FEATURE-LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
FROM THE LETTER
InFlight Staff 2013
"Tomorrow never knows"
Mrs. Mary Crawbuck
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THE LANDING
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Shreya Arora & Duncan Morrow
IN THIS ISSUE
Lovingly dedicated to Sharon Cao.
Questions or Comments? E-mail us at: inflighteditor@gmail.com Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/fhsinflight
with several different media outlets this year, including our Tumblr at fhsinflight.tumblr.com, which captures funny quotes from around our school; and our Livestream at Livestream.com/fhsinflight, where major sports games and events will be streamed throughout the year. Definitely check out these sites and others on the back because though tomorrow never knows, we can always take advantage of what we know today. Be informed. Stay Classy, Falcons.
Editors-in-Chief
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Veeda Alahari Shubhi Badjatiya Sadie Edwards
Visit us at: fhsinflight.com
Hey Falcons, This year, InFlight will carry on the legacy it started last year with a redefinition of our news media. However, this year, your Journalism class will be introducing to you a news magazine: The Landing. Our articles will still be up and running, as well as a full version of this magazine, on our website fhsinflight.com, even though we will have fewer print newspapers. Our theme this issue is “Tomorrow Never Knows.� We’ve found that the fundamental excitement of high school is not just the amalgamation of wonderful experiences, but the moment right before them- the thrill of not knowing what tomorrow will bring. This issue, we wanted to showcase some Foothill seniors that have come so far in sports, bringing for an even more exciting tomorrow that never knows, so make sure to check out our College Commits spread. InFlight will be working
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Senior College Commits
Changes at Foothill
Halloween Happenings and Opinions
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Gangnam Style
Fall Sports Report
Club Rules and Class Sizes
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NEWS-SCHOOL CHANGES
THE LANDING
New year brings changes to Foothill Anthony Kuo Jeanelle Wan Staff Reporters A new year has started at Foothill, and that means students and faculty are in for some major changes. This year, Foothill has a new vice principal, various new teachers, a new bell schedule, and late Wednesdays. Among the new faces is Vice Principal Mrs. Heller. She is starting her first year here after teaching at Amador Valley High School for fourteen years. When asked about the difference between Foothill and Amador, she replied, “They’re not at all that
Snigdha Jayavarapu Crystal Chu Staff Reporters In the Leadership class at Foothill High School, students representing each grade show leadership skills on a day-to-day basis by keeping our school spirited, organized, and fun. From the Halloween costume contests to the much-awaited annual Senior Flock party, the Leadership class has a plethora of exciting dances and good times planned for this year. With a new teacher, new students, and new ideas, Leadership is well on its way to creating an amazing, entertaining 2012-2013 school year. This year, the new brain behind leadership is Mr. Friesen. Friesen describes Leadership as "exciting and fun.” He believes that it’s vital to take a non-academic class. He enjoys helping the class turn their ideas into reality. "The ASB members and the Leadership class are hard-working and have been helping me learn the traditions of FHS,” Friesen states, adding, “Because they're a small class, it pushes them to work harder as a group, and I know that they have great potential."
different.” Mrs. Heller is glad to still be part of the Pleasanton community and finds the staff and students at Foothill to be friendly and welcoming. Since many of our teachers retired last year, there are a multitude of new teacher that are able to fill their spots. There are six new teachers at Foothill. Two of them are math teachers: Ms. Elnady and Mr. Johnson. Ms. Elnady is teaching Algebra, Geometry, and Math IV while Mr. Johnson teaches Intermediate Algebra, Math I, and Math V. The new faculty also includes Mr. Friesen, the new Leadership and Chemistry teacher; Ms. Moshtagh, teaching English and AVID; Ms. Ron, the new Spanish teacher; and
Mr. Mueller, who teaches Economics, Law and Society, and Global Studies. Secondly, returning students will see that the bell schedule has changed. School now starts at 8:01 AM and ends at 2:47 PM. In addition, late Wednesdays are back. For Sophie Wan (’13), “It’s perfect. I can either stay up later to catch up on work, or I get more sleep than usual, so it gets me through Thursday and Friday.” Mallika Pahwa (’16) seems to agree with Wan’s sentiments, as she believes that “every day should start late because students work better with more sleep.” Hopefully these changes will benefit Foothill as the year progresses.
For some, Leadership is a great way to create a memorable high school experience. Chloe Meyere (‘13), elected last year to be the ASB Vice President, says "Leadership has been an opportunity for me to get involved in my school. I've always wanted to have a say in what happens, and Leadership gives me the personal satisfaction of knowing I can actually make a difference on campus."
ing the annual "Trunk or Treat,” where students get to trick-or-treat out of the trunks of other students’ cars. “[Trunk or Treat] seems to always be a huge hit with the students,” says Bennett. She adds, “Leadership is working right now to promote the event so that everyone dresses up for school on [that day].” Bennett says Leadership’s hopes for this year are to get more people involved in and aware of the different activities taking place on campus. “ T h e goal is for everyone to participate equally, and not have the seniors dominate everything,” says Bennett. Along with trying to get more underclassmen to participate, Chloe Meyere says the ASB officers want to make this Leadership class the most effective it can be while hopefully renewing school spirit and involvement to how it used to be in previous years. Leadership wants to make this school year full of fun and exciting events with even more participation from Foothill students than in the past few years. Through this, they hope, it will be the best year for Foothill High School.
Leadership plans to make this the best year This year, Chloe is looking forward to enjoying the Halloween activities and says the annual Flock Party will most likely be the highlight of the year, since it is one of the largest events that all grades can participate in. When asked what plans Leadership has in store for Foothill this year, Lauren Bennett (‘13), ASB President, responded by saying that Leadership has new aims and ideas that are different than what has been done before. There are many fresh, new activities to look forward to this year, includ-
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FEATURE-HALLOWEEN
THE LANDING
Candy: An Essential Part of Halloween
Sharon Chu Staff Reporter
RECIPE CARD by Kelly McDeavitt News Editor
There comes a time every year when aisles of every store suddenly burst in abundance with candy in all shapes and sizes. To avoid such tempting goodies is nearly impossible. Everywhere you turn, these bags of joy seem to be beckoning to you. Each year, Americans spend over $2 billion on Halloween candy alone which comes as no surprise. In fact, it was here in the US where candy earned its role in the popular fall holiday. According to candy expert Samira Kawash, of The Atlantic, candy companies created the idea in 1916 to increase candy sales and consumption: a holiday invention “uniquely American in its entrepreneurial spirit: Candy Day.” In the early 1950’s, kids received nuts, fruit, cookies, cakes, and even coins as tribute during their
annual visits around the neighborhood. It wasn’t until the 1970’s when candy was served as the most popular and fitting Halloween treats. Nowadays, various types of candy flood the market this time of year. From America’s favorite chocolate bar brands (Hershey’s, Snickers, Kit Kat, Twix, Milky Way) to fruity delights of assorted textures and flavors (Starbursts. Skittles, Dum Dums, Sour Patch Kids), candy manufacturers rarely fail to please us - or themselves, for that matter. They introduce us to different and sometimes “limited” editions of classic candy. Take Snickers as an example: in recent years, they’ve added variations such as “Snicker’s Dark,” containing dark chocolate, and a limited edition “Snicker’s Fudge” bar. To some, these candy bars sound nowhere near delicious, while to others it’s a dream come true.
Pumpkin Bread
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For Dustin Duranleau (’15), regular Snickers would be his top Halloween pick “because the mixture of chocolate and caramel is amazing.” Others, such as Paul Jung (’13), tend to lean towards candy with a fruitier taste, such as Sour Patch. For him, the candy “reminds [him] of his childhood.” Halloween favorites don’t have to remain in any set category though. Elaine Cheng (’15) and Alanna Goodman (’15) agree that “Twix, Sour Skittles, and sour candy in general” are their favorites. “We like it all,” they added. If candy-giving wasn’t introduced to Halloween sixty years ago, how different would it be? With no candy in the spotlight, Halloween would just be a day full of pranks and parties featuring seasonal fruits. Whether it’s Halloween or “Candy Day,” either way we’d still have loads of sweets. Imagine that.
INGREDIENTS:
DIRECTIONS:
3 1/2 cups of flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 2 cups (preferably) fresh pumpkin 1 cup vegetable oil 4 eggs (beaten) 1/4 cup water 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup walnuts
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Mix together the flour, baking soda, salt, sugar, and baking powder STEP TWO: Mix the pumpkin, oil, eggs, water, and cinnamon together. Combine it with dry ingredients, but don’t mix too thoroughly. Stir in the walnuts. STEP THREE: Pour into a wellbuttered 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. Bake 50 to 60 minutes until a thin skewer poked in the very center of the loaf comes out clean. Turn out of the pan and let cool on a rack.
FEATURE-HALLOWEEN
THE LANDING
A Hot Mess: Are Halloween costumes too revealing? Jeanelle Wan Staff Reporter A girl should be able to wear whatever she wants, yet the Halloween costumes sold in stores don’t give her enough options. There is something about the appeal of dressing up that creates a false belief that Halloween is the only day where a girl is allowed to wear suggestive clothing and get away with it. It’s not a bad or good thing, but the costumes that sit in stores usually emphasize the body more than usual. When a boy looks for a Halloween costume, he can find ones that range from an M&M to the grim reaper. When a girl looks for a Halloween costume,
she can also find these costumes, as long as the theme “sexy” accompanies them. Costumes are tighter, shorter, and show more skin, promoting the idea that this is the norm for girls. For now, unisex and homemade costumes seem to be the only solutions, but the fact remains that unless someone wants to dress up like a Christmas present or a can of soup, there aren’t enough options to compensate for the amount of sexist female costumes. Hillary Djatikusuma (’14) comments that the costumes are “degrading and unfair. They just objectify girls.” The costumes themselves are not unfair, but the inventory of costumes kept in Halloween stores is. Girls are only given sexualized costumes to
Ages 3-6
Ages 7-10
choose from in stores, even though there are plenty of other costumes that would sell. Who says a witch has to wear a tight dress? Who says a witch can’t wear a long robe and have ratty hair and look absolutely terrifying? Who says a witch can’t look like the more modest Hermione Granger from Harry Potter? During the upcoming costume fashion show at lunch, many Foothill girls will be disappointed that they cannot participate because they won’t have a creative costume that doesn’t focus on their bodies. This problem can be solved if Halloween stores began selling nonsexist costumes that don’t objectify women into simply being sexy things.
Ages 11-14
Ages 15+?
Photos Courtesy: Jeanelle Wan and Teddy Wu
Halloween is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning where to go for the best candy and scares! Here are the top 5 places in Pleasanton to get your Halloween on:
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1) pirates of emerson The number one scariest place to go on Halloween. While you may not be in a neighborhood setting with an abundance of candy, this place is well worth the scare.
foothill road Biggest candy bars by far at this house! You have to stop by here at least once in your Pleasanton youth. Just make sure to get there early, because there is a line!
4) laguna oaks
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3) madden’s house,
There may not be the scariest houses in this neighborhood, but this area is always packed with kids of all ages, making it a fun, social place to go.
2) tennis park neighborhood There are tons of haunted houses jammed in this confusing yet popular area, as well as plenty of trickor-treating. One house to look out for this year is 6933 Court Monterey. This haunted house will be bound to scare you.
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5) ruby hills Just like Laguna Oaks, you are bound to find all your friends in this part of town. You can also snag some great candy and hit up some amusing parties.
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NEWS-PLEASANTON-LOCAL
THE LANDING
Pleasanton Elections Underway Brianne Uyeda Staff Reporter On Thursday, October 4th, Pleasanton city’s local elections commenced. There are three positions available: one for mayor and two empty city council seats. Jerry Thorne and Cheryl Cook-Kallio are competing for Pleasanton’s next mayor. On his personal statement for the Pleasanton Weekly, Jerry Thorne has been in public service for 17 years and in business for over 40. His political stance seeks to have the city council to work together in line with the school district
and city employees in order to balance the budget and prevent unfair taxes. Thorne also wishes to sustain Pleasanton’s high quality of life standards. “This vision is based on years of leadership experience in both the public and private sectors and the input I have received from citizens like you,” Thorne states. Cheryl Cook-Kallio›s personal statement says that she is a threeterm vice mayor with six years of experience as a city council member. She has also taught Government and says that this will enforce her understanding of the mayoral position. She supports
public safety made by the addition of traffic signals, economic growth and development, and affordable housing. “Your vote will determine who will lead Pleasanton, and more importantly, which direction our beloved city will take and how it will grow,” Cook-Kallio says. “It is about issues and effectiveness, and the ability to get the job done.” These candidates seem more than ready for the challenges that being a mayor comes with, so if you’re 18 in Pleasanton, get out there and make your voice heard! The ballots can be turned in any time until November 6th.
V e t e r a ns D a y Kyle Wiest Staff Reporter At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the armistice that ended hostilities between Allied nations and Germany took effect. On November 11, 1919, the first Armistice Day was commemorated to honor the veterans of World War I. Armistice Day lasted until 1954 when its name was changed to “Veterans Day” to honor both the living and the deceased veterans of all wars. Now a federal holiday, Veterans Day is recognized by flags being flown at halfmast and government offices including schools being shut down for the day. This year we observe Veterans Day on Sunday, November 11, and have November 12 off from school. The Tri-Valley and Pleasanton in particular have a strong tradition of commemorating
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feature
Veterans Day with parades, benefit events, and military drives. According to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6298, the annual Tri-Valley Veterans Day Parade has been held in Pleasanton since its creation in 1996 and has had many influential speakers including US Army Major General Nick Tooliatos (US Army), US Congressman Jerry McNerney, and Rear Admiral Jud Scott (USN). This year, Pleasanton clubs and organizations are also stepping up to help commemorate Veterans Day. “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”
-Woodrow Wilson
16th Annual Tri-Valley Veterans Day Parade Theme: “Purple Hearts” Where: Downtown Pleasanton (starts on Old Bernal Ave) When: 11:30am Nov. 4 Military Packout by Pleasanton Military Families (PMF) Where: Veterans’ Hall 301 Main St. Pleasanton When: 4pm Nov. 16 NHS Letter Writing to Soldiers Where: FHS When: 3 pm-5pm Nov. 30 *This event is being put on by Foothill’s NHS. Contact any NHS member for more information. NHS Military Drive Where: FHS (in-class) When: December 10-21 *Contact any NHS member for more information.
FEATURES-PLEASANTON-COLLEGE COMMITS
THE LANDING
Foothill seniors’ college commits Teddy Wu Features Editor
the University of California at Berkeley. Still, TCU remained her top choice throughout the recruitment process. Alex and her twin sister, Katie Sborov (‘13), began their golf careers at age three by first swinging a set of plastic clubs. Since then , the two have been on Foothill’s varsity girls golf team for all four years. Her lowest score so far for eighteen holes is a 69, and her favorite tournament she’s competed in is the California State Junior Girls Champion-
After an arduous recruiting process that lasted nearly two years, Foothill senior Alex Sborov (’13) has committed to playing golf for Texas Christian University next fall. Sborov calls the decision “a relief to not have to worry about college anymore.” TCU first approached Sborov during a tournament in her sophomore year, stating that ship, held every sumthe school had an inmer in Monterey. “The terest in her. NCAA biggest highlight for regulations prohibit has been qualifying Texas Christian University me schools from official twice in the USGA Girls Junior Championship,” says Sborov. student contact until SeptemThis is an annual tournament featuring ber 1 of their junior year, however. the nation’s top young female golfers. Soon after contact was estabAs for her current golf game, lished, Sborov traveled to Fort Worth to Sborov plans on continuing to play visit the campus, and would later comwith the Foothill team in the fall, and mit to TCU on June 5th of this year. to play in local invitationals during Alex also received scholarship opthe rest of her senior year. It’s safe portunities from several other schools, to say her future is looking bright. including the University of Arizona and
ALEX SBOROV
since she was three years old. She Some decisions are made based has been on Foothill’s varsity girls upon a whim; an instantaneous gut golf team for all four years, and has feeling so forceful and persistent excelled at the sport throughout her that one can’t help but comply. life. The crowning achievement of her Such is the case with the commitshining career so far has been qualiment Katie Sborov (’13) made to fying for the US Girls Junior Champlay golf for Vanderbilt in the fall. pionship this past summer. “It is one Several schools initially approached of the most prestigious tournaments Sborov beginning September 1 of her to qualify for, and it was the place I junior year, including the University of first met the Vanderbilt coach, so it California at Berkeley and the Univerwas really memorable,” Sborov says. sity of Michigan. But it wasn’t until Katie, along with her twin sisKatie played in a tournament this past ter, Alex, plan on leading Foothill’s July, with college scouts onlooking, varsity girls golf team to anoththat Vanderbilt first approached her. er successful season, this time as “The talks got heated in a hurco-captains. In addition, ry,” said Sborov. “I Katie will continue to play visited the campus in individual tournaments in late August and throughout the year to imaccepted the scholVanderbilt University prove her game and prepare arship on the spot.” her for her freshman year at Vandy, When asked about her emowhere she hopes to make the travtions about the decision, Katie simeling team. While she may be livply replied, “It feels good to know ing the sweet life now, the best is that all the hard work has paid off.” still yet to come for Katie Sborov. Sborov has been playing golf
KATIE SBOROV
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THE LANDING
FEATURES-PLEASANTON-LOCAL-COLLEGE COMMITS
Foothill seniors’ college commits Daniel Kim Staff Reporter
nity to put his talents on full display. From our very own varsity footWhen asked how he felt about ball team, one player has committed the whole situation, he respondto taking his game to the collegiate ed, “This is a dream come true. level. Raymond Hudson (’13), one Playing football at Cal has been a of Foothill’s high-achieving athletes, dream of mine for a while. It’s awewill be taking his talents to the Unisome that I am able to go there.” versity of California at Berkeley. There seems to be no downside Hudson has here for Hudplayed wide reson as he gets ceiver, tight end, to play the game outside lineback- University of California, Berkeley he loves at the er, safety, and punter throughout his four years of college of his dreams on a full scholhigh school football, and will be priarship. This is an exciting journey marily used at the tight end position for the football star, and the fact with the Cal Bears. Although where that he is staying in the Bay Area is he will land on the depth chart is unsure to keep parents and students known, he will be given the opportuof Foothill High School cheering.
RAYMOND HUDSON
EMMY RODRIGUEZ University of Oregon In the fall of 2013, Foothill’s own Emmy Rodriguez (’13) will be joining the green and yellow at the University of Oregon. Rodriguez, who currently plays center back on the Foothill girls’ soccer team, is excited to take her game to the next level. “It’s an honor to play in a top college division as the PAC 12.” When asked what she was most excited about playing in Oregon, she replied, “I’m excited to play with my sister.” Her sister, Allison Rodriguez was a walk-on to the team in her freshman year, and seems to have a great influence on Foothill’s soccer star. “My sister pushes me out on the field and she knows me the best, which makes me a better player.” Oregon was Rodriguez’s first choice from the beginning. She says she has already met the coach of the Duck’s squad and has visited the campus a couple of times stating, “I think the University of Oregon is the perfect fit for me academically, socially, and athletically.” As this Falcon transforms into a Duck in the next stage of her soccer career, we can only expect great things for “Em-Rod.” Photos Courtesy: Benjamin Dunn, State Cup 2010 Photographer, Teddy Wu, Celina Li, Alexa Milus, Laura Klein
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ALEXA MILUS Washington College Alexa Milus (‘13) has committed to Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland for lacrosse. Alexa says she is “happy with where [she] is going,” and can’t wait for next fall. In the meantime, Milus still plans to play lacrosse on her travel team, continuing the hard effort and diligence she has put forth in her game. “It›s mostly for conditioning and to get better before college,” she says. For a girl with a shining past, here›s hoping her future brings many bright spots as well.
FEATURES-PLEASANTON-LOCAL-COLLEGE COMMITS
THE LANDING
Foothill seniors’ college commits Shubhi Badjatiya Staff Reporter
CELINA LI University of California, Berkeley Celina Li (’13) has committed to the University of California, Berkeley for swimming. She is the top swimmer in California and has achieved greatness in her sport by being a part of the USJunior National team and Olympic Trials this past summer. Whenever she is asked about her accomplishments, Li attempts to downplay her expertise and skill. Li said that she «was always at the pool watching [my] sister swim and I ended up joining the swim team because I wanted to be just like her.” The college recruitment processes can be incredibly stressful, and as she ventured out to learn about the colleges scouting her, such as USC, Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and University of Georgia, the process got even more intense.
One of the hardest parts is turning a college down. “I had to call the head coach at USC and turn him down, and it was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. But the best part was the call to the UC Berkeley head coach, Terri, and committing to Cal.”
Foothill Senior Laura Klein (’13) has
Li talked about UC Berkeley’s eclectic training methods, and said she looked forward to “spin classes, yoga, weights, and ocean swims.” Li is an upcoming superstar, but it truly is her humble attitude that will take her far in life.
LAURA KLEIN
of my junior year 2012.” But getting noticed by Stanford was one of the hardest parts of
committed to Stanford Stanford University for lacrosse. As a top lacrosse athlete, Klein would often the recruiting process, with huntravel all over the country to compete. dreds of girls to compete against, Her success can be attributed to and it is incredibly difficult to stand the incredible amount of hard work she out and make a lasting impression. puts in to her sport and to her school. In college, Klein is planning on Klein was inspired by her older sister to “improving not only the physical asplay lacrosse, and stated that her sister pects of my game such as endurance, was instrumental in encouraging her stick skills, and shooting, but also “pick up the stick and try out the game.” the intangibles such as leadership, College choices are incredibly aggression, and a good work ethic.” hard, and Klein can attest to that fact. Klein stated plenty of reasons Her colleges came down to Brown, for why she picked Stanford, and it Princeton, and Stanford, with Stanford becoming the eventual winner. Klein explained the recruitment process, starting with freshmen year, when the daunting process began. “I wrote to college coaches and went to many college showcase tournaments. Stanford recruited me the summer after my sophomore year and it was a perfect fit, so I committed October
seems like she truly made the best decision for her. “I love how it is so focused on academics, yet still has a huge sports following. I like the intensity of the lacrosse program. It is a beautiful campus. I am close to home so my parents can see me play. Ultimately, I just felt it when I walked onto campus that this was the place I wanted to be.”
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OPINIONS-CLUB RULES
THE LANDING
Club rules: limiting
Susan Kim Staff Reporter Although the way that clubs operate has not changed in the last three years, the administration is now pushing clubs to follow these guidelines more closely than before. Officers around campus have spoken about how fewer fundraisers and off-campus events are being made because of the hassle they have to go through to earn approval. A few of the duties as a general member of a club are: to attend meetings, listen to officers, and discuss upcoming events. This rarely includes planning events for the club. However, members also find it frustrating when ideas are turned down. Many approved clubs that benefit Foothill are actively involved in various events in and out of school. These events are meant to be fun and beneficial. Interact, for example, depends
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on them in order for the club to promote its idea of “service above self” and get involved with the community. They need fundraisers to raise money for their annual cause and events beyond the campus for volunteering opportunities. However, it will be quite difficult this year to plan several events each month as guidelines and paperwork slow down planning. Many members are disappointed when they find out that events are canceled because they aren’t approved in time. The strict club regulation is already affecting Interact’s first major off-campus event of the year: FLC. Grace Kim (‘13), the events coordinator, explained, “We have problems getting to district and area events because the school requires us to get field trip forms, volunteer clearance forms and chaperones for every single event. FLC is a leadership workshop and a spirit filled day for high school students. By restricting us, they’re potentially limiting us from a great opportunity to really network and learn
more about other communities.” While it seems unfair that the enforcement of these guidelines limit such beneficial events, we can’t completely blame them. Vice Principal Jennifer Friesen mentioned that some of these guidelines are set by the state. It’s not like the administration has power over the state to change this. They are simply following guidelines. But aren’t we following them too closely? Alex Ku (‘13), a District Council member, mentioned that she had the opportunity to talk to other clubs in Northern California. Club officers from other schools did not have as many obstacles as the ones here at Foothill. If the school didn’t enforce the guidelines so strictly, our clubs could do so much more. Club members always have creative ideas, but many are turned down. If they don’t see much activity going on in the club, they move on. Guidelines are strictly enforced to prevent mistakes, but they’re preventing clubs from doing more. Why hold back clubs from their full potential?
OPINIONS-CLASS SIZES
THE LANDING
Class sizes on steroids
Emma Longridge Business Manager As they settle into this new school year, many students here on the Foothill campus are not only overwhelmed by homework, sports, and part-time jobs, but also find themselves seated in classrooms that can no longer contain them. Class sizes this year are off the charts, with many classes reaching a total of nearly 40 students. Due to the budget cut crisis, many class sections are being cut, which leads to less class periods and more students within them. Now, teachers are being forced to accept more kids into their classes which then creates more noise pollution and a lower quality working environment. Betty Thoe, an English teacher, has repeatedly stated in her classroom that “it is difficult for me to teach because the subject that I am teaching calls for a class size of twenty-five, not nearly 38.” This overcrowding directly effects
those involved: it is harder for the teacher to teach and it is equally more difficult for the students to learn. The fact is that, throughout all my three (going on four) years of attending Foothill, I have never seen my classes so impacted by budget cuts. After viewing and experiencing all of these complications, I have come to the conclusion that schools’ frivolous spending ventures are sending us into a seemingly endless pool of misery. Many of us have seen the different things the school has used its funds for. Many times, it doesn’t match up why the school has enough money to spend on elaborate events, but not enough to create more class sections. Often times, by merely just viewing the situation, it proves to be hard to register why we, as the future leaders of America, need to be subjected to the poor or misguided choices of administrative adults. However, while it may appear to be this way, after speaking to Jennifer Friesen, vice principal extraordinaire, the situation seems to be more
complicated. In reality, the PUSD determines where the different sorts of funds and donations go, not the school itself. For example, the new Mac computers Foothill recently acquired are derived from money stored in the technology category of finances. There is no way to dip into different categories for funds because the money can only be used for the purpose it is intended for. That means it is not possible to take money out of one department of lesser need and put it into a department of higher need. Because of this, many class sections have been cut and lead to larger class sizes. “Certain classes are chosen based on what students want,” states Friesen, “If more students want to take science, we will put more science classes in. If more students want art, we add more art classes.” Now that classes are larger and more impacted, “I feel it is harder for students to concentrate, leading them to not do as well as they could have,” shares Friesen.
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A&E-GANGNAM STYLE PSY
THE LANDING SWEEPS
THE
“GANGNAM Crystal Chu Staff Reporter The line “Oppa Gangnam Style” has been sung across the world. All because of the comeback song “Gangnam Style” sung by the Korean artist Psy.“Gangnam style” is a music video made by South Korean artist, Psy that has over four hundred twenty million hits from fans all across the world. To some students, it was a surprise that the song had gone global. James Lee (’14) commented, “I thought it would only be a hit in Korea, but it became international”. So who is this crazy mastermind behind the song? Psy, also short for Psycho, (real name Park Jae-sang) is a South Korean songwriter, singer, rapper, dancer, and producer. Just as his name says, he may be psycho, but as a matter of fact, he graduated from the Berkeley School of Music. Gangnam is a small district in Seoul, South Korea. Gangnam used to be a country like neighborhood in Seoul, meaning that there was very limited technology, abundance of famers, and it used to be a rural area separated from the city. Thus Psy dresses and represents a Gangnam man. Currently though, Gangnam is now the Las Vegas of Korea. The lyrics explain about wealth and class in the South Korean society. The basic meaning of the lyrics is about how Korean women would spend more money on coffee than their own lunch. These women are called “Soybean paste women” for their propensity to crimp on
WORLD
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STYLE“
essentials so they can over-spend on conspicuous luxuries such as coffee. Many would say that “Gangnam Style” has gotten its popularity from merely the dance. Psy created a choreography that is very similar to a horse. It may seem odd, but it has positive feedback from a range of ages and genders. Kai Zamora (’16) said it was “entertaining,“ and Hannah Frederick (’13) said it was “unique and very different.” Adrian Martinez(’14) even added that he “loves it!”
Although this music video is all fun and games, high schoolers aren’t the only ones glued to a YouTube screen. Kids as young as elementary school have seen the video and the various dance moves included. So while you’re laughing at the wacky dance moves, there are a wide variety of kids who have also seen the video and know the dance. So watch out world, Psy has a made a comeback with “Gangnam Style” and who knows what may come next.
Students Zach Summerfield (’13) and Sean Mackle (’13) showing off their ”Gangnam Style” moves.
How to Gangam SStep tep 1:
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SStep tep 3 3:
Step p 4:
A&E-PIZZA REVIEW
THE LANDING
The InFlight Pizza Review Anthony Kuo Photo Editor
New York Pizza Vito’s Express The first I hit was New York Pizza. It is a kitschy place in Downtown Pleasanton, dangerously close to the Pleasanton arch, and is great for pizza in general. However, parking is difficult- it may take twenty minutes to find a spot to park your car. This time may or may not be worth the pizza, depending on what you like. The pizza there is done New York Style with a thin crust that folds easily. Pizzas come in various sizes. The cheese was stringy and, of course, cheesy. Everything was cooked well. If you like to dab your pizza with napkins before you eat it, get your napkins on. There’s a bit of grease to dab at The eat-in experience is fine. The nice people behind the counter bought out the pizza within the estimated time that they gave. The wait wasn’t too long and the store was clean. The price is moderate.
Vito’s Express in Dublin is a good Friday night pizza place for everyone. It’s a little bit further out in somewhat deserted strip mall and shopping center, so parking is A-okay. The best part of this place is that you can actually see the cooks making your pizza when you order in person. The decor isn›t bad at all: there’s a wacky 10 (or more) spoked ceiling fan and Vespas both inside and outside the restaurant. There’s also a small bar inside, but most of us won’t get served there.l The pizza itself is fine. It smelled really good when one of the employees brought it to my table. The crust is thin and there was a moderate amount of toppings on the pizza. It tasted a little bland, but was good otherwise.
Cafe Main Cafe Main was deemed the most fun place on Earth. By that, I mean our cashier danced for us. Though I can’t guarantee a dance for every customer, it was still a great place. On a more serious note, Cafe Main located in Downtown Pleasanton. The staff is friendly and the pizza came out quickly. For those who have never been inside, there are more seats that you’d expect as there’s a back seating area equipped with a TV.l Cafe Main offers two types of pizza: thin and thick crust. I had both kinds, but I couldn’t really tell the difference. Beyond that, the pizza was good. I didn’t have the urge to dab the pizza with napkins though it wasn’t without oil. Most importantly, the pizzas ordered with toppings come pretty much completely covered. I wasn›t used to the density of toppings on top of the pizza. That make for a pretty good mix: a pizza that doesn’t look too greasy and contains lots of toppings.a
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PAGE 12 Allison Wong (’13)3 Raymond Hudson (’13)3 3
To read the full article, visit fhsinflight.com
Brooke Campbell (’13)3
The Foothill varsity football team is looking pretty good this year, having won against the following schools: Nevato, Las Lomas, and Monte Vista. They have lost to Freedom and Cal High. Head Coach Matt Sweeney stated that “Ray [Hudson] (’13) and Griffith [Gates] (’13) have really stepped up. They are just phenomenal players.” Coach Sweeney said that the team has displayed good work ethic, but needs to work on staying focused all the time with no mental lapses. He also said that
FOOTBALL the team plans to be more balanced in the running and passing game by utilizing both components of the offense equally. The football team has put in numerous hours of hard work, and continues to work six days a week, with either after-school practice or lunch time film reviewing. When asked if his team has a shot at the playoffs, Coach Sweeney replied “It’s a crazy league. Anything can happen.”
The Foothill varsity girls’ volleyball team is usually a force to be reckoned with, and this year looks no different. Captain Amanda Tuazon (’13) has helped keep this team strong as ever. She stated, “This year, we have a very young team. We are constantly improving and developing our younger players, and our more experienced members are doing a great job mentoring the others.” Led
VOLLEYBALL
by Coach Dusty Collins, this team has displayed very strong serving and spiking skills, while always maintaining a positive attitude. Jasmine Ballesteros (’13), one of the three veteran players, said, “We made NCS for the past two years, and I think we are definitely still in the running to win it this year.” The key games for this team are the matches versus San Ramon, Amador Valley, and California High.
Sohan Shah & Viswa Rao Sports Editor & Staff Reporter
that the key games for her team are against Amador Valley High School, San Ramon Valley High School, and Monte Vista High School. The match versus Monte Vista High School should be one to watch because they have a relatively older team while we have a younger and still developing team, which should lead to an interesting dynamic.
TENNIS
comprised of mainly very young players. Under the tutelage of the two co-captains, this group has united as a team and is staying positive. Wong says, “I play with a defensive style, and I have a very strong forehand.” By displaying her advanced technique and form, she helps the younger players develop. She stated
Led by captains Ally Wong (’13) and Leanne Chen (’13), the girls’ varsity tennis team has done very well despite the fact that it’s
Fall Sports Report
Photos Courtesy: Teddy Wu, Anthony Kuo
Alex Sborov (’13)3 3
SPORTS-FALL SPORTS REPORT-FOOTHILL THE LANDING
FEATURE-BULLYING-SCHOOL ISSUES-SUICIDE
Standing on the
EDGE
Meher Pahwa
Over
Staff Reporter “A permanent solution to a temporary problem” is a phrase that is most often used when it comes to suicide. In the past two years, more than nineteen people in Pleasanton alone have chosen that solution to end their problems. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young adults worldwide and has become one of the leading causes of deaths in Pleasanton. It’s sad to see that these teens felt helpless enough to put an end to their lives; it’s sad to see these teens become a statistic. However, we have the power to keep someone from simply
THE LANDING
becoming another number. At Foothill, we are lucky to have a number of resources that can help individuals facing depression and suicidal behavior. “Our Movement,” a school club that meets every Thursday, is an organization that helps people directly deal with depression and suicide. They support events such as PostSecret and the “You are Loved” campaign, both of which encourage the prevention of suicide. “The main objective of our club is to show that people are there for you and to believe in yourself,” says student Selina Lao (’13). Foothill High School is also blessed with another great program: Peer Advocates. Peer advocates consist
4,000 people ages 24-15 die each year because of suicde
Peer Advocates meet every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in Room B- 11 at lunch.
Ask for help. Almost 1 in 5 high school students have thought about committing suicide. of a group of students who meet every Wednesday and Friday to help students with issues such as bullying, harassment, and depression. Both of these groups strive to show how significant the issue of suicide is, and continue to hope that with these meeting they may be able to offer help to those who are struggling with the idea of living Unlike most problems, suicide does not have a direct cure-there isn’t medication we can use to make it go away. However, what we can all do is to help prevent it. As Lao says, “Depression, self-injury, and suicide are very serious matters that need attention, but rather than trying to “cure” them, we need to take
the measures to prevent them, and the prevention is within all of you.” We can direct people to get professional help, or we can inform our counselors when we see someone upset. Or sometimes, just be willing to listen and provide support and let the person know you care. The teen suicide rate has increased more than %200 in the last decade. It’s time for us to do something. It’s time to show that the statistic matters, and that death is not just a number. If you notice anyone or feel yourself that you need help, please call the Anonymous Student Tipline at:
925 417 5199
The Coroner’s Bureau of Alameda County deals with an average of
120 suicides each year.
Suicide is the
THIRD leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 19 years.
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