January 2013

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DIAMOND BAR HIGH SCHOOL

romance novels news 16

Flying yi ing g to o Su S Success ucces ss

Friends reach out to Darren Peng

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Glory of College Junkmail

Tommy ommy Ba B Balderamma ldera amma am

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BLAZING TRAILS OF SATIRE

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editorial 5

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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Photo Contest Winners

STUDENT NEWSPAPER

The Bull’s Eye WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2014

Volume XXXII, Issue V | ONLINE at dbbullseye.com | Published Monthly

Senior holds benefit concert for charity For his 18th birthday, Jesse Chow held a concert at DBHS for charity: water. BY VRINDA CHAUHAN STAFF WRITER

While many teenagers busily await their birthday to be showered with gifts and attention, Diamond Bar High School senior Jesse Chow has been doing quite the opposite. To celebrate his 18th birthday, Chow and his team of five put together a charity concert held last Friday at the DBHS Theater donating all of the profits to the nonprofit charity: water. “I wanted to raise money to donate, so for my birthday, I asked my friends to donate money to charity instead of buying me gifts,” Chow commented. Chow has been donating money to the group charity: water since his 14th birthday, and has raised a total of $4,000 since. In previous years, Chow used various small scale tactics to raise money for the charity, such as making birthday invites advertising the cause, or shooting videos asking his friends to donate money. For his 18th birthday, however, Chow wanted to “share his passion and give back to the community,” so a benefit concert seemed ideal.

XING YEN QUEK

CHARITY DANCE - Prime D, an independent dance group, performed at Chow’s charity concert to a 80’s and hip hop piece. This dance group was one of the many guest performers at the concert. Chow had originally planned to do the event last year, but did not have the resources and the team to help him with it, so this year, he began work on the project in October. He first began by forming a team, consisting of DBHS students Bryanna Lim, James Cruz, April

Hong, Phillip Lee, and Dana Lee to help him plan the event. He then went through a tedious and prolonging process of filling out various legal documents and going through paperwork to obtain permission to the hold the concert at the school. In order to hold the

event on campus, Chow needed a provision to support and work the event. After approaching a few organizations, Chow was able to convince Peer Counseling to help organize and run the event. The next step was to gather sponsors and funds to cover the

budget required before the concert. Chow gathered many sponsors through website Indiegogo, which allows people internationally to raise money for businesses, music, art, or in Chow’s case, special events. Many of the sponsors, including Creatividy, HUTCH, and Bait, which are all clothing brands, donated some of their products to raffle off at the concert. With the help of Peer Counseling, the concert raised a grand total of $5,700, much more than the $2,000 goal Chow was aiming for. Some of the performers in the concert included You Tube celebrities Sorah Yang, Olivia Thai, Adanna Duru, and Prime D. The show also featured various DBHS students, such as Jacqueline Aluning, Yasi Hekmat, Tiffany Ding, and many All-male members. Charity: water is a non-profit organization that donates 100 percent of its money to provide water for Third World countries. Chow chose this charity because “it was based on the idea that all of the money raised would be donated to charity.” Charity: water actually send proof, such as GPS coordinates and pictures to verify that all of the money donated is being used for the cause. “I’m really proud of Jesse for putting this whole event together. It turned out to be such a great success. Happy belated birthday, Jesse!” Aaron Lim, an attendee and friend of Chow’s, said.

New period bell alarming to some

DBHS student recounts experience in foster care

Students have mixed responses to the new bells, which were implemented last week.

Despite her circumstances, senior Janelle Sampana keeps her head up at school.

BY EMILY LEUNG ASST. FEATURE EDITOR

The sound of the bell marking the end of class is one of the happiest sounds a student hears during the day. However, many Diamond Bar High School students were startled to hear a new digital bell when it rang on Jan. 22. The previous bell sounds had been used ever since DBHS opened in 1982. However, the old bell was not very accurate or flexible due to the fact that it was mechanical. When the new $4.5 million math building was constructed, mechanical bells were not installed because administrators planned to set up a new digital bell system for the entire school. Over winter break, this new system was set up and tested. According to Web Administrator and Technology Coordinator Randy Thomas, the difference between a mechanical bell and a digital bell is that “[former] bells are physical bells that are installed behind the clocks in most classrooms and

on the exterior of buildings; [and] the [latter] are electronically generated tones played on the public address speakers.” The digital bell is thus much more accurate and, since it is synchronized through the Internet, will always ring at the correct times. Another major advantage that comes with the new bell is that it can play a wide variety of sounds. On Jan. 6, Principal Catherine Real sent the teachers three different sounds to select from, and the winning bell was a single tone that plays at 350 MHz. Another one of the choices was a chime similar to the type of bell heard on some college campuses. This new digital bell system will enable the school to change the tones to fit certain special occasions. Since the new bell started, however, not everyone on campus is very happy about the change. Even though the staff was given a chance to vote on the new bell, many teachers find the bell extremely bothersome and would much rather prefer one of the other choices. Many students also find the bell to be alarming and too similar to the lockdown bell. “I just don’t like the new bell because I can barely hear it for passing period, and the tone is too low

See BELLS | pg 3

BY GLORIA KIM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

As friends squeal and prattle away about last night’s episode of “Vampire Diaries,” flaunt a new manicure, or grumble about the struggle of balancing multiple AP classes and extracurricular activities, former USB Finance Director, Diamond Bar High School senior Janelle Sampana listens and laughs along with the frivolous conversations. Underneath her gleaming face, however, deeper thoughts stream through her head. Thoughts that only remain thoughts; not spoken out. Deep issues do not belong in school—at least not personal ones. Lips shut tight, mask glued on. Right now, she remains silent. --------------Last June, after coming home late to find a family dispute, Janelle fled from her home and called Child Protection Services, a number she had kept with her at all times since a similar incident that

GLORIA KIM

FRESH START - After a year in foster care, Sampana moved back home. had occurred many months prior. She was soon connected to an emergency social worker who took her to a Command Post, where different social workers meet to find places for runaway kids while the minors of various ages sit around watching movies from a small television. Around 10 p.m., Janelle joined five other girls and three boys in a room, her social worker leaving her half-reassured with the promise to return later with good news. She never did. Janelle woke up next morning around strangers, confused and abandoned. Soon, a different social worker took Janelle to David

and Margaret Youth and Family Services, a group home for foster children. She was assigned to live in the “temporary” home, a onestory cottage with five bedrooms and one kitchen, with nine other girls around her age. “One of the workers there told me to be careful around the girls in the group home; the girls either did drugs, they had their own child, or they were prostitutes. [A staff member] also told me to pretend to be stupid because if the other girls found out that I took AP classes, then they would bully me,” she described. --------------Contrary to most students’ assumption that all DBHS students live comfortable lives, circumstances like Janelle’s are not rare, DBHS psychologist Stacey Woodward shared. According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there was an estimated 399,546 children in foster care system in 2012. Whether it is physical or verbal abuse, financial struggles, homelessness, mental disorders, or depression, students struggling outside of school gates happen much more frequently than we believe. --------------As soon as Janelle arrived, the

See FOSTER CARE | pg 3

2 NEWS

THE BULL’S EYE

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

COMMON CORE: EVOLVING EDUCATION

Fourth in Series

Parents informed about future standards The informational meeting explained how CCSS will affect student learning. BY KATLYN LEE NEWS EDITOR

The new standardized testing and the increased load of critical thinking and reading material assigned in classes will be as hard of a transition for parents as it will be for students at Diamond Bar High School. To facilitate the big switch to Common Core, Principal Catherine Real and the Instructional Deans held a parent meeting on Jan. 8, during which they introduced and delineated the imminent educational system. To begin the night, Principal Real gave a general overview of the goals that schools want to achieve through Common Core. In order to make sure students from all over the world develop relatively at the same pace in their academics, the new standards create checkpoints that students must meet in order to move on and grasp any new material. The new system also strives to encourage more conceptual thinking, and teachers will be required to utilize more non-fiction text and real-life applications in their lesson plans. “I think the main thing that parents need to know is that teaching, learning, and assessment will look different at schools across the nation. There will be a focus on nonfiction texts, applying knowledge in math to real life problems, and text-based writing,” Real stated via

email. Because these standards cannot be applied to every subject in the same way, the instructional deans each explained how the Common Core will specifically impact their department, particularly in the annual standardized tests. David Hong, instructional dean of the Science Technology Engineering and Math Department, shared the expected changes for his department. He pointed out that with the new Smarter Balanced Assessments, there will be no “answer getting” like in the former multiple-choice tests, but instead, students must fully comprehend the math concepts that they will be tested on. Although a bit concerned, Hong is confident that math teachers can successfully prepare students for the new assessments. “These are exciting times to teach, and in my case, be a dean,” Hong stated. For the English and Language Arts Department, the Common Core standards strive to teach 21st Century themes and work force literacy. This means students will be learning the vocabulary and the specific language skills necessary in any work field. Instructional Dean Julian Rodriguez further explained that there will be three major shifts: getting straight to the facts, answering more text-dependent questions, and teaching complex texts and academic language. Although the practical applications of these “shifts” will be left to individual teachers, the main focus is to have students acquire English skills that they can apply to more practical situations and develop a more critical mind when analyzing literature. The new standards are also de-

THE BULL’S EYE Diamond Bar High School Student Newspaper

STAFF Editors-in-Chief News Editors Editorial Editor Asst. Editorial Editors

Gloria Kim, Angie Zhang Joy Chow, Katlyn Lee Gloria Kim Hanna Kang, Yusheng Xia

Feature Editor Asst. Feature Editor

Angie Zhang Emily Leung

A&E Editor Asst. A&E Editor

Claire Huang Emily Wong

Feature Theme Editors Asst. Feature Theme Editor

Hanna Yi Emily Hwang

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

Andrew Choi, Joseph Park Xing Yen Quek Emily Hwang Katlyn Lee Emily Leung Hanna Yi Vrinda Chauhan, Gaby Dinh Doug List

CONTACT

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

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

signed to have students read between the lines to comprehend indepth material. Rodriguez clarified this idea by giving an example of a former test question, which asked the student to identify the main purpose of a poem about Lincoln. He then juxtaposed the question with a Common Core-based question, which asked students to choose whether each statement listed describes the author’s purpose for the poem. Not only does this force students to critically read the text, but it also teaches students that the English language and writing has depth that cannot be generalized to only one characteristic. The concepts of critical analysis and examination of multiple perspectives can likewise be seen in the Health and Humanities Department, which would cover DBHS’

history and elective courses. Instructional Dean Gabriel Aguilar explained that students will not be tested on mere historical details, but instead will be asked to describe different perspectives and viewpoints supported by historical evidence. For example, instead of being asked to name the location photojournalist Dorothea Lange mainly worked in, students will be given background information about Lange and her photographs and will then be asked to answer a series of short response questions using the evidence provided. “[The CCSS] has created an increased focus on literacy skills in all subjects. This is different than the previous standards, which placed an emphasis on knowing ‘content’ in a subject, rather than focusing on skills that support student learning,” Aguilar said via

email. By holding the parent night, administrators hope to make sure they thoroughly inform the parents about Common Core and clarify any aspects that seem obscure. At the end of the night, parents were encouraged to stay informed and supportive in their children’s progress in the Common Core. “Basically, we haven’t had new standards since 1997, so it’s been 16 to 17 years. The last set of standard that we had, there wasn’t parent involvement outlined in it. This one, there seems to be a little bit more parent involvement outlined. I hope that more parents continue to be involved, especially as suggested by the standards, which want parents to have conversations with kids and be informed about what’s being taught and how it’s being taught,” Rodriguez said.

Students urged to go green by recycling trays To reduce the amount of waste during lunch, an APES group proposed a new project. BY GABY DINH STAFF WRITER

The start of a new year brings new resolutions, and for the AP Environmental Science students, juniors Emily Leung, Serena Lin, Samantha Samoylenko, and Gracie Wong, their plan is to go the extra mile with their class project called “We Can Change the World.” The purpose of this APES project is to recycle the school’s paper lunch trays. Every time students buy lunches from the cafeteria, the food comes in disposable trays, which can accumulate to a large amount of waste. To minimize the amount of trash in the school, the APES group aims to promote recycling lunch trays by distributing recycling bins in various areas across the school campus and placing them next to regular school trash cans. Students are encouraged to recycle their

lunch trays by putting them in the special recycling bins that are conveniently located right next to the trash bins. “I personally think that this project has a lot of promise, because it addresses a main problem in this school, which is the excess of trash,” Lin said. “We often hear [the principal] making announcements about picking up our trash at lunch, which shows how great of an issue that the trash excess at our school is. I hope that this project can help minimize the school’s trash problem to the point that [the principal] feels less of a need to make these announcements.” The project is a three-week long event that will be in operation from Jan. 27 to Feb. 14. At the end of each week, the APES students, along with the help of members of another club, will count the recycled lunch trays everyday after school. Once their project is completed, the four APES students will submit a report about their project to the Siemens’ “We Can Change the World” challenge, a national contest that encourages high school students to identify an environmental issue and provide a solution. Other students from Hong’s class will also be participating in

EMILY HWANG

ECO BIN - At the end of lunch, junior Jasmine Jan recycles her lunch tray at a nearby recycling bin, placed by APES members. this contest with their projects. “I just hope that the students get a sense of how much of a difference one person or a small group of people can make in their world. I hope they can come to understand that everybody has the capability ability to make changes to the world,” APES teacher David Hong shared.

Freshmen remix it up Link Crew helps freshmen ďŹ nd their place at its annual freshmen event. BY CALVIN RU CONTRIBUTING WRITER

To promote more extracurricular involvement among students, Diamond Bar High School Link Crew hosted its annual Freshmen Remix in the gym on Jan. 16 during 4th period. The circus-themed event opened up with a word from the Class of 2017 Student Body President Morgan Pak and continued with showcases by various school performance groups such as Cheer, Marquis, Dance, All Male, and Drum Line. Hoping that the freshmen would help continue DBHS’ great legacy of sports, Athletics Director Kurt Davies explained the athletic opportunities offered in high school. “There’s something for everyone here,� Davies said. After the performances, the freshmen were given the opportunity to walk around the gym and sign up for various clubs. Organiza-

Photo courtesy of Sylvia Guan

MEMBERSHIP MADNESS - In the gym, freshman students strolled from booth to booth to learn more about different organizations on campus. tions including Debate Club, Make a Wish, Model United Nations, Calliope Poetry, Kids 2 Kids, Key Club set up booths with different games and activities to encourage freshmen to become members. Activities such as the French Club’s ball toss and MUN’s marshmallow scavenger hunt enabled freshmen to engage in hands-on activities and communication with the club

representatives. To make the event more appealing to students, Link Crew members hosted the remix with a unique stoyline, which was focused on a group of hula dancers who wanted to join the circus. “I’m glad the Freshman Remix ran smoothly without issues,� Elaine Kim, president of Link Crew, stated.

2000 alumnus passes away A former DBHS student passed away earlier this month due to a cardiac arrest. BY GABY DINH STAFF WRITER

Former Diamond Bar High school student Kelly Randall passed away on January 3, 2014. She died of a sudden cardiac ar-

rest. Randall was a member of the DBHS’s graduating class of 2000. She earned a degree in Psychology and African American Studies from Smith College, Class of 2004. She would also become a certiďŹ ed nurse and worked at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C. In addition, she also served in the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge in 2009. When Randall was still in high school, she was a student the ďŹ rst year GLC Ginger Auten began her

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job and was part of Auten’s ďŹ rst class. “I brought Kelly to school a lot during her senior year because she had to move and wanted to ďŹ nish school in Diamond Bar,â€? Auten said. “We got very close and we’ve been in touch all these years so it’s very been very difficult.â€? Randall is survived by her 18-month old son and her family.

BELLS from pg 1

Many, including teachers, have expressed disapproval toward the new bell. to hear over the voices of everyone. In addition, the bell is really loud in the 300 Building,� Junior Sarah Chan stated via Facebook. In addition to the new sounds, another issue stirring comments on campus has been the absence of announcements over the last couple of weeks. When the new system was tested, the volume of the spoken announcements was lower than that of the digital bells, so balancing the volume levels took time and consequently caused the speaker malfunctions. A new bell system initially seemed promising, but at least for now, many are not happy with this change.

more on THE WEB SWIM PENTATHLON By Hanna Kang Teams from the Hacienda League will compete at this DBHS held event. A VISIT FROM AUTHOR CHRISTINE WOO By Gaby Dinh A recap of Woo’s visit and her background story. SHERLOCK HOLMES TV SHOW REVIEW By Elaine Kim A response to the third season of the TV show.

3

FOSTER CARE from pg 1

Sampana shares her hidden pain staff lady took inventory of all of weeks, she felt a gradual change Janelle’s possessions. The home in people’s attitude toward her— had stringent policies against alsomething between pity and dislowing the teens to have access comfort, unsure how they were to any belongings except their supposed to treat her after the unclothes, because any object could expected disclosure. potentially be used as a weapon “I hated [pity] because it made to hurt themselves or others, as me feel like less of a person. I was many had done in the past. Even doing the best I could, but it made seemingly harmless objects like me feel more of a victim than I actoothbrushes were locked up, and tually thought I was. It made me strict mealtimes were enforced feel more hurt to be pitied because with snacks being permitted only people looked down on you,â€? she once a day at 8 p.m. said. Despite having to adjust to an Luckily, throughout those austere and unfamiliar environmonths she had therapy sessions ment, Janelle could ďŹ nally heave a every week, which gave her a small sigh of relief. chance to release her frustration. “On the ďŹ rst night, I actually Nonetheless, she still carried an went to bed smiling because I overwhelming burden juggling acknew that I was safe, and I felt seademics and other responsibilities, cure. But eventually, reality sets on top of a perpetual emotional fain. From all the stories you hear, tigue. and the way the staff treats you... What kept her persevering and like you’re a delinquent. We have motivated in her studies despite beproblems, but you have to undering the only girl in her group home stand why we have problems: bewho attended school outside of the cause our parents did something D&M grounds were her aspirations to us,â€? she said. for the future. A typical night at D&M was far “The idea of college was an idea from peaceful. Hysterical screams, of hope. It was like my salvation,â€? clamorous she said. ďŹ ghts, and After stayg girls having ing at D&M for Eventually it was so hard three months, seizures were rather com- to hold on to hope because Janelle was mon occur- your social worker would given two oprences. to move say to you, ‘I’m really doing tions: In addition, to another it soon be- my best,’ and then ignore home hours came increas- you for one to two weeks. away from ingly difficult Diamond Bar for Janelle, as and transfer well as other foster children, to reschools, or move back in with her main optimistic about herr future, family and remain a Brahma. Not because herr social workers, the wanting to leave her education and only people who would help them established life at DBHS, she decidimprove their future, constantly ed to move back into her old home. disappointed them by not respondSince moving back in, she has ing to phone calls or breaking been seeing slow but slight impromises. provements in her relationship “It’s kind of sad how they igwith her parents through the nored us,â€? Janelle confessed. weekly therapy sessions. Janelle’s ďŹ rst social worker left In spite of all she went through because she went on a two-week alone, however, Janelle refuses to vacation without notice, and the view her experiences solely under second one took a month off, ignora pessimistic light. ing Janelle’s numerous attempts “I’m deďŹ nitely a lot more open to reach her by phone. now and more understanding and “Eventually it was so hard to a lot more patient,â€? Janelle said. hold on to hope because your soBecause of her experiences, cial worker would say to you, ‘I’m Janelle will receive college fundreally doing my best,’ and then ing from the government and have ignore you for one to two weeks,â€? the opportunity to attend any Cal she said. States for free. The night before the start of But she admits to feeling hurt school, Janelle sat curled up on the her when people carelessly reoor near her bed, crying, as she spond that they would go through stared at her scattered textbooks what she did for an opportunity to lying on the oor. go to college without cost. “I was going through so much “I’m not lucky,â€? she says. “I’ll emotional turmoil. School was have to live the rest of my life trauabout to start, and I was like, ‘oh, matized with what happened to my god‌ I don’t know how I’m me. I’ll never be the same as I was going to do this.’â€? she shared, her before and no college and scholarusually-ďŹ rm voice quivering. ships or college in the world will School inevitably arrived. While ever make things better. I would Janelle underwent her own emodo anything to have a loving famtional struggles at the foster home, ily who supported me. I would even she forced herself to maintain a give up college scholarships, the cheerful face on campus, especialopportunity to go to any Cal States ly as the USB’s Finance Director. to just have a mom and a dad and “I didn’t know what else to do feel loved,â€? she responded. at school, other than pretend to be --------------happy,â€? she confessed. The lighthearted banters among Lacking access to a computer, students persist while Janelle prephone, or transportation, she contends to listen. Inside her head, she stantly had to apologize because knows: behind many glowing faces, she could not fully contribute in like hers, there are also scars well group projects or attend afterconcealed. school events. When she explained her situation to a few peers, many took it lightly or threw cold remarks at her, driving her near to tears. Finally, one day, she solemnly Due to editing errors, the opened up about her circumstancsubheads on the front page of es to the USB Executive Board, the December issue were not then to the entire USB. She rewritten for the stories they ceived a mixture of responses of appeared with. shock, awkwardness, and curiosity. Consequently, in the following

CORRECTION

4 EDITORIAL

THE BULL’S EYE

Eye of the Editors

STUDENTS |

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Do you think your science or math teachers assume that you have a tutor?

TUTOR TROUBLE|Teachers should teach their classes to the fullest and realize that not all students have tutors. Diamond Bar seems to be the hub for local tutoring centers. AP Chemistry help is conveniently offered right across the street from Diamond Bar High School and several SAT preparatory centers lie not too far away. Strangely enough, however, flocking toward these tutors and seeking help provided outside of school often puts students who do not have the supplementary education at a severe disadvantage. Although most teachers instruct their classes so that students can adequately comprehend the curriculum, some Diamond Bar teachers have been noted to teach with the mindset that students will receive additional help elsewhere. As a result, a few teachers have openly stated that they are aware that students can just ask their tutors about the material and do not make the effort to thoroughly teach the lesson. Those teachers’ views are not completely unwarranted, as most students do rely on tutors rather than seek help from their teachers. But to presume this and therefore teach insufficiently is unfair for students who cannot afford tutors. If the standard bar has been raised to match the learning pace of students with tutors, what results is anunequal opportunity for success. Some students do not seek additional help before school starts, but only after, when they notice their grades begin to slip because they do not understand the material being taught. Yet, there is a common misconception that because Diamond Bar has such a competitive atmosphere, students are hiring

these tutors in the summer and do not listen in class because they are already fully informed of the course material. Frustrated teachers seem to take this idea to heart and frequently do not make an extra effort to ensure that students do not need tutors. This entire situation is ironic—a teacher instructs the class inadequately on the presumption that students have already learned the material or will turn to their tutors and the student seeks out remedial classes in response, further encouraging the preconceived idea. It is popularly—and most of the times, wrongly—believed that tutors have become a way for students to stay ahead in class rather than an option for struggling students to catch up. Nevertheless, teachers should not use this as an excuse to teach the more basic ideas of the material and assign much harder tests. At times, teachers also use the idea of having tutors as an excuse to quicken the pace of the class. And I bet you can guess what that leads to—yes, more desperate students seeking tutors. Students are fully aware that this is not the case for all teachers, as some teachers disregard the fact that students receive additional help and instruct their class with a whole hearted passion that results from the thrill to teach. Their effort is sincerely appreciated, but we believe that all teachers should show this desire to teach without the mindset that our tutors will always be there to catch us when we fall.

“No, my teachers teach well and they make the learning experience fun.”

“Yes, because they don’t go over [some] material, but they test us on it.”

—Lilian Yen (9)

—Hanna Roan (11)

“No, I don’t think so. I generally have talented teachers who can convey the information well.” —Savianno Iglesias (11)

Eye of the Editors is an editorial piece of The Bull’s Eye. Statements and opinions expressed in the article herein are strictly those of the editors of The Bull’s Eye. The view of the editors does not necessarily reflect that of the entire staff. Infographic by HANNA KANG

Going Miles for Clean Water The U.S. should implement regulations that will prevent the occurence of dangerous chemical spills. BY SASHA RIVERA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Taking foreign language classes just for college credit is not worth the time. BY FRANCES WU CONTRIBUTING WRITER

W

ater is a valuable resource we often take for granted. The human body is about 60 percent water, and the liquid is necessary for survival. But, imagine not being able to use tap water for a day except to flush the toilet. Now, imagine going over a week without that water, and having to wait in outrageous lines just to get a few bottles of precious H2O. You can’t shower, you can’t drink, and you can’t even make packaged ramen. Just one sip and your throat is already in pain. All this, just because of industrial irresponsibility. On January 9, this is exactly what happened to West Virginians. According to Fox News, 300,000 people in West Virginia were put at risk after the Freedom Industries’ chemical plant in Charleston accidentally leaked about 5,000 gallons of a deadly chemical into the Elk River. The chemical, called 4-methylcyclohexane methanol or MCHM, is a foaming agent used in the coal preparation process. If ingested or inhaled, the chemical causes rashes, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, according to West Virginia’s Poison Control director Dr. Elizabeth Scharman, little is still known about the chemical’s safety implications because it has not been thoroughly researched. For 11 days, residents were forbidden from using their tap water, which ran in an unnatural yellow color, and had to rely purely on bottled water. People living in Charleston had to drive 50 miles all the way to Huntington, where the water was

Removing the Language Barrier

A Photo Courtesy of http://nytimes.com

unaffected, just to get clean water. Nine counties in West Virginia were given the emergency announcement, while schools in five of the counties had to close. Businesses that served food had to close as well without the use of water. The most outrageous factor of this incident is that the tanks containing the chemical were old and in need of replacement. Unfortunately, refurbishment costs money that many coal and chemical companies are not willing to spend, even if upgrades can prevent hazardous catastrophes like this. Officials from Freedom Industries were well aware of the dangers in having the plant located upstream of the intake facility for West Virginia American Water, which provides water service to much of the state. While the short-term symptoms of MCHM have been identified, the long-term effects remain a mystery. Although the water ban was finally lifted on Jan. 18, pregnant women must still refrain from drinking the water for now. That’s not all. Last week Freedom Industries ad-

mitted to investigators that MCHM was not the only harmful chemical stored in the tank. Another substance, PPH, also leaked into the river. Although data sheets list it as less harmful than MCHM, the chemical’s toxicology is fairly unknown. According to RT.com, officials claim that PPH was probably removed from drinking water by Elk River’s filtration plant, but tests are still being conducted. The disaster is only one of many. Just like the British Petroleum oil spill in 2010, poor regulations have brought harm to thousands of people. If the equipment had monitored for malfunctions, the entire situation could have been prevented. Also, there is nothing documented about possible long-term effects of PPH or MCHM. In fact, according to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, only 10 percent of 85,000 synthetic commercially-used chemicals have been screened for toxicity. Because of faulty equipment, unknown dangers, and lack of regulations, thousands of people are at risk.

lthough thousands of languages are spoken around the world, many of us consider only knowing English to be sufficient because of its international influence. However, when colleges present guidelines for “ideal applicants,” many students jump at the chance to gain an advantage when applying. This leads students to take years of foreign language classes, simply to appease colleges. One important course requirements for college is foreign language. But because such a large amount of knowledge must be processed in such a short amount of time, students generally aren’t learning the languages very proficiently. Students still only have four years, including summer breaks, to learn a foreign language in high school. Even if students manage to stay on top of everything that’s taught in class, they will still forget much of the class’ lessons by the end of the day. This is because most high school students don’t put in the extra dedication needed to master the language outside of their class period. For those who juggle multiple AP classes and extracurricular activities, it can be tough to focus on a foreign language when there is so much other work to do. Due to the time and work required to learn a new language, students skip prac-

tices and do their homework carelessly. Simply scraping by with a basic knowledge of the language makes students’ grammar coarse and unrefined, something that can only be fixed by years of time and work. Students aren’t the only ones at fault; teachers make a big impact as well. In most Spanish classes, teachers have their students play games that involve memorizing only the topics they are currently learning. This results in students being glued to their vocabulary lists and cramming frantically the day before a test. This problem also exists in oral exams, in which students usually go in with almost complete certainty about the prompt. As a result, students can write down a whole speech and go off memory during the exam. Teachers should create new prompts to create an element of surprise. To communicate in a different language, one cannot just memorize. Normal speech is spontaneous and on-the-spot. If students always take exams knowing the prompt beforehand, their speaking skills will remain basic and stiff, and they will never learn how to speak colloquially. Changes need to be made in order for students to retain more knowledge. More time should be spent with different learning activities that review prior lessons in addition to new material. Since students are so devoted to going to a good college and take difficult classes to look well-rounded on their applications, they might as well work hard and learn properly.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

EDITORIAL

THE BULL’S EYE

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B L A Z I N G T R A I L S O F S AT I R E BY JOY CHOW NEWS EDITOR

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Cartoon by ALEXIS KLEINBERGS

very day I hear people rant about the stress and anxiety that come with applying for college. Honestly, I have no idea what they are talking about. I mean, I don’t know about everyone else, but I keep getting letters from college after college, constantly reminding me that I’m exceedingly special and one-ofa-kind. Such a phenomenal time of love, affection, and special surprises, the college application season is the one time of the year where I receive compliments from random colleges. Yes, even the ones that I have never heard of in my life are reaching out toward me and offering me a place within their prestigious campuses. It’s just a heartwarming feeling to know that you’re loved by people you don’t even know. For example, one day after school while scanning through the envelopes in my mail box, I came across a beautiful letter sent from Harvard University. And guess what, it was personally addressed to me! My hands shook violently and my heart literally exploded with joy as I slit open the letter. What could the prestigious, toptier Harvard have to say to me? The first two words: Dear Joy gleamed in the light like streaks of gold. I was speechless. Harvard, the world-known Harvard had used such an endearing word “dear” to address me, my name! “Dear” is definitely not a word used to address just anyone. In a casual conversation, a simple “hi” or “hello” would suffice; “dear,” on the other hand, is a completely different matter. Harvard had made my day, giving me hope for a path to a bright future. As I absorbed the

words that Harvard personally wrote to me, I thought to myself, “Wow, Harvard University had recognized my interests and achievements and they believe that I’m very well suited for the University.” I couldn’t believe it! Harvard, all the way in Massachusetts, more than 3,000 miles away, had taken notice of little me in little Diamond Bar! Even more miraculously, the next day, I received a similar letter, only this time from Princeton. And then the day after that, I received another two letters from Stanford and Columbia! Receiving so many letters, it finally dawned on me. The only probable reason I could fathom for the endless acknowledgments was that all of these esteemed universities were dying to add me to their student body. Evidently, the tens of letters I receive on a weekly basis could only mean that these colleges were racing to accept me. I mean, they can’t just be sending these letters to everyone can they? No, that can’t be it. I’ll bet they spent hundreds upon thousands of dollars hiring people to

find out about where I live and carefully type out each and every letter addressed to me. College Admissions Offices not only give people steady occupations, but they keep post offices up and moving. How considerate of them. Just imagining how much trouble every college went through just to send me a letter makes me glow with elation and bliss. My preschool teacher was right, I was indeed destined for greatness. The letters prove just that. And as if physical letters weren’t enough to remind me of how accomplished and perfect I was, for each university, I have also received multiple e-mails every day. If you’re ever having a bad day or just feeling a bit lonely, turn to your mailbox or check your e-mails. You’re sure to find a bountiful number of colleges appreciating you for who you are and excited to accept you into their school. I’ll admit that Harvard might not accept me, but let’s be realistic: I will at least make it to Stanford since they’ve sent me multiple requests already. It’s wonderful to be so special.

Cartoon by KATLYN LEE

B-ball Diplomacy? Former NBA star’s bizarre friendship with the North Korean dictator is no laughing matter. BY HANNA KANG ASST. EDITORIAL EDITOR

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Infographic by YUSHENG XIA

onsidering the fact that I am quite the opposite of your average nonpartisan high school student, it was very difficult for me to ignore the news of former NBA star and greatest American whackjob, Dennis Rodman. Unfortunately, my desperate attempts turned out to be futile, as I could not sit still while his antics were constantly being broadcasted on screen. For some of you who are clueless as to what I am talking about, earlier this month, Rodman sang “Happy Birthday” and dedicated a basketball game to North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, before leading 10 former NBA stars onto the court at the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium for a game with the North Korean team. This is supposedly part of his “basketball diplomacy” master plan. First of all, “diplomat” Rodman doesn’t do his job. That’s because he didn’t go to North Korea to promote diplomacy, he went there to promote himself and draw attention. The former Pistons star apparently has no interest in trying a hand at real diplomacy or realizing the magnitude of injustice and cruelty occurring daily under the iron fist of the ruler he calls “a very good friend.” Rodman stated that North Korea is not as bad as many people think, and that he wishes to reveal the true side of the insular regime. Every time he visits North Korea, Rodman is treated to “seven-star” hotels and restaurants, filled with

women, expensive booze and a string of private servants. He probably assumes that this is what life is really like in the country. He is terribly wrong. Rodman must realize that his “lifelong friend” is a reckless and brutal tyrant who will destroy everyone he deems to be an obstacle to his rule; he executed his uncle over the control of natural resources and also publicly executed 80 civilians last November for watching smuggled foreign television broadcasts and owning Bibles. Tens of thousands of innocent civilians are wasting away in hard labor camps for their alleged “crimes.” The treatment these “criminals” receive is the very essence of evil. Furthermore, Kim does not see the relationship with Rodman as genuine; he merely takes advantage of the situation to tell the world, “See, I have an American friend. He loves me and this country.” The basketball game was merely another opportunity for him to build and embellish his image—there is no reason for the continuance of this bizarre friendship under the excuse of “diplomacy.” I am in no way trying to deny Rodman his right as an American to travel wherever he wishes and speak with whomever he wants. However, as he stuffs himself sick with fancy wines and rich fare, he must remember what Kim has done and continue to do. But again, there is no hope for Rodman and his “diplomacy,” as he thinks that it is improper for him to remind Kim of his wrongdoings. When Rodman has satisfied his hunger for attention, he will simply head back to America. Sadly, his ridiculous diplomatic ventures will never allow suffering North Koreans that same freedom.

6 FEATURE

THE BULL’S EYE

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

DAY 1: SNORKELING

Winter Fun in the Florida Sun More Than by Joy Chow, News Editor Early morning on my first day in Florida, my family and I set off to Discovery Cove, a resort connected to the Sea World Theme Park. As a lover of any activity related to water, I was ecstatic to go snorkeling at the beautiful getaway retreat. With my goggles continually fogging up, I had to learn to breathe through my mouth the hard way. The trick is to slightly bite onto the mouthpiece! The water in the cove was heated and the underwater tunnels led to deep caves, coral reefs, waterfalls, and even lagoons with unique tropical animals in their simulated habitats. I was able to glide through the water, swim with brightly colored fish, and even come face-to-face with live sharks behind a glass divider. Not only did the resort include bird aviaries where visitors could feed the animals, but it also offered a full day of relaxation with complimentary snacks, cocktail, as well as continental breakfast and lunch.

DAY 4: SPEED BOATING

DAY 2: SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS This was the day I had been waiting for. I would finally be able to check off a top item on my “Must-do-before-I-die List.” Before break began, I signed up for a group session at the Orlando Sea World Resort. The trainer guided us through instructions, emphasizing how dolphins hate being petted close to the eyes since it irritates their sight. The human-dolphin interactions included: petting, hugging, high-fiving, clapping, waving, belly-rubbing, and kissing. I was surprised to find that dolphins have very velvetlike skin that is not slimy whatsoever. They always look excited and energetic; even the dolphin that I met, who was 54 years old, seemed to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed(not that he had a tail, but you get the picture). When I clapped, he would do the same and then splash me with cold water. When I waved, he would jump and then wave back. The most astonishing part of the time I spent with Harold, however, was when he pulled me from the deep end of the water back to the shore. Holding onto his back and left flipper, I was suddenly effortlessly gliding on the water as he swam at full speed.

DAY 3: THE WIZARDING WORLD The moment I walked through the bridge connecting Jurassic Park and the Harry Potter Wizarding World, I could smell the butterbeer scent in the air. The drink itself, well, imagine creamy butterscotch and vanilla soda in a fluffy and frothy mixture. Besides the well-known butterbeer wagons that were scattered in the Wizarding arena, the theme park also had multiple gift shops, designed and decorated just like the ones in the Harry Potter movies. In the boutiques, you could get yourself a genuine Hogwarts uniform or discover the wand that’s just right for you. There were also many sights to see in the area, such the “Book of Monsters” all caged and locked up, the flying broomsticks on display, and the vividly reproduced Hogwarts train. It was the stone sidewalks and the snow-covered rooftops that did it for me, as “I can’t believe I’m actually in Diagon Alley!” kept running through my head. In the spur of the moment, after getting my first wand and messenger owl, I felt as though I had suddenly transformed into Hermione Granger. For all the Harry Potter fans out there, the Wizarding World is the perfect place to satiate your Harry Potter withdrawals.

DAY 5: AIRBOATING IN A SWAMP AND PARASAILING

I’ve always wanted to know what flying feels like, so parasailing was the next best thing. The crew members first strapped me into this swing-like seat fastened by a parachute. Then, as the they started pulling me along, they slowly released the string. I felt myself floating higher and higher until my legs started to feel a bit tingly and numb. Parasailing made me feel like I was floating on a cloud. During those serene moments, time stopped for a moment, and I was able to just breathe and take in the beautiful landscape. Afterwards, we ate lunch and went airboating, which is the main method of traveling through gator swamps. We were looking for alligators, pelicans, turtles, and any animals lurking around in the murky water. Airboating is, in some ways, similar to speed boating. There’s that same feeling of flight and speed — the only difference is that in speed boating, you steer your own boat and in airboating, you simply ride and feel the cool breeze and light splashes.

The start of the water sport adventures. Day 4 was for boating. In my hot, red speed boat on the Tampa Bay, I felt oh-so-free drifting through the waves at 80 mph. Having received my drivers license already, the feeling of steering my own boat out on the wide body of water felt even more liberating than being on the road. The exhilarating rush of adrenaline that rushed through my veins every time I yanked the nozzle down and felt the head of the boat rise was unbelievable. The engine would churn each time I did so, causing the back of the boat to sink while the front rose until it got difficult to see the water in front of me. It’s exciting and yet scary at the same time, since it felt like there was a possibility of falling out of the boat, although it’s actually quite hard to do so. Later in the afternoon, after all of that Fast & Furious action, I decided to tone it down a bit by just relaxing at Omni Resort’s 850-foot Lazy River. The long swimming pool wound left and right and wasn’t very deep; the one I drifted in had tunnels and gentle rapids too. Some days, we all need a breather. Floating on Lazy River is definitely the perfect place to reflect.

Just Red

Envelopes BY FRANCES WU CONTRIBUTING WRITER

For most Chinese kids, Chinese New Year means two things: food and money. Chinese New Year is the start of a new year for the Lunar Calendar, a calendar that changes according to the cycles of the moon. The New Year occurs around late January to early February, depending on the Lunar Calendar. The date fluctuates, but tradition doesn’t: every single year, my parents have friends and family over for dinner, wishing each other good luck and fortune, and above all, cherish that we have all survived another year with good health. Some of the most important parts are food and red envelopes, which are envelopes that are decorated with auspicious symbols, like this year’s zodiac, the horse. Traditionally, when one hosts a Chinese New Year party, the attendees generally bring red envelopes for the children of the hosts as a thank you. Traditional Chinese foods eaten on New Year’s Day are all symbolic. One of the most popular foods is Nian Gao, which means “year cake,” and symbolizes reaching new goals and heights throughout the new year. My dad likes to take the Nian Gao and dip in a scrambled egg mix before cooking them. Another important food is fish, which is usually served with the head and tail still on the body, because it represents a good start and end to the coming year. My own family usually has a tray, with eight different sections, filled to the brim with different types of candies, nuts, and pumpkin seeds. The Chinese have proverbs that fit every type of situation, and Chinese New Year is no exception. Gong Xi Fa Cai, for example, is a four word greeting for wishing prosperity to someone in the coming months. Many children have added another line after it as a joke, transforming the saying into Gong Xi Fa Cai, Hong Bao Na Lai. This means, “Happy New Year, now give me the money (Hong Bao).” With so many delicious types of food and symbolic events, Chinese New Year is definitely one my favorite holidays of the year.

Restaurant Review:

BY MICHELLE KI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

“Never in my life have I taken a bite into a burger that was so juicy that the sauce shot out and hit the person across from me.” This particular opinion that someone had of Umami Burger was what initially prompted me to try the popular restaurant because I wanted to see for myself if this would actually happen. However, while eating the food the only thought going through my head was, “Was it worth it?” My first impression of Umami Burger was that it had a laid-back atmosphere. There was no unnecessary lighting or blazing music, which I liked. The décor of the restaurant was very modern, yet

old-fashioned, with rustic license plates and vintage soda bottles in their original forms amongst the sleek, stainless steel tables and seats. My family decided to order what everyone else seemed to be ordering, the thin fries and the sweet potato fries. The thin fries weren’t extraordinary. However, I could tell that they were fresh and had a light and crispy texture. As for the sweet potato fries, I thought they were worth every cent of the $4.50 that they cost. Since I’m not a big fan of vegetables, I decided to order the only burger on the menu that didn’t include them, the Truffle Burger. Visually, the burger was very appetizing with the lightly oiled bun and the perfectly placed patty and cheese. Like all the other burgers on the menu, the buns have the letter “U” branded on top, referring to

the “U” in “Umami.” It was a small, but clever way for the burgers to stand out from competitors. Biting into the burger, I was impressed. It was succulent, juicy, and pretty much everything I wanted in a burger. However, after another two bites, I was done with it and wanted no more. It was way too greasy for my liking and the bottom bun was soggy and dripping with undercooked meat juice from the medium rare I had ordered. Their medium rare seemed much more like rare. I will admit that it was tasty and perfectly seasoned, but since the burger cost $12, I just didn’t think it was worth the price or the hype. Overall, Umami Burger is just an average restaurant. All together, the bill with tip came out to be around eighty dollars. If we were super pleased with everything and got our money’s worth it would be

MICHELLE KI

BIG-TICKET BURGER-The expensive, yet tasty, Truffle Burger is visually appealing, but packs on hundreds of calories and drips with grease. okay. However, my family agreed with me and thought the burgers were way too greasy. For a $12 burger, I was definitely expecting more. However, I would definitely recommend it to someone who likes greasy food because. Besides the fact that it was too greasy, the flavors were all on point. Experiencing my first ever gourmet burger joint was disap-

pointing, but I’m happy that I was introduced to the unfamiliar food. I feel like my trip to Umami Burger somehow changed my viewpoint on expensive things; sometimes they don’t live up to the price. Umami Burger doesn’t serve the best burgers in the world, but the atmosphere, vibe, and service made it a worthwhile experience nonetheless.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

FEATURE

THE BULL’S EYE

THE BOY WHO CAN FLY

start flying. It’s actually really relaxing, especially with the view of the city,” Balderrama said. Since the plane had dual controls, Balderrama flew with a flight Time flies when you’re on an instructor his first time. He began airplane. Just ask Tommy Balderflying with the instructor regularrama, who flies about four times a ly, and by the end of his freshmen month. year in high school, he had decided Diamond Bar High School sehe wanted to make a career out of nior Tommy Balderrama, who his hobby. refers to himself as an “airplane Balderrama then attended Uninerd,” has been flying planes since versal Air Academy, a flight school he was 11. His father, a pilot for 40 in El Monte, from freshman to juyears, sparked Balderrama’s innior year. At the school, he learned Federal Aviation Regulations, different types of weather (for when it’s safe to fly), navigation, and airplane systems. The challenging part of learning how to fly, Balderrama explained, was landing. The process requires a lot of skill and concentration, and Balderrama commented that it was a “talent” Photo courtesy of Tom Balderrama to score a perfect landing. SOARING IN THE SKY - Senior Tommy Balderrama steers an airplane through the clear skies of Southern California, a feat he has been doing since the age of 11. “Most of [the]

BY VRINDA CHAUHAN STAFF WRITER

terest in flying when he was much younger, as they often attended air shows and went flying together. Balderrama began understanding the dynamics of flying a plane at the age of three, when he learned the basic controls of the plane by playing Flight Simulator, a computer software that allows the user to experience what it’s like piloting different types of aircrafts. “I was nervous on the way to the airport the first time [flying a plane], but you get more composed when you get in the air and you

7

Photo courtesy of Tom Balderrama

READY FOR TAKE OFF- Balderrama prepares to pilot a compact four-seater airplane. things I learned [in] flight school were [when I was] in the air. It’s not really a classroom learning kind of environment,” Balderrama said. But flying hasn’t been a completely smooth experience for Balderrama. He has had innumerable occasions where another plane almost crashed into his own. His Flight Aviation Administration flying test was one such dangerous situation, when he saw another plane flying the other direction just off the right wing of his own. Fortunately, the other plane’s pilot quickly realized this and steered itself to a safer area. After graduating flight school and getting his Private Pilot’s Li-

cense, which gives Balderrama permission to carry passengers on the plane, he joined the SoCal Flying Club. The club allows him to rent an airplane for an hourly fee of $130, which is relatively inexpensive. Balderrama flies fourseater airplanes at Bracket Airport with his friends as passengers. He frequently flies at night. “I just like the feeling of being in the open sky. It’s just a different experience” Balderrama commented. Being in the third generation of his family to fly, Balderrama hopes to take his hobby to new heights by flying for the Navy after college and becoming a professional pilot.

GRANTING YOUR COLLEGE WISHES ‘90 Grad Fulfills Lifelong Goal Alumni Spotlight

BY KATLYN LEE NEWS EDITOR

Whether you know it or not, college is expensive—very expensive. It’s already difficult to afford basic tuition, dorms, and textbooks fees, but then there are the daily living expenses, which will, with no doubt, include a gourmet Starbucks drink every morning and maybe even a few more during finals week. Fortunately, there is a glimmer of hope with the various scholarship opportunities. These off-beat subsidies are bound to help pay off your college fund in no time. Read an article, and answer a few questions; the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) Scholarship is a piece of cake. Begin by reading the “Fire Sprinkler Essay,” which can be found on the association’s website, and take a 10-question multiple-choice test about the essay. With every correct answer, you will receive one entry into a drawing for a $2,000 scholarship; the better you do on the test, the better the chances are of winning. All high school seniors who are legal residents or citizens can apply, and entries will be accepted until April 2. Perfect for all “Jeopardy” fans, the Common Knowledge Scholarship allows students of any academic level, as well as parents, to compete in various scholarship quizzes based on common knowledge, specific academic subjects, and other trivia. Participants who have the highest scores at the end of the competition are then awarded scholarships that range from $250 to $2,500. To participate, you can register at anytime on the Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation website. Ever feel like you’re above everyone else, literally? The Tall Clubs International Scholarship may be the one for you. To apply, you must be under 21 and entering your first year of college in the fall—so this goes to all high school seniors to put it simply. And, as

the name suggests, applicants must meet the TCI height requirements, which are 5’10” for women and 6’2” for men. To apply, you can print out an application on the organization’s website or email and submit it by Feb. 15. Calling all aspiring directors and movie producers, the Online Video Contests can help turn your video skills into cash. This site features a number of video contests that students can participate in, and each contest has a unique topic that a participant must incorporate. There are also several opportunities in which major companies such as Pepsi and Burger King hold video contests for promotional videos. The awards vary for each contest but can go up to $17,000. To participate in the Online Video Contests, you can sign up for a free account on the organization’s website. If none of these scholarships seem to fit your interests, ScholarshipExperts.com has a variety of subjects that can catch your eye. What’s your favorite superpower? Why is the number five important? How can you survive a zombie apocalypse? These are just a few of the many questions that you can answer in a short essay response to win a scholarship, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Each topic has a different deadline throughout the year, and the only requirement is that you be must 13 years of age or older and a legal resident of the U.S. And there you have it: with these few scholarships you can now afford a Mocha Cappuccino or a latte everyday for the next four years of college. Despite the many misconceptions, scholarships, such as these, are easily accessible and extremely feasible for many students, so apply now.

For a direct link to the scholarship websites, visit

dbbullseye.com

BY GLORIA KIM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

For Ann Luecha, a Diamond Bar High School alumnus, the motivation of her life journey has always been to help others. Having graduated at the top of her class in 1990, Luecha, 24 years later, is now a family practice doctor at St. Jude Heritage Medical Group back in her hometown, Diamond Bar. As a family physician, Luecha sees patients ranging in age from newborns to the very elderly. She finds much pleasure in being able to work with multiple generations and form relationships caring for her patients’ many family members. “It’s rewarding, because you get to know everyone’s history,” she shared. Born in Thailand to a relatively poor family and having witnessed people without health care in that country, she knew from a young age that she wanted to do something to improve the lives of the underprivileged. “It sounds cliché, but I just wanted to help people who really needed my help.” In high school, Luecha was actively involved in Junior Student’s Association, with a dream to become a public elected official. Eventually realizing this career required an aggressive personality and eloquent speaking skills, which she didn’t possess, she opted to her other aspiration—to become a doctor. Luecha’s choice to enter the medical field wasn’t completely unpredicted either. Many of her relatives including her mother had been nurses, and as she had always been fascinated with the sciences, her decision to study medicine was a fairly forseeable decision. Despite receiving invitations from Ivy League schools, she chose to stay in-state due to her parents’ urging and attended UCLA for her undergraduate as a biology major. Her diverse interests led her to explore subjects beyond the science field, such as the social scienc-

GLORIA KIM

BRAHMA TURNED - Twenty-four years after her time as a Brahma, Ann Luecha has returned to Diamond Bar as a family practice doctor at St. Jude. es and art, prolonging her college career to five years instead of four. “I have so many interests, and there are so many interesting things about the world, and it was nice to sample all that [in college],” she said. Luecha also shared that college was a period of growth and great personal development. “I think college is more than just your academics. You’re at the age where you are figuring out who you are, separate from your family.” She expressed how especially important it is for girls to be away from home in college because it allows them to mature, gain confidence, and figure out their interests without having parents or other influences pushing them. “Certainly, you want to do good in the world and be successful, but you want it to be your choice,” she commented. After UCLA, she went to Georgetown University for two years for a master’s degree in physiology, then five more years back at UCLA for

medical school, then three years of residency in Long beach, before finally arriving at St. Jude. The strenuous 13 years of school ultimately paid off today because she now has a career she is passionate. about However, as both a mother and a wife, she confessed the struggle of balancing her roles at home and at work. “I think it’s more difficult for women, especially once you have kids, because when they’re sick, they want mommy,” she said. Though this work-life conflict still remains an ongoing issue, she says good planning and sharing responsibilities between her and her husband have helped immensely. Meanwhile, Luecha continues to impact her community with her compassionate heart to be a doctor that people can trust. “My basic philosophy in life is to leave this world a better place than when I came into it,” she said. She certainly is fulfilling her goal, one patient at a time.

8 FEATURE THEME

THE BULL’S EYE

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

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Hakuna Matata A year and a half since he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, DBHS senior Darren Peng has been putting up a strenuous fight. He returned to school last semester, but two weeks ago, he was again hospitalized, slipping into a coma. On Monday, he passed away. Even in the midst of sadness, Darren would have grinned and reminded us: “Hakuna Matata,” meaning “Don’t worry, be happy!” Your steadfast compassion, courage and optimism is an inspiration for us all. Thank you. (These letters were written by Darren’s friends and GLC last week.)

Darren, I have been so inspired by your bravery, optimism, and resilience throughout this journey. Watching you go through some of the most difficult treatments and procedures, yet still manage to have a smile on your face almost every day is remarkable- just like you. I am so proud of the way you faced this diagnosis with maturity and grace. Your positive, yet sarcastic, tone and conversation throughout the past year and a half has been refreshing and enduring to us all. Darren, you truly are one amazing young man and I am incredibly thankful and honored to be your GLC. Remember when I suggested it might be easier for you to temporarily enroll at a school closer to the hospital? You laughed at me and said, "Mrs. Brummett, please! I'm a Brahma! I will ALWAYS be a Brahma!" Well, you were right! You embody everything a Brahma should be: brave, compassionate, tenacious, and just plain awesome. Your Brahma family loves you Darren, ALWAYS! Mrs. Brummett Dear Darren, The first time I met you was the most unique way I have ever met anyone. We were standing across from each other as our mutual friends conversed and out of nowhere we both had the sudden urge to attach our carabineers from our belt loops to one another. Since then, I guess we have been “linked”. How does that happen to two strangers? I don’t know, but you’re the man. In your own sarcastic, funny, and warming way you’ve managed to become such a symbol of strength for all those around you. I like to say everyone is my hero because I can learn something from everyone, but you’ve managed to be a hero of heroes. I look up to you, people who I think are heroes look up to you, and the heroes of those heroes look up to you! That’s a lot of people! You’ve endured so much and through it all you never gave up, never complained, and you never sought the pity of others despite how easy it all was to give in. In addition to it all, you never let anything take away your personality and identity. You didn’t change for the tumor or let it change you. A lot of people at school talk about physical or mental “aesthetics”. Dude, you are the definition of “aesthetics.” Physically you are the strongest person I have ever met. You have kept your chin up and moved on beyond anything in your way. Mentally you are equally as strong. Always staying true to you and becoming the definition of true strength. You are my hero and the hero of others Darren, and to you we will all always be “Mirin’”. With Love and Respect, Kenny Lau

Hi Darren! I miss your awkward presence a lot. But I love how you're always so positive and always told me to look on the brighter side of things. When I have my tough days you always made sure to ask me if I was going to be okay. I love that about you. You're caring heart and your ability to love so easily. Get well soon and come back to us. You're a fighter and we all believe you WILL pull through. Love you lots! Phoebe Ting Darren Peng is honestly one of the coolest cats out there. He has a dry sense of humor but it never fails to create smiles. He's incredibly down to earth and easy to talk to. He gives the most wonderful hugs that make you feel safe and that nothing else matters. Darren absolutely loves to sing. His house is within 2 minutes walking distance of mine and sometimes he'll come over and we'll just sit there, scroll through his song list, and sing through every single one. If you're having a bad day, Darren is that one guy that will go out of his way to make sure that you're feeling alright. If you're having a bad hair day, or if you screwed up your make-up, Darren will somehow convince you that you've never looked better before. All in all, Darren is always there to listen. No matter how trivial the issue may be, he is always more than willing to listen, advise, and comfort. He is definitely one of the greatest people I have ever met and I am tremendously lucky to have befriended such a wonderful and handsome individual in my lifetime. It is impossible to put into words how much love I have for Darren but I hope this provides some clarity for reasons why :) - Eleanor

Hey Darren, You have been like a brother to me and literally have made me smile and laugh all the time. Freshmen and sophomore year was a blast with you and you have always been supportive of every one of your friends. You were dedicated in soccer and always tried your best in whatever you did. You have taught me to be a better person and to always put in 100% effort. I'm sorry I haven't been able to visit you that much because of my work, but I pray for you every single day. You have brought this class and this school closer together. Stay strong buddy! Chris Huynh

Darren’s my little brother by one day, but my older brother by height and heart. Nevertheless, we are brthers from different families, and I know our lives crossed paths for a reason. Love ya so much, stay strong! Zachary Lu

Hey Darren!! I remember first meeting you after school on the last day of freshman year. We both went to Speedzone with mutual friends and we ended up playing terminator together for like half an hour. Then the next day I met you again at volunteer and had one of the most eventful summers that year with our countless trips to the beach. Your ability to make friends so quickly is a talent unparalleled to anyone else I’ve come across. Your daring, sarcastic and optimistic nature sets you apart. From hanging out at scats to both my first time fishing and sailing, I have a bunch of memories that I will never forget which I’ve been fortunate enough to have spent with you. You’ve been in my thoughts and prayers from the start, and you are now more than ever bro. Vishal Bhupathiraju

It would be so typical and cliche to say "Darren is one of the best people I have ever met" or "bad things always happen to good people." But things are cliche because they're actually true, right? Darren really is one of the most kind-hearted people I have ever known and I want everyone to know why I say this. He is extremely considerate, even since he was first diagnosed with cancer. Last year when this all first started, if anyone asked Darren what was up, he would downplay his situation so that his friends would not worry about him. He brushed it off and stayed positive and strong for his friends and family. I often encouraged him to express himself but he would refuse because he doesn't want me or anyone else to worry about him. One time, we were having a pleasant talk at his kitchen table, he told me that he would rather have this happen to him and not any of his friends or family. He said he wouldn't want anyone he cared about to go through what he has to go through. Another time, two Sundays ago to be exact, he had changed hospitals and I wanted to visit him. I asked him where he was staying at and he persistently refused to tell me. He repeatedly said that he does not want me to go through the long drive just to visit him. Here he is, a teenage boy fighting the crazy battle of cancer, and he is worrying about me having to take a long drive to see him. It was the most ridiculous yet amazing thing I have ever heard. I didn't think a person could be so selfless, so considerate. That's the kind of guy Darren is. He's well-mannered and stays positive so that the people around him won't be as sad. He is the most unselfish person I will ever meet, and that isn't even an exaggeration. I just really want you all to know how amazing Darren is, and I wish you all could know him as well as I do. Crystal Luo

Hey Darren! I am so grateful that we met in the third grade. From that moment on, you became a big part of my life. We became a family. However, I remember you used to kick me… how rude of you! How could you hit a girl...where are your manners? Haha. It’s okay though, you became a gentleman as time progressed. I am now greeted with high-fives and hugs. The funny thing is you never stopped picking on your sister, which became my brother’s and my entertainment. At every dinner, hangout, vacation, and sleepover, you never failed to make us laugh. Darren, you are a family man and it’s something I admire so much. Your love for your family is astounding and the way you get concerned and protective over Rachel is beyond sweet. Whenever I visit you in the hospital, you are showered with compliments from the nurses and doctors on how positive and well-mannered you are. Your optimism and fighting spirit alone defeated cancer. Thank you for being strong for your family and friends whenever things seemed bleak. You have no idea how many people you have impacted with your positivity and weirdness. Of course, it’s a good weird. We will continue to send our love and support to your family and you. #TeamDarrenForever. Much Love, Coco Lai Hi Darren! I have known you for four years and they have been filled with memories and happiness. From soccer to sailing, we have been through so much together. One of my favorite memories with you was when we went to Corona del Mar. Form sunrise to sunset, we were constantly active and there was never a dull moment. I still remember that day when you decided to free climb a two-story cliff. We were just hanging out at the beach when you ran off and just started climbing this random cliff. All of us—Vishal, Carlos, Brian, and Tommy—were confused that you randomly went climbing. We saw you climbing and climbing, and we noticed that you were approaching a depth in the cliff in which there was no turning back. We kept on yelling, “Darren, get back! Darren, get back!” but you just ignored us and just kept on climbing. Keep in mind that you were so high off the ground that if you fell, you would have landed on a huge, sharp rock that would have caused you to be in critical condition. We kept on yelling and screaming, but nothing stopped you. We all started panicking and at one point I actually started praying that you would not slip. Five, hand-sweating minutes later, you reached the top of the cliff and we all let out a breath of relief. These spontaneous and dangerous stunts revealed to me how crazy you are, but they also taught me something about your character. It showed me that you love to live life to the fullest, and that once you commit to something, you never fail to achieve your goal. Your character is something that is admirable to me, and the reason why I respect you so much. Darren, you have been such a great friend to me and to everybody that you know. We all love you and hope that you stay strong. Love, Alex Larcheveque

DESIGNED BY GLORIA KIM

10 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, January 29 29, 2014

THE BULL’S EYE

A&E ASKED:

What did YOU think of “Frozen”? BY BERNARD CHEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

“Frozen was really good. I feel like they put more music than they really needed to but I think overall it was pretty good.” —Jennifer King, junior

Despite the lack of character development, “Frozen” warms your heart and keeps you humming.

“Do you wanna build a snowman?” I certainly did after watching the movie, “Frozen.” Yet another fabulous Disney movie has sparked hype this winter season with an absolutely blissful soundtrack, unique characters, and a semi-original plot. From the reviews I had heard from others, my expectations were relatively high walking into the theatre. Despite being disappointed by the lack of character development, the adorable supporting characters and delightful songs carried the movie through. I must applaud the creativity of the plot because even though it seemed like another cliché princess movie, it had its own twist of love and treachery. The movie takes place in Arendelle, the kingdom of two orphaned princesses, Anna and Elsa. Elsa, the older sister who has a magical power to freeze objects, is unable to control this ability and ends up setting off an “eternal winter.” When Anna tries to understand her sister’s circumstances, Elsa runs away to prevent further damage. In search for Elsa, Anna leaves a seemingly likable new-guy that she has just met in charge of the kingdom. The rest of the story follows Anna on her journey with another adventurous character, Kristoff, to find Elsa and bring back summer. A wonderful family bonding animation, “Frozen” truly is a feelgood movie that kept me smiling the entire time. As in all other Disney princess films, it took true love to break the destructive curse. Disney has definitely outdone

Photo courtesy of rotoscopers.com

“The storyline was okay but the soundtrack was good. I think I’d give it an eight out of ten.” —Jerry Zhao, junior

LOVE AT SECOND SIGHT - Anna meets Kristoff for the first time in a store when she goes up the mountain in search of Elsa. themselves in both animation and artwork. Many movie-goers admit to having watched “Frozen” because of Olaf and Sven, two comical and lovable characters. As for me, the two did not seem to be as humorous as I had expected, which was a huge let-down after seeing the trailer. Nonetheless, the movie, beautifully animated with great detail, once again lived up to the incredible Disney standards. Probably the boldest aspect of the movie is the soundtrack. Every day since I have watched the movie, I have heard at least one person singing along to one of the songs. In fact, the lyrics are very easy to memorize, which makes them all the catchier. Even Olaf, the adorable little snowman, has one song where he fantasizes about summer. I, too, have been caught in

the soundtrack, often times finding myself with a “Frozen” tune stuck in my head. As mentioned before, the only downside to the film was the limited character development. Few characters grew from their experiences except Elsa, who underwent drastic change. Although I realize that suspenseful plot twists are crucial to any movie, they must be backed up properly with foreshadowing and strong character development. Nice try Disney, but the plot twist in “Frozen” was poorly presented, particularly by the little progression of personality. Although this movie was a bit over-hyped, it was ultimately a good experience with especially memorable tunes. Just let it go, let it go; you can’t hold it back anymore, so go watch “Frozen.”

“It was a really cute movie. It was original and a lot of plot twists and there were a lot of things I didn’t see coming.” m — —Malia Bautista, so sophomore

Single and Well-Read BY LILLY BALL CONTRIBUTING WRITER

You can always tell February is approaching by the increasing number of cheesy heart-shaped chocolate boxes and love-professing cards you see at Target. If you find yourself at home eating large tubs of ice cream and watching “The Vow” on repeat, it’s time to try something new this Valentine’s Day. Read a book and stop crying over Channing Tatum! Some whirlwind romances will keep your woes off your mind. Innocence “Innocence” by Dean Koontz is the story of two recluses who meet by chance and form a profound bond. The novel follows of an outsider Addison Goodheart, a boy who must hide his appearance under any cost, and his chance meeting with the beautiful Gwyneth, who cannot stand to be touched. After a night of absolute terror, they find something in one another that they have never found before. Though their undeniable restrictions hold them back, their relationship grows deeper by every page. Their tragic lives start to find hope, because they now have one another. “Innocence” is a dark fairytale full of thrilling suspense, plot twists, and just the right amount of eternal love. The Princess Bride The old but colorful novel, “The

Princess Bride,” written by William Goldman combines adventure, comedy, and romance all into one entertaining story. The fantasy tale of the romance Buttercup and her “farm boy” Westley share has been breaking hearts since 1973. The story follows the two lovers after their separation, and the eccentric characters that they meet along the way to their reunion. It has every element of a classic Disney princess movie, but with a little more edge. Read it for the laughs and the charm, and then read it again because you have fallen hopelessly in love with Westley. The Time Traveler’s Wife “The Time Traveler’s Wife” is the story of Henry DeTamble and his wife Clare. They share an enduring love that is challenged by only one thing—Henry’s uncontrollable ability to time travel. Henry first meets Clare in his 20s at the library, which is the opening scene of the story. Henry has no idea who Clare is, but she has known him her whole life. They fall in love, and despite the challenge caused by Henry’s erratic time traveling, they get married. Afteward, Henry visits Clare at different times in her life, long before he first met her, which is why Clare knew him that day in the library. Though he leaves her many times in their relationship due to his sporadic time traveling, Clare always waits for him. This novel is a poignant love story that will stay with you long after you have read it. Crying is mandatory, you have been warned!

BY CLAIRE HUANG A&E EDITOR

Although I do see the benefits of the rapid advancements in technology, there is part of me that shudders when I see new gadgets out on the market. Society’s gross dependence on their smartphones (ok, I am guilty) further persuades me that new gadgets might not be useful after all. However, despite my beliefs, the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas never fails to leave me in awe of the creative minds and impressive engineering behind each product. For all the basketball players, the “94Fifty Smart Basketball” from Infomotion Sports might be your kind of toy—if you are willing to shell out $295. The “94Fifty Smart Basketball” is the first smart sensor basketball and, I admit, can be pretty useful if you are trying to improve your basketball skills. The “94Fifty” looks and feels like a regular basketball. However, the twist is that this “smart” basketball is connected to your phone via Bluetooth and records your shot speed, dribble force, and more. You get to visually see your improvements with functions that record your dribble speed and pinpoint your weaknesses. Despite the insane price tag, this device seems ideal for a serious athlete or coach. The next product seems to be

GEEKY GIZMOS GALORE the real showstopper at this year’s CES. “Oculus Rift” is a virtual reality gaming headset that allows you to immerse yourself into your videogame world. However, I must comment that when worn, the headset makes any player look like what I believe people from the 1940s imagined society in the 21st century to look like. “Oculus Rift” has upgraded their technology to accurately track movement and has a clear 1080p OLED display. They haven’t put a price tag on the “Oculus Rift” yet, but I can only imagine that it will be high triple digits or more. However, there are still products that make me roll my eyes. One of the gadgets displayed was “Doorbot.” I had to mention this because of my dedication to the entertaining show, “Shark Tank,” where millionaires are presented new

products by hopeful entrepreneurs and are given the option to invest in an interesting product. “Doorbot” was one of the products on the show and not surprisingly, all five sharks turned away “Doorbot” founder James Siminoff for very valid reasons. This $199 device is basically an electronic peephole—the video camera is hooked up to your phone so that you can see who is at your door and talk to them from the convenience of the phone. Although I admit, there is some pretty nice engineering behind this, “Doorbot” just seems extraneous. Even though I was unable to attend CES this year, my inner geek demands that I go next year. And for my fellow technology enthusiasts, keep your calendar clear during early January and make your way to Las Vegas for the 2015 CES.

Photo courtesy of media.bestofmicro.com

GADGETRY- The “Oculus Rift” doesn’t disappoint, despite its silly appearance.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

THE BULL’S EYE

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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2013: Dumb and Dumber Bizarre events that left us at a loss for words BY YUSHENG XIA ASST. EDITORIAL EDITOR Photo courtesy of intelligenthq.com

INTERNET SMART - Salman Khan has delivered over three million lessons.

Mr. YouTube Will Be Your Sub Today BY ERIC HONG CONTRIBUTING WRITER

YouTube is not only a place for cat videos and embarrassing footage of people falling anymore; it is now also a place for quite the opposite: education. With the rapid growth in popularity of many educational YouTube channels, many viewers are now able to learn from the comfort of their homes. Use of online educational videos can be beneficial to students and teachers of any grade level. In fact, it is because of Youtube’s unrealized educational benefits that school districts across the country have begun to allow access to the site at school. With the video lessons available online, students may now preview or reinforce their understanding of a particular subject, all at a comfortable pace outside of the classroom. Also, studies have shown that students tend to be more engaged and absorb larger amounts of information from watching these videos than from reading a textbook or watching an instructor scribble on a whiteboard. Khan Academy’s mission is to “provide a free world-class education for anyone anywhere,” and reaches about 10 million students around the globe per month. With

degrees in mathematics, electrical engineering, and computer science from MIT and an MBA from Harvard Business School, the instructor and founder, Salman Khan, proudly provides thousands of video lessons of a variety of subjects, ranging from mathematics, to economics, to science, and to history. Since the organization’s launch in 2006, Khan Academy changed the way many classes are run and has “flipped the classroom.” Crash Course, another YouTube channel, founded by brothers Hank and John Green in 2012, offers over 200 videos on chemistry, biology, ecology, literature, and history. However, unlike other educational channels, Crash Course condenses a fairly broad topic, like “The Agricultural Revolution,” into a 10 to 15 minute video. Despite a large amount of information compacted into each video, the Green brothers keep viewers entertained with captivating animations and humor. Over a year, Crash Course has received over one million subscribers and 70 million video views. In many schools across the U.S., pedagogical videos have taken over the classroom, and the increasing popularity in educational programs is influencing more people to learn. Online education has become an innovative way to teach students, and educational YouTube channels are undoubtedly shaping the future of learning.

2013 was the year of the self-indulgence. It was the age of picture messages and popular YouTube successes. It was the time when Bieber proved his “manliness” and Miley did more of…her thing. Looking back, many events truly stood out and will define the golden period of 2013 for years to come. The Year of the Miley She literally came in like a wrecking ball. The Disney princess I once knew from my favorite television show “Hannah Montana” stunned the 2013 world with her controversial acts that would even have the rebellious Rose from the “Titanic” gaping with shock. It wasn’t just the first place awards on Billboard’s Singles Chart and The Official Albums Chart that made Miley so special. It wasn’t the eye-popping dance moves she busted out at the MTV Video Music Awards either. It was the fact that when we do describe Miley, only four words come to our minds: She can’t be tamed. Let the world beware, Miley can’t stop and she won’t stop. Bieber’s Path to the Dark Side One thing we learned about Justin Bieber in 2013 is that you should never disappoint him on his birthday. Ever. After starting out the year with his “worst birthday” tweet, Bieber followed by attacking the paparazzi, calling Anne Frank a “Belieber,” and spitting on his loyal fans over his luxurious hotel balcony. Still, Bieber seems to have sobered up; he seemed cheerful enough to blow kisses toward his desperate fans on his way out of jail after recently getting a DUI. Well if he’s been proud of publicly peeing into a restaurant mop bucket, I guess I can formally say without regret that I am no longer a loyal “Belieber.”

Photo courtesy of hitfix.com

Photo courtesy of evehazelton.com and blogs.wsj.com

UNCONVENTIOANL YEAR - Miley Cyrus’s notorious VMA performance, the selfie epidemic, and Ylvis’s “What Does the Fox Say” were just a few of the many memorable happenings of the year. Word of the year: Selfie You see it on Instagram. You see girls taking it while walking toward your locker. And soon, you will see it in the dictionary. The Oxford Dictionary officially declared “selfie” the 2013 word of the year following millions upon millions of teenagers who just can’t get enough of seeing their own beautiful faces, whether it is in the middle of class or in the bathroom mirror. Selfies have truly come a long way since being merely Myspace profile pictures.

“Mommy, what does fox say?” I’ve always wondered what kinds of sounds foxes make when they hunt their natural prey. Ylvis’s “The Fox (What Does The Fox Say?)” was ranked on the Top Ten of YouTube’s 2013 list for most popular videos. For weeks, it was almost impossible not to hear the sounds of the fox echo across the animal kingdom. YIvis’s surprising hit was also turned into a children’s book, which soon became part of the New York Time’s bestseller list.

One Direction to the Great Big World of Beyonce High-profile records from One Direction and Beyonce do not match the accomplishments of A Great Big World.

BY EVON HUNG CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A new year holds new films, artists, and playlists. Music can get old fast but legendary Beyoncé and beloved One Direction have carried over their popular albums across to 2014 – and successfully maintained their status on Billboard’s Top 10. But even underground music can pack a punch, as shown with A Great Big World’s newest release. While these albums have played nonstop on millions of playlists, here’s my take on the raved tracklists. Beyoncé’s new self-titled album, released in mid-December, has captured my attention, as well as thousands of others, with its glamorous, brassy, autobiography-like appeal. In this installment, Beyoncé emphasizes her womanhood with explicit messages and experimental sound in her songs. The album is a reflection of Beyoncé’s entire career – each song expresses a highlight of milestones reached in her life. It starts with one of my favorites, “Pretty Hurts,” conveying the superficiality of materialistic media and ends with the track “Blue” featuring her daughter, Blue Ivy. The album reverberates with

soulful vibes, lush yet edgy vocals evident in “XO” and emblazons with provocative themes and sonic beats such as in “Drunk in Love (featuring Jay-Z).” Its stylistic approach strays from conventional pop-culture and ventures through slow R&B venues. Listening to the album as a whole makes me feel as if I’m swaying on a low-lighted dance floor with vibrant energy. Though the music style differs from conventional pop, content integrated in the album is explicitly mature. For the majority of the album, there’s not much depth nor do the lyrics promote any meaningful message. But even with these set-

backs, Beyoncé delivers flawlessly. I’m not an avid fan, but I can see why so many are. Quality is upheld and the rave about this album isn’t all just hype – Beyoncé has game. Also at the end of 2013, One Direction released their third album, “Midnight Memories,” which has hit Billboard’s Top 6 and received four British Award nominations. Their promotional hit song, “Best Song Ever,” has reached over 193 million views on YouTube. Though the song title and lyrics aren’t the best, the track wholly represents the album as bouncy, addictive, and boy-band slick. This particular album doesn’t

diverge much from their previous works. The style focuses on animated pop and synths, combining tastes of the Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, and Jonas Brothers – but it does incorporate a rock/ acoustic-feel (like those of Coldplay and Mumford & Sons). I don’t find the album to be a keeper on my playlist, but I do enjoy “Half a Heart,” a pop-acoustic rendition of a broken heart, and “Better Than Words,” another cute love song with adorable lyrics. The vocals are crisp and polished –talent that has developed ten-fold since One Direction’s X-Factor days. The entire record is typical for a boy band, but the music flow is easy to digest and suitable for a wide audience. This album is a great collection of clean-cut vocals and lively tunes. “Midnight Memories” has followed up One Direction’s successes of past albums; Directioners

won’t be disappointed with their latest release. Moving into indie-pop territory, A Great Big World recently released their debut album, “Is Anybody Out There?”. Since their big break on “Glee” back in 2011, A Great Big World has made another statement with “Say Something” featuring Christina Aguilera, which sold over 100,000 singles in one week. Of these albums, this one is my favorite. There’s a lot of acoustics in the record; you get a bundle of piano pop-rock and buoyant tempos like those in “I Really Want It” and “Everyone is Gay” that keep the indie vibe alive. Vocals range from a warm, textured timbre to a raw, stripped-down quality, possessing tone elements like those of Nate Ruess of Fun. In fact, while the album exuberates an upbeat, preppy feel, there are tracks that express gentle vulnerability like in “Say Something” and “I Don’t Wanna Love Somebody Else” – songs that are stark in simplicity and style, factors that I can really appreciate. A Great Big World is a new band, but has already gained enormous exposure. “Is Anybody Out There?” promotes themes of individuality and breaking boundaries. It’s vivacious, full of personality, and deliciously indie – I’m loving every bit of the album.

12 FEATURE

THE BULL’S EYE

Wednesday, January 29 , 2014

A GLIMPSE OF WINTER FUN

XING YEN QUEK

FROZEN FRENZY - Diamond Bar residents spend time creating snowmen and sledding down the hill at the annual Winter Snow Fest, held at Pantera Park on Jan. 18

AND BRAHMA LOVE Dear Joseph, you are the reason why I go to school everyday. You are the peanut butter to my jelly. Let’s be the perfect two. All my life has been a series watching chick flicks all alone. And then suddenly I bump into you. I mean it’s crazy, Love we finish each other’s is an chocolates! Do you open door want to build a relationship? because for

the first time in forever, there’ll be magic, there’ll be fun.

I miss your walk, I miss your talk. Please return soon to your favorite room.

Dear Jeremy Lin: Thank you for being such an inspiration in my life and the lives of everyone who dreams big. Your success and your passion for what you do despite the difficulties and challenges sets a great example to all kids out in America. Please be my valentines <3 #ladieshereicome

Because putting a lamp in the middle of a dark room is so romantic... Happy Valentine’s Day, DOY members.

Dearest Kevin, You are my Hi Bill, sunshine, as gold you as my hair. are the I love guacamole you! to my

Our mutual love for Haitians can Dear have but one ladies, explanation: you are you and I were lonely this just meant Valentine’s Day? to be. Do not worry, I

Dear Andrew, You suck at basketball but I still love you Reindeer because you are are better the banana to my than people. nutella. Except you.

Seeing you even for a few seconds makes my day. Even We through the ups and downs are of my life, I can always count on you to like a make me smile computer and feel loved. - Emily keyboard. “U” Hwang and “I” are always

Chipotle burrito - Claire

help provide Myles of smiles. Come find me <3

You’re totally better together! than reindeer.

Fraulein Cuggle Moose Sassy Moray, Moo love you’re two. Happy Valentine’s Day. -Brackish Water

We go together like a frycook and Be his Krabby Patties. my BAHA precious HAHA

-Smeagol

I love you like Sheldon Cooper loves his spot.

THE BULL’S EYE

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

SPORTS

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Threes are key to victory BOYS BASKETBALL | Senior captain Christian Manalo, alongside the rest of the team, steps up in the second half to win the game. BY JOSEPH PARK SPORTS EDITOR There was no stopping Diamond Bar on Friday—the Rowland Raiders had no answer for the Brahma’s never-ending triples. After a back and forth first half, senior captain Christian Manalo led his team in the second half, pulling away to a 75-55 victory. The Brahmas came out strong in the first quarter, but so did the Raiders. Every time DB built a lead, Rowland responded by narrowing down the gap. That was the story for most of the first half. DB built a lead and Rowland tried to catch up. Rebounds were a key factor in this game as the Brahmas’ outsized the Raiders and gobbled up both defensive and offensive rebounds. Although DB was a bit lackluster in the first half, it seemed like the word defense was not in Rowland’s dictionary on Friday, as the Raiders left a countless number of three pointers wide open for the Brahmas to take. These three pointers are DB’s specialty, and what they practice most, so leaving it open for some treys is a good way for Rowland to lose the game. While Manalo could not get things going in the first half, juniors Kenneth Thai and Tyler Peterson made huge defensive plays early in the game to build a solid lead heading into the half. Both teams were playing a little bit slow, but at the end of the half, DB had a 37-30 lead. “I thought the first half we played a little bit sluggish but in the second half the seniors really stepped up,” coach Henry Frierson said. The third quarter was the highlight of the night. Everything seemed to be going DB’s way. Excellent defense, going for the loose balls, and simply outplaying the Raiders in every possession led the Brahmas to get red hot in the third. Manalo, alongside seniors Bobby Meshesha, Leo Li, and Sachin Meshesha, hit a couple of threes to lift the Brahmas into a commanding 55-36 lead. The Brahmas’ defense limited the Raiders to just six points in the third.

ANDREW CHOI

REBOUND FOR TWO - Junior Tyler Peterson grabs the offensive rebound and scores the basket to increase Diamond Bar’s lead. With things rolling, it was the domino effect as the Brahmas stayed hot in the fourth. “It was a must win game because right now it looks like DB and Walnut are going for league champs,” junior Austin Kim said. Frierson kept the seniors in the game until the last minute to guard against any Rowland comeback. It was a smart decision, as DB’s seniors kept pounding the Raiders to the bones and increasing the lead with almost every possession. DB was so hot that every time a three was shot, the crowd was already on its feet in excitement. The buzzer sounded as DB took a 75-55 home victory over the Raiders to improve to 4-1 in league and a perfect 3-0 at home.

COACH PROFILE Name: Tony McCabe Currently Coaching: Varsity Girls Basketball and Girls Golf Coaching Since: 1982 Tony McCabe has been coaching DBHS athletics since 1982, when the school was first established. Since then, he has completed 98 seasons coaching different sports, including tennis, golf, baseball, softball, basketball, football, and wrestling. He has coached at various schools, including Walnut High School and even college level basketball at La Sierra University. McCabe is currently an Algebra 1 teacher. “I love interacting with different students and different coaches. Not only do you only get close to the team, but you also get really close to the rest of the staff,” McCabe commented.

CHRISTIAN MANALO ATHLETE OF THE MONTH Money Manalo 12

BY HANNA KANG ASST. EDITORIAL EDITOR

Equipped with a shining work ethic and fierce determination, senior boys varsity basketball captain Christian Manalo is a leader on and off the court. Manalo was born into a basketball-immersed family and was naturally inspired to try the sport himself. This venture turned out to be a huge success. Manalo became the captain of the boys varsity basketball team his sophomore year and has proven himself a reliable leader. As the captain, Manalo motivates his teammates with inspiring speeches and brings life to the crowd by leading the team in a dance before each game. The 5’7” point guard has had many cherished memories with his team including his most memorable one, when he shot the winning basket against Los Altos in an important game. The basket was all the more meaningful because it helped the Brahma team go into the CIF playoffs for the first time in

eight years. “I was really happy that I made the basket. Because of it, the team won the game and we were able go into CIF,” Manalo stated. Not only is Manalo the winning force behind his team, he is the current star of an astounding lineup of basketball players in his family. Like Manalo, his older brothers and all of his cousins are talented and skilled at the sport. Basketball sure seems to be a hit in the bull’s eye for the Manalo family. However, the most influential figure and motivating factor behind Manalo’s success story is his deceased grandfather. “My grandfather wore the Number 12 [jersey] when he played basketball in high school, and that’s the number I wear now. All the games I play are dedicated to him,” Manalo shared. Despite the heavy workload and hectic schedule that a student athlete must bear, Manalo handles everything with flair and command. Juggling a relatively rigorous academic schedule, the varsity captain maintains an unweighted GPA of 3.5. “I have to admit that it is pretty

hard coming home at 10 p.m. and trying to get work done, but I have learned over the past years how to manage my time,” Manalo commented. Although Manalo gears up for college in the fall, he is not planning to hang up his jersey anytime soon. He wishes to continue playing basketball at the collegiate level, one of his hopeful schools being Cal State Monterey Bay. However, marking his last footsteps on the college courts does not satisfy Manalo, as he also hopes to enter the professional realm of basketball in the Philippines, playing for the Philippines Basketball Association. Manalo continued his basketball career with flying colors as he and his team opened the 2014 Hacienda League play with four wins against Bonita, Rowland, West Covina, and Diamond Ranch, all schools being well-known for their strong play. Manalo is a perfect representation of the success and talent at DBHS, and there is no doubt that the Brahma athlete will achieve a great deal in his remarkable journey to become the top-notch athlete he desires to be.

14 SPORTS SPORTS COLUMN

Only room for one champion

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

THE BULL’S EYE

Norah Wu leads the Lady Brahmas to a must needed win GIRLS BASKETBALL| After a rocky start, Diamond Bar managed to get a victory against the Rowland Raiders.

BY ANDREW CHOI SPORTS EDITOR

Who could have asked for a better match up other than the Seattle Seahawks vs the Denver Broncos in the XLVIII Super Bowl? It puts the first Number One defensive team to reach the Super Bowl since the 1985 Chicago Bears against the Number One offensive team in NFL history. However, like the saying goes, “Defense wins championships.” On February 2, expect everyone in Seattle to be celebrating as the Seahawks, instead of the Broncos, win the Vince Lombardi Trophy. On paper, both teams match up very well. The Broncos had a video game like season, becoming the first team to score more than 600 points in a season. Future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, who threw for a record 55 touchdowns and 5,467 yards, had one of the best regular seasons ever. However, before fans flock onto the Denver Bandwagon and put their bets on the Broncos, they should consider the team as a whole, not just the offense skill. The Broncos had one of the worst defenses in the NFL this year, giving up on average 356 yards per game. Without their star linebacker, Von Miller, the Broncos are going to be in a tough situation stopping Seahawks running back Marshon “The Beast” Lynch. The Seahawks, one of the worst teams in the NFL a few years ago, are now playing in the Super Bowl once again. Ever since Pete Carroll arrived in Seattle in 2010, the team has changed its philosophy to become one of the most physical teams in the NFL. Unlike the Broncos, the Seahawks are led by their defense, which is ranked first in points allowed, yards allowed, and turnovers forced. Led by their All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman and safety Earl Thomas, the Seahawks will cause Manning to think twice before throwing the ball. Seattle not only has one of the best defenses, but it also has an improving offense led by Russell Wilson. Although short for his position, Wilson has the arm to throw the football anywhere. In the game against the 49ers, the 5’11 quarterback, on fourth down, threw a beauty in the end-zone that only his receiver could catch. This play would later turn out to be the game winner for the Seahawks. The team also consists of Lynch, who is regarded as the toughest to tackle in the league. Last Sunday, “The Beast” was able to run for a 40 yard touchdown while pushing his opponents to the ground. During Super Bowl XLVIII, I predict the game will go to the last minute before a winner is decided. Down 24-20, Manning will have one last shot to win his second Lombardi Trophy and add to his legacy. However, with the time ticking, Manning will not come out in the clutch and throw to an interception to none other than Sherman, the best cornerback in the NFL. This win will make the Seahawks the team to beat for many years, however the loss will make the Broncos become like the 2007 Patriots, the greatest team with the upmost expectations and not win the Super Bowl.

BY ANDREW CHOI SPORTS EDITOR

After losing three of the last four Hacienda League games, the Diamond Bar girls basketball were on the brink of not making the CIF playoffs. However, the Lady Brahmas, behind senior guard Norah Wu, regained their form Friday by defeating the Rowland Raiders 5120. DB currently sits in fifth place with an overall record of 8-10 and a league record of 1-3. “The girls played a great game. The loss against Diamond Ranch and West Covina really hurt us,

If we can rebound the ball, we can beat any team we face in the league. Coach Tony McCabe

ANDREW CHOI

AND ONE - Senior Norah Wu drives into the paint for a foul and makes a clean freethrow to propel the Lady Brahmas to their second league win.

but we managed to keep our heads up and beat Rowland today,” coach Tony McCabe said. In the first quarter, the Lady Brahmas started off on the right note as they went on a 7-0 run, making the Raiders use three of its timeouts in a span of four minutes. The inside presence of sophomore centers Destinee Garr and Kayla Rice overpowered the undersized

right from the beginning. DB collected many second chances from offensive rebounds and held the Raiders’ offense to one possession. After giving up two baskets to the Raiders, the Lady Brahmas were up 12-5 after the first quarter. “Destinee and Kayla were huge for us. If we can rebound the ball, we can beat any team we face in the league,” McCabe commented. With half of the league play done, the Lady Brahmas have put their hopes into the play of Garr and Rice to become the next Yewande Alabi, a former double-double Lady Brahma who graduated last year. The game was out of reach by the end of the second quarter. The backcourt of Wu and senior guard Colleen Siu controlled the tempo of the match as they helped the Lady Brahmas set up their halfcourt on all of their possessions. The impressive offensive showing made the game a one-sided affair. DB’s defense held Rowland to four second quarter points and was too much for the Raiders. Going into halftime, the Lady Brahmas were winning 31-9, with Wu scoring 14 of those points. “Norah played exceptional for us today. She is a great player and we are lucky to have her,” McCabe stated. The Lady Brahmas continued their stellar play after halftime, outscoring the Raiders 20-11. Senior guard Natalie Wong led the team with two three-pointers, finishing the game with eight points. Wu, a member of the 2013 All-Hacienda League team, scored a team high 17 points. “This match is definitely a confidence builder game for us as we face Walnut and Bonita next week,” McCabe said.

Caught in the winning habit BOYS SOCCER |Junior Andre Gamboa leads the Brahmas to victory despite absence of star player Guy Horcasitas. BY JAMES KIL CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Last Thursday, the Brahmas boys soccer team overpowered the Rowland Heights Raiders 4-0 to improve their record to 5-0 in league. Throughout the game, the Diamond Bar team had total control of the game, and came out on top. Within the first five minutes of the game, senior Spenser Brose sent a through ball to junior Andre Gamboa, who then shot the ball past the diving goalie to score the first goal. A couple of minutes later, Andre Gamboa managed to score again with senior Kelly Craft providing an assist. Senior cocaptain Rees Vollebregt, who was at the right place at the right time, scored the last goal in the first half from about 25 yards. However, after the exciting first half, the Raiders began to command the pace of the game, playing more aggressively to make up for the 3 point difference. Rowland was relentless and gave its all to try to get on the board. However, despite their efforts, they could not get

EMILY HWANG

RESEMBLING RONALDO - Sophomore Anthony Vasquez passes his opponent to set up a through ball for a shot. past the Brahmas’ defense. With Rowland playing tougher, the Brahmas focused solely on defense. After a few passes, the ball finally landed right in front of the goal post, allowing senior co-captain Kyleo Torres to kick a volley that glanced off the post and went in from 10 yards. It was the last goal in the game and increased the Brahama’s lead to 4-0. “First off, it was outstanding offensively. Defensively, we still made a couple of mistakes that we need to clean up if we want to go deep into the playoffs,” coach

Kemp Wells said. Although DB was missing junior sensation Guy Horcasitas and junior Nico di Donato due to injuries incurred the previous game, the Brahmas were still able to win without any problems. Junior Kevin Kueter was also out of the game due to his meniscus being torn. Craft was injured in the previous game but still decided to play in the game. As back to back league champions, the Brahmas hopes to go undefeated in season and compete in the playoffs. Diamond Bar has a win-

ning tradition, especially in soccer. Coming off an excellent season, the Brahmas hope to follow suit and win another league champion. However, it will be tough and rigorous, the Brahmas are up to any challenge in their path. With skill and talent, the Brahmas are going to be a tough force to stop in the playoffs. A championship seems imminent. “Winning league and hopefully going two or three rounds in the playoffs minimum. I mean if we play well we can compete with any team,” Wells said.

THE BULL’S EYE

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Turning the tide GIRLS SOCCER| After a miserable first half, the Lady Brahmas make an amazing comeback, scoring four goals to win the game against Rowland.

15

A diamond in the rough: Bethany Wu DBHS Junior establishes a name for herself as one of the best young golfers in the U.S., winning yet another tournament.

BY JOSEPH PARK SPORTS EDITOR

The hot streak continues as the Diamond Bar girls soccer team collapsed Rowland’s defense in the second half to win the game 4-0 and up its league record to 4-1. Although DB’s offense did not look promising in the first half, the second half took a turn for the better. The first half did not go so well. Passes were not connecting and the Raiders were beating DB to all the loose balls. However, one thing that kept the Lady Brahmas alive in the first half was their defense, which has been a strong point so far in the season. Something needed a change and after enduring a terrible first half, DB received a much needed pep talk from its head coach Matthew Brummett. Whatever Brummett said in his half time huddle, it worked.

courtesy of ANNIKA Invitational

RINGS WITH SWINGS - Junior Bethany Wu looks for another championship.

The key factor was that our leadership really stepped up in the second half.

BY EMILY HWANG ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

Coach Matthew Brummett Right from the first minute of the second half, senior captain Leah Kolek scored a free kick from about 30 yards right over the goalie’s head. Things started to snowball from there. DB was motivated and corrected its mistakes from the first half. “Overall the game was a tale of two halves. In the first half we played poorly, we had a slow start and we were not up to our standards. In the second half we played great, we figured it out and started to put forth a better effort. I was proud of the team for the way they responded to a bad first half,” Brummett said. DB received a corner kick and made the most of it, as the ball landed in the box where senior Kimmy Rubinstein scored the sec-

SPORTS

XING YEN QUEK

KEEP AWAY- Freshman Delaney Donahue pulls away from her opponent. ond goal. The score was now 2-0 and things just got better. Freshman Denaley Donahue crossed the ball right to sophomore Hayley Everhart to score the third goal of the match. Alongside an excellent defensive performance, DB was pretty much unstoppable as its offense started to click. Freshman Kayla Pak passed a through ball to junior Mia Truggerro to score the fourth and final goal of the game. Not only was the offense a big contributing factor to the game, but also the leadership of the seniors and captains who motivated

and pushed the team to its full potential. “The key factor was that our leadership really stepped up in the second half. Our captain Leah Kolek scored a goal to kind of pick us up,” Brummett said. The Lady Brahmas’ future looks very promising after winning this match. “We hope to put forth a great effort and compete for a league title. It’s going to be tough. My expectations is to be in the thick of it when it comes to the league title and be there and hopefully be the champions,” Brummett said.

To the cheers of “Wu Wu,” Diamond Bar junior Bethany Wu held her title as the champion of ANNIKA Invitational Tournament on January 20. Wu led the last six rounds of the ANNIKA Invitational, becoming the first player to win the championship title twice. Ranked as Number Three in the nation in her age group, Wu remains unbeatable for the second year after finishing the 54-hole stroke play competition with a final score of nine under. The Brahma champion posted the final-round 1-under-par 71 and finished the tournament at 9-under-par 207 at Reunion Resort, Florida, defeating 72 other female golfers ages from 14-18 the world. Wu took a score of 8-under 136 with a five-stroke lead on the first day of the tournament. “I was just nervous. Once I shook it off, I started making pars again, which calmed me down and I was able to get back,” Wu said.

On Monday, Wu started the day with three bogeys in the first five holes, and at the sixth hole, she made a hard-fought par, and eventually made her first birdie at the eighth. Wu was able to overcome Mathilda Cappeliez from France and Megan Khang from Massachusetts after making tree birdies at Nos. 14, 15, and 16. Wu finished the tournament in first place at 9-under 207 and defeated the three way tie between, Megan Khang of Rockland Massachusetts, Yuting Shi of Japan, and Ziyi Wang of China. They were all holding second place by eight shots: Khang closed with a 70, Wang shot 72, and Shi came in at 74. The junior champion was also recently titled as San Gabriel Valley Tribune player of the year and is verbally committed to UCLA. Last year, Wu led the Brahmas to their first CIF-Southern Section Northern Division title, finishing third in the CIF-SS state qualifier. “It’s unbelievable. My goal was just to win one AJGA Invitational, so to win another one, especially this one, is incredible,” Wu stated.

Another Brahma blowout WRESTLING|Diamond Bar displays an excellent combination of power and composure. BY BROOKE MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Thursday, the Brahmas added another win to their 3-0 record after defeating the Diamond Ranch Panthers 70-5. At their last home meet, the Brahmas won 13 of 14 matches. Since it was senior night, all 13 seniors were honored before the match. The seven of the thirteen seniors that competed won their matches. “We came in and accomplished the goals we set for tonight. We had a good run with Diamond Ranch especially since this is the last year we will be wrestling them due to our league change,” coach Scott Usher commented. Last year the Brahmas beat the Panthers 83-0, giving DB a goal to be victorious again this year. The Brahmas had a total of six pins for

the night. “The life of the crowd and how the team responded to all the pins created great energy out there tonight,” senior captain KeAndre Johnson said. About half of the matches lasted one or two periods, with the others being settled by the wrestler with the highest points. Two of the quickest matches were Johnson at 220 and sophomore Leighlan Reese

The girls played really well and worked hard. We came back in the fourth. Coach Scott Usher Corpus at 106, lasting less than a period. In senior captain Jeremy Foo’s match, his opponent injured his shoulder and Foo won his match by forfeit. The team still has two matches left before the end of the season. If the Brahmas win their last matches they will once again be league champions. They will face off with Rowland and Walnut in

the next two weeks. “Right now we are looking forward to our last two, very tough Hacienda League matches against Rowland and Walnut. Things are looking pretty good being 4 and 0 in league, so we are hoping for a league championship this year, ”Usher said. Last year Bonita took the league champions title from the Brahmas. This year, earlier in the season, the Brahmas beat Bonita 43-24. With two challenging meets left before post-season CIF, the team is hoping to continue its momentum. Last year, three wrestlers placed at CIF and continued onto Masters. Two of these three Brahmas are Foo and Johnson, who placed fifth and third respectively. “Individually I want to go to state this year. Last year I was pretty close, but I hope this year I will make it. Walnut will be a tough match, but the team has been working hard and can win league.” The Brahmas have their sights set on winning league and advancing further individually than they did last year. The Brahmas next match will be at Rowland tomorrow and their last match for the league title will be at Walnut on Feb. 4.

ANDREW CHOI

DOMINATION - Senior Jeremy Foo destroys his opponent in a minute.

16 NEWS

THE BULL’S EYE

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

The Bull’s Eye Photo Contest BY ELAINE KIM CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Diamond Bar High School Junior Norbert Tsi’s boredom resulted in him winning The Bull’s Eye Photo Contest and the adjoining $50 prize. “[I wanted] to take a day after school away from depressing school work,” Tsi stated. Tsi was able to capture his prize winning photograph of a Diamond Bar High School student racing to the pool. The student had his cello in one hand and his bow in another. “I wanted to capture the busyness and liveliness of the school beyond academics” said Tsi, “the photo that I entered, I believe, captures that essence perfectly.” Tsi was astonished by his subject’s enthusiasm and determination to run to the orchestra. Tsi said “I play 10 different instruments, some bulky like the cello, but I’d never run with it.” Tsi believes that his photograph was able to show that school goes beyond academics and that Diamond Bar High School students were passionate about things beyond school work. “the fact that [the student in the photo] is slightly above the ground facilitates the idea that the school is more than academics [for him], its about commitment to his passion; his art,” said Tsi.

WINNER: Norbert Tsi (11)

Justin Kim m (11)

Mikkae ela Pham (10)

Tony Sun (10) RUNNER-UPS KIM: “I was inspired to [enter] the contest because I’ve always

Damaris Chavez (12)

had an interest in photography and wanted to have a go at it. I chose to take this picture because, to me, our school is the most beautiful in the late afternoon.” PHAM: “I have very little experience with photo[graphy] and I always thought joining this contest would be a good idea, since taking photos became one of my favorite hobbies besides art.” CHAVEZ: “I chose to take this picture because it felt like the heart of Diamond Bar since the death of Danika and the bear [dedicated to her] was in it as it was a huge impact to [many]. I wanted to participate in this contest because I have Brahma pride and I really love seeing our school spirit in ways no one would have thought to look.” SUN: “I love photography. One day, I saw the cloud is not same as usual, so I want to take pictures to save that beautiful scenery. I like blue sky and looking at beautiful sky makes me feel comfortable.”

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