opinion 5
feature 8
The Bull’s Eye
a&e 10
EDITION
VOLUME
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FEBRUARY 16, 2022 @dbbullseye
dbbullseye.com
SAT undergoes modernization The standardized test is set to go completely digital starting in 2024. ETHAN RO staff writer
VASH CHEN UNICEf officers advertised their organization with colorful posters and decorations to underclassmen browsing the stadium.
Remixing a campus tradition Having never attended a Remix, sophomores were also invited to the event. Hannah Jang CONtributing writer With two grade levels stepping onto campus for the first time this school year, the annual rendition of Diamond Bar High School’s Freshman Remix opened up new seats for freshmen and sophomores
to explore their passions. Hosted by Link Crew, Freshman Remix presented students with an array of extracurriculars offered on campus. While the event is typically held in the gym, this year, the organization hosted the Remix outside on the football field in light of the ongoing pandemic. Link Crew officer senior Kristin Joe noted the event’s key role in helping underclassmen acclimate to high school life. “Usually, freshmen come onto a campus and are able to learn about
events, activities, sports, etc., but [the current sophomores] were unable to do so virtually. It was a great opportunity to let them catch up a little on what they missed out on!” Joe said via email. Despite the alteration in participants, the essence of the event remained true to Brahma tradition. Clubs including UNICEF and Printer Works went all out with vibrant posters and enticing displays to promote their respective organizations to the underclassmen par-
REMIX ON P. 2
After decades of traditional hand-written exams, the College Board announced its conversion of the SAT to an online format in 2024. Additionally, the exam will now allow the usage of calculators on the entirety of the math section, send results much faster and be approximately an hour shorter. The new assessment will also include shorter reading passages with fewer questions and an adaptive testing system that will automatically adjust each question’s difficulty according to real-time test results. The College Board was prompted to experiment with the new format after racial criticism of the exam. More specifically, critics commented that the test favored wealthy white students and put lower income and minority students at a disadvantage. It was first experimented with internationally and introduced to the United States in November. “While there is definitely evi-
dence for [a] potential bias, we have to consider it in the context of the academic world as a whole,” senior Akash George said via Instagram. “I would argue that the SAT is actually less biased than [GPA, AP scores, letters of recommendation, or extracurriculars] used by colleges if anything.” Despite this controversy, the exam’s digitalization has brought forth a wave of uncertainty among Diamond Bar High School students. “I feel like it is unfair to the students [who] have to take the SAT online, as it is a new platform of taking it and it can be difficult to prepare for,” freshman Kavya Nair said via Messenger. “As the SAT is going to be online, it creates a wall of uncertainty between people taking it.” However, with colleges placing less emphasis on the SAT and other standardized tests, some think that the assessment’s relevance may soon wither as colleges begin to shift their focus on other aspects of students’ application. “I think their relative importance in the college admissions process will decrease because [the SAT] covers less content and will not be as reflective of a student’s
SAT ON P. 12
Education hindered amidst pandemic Many students remain at home due to various complications with COVID. CLAIRE WU Asst. Photo Editor Despite the recent surge in COVID-19 cases due to the introduction of the Omicron variant, Diamond Bar High School has opted to continue with in-person learning, causing many of its quarantined students to switch to remote learning methods. Because of her parent’s concerns about the coronavirus pandemic, freshman Tracy Kuo is one of several students who made th3e switch to Independent Learning at home at the beginning of the semester. While she admits that electronics yield many distractions, especially at home, Kuo believes that Independent Learning depends on work ethic and holding yourself
independent on p. 3
STEVE QU
Dwindling approval plagues Biden’s first year The Bull’s Eye reviews Joe Biden’s first term a year after his inauguration. MARCUS HSieh News Editor After being elected by over 81 million voters in the record-breaking 2020 election, President Joe Biden has spent his first year in office implementing his sweeping
agenda. While he has faced opposition in Congress and falling approval rates, these difficulties have proved to be a surmountable challenge for the veteran politician. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been a continuous challenge for the Biden Administration, causing hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions of cases. To combat the virus’s continuous spread, Biden has pushed to increase vaccine and testing availability to all Americans.
Harris-Mekes said via Discord. “I’d see a public update on research involving more effective vaccinations to be the best form of reassurance that the problem is being handled.” According to YouGov, Biden’s approval ratings have recently fallen as low as 42% due to rampant inflation rising to 7% of the GDP. In addition, the ongoing Great Resignation has put a damper on job prospects across the country. “Inflation is also hitting the pocketbooks of everyday Americans hard, but it is important to
However, despite such efforts, only 64% of Americans are fully vaccinated, per a study done by the National Public Radio. These low vaccination rates have allowed new variants, such as Delta and Omicron, to cause increasingly large case waves, straining medical systems across the nation. “I believe Biden should take further action. Perhaps another temporary shut down to ease any form of panic,” sophomore Alexandria
president on p. 3
2
News
The Bull’s Eye
February 16, 2022
Students excel at local speaking competition Two Brahmas came out on top in the city’s annual speech trek contest.
“I definitely felt a connection to the topic and how we’ve been mistreated in the past.”
RANEE CHAN
Junior Ranee Chan (right) placed first, receiving a $300 cash scholarship, and sophomore Jeremiah Jung (left) took third place.
Opening the doors for new interests
the staff Editors-in-Chief News Editors Asst. News Editors
Reyna Wan, Niko Yatawara Marcus Hsieh, Steve Qu Lauren Cheng, Jeremiah Jung
Opinion Editor Asst. Opinion Editors
Reyna Wan Jianlan Busteed, Rachel Lee
Feature Editor Asst. Feature Editors
Sam Jajieh Natasha Chang, Maia Pak Niko Yatawara Taylor Joe, MK Palaris
A&E Editor Asst. A&E Editors
Charles Tam Nathan Chu
Sports Editors Asst. Sports Editors
Reyna Wan, Niko Yatawara Vash Chen, Claire Wu
Photo Managers Asst. Photo Editors
Edward Kim Ryan Kung
Business Manager Asst. Business Manager Web Editor Asst. Web Editors
Reyna Wan Natasha Chang, Lauren Cheng
Staff Writers
Kyle Hong, Lyndon Kaneko, Ashley Park, Ethan Ro
Adviser
Connie Chen
contact us Diamond Bar High School, Room 717 21400 Pathfinder Road Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Phone: (909) 594- 1405x33459 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 717 or submit them online at dbbullseye.com.
Barbara Vanderheyden strives to create more inclusive learning environments.
Vanderheyden wins teacher of the year The educator has taught special education classes for eight years on campus.
February 16, 2022
The Bull’s Eye
News
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Resuming annual APES projects Students have decided to help “Your World” through creative and unique ways.
President presses through struggles
SPREADING PAW-SITIVITY
Senior Daniel Chou participated in the Wellness Center’s “Kindess to Our Furry Friends” event, working with certified therapy dog, Kensi. The event, which welcomed multiple dogs from different agencies, was held in the upper quad during lunch.
“I think that the Biden Presidency’s main message has been that Democrats deliver.”
MINGYU LIU
Opting for independent learning
4
Opinion
The Bull’s Eye
EYE editors OF THE
- OPINION-
February 16, 2022
FROM THE BRAHMA PERSPECTIVE
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In the pandemic era, tight walkways translate to COVID-19 epicenters, but for disabled or handicapped students, they have always been a source of inconvience during passing periods.
T
he layout for West Coast schools is a dream: spacious, outdoor settings that permit students to stretch their legs and soak up the sun before attending their next grueling lecture. And, with its modernized facilities and architecture, Diamond Bar High School easily fits into this narrative. Although its aesthetic appeal may hit the mark, the school’s overall functionality draws concerns. While most are aware of the overcrowding that takes place within the DBHS halls, this problem has only been exacerbated by the blockage of certain pathways from construction. With COVID-19 cases at an all-time high, it’s imperative that such discrepancies be addressed, especially considering its occurrence outdoors where mask usage isn’t required. Additionally, the ongoing construction has invaded space for many extra-
curriculars, particularly our color guard team. In the past, the guard has had the entire backlot space to rehearse; Now, the group is confined to a much smaller area, putting them at a disadvantage compared to other sports, like football, that are left undisturbed. An even larger issue presented by DBHS’ current layout is its inaccessibility for students with disabilities. Some may argue that our school provides assistance for those who are unable to walk up stairs because of the elevators on campus, however these facilities require staff approval in order to be accessed. While such protocols ensure these devices are not abused by those who don’t need them, they end up inconveniencing those who do. For students who may be on crutches, walking around school with a backpack is challenging enough. Add in the
stress of having to track down staff as soon as the bell rings, and it may seem pointless to even try making it to class on time. While such students’ tardiness can often be excused, this cannot make up for time they could’ve spent learning new material or even taking an exam. Elevator accessibility aside, students with disabilities are also provided with ramps on campus. Although their inclusion is a step in the right direction, these ramps are located toward the front and back entrances of the school, with faster and more convenient routes being ridden with stairs. Overall, the school continues to appeal to students with promises of newer classrooms and the upkeep of a visually pleasing campus. Despite its superficial charm, DBHS’ campus continues to be both restrictive to students with disabilities and hazardous in light of the pandemic.
Honestly, in campus, there’s way too many stairs and then for the disabled students, it’s very inconvenient for them to travel a lot of stairs.
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JULIA SHANG (10)
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You have time to talk to your friends as well as go to your next class, even if you’re coming from the 300 building to the 700 building.
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ADRIAN AGUILAR (9)
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When I was on crutches, it was hard. I had to go all the way to the elevator, and come all the way back, and by the time I got to class I was sweaty.
ALEXIS JUNG
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Permanent leave of absence
Kyle hong Staff writer
W
ith COVID-19 worsening everywhere, both students and staff have been left wondering how to run schools efficiently as another spike in cases has led many teachers to retire. By virtue of the position, teachers are within close proximity of many students daily, putting them at a higher risk. Not to mention, the loosely enforced guidelines of the school in addition to ignorant students have increased their chances of contracting the virus.
Not wanting to be further exposed, teachers have been forced to take precautions into their own hands within their classrooms. In many of my classes, I have seen students blatantly disregard safety protocols, despite countless reminders from the teacher. This has led some teachers to be more strict with guidelines, like sending students outside the room whenever they must take off their mask, such as when drinking water. Adding an extra burden is the expectation of teachers to post all the class resources and assignments online for absent students. While such updates are important accomodations, these additional expectations can combine to be very stressful and unrewarding to many teachers. However, this trend transcends school staff. Many workers all across the United States have been resigning from their jobs because
Healing heartache with pixelated love
Jeremiah Jung Asst. news editor
I
will never love again. I’d always been told that all good things must come to an end, but I never believed this applied to me. My little Discord kitten was the only one for me; in calling it quits, she not only threw away our beautiful, one-day relationship, she also threw away my heart. Like a lost soul, I drifted into a void for what seemed like years. The only times I found solace were when I would listen to Juice WRLD and XXXTENTACION or scroll through countless inspirational quotes on TikTok– an app where I would also post myself shirtless in hopes of attracting a 3D girl. I just as quickly changed my Valorant username to “I Miss Her #sad,” which I firmly believe is a
solid step in the direction of my eventual recovery from my former relationship. As much as I try to cope, these don’t help too much, so I try my best to cope with the masterpiece of a video game known as Roblox. However, I don’t use Roblox in a conventional sense. Rather, I put my own creative twist on it to essentially make it into a dating application. I’m trying to get over her, and honing my social skills and increasing my pool of romantic interests is definitely helping me, especially considering the fact that I want to cater to a mature and experienced population, such as the target audience of Roblox. An immediate change in myself that I’ve seen is that I am able to flirt a lot better, and I’ve been pulling so many more girls than I did before. Most notable among the many relationships I’ve enjoyed with my online sweethearts was when I met someone with cat ears in my favorite game, Counter Blocks Roblox Offensive, and my friend request was immediately accepted after I used my favorite emote to woo her. Using my favorite emote to woo
her, I responded to @dreamonguslvrrxx with a wave of sparkly-eyed emojis and “Hey There Kitty Shawty!” After engaging in a ten-minute conversation where I shared my home address, childhood memories and deepest traumas with @dreamonguslvrxx, I received a message that made my heart skip a beat. “Wanna know how to get 99999999 Robux?” the message
read. “WARNING: THIS IS NOT A SCAM THIS IS NOT A SCAM! 1. Type your credit card information into messages and press enter. 2. Upload a copy of all your legal documentation as a PDF file. 3. Blow a kiss to me hubby! Then restart Roblox and you’ll have 10000000 Robux!” I was beyond excited. I’d impressed this girl so much that she was offering me money in Roblox! I wrote this down in my journal
they feel it isn’t worth the risk, especially in regards to the amount they are paid. This trend is highlighted through teachers as the job doesn’t even offer a salary that equates to the work required. Some teachers, tired out from the hardships of distance learning, just want to work for a job that is better for them either mentally or financially. Whether it be the risk of exposure worsened by students ignorant to the guidelines or the low wages for those willing to stick through the job, there are increasingly more reasons now than ever to quit. In a time where both students and teachers are struggling, communication on how to handle safety precautions could help create a better experience for everyone. Schools should be enforcing stricter guidelines and enacting disciplinary action against students who don’t listen to them.
SATIRICAL seductively
before sending all the requested information. She hasn’t responded in close to a month now and I never received any in-game compensation, but I just know that she is doing everything she can to get those Robux to me. My parents have been yelling at me about a debt or something over the past few weeks, but I don’t see how this is pertinent to me in any way.
Cartoon Courtesy of CATHERINE HAN
February 16, 2022
The Bull’s Eye
Opinion 5
Bleeding money for feminine hygiene products
M
y least favorite part about having a period isn’t curling into a fetal position to ward off cramps, or the way my face flares up with bright red acne. It’s not even the nausea-inducing headaches that make it difficult to focus on the simplest of tasks. Rather, it’s the fact that I will always have to dedicate a chunk of my budget toward spending money on pads and tampons to ensure I don’t become a public safety hazard. Commonly referred to as the “tampon tax,” this sales tax only
ble and affordable. However, since the tax is a big source of revenue for the state, the law was recently brought back to the table this January. Aside from the California law, Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed a bill to provide free period products in the 2022-2023 school year—a major step towards providing menstrual products for students. At Diamond Bar High
RACHEL LEE
FALL ATHLETIC SCORES
boy wp, girls golf, boys football, girls volleyball, girls tennis, co-ed cross, girls cross, boys cross
Passing along the bacteria
Cartoon Courtesy of AMBER YU
Fifteen minute testing failure
Nathan CHU asst. SPORTS editor
W
ith more and more people testing positive for Omicron, there has been increasing amounts of confusion over which type of test should be used, causing ineffective containment of those infected with COVID-19 in schools. There are two main tests that can determine if an individual has COVID-19: polymerase chain reaction and at-home test kits. Although PCR tests take much more time for the results to process, they are nearly 100 percent accurate. At-home test kits, which are far more popular and produce results in 15 minutes, hold an accuracy of 79 percent, giving students a false sense of security. To prevent this, the school should mandate the use of PCR tests. The biggest problem right now with these tests is that students are
often choosing the wrong tests for their condition, causing inaccurate results. If students are asymptomatic but found within close contact with someone with COVID-19, they are recommended by doctors to take a PCR test. If a student shows symptoms of COVID-19 by experiencing a cough, sore throat, fever or headache, they are recommended to take the athome antigen test, since it’s much more accurate when symptoms are visible and comes much faster. Without a school mandate, most students will continue using athome test kits, increasing the possi-
“Although PCR tests take much more time for the results to process, they are nearly 100 percent accurate.” bility of them going to school with COVID-19. To put it simply, there is no way to ensure that students on campus are undoubtedly negative for COVID-19, thereby threatening the safety of others. Similarly, students who test positive for COVID-19 with a PCR test could easily use an at-home test
School, sanitary products are available—at the cost of 25 cents. However, due to the unpredictable nature of periods, carrying around spare change in the event you might get your period isn’t at the forefront of someone’s mind. The obvious solution to some would be to ask for the money to buy one—or to just ask someone for the menstrual product itself— but people with periods shouldn’t
kit to test negative and go back to school. To combat these issues, the school should establish guidelines demanding only PCR tests to be used for positive-testing students to come back to school. Without proof of these tests, students should be prevented from coming to school and possible spreading the novel coronavirus to the rest of the student body. Alternatively, if PCR tests require too much time and effort, at-home test kits have been proven to be effective if taken several times over the span of a few days. According to a recent study by The Journal of Infectious Diseases, when tested every three days with an at-home test kit, 98 percent of infections were successfully identified, which is on par with PCR tests. Thus, the school could also mandate students to take pictures of the results of at-home test kits on several different dates to prove they don’t have COVID-19. At-home test kits have been extremely useful as a device to quickly test if one has COVID-19. However, to fully curb the effects of the variant and ensure the safety of students, the school must establish stricter standards for allowing students to attend school.
wan-take
SAM JAJIEH feature editor
affects people who menstruate. According to Global Citizen, menstruators spend an average of $1,773 on period products in their lifetime, prompting a recent pushback to eliminate the tampon tax. It should go without saying that bleeding is not a luxury, and it’s unethical to force people with periods to spend an extra amount of money on necessary products, especially when this money could go toward other resources. Although most states agree that the tampon tax shouldn’t be in effect, there has been little action to revoke it, even in areas with the most opposition to this law. Perhaps the most performative way of abolishing the tampon tax is California’s 2020 law—a temporary, two-year act that exempts residents from paying menstrual taxes. If anything, this law is more geared towards pacifying opponents of the tampon tax, ultimately halting the process of making menstrual products more accessi-
Making way for a liberal future
REYNA WAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
I
have to ask for in the first place. The same concept can be applied to the free lunches the school provides: being hungry isn’t a choice, so we recognize that making people pay for food is unfair. Similarly, people don’t choose to menstruate, and, if they’re too embarrassed to ask for money to buy a pad or tampon from the bathrooms, the blame shouldn’t be shifted onto the person but onto those who withheld these menstrual products in the first place. Although purposely bleeding onto seats or one’s clothing is objectively unhygienic, some people consider this the only socially acceptable option, especially if they’ve been taught that speaking about their periods is shameful. In order to combat the tampon tax, providing free menstrual products is a step in the right direction Products such as pads and tampons are a necessary part of certain people’s lives, and they need to be treated as such.
n an increasingly conservative Supreme Court, there comes one change that has the possibility to reset the liberal agenda: the retirement of Associate Justice Stephen Breyer. Appointed during the Clinton administration, the 83-year-old justice has spent decades on the liberal side of the bench, voting in support of abortion, universal voting rights and immigration. But, why exactly is he retiring and what does this mean for a court with a 6-3 conservative majority? Besides the fact that he’s two decades past the retirement age, Breyer did so out of political obligation. As an aging liberal of the court, Democrats have been pushing him to retire since President Joe Biden was inaugurated—all in hopes of instating a younger, more progressive person of color before the November primaries. While Biden has promised to do so, Breyer’s retirement proves how biased our court has become, that the foundation of our democracy has turned into the very antithesis of what it was created to be. But, this shift didn’t start with Biden; it started during the administration of former president Donald Trump. Within four years, Trump appointed three justices to the Supreme Court, with Neil Gorsuch being the only praised appointment by both sides. The latter two are among the two most controversial appointments in Supreme C o u r t history: Justices B r e n t Kavanaugh and Amy C o n e y Barrett. An IvyLeague educated circuit c o u r t judg e, K av a n a ugh was short-list-
ed for the Supreme Court in July 2018. Within months of this announcement, four women accused Kavanaugh of sexual assualt but only two were deemed as “legitimate.” Following a month-long series of Senate hearings, all charges against Kavanaugh were dismissed and he was appointed a Supreme Court Justice in a close vote of 5048-1. A year later, America was forced to cope with a massive political loss: the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Popular among the American public, Ginsburg commonly defied the status quo of her time, writing in support of samesex marriage, gender eqaulity and reproductive rights. As none of these ideals were ones that Trump shared, he quickly looked to nominate Barrett—a strict-constitutionalist and devout Catholic. A rushed appointment, both House and Senate Democrats commonly argued against it. Per the virtue of a democracy, every time an appointment comes close to Election Day, the Senate waits until the next election cycle to confirm a Supreme Court nominee. But, Trump vied to be the exception, confirming Barrett with limited hearings and a close vote of 52-48. Now, the Supreme Court is headed by the impartial but conservative leaning Chief Justice John Roberts,and Clarence Thomas—a judge who threatens to overturn every liberal policy made in the past decade. Even with a progressive Black woman added to the stand, the overpowering conservatism of this court is clear. And, if things continue this way, every step this country has made will be threatened.
6 Feature
The Bull’s Eye
February 16, 2022
Artificial intelligence translated into chess Lauren Cheng ASST. News Editor
Photo courtesy of DAILY BULLETIN Urban Fish Taco replaces Bruxie in Chino Hills, located across from Kay Jewelers.
Unique take on fish tacos
Maia Pak ASST. Feature Editor
Since Urban Fish Taco is located over 40 miles away from the ocean, I initially doubted how fresh the fish would be when I walked into the restaurant. However, I was surprised by the exceptionally fresh ingredients adorning each taco—a welcome change to the average chain restaurant in Chino Hills. As soon as I walked through the doors, I was pleased by the modern decor of string lights adorning the industrial architecture. The restaurant had an open concept, with half of the seating outside and no divisors to the patio. After I ordered at the counter toward the front of the restaurant, the food was brought out to our table within five to ten minutes. I ordered a blackened white fish taco and a baja shrimp taco ($3.99 each), both on flour tortillas. Adding to the meal were an assortment of sides that I shared with my family: Ahi poke tostadas ($7.99 for 3), french fries ($2.49) and chips and salsa ($3.49). While the fresh produce topping the tacos was crisp and flavorful, the freshness of the fish took me
by surprise. The blackened white fish was soft and flakey while the fried shrimp was cooked to perfection—both juicy and crisp. However, I would recommend asking for the chipotle sauce on the side, as I found that the mayo flavor overpowered the decadent taste of the fish. At first, the small amount of salsa presented in the chips and salsa made it look slightly disappointing. However, the chips made up for the lack of salsa, with the smoky seasoning that dusted the crispy, warm tortilla chips. The french fries were a surprise failure, falling short due to their hard texture and cold temperature. The most impressive of all the sides were the Ahi poke tostadas. Since they were on the more expensive side, I had high expectations going into the dish. Though the crisp wonton wrapper was very thin, it still had enough body to hold up the generous amount of sesame-seasoned raw tuna. The dish had a slight kick towards the end, but the cilantro crema quickly cooled down my tongue. Due to the impressive ingredients and delightful ambiance, Urban Fish Taco has become a staple restaurant in my local rotation.
Making their mark one limb at a time, this year’s Printed Works club is adding to their challenge of 3-D printing a complete human body with an extra feature: programming a robot that plays chess independently. Heading the project, which started three years ago, is senior Jack Carpino, working with his team to assign roles for constructing the robot and ensuring the production process goes smoothly. “[The construction of the robot] started three or four years ago, during my freshman year, and that year, we built a head,” Carpino said. “My junior year, we built two arms and, this year, we constructed everything together.” Given the amount of his contributions during distance learning, Carpino is leading this year’s project, which included managing the production of the robot’s two arms and providing the Printed Works members with the materials necessary for the robot’s construction. He also worked to gather other Printed Works members who were interested in collaborating on the project. “We met at our online meetings,” Carpino said. “At a certain point, we ran out of
CLAIRE WU Senior Tim Chuang constructs an arm of the chess robot to attach to the chest. things to do [independently], so I decided we needed to meet once a week.” Printed Works members seniors Timothy Chuang and Steven Tjandra as well as junior Zasky Cheng met Carpino at Grand Avenue Park once a week during the pandemic to plan out their collective vision for the robot. Their sponsor Spyder3D, a company dedicated to giving students the opportunity to succeed in engineering and science, helped them fund the project, donating most of the machines and 3-D printers necessary t o
complete the robot. Junior Akiles Alvarado, who is next in line to head this project, predicts that the robot will be fully constructed by the beginning of May 2022. Despite the progress of their first robot, the club wanted to ensure members had as much experience with the robot’s construction as possible, so construction of the second robot’s arms has begun. “We started the second one because we had an excess amount of parts for it,” Carpino said. “Before I graduate, I want to have as many people creating the second robot so that they know what to do before I leave.” Despite the challenges of the pandemic, including the slow physical progress that was made over the course of distance learning, Carpino believes the project has been a success, especially when considering the progress the club has made over the past two years. “When I first got the position, I did not think we would reach this moment of being so close to finishing one robot,” Carpino said. “But working through the pandemic and constructing our work with my dedicated team has been so fun. I am grateful to have a team that always shows up and is ready to work.”
Soaring above club expectations Ashley Park Staff writer While most club activities consist of poster-making, fundraising and other volunteer opportunities, Diamond Bar High School’s Dronescape club members take their skills to the sky. Founded in March 2021 by seniors Alan Zhang, Catherine Juan as well as junior Natalie Nyaung and sophomore Nathan Nyaung, the group aims to expand its members’ interest in drones as well as find new uses for the device on campus, from creating promotional videos or capturing scenic shots for various organizations. “Instead of joining other clubs that I’m probably not interested in, I’d rather start my own club because I enjoy doing it,” senior Zhang said. “I have been flying drones for almost 7 years already and I would like to do what I like during school hours.” The club meets three times a week to learn how to build, fly and work drones, with members pulling knowledge from their past ex-
periences in school events such as the virtual open houses, prom and graduation ceremonies. “The entire point of the club was to make it so that students can use these skills to make money,” junior Joseph Wangsa said. “Right now we’re teaching people how to find [drone related] jobs, so that these skills they learn are applicable to their career.” In addition to serving the Diamond Bar community, Dronescape has simultaneously been working on their own projects. Currently, they have been working on manufacturing environmentally friendly fireworks, as well as creating a drone capable of carrying a human in what has come to be known as the Leelyn project. “During the first semester, we were trying to find a project we could set our eyes on throughout the year,” senior Leelyn Shih said. “We decided on making a drone that could be capable of carrying around the weight of an average human.” However, since the drones range from $300-3,000 dollars, the club is experiencing problems with lack of funds.
In an effort to resolve this problem, they are focusing on finding more sponsorships and pitching out their ideas to local businesses who support the use of drones. In
addition, they seek out assistance from well-funded clubs such as Printed Works. Despite this hurdle, Dronescape is continuing to strive to make the most out of the oppor-
tunities presented to them. “By teaching the students the fundamentals of flight through drones, we hope this is where their dreams will take off,” Zhang said.
Photo courtesy of DRONESCAPE CLUB Members of Dronescape Club photograph Diamond Bar High School’s field during the Class of 2021 graduation ceremony.
February 16, 2022
maia pak Asst. Feature editor Ingredients (makes 30 cookies) 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1 egg yolk 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 ¼ cup all purpose flour 2 tsp cornstarch 1/2 tsp salt 1/3 cup fruit jam/jelly of your choice (I used lilikoi and strawberry jelly)
Instructions: 1. Using a stand mixer or handheld whisk, beat softened butter in a large bowl for about three minutes until fluffy and pale. 2. Combine brown sugar and granulated sugar with the beaten butter and cream for two minutes, until completely combined and fluffy.
The Bull’s Eye
3. Beat in egg yolk and vanilla extract. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk all purpose flour, cornstarch and salt. This step ensures the final product will have a smooth texture. 5. Slowly combine the flour and butter mixtures in small increments. Continue to mix until a smooth d o u g h forms. 6. Roll the dough into one tablespoon balls, using ample pressure to en- sure the surface is completely smooth. This decreases the chance of cracks forming as the cookies bake. 7. Place the dough balls on a
parchment paper lined baking sheet and gently press down on each piece to flatten. 8. Make a small, heart shaped indent in the middle of each cookie. I achieved this by using the back of a ¼ teaspoon to create two small oval indents and connected the tip with the blunt end of a chopstick. 9. Place the baking sheets in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes until the dough is firm. 10. In a small bowl, whisk the jam or jelly to ensure there are no lumps. Then, transfer it into a piping bag or a Ziplock bag with a corner cut off. Pipe the jam or jelly into the indent onto center of the cookies. 11. Bake at 375° for 9 to 11 minutes until slightly golden on the edges. 12. Allow cookies to cool.
Feature
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Photo courtesy of CAGE MORGAN
Cage Morgan started collecting vinyl records as MP3 players became popular.
A hobby for the records
ryan kung asst. business manager Starting with only a few CD’s and an MP3 player from his teen years, Diamond Bar High School English teacher Cage Morgan has turned his passion of music into a life-long hobby of record collecting. As of 2022, his collection consists of well over 1,000 vinyl records, which includes an original pressing of Kate Bush’s “Hounds of Love” and Talking Heads’ “Remain in Light.” He initially started this hobby after the MP3 player became mainstream, outdating his library of CDs and forcing the then
19-year old to look elsewhere to stream music. “I was pretty much only listening to my music out of an iPod,” Morgan said. “Since CDs completely lost their value, I still wanted to support the artists I liked.” It was then that Morgan discovered vinyl records from his brother, and quickly started curating a collection of records. In order to purchase these records, Morgan took up a DJ job during his time living in Tokyo, Japan. “I would play records at a place called Beat Cafe in Shibuya, Tokyo,” Morgan said. “It was my in-
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Political bias in chain restaurants The old saying “leave politics at the dinner table” may be a temporary remedy to ceasing conflict within families, but, when it comes to major corporations, it’s important to know where your dining money goes. Here are four chain restaurants with political biases that you may not have known about:
Chick-fil-A
Chipotle
Chick-fil-A’s stance on gay marriage is no secret, made public with the CEO’s blatantly homophobic statements and various donations to anti-LGBTQ+ charities.After receiving major backlash from the LGBTQ+ community and its supporters, the restaurant stated that it would end its donations to anti-LGBTQ+ organizations. Only stopping because they were caught, it’s evident that the company still holds homphobic values and only repealed their decision for fear of losing customers.
In 2015, Chipotle announced that they would eliminate all genetically modified ingredients in their products—the first chain restaurant in the world to do so. Setting a precedent for other restaurant industries to show environmental concern, Chipotle has marketed its food as only using natural ingredients.Even before this announcement, Chipotle showed a more liberal approach to politics, with LAist news reporting that 71% of federal donations were directed toward Democratic candidates.
Papa John’s With full-fledged conservative statements made from its CEO John Schnatter, Papa John’s is overt with their traditional views. In 2012, Schnatter expressed opposition toward the Affordable Care Act—the plan by former president Barack Obama to provide affordable healthcare for all Americans—because it would cost the company an annual $5-8 million to provide healthcare for its employees.Adding to Schantter’s conservative bias, he privately donated $1000 to Trump’s presidential campaign after claiming to shy away from further political discussions.
Starbucks With an atmosphere that appeals to millennials and an emphasis on sustainability, it’s no surprise that Starbucks is a liberal company. In past presidential elections, Starbucks has supported Democratic candidates, and the franchise contributes a majority of their donation funds to such parties. The company also criticized former president Donald Trump’s suspension of Syrian refugees in 2017, resulting in a boycott against the corporation by his supporters. story by MK Palaris, design by Sam Jajieh
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Black leaders in fashion Like much of the entertainment world, the fashion industry is largely influenced by Black culture and artists. In most cases, however, this community is credited incorrectly— if at all— leading to a lot of obscured talent. In honor of Black History Month, here are some prominent Black artists that have taken the world by storm.
Virgil Abloh A true pioneer, the Chicago-born fashion mogul, Virgil Abloh, was one of the key figures involved in the fusion of luxury and streetwear fashion. Initially a civil engineer, Abloh built a loyal following for his first brand, Pyrex, which capitalized on the then-novel concept. With long-time friend and business partner Ye West, Abloh went on to intern at Fendi and eventually, in 2011, rebranded Pyrex Vision to the luxury streetwear name we have all come to know: Off-White. Chosen as Louis Vuitton’s creative director in 2018, Abloh’s short stay cemented streetwear’s position in the luxury fashion circle.
telfar clemens An advocate for creating quality pieces and promoting inclusivity, Telfar Clemens’s raging success hasn’t caused him to forget his core values. Initially moving to New York to launch his modeling career, Clemens eventually found a passion for designing clothing, starting with gender neutral pieces back in 2005. He has since created the coveted versatile Telfar bag, affectionately nicknamed the “Bushwick Birkin,” after the part of Brooklyn in which the label is based. Despite being a fan favorite among bigger names like Beyonce and Oprah, Clemens remains true to his motto, “Not for you, for everyone,” by continuing to create more affordable, comprehensive products.
naomi Campbell The first Black model to grace the cover of American Vogue’s September issue, Naomi Campbell’s fashion career has opened many doors for the Black community. Discovered at 15 years-old by Elite Management– one of the most prestigious modeling agencies in the world– Campbell has continued to make a name for herself in the fashion industry. Known for her powerful catwalk and no-nonsense attitude, it’s no surprise that the supermodel quickly gained international recognition for both her fashion and philanthropy work. Part of the supermodel group that dominated the 90’s known as The Big Six, Campbell has co-founded many charities that integrate the world of fashion with humanitarian projects like Fashion for Relief. story & design by Natasha Chang
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BLACK HISTORY MONTH READS When learning about the history of Black Americans, it’s easy to fall into the misconception that racism is a thing of the past, but complacency is a privilege. In honor of Black History Month, we have compiled a list of literature written by Black authors to provide insight and promote conversations on Black struggle.
Dear Martin by Nic Stone
If Beale Street Could Talk
If there is one thing the media does best concerning social justice, it’s providing consumers with the news they want to hear— even if that means sugarcoating the racial discrimination present within society. Nic Stone’s novel “Dear Martin” strips its readers of this safety net, exposing the daily and real injustices in the lives of Black Americans. The book follows Justyce McAllister, a Black student attending a prestigious and predominantly white high school. As most seniors do, McAllister finds a newfound sense of confidence, becoming more vocal about the BLATANT RACISM and discrimination he receives from his classmates. Stone doesn’t feel the need to water down these interactions within the story, giving readers a more authentic look into the hardships of Black students, even in today’s more progressive society.
“It’s a miracle to realize that somebody loves you.” Such a quote describes the love shared between Tish Rivers and Fonny Hunt—a Black couple living in 1970 Harlem. But the curtain is swiftly ripped away on the picture-perfect love story to reveal the revoltingly realistic picture that Baldwin paints: an America where being Black is a crime. After being falsely accused, by a white cop, of raping a woman, the justice system fails Hunt, leaving it up to the lovers’ families to clear his name. While the overall premise might sound like a commonly depicted picture of modern America, Baldwin distinguishes his tale through the characters’ bonds. Tish and Fonny’s families are cruel in their own ways, but the ties that hold them together are not just familial. Rather, they extend to the hopes and dreams that held Black people together in a
DISCRIMINATORY SYSTEM. Each character struggles
to pull comif
the curtain back over the stage, their voices ing together to chant, “We matter, too ,” even the whole world seems to disagree.
by James Baldwin
Story by: Jianlan Busteed, Kyle Hong Jeremiah Jung, Mk Palaris Design by Mk Palaris
Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward
“There is a calm before a storm,” or so we like to think. In two-time National Book award-winner Jesym Ward’s novel, the author portrays how life does not always present us with a smooth journey to our hardest challenges—shown through the eyes of a Black teenager. “Salvage the Bones” is told through the perspective of 15-year-old Esch, who is in the early stages of motherhood. Alongside the tribulations of being a teenage mom, Esch is faced with a manipulative partner, alcoholic father and her family’s struggle with poverty—all while Hurricane Katrina threatens her hometown. While a strong component of the novel is its portrayal of poverty, another aspect that stands out is the book’s commentary on the power of femininity, especially within the Black community. It’s no secret that society’s perceptions of Blackness has been crudely warped by racism, often associating Black people with masculinity and aggression. This same perception TAUNTS BLACK WOMEN, making it difficult for them to express their femininity and is a source of insecurities for young Black girls in relation to their race. For Esch, who lives in a male-dominated world, her contorted perspective connects femininity through sexuality—eventually resulting in her early motherhood.
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Blue eyes, blonde hair, light skin. These are commonly sought after traits in Toni Morrison’s novel, “The Bluest Eye.” From the third person perspective we watch the tragic downfall of Pecola Breedlove—a Black girl living through the Great Depression. As she comes of age, Pecola’s budding self-image is crushed under the weight of her mother’s insecurities and her father’s past sexual trauma and humiliation. Desperate to be seen as BEAUTIFUL as her lighter-skinned peers, she hyper-fixates on blue eyes: a feature she thinks will allow the world to see and treat her as a White person. Page by page, Morrison submerges readers into a confusing world that Black youth are too familiar with—one that teaches them, and the rest of society, to celebrate European features.
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sharpening his skills in martial arts taylor joe Asst. A&E Editor While most associate martial arts with various kinds of handto-hand combat, sophomore Kevin Liu’s passion for this practice manifests itself in a more unique form: dance. D e d i c a t i n g three days of his week to Wushu, Liu spends two hours every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at Jing Wu Tang martial arts studio. Originating from ancient China, Wushu evolved from more traditional moves into armed and unarmed combat methods. Related to Chinese Kung Fu, this self-defense technique holds more aesthetic value than its traditional counterpart and is practiced to incorporate cool visual effects. Liu emphasized the coordination and physical demands of practicing Wushu straight
sword. When starting, it took him two weeks of training to learn the basics of using a sword. “[I perform every] five to six months, probably would be more if [Covid] didn’t happen,” Liu said. The sophomore was first introduced to the art while learning Shaolin Kung Fu when he was younger. Having witnessed the impressive moves of other participants, it inspired him to try it himself. With the help of his parents, he was soon training at the studio—one which he still trains in today. “All those flips and throwing swords in the air was super cool to me back then, so I wanted to join some kind of Chinese kung fu,” Liu said. Going on his 5th year practicing Wushu straight sword, Liu said his greatest achievement thus far was winning second place in a grand champion-
Photo courtesy of KEVIN LIU
Sophomore Kevin Liu at his studio practicing his martial arts in preparation for his future competitions with his team. ship his first year of competing. He has also won numerous gold medals from the International Wushu medal competitions. His favorite thing about straight sword dancing is the physical endurance that comes with learning how to do each move and flip. One of the greatest moves he accomplished was doing an aerial
with the sword—one that earned an awestruck reaction from the audience when he first performed it. “Swinging around the sword after you finish, everyone claps for you after performing,” he said. For Liu, practicing Wushu straight sword has allowed him to reconnect with his own culture and share it with others.
“Since it’s Chinese Kung Fu, not many Americans know it and they think it’s amazing when they see people swing a sword around,” Liu said.” Expressing Kung Fu in general makes me feel powerful and confident too, because our movements are very bold and quick and it takes a lot of skill to be able to do that.”
musicians qualify for an all-state experience Niko Yatawara editor in chief
S
erving us trauma with a side of glitter, Euphoria captured our attention during its 2019 premiere. With its just out of reach storylines—– you know, minus the week-day house parties and hard drugs—flashy outfits and even flashier cinematography, it’s safe to say season one left us all wanting more. But what started off as the perfect entree to a lavish dinner, seems to be ending with an overly ambitious dessert. By now, even those who haven’t seen the show know what season two gave us: nudity, more nudity and, did I mention, even more nudity? Between the completely unnecessary flashes from male characters and seemingly endless footage of Cassie Howard (Sydney Sweeney) naked, my digital footprint is in need of some serious deep cleaning. And this isn’t a baseless, prudish claim either. In an interview for The Independent, Sweeney herself spoke about asking for fewer nude scenes with the show’s creator, Sam Levinson. And while the actress’ requests were fulfilled, the fact it even occurred raises questions on the oversexualization of the characters in Euphoria. With the broad array of mature topics, and the utter lack of school work getting done, it’s easy to forget that the show takes place in high school. Ultimately though, the topics at hand, albeit somewhat exacerbated, are relatable to teen audiences. Sexuality, body image, toxic young love—these are all major aspects of the high school experience that were captured effortlessly in season one. Yet, season two takes these issues and perverts them completely. While intimate scenes between Jules Vuaghn and Cal Jacobs certainly made my skin crawl, they helped to introduce
Jules’ struggle in feeling secure in her femininity as a trans woman; every sexual scene or moment was added intentionally. In season two, they seem to appear in a fervent, steamy and utterly excessive mess, adding virtually nothing to the story. Whatsmore, this hyperfixation on sexual relationships, distracts from potential development of the show’s characters. Previously, characters like Maddy Perez, Cassie Howard and Kat Hernandez were depicted as it-girls of sorts, each with their own issues hidden behind a confident, glamorous front. But as season two continues Cassie’s battle with self-love and male validation through her physical relationship with Nate Jacobs, it simultaneously neglects Perez’s own storyline while struggling to include Hernandez’s altogether. And this is further emphasized
“Yet, season two takes these issues and perverts them completely. “
with the aforementioned neglect of Hernandez’s character. Having initially represented the younger generation of late bloomers raised by the internet, Hernandez’s ongoing struggles with sexuality and self-discovery struck a chord with a large demographic. But once again, this issue is completely overshadowed by other characters’ storylines; in abandoning Hernandez’s character, the show has also lost some of its pertinence toward its audience. Perhaps even worse than the lack of character development is the focus placed on male validation. While this issue is highly prevalent for both queer and straight individuals, its inclusion in Vaughn and Rue Bennett’s relationship is a cause for concern.
See, Bennet’s struggles with addiction is the seed for the rift in her relationship with Vaughn. The show’s inclusion of Elliot, a new character this season, re-introduces Vaughn’s struggle with male validation– something the character already resolved last season. While it’s true that self acceptance doesn’t happen overnight, having Elliot become a romantic interest for Vaughn sours the show’s opportunity to highlight its only queer and interracial relationship. Instead, it can be seen as a poor and harmful representation of the LGBTQ+ community considering Vaughn’s statements in season one that clarified she was no longer attracted to men. All this aside, season two does necessitate some praise. For one, the opening scene in episode one can only be described as iconic. A deep dive into the backstory of a fan favorite, Fezco, this episode played back into the show’s strengths. Aesthetically, the scene is stunning but plot-wise, Euphoria does what it does best by delivering a flashy adaptation of a universal experience, in this case the establishment of a chosen family. Another character that viewers are pleased to see getting more screen time this season is Lexi Howard. Witty, grounded and a bit socially awkward, Lexi Howard balances out the mayhem happening around her, tethering back the relatability factor some viewers may have felt with Hernandez. And perhaps best of all, the expansion of her character has consequently hinted at the beginnings of a romantic relationship between Lexi Howard and Fezco. Though they live in two completely different worlds, their shared rationale and unique charm potentially makes them the perfect pair—their budding feelings drawing us all back for more. In the end though, this is only the start of the show’s journey into a new chapter of each character’s life. While it may have missed the mark a bit so far, Euphoria continues to have us all tuning in for more.
claire wu asst. photo editor With 39 brahmas in its attendance, this year’s California All State Band is dominated by Diamond Bar High School musicians. In order to qualify for the group, thousands of students are judged on precision of scales and musicality of a solo piece by an array of high-ranking musicians each year. Those who pass this admission process are placed in one of California All-State Bands, Orchestras and Choirs, which are all headed by nationally-acclaimed conductors. Among this year’s acceptance from DBHS are sophomores Lucas O’Brien and Lucy Wu as well as junior Rachel Yang. Yang will be participating in AllState for the fourth time since seventh grade. Throughout her time in the band, Yang has met numerous musicians, been guided by several conductors and created memorable experiences. “I first participated in all-state because my middle school band director encouraged me to,” Yang said.
“After that, I continued to participate because it is overall a really fun and memorable experience.” Wu is an euphonium player, who is joining the All-State Symphonic Band for the first time this year. She anticipates the new experience of playing in a different group of people who carry the same passions as her. “I am looking forward to playing with top players in California,” Wu said. “Due to [COVID-19], all the music events last year were canceled. Therefore, I didn’t have the chance to perform with people from other schools.” Contrasting Yang and Wu’s excitement to meet musicians from across the state, two year veteran player O’Brien more so treasures the time spent at rehearsals. “A few benefits of being a part of All-State groups are definitely getting more experience as an ensemble musician, as well as getting to meet many new people from across the state, learning more about music education and opportunities in college and beyond, and honestly just having a great time with friends in Fresno,” O’Brien said.
all state on p.12
Photo courtesy of LUCAS O’BRIEN
Lucas O’Brien practicing to gain preparation for the California All-State Band.
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waving their flags for the new season For their winter season, the team’s routine will encapsulate the feeling of falling in love.
Brahmas make a splash in annual poster competition
Photo courtesy of HAILEY TATEBE
ETHAN RO STAFF WRITER Using their artwork to educate others on water conservation, two Diamond Bar High School students placed in the top three at the annual “Water is Life” student poster competition. Established in 1990, this competition aims to convey the importance of water conservation and its efficient usage. Due to the online format of the preceding school year, the winners of the contest were not announced until this year, with senior Maya Mehta and junior Hailey Tatebe placing first and third, respectively. Thanks to their high placements, the Brahmas’ creations were selected to be featured in the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s 2022 “Water is Life ‘’ student art calendar. “My art teacher, Mr. Hwang, was the first person who originally introduced the contest and encouraged me to show off my art skills and participate in the contest,” Tatebe said via Instagram. “Plus, I like participating in art contests because they bring a little chal-
lenge with a little anticipation to see if mine was selected.” On top of the required water conservation theme, the students each added their own personal touches to make their pieces more unique. “I made [my] piece last year when everything was online, so I painted a virtual meeting [with] each little screen featuring a different way that water is important to us,” Mehta said via Instagram. Despite the challenges the juniors faced while creating their art pieces, both expressed a desire to continue participating in such competitions in the future. “It’s challenging to create an interesting piece within the constraints of a theme like “Water is Life,” Mehta said. “It’s an exercise in creativity, and I like the challenge.” Although both Mehta and Tatebe had participated in this challenge in previous years, this was their first time making it to the finalist stage and having their work featured in the calendar. “I think it’s very exciting [to win]!” Mehta said. “I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it was featured in the calendar.”
VASH CHEN ASST. PHOTO EDITOR Flags held high, Diamond Bar High School’s color guard has kicked off their Winter Guard season with their new show: The Twist and The Curve. T h i s year’s theme, chosen by head coach Robert Jett, was inspired by the roller coaster of emotions that come with falling in love. “I love this year’s theme, it’s super different from the past shows Diamond Bar has done. The music is very lyrical and R&B while our other shows were very intense and fast-moving,” senior captain Stephanie Ramirez said. Moving into the second semester, the guard switches from its typical performances alongside DBHS’ marching band to participating in independent competitions across the state. “Some c h a l lenging
things switching from parade season is [that] you have to be on time every single step of the way,” Ramirez said. “But with winter guard, it’s more about the performance aspect. You need to look like you’re enjoyi n g yourself.”
While the guard has traditionally gone against opponents of the same skill level, this season h a s t h e m performing with two other high schools in the Open Class A division: Ayala High
School and El Dorado High School. Previously, both high schools were in the World Class division—the highest class a color guard team can achieve, with Open Class A being the second highest. The introduction of these new competitors has
ignited new anxieties among the team members. “I hope that we do well considering that [AHS and EDHS] are in our class,” senior captain Michelle Slack said. “For Diamond Bar standards, we’re going to do really well. We have a lot of good dancers so that will help a lot. It’s about the emotion you convey with your show.” Posing as another threat to the group is the inclusion of a mask mandate for this year’s season. When judging choreography, the color guard is judged on their facial expressions. Due to this, team members have expressed their worries over receiving a full score in this category.“COVID has just impacted the team’s ability to perform bigger since we can’t see the bottom half of their face. It’s hard to tell expressions just with your eyes,” Ramirez said. An additional barrier the guard faces is a lack of experience. Like most extracurriculars on campus, distance learning presented many restrictions to the team’s practices, causing many members to fall behind in comparison to the skill development in a traditional school year. “I think it’s hard to stay motivated because there are fewer shows to look forward to,” Slack said. “On the other hand, there are fewer shows, so we have to make those the best ones.” Despite the drawbacks, the team is excited to begin their season with a regional competition in Bakersfield on Feb. 26.
Broadcasting his musical talent from the top niko yatawara editor-in-chief Gently setting his bow on the strings of his violin, junior Ethan Yang prepares to record his debut performance on NPR’s classical music podcast, From the Top. Since he was eight-years-old, Yang has dedicated his time, money and efforts to the world of classical music. Having found a calling for this passion amidst his diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome and a stressful move from Arizona to California, Yang said he came to love violin after watching a performance of a gospel music group on television. “I was super fascinated by the sound that they made, and their music became a remedy for my mental state,” Yang said via Instagram. Ever since, Yang has accumulated an array of achievements in music. One such award that has stood out to the violinist is winning the grand prize at the 2020
Phoenix Symphony Guild Young Musicians competition, which provided him with the opportunity to perform alongside the Phoenix Symphony. “This meant a lot to me because my private teacher at that time was part of the symphony, and she still is a part of them to this day,” he said. “Having the opportunity to play with her onstage was one [performance] that was extremely unforgettable.” In addition to competing in classical competitions, Yang has been in various orchestral groups. In the past, the junior held the title of concertmaster for the Metropolitan Youth Symphony and was an active member of the Cactus Chamber musicians. It was due to his experience that Yang’s private instructor provided him with the opportunity to play for From the Top— a radio show highlighting young classical musicians’ talents and experiences.
“ I first heard about From the Top when my private
teacher, Ms. Rose, introduced it to me and she wanted me to take a shot at it,” Yang said. While the performance itself was pre-recorded in a recording studio supplied by From the Top, Yang said he also played and was interviewed by the show’s hosts on Zoom. In preparation for the recording, Yang was challenged with scouring his previously learned pieces, as the show limited the time of a piece to be no longer than five minutes. Ultimately choosing to play “Red Violin Caprices,” Yang said he was given a month to prepare for the podcast. “Working with From the Top was a really amazing experience for me,” he said. “I got to learn many things that I have never learned before in other programs I have previously participated in.” For his successes in competitions, Yang has also been booked to perform privately. The violinist noted playing at places like churches, retirement homes and even athome concerts. While Yang does accept some payment for more private events, he typically performs simply to spread his love for music. “For the retirement homes and churches and all those other events, I got invited to perform at those after winning some prizes at competitions,” Yang said. “[People] were very willing to pay, but I chose to treat it as an opportunity for me to share my passion for music to my audience instead of taking the money for granted.”
Junior Ethan Yang took the opportunity to perform in NPR’s music podcast, From the Top.
Photos courtesy of ETHAN YANG
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12 Business
Continuing the All-State legacy All State From P.10 For O’Brien, the All-State band is only the start. He plans to use this opportunity to get more experience in an ad-
vanced ensemble and familiarize himself with career opportunities in music education. “Personally, I do plan on continuing music in the future as a career; in which specific field of music, I’m not too sure yet,”
O’Brien said. “Part of why I always loved and continue to love music so much is because of how many different aspects of it there is to consider and enjoy, from performing to conducting and from theorizing to composing.”
Online SAT sparks controversy SAT FRom p.1 academic ability,” George said. As somebody who took the SAT last year, George said he felt the changes to be made could
not only affect students’ studying habits in college, but also deny admission offices a clear median to accurately create a strong, distnguishable class. “I don’t think [digitalization is] a great move because it likely di-
minishes the SAT’s ability to accurately predict a student’s preparation and potential for collegiate success,” George said. “At the end of the day, the SAT is an attempt to predict future potential so maintaining rigor is essential.”
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A passion for vinyl collecting Morgan From p.7 garage rock.” After leaving Japan, Morgan continued to DJ in Los Angeles with his brother for around three years, where he taught English during the day and DJ-ed at night. There, he met many musicians and was constantly asked to DJ between shows. “I really didn’t do it for the money, it made me feel like it was a utility to continue to collect records with the small amount of money I got from it,” Morgan said. To this day, the DBHS teacher owns about two Ikea cube shelves worth of vinyls, with his favorite record from his collection being “Souvlaki’’ by Slowdive. Like many collectors, Morgan’s vast collection of records contain many rarities. “I have many Japanese pressings of rare New Order albums,” Morgan said. “Joy Division and New Order are the two bands that I have really gone deep into finding rare presses.” He frequents the record stores Port of Sound in Costa Mesa, as well as LA cult favorites like Mount Analog, Gimme Gimme Records and The Last Bookstore as well as Discogs.com and Amoeba Music in Hollywood, which closed last year. “At first, I actually spent a lot more time doing online shopping, but as the economic reality kicked in, I took several months away from adding to my collection,” Morgan said. As Morgan moves further into his adulthood and a married life, his record collecting has diminished, but he still looks forward to purchasing records if the option is given.
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Promoting inclusivity Teacher from P. 2 class to be more culturally relevant. “The unit that we are particularly proud of is our Seven Revolutions unit which we paired with the Global Village 100 project,” Vanderheyden said. “Each student in both of our classes studied a particular Global Villager and the different ways the Seven Revolutions [seven major changes in the future] will affect their particular villager.” Despite her achievements, Vanderheyden continues to hold several goals for the future, such as
utilizing the new science building for projects in her SAI classes. She also is looking towards incorporating 3D printing into her SAI math and science classes. With any project or reform she brings to DBHS, Vanderheyden only has one goal for her students; she wishes to leave a lasting impact on their high school experience. “I am deeply aware how much my teachers impacted me as I was growing up,” Vanderheyden said. “If I can have my students leave my room knowing that I cared for them and pushed them to grow, then I consider that my greatest success.”
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Brahma dynamic duo named to selective regional group The Diamond Bar wide receiver and running back had exceptional showings for the 2021-2022 season. taylor joe asst. a&e editor Making the ultimate field goal, senior Michael Gorbea and junior Maddox Bernadino have been chosen to be a part of the All-CIF Southern Section football team for Division 12. In 10 games alone, Gorbea managed to rush 1922 yards, ranking number one in both his division and section. He also ranks number one in carries for all of the CIF-SS at 272 yards. However, Gor-
CLAIRE WU
Junior Maddox Bernardino led the team in receiving yards as receiver.
bea’s road to success wasn’t easy; his teammates rallied him during the tough training sessions he endured. “I wasn’t always happy on the field, but they brought my mood up,” Gorbea said. “Victor Flores, the middle end backer helped me [and] Coach Dylan’s like an older brother to me, known him my whole life,” Gorbea is currently focused on using his talents to get into a good college, though that’s where he plans to stop his football career. “From there, [I want to] stop football and become a sheriff,” Gorbea said. “[If football] takes me [somewhere in the future] I wouldn’t be mad and pursue it; at least I have a backup plan,” Gorbea said. While a year younger, Bernadino ranked number two in receptions with 61 yards and number two in receiving yards gained at 1044. He was also number one in yards per game with 116 in nine games. “It was a pretty good experience because I’m only a junior right now, so being chosen to actually get the award and making the all-CIF team with [Gorbea] is pretty exciting,” Bernadino said. According to Bernadino, Gorbea and he were close friends, even before bonding together with this award they both share. “When [Gorbea] transferred [to Diamond Bar High School], I knew him from middle school… that helped a lot more with my relationship with him and becoming a lot closer friends with him,” Bernadino said. Bernadino’s relationship with his coach and teammates really motiatived him along the way, helping him to achieve the title of num-
VASH CHEN
Freshman Ethan Lee is stanced on the mat in a competition against South Hills.
Finishing the season strong The wrestlers end their season with nine of their wrestlers qualifying for CIF. ryan kung ASST. business manager CLAIRE WU
Senior Michael Gorbea led the team’s offense this season as running back. ber two in CIF. “My relationship with Coach Reitz was really good because I was on varsity as a freshman, so our relationship just kept getting better and better,” Bernadino said. “Being able to just go out there and play with my friends like Mikey, Vic, Ryan, Kai really helped me to have fun and [to] take [the] long way [through my journey.]” His future goals for next season are to continue training, grow a deeper relationship with the new coach and get a scholarship for either football or baseball. “[I want to] try my best, [especially] with the new coach coming in… [I want to] try and use my talent to actually play in college,” Bernardino said.
Following the challenges as a result of the Omicron outbreak, the Diamond Bar High School wrestling team finished their season strong, advancing despite their struggles. The team competed in the Hacienda League Finals on Feb. 5, hosted at Walnut High School, with all nine wrestlers placing on the podium and qualifying for the upcoming CIF tournament. Senior Wesley Macamay was the League Champion in the 138-pound weight class, placing first overall. Sophomores Abigail Alvarado, Brentley Macamay and Ali Razmara as well as senior Ryan Wong placed second in their respective weight groups. Following closely behind were freshman Ethan Lee, juniors Justin Yim and Ismael Hamza as well as senior
Marcus Tan, all placing third in their weight groups. As a whole, the wrestlers also took third overall at the Ralph Harris Invitational Tournament, which was earlier that week. “The team is a lot more confident and seasoned,” senior captain Ryan Wong said. “Our guys have a lot more experience now as opposed to the beginning of the year.” Amidst the outbreak of the new strain, many of the wrestlers could not participate—some from a lack of parental approval and others as a personal choice. Despite this, the students returned ready to match the increased intensity of their practices. “We are closer now than in the beginning.” senior Wesley Macamay said. “We formed close relationships and we feel like a family now.” The team competed at Ayala High School on Feb. 12 for the CIF tournament with Brentley Macamay placing sixth in the 126-pound weight class. He will be heading to the Masters Tournament over the Presidents’ Day weekend at Sonora High School in La Habra.
Adaptations made to concussion protocols The use of advanced technology has increased the efficiency of care for athletes with head injuries. maia pak asst. feature editor Adapting to increased concussion awareness across the U.S., Diamond Bar High School has re-implemented baseline screenings through a digital program, Concussion Vital Signs. From 2013 to 2018, DBHS athletes in high-contact sports underwent one-on-one pre-season screening with a paper test, in an effort to abide by California’s 2012 456778’ concussion law, AB25, Ed Code 49475. However, during the 20182019 sports season, the baseline testing was removed. “We decided to remove the pre-season screenings due to many reasons--increased participation, decreased time and resources, and a lack of compliance from some sports teams,” DBHS athletic trainer Chase Paulson said via email. “The coaching staff at the time did not see the value in the pre-season screenings and so a decision was made to remove them from our concussion management plan,” With this digital tool, athletic trainers are able to compare an athlete’s post-injury test results to their pre-injury results, leading to better and more individualized care. On average, athletes who have sustained a concussion will be required to sit out for 11 days, outside
of a few exceptions. Varsity boys water polo goalie Owen Cheng was required to sit out for nearly a month due to the severity of his injury. “I had to go into [Chase Paulson’s room] every single day,” Cheng said. “I felt like the school took it seriously,” Junior varsity girls basketball player Breanna Bongcaras was another athlete required to sit out of her sport. However, since the CVS testing found that she did not sustain a concussion, Bongcaras was only required to sit out for the week following her head injury. “I believe that concussion safety is super important,” Bongcaras said. “This small scare could have led to something bigger,” Research has found an increased number of concussions occurring in some sports over others, with cheer as the number one girls sport and tackle football as the number one boys sport. “Overall, I think there is slightly more awareness of the dangers. I do not think there is enough,” pep coordinator Christian Calero said. While the new testing has been received with a mostly positive response from athletes and their families, some issues have occurred on a case-to-case basis. “There will always be those who do not understand why a student-athlete cannot participate due to concussion, and that is usually because you cannot see a concussion or visibly know when one has healed,” Paulson said. “[CVS’] objectivity removes any reasons as to why a person should continue to sit out due to a sport-related concussion.”
VASH CHEN
Junior Urs Wong brings the ball up the field on the offensive end in a Feb.1 league match against Walnut High School.
Boys end season with even record The Brahmas did not find luck in the tie-breaking wildcard for the annual final tournament. jianlan busteed asst. opinion editor After suffering tough losses against rivals South Hills and Walnut, the boys soccer team quickly learned from their losses, narrowly beating teams they previously struggled against. However, they placed fourth in Hacienda League competition with a 5-5 record, ending their CIF hopes. In their first loss against Walnut and South Hills, head coach Pete Orosco said that the team had trouble getting and maintaining possession of the ball. Failure to take advantage of key players like se-
niors Kyle Shiroma, David Vasquez and Damien Mata also led to poor passing and possession. Suffering the absences of junior defender Michael Chang and senior goalie Matthew Lotto, the team’s back line struggled to defend against the
“I am not happy with the outcome of the season. We lost to some teams who were not better than us...”
JACKSON HAYNES
other teams’ offense. “I am not happy with the outcome of the season,” senior captain Jackson Haynes said. “We lost to some teams who were not better than us, which cost us the ticket to CIF.” With previous losses in mind,
the boys changed from a defensive lineup to a more offensive formation and marked dangerous players to pull out a win their second time playing against Walnut and South Hills. “The games we won were because we played our shape, [we were] disciplined, and communicated well as a team,” head coach Pete Orosco said via email. Though their season had many ups and downs, the highlight of the season was their win against the league champion team South Hills. In a close 3-2 win against South Hills, the team had a solid defense and multiple goal-scoring opportunities, giving South Hills one of their two losses. “The way the team fought hard that game to get the win was great to be a part of,” Haynes said. “We ended up winning 3-2 in probably the craziest game of my high school career.”
February 16, 2022
The Bull’s Eye
Sports 15
Early exit to a promising season Despite improving their gameplay, the boys have ended their season after losing round one of CIF. ETHAN RO STAFF WRITER After finishing their regular season with an overall record of 15-11 and a League record of 7-3, the Brahma boys basketball team continued to put their best foot forward in hopes of competing for a CIF ring. Over the past few games, head coach Henry Frierson had noticed the Brahmas struggling to grab offensive rebounds, which ultimately led to numerous opposing second-chance points that cost a few matches. To combat such struggles, Frierson dedicated more practice time to reviewing and strengthening the team’s weaknesses. “We found our groove shooting,” Frierson said. “I think defensively we can be a little more responsible in the half court.” These improvements became imminent during their home rival game against the Walnut Mustangs. Offensively led by junior Malcolm Bell with 19 points and 16 rebounds, the Brahmas held marginal leads against the Mustangs up until the end of the third quar-
ter, where the two teams were tied. However, the Brahmas prevailed in the closing minutes for a Diamond Bar victory, 55-49. “Just mental toughness and fortitude [is something that] we can definitely improve on,” Frierson said. Closing out their season with a five-game winning streak, includ-
ing a notable 75-37 victory against the South Hills Huskies on Jan. 28, the team’s playoff picture looked close to ideal. Tied for second place in the Hacienda League, the team went on to play the Oak Hills Bulldogs on Feb. 12 in their first round CIF playoff game. “We’ve played [Oak Hills] twice
and didn’t fare well against them either time,” Frierson said. “We were short handed a few guys and more importantly I need to do a better job of going over our zone offense against them.” Their struggle against the Bulldogs continued as the Brahmas’ were eliminated from the playoffs following a 63-73 defeat.
T
CLAIRE WU Junior Malcolm Bell attempts to get around defense from Rowland High School in the varsity team’s February game.
Advancing further through state games The team continues to gain traction with their matches following a rough start.
CLAIRE WU
Senior Alexis Fuller sprints to score in their game against Los Altos High School.
Girls take league title At the end of a successful season, the Lady Brahmas have finished on top. VASH CHEN ASST. Photo EDITOR After an interrupted win streak, the Diamond Bar High School girls soccer team pushed towards the end of the season as co-champions of the Hacienda League with South Hills High. Up until their first game against South Hills High School, the Lady Brahmas were undefeated with a league score of 4-0. Despite their exceptional win rate, the stamina of the Huskies and a lack of communication between the Brahmas led to a loss of 5-1. “Our biggest weakness is our communication on the field; just making sure we’re communicating to each other properly and communicating those roles to each other,” head coach Matt Franco said. “That’s been a problem all year, mostly because it’s not the same line-up and we’ve been missing kids on and off throughout the year.”
A joke of an NBA All-Star voting system
While in-game communication is still a work in progress, the girls were very supportive of each other throughout the games. What’s more, the girls have continued to work on their strong offensive plays on the field. “For the most part, these girls have been encouraging each other whether they’re playing or sitting on the bench, trying to make sure that they’re staying focused out there,” Franco said. According to Franco, the nine seniors on the team have been the most supportive towards the newer varsity members, helping to set a positive team atmosphere. “We have very skilled players, and they’re very versatile. If something is not working, I’m able to switch things around and they’re able to perform better sometimes based on those match-ups,” Franco said. It’s these skills that the girls carried into their come-back game against South Hills on Tuesday, February 7. Senior Isabella Montelongo made a goal with support from senior Alexis Fuller adding to three points and tying with South Hills seniors Ruby Landeros and Sarah Venegas thus tying 1-1 with South Hills High.
the girls pulled out another win against Polytechnic High School, 58-52. Co-captain junior Avril Ho and sophomore Morgan Seshiki contributed several three-pointers on ASHLey Park the offensive end. Senior Gizell Staff Writer Lien was also exceptional offensively, using the spin-move to her advantage. Dribbling toward the end of sea“The CIF game was really son on a high note, the Diamond important to us because in our Bar High School’s girls basketball heart we all really wanted to win team converted into a habit of winthe game,” freshman Nataly Sun ning. said. “It was tough but we pushed In the most recent game against through and won the game.” Walnut, which Such compotook place on Feb. nents like fully “I’m proud of us for 4, the girls had an engaged players, coming together and not impressive victocommunication ry with a score of throughout the giving up even with our 65-57. game and strong tough schedule.” “We all started rebounds led to AVRIL HO and ended with a the girls’ numerlot of energy this ous wins after a game and were ready to rough start. win from the start,” freshman Eri“I’m proud of us for coming toka Liang said. gether and not giving up even with In the CIF game on Feb. 10, our tough schedule,” Ho said.
Photo courtesy of DBHSORG
The varsity girls team won 54-48 against South Hills High School on Feb. 1.
his year’s NBA All-Star selections have been interesting to say the least. The starter pool selected for the Eastern Conference was reasonable, consisting of a superstar lineup with a backcourt of Trae Young and DeMar DeRozan, and a frontcourt of Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid. On the other hand, the Western Conference starter pool is a powerhouse for the most part, but with a twist, consisting of a backcourt with Stephen Curry and Ja Morant, and a frontcourt of LeBron James, Nikola Jokic and…. the notso deserved Andrew Wiggins of the Warriors. To put this controversial selection in perspective, Wiggins is alongside All-NBA players in the starter pool, who are amongst the top players in the league, while the former is simply an elite role player. A player with shockingly similar stats and a similar role on their respective teams, Desmond Bane, was not even close to being considered an All-Star. As the third option for the Warriors this season, Wiggins not only shouldn’t have been a starter, but it’s also reasonable to say he should have never been placed on the All-Star roster. Players such as Dejounte Murray—who is an injury replacement player—and Anthony Edwards deserved to be selected over him. The sole reason why Wiggins was able to be an All-Star was due to the voting system that gave the fans a part in the final say. To determine the starters for the AllStar Game, 50 percent of the total vote is accounted by fan vote, while the other half is accounted by current players and media members. In the voting results that were released, the player and media votes did not support Wiggins much, ranking him behind more deserving players. But, since he was ranked third in fan votes, which weighed more, he was able to receive a starting nod in the prestigious game. More interestingly, a notable contribution to Wiggins’ fan votes was made by K-pop idol BamBam, who encouraged his fans to vote for Wiggins. The voting system is also flawed in terms of setting a requirement for two backcourt players and three frontcourt players. In today’s game, team lineups have been more position-less than ever with players constantly shifting positions within the same game. A prime example of this is James, who can play any position from point guard to center, although he is officially labeled as a small forward in the frontcourt. Not only were there other frontcourt players more deserving of a starting spot than Wiggins, such as Draymond Green, Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns, but there were also backcourt players far more deserving to start, such as the league’s-best Suns’ Chris Paul and Devin Booker. As being selected to the All-Star Game is a major accolade, having significance in eventual Hall of Fame considerations, the voting system may need to be adjusted so those that deserve to be on the select team are chosen.
The Bull’s Eye
SPORTS
Adjusting strategies for a strong comeback The team bounces back after overcoming issues presented by COVID-19.
Placing second in the Hacienda League with a 5-3 league record, the Lady Brahmas are paddling through their season strong. Vanquishing Walnut High School not once, but twice this season, Diamond Bar High School’s girls water polo team persevered through the unprecedented difficulties they faced during the first half of their season. “We were better spaced in the Walnut league final game than the first game against them so we were able to effectively pass the ball around and score more,” junior Nichole Arancibia said. “It was
definitely hard at first because we didn’t have a coach and were wondering what was going to happen for our season.” Not only was there a vacant head coaching spot mid-season that was out of their control, many players have also experienced health setbacks throughout the season as well. “Some of our players have knee problems, which cause them to sit out when they’re in pain,” goalie Arancibia said. “Another setback was having to shut down our practices for a week because 4 people got COVID-19.” For the next season, the Lady Brahmas hope to top their current season in terms of success. “Samantha Jew has been doing really well on offense and defense and Alexandra Condon has been scoring more goals,” Arancibia said. “[However] we need to improve on defense and positioning when on offense.”
has maintained his standing on the podium, even with his lack of a junior season. Throughout the current season, Wong has added to his achievements with a second place win at Mater Dei High School and a fifth at the Ed Springs Classic. Wong continues that streak even duirng his off-season, competing in outside competitions and practicing his coordination at the jiu-jitsu studio. “Before COVID, I would wrestle at open mat at Mt. Sac,” Wong said. “Now, I wrestle at a jiu-jitsu studio in Fullerton outside of school.”
With the season ended, Wong focused his energy on a podium placement at the Hacienda League Finals—a strong investment as he placed second in the 132-pound weight class, qualifying for the upcoming CIF tournament. “The season for our team is already over, so it would have been to win the League as a team,” Wong said. “But, since we didn’t do that, I think just getting as many people to qualify for CIF and Masters.” While Wong has yet to have plans for a collegiate career, his countless medals and top 20 rankings across three years has proven to him the extent of his abilities. “Wrestling just taught me how to push through, even when you’re exhausted and tired, especially when you feel like you don’t have anything left,” Wong said.
Natasha Chang ASST. feature editor Photo courtesy of DBHSORG New head coach Matt Castaneda introduces himself to several parents during an introduction ceremony on Jan. 25.
Taking the helm of football The former Rosemead High School trainer has replaced Jeff Reitz as head coach. Rachel Lee ASST. Opinion EDITOR Although the high school football season came to an end months ago, new football head coach Matt Castaneda’s coaching career at Diamond Bar High School has just begun. At the end of the season, previous coach Jeff Reitz stepped down from the position he held for four years, and it was only recently that the DBHS administration approved Castaneda to take his place. “I am incredibly excited and blessed to be the new head coach at DBHS,” Castaneda said via email. “Diamond Bar has a great tradition of strong academics and championship athletics, and I am excited & honored to be a part of that.” Before coming to Diamond Bar, Castaneda had been coaching football at Rosemead High School for the past four years and worked as a science teacher in the Pasadena Unified School District.
Accumulating experience and awards from countless competitions, the senior has qualified individually for CIF. Reyna Wan editor-in-chief Huddling close to the mat, two players face head-to-head, prepared to use their body strength and mobility to take down their opponent. On one side of the mat is Diamond Bar High School senior wrestling captain Ryan Wong, carefully scanning his opponent for any sign of weakness. “I focus on keeping a strong
“I had been looking for a new opportunity to teach and coach and Diamond Bar was a good fit for both academics and athletics,” Castaneda said. “There were several other opportunities that presented itself but after talking with our [athletics director] Kurt Davies and our Principal Dr. Jones, I knew this would be a great place to be.” All together, he has been teaching for six years and working in education for ten years in various capacities, ranging from roles of admissions to a marketing director. He has also worked as a football coach for ten years—something that’s been a part of his life ever since he was five. “My family had always been involved with football dating back to my father who played and coached, grandfather who also played, & great grandfather who played in Santa Maria before he enlisted in WWII,” Castaneda said. Castaneda initially began coaching after suffering an injury in his sophomore year as the starting quarterback for Whittier College. “That following spring I had come back as QB but the injury still lingered and I had just started working with quarterbacks and offense at a local high school,
so I made the decision to continue coaching and stop playing,” Castaneda said. So far, some of Castaneda’s coaching accomplishments include leading players to win two back-toback Mission Valley League Back of the Year selections, a first team All-CA State team quarterback and having multiple All-CIF players selected, among various others. “Coaching football for me is a passion. It’s about building up young individuals to be the best versions of themselves not just on the field but in life,” Castaneda said. “Football is such a unique game and so much of what is embedded within the game itself resonates with life.” His current goals for the DBHS football team are to win a Hacienda League Title, beat Walnut and win the Branding Iron, get into the CIF playoffs and compete for a CIF title. “The returning football team looks very solid and [they] have had a good season, with some key players returning next fall. I am excited about the upcoming freshman team as well,” Castaneda said. “There are some solid football players within the program and I am excited to work with them this spring.”
mindset, expecting every match to be a hard fight, but I’ll still be able to come out on top,” Wong said. Entering his senior season with a state ranking of 17 in the 138-pound weight class, Wong has been accumulating accolades since his sophomore year, winning League and ending that season as the only wrestler from DBHS to advance to the Masters Meet. “My favorite moment was winning League my sophomore year,” Wong said. “That was a pretty big experience, because it was actually the first time I got first at a tournament.” Wong was first introduced to the sport in seventh grade by his brother—a former captain of the DBHS wrestling team. But, his experience with high-contact sports began three years prior in jiu-jitsu.
“Jiu-jitsu is grappling as well so a lot of the movements were similar to wrestling,” Wong said. While the movements came naturally, the senior wrestler attributes much of his success to a combined regimen of conditioning, weight-lifting and mock-matches with his teammates. “The more time I spent training and practicing, both my skills and mindset have gotten better,” Wong said. “My mind especially, due to more experience and matches.” It’s with this mindset that Wong