April 2014 Crimson Chronicle by Hollywood High

HOLLYWOOD HIGH • HOME OF THE SHEIKS

THE CRIMSON CHRONICLE 1521 N. HIGHLAND AVE, HOLLYWOOD, CA 90028

VOLUME XI ISSUE V APRIL 2014

Teachers will vote on a schedule change Staff will choose on either a six period schedule or a seven period block schedule on Tuesday rocio flores cHRONICLE REPORTER

Changes are being made to the bell schedule once again. It has not yet been decided what the schedule will be next year. Among the proposed schedules are the schedule from last year and a new block schedule. Once the schedule is chosen, it will be implemented for the upcoming school year of 20142015. Voting will take place at a faculty meeting on Tuesday, according to Principal Alejandra Sanchez. The new schedule proposed by the School Based Management committee involves keeping the seven periods and adding a 15-minute advisory. Every Monday all seven periods would meet with the exception of advisory. Passing periods on Monday would be five minutes, the same as they are now. Tuesday to Friday would be a block schedule that includes having advisory and

period seven every day. That is, periods one, three and five would meet for 90 minutes on Tuesday and Thursday and periods two, four and six would meet for 90 minutes on Wednesday and Friday. Period 7 would meet for 69 minutes each day. Passing periods would be six minutes on these days. This new schedule was proposed by the SBM committee, made up of administrators, parents, teachers, and students. Many teachers and students say keeping the current schedule would be a mistake because it is difficult to keep up with seven classes a day. However, some want the seven-period block schedule because it allows students who have failed classes to

make them up and graduate on time. David Payne, social studies teacher, said having seven periods allows seniors to leave school early or take service classes. Since many students

have too many classes they learn less,” said PAM teacher Frank Berumen. Seven classes have students tired by lunch. “Six periods are more productive,” he said. Some students oppose the seven period block schedule because it means longer periods. It also means that classes would meet every two days. Payne said the inconvenience is more homework might be assigned with the reasoning that students will have more time to complete it. Longer periods do not sound appealing to some students. “I prefer last year’s schedule because shorter classes keeps a student active; longer classes would bore a student and lower his capacity

“The main thing is that we want students to learn; if they have too many classes they learn less,” complete most of their requirements by senior year, they do not need the extra period, he said. This means that by the time current freshmen and sophomores reach their senior year, most of their requirements would have been completed and they would have a lot of extra school time on their hands. “The main thing is that we want students to learn; if they

Caught in Instagram scandal

to learn,” said SAS junior Ricky Estrada. English teacher James B. Carmicle said he prefers the seven-period block schedule because it offers consistency; however, he said he would not object to going back to six periods. The current schedule does not allow a teacher to fully plan his class because sometimes classes do not meet; the class missed falls behind and does not have a chance to catch up until two weeks later. The block schedule would not have this problem which is what some teachers want. “It would provide a schedule where classes meet on an organized and guaranteed set of alternate days which would permit planning, at least for me, in a more thorough and consistent manner, which helps to achieve the goal for my students to enjoy academic success,” said Carmicle.

Inappropiate photos of students were posted and messaged to others VANESSA GARCIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Administrators are still investigating on who is responsible for the “HOLLYWOODBOPS” Instagram page that went viral online after the sender sent out pictures of topless students to other Instagram users. The page was created three weeks ago after Fairfax High students created one similar. Other LAUSD schools such as Los Angeles High School, Dorsey, and Bravo Medical School followed, hours after and created their own pages. More than 600 people followed the Hollywood page and all over Instagram people kept posting and advertising the page. “Its really appalling that we are wasting our time trying to find new ways to degrade people.” said Dean Essick Allen. The creator of the page asked others to contribute to his collection by sending more photos. They sent those revealing pictures through direct message to those who gave “shout outs” of the “HOLLYWOODBOPS” page. These pictures were also posted on the public page for a couple of minutes. After a short period of time the photo would be taken down and every hour/day after that, another photo would appear and the process would start all over again. However, people took screenshots of the photos posted up and shared it with others according to students who took part. Two Hollywood High students reported the situation because they were directly affected and now the administrators are following up on leads to find out who is behind the

creation of this page. Assistant Principal, Cassandra Morris, said that not much could be done because it is a police matter not a school matter. But the LAUSD No Bullying or Hazing Contract says otherwise. It states if any student is posting or sending inappropriate images by text, cellphones, or on any social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter is considered cyberbullying. “Sending nudes or sexual images may be considered distribution or possession of child pornagraphy, which is a crime,” according to the contract. Prospective students and parents came to the open house PHOTO CREDIT: Steve Montoya Online bullying has been an issue for many students and staff. Liability issues limit how much administraOpen House invites students to preview Hollywood High tors can do. Although, if any student also said that it was a good opportunity Students were to physically or emotionally be STEVE MONTOYA for these students and their parents to harmed on school grounds, adminis- CHRONICLE REPORTER hosted an open house for prospec- “meet teachers and students” and for the trators would get involved and handle parents to “make informed decisions.” tive students and their parents on April the situation. JJ Tolibao, a student from Virgil Middle “Although, we can not fully take ac- 5 to promote the school’s programs and School, went to the Open House and is tion on online bullying, those students courses. considering attending next year after seeThe open house also included breakwho keep posting the photos can still ing everything offered. “Everything here get in trouble,” said Dr. Travis Brandy, outs of various sessions in which the difis new and different,” he said. ferent SLCs presented their slide shows assistant principal. “They are still Katrina Bernardo, a junior who is a breaking laws and school rules and if and films. The open house also featured member of the SAS Brigade, said that they keep posting these photos they a lively school activity fair, in which the the open house will be a good way for will get into trouble with the school sports teams and clubs were showcased, as well as demonstrations from marching students to get a feeling for the school. “ and the law.” I hope that everything goes well, because The two students directly affected band and cheer. The open house began with a greeting this is a school worth going to,” she said. by the page have given administrators and presentation from Principal AleShe also said that she remembered going leads on who is behind the “BOPS” to a similar event and seeing many apprepage. Other schools have followed and jandra Sanchez in the auditorium. After hensive students, and this event enabled will continue investigating on who is attending the sessions, prospective students and their parents were led around the students to become more comfortthe creator of the different pages. campus by student-led tours. able. “The purpose of it is to promote the “It’s a great way to showcase our ERIKA SALAZAR, SUSAN CIFUENTES AND GABY school and see if anybody wants to atwonderful programs to the community CORDOVA CONTRIBUTED TO THE STORY tend,” says College Counselor Heather and to those interested in the school,” Brown, who organized the event. She Brown said.

A sneak peek into Sheik life

Index 2 qop/ed 4 qnews 6 qfeatures 8 qentertainment 10qSports Visit us online at www.Thecrimsonchronicle.com

2 APRIL 2014

OPINION/EDITORIAL

Staff Editorial:

Scooping up the field mice and BOPping them on the head

The LAUSD Instagram scandal has recently affected students, teachers, parents and administrators. People have been having trouble deciding who is at fault- the student who took the suggestive photo, or the person who distributed it for the world to see. At our school and others neighboring it, there have been incidents of girls having their photos put up without their knowledge or consent on social networking sites, like SnapChat or Instagram, along with remarks about their alleged promiscuity. These individuals are sophomorically referred to as “bops” and are subsequently the subjects of the so-called “bop lists.” There has been some controversy over who is really at blame here. The kids who take the photos, or the ones who put up the accounts to publicly defame them. As cliche as it sounds, two wrongs don’t make a right. While it isn’t quite stupidity, it is indeed a clear and utter lack of judgement on behalf of the students who take the photos and send them to others. While they might think it’s private, absolutely nothing is private once shared through wireless communication. It becomes public domain, not to mention a criminal offense; producing and distributing sexually explicit content from one underaged child to another is still considered sharing child pornography, which is a whole different story. Contrary to what some may believe, this still does not justify their public defamation. Which brings us to our next group, a colony of

anonymity. These faceless intruders “cleverly” mask themselves behind a screen and “discreetly” put others down to the point of even driving some to suicide. Although the previously described group made an error in judgement, these people do this deliberately for their own, short-lived, sadistic amusement. They seem to get a rush out of the concept of being able to abuse the First Amendment in what they think is secrecy. Both groups of kids need to get one thing straight- nothing is ever kept secret for too long, especially in high school. That being said, what is being done? The accounts can be taken down, sure, but a band-aid will only cover a bullet hole. (Badly, at that.) Where are the adults, the ones who are paid to handle these types of situations and ensure our physical AND mental well-being? It may seem like “just letting the kids handle it” would be ideal for the teachers and staff who “have a lot on their plate”, but taking even a few minutes of their time to further educate students on even the most simple online etiquettes, more so the consequences, could make things easier in the end. Sure, it would look bad to have our school name being associated with such a seemingly miniscule, off-campus, online spat, but those pictures of the kids who will statistically commit suicide over things like this will be in the yearbooks forever.

the Crimson Chronicle Staff

Editor-in-Chief VANESSA Nely GARCIA Mangaging Editor Holly San nicolas Copy EDITOR Ray REYES Opinion Editor Erika Salazar Features EDITOR GABY Cordova Entertainment EDITOR Susan Cifuentes Chronicle reporters

Ana Amador Marcos Arellano Adriana Benitez Walter carRero Gerardo Chan Abril Chuvac Julie Contreras Azniv Derdzakyan Kevin Flores Leslie Flores Rocio Flores Smirna Galindo Sara Garcia Eloisa Garcia Daron Gomez John Guanzon William Guevara

Angel Hernandez Jenny Jeong Drake Johnson Lauren Kim Karla Lopez Hovhannes Maghakyan Joanna Martinez Erick Mejia Chelyah Miller Steve Montoya Andrea Perez Josue Perez Ray Reyes Beatriz Sison Jasion THOMAS Desarae zendejas

THECRIMSONCHRONICLE.COM

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER. THE CRIMSON CHRONICLE, OF HOLLYWOOD HIGH SCHOOL IS A PUBLIC FORUM, WITH ITS STUDENT EDITORIAL BOARD MAKING ALL DECISIONS CONCERNING ITS CONTENTS. the newspaper operates under california education code 48907 whiCH guaranteE free expression for students. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ARE WELCOMe AND WILL BE PUBLISHED AS SPACE ALLOWS. OPINIONS IN LETTERS ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE STAFF, NOR SHOuLD ANY OPINION ExPRESSED IN A PUBLIC FORUM BE CONSTRUED AS THE OPINIION OR POLiCY OF THE ADMINISTRATION, UNLESS SO ATTRIBUTED

ILLUSTRATION BY: Vanessa Garcia

Teachers can be bullies too

teasing and nagging to down right bullying. There must be as boundary between teacher and student because honestly, it is getting out of hand. I see it happen on a regular basis. A student does something that ticks the teacher off and the problems Susan Cifuentes start. It might as well Entertainemt Editor have been an atomic bomb dropped it on the Bullying comes in all classroom. Everyone forms and it comes from runs for cover because anyone- including teach- they know, just know ers. At first it starts with that teacher will go on just picking on people and explode. It becomes but then the line gets a rant first but graducrossed. It goes from ally eases into picking

on a particular student. The student won’t say anything because it will make the problems much worse. So all one can do is sit there and take it. It might be humiliating and embarrassing, but teachers aren’t concerned with that. In class, I always got the lecture about the future, about college, about life. Teachers are constantly using your defects as an example on how you will practically fail at life. They are constantly reminding us of the Real World. This is fine, because it is the

teacher’s job to give advice, to guide, and teach. But sometimes it is too much. All they are doing is hurting more than helping. Getting picked on once is hard enough but multiple times? Well, that is just bullying. That has to stop. Teachers lecture against bullying, but it doesn’t really get the message across when they are doing it themselves. So teachers, if you are going to continue to bully us, well than might as well tell us now, so we can send you our therapy bills later.

ing towards the student and accept it. Where is the equality in that? Teachers are supposed to be fair. They are supposed to treat everyone equally. It feels like all that has gone down the drain, and it’s all about favorites. I am tired of teachers’ favorites being held to different standards from other students. Teachers may think it is okay to have favorites because to them the students will not notice. However, the students do notice because they usually make it obvious and right in front of their faces. It is not professional of them to pick favorites from their classes. It’s

like, what about the rest of the students? The rest of the students are part of the class too, and they want the classroom to be fair. The favorite is reaping all the benefits and the rest of the students suffer under thumb of the teacher. The teacher would compliment the favorite more compared to another student. To any other student the teacher would just say “Good job” on his work but with a favorite it is more like, “Beautiful work! I am very impressed!” They both put effort into their work yet it is seen unequally. That can hurt the student he will think he is not good enough while the favorite gets all this

encouragement and boost. It is almost like the fairness of how the teacher treats the students is slipping away and is becoming a game of favorites. Especially when students uses it to their advantage when finals roll in. While everyone is treading what will be their final grade, a sweet compliment or favor to bend the rules or curve from the favorite student can easily get the grade they might not deserve. On top of the require assignments needed to pass, we see that with some teachers being extra will give us that extra boost.

Being ‘extra’ for that grade boost

Gaby Cordova Features Editor You may see them as teachers’ pets, so maybe this is why you see them evolve into teachers’ favorites. It is almost like they can do anything they want, and the teacher will forgive or ignore. Homework is due on a specific date, yet a favorite can turn it in a day late. The teacher would be forgiv-

OPINION/EDITORIAL

APRIL 2014

Man On The Street:

Should students get reserved parking? Michelle Perez TCA, 12th Grader

David Payne SAS History teacher

“Yeah there should be because if students are responsible enough to drive to school then they should have their own parking space.”

“I would say in theory, yes if there is extra space it should be made available for students. Also if you can make it equitable on how you allow that space available to people who want parking.”

Victor Pimentel TCA, 12th Grader “Students should have parking space because our parents think we are responsible and we are allowed to drive at sixteen for a reason. To take ourselves to school because public transportation makes us late, if we had parking space we would get here on time. “

Frank MunIz Plant manager

Jorge Valencia PAM, 12th Grader

Sesha Brown SAS, 12th Grader

“Yeah, because when they are coming to school in their car, they spend all their time looking for parking outside of school. They need to park two blocks away, it just makes it easier to park here because teachers do not use all the parking.”

“Yeah, because say you have a car and you live far and it’s better for you to drive then, you have to find parking outside of school. It would just be more convenient to have a place to park but there should be qualifications too they can’t give anybody permits to park in school.”

“Personally, I would say yes, but we don’t have the space, so the answer would be no. We are talking about students, an average of about maybe 20 to 25 kids who drive, we don’t have the room for them. What we can do? My theory is student of the month and maybe have spaces for two students who can park.”

INTERVIEW BY: Abril Chuvac,Eloisa Garcia, Leslie Flores, Rocio Flores & Jasion Thomas

A need to escape to the cyber world chelyah miller chronicle REPORTER

For the past couple of weeks, the administrators have been cracking down on taking our phones at nutrition and lunch. I thought that lunch and nutrition was supposed to be our free time, where we could relax before the next few classes. Not only that, but if they see you with earphones or headphones on, they tell you to take them off. I don't understand this, and I find it annoying. I understand that using phones in class may be a distraction, and because of this we're not allowed

to use them. At nutrition and lunch however, we should be able to use our phones or listen to music. It is in no way a distraction and we're not doing anything wrong. We are just trying to relax and blow off steam before classes. Taking our phones from us accomplishes nothing and all you end up with is a bunch of angry kids with too much time on their hands. When we're on our phones we can be studying for a test or listening to a lecture, not doing anything bad. There's no reason to take them in the first place. Frankly speaking, it's stupid. Incredibly stupid. We should be allowed to use our phones at nutrition and lunch because there's nothing wrong with it. It makes no sense for them to be confiscated or for us to be made to turn them off. We're not harming or disturbing anyone. It's wrong of the administrators to take them from us on our breaks.

Frankly speaking, it's stupid. Incredibly stupid.

Rules should be followed by all Daron Gomez cHRONICLE REPORTER

Have you ever had a teacher tell you that are not allowed to use your phone in their class and then they go right in front of you and use theirs? It happened to me quite a few times and yes it is annoying. If a teacher sets rules for students, then they should follow the rules themselves. Sometimes I try explaining to my teacher that I “work better” if I listen to music, but for some reason they just do not let me. It’s not like Beyonce is going to tell me the answers to my chemistry test or my math quiz. But I guess I can’t blame them because some teachers give students the privilege and they abuse it. I feel that some teachers should be just a little more lenient about cell

phone use in class. In a way they are hypocritical for saying one thing and doing another. But on the other side, there are some teachers that do allow you to use your phone. Whether its for research or just to listen to music, and others that do not let us use our phones they do not use theirs either. If you do not want us to do something, you should not do it either.

4 April 2014

NEWS

Students and staff cheered each other on during the “Hike for Health” fundraiser

PHOTO CREDIT: KAISER PERMANENTE

Kaiser’s first annual “Sheik-a-Thon” hikes up to the Hollywood sign

Councilmen Tom LaBonge joined in with the 120 students,parents and staff that took the challenge VANESSA GARCIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Over 120 students, parents, staff and Los Angeles Council member Tom LaBonge participated on a hike up to the Hollywood sign promoting exercise and good health at the 1st Annual “Sheik-A-Thon” on April 14. LaBonge, 4th District councilman, helped raise money by participating in Kaiser Permanente, UMMA Health Clinic and The Los Angeles Trust for Children Health “Hike for Health” fundraiser to promote physical activity, school spirit and fun. “It is an honor to have

helped out and attend this event. I am so pleased to have seen a good amount of students that attended. It has showed commitment and I am happy to see everyone have fun as they exercised,” said LaBonge. Principal Alejandra Sanchez and LaBonge kicked off the event and led the students, parents and staff to the Hollywood Sign from Mount Hollywood Drive and held a healthy choice picnic. Participants were given a student designed t-shirt in celebration of the event. Awards were also given, bringing an end to the hike with closing remarks of what they accomplished.

“I really think the event was really well-planned. I had a lot of fun and it was for a good cause and I hope that the school continues to plan more events like the Sheik-a-Thon,” said Chynna Tumalad TCA freshman. All participants were allowed to run, walk or dance their way up to the sign. The hike took more than two hours for most students. Healthy Athlete Committee member Deborah Ebrahemi created the event to promote exercise and health, create a feeling of community among students and staff, and fund money for athletics, the F.A.M.E. Health club and the

purchase of more equipment for the weight room. Prior to the event, all participating students were asked to recruit sponsors among their families, neighbors and friends. The goal for every individual student was $100. “It was a very adventurous experience. It gave students like myself a chance to use natural as a way to find yourself with the help of other people. Having events like this is nice because every once in awhile it is nice to be outside the classroom with your friends and classmates. A change in the schedule every then will help those explore and try new things,” said Paul Ryan, SAS

freshman. Kaiser has created a more healthy living environment for students by providing more salad choices. With the opening of the weight room, everyone including staff is encouraged to use the facility. The weight room is expected to obtain more machines and proper equipment for students to be able to use to maintain a balanced shape. Donations can still be made at the Kaiser Clinic. The Healthy Athletic Committee are planning more events to fundraise the need funds and continue promoting healthy living.

Class of 2015 will hold the last dance for the year for all students All ticket sales will help the junior class raise money for graduation expensives VANESSA GARCIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The Junior So far Class council only five will be holding students a “ Hollywood have Night Out” purthemed dance chased on Saturday, May thier 10 that will help tickets. fundraise the “Hav$22,000 cost for ing this the Hollywood dance Bowl. will help The dance will us reach be held at the our goal. large gym from I know 7pm to 11pm. a lot of Prices began at students $12 and will go has up to $20 at the shown door and are a lot of The Junior class will hold a “Hollywood Night out dance on May 10th to fund money for the bowl PHOTO CREDIT:DARON GOMEZ sold in the finance support will represent decorations that often students will show support that night. office during nutrition and lunch. to the junior class making this year seen in award shows and we will be “I hope everyone comes and shows The dance will have a D.J. that will play very successful. Next year, I know we having snack for students to purchase,” support,” she said. “We have had a good a variety of song genres from cumbia will work very hard to reach our goal said Laura Moreno. crowd of students at our fundraisers so to pop. Ending the night by crowning to the bowl.” said Monica Martinez. Juniors have held various fundraisers far which is really good.” a Queen and King. Juniors have began All donations are accepted that will at nearby locations such as Buffalo Despite last year’s junior class canworking on props that will make stuhelp the Junior Class meet their goal to Wild Wings and Yogurtland. Currently cellation of their “Flashback Friday” dents feel as if they are attending the graduate at the Hollywood Bowl. having less than $400 in their bank dance, more tickets can been sold this Academy awards. account, Junior Class President Saman- year. More than 200 tickets need to be “We have began designing props that tha Englander anticipates that many sold in order for this dance to happen.

NEWS

APRIL 2014

“Malik and Company” takes first place at Hollywood Idol show More than 10 acts competed in the lip sync and live musical performances competition for the $100 prize CHELYAH MILLER CHRONICLE REPORTER

The 4th annual Hollyplace award," she said. wood Idol winner went The next act was Wolfto the final dance group gang Woodcock and led by Malik Madison Kiyomi Morrison performcalled “Malik and Coming ‘Falling Slowly’ by pany” , PAM senior. The Glen Hasgard. After them, second place winner Sheila Martinez sang ‘Tatwas PAM senior Kira tooed Heart’ by Ariana Morrison and the third Grande. place winner was PAM "My overall experience senior Krist Innocencio was nerve wracking but and NMA junior Lloyd exciting because hitting Ea. The prizes were those high notes are not $100, $50, $25 for first, easy. I felt amazing being second, and third place. on stage to be able to perHollywood Idol has form in front the whole been led by James B. school of my senior year," Carmicle making this she said. his fourth year organizThe next act was a girl ing this event. group performing ‘Count"Hollywood Idol is a ing Stars’ by One Republic dream I had a few years and the second to last act “Malik and Company” won first place with their dance performance PHOTO CREDIT: WALTER CARRERO ago about celebrating was singing as well. Arielle the talents and the perforTaccad performed an original gets you out of your shell,” said Ryan Alba, SAS freshmances of Hollywood high school students," said Mr. song she titled ‘24/7.’ The last act was a dance to a man. James Carmicle, SAS English Teacher. mash up of Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, etc. Performed The next act was a dance as well performed by There were 6 judges. SAS Counselor Ms. Brown, by Malik Madison, Dianna, Jeriah Johnson, Jennifer Gegham Paronyan, SAS junior who performed to Assistant Principal Ms. Morris, Librarian Ms. Witham, ‘Love You More’ by Chris Brown. The last dancing act Capuz, Zahrea Jones, Emani Mac, Celeste Perez, and Assistant Principal Dr. Brandy, Title 1 Coordinator Statia Tyner. was Morgan Martin, SAS sophomore, tap-dancing to Ms. Quintinilla, and Magnet Coordinator Mr. Itkin. After this, the MC went on stage and announced ‘Team’ by Lorde. Cody Gallegos, PAM student was the MC who anthe fashion show. The theme was masquerade, and The next act was a very sweet surprise. Krist Innounced the winner. the models walked individually and then they came nocencio, PAM senior played ‘I Will Always Love You’ The show opened with Village People performing by Whitney Houston on the saxophone with Lloyd Ea out in pairs at the end. Then it ended with SAS ‘YMCA’ which was performed by six guys in six differ- accompanying him on the piano. Near the end of his sophomore Raven Smith coming out and all of them ent uniforms. The next act, which was for entertainperformance, friends and other performers came out taking a bow. The MC came back up and all of the ment only and not in the running, was California Girls holding a banner that said "Lily, will you go to prom performers came out onstage, and the winners were by Katy Perry. It was a great performance and the announced. It ended with everyone dancing along to with me?" She came out of the audience and went audience really enjoyed when the two male backup ‘All In This Together’ from High School Musical. onto the stage, and said yes. The audience was very dancers stripped down to skirts and tank tops. “Hollywood Idol was very entertaining. I got to pleasantly surprised and so was she. The first official act was a dance performed by see students enjoy themselves onstage and offstage. The next few performances were singing. Kira Ryan Alba, SAS freshman. He danced to ‘Clarity’ by It was exciting to see people cheer on their friends Morrison performed an original song called ‘Hello Zedd. during their performances,” said Roxana Pablo, SAS Beautiful.’ “It was one of the best and worst experiences. freshman. "It was a lot of fun! Playing in front of that large Best, for being a fun-filled and fantastic experience. Not only was it a great performance, but it was a of a crowd, especially filled with so many of my Worst, for all the practices and rehearsals I had. great kickoff to spring break. wonderful friends who support me was an amazOverall, I believe younger grade level students should ing experience. I'm grateful for the opportunity and participate because it opens your confidence and very flattered that the judges awarded me the second

Students take up the app challenge

ERIKA SALAZAR OPINION EDITOR

Students in MET teacher George Benainous’ exploring computer class have been given the opportunity to make a mobile application that could be put on the App Store and/ or the Play Store. This is the first annual Congressional Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Academic Competition. Also known as the “House App Challenge,” high school students across the country are being given the chance to create an app that is compatible with all mobile devices. The participants will be able to work with STEM educational partners in their communities to mentor them through the app creation process. This competition was innovated by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013. Benainous’ fourth period

Seniors are Returning to the Happiest Place on Earth Grad-Night will be held for seniors on May 31st at a $120 price KEVIN FLORES GERARDO CHAN CHRONICLE REPORTERS

Grad Night has been confirmed to take place on exploring computer class May 31 at Disneyland and Disneyland California was visited by Dr. Todd UlAdventure Park, according to Ms. Michiel Usher, lah, LAUSD administrator, president of the Parent Teacher Student Association. and an assistant to conHollywood will be going as gressional representative guests of Ramon C. Cortines Adam Schiff to talk to the School of Visual and Performclass about the House App ing Arts. Seniors have mixed Challenge. feelings about sharing Grad Many students were Night with VAPA, but it seems eager to join in the compethat they are able to tolerate tition. SAS junior and team this. leader of one of the groups, “That's actually very exciting Samantha Englander, to me because I'll get to hang said that it’s “...a creative out with all of my old friends opportunity to help kids who are now attending that express their ideas and school. I really miss them, so interact with technology.” it will be nice to spend time Another group leader, SAS with them at grad night," said PAM senior Kira Morjunior Diana Pocasangre, rison. said, “It’s going to be a new PTSA is parent student organization that has plan experience and a new chaland held events such as Grad Night and other parent lenge.” oriented events. There are currently only 5 active parent members in Hollywood’s PTSA and they have been organizing this event for months with VAPA’s PTSA. “I think that this is great. It is good to know that they were finally able to do something and were able to achieve Grad Night for seniors,” said Chris Gamez, TCA. Ms. Usher contacted Judi Bell, member of last year’s Hollywood PTSA, for help with the collabora-

tion. With Ms. Bell’s help, both sides have agreed that Hollywood students may attend as guests as long as they “complete all of the paperwork & pay the appropriate cost per student.” The details are not worked out yet, but it is scheduled to happen. The tickets are estimated to be $120 per student, including bus transportation. “We are hoping that we can have as many as are allowed by the other school, possibly at least 200 students might be able to attend? This will be determined later on,” said Ms. Usher. Official information about the event has not yet been confirmed. Students are expected to receive any information after prom. “Any proper paperwork, forms and confirmation of fees will be sent to Hollywood High via Ms. Payne,” said Ms. Usher. Seniors were given a survey during a senior class meeting whether they were interested or not in attending the event. Students that said they might attend the event also said they will be able attend both the park and the Grad Night event at California Adventure Park. Most students would agree with Kira when she said she is ”very grateful for the parent group that has put in all the effort to make this grad night happens.”

“I think that this is great. It is good to know that they were finally able to do something and were able to achieve Grad Night for seniors,”

Rules, Rules

In a survey conducted, 500 students answered the following question Are you allowed to wear what you want?

3% No 15% 82% Yes

Have your parents given you the "talk?"

43% No

Sometimes

57% Yes

Do you have an enforced cu 67% Yes 33% No

Are you allowed to go to other people's houses?

4% No

36%

Depends who

60% Yes Cartoon By: Vanessa Garcia

and More Rules

ns on how their parents has affected their lives, socially and mentally. Do your parents judge you?

Do your parents get angry if you are on the phone with a person of the opposite sex?

42%

sometimes

89% No 11% Yes

Are you restricted from having a social media account?

urfew?

37% No 21% Yes

Are you allowed to watch whatever you want?

Yes, but still have one 2% Yes 91% No

Do your parents like your friends

7 % No

27%

Never met them

o it is

67% Yes

3% No 21%

Sometime

77% Yes

Can you talk to your parents about anything?

49%

Depends on the Situation

15% No

36% Yes

8 APRIL 2014

FEATURES

Love in a time of Cancer The Fault in Our AnaStars Review Amador julie Contreras Chronicle Reporter

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is 313 pages of wittiness and infinite genius. This young adult novel is written completely from Hazel’s point of view; a sixteen year old girl who suffers from stage 4 thyroid cancer, that has spread to her lungs, ever since she was diagnosed with it at fourteen. The first few pages are already packed with information about Hazel, like for example how she loves watching tv, reading, and according to her mom spends too much free time thinking about death. Hazel’s parents don’t really become a part of the story until later on when its impossible to imagine the story without them. Presumably Hazel’s story doesn’t really start until one day an undeniably hot, funny,

and confident guy walks into her weekly support group meeting; to which her mom forced her to go to; and blatantly flirts with her. Augustus Waters at first the attractive stranger quickly introduces himself, and appears amazed at Hazel. Augustus, nicknamed Gus, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (a fatal disease) and finds his way to Hazel’s support group because of his blind friend Isaac who has already been going there for a while now and is even somewhat friends with Hazel. The characters personalities are extremely real and everyone from Hazel to Augustus’s older sisters (who aren’t very present in the book) seem to be main characters. Because every characters’ personalities seem so whole,

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almost as though they have a life outside of the book, their interactions are even better. Reading this book is like watching reality tv both in the fact that it does in fact appear to be real and in the fact that you can’t take your eyes off of it. John Green did a wonderful job with these characters because not surprisingly his inspiration to write this book came from meeting a real cancer patient; who like Hazel was in her teen years. Before writing the book Green already had a fairly large fanbase from his channel on youtube, where he video blogs with his brother. He also has fans and experience writing from his previous and first novel Looking for Alaska; also a young adult novel about teens.

Every page takes you deeper and deeper into the life of all of Green’s characters and with each page you turn you get more and more attached; which you already know can’t be good when you’re reading a book in which both the main characters suffer from a fatal disease. As you get to know the characters more so do they get to know each other.A special trip planned by Augustus brings them closer together. Hazel knowing Gus has a crush on her and she herself having a crush on him is scared and is left thinking about what will happen if she dies prematurely. At this point in the book Hazel makes the genius but grim analogy of comparing herself to a grenade, stating that once she explodes (dies)

she’s going to hurt/scar everyone around her. Thoughts and questions like these fill this book to the brim. Ideas like, the inability of death, pain, and happiness, every emotion all the characters go through, are thoroughly explored by the author bringing you closer to the characters and the story as a whole. It’s no surprise that this breathtaking New Yorks Best Seller is becoming a motion picture; coming out June 6. The Fault in Our Stars, nicknamed TFIOS by it’s many loving fans, takes the reader through the unimaginable ups and downs of the world of cancer and most specifically teenagers diagnosed with cancer, or any disability that might make them different.

Kyle Brimmer

Going all

Hollywood on campus

Josabet Bucaram, PAM, Junior

qHow do you describe your fashion style? Q:What do you enjoy about being a student here? A: I enjoyed going to the pep rally and also watching the activities during I would describe it as elegant and chic, as well as contemporary. When in doubt I dress casual. Spirit Friday. Q: What is the weirdest thing you’ve seen on campus? qWho is your celebrity fashion icon and why? A: A bunch of boys walking around with dresses on. I don’t have one but I find inspiration from magazines and different ideas in my head. Q: What do you like about the environment here? A: Its open. Like people can just walk in here like “Wassup Fam” qWhat is your favorite store to shop at? Q: How would you describe yourself? Typical mainstream stores like Urban Outfitters, Zara, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Forever A:Tall and devilishly handsome. 21, H&M, Pacsun, and Love Culture.I dig for good stuff when I shop and take my time. Q: What do you want to do before you graduate? A:I want to create a wrestling team because its a sport that not a lot of qWhat is the most you will spend on a fashion piece and why? students here appreciate. Depending on the quality and how much I like it I will eventually spend a lot on anything. Q:What are you afraid will happen to you in high school? A:Falling behind in credits. qWhat is your favorite accessory and why? I love wearing big studs and nice necklaces and watches. But big studs are my favorite because i can have my hair down and they’re noticeable or when I put my hair up they stand out.

Interview By: Daron Gomez

Interview By: Gaby Cordova

FEATURES

April 2014

Andrea Perez Chronicle Reporter

Tips on passing that exam with a 3 or higher

AP Exams are on their way to catch up on students and see if they really have learned this school year. The exams will be held on May 5 to May 16 this year and it is coming sooner than the next season from your favorite TV show. Most students have prepared vigorously throughout the year, while the rest of us have not exactly been on top of it. Instead of rereading our textbooks and writing notes, some of us are watching animes and playing video games. Here are some helping tips that even us that are not ambitious can find useful.

1. Set aside anything that might distract you from absorbing the knowledge.

4. Eat a delicious breakfast. Food gives you energy for the day and it makes you

2. Consult your teacher if you do not comprehend something. If you find yourself

5. Put some music on. Some people score higher when they listen to instrumen-

If you are on social networks, log out and put your devices away; they will not let you concentrate on your notes. As a student with various blogs, it helps me concentrate on studying when I do not think about social networking at all after logging off my various accounts.

wondering about a specific topic DO NOT hesitate to ask your teachers about it. If you are not that comfortable with your teacher, ask a friend! That is what they are for. If you do not speak up, you will end up failing the test and you will have to retake that class in college. No, seriously, who wants to do that?

3. Get plenty of sleep (hooray for sleeping). Studies show that teens need at least 9 ½ hours of sleep to get by. Say goodbye to those sleepless nights of watching idiotic videos on Youtube, that is what summer is for. It is not a good idea at all to pull an all-nighter cramming in an entire school year worth of material, it is simply not worth it. Use these last few days studying and reviewing the material you have the most difficult time with.

happy. People who do not eat breakfast are more likely to be irritable, restless and moody (ouch). If you cannot eat a healthy, balanced breakfast at home, stop by McDonald’s and indulge in a McMuffin or wait until your 1st period to buy a Spicy from your entrepreneur classmate.

tal music as they study. Music with lyrics doesn’t help though, so make sure you have Toro Y Moi on your playlist, or some classical (Debussy, anyone?).

6. Think of the outcome. Once you have finished the test, you will experience a

feeling of bliss. You will feel proud of yourself and give yourself a pat on the back. You will be one step closer to fulfilling your wildest dreams. You are great, you are amazing.

AP tests are known for making students stress out , but if you follow this procedure, you will definitely score higher than you expect. Remember, do not feel stressed out, because it is more than likely everyone in your class is going through the same thing. Always find help when you need it, you may need to swallow your pride. Do not do things at the last minute. Practice with these steps a few weeks before the actual week of testing. AP exams are coming soon, so brace yourselves and get ready to ace them.

Congratulations,you have been admitted!

Tips on choosing the best college for you

q Never make your final college selection without visiting at least your top two or three choices. No matter how well you think you know a college or university, you can learn a lot whether it is good or bad by spending a few hours on campus. Things can become very different after summer orientation for example. Be sure to have family members accompany you on college visits because it gives you extra "eyes and ears" and they will not hesitate in expressing their thoughts and opinion. Exploring the area beforehand with your family would make things a whole lot better because you would know where to go and would not have a really hard time once you are there alone.

Vanessa Garcia Editor-in-Chief

qDo your research! Investigate at least three or four colleges you know little or nothing about but offer the field of study of interest to you, have students just like yourself (grade and score based), and are located in geographic areas attractive to you. You have nothing to lose and you might make a great discovery. A little research and an open mind can greatly increase the odds that you make a good college choice.

q Do not exclude any college choice simply because of the cost. Many colleges offer scholarships, financial aid, and tuition that make them far more affordable than they may first appear. They want you to have an education and you can't/won't know how much it will cost to attend a college until the very end of the process so do not get discourage when you first take a look at the numbers. . qDeadlines, whether for college applications, SAT or ACT registration, financial aid, scholarships, campus housing, etc. are not option. Missing a deadline, you may find yourself in deep you-knowwhat. Write down on a calendar or anywhere to remind you about those deadlines that are your ticket in. qWhen it is time to make your final choice, discuss your options with your family, your counselor or Ms. Brown, and others who know you well and whose judgment you value. If you have a tough time choosing among two or more colleges or universities it is probably because you have done a good job putting together your list and you will be happy at whichever you choose. Once you make your choice, don't stress over whether you made the right choice. If you have followed these rules there is an excellent chance your final college choice will be a good one.

qThere are very few worse reasons to select a college than because your friends are going there. Choosing a college because your girlfriend or boyfriend is headed there is one of them. There is a worse reason to choose a college, it’s this.

qInvestigate, investigate, investigate, and be sure to separate reality from (often baseless) opinions. Lots of folks will refer to a college as "good," "hard to get into," "a party school" "too expensive," etc. without really knowing the facts. Don't take into account of these general thoughts without any evidence.

q A college is not necessarily right for you because its name is familiar or is well know. That might seem pretty obvious, but you wouldn't believe how many students believe that name recognition determines education quality.

10 APRIL 2014

SPORTS

baseball Behind the Field softball Austin Quintanilla NMA Junior

-How do you feel about being “Athlete of the Month”? It’s alright, it’s my first time getting it. -Why do you think you were chosen? I think I was chosen because I have the most experience on the team, since I was on the team since freshman year. -How long have you been playing baseball? I’ve played baseball since I was really young, six years old. -What do you like about playing baseball? I’ve been loving this sport ever since I was little, and I fell in love; it was love at first sight. -Who do you admire? Why? I admire my dad, because he would always push me to play this sport. If it wasn’t for this, I wouldn’t be playing this sport.

Emily Arreola Prado, SAS Sophomore -How do you feel about being “Athlete of the Month”? It feels good because I’ve never gotten this before. -Why do you think you were chosen? I honestly don’t know, but I guess it’s because I’ve been working hard and I guess it paid off. -How long have you been playing softball? I’ve been playing softball since I was five years old. -What do you like about playing softball? I like how softball is very competitive because I’m a competitive person, I just love the game. -Who do you admire? Why? I admire my mom, because she raised me as a single mom, and it shows that she never gave up on me, so I wouldn’t either. She motivated me to play the sport.

Interview By: Lauren Kim and Jenny Jeong

Lady Sheiks lose against the Sentinels last Tuesday night JOANNA MARINEZ JOHN GUAZON Chronicle Reporter Lady sheiks lost the game against the Belmont Sentinels last Tuesday night. They were also defeated at the Robert F. Kennedy game by 28-16 Thursday, April 10th. Tension was in air after the game stirring hope that the team will win against Belmont on April 22. “For the Robert F. Kennedy game we were challenged and were missing 5 people.” said Coach Louis Herron “I’m feeling confident that both JV and Varsity are going to win the next game against Belmont. We practice everyday and we work as a team so that really helps.” said Clemencia Solis, SAS sophomore. In the beginning of the game against Robert F. Kennedy, the Lady Sheiks were at a bad start but then Coach Louis Herron told the team to take bases one by one which gave them a big lead. “The season so far is going well and I’m ready to get a lot of wins,” said Itzel Corona, SAS sophomore. Lady Sheiks have a total of three wins and four losses. Emily Arreola Prado pitching at the Robert F. Kennedy game Coach Louis Herron has been PHOTO CREDIT: John Guanzon preparing the team intensely. Despite practicing without a field, the team still manages to travel to local parks season and expect keeping it that way.

and fields to get the proper training. “We are doing pretty good knowing there’s a new coach and staff, new philosophy. We are compounded of not of not crying or whining about having no field. We dont make excuses of having no field.” said Coach Louis Herron Lady sheiks were defeated by Marquez’s lady gladiators 7-2 April 4. Tension was in air after the game stirring hope that the team will win against Contreras on April 8. Coach Louis Herron said, “ It was a defensive game and we broke through.” Many players unfortunately did not met the requirements to play cutting the amount of players the team has. If the team has even more of a greater cut, they may not be a full team for either Varsity or Junior Varsity. “Although the field isn’t ready, we still find other places to practice. I feel like we improve in every practice and we feel confident that we will win every other game we have.” said Clemencia Solis. Luckily the team has not dealt with many injuries this

SPORTS

Getting back track after losing against Belmont High

APRIL 2014

josue Perez Chronicle Reporter

Sheiks will race off against the Dragons Friday evening at Bernstein hoping to regain themselves after losing against Belmont and putting them back on track. The team has managed to bring in one win this season against Downtown Business Magnet after losing two against Chavez and Miguel Contreras. The team has had trouble recruiting more runners so that not every runner has to compete in several events. Belmont Sentinels placed first place for many of the events that evening. Despite having to share the field with three other school the Sheiks were not able to manage the over capacity. With the field being renovated this year, Hollywood has had use local streets, gyms and Bernstein High to practice. “We fought hard, but it was a lack of people that killed us not skill.” SAS Senior Xavier Magaña said. This year’s league, several schools have had to use the only two locations

available due to Hollywood’s and Contreras field renovation. “The first track meet I think that the team felt excited, especially the newcomers, like myself." SAS Junior Nemesis Gutierrez said, "It was their first time at a track race, and it was just full of energy having people get themselves ready to go run and there was a lot of cheering and a confident atmosphere.” Sheiks are ready for Friday’s meet against the dragons and hope to regain themselves although, they will have trouble since many seniors will not be attending the event due to prom night being held the same day. "We all did great for our first meet, a lot of us got the times we wanted to get and despite not having the entire team there, overall, we did great and hope to improve even more by the time the season ends." SAS Junior Alex Meza said.

“We fought hard, but it was a lack of people that killed us not skill.”

Many runners have had to participate in several events PHOTO CREDIT: Gerardo Chan

Boy’s varsity loses against the Torres Toros 4 to 3 WALTER CARRERO Chronicle Reporter

Boys varsity baseball lost to Torres High School 4-3 on Tuesday following their loss to Huntington Park 7-0 on April 15. This makes their overall record 1-12. The team lost on April 2 against the Santee Falcons with a score of 6-4. Some games have been close like when they went against the Roybal Titans on March 22, losing a of 8-7. Also, they had a dramatic loss when against Hamilton on March 20, with a score of 0-19. Eric Gavilanez, team captain of the team said, “ We haven’t had a field to practice on, but now that season has started, we’re starting to bring our team together and now start winning games.” With season just starting, Varsity team turned the tables by winning against Contreras with a score of 9-1 on April 11. On the other side, the JV team has an overall standing of 3-3. The JV baseball team lost to Torres, 12-2. They won their game against Santee with a score of 10-6 on April 3. On April 9, the JV team lost their game against Contreras with a score of 13-6. With a shocking return, they played each other once more and this time the Sheiks won the Cobras by a score of 11-9 on April 11. Gavilanez also said, “ We actually haven't had a lot of practice lately, that’s why the other team has been winning us so far.”

Boys varsity baseball lost to Torres High School 4-3 on Tuesday following their loss to Huntington Park PHOTO CREDIT: John Guanzon

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The Dodgeball Tournament continues after several rounds. FSU defeated Akatsuki in an earlier round shown above. The tournament has been attracting large crowds Thursdays during lunch. Photo Credit: Holly San Nicolas.

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