May 27, 2011 by High Tide

B6: The Anchor reviews the street art exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA).

P7: Senior Christian and Sophomore Shelby Bassman share a love of track .

P2: The top finalists were chosen for the mustache competition this month.

High Tide

Redondo Beach, CA Redondo Union High School

May, 27 2011 vol.

LMXXIV

edition 14

]www.hightideonline.org ]

Evening of the Arts exhibit features student-made art by Danny Garzon

Dance Showcase attracts many students by Kimberly Chapman

Last Thursday the cheer team and the Dance Guard held the Spring Dance Showcase, which featured a variety of dances such as contemporary and break-dancing. Junior Erin Hardy was in six different contemporary and lyrical dances, the most dances out of all of the dancers. “Three of the dances I knew well because I practiced them all year with Dance Guard, but for my duet, solo, and the final team performance, I had to learn them in two weeks,” Hardy said. Hardy believed learning the dances took a lot of time and effort, but it was not as stressful as practicing for competitions. “You don’t have to worry about

being perfect because there are no judges to judge you on how well you point your toes, but you still want to look good for the people at your school,” Hardy said. Sophomore Daniella Yousof, who danced to a contemporary song with her friends, also believes that the dance showcase was less stressful than competitions. “At competitions my dance team does seven dances, but at this showcase, we just did one dance. All we had to worry about was dancing well in front of our friends. We were worried that we might not do very well since our dance classes got in the way of our practicing, but all of the other dancers in the show were very encouraging. It was a really good stress-free environment,” Yousof said.

Sophomore Malik Ensley, who danced the Salsa, Tango, and Bachata, believes that there were not very many complications with any of the dances. “Everyone seemed to be pretty satisfied with how they did. My group landed all of our salsa stunts and we all stayed on time which was important since there were so many of us. I think we did better than most of our other performances throughout the year,” Ensley said. The two and a half minute time limit for each dance caused the Salsa dance to be cut down. “We had to modify the dance a little bit but it still turned out really good. All of my dance groups put in a lot of time and effort into their dances and I am really proud of them,” Ensley said.

With prom just around the corner, students are rushing to rent tuxedos, schedule hair appointments and make last-minute arrangements. Redondo Royale will take place next Saturday, June 4. The Redondo Royale will be a casino-themed dance and will feature many

casino games, carriage rides, two photo booths, delicious food and a DJ. This year’s Prom will also be held in an outdoor setting at the Santa Anita Racetrack. Junior Lindsey Bowman, who runs Financing on the Prom Committee, thinks it’s a beneficial change of pace for Redondo. “[The outdoor setting] will provide a

Teachers worried about possible furlough days by Emma Uriate

PHOTOS BY Jenny OETZELL

Dance your heart out. 1. A group of hip-hop dancers break dances. 2. Another hip-hop crew dances later on in the show. 3.The second to last act was all the members of Dance Guard.

‘Redondo Royal’ to be held at Santa Anita Race track by Kyle Bittman

The Visual and Performing Arts Department will put on an Evening of the Arts opening exhibition next Tuesday night at Noble Gallery. The Drama class will perform scenes and monologues from Shakespeare. Choir and other student musicians will also perform and The Culinary Arts class will cater the event. An exhibition of the artwork will continue for the following two days at snack and lunch in Noble Gallery. The event will showcase ceramics, drawings, and paintings made by students. According to sophomore Mercedes Hernandez, who will perform as part of the drama class, the event is meant to highlight the art and performing talents of students on campus. “It will be really fun. Everyone should come check it out,” she said. Junior Charlotte Kim, whose artwork will be displayed at the show, is eager to see fellow student’s art showcased. “I think it is really interesting to see other people’s art,” she said. “It is the one time that students will be able to look at other student’s art. It is an opportunity to showcase student talent.”

bigger dance floor for everyone, which will definitely be more fun,” said Bowman. The Prom Committee decided to have the casino-themed Redondo Royale because Sirona’s, a venue at the Santa Anita Racetrack, already had poker tables, making it easy to work with the theme. The Sirona’s venue is also very spacious.

Lindsey Bowman believes students will be very pleased with the casino-like dance. “We thought [Redondo Royale] was all-around cute theme that many people would enjoy, because altough it’s not Vegas, it’s pretty close,” said Bowman. From the fresh air to poker tables, you can bet your cards that the Redondo Royale will be a night to remember.

As the School Board debates a new proposition for furlough days, teachers are left worrying about the consequences to their pay and lesson plan. Furlough days are days intended to save the district money, when teachers do not work and students do not attend school. Chemistry teacher Annita Stoddard and fellow chemistry teacher Linda Dillard worry about the pay reductions. “Staff members do not work and therefore do not get paid for [each furlough day],” Dillard said. “Each furlough day results in a .5% pay cut for teachers.” Along with teachers receiving less pay, furlough days place a strain on teachers to teach material in a limited amount of time, according to Dillard. “Furlough days would … result in more work for teachers trying to get students to learn the same amount of material in fewer days of instruction,” Dillard says. “[Students] will need to take the same end of course exams, and have to learn the same amount of material for subsequent course work.”

Poll results show low ticket-sale for Grad Night, organizers not concerned by Jeremy Porr

Grad Night is just around the corner, and a lot of seniors are opting out of the event to save money. Last year seniors were greeted with a treat when they spent their Grad Night at Boomers, with a night full of mini-golf, bowling, and gokart racing. Grad Night organizer Victoria Oetzell is not discouraged about the low amount of ticket sales this year and guarantees that Grad Night 2011 will be a great time. Oetzell thinks the date and time of Grad Night plays a large role in the low amount of tickets sold. “Usually Grad Night is hosted on a Thursday night, then students have the next couple days to recuperate from all the fun. This year though we are having it on a Friday night before Fathers Day weekend,” she said.

Oetzell also thinks the economy plays a key role in the low number of ticket sales as well. “A lot of students are being forced to choose between going to Senior Excursion or Grad Night, and given the economic circumstances today, parents want to save money. [But] the school does offer scholarships and financial aid for students who really want to attend the event,” Oetzell said. Grad Night organizer for the Class of 2010, Shaista Zaragoza, thinks that the low number of ticket sales shouldn’t be something to stress about. “It is still early and the numbers increase as graduation approaches. At least one third of the senior class attended our event last year,” Zaragoza said. According to Oetzell the amount of tickets sold at this time last year was nearly over 200, but this year the number sank down to 180.

Revealing the location is not an option for the parent organizers of Grad Night and this is due to negative results that have occurred in the past upon revealing the location ahead of time. “When we reveal [the location] we tend to have a lot of unruly kids attend who either haven’t paid or don’t even attend the school, hiding the location will only benefit the senior class and ensure a better Grad Night,” Oetzell said. Zargoza agrees stating that the location is never revealed strictly for safety reasons, she thinks students should be appreciative of the senior event opportunities that they are presented with. “We are one of the few schools who do both a Senior Excursion and a Grad Night, so we are very fortunate. Parents really enjoy organizing the event and last year everybody had a great time.” she said.

Grad Night Poll

74.9 %

of seniors did not buy tickets to Grad Night.

63.2 %

would have bought tickets if they were cheaper.

43.9 %

would have bought tickets if the location of Grad Night were revealed. 75.8 percent of seniors said they would have bought tickets if they liked the location after it was revealed.

“ [I didn’t buy Grand Night

tickets] because its hard to pay $80 especially when [we] have to pay for everything else like prom. “

“ I want to spend my graduation night with my family and friends. “

“ [I bought a ticket to Grad Night]

because it is a tradition to go. “

*About 250 seniors were surveyed on May 23, 24, 25 in their English classes.

News

] May 27, 2011 ]

New classes available to students next year Classes will be added to the schedule next year to expand foreign language department by Alex Curtis

With various changes in classes and programs offered, classes in the foreign language department will be added next year. Spanish 4 and French 4 will be returning from previous years and joined by Chinese 3, based on the numbers of students willing to register for these classes. Principal Mary Little determined which classes can be added based on student willingless to take them, as well as staffing and budget “Our goal, of course, is to offer courses that kids want to take, and to offer more foreign languages is a really good thing,” Little said. Chinese teacher Chichen Lu believes the

expansion of the foreign language department gives students more options in their future. “It basically fulfills the needs of a variety of students. Some of them may want to go to Europe in the future, some of them may want to go to Taiwan or China, and some of them may want to do business with Mexico, so it depends. It is always good to have more choices,” Lu said. According to Lu, building a program from scratch is difficult even with the fun environment Lu creates, and Lu is thankful for the help she has been able to get in building the Chinese program enough to add a third level. “Chinese is not as hard as [students] think, and this can also be a fun class. The

Drink testing next week to promote healthy lifestyles

Teachers use field trips to enhance learning

by Taylor Ballard

by Vanessa Alarcon

Rather than sitting in desks taking notes on lectures, some students get the opportunity to take field trips in order to take their learning outside of the classroom. According to physics teacher Matthew Keye, the trip to Six Flags will help students understand the concepts they have learned in class. “[The physics concepts] are apparent when you’re on a ride like Superman,” Keye said. Keye hopes that students will understand their world better because of this trip. “I hope students have a richer experience now in the world than before [the trip],” Keye said. The trip to Six Flags is not the only trip that students has allowed on to learn outside the classroom. Senior Brianna Bracy went on a field trip to the Los Angeles College of Health Sciences with students from her physiology class. “It’s not just pictures in a book. It’s real,” Bracy said. Physiology teacher Stephen Brown hopes they learn an appreciation for the human body. Bracy appreciates the trip and sees it as a valuable learning experience.

counselors helped a lot in releasing information on the classes, so hopefully we will have more classes in the future,” Lu said. Lu brought students from her Chinese 2 class with her to Parras and Adams Middle School in order to inform incoming class of their new language option and to assure them that Chinese is not impossible to learn. “I think it’s great for the student’s futures. They can choose a language according to their needs,“ Lu said. Lu expects her program to continue expanding as more students become aware of the Chinese classes and her current students progress to higher levels. “We are on track. I am going to go to the AP workshop over summer vacation

and prepare for my AP Chinese in I think [year] 1213,” Lu said. After a drop in students for the past couple of years, the French program is expanding. French teacher Cynthia Graffio looks forward to the possibility of soon adding AP French. “We are very excited that the program is growing to quickly,” Graffio said. Graffio sees many opportunities in learning a foreign language, and is glad to be a part of teaching one of her favorite languages to students. “I think in today’s world, it’s very important to know a language other than English. To see the program growing shows that students are interested in the global business world, as well as arts and entertainment. Knowing a second language helps,” Graffio said. She hopes that, as students learn the language they are taking, they will develop a passion for learning. “French has always been a passion of mine. For me, not speaking French every day is like a loss. I enjoy speaking French and sharing what I know and hoping that other student acquire an interest, if not a passion, for learning the language and the culture,” Graffio said.

PHOTO BY JON MARTIN Connecting. A Sea Lab docent teaches students how to identify the gender of a crab.

“[The trip] allows you to go outside the classroom and be more involved,” Bracy said. Science teacher Mary Simun has also taken her students on field trips throughout the year. They have gone to the beach, the pier, the marina, and the La Brea tar pits. “I want to emphasize that science occurs in the field,” Simun said. Simun wants her students to connect what they learn in class to the real world. “I want this to be a class that involves field work,” Simun said. She hopes that students realize that they can take what they have learned in their textbooks to their every day lives. “I want then to see connections between items they learn and put them together when they look at nature,” Simun said.

On June 2, Vitality City and Beach Cities Health District will host a healthy drink tasting in hopes of giving students the opportunity to live healthier lifestyles and longer lives. “We will be looking at reducing drinks such as regular Gatorade because it is high in sugar and calories. Regular Gatorade is fine for athletes who are burning off the calories and sugar rapidly; however, as an everyday drink, it is not the best choice,” Coordinator of Instructional Services for RBUSD Jens Brandt said. The movement essentially started with RBUSD’s care for the “whole child.” “Kids who are physically fit, healthy, and get enough sleep are good students. The district cares about the whole child,” Principal Mary Little said. After looking at the number of overweight American teens, Vitality City and Beach Cities Health District, along with RBUSD, decided it was time for a change. “We want students and staff to have exposure to healthier choices. So, we are planning this taste test event in order to gauge student interest,” Brandt said. Metromint and Hint flavored waters will be a part of the tasting in conjunction with juices such as Odwalla and Olade. While tasting the array of beverages students will be asked about their preferences.

According to Brandt, the health guidelines were designed by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation in order to change the mix of products in vending machines, to increase healthier options, reduce the amount of fat, sugar, and sodium that is consumed during the school day, and provide lower calorie and more nutritious beverage options for children

“Kids who are physically fit, healthy, and get enough sleep are good students. The district cares about the whole child.” – Mary Little

in schools. Brandt feels it is important for students to learn healthy habits now because these habits will carry them through life. “Healthy eating and exercising that teenagers start now will last a lifetime. We are in a obesity crisis in America. This is the first generation that will not live as long as the previous generation; life expectancy is decreasing in our country and one of the main causes is obesity. So, it’s not just important, it’s absolutely necessary that youth address this issue,” Brandt said.

SAT Subject Tests now optional by Laney Burke

After the fall 2011 application term, UC schools no longer require SAT Subject Tests for admission, but the tests are still recommended. According to the University of California admissions website, certain programs, campuses, and majors recommend taking the subject tests. For example, UC Berkeley's College of Chemistry and College of Engineering consider an application with the SAT Science and Math Level 2 subject tests as a plus.

“I still recommend taking subject tests, especially if the student is going into math, engineering, and science.” – Karen Morris

However, campuses like UC Davis do not provide recommendations for subject tests, while many campuses such as UC Irvine and UC Merced are still finalizing their recommendations, pending faculty review. "I still recommend taking subject tests, especially if the student is going into math, engineering, and science," College and Career Center Advisor Karen Morris said. Another bonus for taking the subject tests is that they can be used to satisfy some of the UC general education requirements. However, Morris discourages students from depending on just subject tests to complete the requirements because students need a certain score in order to receive credit. "When students fall short on an a-g requirement, I don't see a high success rate for passing the subject test in that particular discipline," Morris said. UC’s assert that students who do not take the subject tests will not be penalized, but the tests may add positively to an application. "If students speak another language at home, it's likely that they will score very high [on the language subject test]," Morris said. A student graduating in 2011 who takes a gap year and then applies for admission in the fall of 2012 will not be required to submit any SAT Subject Test scores. "My theory is to take the subject tests anyway because UC’s don't penalize your scores," Morris said.

And the winner is...

Jeff Rosadini “I call it a Westside Stache because it is in the form of a W. Seemed like a fun thing to do.” “It sounded like fun. We need fun things on campus. Anything out of the routine can help. Students in my classes seemed to have fun monitoring my progress.”

Moustache

—Bill Dargen

—Braidy Halverson

Madness

The teachers growing mustaches were judged based on creativity, originality, and effort. “I tried to grow a Fu Manchu. I did this for school spirit. It’s coming off as soon as the event is over.”

—Alvin Fletcher

“I tried to grow mine in a fireman/state-trooper style [because] I wanted the authoritarian look. It was a good excuse to grow a mustache and do it for a school event.”

“I joined the competition because it’s a good way of reminding people that it’s okay to be a little goofy, and that taking yourself too seriously can be bad for your mental health.”

—Josh Friedrich

Although the High Tide only featured the top five faculty members in the competition, these faculty members also participated in the May Moustache Madness: Philip Comito Chris Cunningham Jason Johnson John Newman Rodney Nichols

Opinion

]May 27, 2011]

Subject tests a waste of time

Around

Redondo

“Should students know where Grad Night is being held?” “No, because not knowing where it’s at is part of Grad Night.”

12th

— Megan Thomas

“Definitely. It would be cool to know what I paid for.”

12th — Michael Suh

Editorial: Classes need more field trips

“It should be revealed and I want my money back.”

12th

— Ariel Chavez

“You should know because it could be very disappointing.”

11th

— Lile Tehrani

“Yes, so kids can properly prepare for it.”

10th

Ethan — Pezzolo

“No. It’s more exciting the way it is now.”

10th

— Andrew Baer

For thirteen years of our lives, we sit for hours at a time For example, a student may be told that the average Tyand listen to our teachers drone endlessly on while we shuffle rannosaurus Rex is 15 to 20 feet tall and 40 feet long, but restlessly in our seats, crane our necks to glance at the clock, will not fully appreciate the dinosaur’s size and intimidating and shake our desks out of sheer frustration and boredom. nature until the fossils of a real Tyrannosaurus Rex tower But fear not, for there is a solution to this boring daily rou- above him at the Natural History Museum. tine: field trips. Those lucky enough to travel to Catalina Island or WashYes, in these hard times of constant budget cuts, some ington, D.C. during middle school have a firsthand undermay protest to the cost of field trips. However, I can assure standing of the true value of educational excursions. Grantany non-believers that field trips are money well spent. ed, they were practically vacations — including the added Field trips provide a much-needed excitement of traveling for days at a “The hands-on experibreak in students’ daily routine that time and staying in cabins or hotels is both educational and interesting. ence provided by field trips with friends — but the principle is In fact, according to scientist Edgar the same. Dale, people remember 50 percent is much more effective for If you take students out of their of what they experience firsthand teaching students.” everyday environment and into a while they only remember 20 pernew one that provides a complete cent of what they hear and 10 percent of what they read immersion in marine biology or history or any other subject, (www.teacherworld.com). they will not only learn from the experience, but also enjoy Therefore, the hands-on, interactive learning experiences it. provided by field trips are much more effective than reading So, teachers, this message goes out to you. Don’t let your assignments or lectures for teaching students. In short, field students waste away day after day in the classroom; change trips improve academic performance. it up a bit! Take them to a museum or a park or a laboratory Even the simple act of taking students out of their usual so they can soak up information with the help of a refreshed environment and into a new one awakens their minds and mind and unique learning resources. facilitates their immersion in the subject matter. Or at least take them to a museum just so some of them With an increase in the use of the unique teaching re- can say they’ve been to a museum. After, they may not all be sources of museums, zoos, and other field trip destinations, grateful to you for the field trip, but later on in their lives students are able to better relate and understand the subject maybe they’ll realize how much they enjoyed it when their material, especially if they happen to be visual or kinesthetic teacher took them to “that one museum” and they’ll make a learners. second visit.

Pro Con Should the location of Grad Night be revealed?

High Tide ]staff] Editor-in-Chief: Austin Pritzkat Managing Editors: Sophia Lykke, Julia Uriarte Editor of Design: Molly Simon News Editor: Kaitee Scheyer Opinion Editor: Josh Hillsburg Features Editors: Dylan Futrell, Kelsey Chung, Meglyn Huber, Christina Mehranbod, Ashley Pournamdari, Alison Peet-Lukes, Madeline Perrault Sports Editors: Adam Ammentorp, Jessica Cascio Photo Editor: Jonathan Martin Copy Editors: Shannon Bowman, Nicolas Cruz Cartoonist: Josh Hillsburg Online Editor: Brianna Egan Staff Writers: Vanessa Alarcon, Taylor Ballard, Kyle Bittman, Matthew Brancoli, Loren Brown, Laney Burke, Tati Celentano, Kimberly Chapman, Zachary Commins, Alexis Curtis-Olson, Camille Duong, Zack Elliott, Gianna Esposito, Dan Furmansky, Daniel Garzon, Allie Goldberg, Anacristina Gonzalez, Michelle Hough, Cedric Hyon, Bethany Kawa, David Kawa, Casey Lovano, Anthony Leong, Tricia Light, Cameron Paulson, Jeremy Porr, Melissa Rosero, Allison Salazar, Alyssa Sanchez, Joanie Schneider, Alex Shea, Jessi Shipley, Laura Shodall, Annica Stitch, Emma Uriarte, Zachary Zent Adviser: Mitch Ziegler The High Tide dedicates itself to producing a high-quality publication that both informs and entertains the entire student body. This newspaper is a wholly student managed, designed and written newspaper that focuses on school and community events. The High Tide is published by the journalism class at Redondo Union High School, One Sea Hawk Way, Redondo Beach, CA 90277. Advertising is $7.50 per column inch, $6.00 if paid in advance. For information call (310)798-8665 ext. 2210. Signed commentaries and editorial cartoons represent the opinions of the writer or cartoonist and in no way reflect the opinions of the High Tide staff.

Early Saturday morning, juniors and seniors across the United States wake to the dreaded ringing of their alarms. They rise out of their comfortable beds to tolerate and excel in the agony of standardized testing. But by Zac Commins due to the University of California (UC) Board of Regents’ unanimous decision to eliminate the SAT Subject Test requirement for freshman admission beginning next fall, some students may be rescued from this suffering. In 2008, the UC’s Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools (BOARS) concluded SAT Subject Tests lack exceptional value in the admissions process and recommended the end of the subject test requirement altogether. “This recommendation is made on the basis of extensive analyses which show that, after accounting for GPA and SAT core-exam scores, subject test scores contribute very little to the accuracy of predictions of initial success at UC,” the BOARS report stated. The UC Board of Regents’ decision, allowing students to voluntarily take the exams and demonstrate their skill, is a welcome result for college-bound students, allowing them to sleep in Saturday morning after a grueling week of school and, more importantly, saving time and effort which would otherwise be wasted by both students and admissions offices. The College Board argues that these tests “showcase achievement in specific subject areas where you excel.” But in the BOARS report, officials statistically concluded that SAT Subject Test scores, along with the SAT Reasoning Test, correlate with only approximately 0.2 to 0.5 percent of freshman GPAs. The relative worthlessness of these tests arises from the redundancy of the test material. Students are free to take subject tests for classes that colleges already know they have taken and languages that they already speak. With other indicators for success in college such as GPA, extracurriculars, and the SAT Reasoning score, the SAT Subject Tests are simply not worth an admissions officer’s time or a student’s 20 dollars. Now that many institutions across the United States have concluded that these test scores present an inadequate assessment student aptitude, the time has come to phase out unnecessary standardized testing. Rather than misguidedly trying to “assess a student’s academic abilities,” our education system must concentrate its resources to provide quality learning and effective qualitative testing for all American students.

here is no question of whether or not the location of this year’s Grad Night should be released. Although it is tradition to keep by Alyssa Sanchez the location of Grad Night a secret, there always comes a time when tradition must come to an end. Keeping the grad night venue a secret is an unnecessary and outdated practice. Just look at it from a financial perspective. The $120 it costs to attend Grad Night certainly sums up to more than a pretty penny. Considering this high expense, students are apt to wonder whether or not it is worth it to spend that amount for a potentially disappointing event, especially if they are forking over the money themselves. If students know where the location of Grad Night is then students would know if their money was being well spent and if they would enjoy their night, thus increasing ticket sales and attendance. Students will always look at previous locations of Grad Night as another determining factor when deciding to purchase a ticket or not. Since the location of last year’s Grad Night disappointed some students, this year’s class worries about being let down the same way. No one wants to spend a lump sum of money on a forgettable disappointment, so what better way to eliminate these concerns than to just inform the students

where Grad Night will be this year. One of the reasons why the location of Grad Night is kept a secret and cell phones are taken away from the students is to eliminate the possibility that people will crash Grad Night. However, these precautionary measures are completely unnecessary, considering that those who care enough to attend will have already purchased a ticket and those who don’t are more apt to spend celebrate their graduation at an unsupervised party free of charge. If there are people planning to crash Grad Night, then that means there would have to be someone at the entrance not allowing people in. So as it seems, keeping to location of Grad Night a secret serves only to make the night easier for the “chaperones”. This is pure laziness and there is no justifiable reason why the students should suffer. But there is a clear solution: release the location. Problem solved, no secrets necessary. This year’s class of 2011 can enjoy their night and feel great about the purchase they made. Even if those in charge of Grad Night feel they are benefitting the event by keeping the location a secret, it is really doing more harm. Many students are hesitant to attend for the very reason that the location is kept such a secret. Curiosity is said to have killed the cat and now curiosity of where the location of where Grad Night will be is killing ticket sales. It only makes sense that the next step should be to release the location. If not, be prepared for low attendance of Grad Night.

rad Night is a long-esteemed tradition and something everyone should respect. Instead of complaining about being left in the dark, seniors should be excited for a surprise. While seniors may want to know the location, keeping it a secret pumps up enthusiasm. Seniors should appreciate even having the option; many schools offer way less exciting events for their graduating students. The surprise makes it even more fun, so if you wouldn’t normally go to a bowling alley going with your whole class may push you to really enjoy it. The whole point of Grad Night isn’t wear you go, it’s who you go with. Having a big last hooray with your classmates for the past four years will be a lasting memory. Our high school years really fly by, and even a somewhat “lame” event will be a whole lot more fun with people you’ve seen everyday for the past four years. Past seniors may have complained about lame Grad Nights, but they weren’t excited to go in the first place. Going along with traditions pumps up school spirit, something we are obviously lacking. If everyone views it as a Redondo tradition, fewer people will complain. Disgruntled students don’t want to give up their phones, those electronic devices that are now such an integral part of us. But we spend so much time plugged in that a few hours of being forced phone-lessness can only do us good. For possibly once, we will all be

forced to actually focus on spending time to people we’re with, rather than fritter time away checking your latest texts. While I think keeping Grad by Shannon Bowman Night a secret is a fun idea, maybe to increase interest (and ticket sales) those responsible should leak out a couple hints. Hints may interest students who wouldn’t normally care about events like Grad Night. And if students have a rough idea of what to expect, they may be better prepared and more likely to buy a ticket. Even something like a contest for Grad Night ideas (with the winner remaining a secret until seniors arrive) would help ticket sales and create more interest. There’s just no helping the price of tickets, but maybe approaching the price a different way would convince unsure students to attend. Tickets cover food, event costs, and other miscellaneous expenses students don’t consider when evaluating the price. It’s not the school trying to rip you off, it’s a necessary way to ensure future events. Seniors should approach Grad Night as a fun event with friends, not a secret way to get money. Parents plan these nights as a way to celebrate the graduating class. Even if this event isn’t a hit, I’ll still make it a point to attend my senior year as a way to create lasting high school memories.

Features

] May 27, 2011 ]

Travaglio and Aguinaldo lost weight through diet and exercise

Health &

by Melissa Rosero

Senior Josh Travaglio and Junior Kevin Aguinaldo began loosing weight for personal reasons. They were amazed with the benefits and were further inspired to lose weight because of wrestling. For Travaglio, the weight loss began on the eighth grade Washington D.C. trip. “At first when I was in D.C. I could walk in my shorts without holding them up; but by the end of the trip, my shorts started sagging so much I had to hold them up because I was loosing so much weight,” Travaglio said. In a matter of one week, Travaglio lost around fifteen pounds. This was the turning point in his life. “In eight grade I was 230 pounds and I would just eat every second of my life. [On the D.C. trip], I didn’t have the luxury of eating all the time because they set up meals. Just one week trained my stomach to eat less,” Travaglio said. Now Travaglio weights 140 pounds, 90 pounds less than he did only four years ago. “When I came back from the trip I just decided to continue the pattern and I started eating less and walking a lot more,” Travaglio said. He finds that his success in weight loss is due to his change in lifestyle. First came a drastic change in his eating habits. “I stay away from any fast food, but one of the main reasons for my weight loss would have to be soda. I haven’t had soda in over two years. I keep a very simple diet full of whole grains, protein, water and especially no condiments,” Travaglio said. During his sophomore year, Travaglio increased his weight loss by beginning to train to become a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter. He also joined wrestling this year. “I had to loose a lot of weight because if I stayed big then I’d have to fight huge people, so I started working out and maintaining a low weight,” Travaglio said.

“Now I have more energy and I feel better about myself. I’m happier and I also find that I’m more sociable. But what makes me feel really great is when people notice that I have lost weight.” —Kevin Aguinaldo

Just like Travaglio, Aguinaldo came to a sudden realization that he had to loose weight. “I realized that I was getting big and I decided to do something about it, so I joined wrestling and jump started my love for personal fitness,” Aguinaldo said. At the end of sophomore year Aguinaldo joined off-season wrestling weighing 170 pounds. “There is a 171 pound weight class which is pretty strong. It became obvious to me that I wasn’t strong enough for that weight class so I had to drop weight,” Aguinaldo said. Aguinaldo achieved his weight loss by eating small meals five times a day and exercising four times a week. Now, Aguinaldo weighs 140 pounds and reaps the various benefits of his weight loss. “Now I have more energy and I feel better about myself. I’m happier and I also find that I’m more sociable. But what makes me feel really great is when people notice that I have lost weight,” Aguinaldo said. Unlike Aguinaldo who now wants to concentrate on building muscle, Travaglio knows he will loose twenty more pounds and reach his ultimate weight goal of 120 pounds by next September. “My advice for loosing weight would be to learn to exercise until it becomes a routine, eat the right portions of food, but above all don’t eat fast food or drink soda,” Travaglio said.

by Cameron Paulson

FITNESS Being healthy means more than being skinny. Being healthy means being a normal weight, eating right, exercising often and being knowledgeable about nutrition. Students tell of about their weight, their motivations for working out, and their reasons why they eat healthy.

Tran eats healthy for long-term benefits by Allison Salazar

In a weight obsessed society, being thin is a driving force to eating healthy. If that new dress does not zip up anymore, dieting is the first option that comes to mind. For senior Tiffany Tran however, being healthy is more important because of the long-term benefits rather than her weight and size. She is health conscientious although she is a healthy weight and does not need to worry about being overweight. “Being healthy is important to me because I want to live longer and enjoy life without any burdens from bodily diseases,” she said. “To me, eating healthy means being cautious about what I’m eating while enjoying it too.” Tran is known for having unique lunches with healthy foods inside each. “I have to admit, I love food. Honestly I eat a lot but I pay attention to what I eat.” She said. Senior Jessica Hammer praises Tran for her healthy lifestyle. “I think teens worry about size and the way they look instead of thinking about being healthy. Tiffany is skinny

but she tries to be as healthy as she can which is great,” Hammer said. Tran eats organic food and tries to incorporate as many fruits and vegetables into her diet as possible. She avoids preservatives, anything with MSG, aspartame, artificial sweeteners, and packs her own lunch everyday.

“Being healthy is important to me because I want to live longer and enjoy life without any burdens from bodily diseases. To me, eating healthy means being cautious about what I’m eating while enjoying it too.” —Tiffany Tran “My lunch is pretty eclectic because I bring a variety of things. Occasionally my mom will make some Vietnamese food which is very healthy, wholesome and delicious,” she said. Her friend, senior Amanda Jahn, has noticed the variety of foods Tran brings and believes that Tran’s idea of preventing rather than curing health problems

Aerobics teaches nutrition

should be enforced at school. “Tiffany is always eating something interesting. She could eat anything she wants and not gain any weight. By taking care of herself she is preventing future problems with her health,” Jahn said. This year Tran became interested in vegetarianism and tried to become one but she found that it was difficult because meat is in her favorite foods. “Vegetarianism is a very intriguing concept to me. Almost all [food] from different countries has meat and I wanted to see what vegetarians would eat as a substitution,” she said. “I tried but I failed miserably. I commend them for their dedication to omit meat in their diet though.” Being Catholic has also influenced the way she views her eating habits. However, she practices healthy eating habits not because she has to but because she wants to. “I believe we should treat our body as a temple and not give into gluttony,” she said. “Self control is a very difficult thing to obtain in a society where overindulgence is prevalent. It’s all about self control and being honest with yourself.”

While all schools advocate healthy students, Jennifer Dessert’s aerobics class focuses on not only the physical health of her students, but the emotional health as well. Coming up on Dessert’s 6th year of teaching aerobics at Redondo, she advocates not only healthy nutrition and regular exercise but a positive attitude every day. “I’ve always wanted to work at Redondo,” Dessert said, “ After I graduated from Cal State Long Beach, there was an opening at Redondo for an aerobics and dance class and I took the job.” Over the years Dessert has observed that her students are more and more interested in staying healthy and fit. “The trend [in the last 6 years] has definitely changed for the better,” Dessert said, “My students now care more about their health more than my students when I first started [teaching].” Dessert has quarterly projects that have to do with health, heredity, and overall well being. “[When I first started teaching] I was making my students keep journals of the things they’ve eaten and the time they exercised during the week but it didn’t seem to have much of an effect,” Dessert said, “I changed my curriculum to quarter projects and the results changed and it had more of an effect on my students.” Dessert’s students enjoy the projects and it keeps them more informed of their over all well-being. “The projects are a fun easy way to learn about my health,” sophomore Sasha Brantley said, “Mrs. Dessert’s class is the reason I changed my eating habits and I’ve been healthier since I was switched in [the class].” Dessert’s focus on nutrition is not just because she wants her students to be healthy but for herself and her family as well. “My son has asthma and that was around the time I started looking at healthier foods to keep him fit and in good shape,” Dessert said, “And with a new baby on the way I need to be in the healthiest condition possible.” One of the main parts of Dessert’s class is making her students feel confident and have a positive outlook on life. “I want [my students] to know they are worth every ounce of positive energy it takes to get through the day,” Dessert said, “If they walk away from class and take that with them I know I’ve done my job.” Brantley looks forward to Dessert’s class every day. “Her class makes me feel confident and better about myself all the time. In that class I have great friends, a great teacher, and I leave with a positive attitude everyday,” she said.

Nichols works with trainer to prepare for the army by Bethany Kawa

He rushes out onto the battlefield and carries a wounded Soldier, strategically dodging bullets while trying to protect himself and the “man down.” He is a hero saving another hero. He is a combat medic providing first aid on-the-spot medical treatment to wounded Soldiers. Junior Jabari Nichols has dreamed of joining the Army as a combat medic since he was ten-years-old. Though he only started seriously considering joining the Army since freshman year, he has been physically preparing himself since middle school. “I had a personal trainer when I first started [working out] in middle school. I had to learn proper form so I wouldn’t injure myself,” he said. Nichols prepares for the Army by taking personal fitness training, physical therapy and emergency medical responder courses that Southern California Regional Occupational Center (SCROC) offers. “As infantry when you leave the Army, there isn’t a lot you can do with that training. But as a medic when I come out of the Army, I can be an emergency medical technician which sets me up for a good civilian career,” Nichols said. Staying physically fit is especially important to Nichols because of the endurance he must have on the battlefield. “If your body lets you down, you can let your team down. If you let your team

down, you can get killed,” he said. Nichols works out four to five days a week for two-hour sessions. He works

“Everyone has to be strong in the Army. But if you are a medic, your load will outweigh the infantry guys by about 30 pounds because of all the medical equipment you have to carry,” —Jabari Nichols low weights with high repetitions to build strength and stamina. “You have to make sure you can take care of yourself and your guy if they need you. If you don’t have the endurance the other guys aren’t going to leave you. They will try to make sure you get out of there too. If they stand back to help you, they’re taking fire for that much longer and your weakness can get someone else killed,” he said. Nichols relies on a calisthenic workout to build muscle. According to

Nichols, calisthenics is a workout in which you use your own body weight instead of weights. Popular Army calisthenic workouts include push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, dips, and body squats. Nichols does leg curls and leg extensions to work his quads and hamstrings. “Everyone has to be strong in the Army. But if you are medic, your load will outweigh the infantry guys by about 30 pounds because of all the medical equipment you have to carry,” he said. Nichols maintains a healthy diet abstaining from candy, chips and soda. He does not believe in extreme dieting but rather portion control. Last year, he ate less than 1,000 calories a day for two

months and lost all his fat. He doesn’t plan on dieting again. “I lived off of egg whites and Special K, but that was before I was taking any personal training classes so I didn’t know how bad it actually was. Now I eat whatever I want to eat, but not too much of it,” he said. Nichols looks forward to joining the Army because of the character it builds. He continues to workout until he joins. “Staying in shape is important because it can keep you alive in the Army,” he said.

Features

]May 27, 2011]

Lynch adapts to the culture of SoCal from her home in Florida

ASB changes rally spot due to construction by Annica Stitch

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY LYNCH by Tricia Light

According to a map, 2,745 miles separate RUHS from the small town of Surfside, Fla. Sophomore, Emily Lynch however, feels that the two cities are worlds apart. Lynch’s family moved from Florida to Redondo Beach last June, which required her to adapt to life in an unfamiliar city. “I had lived in the same house in the same small town my whole life. It was a close-knit community, and everyone knew each other,” she said. “[Moving to] a city with 4 million people was insane.” Her father, seeking larger professional opportunities, considered job offers in Nebraska, New Orleans, and Denver before deciding to work for the city of Los Angeles. “When I heard the news I was scared, but also happy. I wanted to see and experience new things,” she said. “I’d never been to L.A., so I didn’t know what to expect. Commercials would always just show Disneyland.”

Over the past several months Lynch has come to know what she refers to as the “California culture.” “We love it when people say ‘awesome’ or ‘it’s all good’. It reflects the laid-back culture,” she said. “In Miami the beach has a party atmosphere, but here it’s more calm and relaxed.” Leaving Surfside required her to say goodbye to friends she had known since elementary school and meet complete strangers. “I didn’t know a single person coming to the new school. I just kept imagining myself eating lunch alone,” she said. “I’m a pretty shy person. It’s not really like me to reach out, so meeting people was a challenge.” In addition, school is much more difficult here than in Florida according to Lynch. “The curriculum is really different. We didn’t read the same books or do as much work in class. Here there is more homework

A long way home. Although much different from her last home in Surfside, Fla., Lynch enjoys the unique culture that the South Bay provides.

and the teachers are stricter,” she said. Her mother, Andrea Lynch, has also observed many differences in the new school and city. “[Emily’s] had to step up her game to adjust, but she can do it. I’m very proud of her. She was in a new school didn’t know anyone, but the school was very welcoming,” Mrs. Lynch said. “Everyone here is very nice, polite, and focused on helping people.” Emily feels that her experience, while challenging, has taught her many lessons. “We are starting to get to know people and become part of the community. I’ve gained a new perspective on people that you don’t get just living in one place. There are endless possibilities here,” she said. “[The move] has made me a lot braver. If I can move across the country I can do anything.”

Blending

ASB will no longer be able to use the big gym for rallies due to renovations from the construction planned for next year. According to activities director Sherri Gross, ASB plans to use the small gym, field and auditorium as needed but does not anticipate facing any major setbacks. Administration and ASB have not planned where future rallies will be, but they are considering using the small gym and having multiple rallies as well as using the field for a single all-student rally. “It’s all up in the air though,” Gross said. As the Assistant Principal who oversees activities, Amy Golden hopes that rallies will be hosted in the Sea Hawk Bowl. “It’s not ideal. Obviously it’s better to have the big gym, but I think it’s worth giving it up for the year so that we can get a brand new gym. It will work out,” Golden said. Golden anticipates seeing students being reluctant to go down to the gym at lunch, since food is not allowed in.

by Matthew Brancolini

by Joanie Schneider

“He would frequently forget to pick me up from school and he would leave me with baby-sitters on the days I was supposed to stay with him at his home,” Finch said. This feeling of abandonment caused a negative spiral in the way Finch felt about her father. “I truly believed he didn’t care about me or love me. I thought he forgot about me

lunchtime venues. “We want to do things that will be fun for the kids. We’re going to have to be creative, but that’s part of the job,” Golden said. Even though students will not be able to enjoy activities in the big gym next year Golden encourages them to “stay tuned” for new activities in new venues.

With a new Science Building on the way, science teachers are faced with the challenge of completely relocating themselves until the building is complete. Science teacher Mary Simun has found the move to be particularly challenging, as she has an enormous collection of artifacts amassed in the small room connected to her classroom. She refers to this room, where these many things are displayed in massive glass cabinets, as her “museum”. “I have so many interesting and useful artifacts that I teach with,” Simun said. “So packing them up and deciding what I can live without for a year is really difficult.”

Spanish speaking students adjust through Native-speaker classes

Finch adapts to new life with father

—Sarah Finch

—Amy Golden

by Anthony Leong

Students adapt to new environments and adjust their lives to change.

“I truly believed he didn’t care about me or love me. I thought he forgot about me and I accepted the fact of me never seeing him again,”

“It’s not ideal. Obviously it’s better to have the big gym, but I think it’s worth giving it up for the year so that we can get a brand new gym.”

Science Building adjusts to new classrooms

Sophomore Sarah Finch hears her father’s voice in the morning through the telephone: “Good morning, Sarah.” Her father, John Finch lives currently in Florida after he was absent from his daughters life for five years. Finch describes the time where her father was absent as “rough”. He missed her growing up from age seven to twelve and missed key points in his daughter’s life.

“So [it’s] a little bit more challenging to get students down there. Other than that I think that we’ll do the best we can,” Golden said. Despite this possible setback, administration and ASB hope that “new and different” activities will draw students to the new

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH FINCH No stronger bond. Finch with her father after him being absent for five years. Although her father was not present for special moments in her life, Finch now tries to make him a part of her life.

and I accepted the fact of me never seeing him again,” she said. Despite giving him a second chance now, Finch still is pained by all the memories he has been absent from. “He can never redeem those moments. He missed school and sports events, birthdays, and holidays. Though he is now apart of my life, our relationship will never be the same no matter how hard we try,” she said. Finch has dealt with this challenging time positively and she wishes to encourage others to re-evaluate their family situations and advocates giving people second chances. “It was extremely hard to overcome the feeling of abandonment but I am glad my father and I are constantly working on our new relationship day by day,” Finch said. Continuing to improve their relationship, Sarah Finch finds joy being able to now communicate to her father.

Welcome to the first day of school. You walk into your first period class and take your seat at the back of the room. You are the new kid and have no friends to sit with. You watch as the other students chat excitedly but cannot understand what they say. You can only speak Spanish and you feel utterly alone. Luckily, Native Speaker Spanish classes help students, such as seniors Guadalupe Rivera and Gabriella Peraza, adjust to their new lives in Redondo Beach. Both Rivera and Peraza had trouble adapting to their new home at first. “I moved here from Peru when I was 14. It was a whole new experience for me. Everything was different here. It was pretty hard for me but I knew I had to do it anyway. I still missed my old home a lot,” Rivera said. Peraza also experienced similar difficulties upon arriving to the United States. “When I first moved here from Venezuela, it was really hard to get used to the culture, the language, the school, and how the people act in general,” Peraza said. “But making new friends helped me understand the U.S.” Soon after coming to Redondo, both students found salvation in their Native Speaker Spanish classes. According to Peraza, the friends she met in these classes helped her adjust to what she believes the most difficult aspect of life in the United States: the language. “Being in the Native Speaker classes helped me meet more people because they spoke English and Spanish so I could talk to them and practice English,” Peraza said. “I

would help them with their Spanish homework and they would help me with my English homework.” According to Rivera, Native Speaker classes also helped her feel more accepted and welcome. “I didn’t know any English at first and I couldn’t communicate very well,” Rivera said. “[Native Speaker classes] gave me people to talk to. I felt comfortable around them because they could speak Spanish.” Peraza believes that Native Speaker classes

“The main thing I would have liked to see would be the discussion on the things we do to increase the A-G pass rate,”

—Mary Little

benefit all students. “I think the class helps everyone,” Peraza said. “It helped me meet more people and learn English and I helped them with Spanish. Everyone helps each other out. It’s like a family.” Rivera also thinks that being able to talk to other students in their native language helps Spanish speaking students deal with the stress of a new environment. “It makes you feel really comfortable. The fact that you can have one class where you can feel like you’re at home, back in your old country, is really awesome. I’m pretty sad that those years [of Spanish class] are over.”

“I have so many interesting and useful artifacts that I teach with so packing them up and deciding what I can live without for a year is really difficult,” —Mary Simun

Although Simun does not know where exactly she and her countless trinkets will end up, she claims that some science teachers will be moved to the Chamber of Commerce, which is adjacent to the auditorium, and some moved to trailers. The Chamber of Commerce, however, raises some concerns for Simun. “I was concerned about the availability of bathrooms [as well as the] cleanliness of the building because when I went in there it smelled like mildew,” she said. In spite of this, Simun also mentioned that other teachers who had been in the Chamber of Commerce reported no smell, so she hopes the problem is gone. Simun has mixed feelings about whether she wanted the new building or would rather have stuck with the current one. She explains that science teachers have been forced to strip their rooms in the past for refurbishing, and recalls how the experience was for her. “I spent five to six weeks teaching in an empty classroom and it was pretty miserable,” she said. However, Simun appreciates the bond that paid for the building and the prospect of lab facilities. “I do appreciate the voters of Redondo Beach voting for a bond that will improve and maintain the building,” she said. “It’ll be nice to have real lab facilities.”

Features

]May 27, 2011]

Chinese program grew dramatically over year by Cedric Huong

ZERO Teachers enforce zero tolerance policies towards cell phones and electronics in the classroom. Chinese goes from zero classes to a language department. Students take zero period.

Although French and Spanish are the main language programs offered at RUHS, these languages are not the most frequently spoken in the world. The Chinese program at Redondo started off at square one, offering only three Chinese 1 classes. However, there are now two Chinese 2 classes and one Chinese 1 class offered. Next year Chinese 3 is expected for many students who want to continue learning Chinese. “Of course I want the program to grow into a full language program. That will include Chinese 1, 2, 3, AP Chinese and IB Chinese,” Chinese Teacher Chichen Lu said.

The image of a cell phone encased in a crossed out red circle is stamped on almost every teacher’s wall on campus. Although some teachers are flexible on the terms of the ‘No cell phones during class time’ policy, others are militant about the restrictions. One such teacher is Amanda Morton, mathematics teacher. “They have to be shut off at all times in the classroom. My policy is ‘Not on the carpet [inside my room], but on the cement [outside of the classroom],” she said. Students often lack understanding of the term “off.” “They must be ‘OFF’. ‘OFF’ does not equal ‘vibrate’, or ‘silent’, or ‘air plane mode’. It means ‘OFF,’” Morton said. Morton stands by her strict policies on cell phone usage in class because she is simply upholding her duty as an instructor. Morton considers texting in class to be a completely different issue than a phone accidentally ringing in class. “Texting for me is an interruption of the class room environment, so they get points taken off their of class participation grade,” she said. Texting represents something different than simply disregarding the school policy on cell phones, according to Morton. “I think that when a child is texting, the message a child sends to the teacher is that he or she does not take the class seriously,” Morton said. When she does have to deal with a student texting, Morton does not let it affect her perception of the student. However,

each student is expected to handle the situation appropriately. “I don’t view the child any differently as long as they stop that behavior, apologize, and don’t do it again,” Morton said. Morton has experienced a student who not only often texted during class, but who was once actually having a conversation on her cell phone during class. “I can not stand a student talking on the phone [while in class],” Morton said. Morton has experienced other situations in which she has taken away cell phones for long periods. “One time, I even locked a cell phone up in my file cabinet because the behavior was repeated more than once. It was in there for weeks until I saw a parent,” Morton said. Morton’s students generally appreciate her strict policy, like senior Shayna Stuart and junior Lisa Inoue. “I think it actually helps you focus on math more. Sometimes, even just the material you are learning is hard enough; you don’t need any more distractions like a cell phone,” Stuart said. Inoue thinks that Morton’s policy can be easily followed. “It’s just another one of those rules you have to follow for your teachers, like no hats or raising your hand,” Inoue said. Stuart believes that Morton is especially skilled at picking out violators of her policy. “She demands the respect that you will put [phones] away when in her class. Just put it away, you know you’re going to get caught and you know the rules. Morton has

Zeroing in on the target by Emma Uriarte

He holds up his gun and points it at the target. Pulls the trigger. Shoots. Repeats. This is how sophomore Peter Doykos passes his weekend. “A lot of people around here are kind of intimidated by that [shooting], but it’s a second amendment right,” Doykos said. When people are scared by the fact that Doykos shoots guns, he talks to them and makes them realize that it isn’t scary at all. “It doesn’t define me, it’s more like just a hobby,” he said. “Once I explain to them the safety precautions and the fact that I don’t hunt, they understand how much fun it can be.” Doykos’s father, Mark Doykos, became interested in shooting guns when he was a kid and passed on the activity to his son. “My grandparents lived in a small town in Pennsylvania where guns, shooting, and hunting were a tradition. A gun was seen as a tool rather

than a weapon,” Mark said. Mark enjoys going shooting with his son because of the discipline and excitement that comes along with handling a gun, but respects the safety precautions. “It’s fun and challenging, and we always have a little light competition between us,” Mark said. “It’s not as easy as they make it look on TV or in the movies, and it requires discipline and a level of seriousness, particularly regarding the safety issues. As we all know, they are not toys.” Shooting is something that he can do to have fun with his family. “My dad got me into shooting back when I was ten years old. It was just a father-son thing we could do,” Doykos said. According to Doykos and his father, shooting guns is something they can do together as a family. “[Shooting] offers us an opportunity to talk about other things going on in our lives,” Mark said. “The actual shooting is only part of it.”

country.” Last year, the Chinese program was very successful as both Chinese classes were almost filled entirely according to Lu. “Last year I had two very large Chinese 1 classes, and many students really wanted to continue this language so Chinese 2 opened up this year, and next year Chinese 3 will be open,” she said. Lu has a strong passion for the program and considers it very important to education. “I’m more focused actually on building the bridge between both the east and west, so students can know that there is a completely different world on the other side. Also, it is practical, useful, but also different,” Lu said.

Zero period allows students to have an early start by Anacristina Gonzalez

The alarm clock goes off. They get out of bed as they look out of the window towards the dark sky. An hour later, the warmth of the rising sun greets them as they drive to work. As a zero period teacher, this kind of morning is routine. Spanish teacher Deborah Forster enjoys the experience of having a class so early in the morning. “I really like it because I’m a morning person. I just like to get started early,” Forster said. Forster teaches AP Spanish Language, AP Spanish Literature, and Spanish 3. Her zero period class is the only Spanish 3 class she

teaches. According to Forster, being able to successfully get through all of the material is dependent upon both the teacher and the students’ cooperation. “The teacher has to set the pace and be organized and motivated,” Forster said. Forster believes that taking a zero period can be beneficial to a student as long as they are responsible. “I think [taking a zero period] gives the student a chance to take more classes and get ahead. It all depends on the student though,” Forster said. Math teacher Daniel Prinkey also takes on a zero period class. His zero period is PreCalculus/ Trigonometry.

“I think that [zero period] is better for the students because it’s hard for them to concentrate for two whole hours straight,” Prinkey said. According to Prinkey, the main concern with having a zero period is the excessive amounts of tardies that students accumulate. “There are a lot of late students and for whatever reason it’s hard for them to get there on time,” Prinkey said. Both Forster and Prinkey believe that having a zero period ultimately benefits both the teacher and the students. “The nice thing is I see the students every day and they get the chance to go over the material more frequently,” Prinkey said.

Miller-Hack follows strict veganism

Zero phone tolerance by Michelle Hough

The Chinese program started last year. The school wanted another language program offered at RUHS. Since Chinese is the most spoken language in the world, she was able to start teaching Chinese, according to Lu. Lu wants to be able to teach a full language program to all students, including AP Chinese. “During this summer, I will undergo AP training so that I will be qualified to teach AP Chinese. Hopefully in two years we can have AP Chinese for students that want to continue on the program,” Lu said. “Chinese is very important and a lot of potential and is worth for students to know, since in world issues and economics China is a centered

by Dan Furmansky

PHOTO BY ERINN MIDDO

Off the hook. The sign, shown above, warning students to keep electronics off during classtime. It is a school policy.

eyes like a hawk and will catch you even if you’re just checking the time,” Stuart said. Inoue thinks that texting is easily noticeable. “As a student, I think it’s pretty obvious. You don’t usually look down and smile on a regular basis during class,” Inoue said. Mathematics teacher Laurie Hamm follows the policy sternly as well. Hamm is especially strict because she knows how cell phones can be used to cheat. “It is too easy to take a picture of an exam and post it on the web,” Hamm said. Hamm agrees with Morton that phones are detrimental to learning in class. “They are a distraction, even if they are in pockets and on vibrate. If it goes off, then the students minds are not completely on what we are learning in class,” Hamm said.

No meat products whatsoever. That includes no dairy, no eggs, and no honey. This is the diet junior Josie Miller-Hack has been following for over three years. While this may seem daunting to the rest of us, Miller-Hack does not find her diet a major issue. “In the mornings I’ll have cereal with almond milk or something of the sort and then for lunch I’ll have a peanut butter sandwich. Dinner might be something like pasta with pesto or occasionally a veggie burger.”

“We treat animals so wrong. I don’t think we should raise and sell animals for money because it’s not our decision to make.” —Josie Miller-Hack The mistreatment of animals as the reason for Miller-Hack’s diet. “We treat animals so wrong. It’s all so industrial and based on money. I don’t think we should raise and sell animals for

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSIE MILLER-HACK

Veggies. Junior Josie Miller-Hack has followed a strict vegan diet for three years. The mistreatment of animals is Miller-Hack’s reason for this diet.

money because it’s not our decision to make,” she said. Miller-Hack no longer drinks milk. “Drinking milk from another animal is weird, it wasn’t intended for us,” she said People tend to think that being a vegan is a revolutionary life change but Miller-Hack belives it has not prevented her from growing up differently. “You can bake vegan, all you have to do is look it up online,” she said. Miller-Hack considers herself a bit of a radical when it comes to animal rights. “PETA isn’t as active making a difference for animals so I support the Animal Liberation Front. I’m not like some crazy who runs around blowing things up, I just believe in taking more direct action,” said Miller-Hack. She calls for more direct decisions. “When injustice becomes law, rebellion becomes duty. I don’t agree with everything [PETA does] but they have more of an influence on the well being of animals,” she said.

Sports

]May 27, 2011 ]

Jewel

Borgia goes from snack dad to head coach

The

South Bay

by Laura Shodall

the

PHOTO BY JAKE COLLINS

by Camille Duong

On May 14 the girls’ and boys’ Division I (DI) and Division II (DII) Southern Section CIF Finals were held at Sea Hawk Bowl. According to girls’ lacrosse coach Tom Borgia, he approached U.S. Lacrosse about hosting the games here. “I told John [Newman] and Andy [Saltsman] that we had an opportunity to showcase our facilities,” Borgia said. L.A. and Orange County switch off on hosting sites each year according to Athletic Director Andy Saltsman. “Next year a school in Orange County will host,” Saltsman said. According to Saltsman there was a collective effort in hosting the games. “Tom [Borgia] helped to get us to host,” Saltsman said. “ I organized the administrative side with help from [boys’ lacrosse coach Phil] Comito, and Newman.” According to Saltsman CIF recognizes lacrosse but does not sanction it, and because of that the O.C. chapter of U.S. Lacrosse has financed the games. “They bought the t-shirts, plaques, trophies, medals and brought people in to handle selling

tickets and people at the gates,” Saltsman said. Both Borgia and Saltsman agree that this was a chance to showcase the facilities. “We have some of the best facilities in the South Bay and southern section,” Saltsman said. According to Borgia, U.S. Lacrosse was thrilled with the turn out. “We were told we had a great site,” Saltsman said. “[O.C. schools] told us they would be coming back.” Borgia believes the success of hosting was due to a big volunteer turn out. “We would not have been able to host without volunteers from the boys and girls lacrosse teams and their parents,” Borgia said. This was not only an opportunity to showcase our facilities, but to also expand the sport of lacrosse according to Borgia. “We are trying to promote a great new sport to play,” he said. By adding an additional division to both boys and girls lacrosse more teams were able to make it to playoffs. “There were only two championship games last year,” Borgia said. “U.S. Lacrosse is trying to promote [lacrosse] by getting more teams involved.” Borgia also believes that lacrosse

PHOTO BY JON MARTIN

PHOTO BY MOLLY SIMON

Jewel of the Bay. After improvements to Sea Hawk stadium, Lacrosse held US Lacrosse championships for the first time

provides something other high school sports do not. “You can’t walk into high school and try a new sport other than lacrosse without having played for a few years,” he said. Both L.A. and Orange County had DI and DII boys’ brackets. O.C.

had a DI and DII girls’ bracket, but L.A. only had a DI bracket, according to Borgia. “There just aren’t enough girls teams in L.A.,” he said. According to Borgia, L.A. and Orange County had a combined 36 boys teams and 28 girls teams in play-

offs. Both Borgia and Saltsman agree that this was a successful day for Redondo Lacrosse. “Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sport in the country and west coast,” Borgia said. “Lacrosse is here to stay.”

Breathing issues don’t hold Mull back by Aly Peet-Lukes

After a season riddled with health issues, team captain and track star junior Lyndsey Mull is doing everything in her power to stay healthy for CIF finals, and ultimately, to put herself in a position to win the State meet. Her troubles first started during the summer going into her sophomore year. What Mull thought was a small asthma attack turned out to be something more serious. “My doctor first gave me an inhaler that didn’t really do anything. I ran cross-country and I felt fine. But in my track season I started not being able to breathe during races,” she said. “It felt like my throat was closing and I was being choked.” After a month of heart scans, ultrasounds and x-rays, Mull’s condition was still a mystery. “They thought it was this condition that is as if I were being choked while I was running. If this was actually my condition, I would obviously have to stop running,” she said. “It thankfully turned out to be just a special type of asthma that goes away

after treatment.” Almost directly after her asthma was diagnosed, Mull was faced with another health concern. “My groin area had been hurting. I got an MRI and they said I had a stress fracture. Then I got a CT scan and it came back negative for a stress fracture. So, I went to my doctor and it turned out to be a stress reaction,” she said. Mull feels like she has fallen behind on workouts because of her stress reaction. “I was cross training by doing pool workouts and going on the elliptical so I was still fit. However, I feel like I would be doing better now if I had just been running normally,” she said. Mull was very persistent on her stress reaction healing quickly. She ices it every night and takes ice baths twice a week. She trained with a machine that took off 20% of her body weight so it was easier on her joints, called Alter-G. “It looks like a normal treadmill, but then you are inside this bubble that fills up with air and lifts you off the ground. I was pretty well re-

covered at that time so I only did it twice,” she said. While Mull was injured, she was constantly getting sick. “I would get sick, and when I would start to get better I would get sick again. I also had the same cough for like two months,” she said. “Now going into what my coach calls the Championship Season I am going to extreme lengths to not get sick.” Mull takes 10 nutritional supplement pills every morning, she sanitizes her desk and chair before she sits down, and steers clear of any people with a possible cold. “I don’t want to get sick. I don’t share drinks, I don’t share food, and I don’t like to touch people,” she said. Despite her health problems in the past, Mull is optimistic about CIF finals and hopes to place high in the state meet. “I’m only being so crazy about staying healthy and injury free the rest of the season because I feel like I’m a little behind. I still have the same goals as I did going into the season and the only way to achieve them is to stay well,” she said.

PHOTO BY ERINN MIDDO

Truckin'. Junior Lyndsey Mull leads the way in front of Sophomore Cara Ulizio. Mull has had to overcome breathing issues to climb to the top of Bay League.

Bassman siblings run for gold by David Kawa

PHOTOS BY ERINN MIDDO

Dynamic Duo. Brother and sister track stars, Shelby and Chris Bassman are two of Redondo’s top sprinters.

Siblings, senior Chris Bassman and sophomore Shelby Bassman, light up the track as top sprinters. Chris feels that natural talent runs in the family. “Genetics are a factor I think. Some people are just naturally faster, and me and my sister are two of those people,” he said. However, he attributes his success to dedicated training. “I have talent, but I also practice really hard,” Chris said. Even as his season closes, Chris feels that he still has room to improve. “I’m peaking, but still training hard. I’m definitely still getting faster,” he said. Shelby qualified for CIF, but cannot compete due to strained muscles over her metatarsals. She feels that training with her brother gave her the edge to compete at such a high level. “I use him as a guide to get better, but I know I’ll never be as fast as him. If I can stay with him during practice, then I know I can beat any girl out there,” she said. She looks to her brother for motivation. “Me and my brother have the same goals and train in the same way. I don’t see it as being in his shadow, but more like following in his footsteps,” Shelby said. Coach Bob Leetch is grateful for the “Bassman

bloodline.” Over the past four years, Leetch has seen Chris refine his technique and speed. “Chris has blossomed into an elite runner. He’s really an example for others with his serious approach to the competition. It’s really amazing looking back on his whole progression,” Leetch said. Leetch sees the same potential in Shelby. “[Shelby is] super nice with tons of talent. She is really coming to grips with what she wants to be. She could be the top sprinter in the area tomorrow if she wanted. The sky’s the limit with her,” Leetch said. According to Leetch, the Bassmans share a competitive drive. “They have a fierce competitive nature. They are always ready to goon race day. Track is more than just showing up to the meet for them. They love the event itself,” he said. Leetch also feels the Bassmans build the team morale. “They are really just great kids. They are a blast to be around. They are great role-models of hard work for the rest of the team,” he said. The Bassmans’ performance highlight Redondo’s sprint program. “We are known on a national scale for long distance. It’s nice to bring some recognition for sprints,” Leetch said.

Tom Borgia is living the coach’s dream. He’s brought a once struggling team into the spotlight, coaching girl’s lacrosse through two North Division Champion titles and 3 consecutive Bay League championships, a feat which is not overlooked. What is overlooked, however, is his long-time involvement in Redondo athletics and his journey from snack bar dad to head coach. Borgia first became part of the sports program at the school when his eldest son, Michael, played freshman football. “They needed volunteers for the snack bar, so I signed up,” he said. “I realized it was a lot of fun, so I became more involved after that.” Borgia then became a part of the new boys’ lacrosse team. “About five years ago, our former athletic director, Les Congelliere, approached me and asked me about helping out with the team,” Borgia said. “I told [Phil] Comito that I was from New York and had played lacrosse, so he told me he could use my help.” After being promoted to the coach of the JV team, Borgia took notice to the relatively new girls’ team. “I would see the girls all the time during off season just sitting around,” he said. “We would sometime call them over to have a catch with us, but after going through three coaches in two years, they really didn’t have anybody.” Senior and captain Bailey Czech is appreciative of Borgia’s interest and dedication to the girls’ team. “It was nice to have someone notice all of our hard work and dedication,” she said. “Even though he already had an established position as a coach, he came to coach us. It felt good to have someone be interested in us for the long run.” According to Borgia, he’s highly involved in Redondo sports because of his family background. “Sports has always been a huge part of my family,” he said. “My dad reffed in the NBA for 20 years. My brothers also reffed in the NBA. It’s in my blood.” In addition to running the snack bar and being the head coach for girls’ lacrosse, Borgia also spends a portion of his time substitute teaching in the school. “I actually love subbing,” he said. “The kids are great, and I sub for a variety of classes. I’ve subbed a lot of P.E. classes, but I’ve also done math, history, and even dance.” Even though Borgia was a key part in hosting the CIF Lacrosse Finals, he was never “stressed.” “It’s actually a nice distraction sometimes, especially with CIF,” he said. “I was so busy running errands and setting up the snack bar that I didn’t find time to be worried or nervous about the big game.” According to Borgia, he wouldn’t be able to be a huge part of the school or athletics without his wife’s support. “I’ve done thousands of hours of volunteering throughout the years, and she’s really patient,” he said. “Without that I probably would be in a bit of trouble.”

PHOTO BY CELESTE MANAGULAN

Advice. Girls’ Lacrosse coach Tom Borgia gives some pointers during a time out. Under Borgia, the program has won League three years running.

Sports

]May 27, 2011 ]

Track takes three runners to CIF Masters

Swim cuts times in CIF

by Julie Tran

Two weeks ago, seniors Hogan Inscore and Jonathan Diaz and juniors Declan Andrew and John Portis competed in Masters and placed ninth in the 4x100 relay. Andrew also placed seventh in the backstroke, Diaz placed eighth in the 500 freestyle and Inscore placed ninth in 100 breast stroke. “At first our mind set was to make the cut, once we did that we started to get excited and wanted to keep lowering our times,” Andrew said. Portis gives credit for the boy’s success to coach Mark Rubke’s ability to prepare the boys for the season. Diaz felt prepared for his 500 freestyle event because of all the long distance swim practices and mental preparation Rubke had evoked on the team through out the season. “I think we can all agree on the fact that knowing this was the last swim of the season had a big impact on our expectations to perform well,” Andrew said. The team felt they could have dropped more time in their relay at Masters. According to Rubke, typically 90 percent of swimmers at Masters have slower times but the boys still swam with an outcome of very respectable times. “Overall it was a good experience. We swam against the top dogs of SoCal and it was fun to be in such a fast and competitive meet,” Diaz said. According to Andrew, another memorable part of season was beating Costa for the first time in twenty years. “It was such a cool experience seeing everyone pump each other up,” Portis said. Wanting to leave his mark in Redondo swimming history was huge motivation for Diaz. “I think we were so successful, not only because it was our last year in this relay team but because we were motivated to exceed our own expectations,” he said. According to Andrew, next year the boys need to restructure their relay teams in order to fill the big shoes of Inscore and Diaz. The team hopes next year they can overall come together and perform with strength. “We broke seven out of eleven school records, beat Costa and made it to Masters in a relay and three individuals. Redondo won’t see another season this amazing,” Diaz said.

The track team had 24 athletes qualify for CIF. Today, however, only three distance runners, sophomores Evan Malone-White and Cara Ulizio and junior Lydsey Mull, are advancing to the CIF Masters Meet at Cerritos College. In the CIF-SS Division Finals, MaloneWhite ran a 4:15.64 in the 1600m, placing second. Mull and Ulizio also ran the 1600m, finishing second and third respectively. Two runners dropped out of the mile, opening a spot for Ulizio, who was originally the first alternate. “I’m really glad I get the opportunity to compete in the masters meet because I trained so hard,” Ulizio said. “It’ll be really amazing to go head to head against California’s best track stars.” According to Malone-White, the season ended successfully. “We reached our team goal of being Bay League champions, and went even further to CIF masters,” Malone-White said. “The best thing about the season, by far, was competing with people who willingly went through pain and tears in order to achieve the same goals.” However, as “spectacular” as this season went, next season is the one to look forward to, according to Ferron. “We are going to have a lot of huge losses next year,” Ferron said. “One of the biggest losses for the team will be [senior] Aundrea Yancey, who carries the team in several events.” After Yancey and senior Mahmoud Hassanyn leave, there will be a gaping hole in the jumps program. According to Ferron, it is cause for some concern. Despite the mass of graduating star athletes, Ferron believes that the upcoming sophomores and juniors bring enough depth and talent to the team that they will face no problems next year. Underclassmen that look promising are freshmen Will Tait and Dustin Herold, sophomore Sadie Kimbro in hurdles and sophomore Dagmay Demsas in the 4x400 meter relay, according to Ferron. “The fact that the girls won Bay League two years in a row and that the boys had Bay League champions this year is attracting more and more people to track,” she said.

by Tatiana Celentano

PHOTO BY JONATHAN MARTIN

Charge. Junior Brittany Ross charges through defenders in a season game against Mira Costa.

Three winning seasons by Olivia Loveland

The girls’ lacrosse season ended two weeks ago after losing to Los Alamitos, 19-5, after winning CIF North Championship and trying to win CIF Southern Championship. The girls were undefeated in the Bay League for the third year in a row. “What a great year it was for both our teams. Nobody thought we could duplicate last years success but these girls were determined to do just that, undefeated in Bay League again and CIF North Champs again,” coach Tom Borgia said. Their close game against Cate that was won in the last few minutes by senior Julia Denney secured their CIF North Champion title and was both their most challenging and most rewarding game, according to coach Borgia. “This was by far the most exciting game we had in the last two years. We were behind the entire game and the girls never gave up and kept pushing themselves. It’s

a coach’s dream to watch your team play so hard until the very end and to pull out a huge win to repeat as CIF North Champions,” Borgia said.

“Nobody thought we could duplicate last year’s success but these girls were determined... undefeated in Bay League and CIF North Champs again” –Tom Borgia Four seniors who have been in the program four years will be graduating this year. Seniors Julia Denney scored a total of 69 goals, Allison Field 51 goals, Bailey Czech 25 goals, and Ava Elsner is ranked as the

best defender in LA County. “All of them dedicated four years to grow our girls lacrosse program and they set the foundation for the younger girls to follow,” Borgia said. With an undefeated JV team and returning starters, Borgia believes the team will get stronger and continue the winning tradition. “Next year we will have another outstanding team. The bar has been set very high for next years team, but I think our returning players welcome the challenge,” he said. Some returning players will be junior Micayla Kotzbach who had a season total of 40 goals, Brittany Ross with 36 goals and Allison Kotzbach with 25 goals. “We had a great turnout last night at the incoming freshman meeting with 17 girls signing up for lacrosse. That will be our biggest freshman class ever to join the lacrosse program so our future is bright,” Borgia said.

Baseball finishes third in play-offs by Zach Zent

PHOTO BY ASHLEY MAULDEN

Speed. Senior Drew Kozain pitches in a season game against Mira Costa. by Allie Goldberg

With tennis in his blood, sophomore Derek Levchenko just finished his second season as the number one singles player on varsity. “I’ve been playing tennis competitively since I was about nine,” he said. “My mom, dad, and brother all play tennis.” Although tennis has a heavy influence on his family, Levchenko does not feel pressure and continues to play due to his love of the game. “My dad has been coaching me my whole tennis career and my parents own a tennis shop. I don’t play because of that, but because I like the competitiveness and the sport as a whole,” he said. Although high school practices are only a couple hours every day, tennis is a big time consumer for Levchenko. “I hit with my dad almost every day,” he

said. “I play two to three practice matches a week and my goal is to ultimately get a college scholarship.” According to Derek’s father, Stuart Levchenko, Derek was initially bribed into playing tennis. “He started out as a basketball star. I offered to buy him a video game if he played,” he said. Mr. Levchenko explained that being a father and coach to Derek has been challenging. “It’s tricky sometimes,” he said. “When you’re coaching your son he’s not going to treat you like a normal coach.” According to Derek, his father puts just the right amount of pressure on him. “It’s nice because with my dad it isn’t about winning, but playing well,” he said. Derek explained that his team has been a large part of his positive tennis experience so far.

The baseball team finished third in the Bay League (5-5) and capped off a successful season with its first play-off appearance since 2008. Senior Travis Fischvogt, who bats .410 and starts in right field, believes that beating Mira Costa was the biggest win of the team’s season. “Beating Costa was the highlight of our season, since it was the first time we’ve beaten them in three or four years,” Fischvogt said. “I’ve never beaten them as a player and it felt great.” Fischvogt credits the team’s success to first year manager Jeff Baumback. “Coach definitely had a strong impact on the team. His desire to win was huge for us and he always had a plan, which was a big part of our success. It’s nice to have an intelligent coach behind you,” Fischvogt said. Fischvogt looks back on last season unfa“Everyone’s really encouraging. Especially my brother; he’s led the way for my family in academics and me in sports and we’ve always been encouraging each other,” he said. Mr. Levchenko explained that Derek’s greatest improvement has been his serve. Derek can now serve up to 130 mph. According to Derek’s teammate, Chris Farmer, Derek is a great role model for the team. “He’s really grounded with his skill and he’s a great team player. He’s supportive and never brags about his ability,” he said. Derek’s work ethic encourages the rest of the team to play hard every day, according to Farmer. Farmer explained that Derek was definitely key to the team’s success this season. “Without Derek’s contributions we definitely wouldn’t have won as many games as we did,” he said.

vorably, when considering the team’s recent accomplishments. “Last year wasn’t that much fun and we lost a lot to teams that I felt we were better than. This year we played way more skilled teams than last year, but we had a better record. That just shows how much better we got,” Fischvogt said. Junior Dylan Hatch had a huge season for the team, becoming one of the most feared hitters in the area. Hatch, however, also looks to Baumback as a huge part of the team’s success. “Coach Baumback brought a lot of experience and ‘know-how’ to the team this year. We all knew he was a good coach because of the program he came from and his background as a Division I pitcher at Cal State Long Beach. We tried to do everything he asked of us and it ended up paying off,” Hatch said. Fischvogt believes the future is bright for the team and for Redondo baseball as whole,

but believes the team needs to develop more pitchers if they want to succeed. Whoever steps up as the team’s star pitcher next year will have to be extremely successful if he wants match senior Grant Wessel’s numbers on the year, who won most of his games on the mound. Hatch is looking forward to another season as the team’s clean-up batter and expects for the team to ‘come up big.’ “Next year we will have an advantage. Coach Baumback came into this season trying to figure out things we need to work on individually and as a program. Now he has a better idea of what we need to do and it will help us next season,” Hatch said. Hatch was proud of the team’s passion for the game and how much it cared about winning and losing. “You can expect next year that Redondo will be contending for the Bay League and showing what we can do play-offs,” Hatch said.

Athlete of the

Issue Derek Levchenko

“Art in the Streets” exhibit showcases urban creativity [B6]

A behind-the-scenes look at AP Testing [B3]

Artistic students have always found a place to thrive within Redondo Union. Whether their medium be paint or ink, film or clay, our school’s various facilities have nurtured our gifted and passionate students’ talents. See B4-B5 for more

The High Tide Redondo Union High School Redondo Beach, Calif. May 27, 2011

the

nchor

PHOTOS BY JON MARTIN AND ERINN MIDDO

May 27, 2011

day life in the

by Emma Uriarte

Creating his own medium Sophomore Cooper Lovano fuels his passion for art by sketching everyday. Walking around campus, sophomore Cooper Lovano attends Ecology club meetings, eats lunch with his friends, and goes to his volleyball practices, but Lovano’s real passion lies in art. According to Lovano, drawing and painting is an outlet that allows him to focus on something other than school. “I like doing it, and it’s a fun way to put my thoughts, ideas, and views on certain things onto paper,” Lovano said. Lovano’s father is a muralist and first got his son interested in art, and started teaching his son at a young age. “When he was like three or four I started teaching him shading with spheres, circles, and different shapes,” Mr. Lovano said.

Now that he is older, Lovano and his father help each other with their art. “It’s always good to have someone else to bounce ideas off of in a drawing’s composition and execution,” Mr. Lovano said. “We help each other out by talking and sharing ideas.” Aside from taking advice from his father, Lovano takes ideas and advice from other people at school. For Lovano, art is a learning experience. “I learn from experiencing new techniques with other people and using what I learn from other artists,” he said. “I get a lot of ideas by researching different artist’s styles and going to museums.” Lovano usually draws for an hour a day, but he always to make sure his art does not interfere with his schoolwork and

other priorities. “Art motivates me to get other things done quickly so I can spend more time on [drawing],” Lovano said. Lovano has a wide range of interests when it comes to drawings, and he enjoys experimenting with many different techniques. “I used to like drawing hands a lot because it’s something I can draw while looking at it,” he said. “Right now I like drawing personified animals, like an elephant with glasses. [I draw] combinations of things you wouldn’t expect to see.” Although Lovano draws some art for fun, he likes to put a message into each of his works. “I generally have a deeper meaning behind most of what I draw so that it’s more than just visually appealing,” Lovano said.

May 27, 2011

From financing to testing environments to scantrons, the administration plans ahead to ensure that the two weeks of AP testing run smoothly. by Tricia Light

Dozens of anxious students sit in desks perfectly spaced according to regulation. Each student receives a dauntingly large test booklet. Papers rustle as the proctor reads from a generic script in a monotonous voice. Pencils scratch as two long weeks of AP testing begin. Just as students and teachers have worked to prepare for the testing, the administration has been looking after every detail to ensure that everything goes as planned. “[Preparing for the testing] is a year long process,” Assistant Principal and AP Coordinator Erin Simon said. Simon has been working since August to attend to details such as registering teachers and submitting course audit submissions for classes. “If the course isn’t approved, students won’t get credit for the class, so that’s huge,” she said. “Arranging testing locations and hiring proctors can be very time consuming as well.” The magnitude of students taking tests also presents challenges, seeing as every student is required to turn in the proper forms and payment on time. “Just getting out the 1350 tests is a big job,” Simon said. “Teachers have been helpful in disseminating information to students and parents.” ASB Finance Clerk Joyce Stern also played a role in the process by managing the collection of the payments. “It was hectic and busy,” Stern said. “We did have some lines because everyone waits until the last minute, but we managed.” This is Simon’s first year working here

and overseeing the AP program. “I worked with teachers and made my own way from there. Most teachers are familiar with teaching AP classes. I look to them, especially with me being a novice,” she said. Simon feels that the program is valuable to students and to the school. “It is a very rigorous program,” she said. “It gives students a chance to be waived from certain classes in college.” Virginia Okawauchi, who helped proctor AP tests, felt that her unique perspective allowed her to observe not only the intricacy of the testing plans, but also the students’ varied behavior as they tested. “I can tell that certain teachers expect more out of their students, and when it is someone’s first AP test [because] they are really nervous and easily distracted,” Okawauchi said. “If you haven’t paid attention to your teachers it is very obvious because you are lost.” Despite the challenges, Simon feels that all is going well. “We’ve been planning things all year to ensure that everything runs well,” she said. “Things come up, but you have to deal.”

These are just some of the steps adminstration had to take in order to preparation for AP testing: June: set up a new account at AP central September: Register for coordinator workshops and distribute testing schedule to teachers December: create a plan for distribution of AP bulletin to students February: distribute “dear parent” letter along with bulletin March: ensure that all students have registered for their AP exams April: secure AP exams once they arrive May: tests are administered and must be sent back for grading

A P

Advanced Preparation

May 27, 2011

Ceramics is a time-consuming but rewarding craft by Nicolas Cruz

In the beginning, it is nothing more than a ball of clay. But after hours of hard work and concentration, this dull piece of clay becomes a piece of art. Making ceramics is a labor-intensive process and involves many different steps, according to Ceramics teacher Toni Artiga. Students spend time and effort in their art projects. “The process of making ceramics is more time consuming than people realize,” Artiga said. “To make pottery, a lot of time is used preparing clay, building, drying, firing, sanding, glazing, and then [firing the piece one more time.]” Despite the work put into making a pot, the results are “worth the time.” Junior Alexis Bracken believes that making ceramics is great because she can see the end result and feel proud about her hard work.

“People who are not in ceramics do not know how tough and time-consuming it is,” Bracken said. She is able to both look past the difficulty in ceramics and see the final product. According to Bracken, the best part of ceramics is when other students are able to recognize the hard work she put into her art. “When someone actually says ‘Whoa, that is really cool,’ it makes you feel really proud,” Bracken said. “That [is the moment] when you feel the work had paid off when someone compliments your piece.” Bracken became interested in ceramics when she went to the Art Show last year. She loved looking at all the artwork by her peers. “I’m very thankful that my teacher, Mrs. Artiga, could help me achieve such beautiful masterpieces,” Bracken said. Bracken gets to be part of the Art Show, which has its opening reception on May

SOMETHING OUT OF NOTHING MAKING

31 at 6 p.m. “I’m excited that my projects I am really proud of will be on display for the community to see,” Bracken said. “I had never handled clay [before] so I am really happy how [my projects] turned out.” According to Artiga, she is glad to help students pursue art. “I can proudly say that I create art everyday whether perfecting my own skills or assisting my students. I want my students to see me produce art and know that I go through the artistic process with them,” Artiga said. What motivates Artiga is getting to see her students achieve their highest potential in art and guiding them to reach this potential. “It is every artist’s dream to be inspired. Seeing my students produce creative and original work motivates me to want to make art and teach higher expectations every year,” Artiga said.

4. PHOTO BY CELESTE MANUGHIAN-PETER

PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL

PHOTO BY ERINN MIDDO

3. PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL

by Dan Furmansky

No matter what the medium, students learn the various forms of creative art and aspire to continue their craft.

AP Studio Art allows students to develop as artists by Gianna Esposito

The magic begins with the first touch of charcoal to paper. As her hand grazes across the page, she exalts in the pure satisfaction of both improving her technique and doing what she loves. What was once a hobby of “doodling” for senior Jesi Nicoloro has now become a true passion — all thanks to AP Studio Art. “[After being in AP Studio Art class,

Evening of

ARTs

the

opening reception: Tuesday, May 31 6-8 p.m.

exibition dates: June 1 & 2

Snack and lunch WHERE: noble gallery rM. 106

I] won’t settle for any less [than being a professional artist]. Art is the only thing that I am sure will never disappoint me and it’s given me a reason to want to go to school as well,” Nicoloro said. AP Studio Art teacher Debrah Smith believes that Nicoloro has developed as an artist in the class. “She has a passion for art and definite ideas on how to express herself in her own visual language,” Smith said. According to Smith, one of the benefits of AP Studio Art, compared to Art 1 and other CP Art classes, is the opportunity for students to truly establish themselves as artists, having already learned about different artistic techniques and mediums. “It is a privilege and pleasure to work with young artists, to see them create in a visual language of their own, to see what they see of this world and to see a visual representation of what they think and how they think,” Smith said. In AP Studio Art, students express their artistry through their portfolio, which serves as their AP Exam. According to Smith, it is made up

of a minimum of 24 pieces of art, 12 of which are varied styles in order to show “breadth” and 12 of which are part of a “concentration” on a “specific visual idea” that the students choose to explore. Nicoloro believes this portfolio requires a great deal of work and is one of the reasons why the class can be difficult, but she thinks it is well worth the work. “I have heard from others that AP Studio Art is one of the hardest AP classes and it does seem intimidating at first, but sending out a finished portfolio [was] the most rewarding thing I have ever done,” Nicoloro said. Smith agrees that AP Studio Art is difficult, but that it is only “intended for highly motivated students who are seriously interested in furthering their skills in the visual arts.” According to Nicoloro, with Smith’s encouragement, AP Studio Art students are able to push their limits as artists. “I have grown more as an artist in this class because Mrs. Smith has always encouraged me to challenge myself and find a deeper meaning in everything,” Nicoloro said.

Photography class focuses on digital and modern methods

5. PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL

6. PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL

Art. 1. Visual and Performing Arts Department Chairwoman and Ceramics teacher Toni Artiga poses with a pot she made. 2. Senior Justin Yang shapes a sculpture. 3. Ceramic Lanterns. 4. Senior Brian McMartin takes a photo of another student during Photography class. 5. Senior Kem Richards shapes clay to form a pot. 6. Senior Jesi Nicoloro draws in her class. 7. Senior Alex Oetzell tracing a drawing during AP Studio Art. 8. Ceramics on display in the kiln where they are fired.

7. PHOTO BY CELESTE MANUGHIAN-PETER

8. PHOTO BY CELESTE MANUGHIAN-PETER

Point. Shoot. Compose. Edit. The photography class at Redondo provides self-directed and advanced instruction for the use of traditional and digital cameras. Matt Sheehey is in charge of the class and teaches the students how to properly use a digital single lens reflex camera as well as composition and editing techniques. “I cover the many opportunities that photography has to offer,” Sheehey said. The class covers topics such as lenses and optics, light and sensors, optical effects in nature, perspective and depth of field, sampling and noise, the camera as a computing platform, image processing and editing, and the history of photography. “Basically, students learn how digital cameras work and techniques used to produce a photograph and not just a snapshot with their cell phone,” he said. Students in photography then have the option to manipulate their photographs, using software like Adobe Photoshop. The class falls under the category of Career Technical Education. “My class helps prepare students to be successful in a career in the field of photography or photo journalism. Its kind of like a stepping stone for journalism and yearbook,” Sheehey said. At the end of the year, students print out their best work to put into a portfolio and display it in the Art Show. “The visual arts are important because it’s another way for students to express themselves artistically. We live in such a fast paced digital era right now,” he said. “With computers getting faster and faster and the many types of graphic software available, students are

becoming more and more creative digitally.” Sheehey feels that the class is an artistic outlet for students. “I do find that some of my artistic students display emotions in their work but this is a beginning digital photo class. I spend a lot of time training them and how to use the cameras correctly,” he said. Though there is not an advanced photo class being offered at the moment, Sheehey hopes that there could be one in the future. “Advanced photo techniques are offered in the advanced media art classes. Next year a new teacher will be taking over the photo program,” he said. Photography student Paul Stacey’s passion for photography began with skateboarding. “I would take pictures of my friends while they were doing tricks and it just stuck,” Stacey said. He began in eighth grade when his dad gave him his first camera. “I was hooked immediately and ever since then I’ve saved up my money and bought different lenses for it and accessories,” he said. Even though Stacey describes photography as an expensive hobby, he knows that he wants to pursue it. “I’m planning on going to an art college like OTIS or San Francisco to study photography,” he said. “I still have a lot to learn, but I’ve played baseball and skated and photography is the only hobby I’ve kept on pursuing.” He has an active interest in being a professional photographer when he’s older. “I go to the beach and take pictures of the sunset and things like that, but I also take it seriously. Keep on pursuing what interests you and hopefully you can make a career out of it,” he said.

May 27, 2011

Making

Mark Their

by Molly Simon

Photos by Molly Simon

It’s ironic that the line outside the museum stretches as long as it does. Graffiti is, after all, a common incidence of city life and the fact that hundreds of people wait outside to see it in a museum seems a bit strange. Once inside though, it makes perfect sense. The Museum of Contemporary Art’s (MOCA) new exhibit “Art in the Streets” is unlike any other museum experience. It is all at once beautiful, horrible, provocative and thought-provoking. What makes it a great exhibit is that it is accessible: graffiti is in itself common, but generally not thought of as an art form and subsequently its history is not widely known. The museum remedies this by taking visitors through the history

The new “Art in the Streets” exhibit at MOCA celebrates graffiti and street art in a new light.

of modern graffiti from 1967 to the present day. Even for someone who is knowledgeable on the subject, the exhibit opens up the bigger picture. The exhibit looks at both East Coast and West Coast styles and their evolutions, from the more simplified counter-culture writing of the late sixties into the elaborate murals and writings of the late eighties to early nineties. The rest of the exhibit is more involved. Visitors can wander through a vaguely 1970’s dystopia, full of art from Todd James, Barry McGee, Stephen Powers, and others artists. The best part of the exhibit is its diversity. Banksy offers his typical tonguein-cheek views with several installations and murals, including a drawn-on living room and men in radiation suits playing golf. Banksy is probably the most recog-

nizable artist in the exhibit, as his work has recently risen to fame after his Academy Award-nominated Exit Through the Gift Shop began to draw attention to the street art movement. Artists featured in the movie are also featured throughout the exhibit. Space Invader’s aliens pop up in high corners of the building, and Los Angeles-based artist Shepard Fairey (who came into the public’s eye with his iconic Obama campaign poster) has a small segment featuring his works form over the past twenty years. The huge diversity in style and subject matter is the best feature of the exhibit. This type of art offers so many perspectives and styles that it is far more engaging than any other show in the Los Angeles Basin. “Art in the Streets” makes visitors reevaluate what art is, and widen their perspectives while doing so.

A new perspective. 1. Children play on a drum set in front of a work by OS Gemeos. 2. Banksy’s mural of a street artist praying to a stained-glass graffiti window fills an entire wall. 3. Visitors wander through the exhibits. 4. Banksy’s installation of men in radiation suits playing golf is a main feature of his exhibit. 5. The hand-drawn living room in the Banksy exhibit. 6. A low-brow ice cream truck sits in the center of LA artist’s Mister Cartoon’s exhibit.

May 27, 2011

The

Good

Kind

Cris Bennett, junior Cameron Bennett’s dad, has actively supported the South Bay for decades.

by Julie Tran

huffling through papers, answering phones, and meeting customers at his restaurant chain Good Stuff, Cris Bennett is no stranger to hectic and demanding days. Despite his busy schedule, Bennett has managed to volunteer in the community and support local schools for 25 years. Bennett’s son, junior Cameron Bennett, believes that his dad keeps a good balance in his life and has his priorities straight. “My dad is a hard-working man and I’m proud to have a father so involved, so humble, [and] so charismatic,” Cameron said. “Sure, his work keeps him busy most of the day and not around too often, but he still manages to find the time to make us dinner nearly every night and make my sandwich for school every morning.” Mr. Bennett actively supports the South Bay, investing his time in the Vitality City Advisory board, Riviera Village Association, Redondo Sunset Baseball and Softball, Rotary Club of Redondo Beach, the Mayor’s Advisory Board for downtown El Segundo, and King’s Harbor Church. He also has coached soccer and roller hockey. “I want to support the community that supports me,” Mr. Bennett said. Mr. Bennett also purchases advertisements to help fund the school and promote his business. “I live, work, and support the city of Redondo Beach,” Mr. Bennett said. “I have

1. 3.

had two kids graduate from Redondo, my wife graduated [from there], and I have a junior there as well. Over the years, I have bought advertising in the different sports programs, yearbook, have had my banner in the gym, as well as donated food for the basketball tournament, baseball program, and volleyball fundraiser.” The Good Stuff line of restaurants Mr. Bennett owns and manages have enabled him to volunteer in the community. Mr. Bennett once wanted to be a dentist, but now believes that he wouldn’t have been as involved in the community had he become one. “It was all because I wanted to work four days a week. The dentist I went to as a kid always had Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off and so I thought I wanted to be a dentist,” Mr. Bennett said. “But then I got my first restaurant gig when I was 15, and then I thought ‘forget dentistry. This is the life.’ ” His parents helped him open the original Good Stuff—which can still be found on Olympic in West Hollywood—upon graduating college. “I did everything back then,” Mr. Bennett said. “I cooked, painted, hung lights, made the menu - I practically worked 12hour days, seven days a week.” Despite the challenges, he always believed that he would be successful. “This sounds cocky, but when I was first starting the business, I honestly thought I’d be retired by now,” Mr. Bennett said. “I went

4. 2.

in really confident. I knew I’d make it, but after six kids and inflation, retirement isn’t in the picture at the moment.” The success of the original Good Stuff led Mr. Bennett to open several more restaurants, including the current locations in El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach. While Mr. Bennett hopes that his children will carry on his legacy, he also supports their independent choices. “This sounds cliche, but I don’t want my kids to follow in my footsteps [just] because I want them to,” Mr. Bennett said. “I want them to do it because they have a passion for it. I’d consider them successful if they do something they love to do.” Mr. Bennett also feels self-motivation is crucial to success. “I’m not the smartest finance guy out there or the best cook, but I’ve always had a drive as a restaurateur,” Mr. Bennett said. “In the restaurant business, you don’t have a boss dangling a carrot for you. You have to wear a lot of different hats—the father figure, the repairman, the cook, the marketer, the advertiser, the visionary. Now that I’ve been all of those, I was left with some more time on my hands.” Good Stuff’s success has allowed Mr. Bennett to spend his free time not only volunteering, but with his family. According to Mr. Bennett, a large percentage of his community efforts centers on the

5. Photos1-2 and 4-5 by Erin Middo. Photo 2 courtesy of Cris Bennett

He's just good. 1. Cris Bennett interacts with his customers at his restaurant. 2. Mr. Bennett helps serve food with his employees. 3. Mr. Bennett proudly poses in front his restaurant in the Riviera Village. 4. Mr. Bennett helps repair his restaurant. 5. Junior Cameron Bennett admires his dad’s dedication and hard work.

sports, church, and school that his children are involved in. “Family is the most important thing,” he said. “Now, my kids may not agree that I feel that way and I know I haven’t always put my family first, but I hope I can pass that value of family importance more than the successful businessman ethic because, at the end of the day, family is what it really comes down to.”

Where’s the

May 27, 2011

beef by Annica Stitch and Josh Hillsburg

The Spot Without meat, vegetarians sometimes search for an alternative to satisfy the cravings for something savory. The Spot’s appropriately named “savory sauce” is that alternative. Brown rice, steamed vegetables and tofu seem plain, but adding savory sauce to any dish on the menu is a delicious way to make your meal more interesting. This restaurant is a modest sized natural food place nearly hidden behind a corner off of Hermosa Avenue. The prices are decent considering the generously sized servings, but the only item on the menu to The Spot really rave about is the Hours 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. savory sauce. The service is ques- Open every day tionable, even on days Location when there aren’t many 110 2nd St. Hermosa Beach people dining. On days when there is not more Recommended Dish than one waitress, it’s Savory Garden Burrito: Garden veggies like eggplant hard to even ask for a and zucchini with savory sauce refill.

The Green Temple The Green Temple provides tasty dishes and a caring atmosphere that even non-vegetarians would enjoy. Sitting outdoors next to a fountain makes customers feel like they’re sitting in a garden. It’s a great place to go on a hot afternoon. The service is great, even on busy Saturdays. The Blue Plate, which comes with a veggie burger, mashed potatoes with gravy, broccoli and a choice of soup or salad is just one of the flavorful entrées that the restaurant offers. The veggie burger is a worthy opponent of any real beef patty. The Green Temple The tofu sauce, Hours similar to the Spot’s Tue-Thu: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., 5 p.m. “savory sauce,” is a 9 p.m. ; Fri-Sat: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., 5 - 10 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., good dipping sauce for p.m. 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. vegetables. The teas on Location the menu are also very 1700 South Catalina Avenue #103, good especially when Redondo Beach they’re accompanied Recommended dish The Blue Plate :“Our homemade veggie by agave nectar, a su- burger patty topped with sautéed mushperior substitute for rooms and onions and mushroom gravy and served with a side of mashed potatoes plain sugar. and steamed broccoli.”

Being healthy doesn’t always mean eating bland meals. Vegetarians need tasty cuisine, too. Here are some local eateries where herbivores and carnivores alike can find something to enjoy.

Happy Veggie Vegetarian curry with potatoes and imitation chicken would be better homemade with a package Golden Curry mix, rather than ordered at Happy Veggie. The imitation chicken is flavorful and definitely not as bland as it often is at other restaurants, but the curry is not spicy like the menu advertises. The potatoes are mushy and bland, leaving customers wishing for more of the soy meat. Despite this dish falling short of expectations, the pho soup is fantastic. The broth is savory even though it isn’t meat based. With a number of different additives served with the soup like bean sprouts, chili sauce, and Happy Veggie jalapeno peppers, customers Hours will get their money’s worth Lunch: 11:00am - 2:30pm, when they order this large Dinner 5:30pm - 9:00pm, Closed Sunday bowl of soup. Location The staff is personable 709 North Pacific Coast and in such a small venue, Highway, Redondo Beach it’s easy for customers to get Recommended Dish the waitress’s attention. This Pho: A mouth-watering healthy is a good place to order take- noodle soup made with tofu, soy out since the service is fast chicken, roasted ginger, shallots and over 10 healthy herbs. and table space is limited.

The veggie grill A far cry from your typical hole-in-the-wall mom-and-pop diner, The Veggie Grill offers delicious and healthy entrees in an uncomfortable, commercial setting. Seated in offensive orange plastic, the establishment’s patrons all bear the same conflicted grimace, very clearly contending with one universal emotional schism: My carne asada is divine, but why won’t the grumpy server make The Veggie Grill eye contact with me? That said, the sweet potato Hours fries are utterly sinful. Coat- 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Mon.- Thu. 11 a.m.- 2:30 a.m. Weekends ed in a delicious salty dust, Location these crunchy delights are a 720 South Allied Way treat for both your belly and El Segundo your coinpurse. Recommended Dish But in stark contrast to the Carne Asada: This blend of marinated slick, brightly colored dining synthetic proteins slathered in The Veggie Grill’s famed southwestern area are the bathrooms. spiced vegan mayo is purely blissful. Calling to mind the cold, grimy desolation of an abandoned subway, the flickering lights and stench of raw sewage are a sure damper on an otherwise adequate restaurant experience. Garish decor and soulless, corporate atmosphere aside, The Veggie Grill offers a flavorful palette of meatless caricatures to satisfy any appetite and fool even the most discerning tongue.