay Z. For a while they also played music videos that they filmed separately and at one point Jay Z and Beyoncé stood there and cried because Blue Ivy was in it,” Simjee said.

That concert wasn’t the only musical fun Simjee had. She attended the FYF, a music festival started in 2004 by 18-year-old Sean Carlson, at the Los Angeles Sports Arena and Exposition Park on August 23 and 24. The festival has grown larger and more popular every year with a large variety of bands playing. Simjee particularly liked HAIM, Ryan Hemsworth, and Run the Jewels as well as many other

groups like The Strokes, Phoenix, k h i and Earl Sweatshirt.

“The best moment was getting a free haircut where they do whatever they want to do to you. They shaved the bottom half of my hair.

Crowd surfing and moshing at Earl Sweatshirt was really fun and really weird at the same time,” she remarked.

Senior Cy Miyake also attended a concert at the Rose Bowl. On August 7, he saw Eminem and Rihanna’s Monster tour concert with three of his friends.

“I enjoyed the fact that I got to see Eminem live, which I’ve always wanted to do but never got the chance,” said Miyake.

Some of his favorite songs that were performed, included “Diamonds,” “Not Afraid,” and “Lose Yourself.” Despite the unpleasant-

ness of the long wait to get inside, Miyake still had a memorable experience at the concert.

“The best part was seeing Eminem for the first time and the entire crowd knew every lyric to every song,” he stated.

Another senior, Richard Martinez, went to a less mainstream concert. He and his father watched Puddle of Mudd rock out on August 14 at Whiskey A Go Go in LA. Puddle of Mudd is an American post-grunge band that formed and gained popularity during the 1990s.

“It was an amazing experience I shared with my father,” said Martinez.

Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s next “On the Run” concert will be on September 27th at the Global Citizen Festival.

Photo courtesy of HYPETRAK.COM, MASHABLE.COM, SWANYART.COM

Many Diamond Bar students enjoyed their summers by attending various concerts by pop superstars Rihanna and Eminem, (left), Jay-Z and Beyoncé, (middle), and, rock artists Puddle of Mudd, (right).

Student spotlight: Betty Kim nadia lee staff writer As first chair in the High School All Southern Orchestra and an ambitious student in Diamond Bar High School, Betty Kim is headed for a busy junior year.

Kim plays for the first violin section in the school’s symphony and has been playing the violin for the school’s orchestra since her freshman year. She has even been chosen to perform in the renowned High School All Southern orchestra group, a collection of the best, most dedicated musicians from Southern California high schools, as the first chair.

Kim has performed at the Diamond Bar Center with the school’s orchestra and at the City Hall with a quartet. She also passed the highest level test with honors for the violin and level 9 for the piano. As the treasurer of the Symphony, Kim manages the orchestra’s budget and organizes fundraisers and class trips while doing her best to keep up with school and music.

Kim wouldn’t be where she is now if it wasn’t for her mother, who without hesitation, enrolled Kim in a piano program in kindergarten and violin lessons in third grade.

“I wasn’t even interested in playing either instrument in the first place. All of a sudden, I was going to piano class and I still didn’t have a clue. It was so random,” Kim said.

With a 4.0 GPA, Kim is taking four AP courses while being an ac-

tive member of the California Scholarship Federation and the Technology Student Association.

She has also been chosen as Student of the Year for Spanish II Honors and has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll since 2012. This well-rounded junior was formerly the Class of 2016 Vice President her freshman year and also volunteers as a string coach with the Giocoso Youth Orchestra, a local orchestra for elementary and middle school kids.

Outside of playing the violin during school, Kim performs with two other musicians in front of professors from the USC Thornton Music School who critique and help them improve their performance. Although Kim plays the violin much more than the piano, she hopes to pursue a career as a pianist.

“It’s true that I play the violin more. But in the end, playing the piano is what I love the most,” Kim said.

Kim appreciates her piano teacher for always being patient during their lessons, especially when Kim forgets to practice. Her teacher has been her biggest inspiration

WORDS WITH WONG:

Orange Never Looked So Good emily wong a&e editor

throughout her career as a pianist.

“My teacher always reminded me of my goals. Because in the end, this is for me to enjoy in my life,” Kim said.

The prestigious high school junior has some quality advice for those who are on the same path as her and hopes that it will stay with them.

“Don’t get caught up in the competition. Always remember what you’re doing before doing it. I know it’s overrated but just enjoy it. Be selfish and remember it’s for you,” Kim said.

Ah, yes. The A&E tradition of giving the editor a corner has finally fallen upon me. If you don’t know, I am a huge television junkie. Therefore, to kick off my new corner privilege, I have decided to enthuse about a popular television series: “Orange is the New Black.”

Released last year, the comedydrama series is a Netflix-exclusive show that centers on Piper Chapman, a seemingly normal, innocent woman. However, her past soon lands her in prison, where the show is set. The audience eventually meets many of Piper’s fellow female prisoners, who have eclectic personalities and histories, and follows the incessant drama that ensues from compacting volatile, felonious women in one facility.

I must concede that the plot of the show never appealed to me, but I could not ignore the critical praise any longer. And to my surprise, I became hooked by the first episode. Netflix was smart for posting the whole season at once,

because I soon found myself bingewatching the first two seasons within a couple weeks.

OITNB manages to shed some light on the humanistic side of some of the inmates. In fact, you begin to empathize with the prisoners. I never thought I would feel sorry for a drug dealer, gang member, and even a murderer. Yet creator Jenji Kohan manages to do just that while artistically intertwining the dark, realistic storylines with humorous, sassy quips.

Even the opening credits, though long, show faces of actual former prisoners, which evokes a strong emotional appeal from viewers.

The acting in this show is superb, as proven by the several Emmy nods this show has accumulated. Whether they are playing psychotic stalkers to cold-hearted intimidators, the actresses have no trouble convincing the viewers that they are not to be messed with.

With a fair share of plot twists and solid acting, OITNB is a mustsee show for anybody who does not mind crude humor and occasional graphic scenes. I highly recommend giving at least the first episode a chance.

Photo courtesy of WHATCULTURE.COM

12 ADVERTISEMENTS

THE BULL'S EYE

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

THE BULL'S EYE

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

A new era begins under Marcus Hughes DB football’s new head coach Marcus Hughes has put his personal touch into the program by inserting his new run-first offense and defensive systems. The football team is currently undefeated with a record of 2-0. andrew choi sports editor A new era has started in the Diamond Bar High School football program. Marcus Hughes, who was selected as head coach in early March, made his debut on August 29, defeating the Montebello Oilers 48-14. Even after many personal changes during the offseason, the Brahmas continued their momentum from last year’s 7-5 record by racking up 410 yards of offense and only giving up 187 yards on defense.

He followed that with a huge win in the Branding Iron game.

After reaching the second round of the CIF Southern Division playoffs for the second time in a decade, the DB football program experienced a rough offseason. Former DB head coach Ryan Maine became the offensive coordinator at the powerhouse Santiago High School, while wide receivers Cordell Broadus and Kanya Bell and three other key players departured from the program during the summer.

By looking at just the numbers, a football fan may think Hughes is using the same offense as last year’s team. However, the team runs a complete different system, displaying some promising and flashy plays throughout the entire game against the Oilers. Hughes, who went 67-13 in six seasons at Cornwall High School, has implemented a run-first pass- second of-

ANDREW CHOI

Head coach Marcus Hughes watches his new implemented systems under play. fense.

During the first game, the Brahmas rushed for 251 yards and two touchdowns.

“When I came here and saw some of the kids we have, we definitely

run more on offense than last year,” Hughes commented.

Another aspect of the new offensive system is that the Brahmas will switch positions in the middle of a game. For instance, senior

and co-captain quarterback Tyler Peterson played two straight years only in the pocket. But, in the game against Montebello, Peterson played multiple series at the wide receiver position while wide receiver Antonio Hull lined up behind the center.

“Tyler is a very good athlete.

He is someone that we can move into different positions to help us be successful. He is a team player so he adjusted to it. We have some flexibility with some of the athletes on the team. We have to do different stuff each game,” Hughes said.

On the defensive side of the ball, Hughes has integrated a system that makes the team’s speed and quickness into an advantage. Even though the team lacks size, the Brahmas only gave up 187 yards to the Oilers.

Junior defensive back Dimaggio Rico used his quickness to intercept the Montebello Oilers’ quarterback’s pass for a pick six return for the Brahmas. DB gave up 106 passing yards to the Oilers.

“We switched our defense and tried to find a defense that would suit our kids and put us in a position to win,” Hughes said.

Although the Palomeres League is a couple of weeks from kick-off, the Brahmas have the potential to match and even exceed last year’s record of 7-5. Even though the teams in the PL are much tougher compared to the teams in the Hacienda League, the 2014 DB football

Prestin pushing toward success

Summer, for most high school students, is a time for SAT prep, internships, or relaxation. For sophomore Prestin Li, however, this past summer was an opportunity to compete in the Amateur Athletic Union National Diving Championship.

Li, a swimmer for six years and a diver for four, has harbored a love for the sports since he was ten years old. Encouraged by his parents and coach, Li has trained for various meets, attended two cham-

pionships, and is now in his second year on the varsity swim team.

Throughout his years, the same challenges of diving continued to fuel his interest of the sport.

“Learning new dives is fun and pushing myself to learn a dive is really interesting. If I know I can do it and I do it, I feel really accomplished,” Li said.

The sophomore competed in the AAUNC at the Georgia Tech Institute of Technology this past July.

Referred by Coach Lisa Treguboff of Cerrito’s Pacific Diving Academy, Li met the qualifications to enter the Preliminaries round where he placed within the Top 12 to ad-

SPORTS COLUMN

Four never-ending sports debates

joseph park editor-in-chief Instead of voicing my opinion on one particular topic, I’m going to use this column to break down four popular, endless sports debate trending to this day.

1. Is the NBA draft lottery rigged?

This is a topic that will never find an end until those ping pong balls are shown on live television. Until then, I do think the NBA fixes the draft lottery. It was clear Anthony Davis was going to be the number one pick with franchise changing potential in the 2012 lottery. New Orleans, with only a chance of 13.7 percent for the first pick, ended up landing Davis. The fact that New Orleans was owned by the NBA at the time raises some questions and doubts. Even going to the extent of blocking the Chris Paul to LA trade, what will the Hornets not do to try and build an attractive roster to sell? And don’t even get me started on how the Cleveland Cavaliers got four first overall picks in the past decade.

This debate deserves a big fat yes. This is the cure for bad officiating, which is detrimental to the sport of soccer. The NBA and NFL has used the instant replay technology for a while now and the MLB started this year. Coaches deserve a chance to challenge calls during games. People argue the use of instant replay breaks the long-lasting tradition of soccer.

However, there needs to be justice on the field and as of right now, the referee holds too much power.

3. Was it Phil or the players?

Photos courtesy of PRESTON LI

Diver Li poses with his achievementsr at the AAUNC. vance to the Finals.

During the finals, divers of all ages faced five judges who scored the competitors’ dives on the degree of difficulty, form, and technique, but proper technique and form were the main components for a higher score. “[Diving] straight into the water is important so that you can enter into the water smoother and make a smaller splash.” Li said.

Sectioned into age groups, the competitors were also required to dive a particular number of times.

“Learning new dives is fun and pushing myself to learn a dive is really interesting. If i know i can do it, I feel really accomplished.”

PRESTIN LI

Sophomore Preston Li is awarded an All-American award for diving.

13

2. Should soccer use instant replay technology?

Diving since he was 10, Li achieved three gold medals, and one silver during the summer at the National Diving Championship. evon hung asst. web editor

SPORTS

At 14, Li performed nine dives and scored high enough on four dives to earn three gold medals and one silver.

The ardent diver acquired the title “National Champion” for his

score in the 3-meter springboard, 3-meter synchronized springboard, and 1-meter synchronized springboard. The silver medal was also awarded for his 1-meter springboard performance. In the springboard events, Li competed independently whereas his synchronized dives were performed with his diving partner, Aaron Augustine of PDA. Training for the event was repetitive, yet effective for Li. For all nine dives, he practiced each one three to five times a day. During his conditioning drills, the sophomore trained on dry land, working out and rehearsing dives before executing them in the water.

Earning the accolade, “National Champion,” is Li’s first and greatest achievement in his young diving career and has made him feel accomplished. Currently, Li continues to train for future opportunities, hopes to continue his passion, and pursue diving in college.

“Diving is a part of me now. I can not live without diving or swimming anymore,” Li said.

Phil Jackson couldn’t have done it without Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. Kobe and MJ couldn’t have done it without Phil.

No one player deserves 100 percent credit when it comes down to rings.

Yes, Kobe and MJ are and were the best to ever play the game, but without a mastermind basketball genius running things, it is safe to say that Kobe and MJ could have ended up ring-less without Phil.

People only look at this debate with a perspective that the Zen Master has 11 championships due to Kobe or MJ. However, what people do not understand is that Kobe and MJ never won a ring without Phil.

Kobe and MJ could not prove to the sports world that they could win a ring without Phil. So yes, it wasn’t just the players. Phil brings an unmatched winning tradition to the teams he coaches, just look at his decorated fingers.

4. Are athletes overpaid?

I’m going to go off on a limb on this one and say athletes’ salaries should remain as is. Yes, they are getting paid millions while doctors are making $200,000 but what fun is it when watching your favorite baseball player making the same amount as the average person?

Athletes are celebrities; they need to be paid in high amounts because money is what drives athletes to compete and want to play. Cut their payroll and see if you can get the same entertainment from your favorite sports teams. You’re not going to get any fun.

14 SPORTS

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

THE BULL'S EYE

The rise of Brahma water polo

Photos by ANDREW CHOI

Freshman Cameron Belden raises his hands in attempt to block the shot.

WATER POLO| The new water polo program emerged during the summer, as they prepare to challenge the other high schools. james kil asst. sports editor The Diamond Bar’s athletic program has created a boys and girls water polo team this year after the December 2013 opening of the new swimming pool. Coach Alexander Matal was selected as the head coach of the boys and girls teams, which consists of both players who are new to the sport and players who are experienced in water polo.

Since this is the first year of the new team, there are not many students with knowledge of the sport.

In fact, when they were recruiting students for the team, there were no try-outs for water polo. Anyone who was interested in playing this game was encouraged to join during the summer and during this school year.

The new team has only a few experienced swimmers. Before Soph-

“It was not really much about winning or losing. It was about gaining the game experience since majority of the players on the team were new to water polo.”

Coach ALEXANDER MATAL omore Diego Hammond joined the team, he spent five years playing water polo for a club. Seniors Isaac Cortez, Alexander Wang, and Derek Peng along with junior Dylan Lee and Hammond will play a big part of this season.

“We just help everyone else with things they struggle on and cheer each other on when doing drills or playing matches,” Wang said.

All levels of water polo are scheduled to practice five to six times a week. The varsity team practices usually last three hours while the junior varsity and frosh team practice for two hours. Captains for water polo have not been selected yet.

Senior Isaac Cortez gets ready to pass the ball to set up a play.

During their practices, the Brahmas go through intense drills and scrimmages. They first warm up by swimming 300 meters. After, they tread forwards, backwards, sideways for 200 meters. They, then, practice around 64 laps runswim-runs, exercises where athletes swim to the end of the pool, climb out, do five squats, and jump.

Usually they will finish drills with “War,” an exercise when the team wrestles each other underwater.

Afterwards, the team does head up and backward sprints for about 20 laps and finish the conditioning drills by filling up and holding up a gallon of water in the air with their elbows crossed for a minute

ten times in order to improve their treading. At the end of practice, they finish off with scrimmages.

Over the eight week long summer league program, the water polo team played around 30 scrimmages with different high schools although they only had a week of practice prior to these matches. Unfortunately, most of the games that they played were losses because they were still adjusting to the rules, how the games are played, and the environment that they. The Brahmas did win a few matches but it did not matter to coach Matal because winning was not important to him in those matches.

“It was not really much about

winning or losing. It was about gaining the game experience since majority of the players on the team were new to water polo. Some of them had some strong swimming backgrounds but none of them, for the most part, were equal as far as their experience in water polo. So it was more about getting them the exposure,” coach Matal said.

For this season, coach Matal does not expect much from his players except that they improve and gain experience after each and every game.

“It is a brand new program, so we are just looking for a stepping stone for the future,” coach Matal said.

BETHANY WU ATHLETE OF THE MONTH UCLA-bound phenom james kil asst. sports editor

Senior Bethany Wu carefully analyzes the field for her next swing.

courtesy of

Being one of the top young golfers in the nation and the co-captain of the Diamond Bar varsity golf team, senior Bethany Wu strives for success in both golf and academics. Wu has been on the varsity golf team since her freshman year and has helped the Brahmas to stardom ever since.

Wu was introduced to golf when she was six. Her inspiration derived from watching her father play golf at the DB golf course. Golf is never a burden for Wu because it was her own decision to start and was not forced by her parents.

“I like playing golf because of the competition and I get to meet so many people from around the country and even around the world,” Wu said.

Last year, Wu won a CIF playoff match to become a CIF individuals runner up. She also became the Hacienda League MVP for the third consecutive year. During the season, she shot a school record of 63.

The 13th ranked golfer’s favorite moment in her golfing career was when she was named medalist at the 2014 US Women’s Amateur.

This event took place in Glen Cove,

New York at the Nassau Country Club. The toughest obstacle she had to face was generating self-motivation for herself every time she played poorly. Her favorite achievement while playing for DB was when she won the CIF individuals in 2012.

Wu will be attending UCLA next fall on an athletic scholarship. Her first choice was USC, but when she realized that the coaches there were not well suited for her, she decided to switch to UCLA to maximize her experience.

“My other friend was looking

“I like playing golf because of the competition and I get to meet so many people from around the country and even around the world.”

BETHANY WU at UCLA too, so we were kind of like competing for that scholarship spot. Because if one of us got the scholarship, the other one would go to USC, so I tried to get there as quickly as I can,” Wu said.

One thing that Wu is looking forward to this year is participating in the Junior Ryder Cup, a team golf competition between the United States and Europe, that is held in Perthshire, Scotland. There

are six boys and six girls on each team. The tournament consists of three girls’ foursomes matches, six mixed fourball matches, and 12 singles matches.

Foursomes are matches when teams of two take alternate shots until the hole is finished. Fourball is similar to foursomes but the only thing different is that they hit their own balls instead of taking alternate shots.

The talented golfer has to manage her time precisely because of her schedule. Wu’s secret to maintaining a 3.8 GPA is by prioritizing school first, golf second, and her friends third.

As a senior in her last season, Wu and her teammates hope to end the year with a state title.

“We have gotten second two years in a row now, so I think a win will be pretty great for us and to end senior year like that, it will be pretty cool,” Wu said.

As for her future, Wu first wants to see if golfing will work out for her, and if it does, she wants to be the best player she can become.

Her main goal is to receive a PhD in psychology because she believes that education always comes first.

“My motivation is just to play better each year. The ultimate goal is to be the best, so that is what I am striving for,” Wu says.

THE BULL'S EYE

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

SPORTS

15

Niko with a knack for triathlons Disappointed and dismayed after getting a leg cramp during the race last year, Niko bounced back and used her summer in order to strengthen her skills and compete in the USA Triathlon National Championship, where she finished 32nd. calvin ru staff writer Sophomore Gabrielle Niko is emerging as a major talent among Diamond Bar High School’s top athletes, but her road to athletic success has not been easy. A hardearned path of arduous training helped Niko compete in the USA Triathlon Youth Elite National Championship, a stepping stone to the USA Triathlon National Championship in which Niko will compete in next summer.

During the summer of 2013, Niko took part in her first Sprint Triathlon. The sophomore, hampered by a leg cramp during the race, placed 61st out of 73 competitors.

Dissatisfied with her performance, Niko dedicated herself during the past year to improve her conditioning and to train for better performance. This summer of 2014, Niko lowered her finishing score and improved to 32nd, with a score of 35:10.00, in this year’s Sprint Triathlon in at VOA Park in West Chester, Ohio.

Niko understands very well the demands of triathlon competition.

Rigorous training of the body is essential, but nothing is more important than the motivation that resides in her heart and mind. The fuel that drives the triathlete is the desire for constant self-improvement.

Niko identifies her coach, Ian Murray, as her main athletic inspiration. Murray has recently trained triathletes from China who have competed in competitions around the globe. Coach Murray helped instill the motivational drive that has served the triathlete

Photos by ANDREW CHOI

Sophomore Gabrielle Niko competes in the Triathlon Youth Elite National Championship and poses for a picture with her companions before her second triathlon. well ever since she started taking part in athletic competition, and Niko herself has worked hard to keep that drive going.

“At first I did not want to do triathlons, but when I joined his team, I never wanted to stop,” Niko said.

The mentality of improving her skills has taken Niko to various events in Southern California. Her most notable event was the Centu-

ry Ride, which features a 100-mile cycling event from Irvine to San Diego. “I accomplished my summer bucket list by doing these cycling tracks,” Niko said.

Niko has also challenged herself by biking up the Glendora Mountain Road, a 45 miles path across a moderately inclined and hilly terrain. During the school year, Niko has also competed as a member of

Ferguson fills AD spot After the resignation of former Athletic Director Kurt Davies in the summer, the Diamond Bar Athletics program adds Kevin Ferguson to the family. lilly ball asst. a&e editor The Diamond Bar High sports family has a new man in charge.

Kevin Ferguson, stepping into the position of athletic director, has embraced Diamond Bar whole heartedly. He is replacing Kurt Davies, who resigned this summer to the social studies classroom.

While the duty of being an athletic director requires many hours of hard work and dedication, Ferguson is no stranger to the position.

Prior to coming to DBHS, Ferguson worked as the AD of Vista del Lago High School in Moreno Valley for the last twelve years, where he also coached football.

Before his days as an AD, Ferguson coached football and soccer a at another Moreno Valley school, Valley View High School. He stayed at VV for eight years until 2002 when he then moved on to the AD position at Vista del Lago.

Ferguson, who has worked for the past 20 years in Moreno Valley, now faces the task of working in a new city and a new school. This would be a difficult transition for anyone, but Ferguson affirms that he is adjusting to his new environment nicely.

“The transition has had its challenges, but I am fully embracing the opportunity to work at the best high school in Southern California,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson is pleased with his new department, where everyone has been friendly and supportive.

“I have met most of the coaches

ANDREW CHOI

Kevin Ferguson is welcomed to the staff with open arms. and I think we have some fantastic people working in our Athletic Dept. I can’t wait to build long lasting relationships with each one of them.” Ferguson said.

Despite the downside of a long commute from Moreno Valley, He is impressed by the students of DB and their academic achievements.

“I am most impressed with the high academic caliber of the students. Their dedication to their studies is amazing,” Ferguson said.

With his background in the athletics department, it is no surprise that Ferguson is a sports fan. He enjoys watching U.S. national soc-

cer teams and keeps up with college football. Ferguson also coaches his nephew’s club soccer team, a position he has enjoyed for four years.

Ferguson was once an athlete himself. He played football and soccer while in high school.

With the school year already underway, Ferguson has high hopes for the sports department this year and expects every athlete to give their highest effort.

“I expect that we will compete to the best of our ability, and with our best I expect that we will have great success,” Ferguson said.

DBHS’s junior varsity cross country, junior varsity track and field, and varsity swim teams. Currently, Niko is also a member of the Covina Aquatics Association and also participates in various swim events in the Los Angeles area.

Taking part in athletic competition is only one part of Niko’s ambitions; she wishes to inspire and teach others about the joys of the

sport. Toward that objective, she plans to establish a triathlon club on campus and encourage students to try out the various competitions.

The triathlete hopes to represent DB and the U.S. in global events such as the Summer Olympics and World Championships in the near future.

“Just have fun with it,” Niko said.

SPORTS MEMES

16 SPORTS

THE BULL'S EYE

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

SPORTS

Four-peat branding iron the winning streak continues 2011-2014

FOOTBALL | The Brahmas not only win the Branding Iron for their third consecutive time, but also earn a spot in the CIF playoffs.

Diamond Bar : 44 Walnut : 7 andrew an a ndr dre ew w choi choi hoi ho sports sp por ortts ts editor edi ditor to or The T Th he Brahmas’ Brah Br rah ahm mas’ ma s’ rrun-fi un-fi un first rst st ofofffense fe ense nse was wa as too too much to much mu h for for or the the he Walnut Mustangs last Friday as Diamond Bar captured its fourth straight Branding Iron game, dominating the 23rd annual matchup, 44-7. With five rushing touchdowns, the DB football team continued its undefeated season with a record of 2-0.

“The kids came out ready to play. I thought Walnut played hard with a lot of intensity.

This is what I expected our kids to do. [The victory] feels good. It feels good to win every game but this is extra special because this was a rival game,” head coach Marcus Hughes said about his first Branding Iron game.

Right from the start, the Brahmas continued their runfirst mentality and drove the ball down the field. Senior quarterback and co-captain Tyler Peterson finished the drive with a 50-yard rushing touchdown, giving DB the first points of the game.

On the very next possession, the Brahmas’ defense pushed past the Mustang’s offensive lineman and plugged the Mustangs’ running lanes for the first two plays. On third down, senior defensive lineman Jason Kim sacked the Mustangs’ quarterback and forced Walnut to a three and out.

“Before the game started, I reminded myself that this is my last Branding Iron game and that I got to leave everything I have on the field,” Kim, who finished the game with eight tackles and 2.5 sacks, said.

With four minutes left in the second quarter, the Brahmas extended their lead to 21-0 after a 16-yard touchdown pass from the quarterback to his twin brother, senior wide receiver Kyle Peterson. After forcing the Mustangs to another three and out, Diamond Bar had one minute left in the first half to drive the ball 62 yards for an-

other score. ot o tthe herr sc he scor co orre. e After using two Af ftte er us usin in ing ng tw wo off ttheir heirr ttimeheir he im meeouts, Brahmas had one last ou out uts ts, th tthe he e Br B rah ah a hmas h ad on ad ne lla ast st chance score yard ch han ance e tto o ssc cor ore att tthe he 111 he 1y ya ard d line.

With lli ine ne. W Wi ith h sseven eve ev ven en sseconds econ ec onds nds d lleft efft on e n clock, Tyler Peterson was the th e cl loc ock, k, T yller er P etters e ersso er on w wa as hiked the ball and ran to his right looking for an open DB receiver. However, the threeyear starter started to run the ball after finding an open seam between the Mustangs’ coverage. With Mustangs coming after him, he made an acrobatic flip over a Walnut defender and landed in the end zone for another DB touchdown. Heading into halftime, the Brahmas were leading 28-0.

In the second half, the Diamond Bar offense continued its rely on the rushing game.

Senior wide receiver Antonio Hull got on the scoreboard with a 57-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Brahmas a 35-0 lead.

The Brahmas would finish the game with a 44-7 victory.

[Hull and Peterson] are phenomenal players. We got a lot of playmakers. As the year goes on, we will get better,” Hughes said.

The Brahmas’ defense had a great game for the second straight week. DB’s front seven got past the Mustangs’ offensive line with ease and pressured Walnut’s quarterback throughout the whole game.

The DB’s secondary looked stellar as it only gave up 60 passing yards to the Mustangs.

Throughout the game, the Brahmas forced two fumbles and one safety. Prior to this week, DB had given up only 187 yards to the Montebello Oilers.

“The defense played tough for pretty much the whole game except for the last drive. I am proud of them because they hustled and that is what we expect,” Hughes commented.

DB looks to extend its twogame winning streak as the Brahmas will now face the San Dimas Saints on the road this Friday.

“We got a lot tougher opponent in San Dimas. It will be a physical game and we got to be ready,” Hughes stated.

Photos by ANDREW CHOI