September 2019

INSIDE THE ISSUE

opinion 5

feature 8

a&e 10

the bull’s eye NEWS

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OPINION

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FEATURE

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sports 14

SEPTEMBER 11, 2019 VOLUME XXXVIII, ISSUE I ONLINE AT DBBULLSEYE.COM

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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SPORTS

AP deadline, some exams changed

TEAM SPROCKET GEARS UP

Students must decide

by Oct. 4 to take exams, facing fees if they cancel.

TIFFANY LEE

DBHS Sprocket Team 3473 members, from left, Caleb Yoon, Presley Moon and Kevin Tan showcase the robot demonstrating the 2019 FIRST Robotics Competition challenge “Destination: Deep Space” at Back To School Night on Aug. 30.

New faculty brought onboard to DBHS crew Brahmas welcome seven new staff members in various departments.

Reyna wan Asst. Opinion Editor Though adjusting to a new high school is usually experienced by freshmen, a new group of Brahmas were also introduced to Diamond Bar High School last month.

Among the new teachers for this

school year include ROP Chemistry through Forensics teacher Ken Carlson and business teacher Nancee French.

Prior to being an educator, Carlson worked in law enforcement for thirty years, recently retiring from the Chino Police Department.

During his time as a police officer, Carlson utilized his degree in Criminology to teach at Rio Hondo College in Whittier and Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria.

“I did my time, so I wanted to find a new career, and I found it more valuable to give back at the high

school level than the collegiate level,” Carlson said. “It just seemed to be more fulfilling.”

French is a freelance marketing consultant-turned-educator. After she received her Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and a minor in Marketing, French taught ROP classes at La Habra High School, specifically visual communications and business finance, before transferring to DBHS to become the Business Management and Entrepreneurship instructor.

new staff ON P. 3

Keeping an eye on DB students

District installs security cameras around campus to enhance safety.

ABIGAIL HONG asst. PHOTO editor With all the changes to the school in the past year, there has been yet another addition to the campus of Diamond Bar High School—security cameras.

Prior to the installment of the security cameras, one of the most obvious safety measures at DBHS was the security guards at the school’s entrances.

Although the guards still monitor the campus’ gates, the cameras will allow the administration to review certain situations and identify unauthorized visitors.

“The cameras are placed so that we could review possible footage

if we need to identify somebody or figure out what happened in particular instances that may take place...,” interim Assistant Principal Matt Brummett said.

The cameras will not be monitored 24/7 but will record footage that allows administrators to study incidents around campus after the fact.

The cameras serve as an extra set of eyes to potential events and could also be used for detecting students who are smoking, vaping or doing other illegal actions.

Brummett said that the cameras are still being calibrated and not completely operational, as their performance is still being assessed.

“The district consulted with a number of law enforcement agencies to make sure the cameras are properly placed to keep the exterior places of our campus safe,” Brummett said.

security ON P. 3

20 fewer multiple choice questions in 90 minutes and one less free-response question in 70 minutes. Scientific and four-function calculators are now allowed on the exam as well. renee elefante Additionally, in the AP Biology news Editor exam, there are nine fewer multiple choice questions in 90 minutes.

Students still have 90 minutes for Starting this school year, some the free-response section, but they must answer two long and four of the Advanced Placement exams and course curriculums have short-answer questions.

The human body systems unit, been adjusted, along with a major change to the registration deadline. which was taught for most of AP Biology’s second semester, was reStudents must sign up for their moved from the course curriculum.

AP exams online through their Although teachers can still cover teachers’ AP Classrooms and pay the human body systems, they will for each exam by Oct. 4. Each test focus more on still costs $94, but other topics like if students decide biodiversity and to cancel the test, “Signing up for the evolution. they must pay a test is sort of like “I think it’s $45 fee. going in blind." good to have The payment more time to have schedule is curEMILY PAVASARS the kids learn all rently up on the the other topics Diamond Bar in depth because, High School webat least personally, I always felt like site and will take effect Sept. 23. in AP Bio, we were always cracked “Signing up for the test is sort of for time because there was so much like going in blind,” senior Emily to cover,” AP Biology teacher DiPavasars said via text. “I feel like ana Wai said. “On the other hand...I the earlier AP test dates force stuknow that a lot of kids might be disdents to take tests that they may or appointed because...they want to may not be ready for. With having learn about the human body.” the dates at the end of the year, stuMeanwhile, AP Human Geogradents can more accurately make phy students taking the exam must a decision that will allow them to answer 15 fewer multiple choice pass the test or not take the test if questions. they don’t feel ready.”

While there are still three free-reIn addition, the AP exams for sponse questions in 75 minutes, Environmental Science, Biology they are each worth seven points. and Human Geography have been revamped. ap changes ON P. 3 For example, the APES exam has

Photo courtesy of TOURLVIV.COM

Based in Costa Mesa, The Hangar, a concert hall at the OC Fair and Event Center, will host “Come Fly With Me” on Oct. 12.

Gliding into the evening This year’s Homecoming will offer flipbooks, but there will not be karaoke. josh chou asst. a&e editor For this year’s Homecoming, Diamond Bar High School’s United Student Body hopes to set the bar

higher with its around-the-world theme and an innovative venue.

The dance, “Come Fly With Me,” will take place on Oct. 12 at The Hangar, located at Orange County Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. Normally, the site functions as a concert hall, but its large space caught the attention of USB Special Project Commissioners seniors Eunice Sim and Rhea Nyjar.

The other venues they considered, including the Highway 39

Event Center in Anaheim, weren’t large enough to fit their needs.

“They also have a really good light system,” Sim said. “At previous dances, it wasn’t very techy.”

The Hangar includes a massive screen and projector that will show the Oct. 11 halftime show, where the queen and princesses are coronated. Meanwhile, the king and princes are crowned at the dance.

homecoming ON P. 3

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NEWS

Former dean returns Matt Brummett is back at DBHS as school’s interim assistant principal.

EMILY KOH Asst. FEATURE Editor After leaving Diamond Bar High School for a year, Matt Brummett has returned to become the interim assistant principal, replacing David Hong until the position is filled permanently. “[DBHS] is a place I enjoy coming to work every day because the students and staff are so great,” Brummett said. “It’s a special place and it will always be home to me.”

During his previous DBHS career, which lasted for eight years, he taught social science and served as the varsity girls soccer coach for five years. For the next three years, he was the instructional dean of Health and Humanities. In 2018, Brummett was offered the position of vice principal at Suzanne Middle School, which gave him an opportunity to experience working at a middle school.

“I wanted to diversify myself as an administrator a little more,” he said. “I think that there’s value to understanding what different levels are like as you go through your administrative career.”

Brummett hopes to make his position as assistant principal at DBHS a permanent one and is prepared to go through the interviewing process once it begins. As the

current interim assistant principal, he hopes to connect and build relationships with the staff and students at Diamond Bar. “I don’t know if I would have accepted the opportunity to serve as the interim if I didn’t have the intention to stay,” he said. “I’m not sure that would be fair to both DBHS and Suzanne.”

During his time as one of the deans at DBHS, Brummett focused on the curriculum. When he transferred to Suzanne, he was in charge of conducting discipline. Now, as interim assistant principal, everything is on a larger scale with more students, a larger staff and a bigger environment.

In the year he was away from DBHS, Brummett has missed working on the high school campus. He has mainly missed the students and working with them in

News Editors Asst. News Editor

A&E Editors Asst. A&E Editor

TIFFANY LEE

Maggie Liu, Elizabeth Peng Renee Elefante, Elizabeth Peng Anika Yatawara Grace Lee Reyna Wan Kate Zheng Somiya Jajieh, Emily Koh Josh Kim, Maggie Liu Josh Chou Ryan Lam, Johnny Wang Victoria Artale, Alex Chun

Photo Editor Asst. Photo Editors

Victoria Artale Abigail Hong, Tiffany Lee

Business Manager Asst. Business Manager

Staff Writers

THE WORLD

U.S.-TALIBAN TALKS DROPPED AFTER BOMBING President Donald Trump has cancelled a secret Camp David meeting with the Taliban to discuss peace negotiations. The meeting was scheduled for Sunday in Maryland. Trump tweeted his decision on Saturday night after 12 people, including an American soldier, were killed on Thursday by a car bomb. The meeting and peace negotiations were considered controversial since the Taliban had supported al-Qaeda.

A RISE IN OPIOID ADDICTIONS

Halfway across the world from the U.S., Australia is also facing an opioid crisis. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the number of opioid deaths skyrocketed from 439 in 2006 to 1,119 in 2016.

SOUTH AFRICAN DICTATOR PASSES AWAY

The ex-president of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, died last Friday in Singapore at 95. Although he liberated the country from white-minority rule, he left it with a devastated economy after resigning in 2017 to avoid being overthrown. In addition, his violent militias reportedly killed many of his opponents.

Photo courtesy of ZIMBABWESITUATION.COM Hurricane Dorian, the latest Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean, made landfall in the Bahamas on Sept. 1, causing at least 43 deaths and devastating damage. The storm caused tornadoes, power outages and flash floods in North Carolina on Sept. 6 as a Category 1, and then made landfall in Canada on Sept. 7.

SAT adds new statistic resource

Sports Editors Asst. Sports Editors

Web Editors Asst. Web Editor

events such as football games, orchestra concerts and choir performances. To Brummett, high school students are different from middle school students because they become more serious as they prepare for college, and at high school, the stakes are much higher than they are in middle school.

“I really liked the middle school, and those kids were great, but I think high school kids are at a unique point in their life where they’re leaving their immaturity behind and [becoming] more relatable per say,” he said.

Brummett is excited for all of the events that DBHS has to offer. According to him, the events was one of the elements that was missing at the middle school. Other than the events, Brummett is happy to have the opportunity to work closely with the DBHS staff and students.

DBHS interim assistant principal Matt Brummett, who worked at Suzanne Middle School last year, settles into his new position.

Opinion Editor Asst. Opinion Editor Feature Editor Asst. Feature Editors

ACROSS

HURRICANE HITS NORTH AMERICA

the staff Editors-in-Chief

SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

THE BULL'S EYE

Nia Mitchell Ryan Chan Renee Elefante, Josh Kim Reyna Wan Connor Cho, Camille McCurry, Vera Wang

Adviser

Doug List

contact us

College Board modifies the adversity score factor after facing backlash. vera wang staff writer The decision earlier this year to implement an adversity score on the Scholastic Assessment Test in 2020 garnered controversy among test takers and university officials.

The protests resulted in College Board removing the tool on Aug. 27 and replacing it with a modified version.

The New York-based nonprofit, which oversees the SAT, proposed the adversity score on May 20. The score would reflect students’ family income, environment and educational differences. It was originally created after the massive college admissions scandal that exposed affluent parents who paid to get

their children into top colleges.

Thus, the adversity score was intended to serve as a mitigator for people from all backgrounds.

Although the adversity score has no effect on a student’s actual SAT score, College Board directors admit it is one of the factors colleges and universities regard when they view a student’s background. According to the College Board website, the score measures factors such as crime rates and poverty levels in a student’s neighborhood.

The adversity score was intended to give those with less opportunities an increased probability margin in admissions, which was overlooked in previous years.

Though rooted in good intention, the adversity score soon began to draw critics from all perspectives.

Contrary to the exam itself, various observers argued College Board was unrighteously classifying adversity into a quantitative measurement when multiple influencing factors were dependent on

each individual student’s unique circumstances. Other observers found it impossible to encapsulate a student’s entire experience accurately in a single data point, as stated in a Fox article.

Administering several improved revisions to the adversity score, College Board now introduces the new replacement, “Landscape.”

This new tool displays identical information viewed by colleges about high schools and neighborhoods, enabling schools, students and families to have access to the same data without placing pre-calculated scores on student profiles.

“We listened to thoughtful criticism and made Landscape better and more transparent,” College Board chief executive officer David Coleman stated on the company’s website. “Landscape provides admissions officers more consistent background information so they can fairly consider every student, no matter where they live and learn.”

interacting with Brahmas

Diamond Bar High School, Room 459 21400 Pathfinder Road Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Phone: (909) 594-1405 x33459 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, request 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.

ABIGAIL HONG

DBHS Interact Club officers, from left, treasurer Ella Chiu, event coordinator Summer Wang and president Kayla Teng promote the volunteer-based club during the annual Club Rush, which lasts Sept. 3-13.

THE BULL'S EYE

SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

NEWS

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Homecoming hopes to reach new heights homecoming FROM p. 1 Just like the school dances in past years, the venue will offer a variety of photo booths and flipbook stations. In addition, the neon air hockey tables from last year’s prom will be making a return.

However, karaoke will not be offered this year due to a lack of quiet areas.

Basic snacks such as cookies and chips will be provided by The Hangar. This year, the commissioners are also hoping to include extra options like taco and boba food trucks.

Last year’s Homecoming tickets cost $65 per person (without an activity card), but the price is expected to rise.

“If anything, it would be five dollars more [from last year], not ten or fifteen,” Nyjar said.

The commissioners have also planned a series of lunchtime activities during the week preceding Homecoming to generate interest and increase ticket sales.

Homecoming tickets will be available starting Sept. 23, and ticket sales will end on Oct. 8. Date passes are also available Sept. 23 and will be due on Oct. 4.

Curriculum changes for some AP courses DBHS team grows this year

TIFFANY LEE

Among the seven new staff members starting their first year at DBHS are, from left, Autistic Spectrum Disorder Intermediate teacher Tiffany Brito, Chemistry Through Forensics teacher Kenneth Carlson and school psychologist Inger Turner.

ap changes FROM p. 1 Another change made was to the AP Studio Art course, which is now called “AP Art and Design.”

Before the change, students submitted 24 total pieces of artwork based on a concentration (for example, portraits of friends and family).

Now, students submit 15 to 20 pieces that are based on sustained investigation, where they must investigate a theme, concept or idea in their artwork.

In addition, there is also a larger emphasis on writing: students must write an essay about their pieces instead of an artist’s statement.

“I’m excited to see what kids come up with and how the work develops,” AP art teacher Coleen Gee said. `In the new My AP website, students can view their scores, digital portfolios and AP Classroom from any device. In AP Classroom, they can also see their courses’ units and content.

Students can also complete 45-minute personal progress checks that can be taken on paper or online.

In addition, they can answer questions from the AP Question Bank, which consists of 15,000 old AP questions. Their teachers can provide feedback for the students and adjust their lectures based on the students’ results.

“The point of the College Board creating this website and having this opportunity for students to use these free materials is for equal access so it isn’t just the students who can afford to have a tutor...to have extra help,” AP math teacher Latitia Thomas said.

However, teachers are not required to use these resources.

“According to the [Course and Exam Description] CED [binder] AP sent us, if you are currently happy with what you’re doing and successful with what you’re doing in your AP classes, then you should continue doing those things,” AP Literature teacher Kelly Chacon said.

new staff FROM p. 1 “I am hoping to build the FBLA back up and find ourselves competing in numerous events,” French said.

DBHS will also see a change in the staff in the special education rooms with the arrivals of Autistic Spectrum Disorder Intermediate teacher Tiffany Brito, speech pathologist Kristen Wong and education specialist John Rodrigues, serving as a long-term substitute for math teacher Morgan Galeener who is working as a GLC while Jenna Brummett is on maternity leave.

In addition, Richard Langham will be taking over as DBHS choir director, and Inger Turner was hired as one of the school’s psychologists.

Autism specialist Brito didn’t find her passion for being a special education teacher until after graduating college.

Though she previously taught at Allen Ave Elementary with a short stint at San Dimas High School, she

always knew she wanted to teach at a high school.

“I feel like I could work more on vocational skills since it’s geared more towards their [students] independence at the high school level,” Brito said.

At DBHS, Brito hopes to connect the main student population with

“There are high standards for everyone, from their behavior to their academics."

INGER TURNER the special needs students. By doing this, she hopes to emphasize more on Diamond Bar’s Best Buddies program and start other programs.

“I want to really push for there to be a little more awareness on campus,” she said. “I want kids to come into my classroom and see that we like to have company, make

it more family-oriented.”

A psychologist with over 20 years of experience, Turner has been a part of the Walnut Valley Unified School District since her internship years.

She has worked at CJ Morris Elementary School for five years and spent the last 15 years implementing programs that include nature hikes and camps at Suzanne Middle School.

“I’m gonna observe this year and get used to the culture, but my interest has always been to provide students with experiences, really in outdoor activities and culture,” Turner said.

Knowing the reputation and academia of DBHS, she is learning to adjust and hopes to positively influence the students along the way.

“There are high standards for everyone, from their behavior to their academics,” Turner said. “This is the step before we push you out to the real world, so it’s definitely more professional and focused on specific goals.”

Wellness event to provide safe zone for male students ‘Cracking the Guy Code’ will be held all day on Sept. 20 focusing on boys’ mental health. anika yatawara Asst. news Editor The conversation about male mental health is one surrounded by the issue of masculinity and the idea that all boys have to do is “man up.”

Thus, Diamond Bar High School peer counseling teacher and Wellness Center coordinator Sandy Davis has organized ‘Cracking the Guy Code’ in the hopes of breaking away from traditional gender roles and help comfort male students.

Davis said she has been planning the event for nearly three years and expressed her gratitude for being granted permission to go through with it.

“What I was finding was that our young adolescent men are more at risk than females,” she said.

The Sept. 20 event will have several games and activities related to topics discussed throughout the day.

The activities and group set-up

will be similar to those at DB Forum.

The event will also have nine guest speakers of different ages, all of whom have studied and trained with Davis to help connect with the male audience.

“I did an eight-hour training with them,” she said. “The generational conversation they had was so rich and so valuable, I thought, ‘this is going to be great for our young men.’”

Her idea behind the event is to

“Nobody’s really talking to them about some of these issues."

SANDY DAVIS allow males to feel safe expressing their thoughts on important issues.

“Nobody’s really talking to them about some of these issues,” she said. “They maybe hear about [the] Me Too [movement] and [ask] ‘What is that?’”

Davis also expressed the importance of keeping males who participate in the event as diverse as possible.

She encourages males who con-

tribute to any part of DBHS to join the event.

“We want a really wide cross section, so we have representation from our whole school community,” she said.

She strives to help the male population at DBHS grow and understand their emotions through their experience at the event.

“Both females and males are impulsive, but the boys, when they make impulsive [and] bad decisions, they tend to be more destructive and harmful to themselves,” she said.

While Davis recognizes that many students at DBHS may feel uncomfortable with joining the event, she invites them to step out of their comfort zone and experience the event.

“We’re at a really interesting, critical time in our history where gender roles and norms and expectations are shifting,” she said.

Davis has also spoken to teachers, who will discuss the event in their classes.

She hopes for a positive response from students as well as from many of the participants.

“I think the young men, if we can get them there, will just be like ‘Oh my goodness this is really fun,’” Davis said.

ABIGAIL HONG

Security cameras can be seen in the hallways and on exterior walls on campus.

Ramping up school safety methods Security FROM p. 1 The school and district wanted to make sure that the cameras are in optimal places to keep the campus as safe as possible. There will be about 200 cameras spread across campus, mostly located outside.

However, there are some cases where the cameras are placed inside buildings, such as rooms with computers and other technology.

“This is an organic process where they would keep determining where they would like to keep an eye on,” Brummett said.

Despite the addition of the cameras, he said that the most significant changes are due to the

physical changes of school namely Downtown DB. A security guard patrols near the portables, and a GLC also supervises them during breaks. Brummett said that he believes that GLCs and the staff are one of the best security measures on campus.

“We have a fantastic team of GLCs who do a really nice job of being the eyes and ears of our campus,” he said.

Brummett said that the GLCs’ office locations have all been strategic moved for campus safety and that campus security is always subject to change.

“The world evolves, so does our safety plans,” he said.

4

OPINION

EYE EDITORS OF THE

OPINION: The student paper provides a forum for Diamond Bar High School students’ perspectives.

Contact us to voice your opinion about issues discussed in The Bull’s Eye.

A

merica was built upon freedoms: the freedoms of religion, speech and the press.

Newspapers have been in circulation for over 300 years, and editorial articles are a major part of any journalistic enterprise. While news articles report the facts or describe events, editorials allow writers to express their opinions and share them with the public.

The whole of the Bull’s Eye is, essentially, a slice of reality among all the purple-gold hype. For students, the Opinion section is a forum in which students can discuss their opinions on a multitude of topics, from the condition of school bathrooms to the popularity of presidential candidates.

Our goal is simply to dedicate

our writing and ourselves to the freedom of expression of student opinion. Diamond Bar High School is considered by many to be one of the best schools in the nation, but like all schools, it has its flaws. The articles discuss the unsavory aspects of high school that students whisper about in the hallways, cutting through all of the fluff and the pro-high school propaganda that thrives on every school campus.

High school, while exciting and commonly regarded as some of the most important years of people’s lives, has its ups and downs, and that’s what the Bull’s Eye is all about. Our goal isn’t to tear down DBHS’ carefully crafted reputation, but rather to expose issues that students experience so that these

problems can be solved.

The Eye of the Editors, usually accompanied by student quotes, represents the collective opinion of editors, while opinions expressed in regular editorial articles are those solely of the writer. Additionally each issue contains editorial cartoons, each of which expresses a perspective through art and allows readers to interpret the image as they wish.

However, the Opinion section isn’t only for the staffers. The Bull’s Eye encourages the entire student body to keep the discussion alive by sending in letters expressing different perspectives, some of which may also end up printed in the newspaper or on the paper’s website.

In a society in which teenagers’ opinions generally aren’t given much value, this is our way of being heard. Opinion is the exception to the rule, the one section to which anybody can contribute—take advantage of it. Email BullsEyeEditorial@gmail.com or use the QR code below to submit your opinion. Be Heard.

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side from the commonly discussed issue of climate change, another important part of nursing the environment back to health is conserving the species that live in it. Disregarding that generally held belief, the Trump administration passed regressive changes to the Endangered Species Act in early August that will make it harder than ever to protect our wildlife.

The ESA is a 1973 act meant to aid the conservation of threatened and endangered species. At the time, it had bipartisan backing and still does, with current support from as

SUPERIORLY SATIRICAL

T

Emily Koh Asst. Feature Editor

he more expensive something is, the better its quality. Right? Since I want to have the best education possible, I better start looking for colleges with the highest tuition. As for how to pay for it, there are endless solutions as long as you’re willing to look for them.

I’m so thankful college tuition is now three times more expensive than it was when my parents went to college; seriously, who would want to learn in an environment accessible to everyone? For me, I would rather pay $50,000 a year to go to a four-year private school to receive that elite education, rather than mingle with the masses at cheap public colleges.

Plus, the increase in tuition cost

many as 80 percent of Americans, tration decided that prices matter according to a PBS study. Changes more than the environment. were made in spite of support for These same values are evident the previous ESA. in the next addition, which changThe modifications to the act will es “critical habitats” for species. supposedly make it more transparInstead of taking into account the ent and modern. However, there possible habitat migration from was never a need for change—in climate change, only the land curfact, it has brought 47 species back rently occupied by the species is. to their natural Critics believe numbers and is that this move “The modifications now protecting is tied heavily to [are] meant to an astonishing mounting advo1,600 more. cacy by logging, make the act more Additionally, land development transparent...However, the actual changand oil and gas there was never a need es have nothing drilling indusfor change.” to do with either tries to free up of the aforemenmore land. tioned reasons. Rather than modIf land that would normally be ernize, they could reverse the posiprotected suddenly becomes availtive changes the ESA has made. For able to development, endangered example, one modification adds an and threatened species will have economic analysis of how much it nowhere to go when their current will cost to save a species to aid the habitat becomes uninhabitable decision of whether or not a spedue to climate change, something cies should be protected. The price that is already causing migration of saving a plant or animal should around the world. not matter—only raw scientific The last major change to the data should. Instead, the adminisESA concerns its protections. Be-

fore, threatened species received the same protections as endangered ones. Now, every species requires its own action plan before protection can begin. The plan will have to explain the best course of action in saving that species, slowing down the conservation process.

This is in direct contrast to the rate at which species will need protection in the near future, as a UN report shows that as many as one million species are at risk of extinction. If this happens, the same report predicts a potential loss of $577 billion in annual global crops from the loss of pollinators alone.

This is ironic considering that one of the initial goals of these changes was to lessen the economic burden of the ESA. The amount of money put toward conservation efforts should instead be viewed as an investment that will save money in the long run.

Despite the disastrous potential effects of the new ESA, there is still hope for the future as wildlife groups and democratic lawmakers fight to undo the changes in court.

How to pay for college makes total sense. With more people attending colleges, it’s only reasonable to weed out those who are not serious about a college education by raising prices.

In most cases, affording college shouldn’t be a problem as you should have been saving for college from a young age. Every practical child puts their allowance or lemonade stand money toward college, and I’m sure most parents created college savings accounts for their children the minute they are married. And in case all your savings were lost in a big fire or stolen by robbers, here are a few solutions: My first piece of advice for getting the best education and paying the high tuition would be to just take out a loan; it’s simple as that.

Who cares if you have to spend up to 20 years paying it off? What matters most is getting a degree from a reputable college. Sure, most employers might not even check to see where you received your education, but it’ll still be worth it to display that piece of paper that lets everyone know you are superior.

If you don’t want to graduate with enormous debt, another solution is to get a scholarship. It’s not hard—all you have to do is beat out

thousands of other kids based on your academic ability, or maybe just be phenomenal at a sport you have a lifetime of experience in.

One way to ensure that you win a scholarship is to score a 1600 on the SAT, receive a 36 on the ACT, have a 5.0 GPA and be involved in many extracurricular activities. Besides, if you’re just not good enough to get a scholarship, at least that scholarship won’t be wasted on you; it’ll go to someone who is more talented and worthy.

If the options I’ve listed so far don’t work out for you, there’s al-

gracenotes

Flawed voting methods

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Endangering the future of wildlife

Camille Mccurry Staff WRiter

SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

THE BULL'S EYE

ways the choice of taking eight AP tests and getting a five on all of them. This way, you can skip a year’s worth of college expenses.

In the end, there are so many solutions to this simple problem that every student should be able to find some way to get into college. If worst comes to worst, just boycott college altogether to protest the high tuition prices; instead, learn what you would have in college through the internet. The internet is just as qualified as those fancy college professors with actual degrees and experience.

Cartoon courtesy of SARAH SEIF

Grace Lee opinion editor

n late August, a federal appeals court ruled that the Electoral College can vote against the state’s majority vote for president.

This court case follows the 2016 presidential election, in which Colorado canceled the vote of a Democratic faithless elector Michael Baca, who went against the majority vote of the state and wrote in the name of Republican John Kasich.

Although Hillary Clinton already had the majority, the secretary of state replaced Baca with another elector who voted for Clinton.

This new precedent adds on another issue to the Electoral College.

By declaring that members can vote against the majority vote, this ruling diminishes the importance of the popular vote.

People vote because they think their votes matter. While most electors will stay faithful to the popular vote, the fact that electors now have the legal right to deviate from what the people want is enough to discourage some people from voting. Voters may feel like their votes don’t matter, especially after the recent 2016 election, in which Clinton won the popular vote but President Donald Trump won the majority of the electoral college votes.

This decision makes one of the main issues of the Electoral College even more obvious: not every voice is heard equally. The winnertakes-all aspect of elections helps elevate this sentiment.

The Electoral College is set up so that when citizens vote for a presidential candidate, they are actually casting ballots for a certain elector, who will then vote for a president.

The candidate who receives a majority of the Electoral College votes wins all of that state’s votes.

In addition, this means that candidates will focus their campaign resources on swing states, rather than on states which are strictly Democratic or Republican. Instead of campaigning to all voters across the nation, candidates change their platform to appeal to swing state voters. With the candidates trying to take a majority of a swing state’s vote and taking advantage of the winner-takes-all concept, it almost seems as if a portion of voters from the other states is neglected.

I am not a U.S. citizen, and one of the main reasons why I plan on applying for citizenship when I turn 18 is to be eligible to vote. The fact that my voice as a voter in a generally Democratic state won’t make a large difference is enough to make me rethink the importance in obtaining U.S. citizenship to vote.

Over two centuries ago, the founding fathers created the Electoral College because many rural citizens lacked the resources to be informed about the nation-wide elections. However, with the help of technology, it is easier now than ever to stay up to date with the fluctuating political happenings.

With all of the complications trailing the Electoral College, especially with the recent court case, it may be a better choice to do away the 200-year-old body of electors and create a new method that is more relevant to voters today.

THE BULL'S EYE

SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

OPINION

5

Hong Kong protesters overstep boundaries

Reyna wan ASst. Opinion Editor

W

hat started out as peaceful protests against the Hong Kong extradition bill has become an international phenomenon as protesters began using devious ways to draw attention to one of the most publicized demonstrations of anger against China since the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989.

Introduced by the Chinese government, the extradition bill requires criminal offenders to be tried in Beijing instead of Hong Kong. The bill, along with other mounting tensions, sparked the original protests, which included peaceful marches and signs.

When this form of protesting didn’t gain attention from the government, protesters resorted to using fists and weapons, insinuating the police into the complicated situation. As much as the police faulted in their ways of attack, the protesters took a wrong turn as well

when they began using violence and forced the people of Hong Kong to take a side.

Though many people around the world have shown support for the protesters through social media posts and videos, even those who back them should have drawn the line months ago when the rioters assaulted innocent bystanders and blocked places vital to Hong Kong’s economy. As much as I support their fight for equality, disrupting the lives of hardworking individuals who try to make a living is completely unnecessary.

Nonetheless, the Hong Kong rioters’ motivation lies much deeper than an extradition bill; it dates back 200 years to a time when China lost control of the territory twice to England.

When British colonization ended after 150 years, the Queen of England required Hong Kong to be under the “one country-two systems” law starting in 1997. The principle states that the territory would be led by the Chinese Communist party while maintaining its capitalistic virtues.

Twenty two years later, Hong Kong is home to a rising economy but also the most expensive housing rates in the world. Only upper and middle class can afford apartments with the lower class only being able to afford renting one room.

Adding to the tired and stressed lives of Hongkongers, the promised

Photo courtesy of PETER Y. CHUANG/UNSPLASH 50 years of no disruption is slowly fading away as China has started to blur the lines between communism and capitalism in Hong Kong with the extradition bill.

With the laws of the extradition bill, the built up resentment and hatred toward the bureaucracy reached its breaking point as the citizens of Hong Kong banded together to fight against the Chinese regime’s suppression.

As much as the protesters have suffered, causing havoc in the Mass Transit Railway subway stations, the main form of transportation

Passing away period

for Hong Kong citizens, should not go unpunished. Because of their actions in hitting civilians and blocking people from entering trains, the rioters caused the MTR to be shut down for weeks.

Adding to the chaos, the demonstrators vandalized and destroyed the interior of Hong Kong International Airport with slurs and weapons, forcing the airport to cancel all flights and activity for two days and not allow anyone to leave or enter the airport.

Though I agree that the police shouldn’t have quickly succumbed

New immigrant rules hit the lower class

Ryan CHan Asst. BUsiness Manager

M Cartoon courtesy of JAMES WU

Advanced Payment deadlines

Connor Cho Staff Writer

A

s students have already heard, the College Board has changed the AP exams deadline for registration, putting many students at a disadvantage.

The changes were apparently made to keep students focused on their studies, but it is hard to see the promised benefits.

Last month, the College Board changed the deadline from March to October. Along with these deadline changes, the College Board has added a new late fee of $40 and a fee of $40 for missing the test. The exam fee remains at $94.

This deadline adjustment will have a huge impact on many AP students who need more time to think about spending money on the

exam. Students are only given a few months from the start of school to decide if they want to register, and if they register and cancel they are subject to a $40 fee.

At the beginning of the school year, many students at Diamond Bar will make the obvious choice to take the test because of the school’s highly intense academic atmosphere, but some students

“Earlier deadline dates will pressure students to hastily pay for the exam, even when they are unsure about taking the test.” may come to realize that they are unprepared for the test.

Earlier deadline dates will pressure students to hastily pay for the exam, even when they are unsure about taking the test. According to data from the College Board, which tested the changes on pilot schools, the results of earlier deadlines show a 33 percent increase of low-income students who regis-

tered, but the data also shows that their average scores decreased.

While earlier deadlines encouraged more students to take the test, it is clear that many of these students were not prepared and were only forced to take the test because they have already paid a $94 fee and didn’t want to pay another $40 to cancel.

There was never any issue with the original registration deadline, which gave students nearly the entire school year of the AP course to see if they were prepared.

Moving the registration deadline to the beginning of the school year denies students a chance at success because it will not give them the opportunity to see if they are ready for the work in an AP course.

According to a spokeswoman from the College Board, early registration dates were only made to keep students more motivated, but experimental studies by the College Board doesn’t show these results.

The additional fees indicate that these changes were made to help the company’s bottom line rather than help students prepare.

to using rubber bullets and tear gas, the protesters should have been more cognizant of how their actions would harm both the economy and well-being of others.

Nevertheless, there remains a strong message behind the citizens of Hong Kong.

They hope to use what is left of their time to maintain their rights to free speech, liberty and free will as the year 2047 inches closer and closer. With their futures facing a dead end, the protesters are determined to find a conclusion for this 200-year saga in Chinese history.

ost immigrants come to America to achieve their dreams of finding long-awaited success. However, the Trump administration’s newly defined rule on who falls into the category of a “public charge” will crush the hopes of starting a new life for many immigrants.

A public charge is anyone who might become a burden to the government if granted a Green Card, the pathway to citizenship. With this law, if new immigrants accept government aid like food stamps, subsidized housing or Medicaid, they will have a higher chance of being denied a Green Card.

Many immigrants already face obstacles when trying to gain residency in the U.S. Instead of trying to streamline and expedite the process, the Trump Administration is making the process of obtaining a Green Card even more difficult.

Trump’s new policy punishes low-income immigrants by prioritizing wealth to determine who qualifies for a Green Card. Filter-

ing out low income families is a type of discrimination, since the administration is weeding out the poor and letting in the rich.

This is wrong because people should be given the chance to make a better life for themselves once they enter a new country, not judged before they even set foot in the country.

The new public charge rule turns government aid into a double-edged sword: families can accept the help and live a more stable life, but they are forced to put their hopes for citizenship on the line. This is extremely ironic since government aid is supposed to help immigrants, not make their future more uncertain.

Many low-income families may reject government aid in order to not be considered a public charge.

Turning away the help could be detrimental to their health and will weaken the relations between the government and the potential citizens of the U.S. The government justifies its new policy by stating that they only want self-sufficient people immigrating to the United States. Administration officials emphasized that the money for these government programs comes from tax dollars and, they believe, should not be going to recent immigrants.

However, turning away millions of immigrants who may need to accept government aid is not the moral solution for getting rid of potential burdens.

MORE ON THE WEB dbbullseye.com

EPSTEIN SUICIDE A Bull’s Eye staffer shares her opinion on the suicide of the late millionaire Jeffrey Epstein.

‘THE HUNT’ CANCELLED See what a staff writer thinks about the controversy surrounding the film’s release.

6

FEATURE

Passion for printing

Freshmen

expectations vs. reality From taking new classes to learning about different clubs and activities, high school introduces opportunities for everyone to partake in. Four freshmen gave their input on what they expected high school to be like in comparison to what it actually is.

“The high school teachers connect more with us, but the middle school teachers just teach and they don’t really connect with us.”

- EDWIN YANG

“There are so many more teachers per subject so I don’t really get to see my friends as much as I thought I would.”

- AMBER TON

“My favorite part of high school is that there are a lot of clubs that you can join and you can do a lot of things that you are interested in.”

- JESSICA CHUN

SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

THE BULL'S EYE

Elizabeth Peng EDITOR-in-chief At the crossroads of the arts and STEM, Printed Works aims to teach students how to run a business, from using certain equipment in skill-intensive projects to contacting sponsors and organizations.

The entrepreneurship club was created in December 2017 by former Diamond Bar High School students Ethan Chu, Max Gu and Ashley Pang, with the hopes of utilizing 3D printers to create products.

“The goal of our club is to integrate business, engineering and art, so what we do is we create some products or we take orders from different groups, and then we integrate a design aspect to them,” senior club President Logan Tang said. “And then we sell those products to create like a self-functioning club that uses its revenue to expand its capabilities.”

Printed Works creates various products, including customized clothing and banners and 3D-printed models. The club members also do graphic design and laser engraving.

In the past, the club worked with the Children’s Museum at La Habra to create a display related to Mexican culture by 3D-printing and painting food items such as enchiladas, tacos and burritos.

Printed Works also made the DBHS class of 2022 T-shirts. One of their current projects is the robot InMoov, which is 3D-printed and contains hardware that has artificial intelligence.

“The robot has a large number of capabilities...it has like articulated limbs, it has cameras, it has speakers, so it could listen to words and then have a conversation, or

Photo courtesy of ALEX TANG

Senior Jonathan Tan works on the InMoov robot with club members. it could make gestures, move its arms; it can record what it sees,” Tang said.

The club’s equipment is not only limited to 3D printers. Club members use direct-to-garment printers and screen printers to produce customized clothes. To print banners and stickers, they utilize banner printers and plotters.

Some of the equipment are from the wood shop and architecture design classes, while other 3D printers and banner printers were provided by Joe Bloomfield, CEO of GlowZone, Inc. and Spyder 3D, who serves as an off-site sponsor for the group.

The adviser for Printed Works is An Tran, who teaches Computer Aided Drafting and Design and Advance Engineering Design/Architectural Design at DBHS. The club has three-hour meetings two to three times a week.

Printed Works has three sections: business, art and engineering. During the meetings, the club members from all three sections work together to make specific products or projects to complete

orders they received.

According to junior Vice President Caitlin Lee, Printed Works has a wide clientele, which includes clubs, teams and individuals, that can order personalized clothing and other products from the club.

The business section communicates with clients to find out what kind of products they want, the art section designs the products and the engineering section prints the products if needed.

Once the club members sell the products that they have made, the money earned is used to pay for the club’s equipment. Last year, the club produced $15,000 in revenue.

Tang hopes to increase club membership from the current 16 members to possibly 30 or 40 people, which would help the club complete more orders and tackle different projects.

“The goal is pretty much just to keep doing what we do and maybe eventually on a larger scale,” Lee said. “And then there’s also kind of the concept of Printed Works; we want that in other school districts, too.”

Grad tells stories through short films Abigail Hong Asst. photo EDITOR

- ALEX TAG

Filmmaking has been the passion of alumna Natalie Rodriguez since her years as a Diamond Bar High School student.

But it all started with a book. In fifth grade, Rodriguez wrote and created a book for a school project, which spurred a growing interest in writing.

The fascination she had for writing slowly evolved into an enthusiasm for filmmaking.

“I think my obsession with storytelling and writing more religiously as I got older only led to filmmaking,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez grew up wanting to be a director but to be honest, she felt that was impossible because she was always a shy child and also a

shy teenager.

In a career that began as an intern for “The Conan O’Brien Show,” the 2010 alumna has directed and produced more than a dozen short films, which have been screened at numerous festivals across the country.

Her most recent film, “The Extraordinary Ordinary,” premiered at the LA Diversity Film Festival in August.

The story of “The Extraordinary Ordinary,” like many of her other films, is about mental health.

The alumna’s movie follows the path of three young adults coping with their problems.

“The opportunities that many film festivals bring to films, especially ultra-low-budget feature films, is the chance to land a distribution deal and keep your fingers crossed that a distributor will love

“I thought a lot of the classes would be easier to understand, but the teachers don’t teach you every single thing. You kind of have to self study.”

Photo courtesy of IMDb

Natalie Rodriguez’s film is about three teens who deal with mental health issues.

it enough to allow in new fresh blood,” Rodriguez said.

In order to reach her goal of being a filmmaker, Rodriguez took classes as a part of the Pathways Academy at DBHS. While a part of that program, Rodriguez took a film class where she learned how to shoot, write, edit and even direct multiple films of her own.

There, she created a series of short films, and she continues to make them today.

After graduating, she learned more about films and improved her writing while studying radioTV-film at Cal State University of Fullerton.

“After college, I also took screenwriting and production-producing class at the sister branch of Playhouse West,” Rodriguez said. “That was the class which motivated me to finally get up and direct my soon-to-be short film, ‘The Scars of Our Lives.’”

The filmmaker, who now has her own production company, continues to enter her films and screenplays in festivals and contests and is developing a television series, “The D.” According to Rodriguez, there have been many obstacles along her road toward a filmmaking career, yet she always found a way to put herself back on track.

“The minute you get discouraged, go do something to remind yourself why you’re doing what you love,” Rodriguez said. “Whether that be reading a book, watching a movie or even revisiting an old work of mine.”

FEATURE

THE BULL'S EYE

SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

7

Freshman by day, DJ by night Connor Cho Staff writer Performing behind the DJ mixer, DJ Tuug shows his passion for working the turntable during his performances.

DJ Tuug—Diamond Bar High School freshman Lleythan Crosby — was inspired by the Beat Junkies, an American hip hop crew established in 1992, and also received

support from his father.

He currently has a role in the “My dad helps me and he beshow’s fourth season, which prelieves in me and my talent,” Crosby mieres on Sept. 24. said via text. “When I tell my dad “I’ve got to meet a lot of cool acmy goals, he will do everything in tors and I’ve had a couple friends his power to make them a reality.” on set that I could hang out with,” Crosby performs at multiple Crosby shared. “I don’t want to say shows around Los Angeles for four too much because [the production years. team] said not to, but it’s going to He not only performed at the be a wild ride.”

B.E.T Experience with Bianca Crosby has a very busy schedule Richelle but also since he usually performed at performs as a "I love putting smiles Grand Park with DJ every weekon people’s faces, and the Beat Junkend. ies for the New On some ocI love seeing people Year’s Eve show casions, Crosby dance to the music in downtown even gets paid that I’m playing. " Los Angeles. for his gigs, such LLEYTHAN CROSBY “I love putting as a recent show smiles on peohe put on at a ple’s faces and I school district love seeing people dance to the muin Whittier, working as a DJ for sic that I’m playing,” Crosby said. the school’s fundraisers and foot“It actually does bring a smile to ball games. Additionally, Crosby my face as it does to theirs and it performs for his family’s birthday encourages me to keep doing what parties.

I’m doing.”

Before events, Crosby prepares Besides performing as a DJ, for his performance by picking out Crosby has been featured on NBC’s his music based on the event he TV show, “This is Us,” a drama is going to and the audience’s age that revolves around a set of tripgroup. lets who face lifestyle struggles “You don’t want to prepare too throughout the story of their fammuch to the point that when you ily. get there, you have to completely

Photos courtesy of LLEYTHAN CROSBY

Lleythan Crosby perfoms on the stage at the B.E.T. weekend event in Compton. switch everything that you’ve prepared for,” Crosby said. “So I usually just go off what the crowd is bobbing their head to.”

Additional inspiration comes from his uncle, Derryck Gleaton, also known as DJ D Sharp, who DJs for the Golden State Warriors basketball team. Crosby attended a few of his uncle’s shows, which encouraged him and gave him the motivation to become a DJ. “I started listening to a lot of

music,” Crosby shared. “I started looking at videos of my uncle [performing] and that kind of got me inspired.”

Crosby hopes to continue in turntablism for the future. The high schooler has an upcoming performance for the Bounce Tour Live event in Las Vegas on Sept. 13.

He will be performing with other artists such as LayLay, and he updates about his performances on his Instagram page, @lleyttuug.

Thrift flips on a budget Kate Zheng Feature Editor

The comeback of the 1980s and ‘90s inspired wardrobes and vintage pieces has brought the activity of thrifting into the spotlight, especially for high school teens. Thrifting is not only a unique way to express one’s sense of style but also supports sustainable fashion.

Although thrifting has become a hobby for many teens, the activity comes with its own fair share of work. Often, the items purchased turn out not to be the right size.

Modifying thrifted clothes at home is therefore beneficial since the buyer can adjust the clothing piece’s size and style to their own taste. Here are a few thrift flips you can try the next time you go shopping: Photo by CAMILLE MCCURRY

High waisted shorts

W

ith this year’s intense summer heat wave, one can never go wrong with a solid staple pair of high waisted denim shorts.

Yet, the price tag on these bottoms can be quite costly. For example, a pair of shorts from Urban Outfitters can cost up to $70. While these retail items are quite pricey, thrift stores offer a much more extensive collection of denim pants, and they only cost around $5-$20.

Basil & Co serves Thai dishes such as pad thai, egg rolls and chicken satay.

Thai cuisine arrives at db

After thrifting a pair of high-rise jeans, simply try on the pants and mark a spot that would indicate the desired length of your shorts.

The next step is to cut off the pant legs of the jeans and cuff your new shorts once or twice for a vintageinspired “mom-shorts” look. If the denim shorts are large around your waist area, throw on a belt to cinch it around your waist, and this ‘80s throwback outfit is completed.

Camille Mccurry Staff Writer URBAN OUTFITTERS

Cropped quarter zips

T

URBAN OUTFITTERS

he fashion trends of 2019 are not complete without cropped quarter zips, but these sweaters also can pricey, with brands such as Brandy Melville selling them for $40-$50. Luckily, the men’s sections from thrift stores are filled with large and oversized vintage quarter zips that would be presentable after minor alterations and a few washes. The best part is that these clothing

items usually cost under $10 to thrift at a store like Goodwill. After purchasing a large quarter zip, fold the sweater within itself until it reaches one’s desired length, and cut off the excess fabric at the bottom. This new cropped long sleeve can be paired with shorts for a fall look or be used as a pullover in the winter. This trendy top is a timeless piece that is definitely worth the thrift.

White graphic tees

A

lthough white graphic tees are a cute addition to anyone’s closet, they can be unreasonably pricey, costing up to a hefty $30 at stores like Pacsun. But with the help of a thrifted white T-shirt, which could cost less than $5, and some T-shirt transfer paper, this graphic tee can be recreated at a much lower price. After thrifting a shirt, simply print your chosen graphic design onto the T-shirt

transfer paper. Then, press the graphic face down onto the center of your shirt and heat it up by smoothing a hot iron onto the back of the design. After you lift up the transfer paper, you’ll find the graphic ironed onto the plain tee.

Thrifting is a great way to save money, support sustainable fashion and spice up your daily wardrobe with trendy, vintage-inspired pieces.

BRANDY MELVILLE

In Diamond Bar, a city filled with restaurants offering a variety of Asian cuisines, it can be hard for new businesses to make their mark. However, after visiting Basil & Co., it is evident that the new establishment will be able to make a name for itself as one of the best Thai restaurants in the area, with their stellar service and quality dishes.

The style of the small restaurant is modern, with a casual atmosphere. Each table has a centerpiece featuring several live flowers,but there is still plenty of room for dishes.

Although my family visited during the soft opening, the variety of available dishes was wide—there were even several off-menu items the server informed us of such as the tom kha and chicken satay.

To start, we ordered drinks, a plate of egg rolls ($4) and another of veggie rolls ($4), each of which came with two rolls. The egg rolls, filled with pork, shrimp and a variety of vegetables, were served piping hot with a dish of pleasantly sweet fish sauce. I found the rolls to be better with the sauce, though they are still enjoyable without due to the variety of flavors and textures within the filling. The veg-

etable egg rolls came with a sweet and sour chili sauce, which complemented the mellow flavor of the greens excellently.

The drink I ordered was a Thai tea ($3), which was not too overpowering in terms of sweetness, nor was it oversteeped. In fact, I found that it actually lacked slightly in tea flavor, especially as the ice began to melt.

We then ordered a plate of chicken satay ($9), one of grilled pork ($12), the house fried rice with shrimp ($13) and a dish of chicken pad thai ($13), all of which were shared. Of the four, the chicken pad thai was my favorite. The nutty and sweet flavors in the pad thai played nicely together with the soft crunch of peanuts and large-cut scallions, providing a variety of textures to keep every bite different from the next. The chicken in the pad thai was also well-cooked, juicy and flavorful.

The chicken satay was a close second in both texture and flavor.

Rather than being dry and overcooked, as grilled chicken often is, it was juicy and tender with a pleasant amount of seasoning. It was accompanied by a modest amount of warm peanut sauce that paired well with the curry-like flavor of the chicken. The dish also included crispy cucumbers that were lightly

LIGHTLY ON P. 12

8

FEATURE

SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

THE BULL'S EYE

What’s in my backpack There’s no doubt that my school schedule will be jam-packed, but with some essentials, I can make my junior year a little more bearable. Here’s what’s in my backpack for the 2019-2020 school year:

FJALLRAVEN KANKEN

Basic school supplies

Pencil case I have used my Fjallraven Kanken backpack since freshman year, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I bought a pencil case made of the same material as their backpack for its durability. Even though it was $20, the concept of a long-lasting pencil case was definitely appealing.

CITY OF MISSION VIEJO

URBAN OUTFITTERS

UNIVERSAL HOBO

FJALLRAVEN KANKEN

Coin purse

Scrunchies

Hair wand Ohii Magic Hair Wands are tubes of hair gel that are sold at Urban Outfitters. It is great for my “bad hair day” moments or when I don’t have time to put on a full face of makeup.

It can conveniently keep eyebrows, eyelashes and flyaways in place.

Whether they are worn as a bracelet or used to tie up hair, scrunchies are convenient.

These hair ties can add a pop of color to any outfit, while still keeping my hair out of my face during my track and field practices. I pick up my scrunchies at stores such as Brandy Melville or Urban Outfitters.

KIKKI K

After carelessly shoving money in my backpack for many years, I realized a coin pouch was necessary. Not only does it prevent you from losing your money, but it’s also a great way to store house keys, bobby pins or band aids. Coin purses come in cute patterns and can be found at common retailers such as Target.

When expensive lip balm became a trend, I purchased a Glossier Bom Dotcom.

It was everything my basic Carmex wasn’t: long-lasting, nicely scented and multifunctional. It can be applied not only to the lips but also to the temples as a highlighter.

Although one tube costs $12, my first tube lasted me a year.

RT

My Instagram explore page is currently filled with pictures of aesthetically pleasing notes and I’m obsessed. I bought a pack of the pastel highlighters that were being used with the majority of the notes I saw.

They have both improved the visual quality of my notes and made notetaking more enjoyable.

SA PIC

STABILO BOSS

Pastel highlighters

Colored Pencils

GLOSSIER

Lip balm

Story by: Victoria Artale Design by: Kate Zheng

THE BULL'S EYE

SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD story by Maggie Liu, design by Josh Chou

Childhood sitcoms evoke bittersweet memories of rushing home from school to sit mindlessly in front of the television. In spite of the cheesy plots and imperfect acting, these four shows let us all reminisce about our past innocence.

VICTORIOUS

ZOEY 101 2005 - 08

2010 - 13

Located beachside at Malibu, the Pacific Coast Acdemy’s first year admitting female students sparks new romances and comedy in this series. The main character, Zoey (Jamie Lynn Spears), deals with the daily struggles of being a teen girl with her friends, all the while trying to balance attending a rigorous boarding school. The various sets such as the dorm and Sushi Rox give viewers an intimate look into the characters’ lives, making the audience feel like a student on campus. Although “Zoey 101” was concluded by Spears’ pregnancy at the age of 16, this sitcom will always bring viewers the joy of school life with great friends.

This Nickelodeon essential depicts the idealized life of Tori Vega (Victoria Justice) and her friends at Hollywood Arts, a performing arts high school.

Tori’s aspiration to become a singer is central to the show, with singing, dancing and acting taking up large chunks of the show. With the elaborately painted lockers, eccentric teachers and comedic students, Hollywood Arts is as important as the other characters. It was on this sitcom that Grammy Award winner Ariana Grande made her entertainment debut. Nevertheless, this unique, lively sitcom makes anyone want to break out into song and dance during school.

NICKELODEON

NICKELODEON

THE SUITE LIFE OF ZACK AND CODY

WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE

2005 - 08

2007 - 12

Modeled after the Hilton Hotel, this long running show spotlights two young twins, Zack and Cody (Dylan and Cole Sprouse), living in the Boston Tipton Hotel. “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” has one of the biggest casts for a family sitcom, each with their varied personalities, making each episode interesting and refreshing. Due to the success of the original show, this show spawned a sequel series, “Suite Life on Deck,” featuring the main characters in their teen years. The two shows spanned a combined six years.

Many audiences grew up with the Sprouse brothers, giving this show a special place in many hearts.

Airing on the Disney Channel, this sitcom follows the Russos, a wizard family of five. The show centers around the sassy, quick-witted middle child, Alex (Selena Gomez). She attends high school by day and wizardry class in the back of the family diner, Waverly Sub Station, by night. Although Alex and her two brothers, Justin and Max (David Henrie and Jake T. Austin), are part of the supernatural world, they are still relatable with their daily struggles as teens in New York. The various contrasting elements of “Wizards of Waverly Place” melds together into a comedic and overall enjoyable show.

DISNEY

DISNEY

9

10 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

THE BULL'S EYE

Teitz spent youth on rock’n’roll stage Josh Kim A&E Editor Many Diamond Bar High School teachers come to teaching from different careers and backgrounds.

However, few have travelled the world, let alone in a rock band.

Before and even during his time at DBHS, French teacher Tony Tietz was rocking out with the band Skypark, performing around the world, from Europe to Hong Kong.

During the rock group’s 10 years together, they remained popular enough to travel the world. Signed to Word, a gospel label in Nashville, Skypark sold 35,000 copies of its 1988 debut album, “Am I Pretty.”

The band then recorded two more albums, “Over Blue City’ in 2000 and “NoAmbition” in 2006.

“I think originally, we were like, we assumed we were going to be on [LA radio station] KROQ,” Tietz said. “And because a lot of our friends, you know, ended up kind of being famous. And so we were like, obviously, that’s going to be us. And obviously, that didn’t happen.”

Tietz recounts his most memorable moment with the band during the annual Flevo Festival in Holland. Over the course of three shows in three days, the band became a smash hit with the audience, to the point that the band had to be taken off stage.

“The first one, it was about 8,500 people there, which was like one of our biggest audiences. But, it was like we were far away from the crowd [because of] security. And it just didn’t feel intimate,” Tietz said.

Photo courtesy of TONY TIETZ

French teacher Tony Tietz, left, was a member of Skypark.

“The second night with a room of about 800ish people, and the people were starting to really get into it.

And they told us we needed to stop because the time was up. And when we didn’t security came out. And then the crowd just started going crazy.”

On the third day of the festival, in a tent of a 1000 people where the capacity was only 600, Skypark performed.

“The whole crowd was throbbing, pulsating with the music, unlike anywhere we’d ever been before,” Tietz said. “And the lady was trying to introduce the next band, Photo courtesy of TONY TIETZ but she couldn’t, because these Skypark performing at the Flevo Festival, a Christian music festival. people were screaming… they had to usher us away, because nobody joined Skypark as their bassist, solo. While the band never broke else could play if we were even in though he had never played the up, they officially stopped performsight.” instrument in his life. Skypark’s ing in 2006.

The band originally started after first gig was as the opening act at “Once I started teaching, I realthe 1994 Northridge earthquake. an event at Hope. After the perforized that a lot of my people skills, Tietz, who atmance, the lead like conflict resolution, they work tended college singer brought when you’re in a van with four at the time, was up the idea guys, for three months on end,” “The whole crowd was displaced and of saving the Tietz said. “So, it helped me as a throbbing, pulsating consequently atmoney, about father too, like conflict resolution with the music, unlike tended Cal State creating band and humor and entertainment, anywhere we’d ever Fullerton, which merchandise, knowing the ebbs and flows of a set been before.” was accepting touring the is similar to how you would plan Tony Tietz earthquake viccountry and goa lesson, or like a 55 minute classtims at the time. ing full time afroom.”

However, beter graduation.

Tietz hopes to get together once cause CSUF had no available dorm “I didn’t believe anything he more with his bandmates and rerooms, Tietz resided at Hope Intersaid. But I did get my $25 to the cord another song or album. national University, where he met dream. And then everything [he] “It’s not a story of regrets, you the other band members. said came true,” Teitz said. know, because I don’t have any Three weeks later, Tietz, adoptAfter their performance in the regrets. It was a great time,” Tietz ing the stage name Tony Deerfield, Netherlands, the lead singer went said.

laughingstock of a sequel fails to provide fear of the original Tiffany Lee Asst. Photo Editor Two years have passed since the first “It” frightened audiences.

Although Pennywise the Dancing Clown (Bill Skarsgård) gives an outstanding performance in the sequel, “It: Chapter Two,” the film falls short of the elements that made the first film both terrifying and exhilarating to watch.

Despite being defeated by the Losers’ Club 27 years prior, Pennywise resurfaces to spread terror in Derry, Maine. When people begin disappearing again, Mike Hanlon (Isaiah Mustafa) gathers the members to finish the clown once and for all.

“It: Chapter Two” has a great cast of adults who bear a strong resemblance to the children of the first film. Even after 27 years, the members of the Losers’ Club still maintain their same personality.

Adult Beverly (Jessica Chastain) is still the strong independent woman who I came to love in the first film and adult Eddie (James Ransone) still has the same overly cautious personality and receives overprotective care from his family.

Skarsgård’s performance as Pennywise does not fail to frighten audiences with his creepy acting, combining terror and humor that left me restless and trembling in my seat.

Although director Andrés Muschietti does a great job pacing the movie, I was disappointed in many of the scenes. I understand that Pennywise plays on the fears of the characters, but the monsters in many of the scenes appeared to be very childish and not intimidating at all.

In particular, the Chinese restaurant scene where the groups gathered, was disappointing in the ways

Pennywise plays on their fears. In the previous film, Pennywise’s horrors came off as very real.

In fact, the film is more humorous than scary. Arriving at the movie theater wishing for a blanket or a pillow to cover my eyes during

the scary scenes, I walked out confused and disappointed because of how many times I laughed. The film lacks the eerie sensation that the first movie had.

“It: Chapter Two” is also frustrating if you have seen the trailer,

as it shows almost every essential jumpscare in the movie.

The film should have been marketed as comedy as Richie Tozier (Bill Hader) made the audience exploding with laughter with his lighthearted jokes.

NOW SHOWING: IT Chapter Two The latest installment of the “It” series, despite a fine performance from Skarsgård and its quick pace considering it runs for three hours, falls short in the most important aspect of a horror movie: absolute fear.

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

IT Chapter Two showcases the original cast of the first film twenty seven years later, all grown up and going through different walks of life until they group up.

THE BULL'S EYE

SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

11

Shaping her own music career Somiya Jajieh Asst. Feature Editor After reaching out to her cousin, former Oingo Boingo bassist John Avila, and piecing together the words and music, a Diamond Bar High School senior has released an extended play album.

With the help of Avila, who owns a music studio, and studio engineer Anton Soder, Ariel Cardona released her first EP, “Life in Motion” in May. Her father helped her figure out the financial aspect of producing and releasing an EP. Cardona’s love for music began in her elementary school years.

From playing around on her toy piano and asking her grandmother to write down song lyrics she heard when she was six, Cardona said she knew that she wanted to pursue a music career.

As a child, she looked up to several celebrities who encouraged her to make music of her own.

Having taken inspiration from many sources, Cardona mainly credits G r a m m y Award winning artist Taylor Swift for sparking her interest

Photo courtesy of ARIEL CARDONA

Senior Ariel Cardona released her first extended play on May 20, 2019. in songwriting.

“She has a way with words,” Cardona said. “Everything that she writes is just super catchy.”

With the help of Soder and Avilia, Cardona said she began her composing process by working out the lyrics first, using the guitar to better formulate the overall vibe of the EP. Afterward, they moved to production, which Cardona described as the most meticulous part of the process, since every sound effect in the EP was created individually.

“Each instrument has its own track and you have to make sure everything’s perfect and everything fits into the

right place,” Cardona said. “We went through a lot of different instruments—guitars, synthesizers—to get the right sounds.”

The pop album consists of three songs: “Life in Motion,” “I Won’t Look Back” and “Better Days.”

Cardona said that the EP expresses the importance of leaving the past behind in order to enjoy the present and look forward to the future.

“I wrote the songs during my high school years, so a lot of the concepts were pulled from what I was experiencing at the time, but then sort of took a life of their own and became something everyone could relate to,” Cardona said.

Despite having a busy schedule, Cardona produced the EP with Avila and Soder by managing her time so that composing did not interfere

with her academic career.

“Whenever we would meet it would tend to be on the weekends or after school when I didn’t have as much to do,” Cardona said.

In order to consistently practice music, Cardona sought out the resources DBHS had to offer. Commercial music caught Cardona’s interest in her freshman year. She began working with them in her sophomore year, which helped her gain the experience needed to improve as a musician.

“I would practice in the commercial music room,” Cardona said.

“But I also just like to sit by myself and play guitar and learn songs.”

Cardona has performed at the Orange County Fair in addition to gigs with DBHS’ Commercial Music band. She’s scoping out open mic night opportunities in Fullerton and Los Angeles to introduce herself to a larger audience and potentially gain more recognition for her EP. She said she is hopeful for whatever the future has in store for her and intends on composing music for as long as possible.

“I’d like to take these songs and…continue writing and producing more music and then hopefully, eventually, it takes me somewhere,” Cardona said.

“Life in Motion” is available on popular streaming platforms such as iTunes and Spotify. Her Instagram, @iamaricard, consists of updates regarding her musical journey.

Night rally creates new experience Nia Mitchell Business Manager For the first time in Diamond Bar High School history, USB hosted a Night Rally, a pre-celebration for the Branding Iron football game and the fall sports rally.

The Night Rally was held the same night as the annual Rodeo Round Up event the school puts on to welcome in the new school year.

Both events were focused on bringing more school spirit to DBHS. Senior Stephanie Shih, who was responsible for planning the rally, said her goal was to bring attention to the many different activities present on campus.

“I wanted to showcase the different sports and performing arts to give them attention at the beginning of their season instead of the end,” Shih said. “I wanted the rally to have spirit and have a more relaxed feeling since games and food were incorporated. Just welcoming people back to school and reminding them to look forward to our sports and performing arts in the upcoming season.”

To start the rally, members from the Marquis choir sang the National Anthem. They were followed by performances by the dance team, marching band, commercial music, color guard, cheer, song and drama.

The night rally, held was outside in the amphitheater, featured a DJ who helped keep the energy high

with popular music. The event was also enhanced by a lighting system that helped set the mood.

“This rally was different because there was more freedom. We had more spacing and more things we could do because it was after school,” Shih said.

Toward the end of the rally, Commercial Music band played the Twisted Sister song “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” leading many students to start dancing, creating a mosh pit.

“We didn’t force people to go to the rally, only people who wanted to go went, and that’s how the atmosphere was very spirited and sparked Brahma spirit once again,” Shih said.

Before the rally officially ended, USB President Jonathan Song came up on stage and led the Brahma spell-out.

The rally had a large turn out, with parents, faculty and district administration coming out to show support for the teams and students.

“I was very surprised at how well it went because I received a lot of negative feedback when telling people about the event,” Shih said.

The Rodeo Round-Up event offered various carnival-like activities including a petting zoo, face paint, games and food.

The food was provided by the different Magnificent Seven parent groups and Brahma Boosters. Each of the MAG Seven groups sold different food options, offering a variety of foods to choose from.

ABIGAIL HONG

The Night Rally celebrated upcoming sports and performing arts this fall.

Photo courtesy of COMPLEX

Taylor Swift performing at the Amazon Prime Day Concert on July 10, 2019.

The lovers of Swift’s past Josh Kim A&E Editor After two years of silence, 10time Grammy award winner Taylor Swift’s new album features a happier, more lively Swift, open to being vulnerable in her songs about past relationships and struggles, hence the title, “Lover.”

The opening track of her seventh album, “I Forgot That You Existed,” sets the tone for the rest of the collection as upbeat and fun.

With short piano chords and pleasing vocals, Swift sings what at first seems like forgetting about an old lover.

However, when looking back on her past conflicts with high profile people like Kanye West and the media in general, the song is about forgetting all of the negative experiences and moving on. Swift is past those disputes, happy that everything is “so peaceful and quiet.”

The 18-track album switches from a fast to slow pace in between songs. Only one song after “I Forgot That You Existed,” “Lover” adopts a more peaceful and romantic vibe.

Wanting to be with her significant other forever, Swift asks, “Can I go where you go? Can we always be this close forever and ever?”

No longer is Swift the overly clingy and crazy girlfriend of “Blank Space,” but a more mature

and wise adult. Even so, I imagined a younger Swift while listening to this song, driving into the sunset on a cool summer night.

My favorite track on the album, “Paper Rings,” is about how Swift is head over heels in love with her significant other that she forgoes the idea of getting real engagement rings in favor of paper ones instead. Despite her disregard for following of normal wedding and relationship traditions, Swift’s joy and enthusiasm is clearly evident.

The song is exciting and fast paced, slowly building up to the extremely catchy chorus. Shamelessly nodding my head to the beat and lyrics, “I like shiny things, but I’d marry you with paper rings,” “Paper Rings” is a great song through and through.

Overall, the album’s upbeat and cheerful tone was refreshing. It was good to listen to Swift once more, even if all of the songs weren’t the best or as good as her previous songs.

Before I listened to the album, I had a narrow and close-minded view, thinking that the album would never be like “1989” or even “Fearless.” To my surprise, however, I caught myself enjoying many of the songs on the album. While Swift’s new album isn’t better than her past ones, it’s still an album with catchy songs that I’ll be adding to my playlist.

Celebrity watch

Influence Dangers KATE ZHENG Feature Editor

I

n an age where celebrities and social media influencers are gaining more attention than ever, opinions that famous people voice have a big impact. This has resulted in more and more stars sharing their beliefs online, yet this does not mean that one should blindly believe the ideas that celebrities put out just because they are well known.

While I am in no way shaming celebrities for wanting to share their beliefs on the internet, I do believe that many of these stars do not realize the extent of their influence on their viewers. As an audience, we should also stay true to our own thoughts on any matter, political or not, and not support a celebrity’s ideas just because we like their work.

The spread of misinformation is one of the worst case scenarios that could happen when a celebrity posts their opinion. In June 2018, beauty guru Kat Von D posted a picture of her pregnant body and stated she would not vaccinate her child. There were also links to articles that supported the unfounded assumption that vaccines caused autism in her husband’s Instagram bio.

This sparked a fierce debate in the comments over whether or not her decision for her child was correct. Although studies have never shown a conclusive link between autism and vaccination, many followers were influenced by her single post and were inclined to believe in this misinformation.

More recently, Jackson Wang, a Chinese celebrity and member of the K-pop group Got7, cancelled his anticipated performance at the Head in the Clouds festival last month. After voicing his support for the police in the Hong Kong riots, fans, especially Hong Kongers, were outraged at his “betrayal.”

Since Jackson is a celebrity who was born and raised in Hong Kong, everyone assumed that he would be supporting the Hong Kongers in their protest against the extradition act.

Jackson and his management decided to pull him out of the performance lineup for last month’s festival with 88Rising, claiming it was too controversial of a time period for him to be performing.

Despite this, many fans who did not have a specific stance on the Hong Kong riots before Jackson’s post took his lead and also began to support the Chinese police. This is because many fans feel the need to side with their celebrity icon in any situation, even if they have not researched or are not aware of the scenario and circumstances. This should be prevented in the future.

This makes it all the more important for idols to be aware of the influence they hold, and for fans to be aware of any fake news or controversial beliefs being spread.

Although an influencer spreading awareness and voicing their opinion online can be a great thing, there are times when we as an audience cannot blindly believe everything that a celebrity posts on the internet.

Maggie Liu and Kate Zheng will write the Arts and Entertainment column on alternating issues.

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THE BULL'S EYE

BUSINESS

Basil & Co. has variety of dishes LIGHTLY FROM P. 7 pickled in a light vinegar and red onion.

Our other two dishes—the house fried rice and grilled pork— were also delicious, but the grilled pork, although juicy, was too chewy for my tastes. The only caveat to the dishes was that each of them had some aspect of sweetness to it, which made the meal

slightly bland, though this may be remedied by ordering different dishes or spicier foods (we had asked the server to request less spicy food for us).

Our meal total came out to $20 per person including tip, but we had plenty of leftovers. With all aspects of my experience considered, I would highly recommend visiting Basil & Co., whose dishes have become my new addiction.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

THE BULL'S EYE

SPETEMBER 11, 2019

FEATURE

13

A look back at high school During high school, students are involved in many activities beyond their lasses. They help out at volunteer events, play in sports matches, complete homework, go to school dances, hang out with friends and have many other experiences. However, even though we try to make the best decisions we can, there are trade-offs for every action that we take. A few Bull’s Eye alumni share their regrets and what they wish they had done during their time at DBHS.

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Justin Prakaiphetkul “My main regret would be not opening up much or putting myself out there.

Back at DBHS, I was really introverted, which led to me being somewhat anti-social and awkward. As a result, if I was not around my small, close group of friends, I was usually alone and shut off from most people.”

Catherine Liu

“I don’t regret any of my decisions I’ve made in high school because I feel that every choice made me the person I am today.”

Emily Jacobsson “I regret being so willing to pick a few extra hours of studying over spending time with my friends and family, or even just time to let myself relax.”

Amy Miyahara “I think one of my biggest regrets is spending so much of my time on my phone and on social media. not only did I waste a lot of time that I could have spent studying, building real-world relationships, or sleeping, but scrolling through Instagram all the time gave me this unhealthy perpetual insecurity that’s been difficult to recover from.”

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“I didn’t realize how much attending performing arts shows or sports games contributed to school spirit and enthusiasm until I went to some as an upperclassmen. Spending that time with your friends and classmates can be so much more fulfilling than staying at home and studying.”

as

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Amelie Lee

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SPORTS

SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

THE BULL'S EYE

Runners ready for the year’s uphill

After last year’s accomplishments, many athletes set personal records in the preseason. josh chou asst. a&e editor

After strong showings at their first three races of the school year, Diamond Bar High School’s cross country team has shown progress that doesn’t seem to be slowing down.

Head coach Malinalli Cooke was pleased with the team’s performance at the SoCal RoadRunners XC Series on Aug. 22, their last preseason meet of the year, as many runners improved their personal records in race times.

“We always have improvement, but to have more than one or two people improve with two minutes or more is unusual,” Cooke said.

As that race was two-miles long, the finish times showed that a few of the runners shortened their one-mile time by more than a minute.

The team also did well on Sept.

1 at the 2-mile Fastback Shoot-out in Arcadia Park. Lukas Amare, who set the school mile record last season, placed second among more than 200 senior boys. Senior George Rosales was right behind him with, finishing four seconds later. Juniors Keili Ishitani and Allison Ear were the frontrunners on the girls side, with times of 12:24 and 12:35, respectively.

Overall, varsity captain junior Nathan Sinn was proud of his team’s scores.

“Everyone did well to the best of their abilities, and I’ve been seeing a lot of growth,” Sinn said.

For the girls team, filling in the alumni’s shoes is no small task.

Although the team only has twelve members, Cooke hopes to see overall growth as the girls are aiming to place second or higher at league finals for a consecutive year.

“I’m also looking forward to them moving upw and filling in the spots of people who graduated last year,” Cooke said.

Among those leaving was former captain Allison Kang. To continue her success, the top three runners—Ear, Ishitani and varsity captain Victoria Artale—need to show consistent performances.

On the other hand, the boys placed second at league finals last year and current results suggest they’ll take it again. Most recently at the first league meet in Bonelli Park, Amare ran the three miles in almost sixteen minutes to place first, with Rosales just a minute behind him. Sinn was third for Diamond Bar with 17:46 and senior Brandon Rodrigues was next with 18:34. Rounding off the top five was Zavier Hernandez with 18:55. Combined, the varsity boys won first place, continuing last year’s streak.

“I’m really hoping the boys take [first place at] league [finals]; we have a really strong team that’s stronger than last year,” Cooke said.

Meanwhile, the last meet saw the girls place third. Juniors Ear, Ishitani, Cameron Tsao and Artale made up DB’s top four, and sophomore Carrissa Jeon slid into the fifth slot.

Chaffey and Ontario narrowly took first and second ahead of DB, posing the biggest threat to the girls winning league finals. Meanwhile, the boys are expected to clash with Ontario once more to reclaim their title.

The coach feels optimistic due to the runners’ progress so far. The team will head off to its next meet on Sept. 21.

Photo Courtesy of CHARLOTTE TU

Five DBHS students participated with the CCLS team in the annual Long Beach Dragonboat Festival held on July 28.

An unexpected row for victory Despite having limited practice time, several Brahmas won third place against formidable yearround teams.

ALEX CHUN ASST. sports editor Imagine burning under the sun, adrenaline rushing through your body while you’re trying to concentrate on the persistent beat of a drum.

Welcome to the annual Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival, held July 28, featuring hundreds of teams made up of people of all ages to race for bragging rights and glory.

This 23-year-old event features a tournament style bracket, where teams are placed based upon the speed they earn in the preliminary rounds.

The races are normally two to three minutes long and 500 meters in length.

In this sport, a team usually consists of paddlers who work in tandem with a drummer, who is responsible for creating a pulsating rhythm that stabilizes the rowers’ synchronization. There is also a steerer at the end of the boat who determines the direction of the

fleet.

Over the break, several Diamond Bar High School students created a summer squad that practiced every Sunday. Despite not having high expectations, the team made it to the podium, earning third place in the competition.

“We always had a bit of struggle when trying to get everyone coordinated,” senior captain Justin Lin said. “Another thing we had trouble with was the lack of people that had attended each practice, so we weren’t expecting to medal.”

Along with Lin, junior captain Ethan Ho, senior Charlotte Tu and fifteen other teenagers participated in this event, competing as the Confucius Chinese Language School team, otherwise known as CCLS. One major obstacle the team faced was recruiting enough members.

Due to the conflicts in commuting to Long Beach for every practice, CCLS began with only eight committed members out of the required eighteen.

“As captain of the team this year, I would say recruitment was my greatest achievement,” Ho said. “Because the event was during mid-summer, it was tough to recruit returning members because they already had planned vacations.”

Moreover, CCLS did not face ordinary competition. While most of the team’s members were first-time participants who had limited practice, the squad encountered other teams that had more experience under their belts.

“Being the only six-week team, we were participating with all year-round competitors,” Tu said.

“For a team that had poor attendance but placed third against formidable opponents, I thought that was really impressive.”

Once CCLS found a full team to practice with, the committed participants further enjoyed their experience.

“It is mixed feelings of fear, adrenaline, and also a sense of excitement because the competition embodies the worth of all your training,” Ho said. “You also have that slight nervousness because it’s a race.”

Although the team is losing some valuable members to college, CCLS believes that they can replicate, or even improve, their results in the following summer.

“Because there weren’t as many graduating seniors this year, we’ll have a bigger returning team if the same people commit next year,” Tu said. “Although every year varies and there are a lot of factors to account for, we attempt to try our best with everything that we have.”

Getting back into the swing of things A core of returning golfers will be competing as a freelance team for the school year.

TIFFANY LEE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR ABIGAIL HONG

Seniors Elizabeth Peng and Kelly Tsao played doubles against Ayala High School in a preseason match that ended 12-6.

Hitting within the sidelines Girls tennis begins preseason in preparation to mount the peak of the Mt. Baldy League.

RYAN LAM SPORTS EDITOR After last season’s underclassmen-dominated roster, the Diamond Bar High School girls tennis team hopes to improve on last year’s Mt. Baldy League second-place finish and CIF qualification with a group of returning players.

In the first three matches of their preseason, the Lady Brahmas soundly defeated Walnut and Glendora 11-7 and 10-8, respectively, but fell short to Ayala, 12-6. The Bulldogs have consistently been a difficult team for the girls to compete against; DBHS lost to Ayala last season as well.

Although the team suffered an early exit in the first round of CIF last year, multiple doubles and singles players have learned from their experience and hope to make a deeper run this season.

“I believe we have the potential to improve in our CIF outcome this year. The parts we can control like work ethic, practice, motivation and dedication are our most important tools in securing the win,” head coach Alexis Feix said via email.

The coach said she expects the No. 1 doubles team to play a big part in the team’s success.

“Our number one doubles team, Elizabeth Peng and Kelly Tsao, were league MVP last year—and I expect that they will receive the same recognition this year,” Feix said. “They are the perfect complement to one another’s playing styles—a marriage of both measured aggression and consistency.”

In addition, freshman Chloe

Cadelina, returning juniors Levia Zhu and Gustava Drew and senior Lauren Chen round out the lineup.

“There has been great growth across the team in the past year.

Chloe, who is a freshman, was added to our singles roster this year, and she has an excellent baseline and service game. Levia Zhu, Lauren Chen and Ava Drew have also grown significantly in the offseason,” Feix said.

Montclair, the reigning league champions who defeated the Lady Brahmas twice last season, will be a major obstacle between the girls and the Mt. Baldy League champion title.

“With the new team makeup and the graduation of their No. 1 doubles team, we should be able to take the win against Montclair this year,” Feix said. “We are putting in the work every day with that goal in mind.”

The team will face off against the league champions on Sep. 19.

Despite losing one of the country’s best female golfers to graduation, the Diamond Bar High School girls golf team remains optimistic about the chances of taking the CIF champion title once more.

Coach Tony McCabe is trying to prepare the team post Kailie Vongsaga, who was ranked 839th out of all female amateur golfers around the world. The coach is filling the gap with a group of returning members, including senior captains Angelica Kusnowo and Esther Lee, and juniors Emma Han, Michelle Chang and Alicia Kuo. Also in the lineup of returning members is Vongsaga’s sister junior Katelyn Vongsaga.

“We cannot replace Kailie Vongsaga, but the girls have been working hard since last season,” McCabe said. “If everyone gets better, then they can be better as a team, and that is exactly what happened.”

The athletes have been practicing their swings individually throughout the summer and are prepared for the upcoming season.

“I think our team will go far this season and hopefully come out on top at state. Our players are all

very strong and competitive this year, so it’s looking like a good lineup,” Kusnowo said.

The Lady Brahmas will play one more season as a freelance team.

The Mt. Baldy League does not include girls golf as a sport for both varsity and JV, so the team scheduled its own matches. This means that the golf team is unable to compete with other schools as part of Mt. Baldy, but the team can compete against other schools during CIF. Before DBHS’ sports teams change leagues next year, McCabe is training the JV team to compete against Walnut’s JV team.

“Walnut has a really good girls golf team, and in the 2021 season, our team will finally have a JV league, so we have to prepare to play Walnut,” McCabe said.

The Lady Brahmas’ first match last Thursday was a close loss against Troy, 191-197.

The team played in the Chappy Wheeler Girls Golf Invitational match at Palm Desert last weekend, finishing the match with a victory in 112 degrees weather.

Senior captain Iris Liu had shot a career low 3 under par 69 on the first day leading the team.

Although top teams from Arizona and NorCal closed the gap the following day, Liu, Kusnowo and Lee helped secure the Lady Brahmas for another Chappy Wheeler tournament championship.

The team’s next match will be at Upland Hills Country Club tomorrow.

THE BULL'S EYE

SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

SPORTS

15

Girls set up new expectations Volleyball attempts to improve on last year’s accomplishments. victoria artale photo editor After qualifying for the second round of CIF and finishing with a 9-1 record in the Mt. Baldy League last year, the Diamond Bar High School girls volleyball team has set high expectations for this season, despite the loss of last year’s seniors.

The team mostly consists of last year’s junior varsity team and the lone returning varsity player, senior Faith Vasquez.

Since many of the players previously played at the JV level, where they played best out of three rounds, they still lack the endurance to play best of five rounds, Vasquez said.

“It seemed like they really wanted the game to be over by the third set, because they’re not used to playing that many rounds,” Vasquez said after the Brahmas’ 3-0 preseason loss against Walnut.

To help the team succeed, Vasquez is also trying to improve her skills even as she is receiving offers from various colleges to play beach volleyball.

“I think I need to come out of my shell more [and] I need to be more vocal, because I usually just let other people take charge,” Vasquez said. “So I’m being pushed to actually say more things to the players to help pick them up.”

Along with the lack of upperclassmen, the team also had to ad-

just to having new varsity captains Vasquez and junior Kailee Skidgel.

The team hopes that having the new captains will help reduce the tension among teammates on the court.

“Everybody’s going out there and trying to be like a superstar so that they can get their name announced and get attention,” Vasquez said.

“We’re trying to learn to sacrifice our own personal glory for another person to get the ball.”

Along with their loss against Walnut, the Brahmas also lost to Bonita, 3-0, South Hills, 2-0, and most recently to Ayala, 1-3.

This came as a surprise to the team after they practiced five times a week during the summer under new head coach Lauren Adnoff, who led junior varsity last season.

The games showed them the importance of defense that the team plans to work on in following prac-

VICTORIA ARTALE

Sophomore Sydney Humphry, left, and senior Faith Vasquez play against Walnut.

Passion for targets, bows and arrows After trying different sports, Abby Kottke has found her niche drawing arrows from a longbow.

RYAN CHAN ASST. BUSINESS EDITOR After trying a variety of sports, sophomore Abby Kottke finally discovered her love for the bow and arrow four years ago.

Her passion for archery started at the Gryphon Fencing Club after she did a quick Google search and asked her mom if she could start the sport. She began with a loaner bow for around a year and a half before getting her own recurve bow.

“I tried other sports before like tennis, dance, gymnastics and basketball,” Kottke said. “I never really enjoyed those sports and didn’t like the idea of projectiles coming at me.”

Kottke practices for two hours weekly at the fencing club while also occasionally practicing on her own at Santiago Creek Park.

During club training sessions, Kottke practices with five other people along with her coach.

Although she mainly does recreational archery, Kottke has recently started testing her shooting skills in area competitions. One of the more well-known Los Angeles competitions she competed in was the Target Cancer charity tournament, in which she placed third.

“Sometimes shooting in competitions can be scary,” Kottke said.

“It’s just you without your team.”

Kottke said she hopes to participate in one of the archery competitions in Las Vegas.

Every year, her coach chooses one archer out of the team of six to go to Las Vegas for a shooting com-

tices.

“We’re really trying to focus in on our defense so we can start working on our skills like hitting,” sophomore libero Sydney Humphry said. “We’re just really trying to play together and not play for ourselves; we want to play as a team.”

The team’s first league game will be against Montclair today.

The team expects this game to be a challenge considering that Montclair was league champs last season.

“I think our very first initial game might be a little bit rough because they’re going to get to play Montclair, and they’re one of the more advanced teams in that league,” Vasquez said. “But after that, I think we’ll have a pretty similar record compared to last year when we were 9-1 in league and advanced in CIF.”

Photo Courtesy of ABBY KOTTKE

Sophmore Abby Kottke placed third in the Target Charity Tournament. petition. However, getting chosen is a difficult task.

“My mindset [for getting there] is to do better than I’ve been doing,” Kottke said.

After she began archery, she realized that many of the skills she learned in the sport could also be applied to other life situations.

“A major part of archery is the breathing technique,” Kottke said.

“You have to be tense and relaxed at the same time.”

She said these breathing techniques have been especially useful in other aspects of her life such as calming down from stressful situations.

One of Kottke’s favorite parts of archery is how flexible the sport can be. Although the sport still requires lots of practice, she likes how she still has time for other activities.

“It still takes lots of effort, but it’s not super intense, and it’s less time consuming than other sports,” Kottke said. “I still have room for other school activities.”

with RYAN LAM and JOHNNY WANG

Athletes deserve Medal of Freedom

T

he highest honor a citizen of the United States can receive is the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It is given to those who have made a special contribution to the security or national interests of the nation, world peace or cultural or other private or public endeavors.

Not only is this a huge deal to many people, but several prominent athletes have already received the award, including most recently Jerry West, former NBA superstar and current executive.

Though many former athletes are only now receiving this award, we need to begin honoring those who are currently changing the game and developing the “national interests” of their game. When thinking about current U.S. game changers, a few come to mind.

A prominent public figure as well as the face of the NBA, LeBron James is one who deserves such an honor. Not only has his game shifted the NBA’s playing style, but he has also brought a larger audience to the sport; viewership decreased by 18 percent when James was absent from the NBA playoffs, according to the Sports Business Journal.

He is also an active supporter of nonprofit organizations and contributes to various causes through

his charity foundation. For instance, he has opened a school for underprivileged children in his hometown.

Considering his prominent status, James is definitely one who deserves to have a Medal of Freedom shining on his chest.

Another prominent sports figure is Serena Williams, one of the most accomplished tennis players.

Formerly ranked the No. 1 singles player in the world by the Women’s Tennis Association, Williams continues to prove that America’s tennis is a force to be reckoned with.

Her on-court success and offcourt activites have played a huge role in her fame. Her support for Black Lives Matter as well as her support for the LGBTQ community show young Americans how to be respectful and powerful at the same time. As the epitome of American tennis, Williams deserves this highest honor for a citizen.

Both athletes have already proved their masterful skills on the court, and their attitudes off the court are the perfect examples of what an American should be.

The Medal of Freedom shouldn’t only be limited to those who have retired; the award should also be given to those who are the current idols in the sports scene and big influences of Young America.

Senior swishes for team USA

Ace Greene competed in the Bahamas with the Team USA basketball team.

games was intense. As an individhamian teams, they rarely had ual, he practiced daily for the comjerseys. It made me feel humble. I petition that he would face against was humble because some of those players from all over the world. players were playing in running “Every Monday, Wednesday and shoes, not even proper basketball Sunday, I would go to the beach and shoes.” (In recent days, parts of work out from 5 to 6 in the mornthe Bahamas have been decimated nia mitchell ing. After that, from 7:30 to 9:30 I

by Hurricane Dorian.)

Business editor would be in the gym. On Tuesdays, In the first game against the BaThursdays and Sundays, I would hamian team, Greene scored eight This summer, Diamond Bar High also be in the gym from 2 to 6 p.m.,” points, had three assists and four School senior Ace Greene was se- Greene said. steals but they lost the game. lected to play basketball for Team The nine-person team trained “We played against the No. 1 USA and compete in the Bahamas together in Florteam in the Tropical Shootout Competition. ida at the beginBahamas, and In a week and a half, the team ning of August that was prob"When we played... played three times, defeating before heading ably one of the against the Bahamian teams from Australia and Europe, to the Bahamas. best games I teams, they rarely had but losing to the Bahamas team, Getting the had because jerseys. It made me which had the best record in the chance to play it felt like we feel humble.” league during the tournament. i n t e r n at i o n a l were fightGreene received an invitation to ly with talenting for someACE GREENE join the team after recruiters from ed basketball thing,” he said. the Team USA were impressed by players from all Team USA Greene’s playing style. over the country then went “Recruiters saw me at one of my was an eye-opening experience for on to defeat the Europeans and games outside of school, and they Greene. the Australians, leaving the USA sent me a letter saying they were “The Bahamas might seem nice team’s record at 2-1. really interested in my style of when it comes to the beaches and The high school players who play, and asked me to play for Team tourist stuff, but it’s mostly kids made up Team USA came from difUSA,” Greene said. who have no shoes and tattered ferent backgrounds. None of them Greene said that the preparation clothes,” Greene said. “When we had ever played together before, leading up to the out-of-country played our games against the Baso the team members had to qond quickly, developing team chemistry while working with each other on the court.

“I’ve met all these new people from across the United States like Cleveland, Texas, North Carolina, all these types of places and it felt like I’d known them for years, so [during] our first game together, we played really well together,” he said.

Also, Greene received insightful advice from the coaches while playing.

“I’ve been known to have quite a temper,” Greene admitted. “My coach told me not to get so down after a play and always told me to always keep my head up because I’m the leader, so whatever I do, the other players on my team are Photo Courtesy of ACE GREENE going to do.”

Senior Ace Greene, second from the left, competed with Team USA.

SPORTS

SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

THE BULL'S EYE

T F H O E E M T E

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L O N KA RANICK

In his third year as a starter, the senior quarterback hopes to continue playing at the collegiate level. vera wang staff writer From underdog to star quarterback for the Diamond Bar High School football team, Dylan Karanickolas’ road to success wasn’t always an easy one.

Leading the Brahmas to four regular season victories last year, Karanickolas played a crucial role in securing his team a spot in CIF, where they advanced to the second round.

He ranked first in the Mt. Baldy stat leaders, trumping the other quarterback by a drastic margin.

Karanickolas accumulated 2163 yards for the season, averaging 216.3 yards per game. Additionally, he threw for 21 touchdowns and had a 50.9 percent passing completion accuracy, tripling that of other players in his league. He started his third year as the starting quarterback with a dominating win in the Branding Iron game.

Originally focusing on soccer, Karanickolas was merely joking around with his father when he was first introduced to the idea of playing football.

“My dad actually was just messing around and said, ‘Hey son, do

VICTORIA ARTALE

TIFFANY LEE

Senior Dylan Karanickolas practiced with Diamond Ranch High School’s football team before coming to DBHS. you want to play football?’ I was seven years old at the time and I was playing soccer, but I was willing to give it a try, which surprised him,” Karanickolas said.

As he started to practice with his father, Karanickolas soon grew to love the sport and spent the summer before freshman year playing in Diamond Ranch High School’s football program.

“I was actually going to go to Diamond Ranch, and when I went there during the summer, the head coach brought in a kid that was [quarterback]. I knew he was already going to get most of the reps, so I transferred here and worked my butt off to show Coach [Marcus] Hughes I can make varsity and start my sophomore year,” Karanickolas said.

As the only player to make varsity that year as a freshman, Karanickolas struggled both socially as well as physically.

“My freshman year, I was about five foot five, so I could barely see over the linemen,” Karanickolas said. “It was also hard transferring schools because I didn’t know a lot of people, so I went to football as my outlet.”

Despite his height and size disadvantage, he still managed to persevere and became a starter for the team during his second year.

Although he suffered a minor ankle injury and missed two games, he had a quick recovery and earned honorable mention in the league All-Star selections that season.

Since joining the football team,

Karanickolas believes the sport has helped him develop crucial skills such as time management and balancing athletics with academics.

“I do train outside of school basically everyday,” Karanickolas said. “I would say I dedicate about a minimum of ten hours a week, not including the practices, weightlifting sessions, and film watching at school.”

Hoping to continue playing football after high school, Karanickolas has received interest from several Division II colleges so far.

“I’ve been playing football since I was seven, and I hope to have many more years on the [field],” Karanickolas said. “I’m just going to play until however long the game wants me to play.”

Tackling last year’s milestones

Football shows signs of development at Branding Iron, leading to hopeful expectations for league.

ALEX CHUN ASST. SPORTS EDITOr

After having a glimpse of the CIF playoffs last year, the Diamond Bar High School football team is ready for more success in the Mt. Baldy League.

The Brahmas suffered an early exit in the postseason due to strength issues on both the offensive and defensive lines. Their inability to resist the pushing of opposing linemen was a profound factor that detrimented the progress of Diamond Bar in CIF. “This year that ain’t going to happen,” head coach Jeff Reitz said. “We are way stronger than we were last year.”

Although the Brahmas lost some key offensive players on the team, notably running back Jeremiah Chukwudobe and wideouts Kai Smith and Brian Lee, the coach is pleased with their replacements.

“We have [junior] Jacoah Chennault, [senior] Brian Nithalangsy and [junior] Chase Wells back; they are incredible,” Reitz said.

“And now with the addition of [junior] Blake Davis, he gives us that extra big play and allows for greater attraction on the field.”

Moreover, senior quarterback Dylan Karanickolas is entering his third and final season as the starting quarterback for Diamond Bar, and he will be an important factor that determines the team’s success.

Last year, he led the Mt. Baldy League in every passing statistic, including throwing for 21 touchdowns.

On the other side of the ball, senior linebacker Leo Carreon and junior Jojo Alarcon represent the heart of the defense.

Though Diamond Bar must get through its Mt. Baldy League opponents, the team has bigger goals for the season.

“[Our] goal is to get to the playoffs and win that [CIF] first round,” Reitz said. “But between now and then, we have nine opponents we have to prepare for individually every week; we have to get after it, we have to grow up and focus on the task at hand.”

This will be the second year under Reitz’s system, and, according to Reitz, the team is more cohesive as a unit both on and off the field.

“But sometimes, I bend to their personalities and talents and allow

“But between now and then, we have nine opponents that we have to prepare for individually...”

JEFF REITZ them to do the things that they can do,” Reitz said. “We work hard together, and we have fun together.”

During the Branding Iron game, the Brahmas demonstrated the true colors of their development.

Both the offensive and defensive lines did their job in protecting Karanickolas and providing effective pressure on the opponents, while the wide receivers showcased their creative athleticism in getting to the end zone. They easily defeated

rival Walnut, 34-14.

However, Diamond Bar is struggling mightily against their preleague opponents so far, suffering double-digit blowouts in their first two matches.

Against the Claremont Wolfpack, the Brahma defensive line was the major flaw throughout the match. While Diamond Bar’s offense alleviated the loss by scoring two touchdowns despite heavy pressure, the inability of the defense to stop Claremont’s run game spoiled the Brahmas chances, losing 48-14.

More of the same play was on display against the elite Bonita Bearcats. The quarterback, under immense pressure from blitzes, made difficult decisions that resulted in incompletions or interceptions, while the defense remained helpless in preventing the solid blocking of Bonita. The team suffered one of the worst losses in school history, falling 52-0 in the year’s first home game.

While there are always skill sets to improve on, Reitz said he believes the Brahmas have a solid team that is definitely capable of reaching new milestones.

“I don’t think we have a weakness,” Reitz said. “If our offensive line pushes people, it’s going to be hard to stop us, and we’re going to be pretty darn good.”

VICTORIA ARTALE

Junior Josiah Hunter receives a pitch toward the right sideline against Bonita.

ABIGAIL HONG

Sophomore Mason Desimone works the ball in the 17-7 loss against Walnut.

Waterpolo struggles to tread in preseason After losing many experienced players, waterpolo faces issues with team communications. vera wang staff writer The Diamond Bar High School boys waterpolo faces uncharted waters as they prepare for the new season without the experience last year’s seniors brought to the team.

The Brahmas dominated the Mt. Baldy League last year, placing first and qualifying for CIF. “We really knew what we were doing, and we were really strong actually, especially for our league, and it allowed us to go undefeated,” Nick King, one of the senior captains, said. “We got to CIF and we lost in the quarterfinals by one [point].”

The team’s first two matches have not gone well. They suffered losses against Walnut and Yorba Linda, each by double-digit margins.

Besides the lack of seasoned players, the influx of underclassmen created cohesion issues between teammates, affecting practices as well as overall performance.

“We have a very diverse set of

people that don’t really communicate well, so I would like to improve on that. If we do that, then we can improve our overall game and how well we’ll do throughout the entire season,” senior captain Daniel Stahly said.

With less experience and teammates still getting to know each other, the team also is facing tougher competition since they moved one division from last year.

Additionally, Stahly, the team’s main offensive player, is suffering torn ligaments in his shoulder, which hinder both his swimming and scoring abilities.

“Our goal is to at least get into CIF, beat our division, and maybe win our first round of CIF, but it’s going to be kind of hard with the inexperienced team we have this year,” King said.

Despite these problems, head coach Gary Cheever still anticipates a successful season. He saysthat various players worked hard over the summer by going to the gym or playing in club water polo for the upcoming season.

“I am expecting to have a great season. Sure, we may run into problems here and there, but we have lots of potential to do great,” Cheever said. “Nick and Daniel are great leaders, and we have many hardworking players, so I have high expectations for this year.”