Paw Prints Weekly | Volume 51 Issue 8 by Emma Chang

Get to know this year’s “Garden of Glamour” Prom Court!

Read about a new perspective on the flaws of public education.

Marvel has done it again with Avengers: Endgame.

The student newspaper of Glen A. Wilson High School | Hacienda Heights, CA 91745

Paw Prints Weekly Volume 51, Issue 8 | Monday, May 6, 2019 | pawprintsweekly.com

Students celebrate last few special moments at prom By ADRIAN HERNANDEZ STAFF WRITER

VOLUNTEERING FOR A CHANGE - KIWIN’S and Key Club members alike gather on the field to take a group picture after a hard but satisfying day of decorating Easter eggs and making cards for children. PHOTO PROVIDED BY/KEY CLUB

KIWIN’S and Key Club unite at DCM By SIDNEY WONG STAFF WRITER

KIWIN’S and Key Club Divisions 35 East and West attended their monthly Divisional Council Meeting (DCM) at Cortez Park on Apr. 28. A DCM is held to update other clubs about activities and accomplishments made in the past month. This month, attendees also

gathered to decorate Easter eggs and cards for children in hospitals. According to Key Club president junior Mireya Castillo, the meeting allowed members to unite to support children in need for the holidays. “It was held to bring up spirits and keep [the kids] company at their stay in the hospitals,” Castillo said. “[However], ordering more food would help next time because we surpassed the expected division

attendance.” Additionally, Key Club Lieutenant Governor (LTG) junior Robin Yi believes better preparation could improve the attendance at club events. “Key Clubbers should be attending events at the time stated so others [will not] have to wait,” Yi said. “We estimated the duration of [the event] for too long, so we spent time being unproductive.” Overall, KIWIN’S LTG

sophomore Angel Lee thinks the event went well and appreciates the club’s hard work. “This event went better [than] expected because many members attended to represent [our club],” Lee said. “It was nice to see others happy and benefitting from our meeting. Many members show dedication, and their hard work [does not] go unnoticed.” KIWIN’S and Key Club’s next event is Ribfest on May 4.

Voices of Wilson Holds YES Concert By SIMONE YU STAFF WRITER Voices of Wilson performed at its annual Year End Showcase (YES) Concert from Apr. 29 to 30. Choir held the concert at the amphitheaters at 7 P.M. on both days. Throughout the two days, over thirty performances, ranging from solos to duets to group songs, took place. Rhythm, Harmony, Sorelle and Aria also performed at the concert. At the end of the second day, Choir director DeJohn

Brown sang a special song dedicated to the seniors. According to Brown, the YES Concert is much more special than the usual concerts for a sentimental reason. “The first night was a great opportunity for younger students to display their talents, but the second night was really special because hearing the students that had been in choir for so long singing one last time was an amazing experience for me,” Brown said. “The happiness and bittersweet emotions shown on the kids’ faces as they sang like

a family together made me realize how wonderful it is to be a teacher. I really value each and every one of the students, and it was a very memorable night.” Despite the successful nights, president senior Sarina Liang believes that the show can still be improved for next year. “[While] the performance was a success, I [wish] more of the [student body] would come to attend our concert, because we worked very hard to put on a great show,” Liang said. “Next year, there should be more publicizing of the

event to raise awareness about our concert.” Overall, audience member senior Cherise Ching had a great time watching the concert. “This is the first concert I have [attended] this year, and I do not regret going because it was an amazing experience,” Ching said. “My favorite part was being able to see all my friends sing for one last time and to [show] support for the performers.” Voices of Wilson will be performing at graduation on May 21.

Associated Student Body (ASB) held this year’s prom, with a theme of “Garden of Glamour,” at Coto Valley Country Club on Apr. 27. At prom, some of the activities available included a photo booth, caricature drawing, horse carriage ride and pool tables. Attendees voted for prom king, queen, prince and princess while at prom. Seniors John Dale Ardiosa and Jayla Angulo won prom king and queen, and juniors Gabriel Perez and Anna Camodeca won prom prince and princess, respectively. According to prom queen senior Jayla Angulo, prom is significant in more ways than one. “[Prom] is the last big thing that seniors really do, so it is like our last [few memories together],” Angulo said. “However, prom is only significant if we make it significant. I thought that prom was great, because I got to hang out with people I really care about before we go our separate ways and never see each other again.” Furthermore, prom prince junior Gabriel Perez explains why prom is special for him. “I got to have a good time with friends [whom] I have not talked to in a while,” Perez said. “Winning prom prince was also an amazing thing for me, because I did not think I was going to win, and I appreciate the people who voted for me a lot.” In addition, junior Evelyn Aguilera explains why she will be going to next year’s prom. “I am going to prom [next] year because I am going to be a senior and it will be a special moment for me, as it is going to be my last year in high school,” Aguilera said. “It was also fun last year, and [more] of my friends will be there, so it will be [one of ] our last moments being all together in high school.” ASB’s next event is Grad Bash at Universal Studios on May 17.

2 EDITORIAL

Paw Prints Weekly

MONDAY, MAY 6, 2019

EDITORIAL

2020 Presidential election: Meet the candidates It is a time of nerves and anticipation. Stakes are high. Scandals are exposed. The public is waiting on the edge of their seats. It is the 2020 presidential election. In a time when society is divided so distinctively into two opposing sides, it is unclear which individual will emerge to be the next leader of our nation, the strong individual who brings pride to their people and country. As prideful citizens of the United States, it is imperative that we are informed of all the candidates, their viewpoints, and their goals for the future that will bring an everlasting impact. So, without further ado, here is a brief but thorough description all the individuals that have declared themselves involved in the POTUS election. Democrat Cory Booker is a senator from New Jersey, as well as the former mayor of Newark. An eﬀective speaker and willing to get his hands dirty to help the community, Booker reminds many of Obama’s campaign in 2008. While Booker has a large support base from donors around the country, one of his pertinent issues comes from the fact that he has been one of the leaders in the Senate on criminal justice reform, but his appeal would better correspond to unifying the country. “I launched a presidential exploratory committee because it is a season for boldness and it is time to focus on the future.” Military veteran and Mayor of South Bend, Pete Buttigieg is looking to the future, and is sure that he will bring success as POTUS. Buttigeig began to gain attnetion after informing Democrats on how to recover from their defeats in the 2016 elections, and his democratic views allows this candidate to gain popularity among

the youth. To some, a downfall to Buttigieg is that he hopes to integrate political intervention in environmental issues such as climate change. According to Julián Castro, he is running for president because, in lack of better words, “It’s time for new energy.” A former housing secretary and mayor of San Antonio, Castro declined to run against Ted Cruz for the Senate in the 2018 midterm elections. Castro, a democrat, has advocated “Medicare for all” and immigration reform. John Delany, a former congressman from Maryland, has dedicated much eﬀort in his campaign and has been running as a Democrat since 2017, and visited every county in Iowa. Despite the fact that Delany has described himself as a bipartisan problem-solver, he supports controversial issues such universal health care that may only be heavily supported by one party. Democrat Tulsi Gabbard, a congressman from Hawaii, pitches her campaign as an appeal to plain folk by emphasizing her concern and willingness to solve the challenges that American citizens are facing. Gabbard has sparked controversy with her actions, such as meeting with Syria’s president, and have expressed anti-gay statements as well as opposition to an anti-gay advocacy group, which she later apologized for. This candidate is against American military intervention overseas, which may affect international aﬀairs if the idea is implemented. Kirsten Gillibrand, once a congress member from a conservative standpoint, Has morphed into one of the Senate’s most prominent liberal voices. In her campaign, Gillibrand places women’s equality as a main focus

in her political agenda. Californian Democrat Kamala Harris, a former attorney general of San Francisco, believes “our country wants and needs some leadership that provides a vision of the country in which everyone could see themselves.” Harris became one of the few individuals to join the Senate after 2016, and gained attention from her interrogation of President Trump’s cabinet nominees in addition to Brett M. Kavanaugh. Furthermore, Harris plans to implement a liberal civil rights agenda in the Senate. John Hickenlooper, without fail, has brought people in support through his successes in purple states. A former governor of Colorado, Democrat Hickenlooper advocates for gay rights, gun control and expansion of health insurance. Democrat Jay Inslee is prominent in his support for environmental awareness; in fact, Inslee has made placed climate as a top priority on the agenda as governor, advocating strongly in the midterm elections on creating eco-friendly energy jobs. Inslee currently has the experience of taking on the role of Governor of Washington State and former congressman under his belt. Like Harris, Democrat Amy Klobuchar is known for her assertive questioning of Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearings. A senator from Minnesota, Klobuchar is in support for resistance against the opioid and drug addiction epidemic plaguing the nation, and hopes to revive the blue part support in the Midwest countries. Wayne Messam, is truly “one for the people”: a first-generation American born to Jamaican parents, he is hoping to receive support from the Caribbean-Ameri-

can community to help fuel his long-shot bid. Democrat Messam involves himself on the topic of guns, immigration and environmental issues. Furthermore, his proposal to cancel the $1.5 trillion in student debt owed by 44 million Americans has caught the attention of many. Democrat Beto O’Rourke has garnered publicity during the rule of Trump, but heavily relies on social media platforms to spread messages such as national unity and red-state liberalism. He has focused on the topics of immigration reforms, marijuana legalization and rural hospital access. It’s time for us to start building the America we deserve.” Ohio Congressman and former congressional staﬀer Tim Ryan strongly hopes for regulating trade deals and places a highlight on the international aﬀairs of America. Initially, Tyan objected abortion rights but has reversed his position and now perceives abortion as “a personal choice.” Democrat Bernie Sanders, the runner-up in the 2016 Democratic primary, is largely known from his campaigning of “Medicare for all,” free college tuition, surely receiving the support of younger generations. but has reversed his position and now perceives abortion as “a personal choice.” Democrat Bernie Sanders, the runner-up in the 2016 Democratic primary, is largely known from his campaigning of “Medicare for all,” free college tuition, surely receiving the support of younger generations. Democrat Eric Swalwell, incorporates his experience of investigating the Trump administration

to his campaign appeal. In addition, the Congressman from California advocates for investment in medical research and a national ban on assault weapons in light of recent events. Elizabeth Warren, a senator from Massachusetts, has completed extensive preparations to become a qualified candidate for the presidential run, but is also known for using her Native American heritage, supported by a DNA test, to excuse her previous questionable actions. Democrat Marianne Williamson, promotes the rights of gay men with AIDS and founded a charity that now supplies nutrition to people aﬀected by illnesses. Moreover, Williamson spoke for $100 billion in reparations for slavery, with $10 billion dedicated to education projects. Democrat Andrew Yang approaches his campaign in a unique perspective; he repeats an idea to establish a universal basic income of $1,000 per month for all Americans. Attention and support for Yang resulted from his campaign highlighting tech issues like robotics and artificial intelligence. Republican Donald J. Trump, currently the U.S. president, see that “Considering that we have done more than any administration in the first two years, this should be easy. More great things now in the works!” During his time as president, Trump has focused on undoing the policies of the Obama administration, and maintained a tax cut that restrictively benefits corporations and wealthy investors. Main features during his presidential term has been controlling immigration by building a wall at the Mexican border, stirring up international issues, and withdrawing American troops from overseas. Republican William Weld, a strong critic of Trump, advocates for free trade and moderate immigration reform and has supported the action to legalize marijuana for the nation. Weld focuses his appeal for conservatives.

MONDAY, MAY 6, 2019

www.pawprintsweekly.com Facebook @pawprintsweekly Instagram @glenawilsonppw Twitter @glenawilsonppw ADVISER Pilar Robles EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Charley Jackson Melanie Wu

EDITORS NEWS Justin Yeh EDITORIAL Michelle Huang FEATURES Sarah Chun ENTERTAINMENT Charley Jackson Charis Qi PERSPECTIVES Vincent Cortes Jenibelle Hsu SPORTS Melanie Wu Emma Chang VISUALS Christopher Chan ONLINE Carol Li

STAFF

Candice Lee Belinda Kuo Colleen Gapuzan Adrian Hernandez Estelle Zhou Sidney Wong Simone Yu Henry Hsia Katye Chien Annmarie Li Alex Castro Tiffany Chan Rani Chor

An open forum, Paw Prints Weekly, encourages the written opinion of its readers in the form of signed letters to the editor or longer commentaries on topical subjects.

While we recognize the individuality of all forms of expression we reserve the right to edit and censor that which we feel necessary in accordance with California Education Code 48907 and standards of good taste.

All communications must be signed and submitted to room C-9 or emailed

directly to editor@pawprintsweekly. com It should also be understood that the views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinion of individual Paw Prints Weekly staff members or the policy of Glen A. Wilson High School.

EDITORIAL

Paw Prints Weekly Volume 51 | Issue 08 Glen A. Wilson High School 16455 E. Wedgeworth Drive Hacienda Heights, CA 91745

Paw Prints Weekly

A simple request in a time of troubles

ith the unprecedented horrors of violence that have broken out in Sudan in recent years, it is- about time the UN puts a stop to it once and for all. Sudanese soldiers beat every man in the village of Tabit, Sudan and sent them away while they raped 200 of their women and children. The incident occurred in November, yet the news story barely reached media coverage last week. The reason? The Sudanese government denies the event ever happened, claiming that rebel troops are just using these allegations to create instability and chaos within the region. But the Human Rights Watch has proven otherwise, citing over 130 testimonies and interviews with locals who can recount the shameful incident— including one mother who stated that soldiers raped her daughters one by one in front of her, two of whom were under 11 years old. But although the government has barred UN Peacekeeping Operations from properly investigating the incident, it should not mean the UN’s hands are tied. Tabit was just one of many incidents of mass crime committed in Sudan, and the UN can and must put a stop to the rape and violence. In order to accomplish this, the UN should implement sanctions on the Sudanese government. Placing sanctions is an active solution to the problem, but it fortunately does not require the UN to over-involve itself in the aﬀair by using military forces to obtain the desired response. The most eﬀective way to convince the government

to create a safer place for its citizens is to refuse to lift the ban unless the government punishes its criminals, enforces the law and protects its own citizens. As it turns out, the UN is already on the right track. On February 12, the Council voted to impose harsher sanctions, specifically one that pertains to the Sudan militia. Sanctions in general

violating its sanction agreements. In July 2014, the EU imposed asset freezes and travel bans on two military leaders who posed threats to national security. However, Sudan violated these agreements by allowing these sanctioned individuals to move freely without any restriction of law. As a result, some believe that, like the 2014 sanction, no change will be brought about by the sanctions

have proved to be an unpopular method of dealing with disputes between countries because of its tendency to harm the economy and civilians. However, the sanction that the UN has voted on is an arms embargo, and while it will do significant damage to the government militia, it will do little to hurt the primarily agriculturebased economy. Thus, the UN should be able to successfully target sanctions on the government itself without involving innocents. However, some believe that sanctions, even if stricter, will not get the job done because of Sudan’s history of

imposed in 2015. This is where the council overseeing the sanction comes in. The UN Panel, a group of experts that has the resources to closely monitor the Sudanese government and other armed groups, was authorized at the same time as the 2015 arms embargo. The Panel must act quickly and immediately to carry out its function and closely examine the activities within Sudan. With this ongoing investigation, the UN should be able to prevent further acts of violence by the government and ensure that Sudan is not violating its sanction agreements. The UN must

uncompromisingly hold the Sudanese government accountable for its actions, but to do that, the panel needs to become more active and inspective than they were in the past. If necessary, they must be willing to take harsher action through even stricter sanctions. Others may argue that harsher sanctions will cause the UN to unnecessarily meddle in foreign aﬀairs. There are bigger issues to worry about—terrorism, war, racial violence— and perhaps getting too involved would prove to be a significant waste of resources. But while maintaining international peace and solving economic crises are notable roles that the UN has vowed to take on, it has also promised a role in upholding human rights—a “necessary” battle indeed. The UN has the chance to ensure that justice is served and that a similar incident will not happen again, all without going to war. The UN cannot aﬀord to sit out on this one and watch as another government exploits the fundamental rights of its citizens. Sanctions provide the UN with a chance to indirectly force the Sudanese government to change its policies to the benefit of its people. It is only through sanctions that we can hope to see a decline in violence and exploitation by the government. Sanctions are not a silver bullet solution—there will be problems, and there will be costs. But it is the UN’s best shot at showing the Sudanese government that some things need to change, and it is only then that there will be hope for a better and brighter future for the people of Sudan. GR APHIC/GOOGLE

4 FEATURES

Paw Prints Weekly

MONDAY, MAY 6, 2019

FEATURES

Meet the royalty of "Garden of Glamour" Prom Court!

Jeffrey Jew What will you miss the most from high school? “I think I am going to miss being able to hang out with my friends and the bonds I have with some of them.” What do you look forward to at prom? “I look forward to taking pictures with my group the most.” Would you rather always have messy hair or always have dirty clothes on? “Messy hair. Dirty clothes will make you smell bad.” If you could live as anyone else for a day, who would it be and why? “I would want to live as our president for a day just to see how stressful the job is.” Is water wet? “It is all up to your perspective. I don’t think there is a clear answer.”

Garden of Glamour Get to know your

senior princes senior princes

John Dale What is your biggest accomplishment in high school? “My biggest accomplishment is being able to stay consistent in terms of being a well-rounded person and constantly improving myself as a person.” Why do you think you were chosen for Prom court? “I think I was chosen for Prom court because I have a personality that stands out and I am a respectful and responsible student.” Would you rather find true love or 100 million dollars? Why? “I would rather find true love, because I believe that it gives a better insight towards life in my perspective.” Who would you like to give a shoutout to? “I would like to give a shoutout to my teachers for helping me become the person I am today. Thank you to Ms. Wu, Mr. Ro and Ms. Zheng for helping me with diﬀerent aspects, acting as parents and teaching me valuable [life lessons].”

Jonathan Han

Jonathan Soloman

Trinity Gau

What was your biggest highlight of senior year so far? “My biggest highlight of senior was winning Mr. Wilson and performing in front of everyone.” What are you looking forward to the most at prom? “I am looking forward to taking pictures and dancing at prom.” Who would you like to give a shoutout to? “I would like to give a shout out to the boys’ water polo team for always supporting me.” Would you rather find true love or win 100 million dollars? “I would choose true love because money doesn't always bring happiness.” Pro pineapple pizza or no? “Pro-pineapple pizza all the way.”

What will you miss the most from high school? “I will miss seeing everyone that I have met throughout the years. I remember all the upperclassmen that have been there for me, the friends I have made and also being the [role model] for underclassmen.” What do you look forward to at prom? “I look forward to hanging out with my friends, celebrate and dance for one last time, and leaving the high school life I loved so much with a great end.” Would you rather have the ability to breathe underwater or fly? “I would rather have the ability to breathe underwater, so I can spend more time by examining a [diﬀerent perspective of life].” Is the earth round or flat? “It is round!” What is your go-to snack? “Mexican tortilla chips, yum.”

Who do you look up to the most? “I look up to Mr. Brown! He is really motivating and always has a positive mindset. He also encourages everyone to do their best every day, and I [really admire that].” Why do you think you were chosen for Prom court? “I think I was chosen for Prom court because I have a Would you rather be the most intelligent or most charming? “I would rather be the most charming, because I would rather get along with everyone than be the smartest and have no friends.” Would you rather have a rattlesnake or a tarantula as a pet? why? “Probably a tarantula, because there’s a less likely chance of dying if I get bitten.”

Paw Prints Weekly

MONDAY, MAY 6, 2019

FEATURES

Meet the royalty of "Garden of Glamour" Prom Court!

Alina Der Bedrossian What will you miss most out of high school? “I will definitely miss a lot of my really amazing teachers like Mr. Han, Mrs. Weaver, and Mrs. Bushyeager to name a few. They have all been there for me when I needed them the most.” What is your most embarrassing memory? “This past Halloween I dressed up as a grandma and as I was making my way up into the amps, I tripped and the pillow I used as a fake butt shifted down to the back of my knees. It was pretty embarrassing, but I have to admit was really funny!” What is your best pick-up line? “I have many! Are you a helicase enzyme? Because you can unzip my genes anytime. Do you have 11 protons? Because you are sodium fine. Lastly, you must be a red blood cell because you take the oxygen out of my lungs and bring it right to my heart. YES!!”

Garden of Glamour Get to know your

seniorr princesses senior princesses

Ashley Huh What is your biggest accomplishment in high school? “My biggest accomplishment would be earning the position of ASB secretary in my junior year. I felt as if all my eﬀorts in working in ASB paid oﬀ and saying a speech in front of the entire student body was very rewarding.” What will you miss most from high school? “I will miss my friends and all the memories we made during high school.” Would you rather have a cow or a goat as a pet? “I would have a cow as a pet so I can drink its milk and eat it for [Korean barbeque] after!” If you could live as anyone else for a day, who would it be? “I would want to be Gordon Ramsey for a day because I can cook as much delicious food as I want!” Pro-pineapple pizza or no? “YES! I love pineapple on pizza! Ham and pineapple is the best combo on a pizza!”

Christina Kuo

Jayla Angulo

Justina Chen

What will you miss most from high school? “I will miss my teachers and friends, because after college, I might not see them as much as before. I will miss you Austin, Nathan, Leslie, Sam, Wendy, Brianna, Crystal, Kelly, Kerry, Quach and Grace!” What do you look forward to at prom? “I look forward to a great experience with my friends, and it is also my last year here, so might as well try something fun and new.” If you could form into any animal at any time, what animal would you be? “I would be a dog, because their lives are so much easier than any other animal. You can also receive a bunch of gifts, treats and love.” Would you rather find true love or win 100 million dollars? “Of course, I would rather have the 100 million dollars! True love seems just a little fake and [disgusting] to me, haha.”

Who do you look up to the most? “Cher Lloyd, because she is so educated on important topics and uses her influence to bring awareness to them. She also makes straight slappers and is so beautiful.” What are you most looking forward to for prom? “I am really looking forward to having a great time with my friends and making prom a memorable night.” If you could meet anyone you want, who would it be and why? “I would want to meet Thuy Trang, the original yellow ranger, and ask how it is in the club. Because why not?” Would you rather have the ability to read minds or see the future? “Read minds, so I know what everyone’s really thinking because I know people be lying.” Salty or sweet? “Salty, because [overdoses on sweets] make me sick.”

What is your proudest achievement in all of high school? “My proudest achievement is getting into a [good college].” What career path are you going towards for the future? “I am studying computer science.” Would you rather always be cold or always be hot? “I would rather always be cold, because I can always keep adding layers, but I can’t take off any if I am always hot.” Would you rather have a tree that grows money or a talking dog that lives forever? “I would rather have a talking dog that lives forever, that is [so special].”

6 FEATURES

Paw Prints Weekly

MONDAY, MAY 6, 2019

FEATURES

Meet the royalty of "Garden of Glamour" Prom Court!

Ana-Sofia Munoz What is your go-to snack? “Strawberries.” What is your greatest fear? “I guess drowning because it sounds really painful and they say it is one of the worst ways to die.” Who are you are going to prom with? “I am going to be with my friends.” Who is your biggest influence? “My mom because she is one of the strongest people I know. She has only always been there in my life and has influenced me as a person.”

Get to know your

junior princesses

Anna Camodeca How does it feel like to be on junior Prom court? “It was surprising, I did not expect to be nominated. I was excited and happy.” Who is the biggest inspiration in your life? “My sister because she always seems to do everything right. She always has the right answer and always knows what is best.” If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? “I really want to go to Japan because there are a lot of cool places and I want to learn more about the culture.” What’s your favorite desserts? “Probably anything chocolate related.”

Mariana Madrid

Jacqueline Chan

Roslyn Dalrymple

What is your favorite candy? “Extremes.” Who is your favorite music artist? “Post Malone.” What are you most looking forward to about prom? “Getting ready and hanging out with my friends.” Besides yourself, who do you think might become Prom princess? “I think we all have the chance to get it and I do not want to say anyone specifically.”

What is your favorite hobby? “Cooking or singing. Cooking because it comes easily to me and I love singing.” If you could go anywhere in the world, who would you go? “I would go to Greece because in elementary and middle school I was really into Greek mythology and their architecture.” Why do you think you got chosen for prom court? “I would like to think that I was chosen because I show good leadership and I am a team player. I try to include everyone and be nice to everyone. I also interact in the classroom and ask a lot of questions.” What are you looking forward to the most about prom? “Hanging out with my friends and having a day to relax before AP tests.”

Cats or dogs? “Dogs.” Who is your favorite teacher? “Ms. Hernandez, the art teacher, is my favorite teacher because she is very funny and has a great personality. She also pushes and believes in me.” What is your favorite childhood memory? “Any time I was with my family at parties. My cousins and I would get together and play something.” If you had one day to yourself, what would you do? “I would go to the beach.”

COMPILED BY/ HENRY HSIA PHOTOS/MARISOL GONZALEZ

Paw Prints Weekly

MONDAY, MAY 6, 2019

FEATURES

Meet the royalty of "Garden of Glamour" Prom Court!

David Perez What is an interesting fact about you? “I am one of the very few people who play three sports at this school.” Who are you going to prom with? “I am going with my girlfriend and [her name is] Valeria.” What is your favorite childhood memory? “Playing either baseball or basketball on the outside leagues.” How does it feel like to be on junior prom court? “I was very surprised; I was not expecting it and I am happy that I got the honor being on it, but I was not expecting it at all.”

Gabriel Perez Who do you want to give a shoutout to? “The boys’ golf team.” What is your biggest dream? “Owning my own business and selling my own clothing brand.” What is your favorite thing about being at this school? “The peaceful environment and everyone is pretty friendly here.” Who is your favorite teacher? “Mr. Han or Mrs. Lin.”

Get to know your

junior princes

Hector Razon What is your biggest dream? “My dream is to become a band director.” What is your greatest fear? “Cockroaches.” Besides yourself, who do you think might become Prom prince? “I think Dylan Rodriguez.” Who is your biggest influence? “Mr. Torres because I like his motivations and the way he conducts class.”

Dylan Rodriguez What is your best joke? “I have a dog named Cat.” Who do you want to give a shoutout to? “Shout out to everyone-- my teachers, friends and family.” What is your favorite thing about being on Prom court? “It seems fun and it will be nice to talk to familiar people and it will be good to meet people I have never met before.” What is your favorite thing about being at this school? “My favorite thing about this school is the environment. The teachers actually care about how we will do in the future, they are always there for us and are understanding. That is what makes me the happy and is my favorite thing about this school.”

Kenneth Jiang Cats or dogs? “Dogs.” If you could have any superpower, what would you have? “Teleportation because I think it would be cool to go anywhere you want and you can also pull a lot of pranks while teleporting.” Why do you think you got chosen for junior prom court? “Probably my academics and I have good relationships with my teachers, I would like to thank the teachers who nominated me.” How does it feel like to be on junior prom COMPILED BY/ ADRIAN HERNANDEZ & SIMONE YU PHOTOS/ MARISOL GONZALEZ

8 PERSPECTIVES

Paw Prints Weekly

MONDAY, MAY 6, 2019

PERSPECTIVES

Snack ban debacle By RANI CHOR STAFF WRITER

“You sellin’?” We all see it at least once in our high school careers: a duﬀel bag or unzipped backpack fi lled to the brim with chips or candies. Evidence that illicit profit is being collected in the open. Although there is a strict rule prohibiting the sale of outside food during school hours, most staﬀ members and students turn a blind eye due to the tasty awards reaped for only a few dollars. Usually, student sellers will raid low-cost snack stores, such as Walmart and Costco, to stock up on snacks that could be sold for a profit of hundreds of dollars per day. Th is under-the-table practice raises a very valuable question: Should students be allowed to sell their own snacks and keep their profit during school? In the eyes of a fellow student, selling snacks during school hours breeds a sense of entrepreneurship and independence. However, this should ultimately be considered a privilege, not a right. As teenagers, there are not many opportunities to legally make a quick buck. Though snack selling is against school rules, it is in no way illegal in the state of California. Due to colleges, cars and other big finances, bills will quickly overshadow a teens allowance or side job. In fact, data collected by Bank Rate found that Generation

Z and millennials spend the most money, despite earning the least average amount of income. Students who sell snacks might not end the day with a sizable pile of cash, but they are inevitably breeding entrepreneurship and financial independence. When students discuss bargains for a bar of candy or Tostitos, they are

create a business at a young age, whether that be Warren Buﬀet who sold gum, soda and magazines door to door during his childhood or a student at Wilson high school. Entrepreneurs take the opportunity to make a profit when they see it, and allowing students to sell snacks during school would be nurturing this entrepreneurial spirit.

Angeles Unified School District, 30% of the students who do not eat school food get food from the student store, 18.29% bring lunch from home and 37% skip lunch entirely. Despite the law created by the California Department of Education that states that the last student to receive food must have

learning how to navigate through the capitalist market. Not only does this experience create a valuable long-term advantage for a student’s future, but also better prepares students to compete in the American economy. Many entrepreneurs discovered ways to

Additionally, allowing snacks to be sold in the open would curve the number of students skipping meals because they find school food untempting. A study by Megan Bomba and Elizabeth Medrano from the Choose Health LA Kids program found that in the Los

at least 20 minutes left to eat, this is not always the case. Therefore, it makes sense that aﬀordable and easily accessible snacks oﬀer the student body a variety of food options that can be accessed at any point of the school day. On the other hand, removing

the snack ban could potentially compromise student safety. In the eyes of administrators, allowing students to explore the realms of marketing does not outweigh the possible $10,000 lawsuit due to the unregulated food. Although drugs have not been brought to campus in years, a high school could potentially become a marketplace for harmful products sold by student dealers. Of course, if the snack ban is lifted, regulations would need to be placed. Nonetheless, that is for another day and ten more board meetings where students like you can speak up for our snacks. Moreover, at the end of the day, goodwill is more important than a few dollars. Selling snacks during school should be regarded as a privilege, not a right. Keeping snack sales from disrupting class is a student’s responsibility. As students, we have the freedom and fundamental right to individually decide what we consume. As potential sellers, snacks should be sealed and sold with the well-being of the consumer in mind. If this code of conduct is held, there is no valid reason to continue this ban on selling snacks in Glen A. Wilson H.S or other high schools in the nation. We all remember that lemonade stand from our childhood. The prices may have gone up, but the lessons learned from selling our own products will remain throughout our lives. ART/K AYTE CHIEN

Flaws of education geared toward earning money By CAROL LI ONLINE EDITOR

Money talks: we hear it in the headquarters of any type of business, whether it be a start-up company or global organization. And although this claim is hard to swallow, money truly does make the world go around. However, the subject of money is most emphasized in the least expected environment: school education. While we may not realize it, the basic components of the American school system all point to the goal of attaining wealth. As high school students, we are told to put our best eﬀorts into our classes to earn the highest grades, receive acceptances into prestigious colleges and acquire a stable, high-paying job in the future. Because our current school system teaches students to pursue financial gain rather than their own interests, it has developed a notoriously narrow measure to judge a student’s potential for future success: letter grades. It is time to realize that how well we do in school does not necessarily determine our quality of life, but is simply a measure of eﬀort and dedication we put into school. Instead of focusing on how one is deprived of opportunities to success due to the one “C” in a math class during sophomore year, our American education system should implement methods to encompass elements directly

related to the real world, so adolescents are prepared to face the actuality of the job industry. For example, take a glimpse at the strong emphasis on grades. Sure, they are a good indication of whether a particular individual is attentive to

the requirements of the real world. It is significant to have education encompass the matters of real-life situations, because it allows students to gain experience and a better understanding of what the future holds after graduation. However, public education is not

push individuals to cram a mountain of information into their minds, but do not teach how to apply the knowledge to real life scenarios. If today’s public school education is so diﬀerent from the set expectations that so many have adapted, how can a student’s school performance

the course, but it does not necessarily guarantee a successful occupation in the future, due to the fact that our education system does not accurately depict the environment of real life. Though students are given multiple opportunities to improve grades by retaking tests or quizzes, in reality, there are no “second chances,” especially in the job industry, where competition is sky high. So, it can be clearly seen that the education system taught to students may not align with

catered towards real-life scenarios, which fails the original purpose of public education. Individuals assume that thriving in high school and college classes will ensure financial prosperity in the future; however, in reality, the subjects taught in education do not directly correlate to problems or issues that arise in the real world. In school, we are given knowledge, but applying it is a diﬀerent matter on itself. For example, many AP tests provide rigorous classes that

determine his or her future performance in real-life situations? The correlation between school performance and future success is and should not be taken as fact. Furthermore, with a constant pressure that the rest of their lives are resting on simple letter grades, it is easy for students to focus on elements, such as receiving a high letter grade, rather than furthering their education, which results in the unpreparedness for facing the real world. When students turn

their attention on the scores they receive instead of the education they are given, it creates a dilemma where individuals are suﬀering due to lack of preparedness. Ultimately, our current school system’s emphasis on grades and financial gain undermines the importance of following our dreams. To improve the education system that our country currently holds, schools should focus on what students are interested in and what students will need for their lives after graduating. Presently, it is mandatory for students to take classes for a variety of subjects, which is understandable since they provide the fundamentals for a student’s academic career. Despite this, educators should realize that every individual is diﬀerent, and students should be able to have the opportunity to expand their knowledge on the subjects that they do enjoy. In fact, encouraging students to pursue their passions without the distraction of financial gain can contribute to the motivation of furthering their education or career. As a result, society should focus on creating an education that accurately represents what students will face in the future and gives students a method to expand on their interests without the pressure to earn the highest grades or achievements; that way, we can truly give the future generation an opportunity to succeed. ART/TIFFANY CHAN

MONDAY, MAY 6, 2019

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PERSPECTIVES

How to fully master the art of thriving By COLLEEN GAPUZAN STAFF WRITER

Oh, wait, you’re single?! If you are like me, you probably either have friends who are in a relationship or friends who constantly wish they were. As humans, we are ingrained with the incessant need to be loved, accepted and respected. Love is a significant part of being human and allows us to express our true feelings and emotions. Whether or not you are a hopeless romantic, we can all agree that society spends superfluous time on romance. From unrealistic rom-coms, to cliche love song lyrics, to goals-worthy couple photos on Instagram, the constant urge to be in a relationship can ultimately extract young people from their true calling or interfere with their individuality. With that in mind, as bizarre as it may sound, relinquishing your search for the perfect soulmate and, instead, enjoying the beauty of being single can be immensely beneficial in the long run. Firstly, even though finding true love might seem like an immediate priority, being single allows individuals to take their time in finding themselves and learning more about who they truly are. Instead of being limited by a significant other, singleness permits people with the unique opportunity to grow as a person by being able to fully explore their strengths and weaknesses. Another benefit of singleness is about exploring your passion and future. Inevitably, people in relationships may [have to] suppress their ambitious spirits and delay their

future to maintain the relationship. However, single people can pursue new opportunities freely and chase their ambitions independently, which enhances personal growth. Essentially, learning how to embrace the solitude by choosing to use the time focusing on growth and maturity will not only

is nearly impossible to suppress peer pressure. Nonetheless, constantly trying to find love romantically, to the point where the want becomes a need, can be counterproductive. Eventually, we get so caught up in our emotions that it can suddenly turn into a quest for pleasure, rather than

not necessarily make them happy. Whether or not we are willing to admit it, the thoughts of going out on dates or engaging in daily Facetime calls can be seen as pure ecstasy. Although these superficial things might play a minor role, the power of having this expectation of the “perfect

be beneficial later on but also prepare you for when you are ready to be committed in a relationship. In our current generation, more and more people, especially teenagers, are becoming more pressured to be romantically involved with others. Many people jump into a relationship under the assumption that they are supposed to instead of waiting for the right time or the right match. To illustrate, when all your friends ever talk about is crushes and romance, it

raw, unconditional love. While it is tempting to be influenced by modern romance culture, wanting to be in a relationship just for the pleasurable feeling can be a recipe for disaster. However, the way you handle the influences around you and the choices you decide to make can either make or break what’s to follow. While society has plagued almost every person to feel “lost without love” at some point, people should be cognizant that being in love does

relationship” can overpower our emotions, leading to ill presumptions of what makes a true, genuine connection valuable. Substantially, singleness emphasizes the importance of being careful in engaging in sudden relationships. People might be so quick to give their heart away, that they realize the person was nothing remotely close to who they thought they were. When people immediately fall in love with prioritizing desire over sense, it can

ultimately cause serious damage in the aftermath, that can result in possible pain and heartache. In essence, just because a person might seem like the “perfect match” or the “love of your life” at the moment, getting to know them over a significant amount of time can unveil who he or she truly is and build a strong foundation for a mature, stable relationship. Ultimately, being single is a journey of self-discovery that allows you to gain knowledge and wisdom. Maintaining accountability to who you are can help you prepare for future relationships, and allows you to be familiar with what your genuine standards are. Oftentimes, we compromise our standards to remain compatible with someone else, exclaiming “true love” as our main excuse. We fall so deep in love that without knowing it, we have given our heart away to another who clearly does not share the same standards, let alone, personal boundaries. By using singleness as a period to mature mentally and emotionally, we become wiser with our actions and more confident with our judgment and morals. In summation, the season of singleness can be arduous for many, but utilizing this significant period of time to focus on you and the things that make you happy can undoubtedly benefit you far beyond your initial expectations. In the end, if all of the hopes and dreams of a single person revolve around being “completed” by finding meaning and fulfillment in another person, newsflash: you might find yourself much better off thriving without them. ART/TIFFANY CHAN

Traveling broadens cultural and personal horizons By BELINDA KUO STAFF WRITER

“Oh, the places you’ll go!” Dr. Seuss formerly wrote. In today’s flourishing society, people increasingly spend more money on the latest technology or other materialistic pursuits, forgetting the beauty of the world around them. In fact, with the prevalence of social media platforms, it is easier than ever to “experience” another country’s culture through videos, documentaries or photographs. However, it is important to travel, even within the country, to expand your sphere outside of your home. While there are many outlets nowadays to “take a vacation through the screen at home,” these online resources cannot replace the traveling experience. First, traveling compels us to embrace new perspectives and people, teaching us to be more accepting and open-minded. As Italian poet Cesare Pavese said, “[Traveling] forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comforts of home and friends.” In essence, exploring the unfamiliar and fathering the courage to do so can alter a person’s mindset of the world. By traveling to an unknown environment, we can gain greater cultural and global awareness, dismantling misleading assumptions of a certain country or culture. In an increasingly interconnected world, we need to communicate

with others of various cultures and backgrounds, and traveling will give us the opportunity to broaden your horizon through a global perspective. With society constantly changing, we require a wide range of ideas and wisdom to solve problems and enrich

and experiences. By bonding with people outside of your own country, we may learn to appreciate the many similarities we share with others despite cultural diﬀerences, making us more respectful of other cultures and countries. Furthermore, you can

encourages you to develop communication and problemsolving skills you never knew you had or needed. For instance, you will need to communicate with a native and navigate through the language barrier to find the way to a restroom,

community life. Bringing nonmainstream groups into the center of civic activity can provide fresh perspectives and shed new light on tough problems. Moreover, traveling allows you to create meaningful relationships. While traveling to diﬀerent locations, you can meet diﬀerent people with diverse perspectives

make lifelong friends and learn about their culture and traditions. Cultures strongly influence our lifestyles, from our fears, values, hopes and even relationships. By making these friendships based on similarities, you can be a more informed citizen and make better decisions about current events. Furthermore, traveling

restaurant or destination. After you confront your fears and insecurities over and over again, you become less afraid of your fears and less anxious regarding uncertain, “fearful” situations. Once you overcome these issues and reach your destinations, you may become more confident in your abilities and will strive to build these skills when you return home.

Finally, traveling can encourage self-reflection by boosting mental health. With all the stress accumulated from the hustle-bustle of daily life, traveling allows you to reset your mental state and appreciate all the little things around you. By immersing yourself into a new environment, you can escape the perpetual cycle of worrying and enjoy the current moments rather than stress about the workload awaiting our return. In fact, a study conducted by the University of Surrey found that even the anticipation of going on vacation can improve your mood, as people grow more positive about their health, economic situation and general quality of life. By increasing our happiness, traveling can provide stress relief and benefit the traveler. Overall, traveling is a magical experience that can drastically transform you and your life for the better. Whether it be within the country or to another continent, there is a destination that can fit your preferences and needs. As the former Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru once said, “We live in a world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” So, the next time you’re looking for something to do, plan a trip to a place you have always wanted to go. And who knows, you might find yourself in a “whole new world” that is waiting for you. ART/TIFFANY CHAN

10 ENTERTAINMENT

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MONDAY, MAY 6, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

Marvel releases the ultimate love letter to fans By COLLEEN GAPUZAN STAFF WRITER

To all the MCU cast and crew, we love you 3000. It’s the end of an era for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and fans across the globe are mourning the end of one of the world’s all-time greatest cinematic phenomenons. On Apr. 24, Marvel released its last installation of the Avengers series, which already broke numerous box office records, including the 10th highestgrossing film of all time. In the MCU, the culmination of 10 years and more than twice as many films, Avengers: Endgame promises closure where its predecessor, Avengers: Infinity War, imposes an infinite amount of chaos. In one of the most highly anticipated movies of the year, Avengers: Endgame picks up the pieces from the infamous cliffhanger that left viewers globally famished for the past year. To recap, the prior installment, Avengers: Infinity War, ended with intergalactic super villain Thanos erasing half of all species, including most of the Avengers, leaving the whole universe in tatters. In the three-hour cinematic excellence, Endgame multiplies the scale tenfold by bringing back the focus to the surviving Avengers in the ultimate fight of redemption and resurrection. The focus transitions to the camaraderie between Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans),

Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and the entire MCU in a mission to defeat Thanos and save the universe, complete with iconic humor, heartbreak, unforgettable action and a whole wave of nostalgia. With half the cast wiped out of the population, Endgame allows an immense amount of character

radiated in portraying a strong, fearless female lead. By taking the initiative to assemble the other Avengers who have seemingly lost hope, including prime leader Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man, Black Widow goes above and beyond fans’ expectations into ensuring the reunion of the year. Additionally, another character who undoubtedly stood out was not Iron Man

love for his family (past and present), which increases the fans respect for one of the world’s most beloved superheroes, while simultaneously bringing on the full waterworks. Alongside the action, Thor and Bruce Banner, also known as the Hulk, took center stage in succeeding the role of the film’s comedic relief. Both characters take on the more witty route throughout

development between the core Avengers, along with newer additions to the MCU family such as Captain Marvel (played by Brie Larson). The film submerges into each superheroes’ personal life and backstories, as the audience enters an emblematic time portal into the characters’ history and their subsequent motivations. For example, Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow,

himself, but rather, Tony Stark. Initially being hesitant in aiding in the Avengers plan, Stark’s real life unfolds as the film provides an in-depth knowledge of his true persona and motivation. As one of the primary leaders, fans are shocked to see Stark with a different persona initially, but are then able to witness his significant character growth throughout the film. The movie places the spotlight on Stark’s

the motion picture, from nostalgic references to slightly cringeworthy, yet memorable one-liners. Indubitably, it would be a crime for Marvel’s ultimate love letter to its fans to be incomplete without—you guessed it—Captain America. The film generously allows fans to take in the origins of the Avengers’ beloved leader, and witness a more intimate, softer

version of himself. Captain America’s character development definitely shines throughout the entire movie, featuring a chock full of reminiscence that pays homage to the earlier films. Besides the characters, it’s safe to say that calling the last installment a thrill ride would be a total understatement. The movie overall packs a punch (well, multiple) and no single action sequence should go unnoticed. Directors Anthony and Joseph Russo create a stunning piece of art that captivates fans from the first scene to the last, allowing every single movie-goer to submerge into the film’s entirety in the best way possible. Between tears and laughs, significant movements were highlighted including heavy women representation. Many of the MCU female leads had a notable platform in exhibiting feminist attributes including, but not limited to, Captain Marvel, Black Widow, Nebula, Gamora, Okoye, Scarlet Witch and Hope, to name a few. Ultimately, each had empowering impacts on women and forever changed the status quo for female superheroes. In summation, from the exceptional complexity of the plot that will undoubtedly go down in history, to the unforgettable characters that started it all, to the overall in-depth nostalgia, the MCU has definitely succeeded in creating the ultimate sequel for every Marvel film ever. If you haven’t seen Endgame yet, for the sake of your sanity, please watch it— or the notorious spoilers will get to you first. GRAPHIC/CAROL LI

Best of Enemies takes viewers by a positive surprise By ALEX CASTRO STAFF WRITER

Best of Enemies was released on April 5 and was directed by Robin Bissell. The film is based on the true story of Anne Atwater (played by Taraji P. Henson) and Claiborne Paul (C.P.) Ellis (played by Sam Rockwell). Ellis is a segregationist who is president of the local branch of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). This takes place in 1972, at a time when racial tensions were high and honest leaders were hard to find. Atwater is a passionate activist who leads an organization known as Project Breakout which advocates for rights for the black population of Durham In the movie, after a fire which destroys EastDurhamSchool,thetwoareinvitedtoa charrette, a ten-day long meeting that allows the two opposing sides of an argument. The purpose is to come to a compromise in hopes of improving the education system and deciding whether the integration of black children should be allowed in a previously segregated school. Despite a heated and controversial topic of the day, the movie keeps a serious and completely neutral stance, providing context and background for the situations. It deftly maneuvers through time to provide the audiencewithaworkthatisbothinformative and emotional. Primarily, the acting in the movie is emotional and powerful. The audience can feel the emotions of the characters as clear as day. It carries significant weight and perfectly portrays the seriousness, concern and joy present in the scenes. The skill and

experience of the actors is obvious due to the genuine expressions and dialogue. For instance, Atwater is known for her inspiring work attaining housing and progress aiding the poor and middle-class black citizens of Durham. Henson captures the indignation

at about two hours, wary viewers might be discouraged from the film. However, the movie’s long runtime allows the producers to further establish the motives and rationales of the characters. This directly attributes to the strong, character-driven plot and progress.

subtle scenery is moving in its simplicity. One example of this is, turning a lawn into a moonlit action scene using lighting and the minimalistic nature of the piece. This dramatic and bare scene more deeply conveys the meaning and depth of the scene

and injustice that Atwater feels when her pleas for equality are not heard. Additionally, the friendship between the two characters seems nothing short of natural and the inspired sense of hatred is understandable just as easily. By incorporating smaller relationships and problems, the movie gives the audience a more realistic sense of the characters and makes them more human. Despite having a runtime that is comparatively longer than most other films

Furthermore, the attention to detail found in the film is crucial to maintaining the setting of the film. The artfully designed clothing is detailed and tasteful. Combining this with the extensive sets improves the viewer’s immersion in the film. In extension, the camerawork in the film is complementary to the sets, as many diverse places allow the designers to show off their varied skills. The film also uses wide shots to enhance the stunning visuals. The visuals were dramatic and stunning. Yet the

compared to what would be achieved using choppy editing and over-dramatic effects. Moreover, the character development is undeniable, using raw emotion and actions influence the world around them at a constant and visible pace. Because the film is based on a true story, the characters have an endpoint and the audience knows how what the characters will believe at the end of the film. However, the movie aims and succeeds to show the shift of ideas in these two characters, and the transition

proves to be smooth and comprehensive, encompassing the characters entirely. Notably, the film cleanly incorporates real events in a clean fashion, providing a perspective that was based on real interviews with Ann Atwater and C.P Ellis before their passing. Small events in the film symbolize events that Atwater was recognized for in her life. One instance of this is during a council meeting, of which only white men were a part of, they would turn their chairs around so as to not listen to her. Undeterred, Atwater strode right up to the bench and turned their chairs back around. These moments foster curiosity in the viewers and attests to the research and attention that the producers have put into the film. This action is just one example of the traits that made Atwater such a good activist and leader for civil rights. Atwater dedicated her life to aiding the underprivileged and Ellis had his entire ideology reversed, going on to do tours with Atwater talking about their relationship and how it came to be. He also became an avid union organizer and integrationist. Ultimately, Best of Enemies is helping to shine light on an often misunderstood times in history. The film gives a voice to the positive events that occurred during the height of segregation vs. integration debates and the era of drastic leaps in civil rights that follows. All in all, thanks to the emotional acting, well-devised camerawork, and true-to-life plot, the movie is a wild roller coaster of emotions and a great representation of a few figureheads who need a little more credit. GRAPHIC /CAROL LI

MONDAY, MAY 6, 2019

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ENTERTAINMENT

Beware: the wall has finally winter’fallen By VINCENT CORTES CO-PERSPECTIVES EDITOR

The wall has fallen and the white walkers are here! On Apr. 14, over two years after season seven premiered, season eight of the fantasy series Game of Thrones (GoT) released to the public eye. GoT first aired on Apr. 2011 and follows the story of diﬀerent noble families vying for the rule of the Seven Kingdoms. Set in Westeros, the threat of “white walkers” threatens the inhabitants during the winter. To recap season seven, an uncanny allegiance between Cersei Lannister and Daenerys Targaryen’s forces, a surprising resurrection of Viserion, and broken relationships with Jamie Lannister left viewers yearning for resolution. However, Sunday’s premiere left more questions and anticipation than answers. Regardless, the enigmatic plot of the episode anticipates a conclusive and outstanding final season. Episode 68, directed by David Nutter, begins with the iconic GoT theme song. While the opening credits of previous installments had panned over the lands of Westeros and Essos, the new intro solely displays Winterfell—exploring the crypts, the godswood, and the great hall. This slight detail alludes to the possibility that this season will take place entirely in the north—or the north will play a

tremendous role for the episodes to come. Given the diverse lore of the north—children of the forest, first men and Old Gods—a focus on the north could mean an expansion of these unexplored plot points. Subsequently, these possible onscreen interpretations of northern culture sustain many viewers’

that, nearing the end of the episode, Jon is told about his Targaryen heritage, this romantic bond is uncertain to continue. Of course, in the beginning, most fans rooted for the power couple, however, because of its taboo nature, it leaves most fans pondering whether this relationship should last.

alludes to nuanced episodes and a great final season. While the ties between the characters add depth to the story, the real driving force is its plot. With the wall destroyed, a dragon wight and undead army, the Bravosian term “valar morghulis” (all men must die), plasters many of the characters’

interests. Kicking oﬀ the episode, the first scene begins with Jon Snow and Daenerys riding into Winterfell. Drawing parallels from the season one pilot, Jon and Dany’s king and queen patronage seem to mimic Cersei and Robert Baratheon’s, or even Cersei and Jaime’s. While family-related-romanticrelationships have unfortunately been depicted through Jamie and Cersei, this taboo practice is now also carried by Jon and Dany; yet, given

In fact, connections have always played a substantial role in the series. For example, the political discourse in King’s Lading (hence the name Game of Thrones) and throughout the Seven Kingdoms determines which character is allied with who. So while battles and militant force certainly uphold territorial gains, the way to win the “game of thrones” relies on a person’s ties. So while fans may debate whether Jon and Dany should end up together, season eight’s focus on relationships undeniably

fates. However, this is a good thing. While GoT has featured numerous spontaneous deaths in the past, very few match those of the first three seasons—say, Eddard, Rob and Catelyn Stark’s. Why? These characters were highly regarded as main characters, and with their sudden ends, a major theme of GoT is illustrated: mortality. Perhaps mortality will again be heavily influential in the upcoming episodes. In fact, George R.R. Martin states that the ending of GoT will be

“bittersweet.” Not to mention, the premier laid out the foundation for the rest of the season. Minor plot points such as the passive-aggressive feud between Sansa Stark and Daenerys, the divisive leadership of Winterfell and the uncertain escape of the Night’s Watch lays out the roots of near-infinite plot points. And that is the charm of the series: the plot’s unpredictability, twists and turns. So, while fans spend hours decoding a possible conclusion, the show which has been eight years in the making will end strong regardless. While the first episode for season eight set the foundation for the next episodes, it is important to keep in mind that this is the last premiere for GoT. With the show’s massive support, many are dismayed that this is the end. For me, this was the last time I watched GoT’s premiere. While the idea of fawning over a television show seems ridiculous, the show was a journey for many of its viewers. Despite the television series taking a diﬀerent direction from its source material, the show has over 10 million viewers. So, with the series coming to a close, its final season must be its best. However, because of the first episode’s compelling start, the viewers do not need to worry. With five more episodes left in the series, iksan olvie mundagon se jaelagon naejot limagon. GRAPHIC/CAROL LI

New K-pop comeback is deeply meaningful By ANNMARIE LI STAFF WRITER

With the “Chronosaurus” chasing after you, will you truly escape time itself? On Apr. 15, Korean pop (K-pop) boy group Stray Kids released a music video for their side track, “Chronosaurus”. Despite the song only being apart of their new album, Cle 1: Miroh, the rock ballad creates another side of the Cle 1 storyline, which continues the previous series, I Am. From being afraid of time itself to running from the constant ticking, “Chronosaurus”’s lyrics conveys how time is a challenge to overcome, as there is never enough time to do everything or to accomplish every single task. Written by Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han of Stray Kids themselves, otherwise known as 3R ACHA, the darknessthemed track showcases all of the members’ vocals throughout in different verses and various lines to create a song that for sure does not disappoint. Ultimately, “Chronosaurus” is a substantial side track with deep and lyrics that everyone can relate to as well as a meaningful music video that demonstrates these lyrics.

Although a meaning surface, the significance

the lyrics have even beyond the title itself holds as well. Within

time, it creates “chronosaurus,” resulting in a characterization of the song title itself as a beast that instills fear within those

it is always there, ticking away as days go by. The message that “Chronosaurus” conveys is how running out of time is abundant

the title, the base word, “Kronosaurus,” is the name of an ancient dinosaur, which gained a reputation as one of the largest and most vicious ancient marine life. With the addition of the second word of the mashup, “chronos,” the Greek word for

who look at it, making it fitting for the concept of time. Notably, despite the fact that the title carries a heavy meaning alongside the song itself, the lyrics share the true message. In a busy life, time is something that can not be escaped since

in everyday life. With the constant fear of time and being chased by it, there is no room for rest, just the continuous and rigourous tasks of life instead. Though it is the lyrics that make the most impact, the music video could play a role

as well. Despite the fact that the overall set is minimalistic and does not show anything of significance, each of the members get screen time within a screen that only shows black and white, like an old film. This has the possibility to hold significance, as it resembles how time moves so quickly, from the grayscale to abundant colors. For the entirety of the colorized scenes, all nine members simply sit in their chairs and look into something in the distance, something off camera. As the music video comes to a close, it becomes clear that what they were staring into was light, possibly being an escape route from a beast: the “chronosaurus.” At the end of the day, “Chronosaurus” is a meaningful ballad with sensational vocals and lyrics, as well as a movielike music video. The track showcases the group’s singing abilities instead of their rapping, which is unexpected since most of their songs focus on a mixture or both. As promotions for Cle 1 continue, Stray Kids still work to capture the entire K-pop industry with their voices and eventually climb up the charts as nine or none. GR APHIC/CAROL LI

12 SPORTS

Paw Prints Weekly

MONDAY, MAY 6, 2019

Badminton ends season with a victory over Webb HS By ALEX CASTRO STAFF WRITER

Badminton prevailed against Webb private school with a final score of 16 to 5 on April 26. This successful game marks a triumphant end to the league season and the end of the team’s season as the first round of preliminary matches.

According to coach Thai Pham, mentally preparing before matches is an important part of the sport. “One way to get rid of [stress] is to talk to [our players] and motivate them, [doing this,] they stay positive and keep calm. I tell jokes and we make sure to keep less pressure on [the team]. It helps keep their minds [focused] in the game.

Moreover, captain Crystal Yang (12) believes the energy provided by the team gives players confidence and support. “Cheering plays a big role when it comes to energy, it makes up for a lot of things because it provides the will and motivation to continue playing.” Yang said “Cheering gives players mental support and pushes you to do better and keep fighting. It tells you

that your teammates are relying on and gives you inspiration to keep playing and succeeding.” Additionally, captain Luke Li (12) believes that the team’s ability to consistently perform aided their success. [We won] because everyone played really well. We take practice seriously and it helps us perform [during] games. It did not matter if it was a league game because we play

every game our best like it is finals. ”Li said. “It is the upperclassmen and captain’s jobs to encourage the players to have that same mindset of determination.” The results of finals concluded the badminton season. Badminton’s next match will be a team CIF match against Cerritos HS.

COMMENTARY

Horse-racing: Thrilling, but at what cost? By CAROL LI ONLINE EDITOR

FROM OUR