December Issue 2012 Grace King

Page 1

G r a c e

K i n g

H i g h

S c h o o l

Irish Eyes

Volume 45 Issue 3

Upcoming Events December 14-19

King Hosts Tournament p.8 4301 Grace King Place, Metairie, LA 70002

Friday, December 14, 2012

English only instruction laws may infringe on native culture

Exams

Grace King earns a “B� from State By Shanzay Chaudhry Staff Writer

December 15 Winter Formal

December 17 GK vs. Haynes @Haynes 3:30pm

December 19 GK vs. Brother Martin @Brother @ Martin

6:00pm

December 20January3 Winter Break No school

January 4 Staff Development No school

Janurary 4 GK vs.

Riverdale

@Riverdale

January 9 Report cards issued

January 13 GK vs. Jesuit @Jesuit

6:00pm

January 17 GK vs. Mount Carmel @King

6:00pm

January 19-21 LASC Convention

Bianca Shrestha

Among the highest performing students at Grace King are members of the Executive Board. Widely considered the leaders of the school, the board is comprised of mostly non-native English speakers.

By Jessie Chen Managing Editor

With the steady increase of the Hispanic population, school districts around the country are divided in addressing the needs of non-native English speakers. For example, California and Arizona have laws that require English only instruction in the classroom. Some may fear that this action will cause students to lose their culture while being assimilated into the American custom. Others strongly believe that a part of them will always be influenced by their native country, even if they are adjusting to the American lifestyle. “It is such a strong part of who they are and they have so many friends that they share the identity with. They cling to their cultural identity, [so] I don’t think they will lose it,� ESL Teacher, Janine Slotwinski Samah Hammad said. According to Students in Janine Slotwinski’s ESL class are recent arrivals to America. the latest census

Bianca Shrestha

Some Hispanic students choose to speak Spanish outside of the classroom.

data, 15.98 percent speak a language other than English at home, compared to the 8.8 percent statewide. Rafael Saddy, the Founder and Event Coordinator of the Latin American Civic Organization of Louisiana (LACAL) expresses his beliefs. “For Hispanics to become literate in the English language and for a higher education, educational leaders, civic organizations, federal and state agencies should look for ways to increase the number of bilingual Hispanic teachers. This will help the Hispanic student to become not only bilingual but also biliterate, encouraging them to continue to cultivate their own native language and heritage, but to also integrate into the English speaking educational community.� See Bilingual education, News 3

In recognition of improved test scores as well as factors that determine a school’s performance score, Grace King received a grade of “Bâ€? by the Louisiana Department RI (GXFDWLRQ 7KLV LV D VLJQLÂż FDQW improvement from last year’s grade of “D-.â€? Griffon credits part of the success of the school to the staff and how their ability to adapt to the drastic changes she implemented. In order to turn the school around, Griffon’s goals included to improving the school image and raising test scores. ,Q KHU Âż UVW VWHS WR FKDQJH WKH culture of the school, Griffon took initiative. Repainting classrooms and getting new desks were ways she altered the school environment. The addition of new computer labs helped teachers give instruction to students. This better prepared them End of Course exams. Furthermore, Griffon reinforced the tardy and uniform policy. In a effort to ensure student attendance, the amount of time between classes were shortened. While some of these changes may not be directly linked to test scores, Griffon believes it changed the overall attitude of both students and teachers. “The students that I encounter on a daily basis, I see them walking a little taller and a little happier,â€? Principal Meg Griffon said. Once King achieved this, a new set of challenges facced by administration. As a result of many of these changes, Grace King showed a 25.1 percent growth, one of the largest improvements for high schools in Jefferson Parish. In fact, King had the highest rate of improvement for traditional public schools, moving from a grade of “D-â€? to a “B.â€? The second largest growth was John Ehret High School, See School report card, News 3

Louisiana proves a popular location for major Hollywood studios California and New York,â€? Hamp Overton, Director of Film By Eric Sheu Editor-in-Chief Program at the UNO said. In the 10 years since Filming in New Orleans has Louisiana introduced the Act, film production has increased become a big industry. Since 2002 when Louisiana VLJQLÂż FDQWO\ LQ WKH VWDWH ZKLFK introduced the Louisiana Motion has been dubbed “Hollywood Picture Tax Incentive Act, a tax Southâ€?. This can be seen by the LQFHQWLYH IRU Âż OPV DQG WHOHYLVLRQ number of high budget movies SURGXFWLRQV WKH Âż OP LQGXVWU\ KHUH shot here such as “Looperâ€? has grown tremendously. The Act starring Bruce Willis and Joseph provides that the state defer up to Gordon-Levitt. In addition to the state 30 percent of production costs for incentive, Jefferson Parish offers any budget over $300,000. “Louisiana is the third largest a 3 percent rebate on production state for production behind costs.

Tax incentives and the use of digital media has helped the industry grow. Digital format has allowed for more chances to enter the film industry and PRUH PDQLSXODWLRQ WR WKH Âż OP DV opposed to mechanical effects. The popularity of filming here has lead to places such as the Nims Center Studios, which offers three studios ranging from 7,000 to 20,000 square feet. The facilities offer state of the art motion capture 3-D animation and a digital cinema studio. See Films, News 2

Eric Sheu

Graduate Jake Hoyson tests lighting equipment at UNO.

2

Friday, December 14, 2012

News

Irish Eyes

Club encourages students to join Love is Louder, a club that promotes bullying awareness, is currently accepting new members. See Mr. Cella, Mrs. Labry or Di Chen for more information. Yearbook on sale Yearbooks are on sale for $60. See a yearbook representative or Ms. Lampo in Rm 310 to buy one today.

Compiled by Tia Banerjee Sports Editor

6WXGHQW FRXQFLO WR UXQ IRU RI¿ FH Student council members will be attending the Louisiana Association of Student Councils convention in January in Sulfur, Louisiana where they will be running for the position of SecretaryHost. Senior Fee collection Senior Board is still collecting installments of $30 for senior fees. See Mr. Cella in Rm. 211 to pay them today. Winter Formal this Saturday Winter Formal will be held in the cafeteria from 8-11p.m. Admission is $8 in advance or $10 at the door. See Mr. Cella in Rm. 211 to buy your ticket today.

Junior Board sells class cards Junior Board is selling class cards for $40. This card allows you $2 off admission to all dances and provides you and your date free admission into the Junior Prom. See Ms. Torrado in Rm 206 to buy one today. Junior Prom venue announced Junior Prom will be held at the Children’s Museum on March 28 from 8-11p.m. The theme is Candy Wonderland. Key Club holds food drive Key club has been collecting canned goods for the Second Harvest Food Bank. The last day to donate is Friday. The homeroom that collects the most cans in each grade will receive a doughnut party. Club looking for members Best Buddies is currently accepting new members. If you have questions, please see Coach Furtado or Diana Rivera.

Samah Hammad

The Grace King orchestra performing “Music for the Royal Fireworks” by Handel at the “Winter Showcase” on Nov 28.

Talent Theatre holds audition The Talented Theatre department will be holding the second round of auditions for the school musical. Auditions will be held on Jan. 8 in Mr. Maggiore’s room, Rm 514, after school from 3:15 to 5:30. Library to host new event Starting in mid-January, the library will begin hosting Wonder Wednesdays, an event where members of the faculty and staff will demonstrate their talents. If you

have any questions, see Ms. Carter or Ms. McCabe in the library. Teachers offer ACT Prep ACT Prep is being offered Tuesdays and Thursdays after school from 3:10 to 4:10. See Ms. Dinwiddie, Ms. Caillouet, or Mr. Wytock for more information. Club to host social LASA will be hosting a Latin American Social with food on Jan. 7 in Rm 315.

Production studios generating opportunities for students in “Hateship, Friendship” based on the bestselling novel Due to the increase of movie production in the area, UNO by Alice Munro. The KDV H[SDQGHG LWV FRXUVH RIIHULQJV LQ WKH ¿ OP DQG WKHDWUH movie due out next program. Students may take courses such as Introduction year stars Hailee to Screen Writing, S t e i n f i e l d , G u y Development of Pearce and Nick the Cinema and Nolte. Other films Production Sound include “21 Jump f o r F i l m . T h e Street” starring facilities include Channing Tatum, a Green Studio, “ B u g ” s t a r r i n g S o u n d S t a g e Ashley Judd and and AVID Nitris H a r r y C o n n i c k Jr.. “College” and Finishing Suite. L e i c h t e n b e rg “ Wo r s t . P r o m . has experience with Ever”. “I know people the film industry finding locations that were moving from all over the IRU ¿ OPPDNHUV In recent years country, especially schools around C a l i f o r n i a . . . the area such as r e l o c a t i n g Riverdale High t h e m s e l v e s o r School have been their entire family Eric Sheu used as a location because it was hot Eric Sheu UNO’s Whisperroom is a sound t o f i l m . G r a c e and happening here,” Lighting equipment at UNO’s sound stage ranging from 600 watts to 10,000 watts. The sound stage insulated room used for recording. is a retrofitted black box theater. King was recently Leichtenberg said. Films, from front page

News

Irish Eyes

Hurricane Sandy slams Northeast Coast storms. The public may not respond appropriately if the media reports that a potentially destructive hurricane is Superstorm Sandy hit the East Coast only labeled category one. Concern on Oct. 29, affecting the Northeast. from the National Hurricane Center is Because of the low wind speed, that the public may disregard possible 6DQG\ ZDV QRW FKDUDFWHUL]HG DV DQ tide surges. The effects of Sandy RI¿ FLDO KXUULFDQH +RZHYHU WKH mostly affected New York City, Long devastation caused by Sandy is causing Island and its suburbs. RI¿ FLDOV DW WKH 1DWLRQDO +XUULFDQH Transportation was impacted most Center to reconsider how they label EHFDXVH RI À RRGLQJ LQ 1HZ <RUN &LW\ By Mahum Riaz Staff Writer

Courtesy of Dan Healy

Members of Jersey City’s Ladder Company 13 worked around the clock during Superstorm Sandy on Oct. 29. Jersey City is located right outside of New York City.

Subway systems and all road tunnels entering Manhattan were shut down. The Metropolitan Transit Authority indicated that it could take weeks to restore the damage. Âł7KH HFRQRPLF LPSDFW LV GHÂż QLWHO\ HQRUPRXV EXW LW ZDV DPD]LQJ KRZ WKH subways and trains weren’t running, but people were still going into work. The small businesses were more LPSDFWHG HVSHFLDOO\ LQ WKH Ă€ RRG SURQH ]RQHV EXW , NQRZ D ORW RI WKHP are trying to open up now,â€? Jersey City Âż UHÂż JKWHU 'DQ +HDO\ VDLG 7KH ZRUOGÂśV ODUJHVW VWRFN H[FKDQJH WKH 1HZ <RUN 6WRFN ([FKDQJH ZDV FORVHG IRU WZR GD\V IRU WKH Âż UVW WLPH since 1988. “The weather channels said on Wednesday that this storm could be devastating. I think a lot of people heeded that warning. Most people who wanted to get out, got out,â€? Healy said. Sandy may be the second most H[SHQVLYH VWRUP LQ $PHULFDÂśV history due to loss of electricity and transportation, after Katrina. The economic impact of Sandy may reach $50 billion. “I had to work the day of the storm, so I had to leave my wife and two little girls. It was a big worry for me as far as my family being safe.â€?

3ULQFLSDO UHĂ€ HFWV RQ GUDPDWLF ULVH LQ WHVW VFRUHV School report card, from front page

The second largest growth was John Ehret High School, who showed a growth 20 percent and moved from a grade of “Dâ€? to “C.â€? West Jefferson High School showed a growth of 19.6 percent and moved from a grade of “F-â€? to a “D.â€? Despite the success, Grace King faces a new set of challenges this year. Due to the sweeping education reform initiatives the criteria for measuring school performance has changed VLJQLÂż FDQWO\ )RU H[DPSOH RQ 0DUFK 19, all juniors will be required to take the ACT. The school is required to have an average score of 18. The results will comprise 50 percent of the school’s performance score. Griffon pointed out that while Grace King has one of the highest ACT averages in Jefferson Parish at around 21, this score only represents college bound students. Under the new guidelines every junior will be required to take the ACT wether they are going to college or not.

“Moving from a B to an A is going to take all of us working together,â€? Griffon said. The student’s perspective towards this success has generally been positive. “When applying for college or a scholarship, I’m sure the admissions RIÂż FH ZLOO ORRN DW WKH VFKRROÂśV SURÂż OH and see that Grace King has risen from a

D to a B,� senior Karina Shareen said. “It’s even better to know that you were a part of the student body that helped the grades improve.� “Learning test taking skills is highly important,� Griffon said, “but it’s the teacher being able to facilitate it, it’s the student being able to accept it and coming into a collaborative process

Jefferson Parish High School Report Card School

Growth

(2010-2011)

(2011-2012)

Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy

26.1

A+

A

Grace King High School

25.1

D-

B

Haynes Academy School for Advanced Studies

25.1

A+

A

20

D

C

John Ehret High School West Jefferson High School

19.6

F-

D

Riverdale High School

14.1

D+

B

Bonnabel Magnet Academy High School

13.3

D

C

Helen Cox High School

12.4

D

C

Fisher Middle/High School

11.2

C+

B

L.W. Higgins High School

8.2

D

5

D

0.7

C

Source: Louisiana Department East Jefferson High School of Education

Grand Isle High School

3 Bilingual students demonstrate success

Friday, December 14, 2012

C Bianca Shrestha C

B

Bilingual education, from front page

Saddy, originally from Nicaragua, moved to the United States in 1968. Having been H[SRVHG WR (QJOLVK EHIRUH 6DGG\ VDLG LW took him less than five years to learn the language. Being bilingual certainly proves to be EHQHÂż FLDO HVSHFLDOO\ DV JOREDOL]DWLRQ EHFRPHV more widespread. Companies are hiring people that know how to speak different languages as translators, whatever the language may be. “It allows you to communicate with a broader range of people,â€? Slotwinski said. In addition, it also gives employees an opportunity to travel for business, which helps make trade with foreign countries easier. Knowing the local language can make performing tasks more facile. Also, a native speaker will have a better understanding of the culture. “Higher education combined with ELOLWHUDWH LV WKH EULGJH WR TXDOLW\ MREV H[FHOOHQW salary and professional success and will have a positive impact in the community and on the leaders of tomorrow,â€? Saddy said. -XQLRU -HQQLIHU (VWUDGD H[SUHVVHV KHU appreciation for the language. “Being bilingual helps me assist others because I am able to translate for others. I am really thankful that I ZDV H[SRVHG WR WKH ODQJXDJH ´ (VWUDGD VDLG Due to the increasing Hispanic population, schools have added more ESL courses. These classes are designed to help non-native English speakers learn grammar, usage, mechanics, as well as other parts of the English language. 6ORWZLQVNL H[SUHVVHV VRPH RI WKH GLIÂż FXOW\ that she is presented with when teaching students with diverse backgrounds. “Some students understand better than other students. I use my own language background knowledge and other students to help each other. I do a lot RI H[SODLQLQJ WR JHW WKH SRLQW DFURVV ´ Saddy feels that schools could be doing more to accommodate students from every FXOWXUH Âł2Q ERWK IURQWV ZH DUH Âż QGLQJ WKDW many of the schools are falling short to serve limited-English students in an effective and appropriate manner. The majority of schools rely on “pulloutâ€? (ESL) programs to help students overcome the language barriers they face in their core academic classes, yet these programs are in a state of disrepair,â€? Saddy said. Despite these setbacks, some feel that the rise in Hispanic population offers more opportunities and opens more doors. “This country was originally founded on cultural diversity,â€? Slotwinski said. “It’s a melting pot that we add to, so we are continuing on the tradition of the country.â€?

4

Friday, December 14, 2012

Features

Irish Eyes

Students weigh in on most effective methods of assessment By Bianca Shrestha Managing Editor

$V WKH HQG RI WKH ÂżUVW VHPHVWHU QHDUV VWXGHQWV DUH DQWLFLSDWLQJ ZLQWHU EUHDN %HIRUH WKLV KRZHYHU VWXGHQWV PXVW SXW LQ WKH WLPH WR SDVV HQG RI VHPHVWHU H[DPV <HW RQH PD\ ZRQGHU WR ZKDW H[WHQW GRHV WHVWLQJ DFWXDOO\ PHDVXUH WKH NQRZOHGJH UHWDLQHG KRZ GRHV LW KHOS LQ UHDO ZRUOG VLWXDWLRQV DQG KRZ FDQ ZH LPSURYH VWXG\ KDELWV" $ FRQYHQWLRQDO PHWKRG RI DVVHVVLQJ VWXGHQWVÂś NQRZOHGJH LV WKURXJK DGPLQLVWHULQJ ZHHNO\ WHVWV XVXDOO\ LQ WKH IRUP RI PXOWLSOH FKRLFH RU ÂżOO LQ WKH EODQNV )LOO LQ WKH EODQNV IRFXVHV RQ UHFDOOLQJ VWXGLHG PDWHULDO DV RSSRVHG WR PXOWLSOH FKRLFH WHVWV ZKHUH RQH PXVW VLPSO\ UHFRJQL]H WKH FRUUHFW DQVZHU $V D UHVXOW LW PD\ EH GLIÂżFXOW IRU PXOWLSOH FKRLFH WHVWV WR SUHSDUH VWXGHQWV WR XVH FRQFHSWV LQ WKH UHDO ZRUOG Âł,Q OLIH SHRSOH DUH QRW JRQQD VD\ Âľ2ND\ \RX KDYH WKHVH IRXU WKLQJV WR VROYH D SUREOHP QRZ ZKLFK RQH LV WKH EHVW RQH"Âś ,WÂśV PRUH OLNH ÂľKHUHÂśV RXU SUREOHP QRZ WHOO PH KRZ WR Âż[ LW ϫ VHQLRU +X\ 9X VDLG 2WKHU PHWKRGV VXFK DV VWDQGDUGL]HG DVVHVVPHQW RUDO SUHVHQWDWLRQV DQG SURMHFWV DUH DVVLJQHG WR VWXGHQWV 7KHVH W\SHV RI PHWKRGV DUH GHVLJQHG WR JLYH SURPSW IHHGEDFN D NH\ WR HIIHFWLYH OHDUQLQJ 2UDO SUHVHQWDWLRQV IRUFH WKH VWXGHQW WR EH Ă€XHQW LQ WKH PDWHULDO WR WKH H[WHQW WKDW VWXGHQWV DUH FRPIRUWDEOH HQRXJK WR VSHDN LQ D FODVVURRP VHWWLQJ Âł7KH\ UHTXLUH \RX WR WKLQN DQG WR DFWXDOO\ XVH \RXU RZQ ZRUGV WR H[SUHVV DQ DQVZHU LQVWHDG RI EHLQJ JLYHQ DQVZHUV WR FKRRVH IURP ´ VHQLRU &DOHE .QLJKW VDLG 2UDO SUHVHQWDWLRQV HVVD\V DQG DQ\ RWKHU FRQVWUXFWHG UHVSRQVHV DOORZ VWXGHQWV WR RUJDQL]H LQIRUPDWLRQ LQ D

*176 surveyed

ZD\ WKDW ZRXOG EH HDV\ WR IROORZ ³7KH\ DOORZ \RX WR WHDFK WKH PDWHULDO PRUH LQ GHSWK ORRNLQJ DW LW IURP WKH WHDFKHUœV SRLQW RI YLHZ ´ 9X VDLG ³0RVW VWXGHQWV KDYH GLIIHUHQW OHDUQLQJ WHFKQLTXHV VR RUDO SUHVHQWDWLRQV DQG HVVD\V PD\ KHOS WKRVH NLQGV RI SHRSOH ,WœV HIIHFWLYH WR YDU\ WKH WHFKQLTXHV VR VWXGHQWV FRXOG OHDUQ DQG EHQH¿W PRUH ´ MXQLRU +DOD 5DVODQ VDLG .QLJKW DFNQRZOHGJHV YDULRXV W\SHV RI WHFKQLTXHV IRU VWXGHQW HQJDJHPHQW VXFK DV WHDFKLQJ RQH RQ RQH JLYLQJ OHFWXUHV DQG XVLQJ ERDUGV RU RWKHU YLVXDO DLGV &XUUHQW VRFLHW\ OLYHV LQ D ZRUOG RI LQWHUFRQQHFWHGQHVV 6WXGHQWV DUH QRZ UHTXLUHG WR DWWDLQ D KLJKHU OHYHO RI WKLQNLQJ DQDO\]LQJ FRPSDULQJ DQG HYDOXDWLQJ YDULRXV FRQFHSWV ³, WU\ WR VKRZ P\ VWXGHQWV WKDW WKH ZRUOG LV XQL¿HG

,WœV QRW MXVW LVRODWHG LQ RQH FODVVURRP RU VRPH H[HUFLVH ZH KDYH WR GR QLQHW\ PLQXWHV HYHU\ RWKHU GD\ ´ .LUN 6WHHQ 3K ' VDLG 7KH SUHVHQWLQJ RI VPDOO ELWV RI LQIRUPDWLRQ WKURXJKRXW D ORQJ SHULRG RI WLPH DOORZV IRU LPSURYHG UHWHQWLRQ 6WXGHQWV FDQ UHDG GHWDLOV DQG EH DEOH WR LQWHUDFW ZLWK WKH QHZO\ OHDUQHG LGHDV %HIRUH WHVWV 6WHHQ H[SUHVVHV WKDW LW LV LPSRUWDQW WKDW VWXGHQWV UHKHDUVH WKH PDWHULDO DW OHDVW WKUHH WR IRXU WLPHV $FWLYH UHKHDUVDO SURYHV PRVW HIIHFWLYH WR FHPHQW NQRZOHGJH IRU ORQJ WHUP PHPRU\ H[SODLQHG E\ (OL]DEHWK /RIWXV D PHPRU\ H[SHUW ³7KH WHVWV , JLYH IRUFH \RX WR UHKHDUVH WKH PDWHULDO $OVR WKH\ PDNH \RX EHFRPH PRUH VNLOOHG DW WDNLQJ WHVWV EHFDXVH \RX KDYH WR GR LW LQ FROOHJH ´ 6WHHQ VDLG

Introduction of new clubs appeal to broader student population By Jenna Brewton

himself at home so he can teach his students accordingly. The Robotics Team will be participating in future competitions There have been many new clubs at including one in January against Jefferson King including Love is Louder, the Step Parish schools and another in February at Team, and the Robotics Club. 812 &RPSHWLWLRQV FRQVLVW RI Ă€JXULQJ D Love is Louder is an anti-bullying VROXWLRQ WR D SUREOHP 7KH Ă€UVW FRPSHWLWLRQ club that helps promote awareness around needed a robot to climb a ten foot pole school. This club is sponsored by Joshua while carrying materials. In February, Cella and Kelly LaBry who both felt the challenge is to move hacky sacks into a need to provide a support system for different buckets within two minutes. students on campus. If the team does well at competition, Students joined this club because they they will proceed on to State and hopefully wanted to take action to help change the 1DWLRQDOV ´:H DUH ORRNLQJ WR GHĂ€QLWHO\ atmosphere at school. “We want others improve,â€? Schwartz said. He also hopes to know that we care and we are here for that the interest in the new club will grow them,â€? senior President Di Chen said. within the next year. “They are not alone.â€? Samah Hammad Members of the club participated in a Omar Mendez was approached last Students from Introduction to Engineering class observe a robot using a bump sensor to demonstration of their robot at the “Winter year to sponsor the Step Team. Showcase.â€? Currently, the team has ten members. navigate its way through a maze at the “Winter Showcaseâ€? on Nov. 28. “With the Robotic Club being so new, They work together to choreograph their The Robotics Club, led by Eric we can never know how important it routines. The team plans to perform at the “Winter Showcaseâ€? on Wednesday, in future pep rallies. Mendez hopes to Nov. 28. “I just hope that people can really Schwartz, recently competed and placed could be,â€? senior Blake Allen said. “But getting people to participate will show our compete against other high schools in pursue the new team and stay motivated third place out of eight local schools. 6FKZDUW] KDV QR VSHFLĂ€F EDFNJURXQG potential and hopefully inspire students to Louisiana during the spring. and have the heart to do it and succeed,â€? with robotics, but does continue to teach join.â€? 7KH WHDP KDG WKHLU Ă€UVW SHUIRUPDQFH junior, David Williams said. Staff Writer

Features

Irish Eyes

Library receives books from Title I funds academically. Germain, the Chief of Students in Sports Editor Jefferson Parish’s Student Services, suggested that the money be used to Recently, the library has received new buy new books for the school libraries books to stock its shelves- over 90 boxes throughout the district. Money was worth. According to librarians Tawanda distributed based on student population. Carter and Michelle McCabe, the money Grace King’s vast student population for these books came from Title I. The resulted in the school acquiring many new law has the goal of helping disadvantaged books. schools and students achieve more These books were provided by Follett, a company that delivers educational tools and services to academic institutions. In order to decide what kind of books the school obtained, a representative from Follett analyzed the libraries’ collection. The year of publication was taken into account when analyzing the collection to make sure all the books are upto-date. “Information Tia Banerjee changes. We want to Sophomore Eleni Korominas browses through a display promoting make sure that our students are informed the Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz in the library. By Tia Banerjee

and independent when they walk out of Grace King,� Carter said. Free books that were given away to students came from First Book, an organization whose purpose is to provide underprivileged children and students with new books. First Book partnered with the Jefferson Federation of Teachers in order to provide schools in the district with books to give away. Donations were solicited from various companies, resulting in the books, as well as the delivery of the books, being completely free of charge. Of the schools selected to receive these books, Grace King was the only high school. Carter and McCabe are working to make the library a more interesting place and are eager to hear what students want. “If anybody has an idea, we’re open to it. We’d like some input,� McCabe said. Events Carter and McCabe are hoping to get off the ground are another book fair and book talks with the faculty, staff and students to be aired on U-Stream during independent study. Both Carter and McCabe said that working in the Grace King library was their dream job. “[I] couldn’t ask for a better place to be,� Carter said.

9LGHR JDPH LQGXVWU\ VXUSDVVLQJ +ROO\ZRRG ÂżOPV By Isabella Cross Staff Writer

playing, it requires a monthly payment. Making a movie or video game is very demanding. They require multiple designers, directors and costume artists. Âł7LWDQLFÂśV´ FRVWXPHV FRVW PLOOLRQ IRU LQVWDQFH 7KH Âł7LWDQLF´ XVHG ÂżYH PLOOLRQ gallons of real water, an example of how costly movies can be. “World of Warcraftâ€? cost $100 million for start-up, and has cost an additional $200

5 Holidays make travel a hassle

Friday, December 14, 2012

million to maintain the game. Maintenance costs pay for the staff, hardware support, and customer service. There are hundreds of movie genres, DQG HYHU\RQH FDQ ÂżQG D PRYLH WKH\ FDQ relate to. However, most people favor video games because they are interactive. It makes it easy to escape from reality. Therefore, many teenagers may prefer to stay home and play video games.

On Nov. 16, top selling video game “Call of Duty: Black Ops-2â€? made $500 million on its release day, a sum was more than any other video game or Hollywood movie in history. Throughout the years, video games steadily posed a threat to movies. Because of advancements in technology, video games have become more realistic. “Titanic,â€? released in 1997, has the VHFRQG KLJKHVW ZRUOGZLGH JURVV SURÂżW as a movie. With a starting cost of $200 million, the project ended up making a JURVV SURÂżW RI ELOOLRQ /HRQDUGR DiCaprio, the main actor, had a salary of $2.5 million. 7KH KLJKHVW JURVV SURÂżW RI DQ\ YLGHR game is “World of Warcraftâ€? which has made over $10 billion since its release in 2004. There are many factors that affect how much a movie or video game is made. $ PRYLHÂśV JURVV SURÂżW LV GHWHUPLQHG E\ WKH FLQHPD DQG '9' SURÂżWV $ YLGHR JDPHÂśV SURÂżW LV GHWHUPLQHG E\ WKH DFWXDO cost of the game, and any downloadable content available. For example, “World of Isabella Cross :DUFUDIW´ KDV D KLJKHU JURVV SURÂżW WKDQ Dibbz, a local internet cafe and gaming center located on Veterans Memorial Blvd. is popular other video games because to continue among video game enthusiasts.

By Samah Hammad Staff Writer

Travel has turned into something that many people do not look forward to on the holidays. Gas prices, canceled Ă€LJKWV DQG ODFN RI UHVW KDYH EHFRPH dreaded parts of taking a trip. Thanksgiving and Christmas are usually the time of year when everyone wants to be with their loved ones. Unfortunately, holiday travel means PRUH SHRSOH RQ VWUHHWV DQG PRUH Ă€LJKWV in the air. The latest research done by the American Automobile Association ÂżQGV WKDW SHUFHQW RI WUDYHOHUV RU 39.7 million people, prefer automobile transportation. Sophomore Amanda Frayle took a road trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, during Thanksgiving break. Frayle’s family avoided air travel simply because they enjoy car rides more, UHJDUGOHVV RI WKH WUDIÂżF “It was amazing being with my family on vacation, the ten hour car ULGH ZDV PRVW GHÂżQLWHO\ ZRUWK WKH experience,â€? Frayle said. With millions wanting to arrive at their destinations as quickly as possible, airline and gas prices have a tendency to rise. The Institute of Humane Studies Global Insight reports that only PLOOLRQ WUDYHOHUV Ă€HZ WR WKHLU destination. Some people prefer avoiding travel during the holidays because it is just too expensive. Many people try to avoid air travel during the holiday season for many reasons. According to The Associated 3UHVV LQ &KLFDJR QHDUO\ Ă€LJKWV ZHUH FDQFHOHG DQG Ă€LJKWV were delayed during Thanksgiving. 1HZ <RUN -). Ă€LJKWV ZHUH GHOD\HG on an average of about 30 minutes. Cancellations and delays occur often because of many variables such as bad weather, mechanical issues and how busy the airport is. Spanish teacher Donsherie Sullivan has traveled all over the world, who enjoys air travel. “I love to travel, the WHQ RU PRUH KRXU Ă€LJKWV DUH DOZD\V worth it,â€? Sullivan said. Being a frequent traveler, Sullivan advises others to pack light, try not PLVV Ă€LJKWV DQG VWD\ DV ORQJ LQ WKHLU destination as possible. Many express the joy of spending time with family is worth the inconveniences of traveling.

6

Friday, December 14, 2012

Irish Eyes

Spotlight

Irish Eyes

Grace King students span the globe The Jefferson Parish School System has one of the most diverse student populations in Louisiana. The student body at Grace King is represented by a multitude of countries. The following students are a sample of the many nationalities represented at our school.

6ULMDQD 0DJDU 1HSDO By Stephanie Dix Staff Writer

/RFDWHG LQ 6RXWK $VLD 1HSDO ZDV KRPH WR D PLQRULW\ RI VWXGHQWV KHUH DW *UDFH .LQJ 2QH RI ZKLFK LV VHQLRU 6ULMDQD 0DJDU 0DJDU LV D +LQGX DQG ZDV UDLVHG LQ .DWKPDQGX 1HSDO :KHQ 0DJDU ZDV \HDUV ROG 0DJDUÂśV IDPLO\ GHFLGHG WR PRYH WR WKH VWDWHV Âł:H KDYH PRUH RSSRUWXQLWLHV LQ $PHULFD WKDQ LQ 1HSDO ´ 0DJDU VDLG KHU IDYRULWH PHPRU\ ZDV KHU ÂżUVW \HDU LQ KLJK VFKRRO Âł, PDGH VR PDQ\ JRRG IULHQGV P\ QLQWK grade year.â€? :KHQ PRYLQJ WR $PHULFD 0DJDU H[SODLQV KRZ VKH IHOW PL[HG HPRWLRQV Âł,W ZDV JRRG EHFDXVH LW ZDV D QHZ place to live, but bad because I was leaving behind my family and friends.â€? 0DJDU H[SUHVVHV VKH KDG D GLIÂżFXOW WLPH DGMXVWLQJ WR (QJOLVK Âł, NQHZ KRZ WR VSHDN , KDG OHDUQHG (QJOLVK LQ 1HSDO EXW , KDG D UHDOO\ KDUG WLPH ´ /HDUQLQJ KRZ WR DGMXVW E\ WDONLQJ WR SHRSOH DQG LQWHUDFWLQJ ZLWK WKH QHZ

HQYLURQPHQW PDGH DGMXVWPHQW HDVLHU IRU 0DJDU (YHQ WKRXJK WKH ODQJXDJH ZDV D KDUG DGMXVWPHQW VFKRRO ZDV PRUH PDQDJHDEOH Âł6FKRRO ZDV PRUH VWULFW than here.â€? She describes, for example, how she learned $OJHEUD GXULQJ PLGGOH VFKRRO LQ 1HSDO XQOLNH LQ WKH United States, where it is learned in high school. 0DJDU KDV QRW YLVLWHG 1HSDO VLQFH VKH PRYHG KHUH but said she hopes to be able to go next summer. She misses many things such as food, friends and family. 1HYHUWKHOHVV 0DJDU LV DEOH WR NHHS LQ WRXFK ZLWK DOO RI KHU IULHQGV DQG IDPLO\ WKURXJK )DFHERRN DQG 6N\SH )XUWKHUPRUH 0DJDU DQG KHU IDPLO\ PDNH DQ HIIRUW WR UHWDLQ WKHLU +LQGX FXOWXUH LQ $PHULFD Âł0\ PRP DOZD\V WHOOV PH WR GR SXMDV HYHU\ PRUQLQJ DQG WHDFKHV PH KRZ WR FRRN 1HSDOL IRRG ´ $ SXMD LV +LQGX ULWXDO performed in reverence to various deities. 0DJDU VDLG VKH HQMR\V HDWLQJ PRPRV D ZHOO NQRZQ 1HSDOL GLVK WKDW LV VLPLODU WR GXPSOLQJV $GGLWLRQDOO\ 0DJDUÂśV IDWKHU ZRUNV LQ D UHVWDXUDQW GRZQWRZQ FDOOHG Âł1LUYDQD´ ZKLFK FDWHUV ,QGLDQ FXLVLQH $V IRU 0DJDUÂśV IXWXUH VKH SODQV WR YLVLW 1HSDO from time to time, however does not plan to live there. Instead, she plans to attend college in America to become a nurse. Âł,W ZDV KDUG DW ÂżUVW ´ 0DJDU VDLG UHPHPEHULQJ KHU ÂżUVW H[SHULHQFH PRYLQJ Âł+RZHYHU , KDYH DGMXVWHG ´

9LFWRUD 6HOH]QHYD Russia By Eric Sheu Editor-in-Chief

)RU MXQLRU 9LFWRULD 6HOH]QHYD PRYLQJ KHUH IURP 5XVVLD ZDV DQ HQWLUHO\ GLIIHUHQW H[SHULHQFH ÂżOOHG ZLWK inconveniences and hardships. 6HOH]QHYD ZDV ERUQ DQG UDLVHG LQ WKH FLW\ RI 3\DWLJRUVN D FLW\ RQ WKH HDVWHUQ SDUW RI 5XVVLD 2Q a whim, her father, an engineer, moved the family to the United States in search of better pay and a new experience. He ended up earning three times more as a FRQVWUXFWLRQ ZRUNHU ZKHQ KH ÂżUVW DUULYHG WKDQ KH GLG as an engineer in Russia. Âł, WKLQN WKH\ GLG LW IRU PH EHFDXVH HGXFDWLRQ KHUH LV EHWWHU ´ 6HOH]QHYD VDLG Âł,Q 5XVVLD LW GRHVQÂśW PDWWHU KRZ PXFK \RX NQRZ LW GHSHQGV RQ KRZ PXFK PRQH\ your parents have.â€? 6KH GHVFULEHV OLIH LQ 3\DWLJRUVN DV D UHVWULFWLQJ SODFH ZKHUH PRVW NHHS WR WKHPVHOYHV DQG Âł\RX DOZD\V WKLQN before you say anything.â€? Âł,W ZDV VRUW RI VDIH LI \RX IROORZ VRPH VLPSOH UXOHV ´ 6HOH]QHYD VDLG Âł*LUOV DUH QRW VXSSRVHG WR ZDON LQ WKH GDUN DQG DOZD\V WUDYHO LQ JURXSV +HUH WKHUHÂśV IUHHGRP of speech, in Russia there is not. If someone does not OLNH ZKDW \RX VDLG \RX ZLOO EH LQ KXJH WURXEOH 3HRSOH DUH PHDQ <RX MXVW GRQÂśW VD\ ÂľKLÂś WR SHRSOH :H GRQÂśW

KDYH KXJJLQJ \RX MXVW GRQÂśW ´ To the dismay of her mother, the family still stayed LQ 0HWDLULH DQG 6HOH]QHYD ZDV VHQW WR *UDFH .LQJ ZKLFK VKH GHVFULEHG DV D GLIÂżFXOW WLPH QRW EHLQJ DEOH WR ÂżQG D JURXS ZLWK VLPLODU EDFNJURXQGV Âł:KHQ , JRW KHUH , GLGQÂśW KDYH DQ\ IULHQGV DQG PD\EH EHFDXVH , ZDV 5XVVLDQ ´ 6HOH]QHYD VDLG Âł,W ZDV D UHDOO\ KDUG WUDQVLWLRQ ,WÂśV OLNH DQRWKHU ZRUOG HYHU\WKLQJ LV GLIIHUHQW , GLGQÂśW NQRZ ZKHUH , ZDV supposed to be.â€? ,Q WLPH 6HOH]QHYD FDXJKW RQ ZLWK (QJOLVK ZKLFK VKH described as something to get used to. Âł0\ WZR (6/ WHDFKHUV , UHDOO\ ORYH WKHP ´ 6HOH]QHYD VDLG Âł7KH\ UHDOO\ KHOSHG PH DQG ZHUH UHDOO\ good people.â€? 7KRXJK 6HOH]QHYD VWLOO KDV FKDOOHQJHV ZLWK JUDPPDU in writing she is able to converse in and understand (QJOLVK 6KH MRLQHG ([HFXWLYH %RDUG WKLV \HDU DQG ZDV UHFHQWO\ PDGH /LDLVRQ IRU 7HDFKHU $SSUHFLDWLRQ ZKHUH she is a bridge between teachers and students. 6HOH]QHYD ZLOO EH PRYLQJ WR &KLFDJR LQ -DQXDU\ GXH WR KHU IDWKHUÂśV QHZ MRE 7KRXJK 6HOH]QHYD OHIW EHKLQG D ZKROH RWKHU OLIH LQ 3\DWLJRUVN VKH KRSHV WR VXFFHHG LQ WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV Âł, ZDQW WR EH WKH SHUVRQ WKDW EXLOGV P\ RZQ IXWXUH QRW WKH SHUVRQ WKDW KDV HQRXJK PRQH\ ´ 6HOH]QHYD VDLG referring to the little chance she would have in Russia RSSRVHG WR DQ DIĂ€XHQW SHUVRQ 6HOH]QHYD ZDQWV WR EH successful based off of her accomplishments rather WKDQ KHU SDUHQWÂśV DFFRPSOLVKPHQWV Âł, ZDQW WR EXLOG P\ own future for myself.â€?

Friday, December 14, 2012

Sonia Amaya, Honduras By Bianca Shrestha Managing Editor

.DPLODK 0RUJDQ Jamaica By Tia Banerjee Sports Editor

-XVW RYHU D \HDU DJR VHQLRU .DPLODK 0RUJDQ OHIW .LQJVWRQ -DPDLFD DQG FDPH WR OLYH LQ /RXLVLDQD 0RUJDQ WDONHG DERXW KHU OLIH LQ -DPDLFD DV EHLQJ JRRG Âł, KDG D ORW RI DFWLYLWLHV , XVHG WR GDQFH , XVHG WR GR KRUVHEDFN ULGLQJ , XVHG WR GR VZLPPLQJ , WKLQN WKHUHÂśV more activities there.â€? 0RUJDQ GHFLGHG LQ WKH EHJLQQLQJ RI KHU IUHVKPDQ year that she wanted to go to college in the United States. In order to do that, she wanted to come here for KLJK VFKRRO Âł, ZDQW WR JR WR FROOHJH KHUH VR , GHFLGHG WR ÂżQLVK XS KLJK VFKRRO KHUH VR WKHQ WKH WUDQVLWLRQ WR FROOHJH ZRXOG EH HDVLHU ´ 0RUJDQ GLVFXVVHG WKLV ZLWK KHU SDUHQWV DQG KDG HYHU\WKLQJ ÂżQDOL]HG E\ HQG RI KHU IUHVKPDQ \HDU 6KH FDPH WR /RXLVLDQD LQ WKH VXPPHU RI DQG FXUUHQWO\ OLYHV ZLWK KHU IDWKHU ZKR ZDV already living here. 0RUJDQ GHVFULEHV KHU VWDUW KHUH DV URXJK DQG DV D WRWDOO\ QHZ H[SHULHQFH Âł,W ZDV NLQG RI GLIÂżFXOW DW

WKH EHJLQQLQJ EHFDXVH , QHYHU UHDOO\ NQHZ DQ\ERG\ $IWHU WKDW LW JRW EHWWHU DQG , JRW WR NQRZ SHRSOH %HLQJ -DPDLFDQ DQG KDYLQJ WKH DFFHQW KHOSHG D ORW ´ 0RUJDQ says the things she misses most about Jamaica are the friends she grew up with and her mother. However, she NHHSV LQ WRXFK ZLWK WKHP DQG YLVLWV -DPDLFD ZKHQ VKH can. $FFRUGLQJ WR 0RUJDQ DGDSWLQJ WR WKH $PHULFD DQG WKH FXOWXUH KHUH LQ /RXLVLDQD ZDV QRW GLIÂżFXOW Âł7KH FXOWXUH DQG HYHU\WKLQJ LV NLQG RI VLPLODU WR -DPDLFD >EHFDXVH@ WKH 0DUGL *UDV YLEH WKH SDUW\ LV OLNH WKH VDPH WKLQJ LQ -DPDLFD 7KH IRRGV DUH OLNH WKH VDPH with the spices.â€? +RZHYHU WKHUH ZDV RQH WKLQJ 0RUJDQ VDLG VKH ZDV QRW XVHG WR Âł7KH ZHDWKHU ZDV D ELJ GLIIHUHQFH >EHFDXVH@ LW JHWV FROG ,Q -DPDLFD LWÂśV MXVW ZDUP DOO WKH time. So the biggest change I had was the weather. I really wasn’t used to that.â€? $IWHU JUDGXDWLQJ IURP FROOHJH 0RUJDQ VDLG ZKHUH VKH VWD\V GHSHQGV RQ ZKDW VKH HQGV XS GRLQJ Âł,I , ÂżQG that here, I have better opportunities, I’ll probably stay here.â€? 'HVSLWH PLVVLQJ KHU PRWKHU DQG KHU IULHQGV 0RUJDQ GRHV QRW UHJUHW FRPLQJ KHUH Âł, NQRZ LWÂśV RQO\ PDNLQJ PH EHWWHU IRU WKH IXWXUH VR WKDWÂśV DOO ,ÂśP WKLQNLQJ DERXW OLNH ZKDWÂśV JRLQJ WR KDSSHQ ,ÂśP JRRG KHUH ´

Heaven Zeccarias, Eritrea By Jessie Chen Managing Editor

Flying halfway across the world to a new country may seem daunting. For sophomore Heaven Zeccarias, the United States was her new destination. Originally from the country of Eritrea, Heaven ERDUGHG D KRXU Ă€LJKW PDNLQJ VWRSV LQ .HQ\D 6ZHGHQ &KLFDJR DQG ÂżQDOO\ LQ /RXLVLDQD Âł0\ ÂżUVW impression was ‘where do I go..., now that I got here,â€?’ Zeccarias said. 0RUH WKDQ D \HDU ODWHU VKH LV VWLOO DGMXVWLQJ WR OLIH LQ WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV 2QH RI WKH FKDOOHQJHV LV GHÂżQLWHO\ the language barrier. Zeccarias had been exposed to (QJOLVK EHIRUH LQ (ULWUHD )URP JUDGHV RQH WR ÂżYH students are taught in their native language, Tigriya. Then, from grades six all the way up to university level, students are taught in English. Âł, ZRXOGQÂśW VD\ >(QJOLVK LV@ KDUG EHFDXVH IURP where I came from, you start learning English from the

WK JUDGH ´ ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR VSHDNLQJ (QJOLVK =HFFDULDV VSHDNV 7LJUL\D Adapting to the different lifestyle is also a challenge. Âł, XVHG WR SOD\ ZLWK P\ IULHQGV DQG ULGH ELNHV XQWLO at night,â€? Zeccarias said. Eritrean cuisine differs from American cuisine. For example, a traditional Eritrean dish is tsebhi, which is a type of stew made from pasta sauce, peppers, and meat WKDW LV XVXDOO\ VHUYHG ZLWK LQMHUD D Ă€DW EUHDG =HFFDULDV and her family prepare Eritrean dishes at home. In addition, Zeccarias plans to visit Eritrea this VXPPHU Âł, ZDQW WR JR EDFN WR P\ ROG VFKRRO DQG YLVLW P\ IULHQGV /LYLQJ DFURVV WKH JOREH GRHVQÂśW VWRS =HFFDULDV IURP NHHSLQJ LQ WRXFK ZLWK KHU FORVH IULHQGV Âł, HPDLO FDOO RU XVH )DFHERRN WR VWD\ LQ FRQWDFW ZLWK D few.â€? Even though Zeccarias’s life is in the United States, VKH VWLOO WULHV WR PDLQWDLQ SDUWV RI KHU FXOWXUH IURP EDFN KRPH Âł, VSHDN 7LJUL\D DW KRPH WR WU\ WR SUHVHUYH LW ´ Family reunions are a common activity held every PRQWK Âł:KHQ ZH KDYH IDPLO\ UHXQLRQV RQ 6XQGD\V ZH VLW DQG WDON DQG DW QLJKW ZH DOO JR RXW WR GLQQHU ´ Sometimes, the family goes camping as well. Âł,ÂśYH WUDYHOHG EHIRUH VR , DP XVHG WR LW =HFFDULDV VDLG Âł%XW FRPLQJ KHUH ZDV DQ DGYHQWXUH ´

7

Sixteen year old sophomore, Sonia Amaya, was ERUQ LQ 6DQWD %iUEDUD +RQGXUDV %HIRUH PRYLQJ WR /RXLVLDQD DW WKH DJH RI VL[ VKH GHVFULEHV WKH OLIH VKH KDG LQ +RQGXUDV Âł, KDG D ORW RI OLEHUW\ DQG , FRXOG GR whatever. In Honduras, everything’s so close,â€? Amaya said. Still, America proved to be a more secure place WR OLYH ÂżQDQFLDOO\ WKDQ +RQGXUDV Âł,Q +RQGXUDV ZH couldn’t really afford anything because there wasn’t a ORW RI MREV DQG WKHQ KHUH P\ PRP KDG D MRE ´ $PD\DÂśV JUDQGPRWKHU ZDV WKH ÂżUVW WR PRYH LQWR WKH 8QLWHG States, then Amaya’s mother and uncles followed. 6RRQ $PD\D FDPH WR 0HWDLULH DQG DWWHQGHG - & (OOLV Elementary School. She expresses the hardships being a foreign student. $PD\D ZDV KHOG EDFN RQH \HDU GXH WR KHU ODFN RI (QJOLVK Âł:KHQ , FDPH KHUH , GLGQÂśW NQRZ DQ\WKLQJ QRWKLQJ DW DOO LQ (QJOLVK DQG LW ZDV UHDOO\ KDUG 0\ teachers were horrible to me because they didn’t have any patience with me.â€? Regardless, within a year and D KDOI $PD\D OHDUQHG KRZ WR VSHDN (QJOLVK DQG WHVWHG RXW RI WKH (6/ SURJUDP Until seventh grade, Amaya resided with her JUDQGPRWKHU :KHQ $PD\D PRYHG LQ ZLWK KHU PRWKHU VKH ZDV H[SRVHG WR PDQ\ QHJDWLYH LQĂ€XHQFHV Therefore, Amaya stayed at her friends’ houses which OHG WR SDUW\LQJ DQG GULQNLQJ Âł,W ZDV MXVW P\ ZD\ RI FRSLQJ ZLWK WKLQJV , KDG QR RQH UHDOO\ WR WDON WR ´ Furthermore, she and her father were not in touch at WKDW SRLQW LQ KHU OLIH Âł0\ GDG FDPH IRU DERXW D PRQWK when I was in third grade and I haven’t seen him since. , PLVV KLP D ORW ´ $PD\D KDV UHFHQWO\ VSRNHQ WR KHU IDWKHU DQG KRSHV WR YLVLW KLP VRRQ LQ 1HZ <RUN 6WDUWLQJ KHU IUHVKPDQ \HDU $PD\D WULHG WR ORRN LQWR UHOLJLRQ DV D PHDQV WR ÂżQGLQJ ORQJ WHUP KDSSLQHVV as opposed to temporarily suppressing pain. Amaya expresses her personal experiences about being raised

as a Catholic. Âł(YHU\RQH DW P\ FKXUFK ZRXOG DWWHQG WKHVH &DWKROLF events, but then as soon as they would leave they would GR DOO WKHVH KRUULEOH WKLQJV OLNH GULQN RU SDUW\ RYHU WKH ZHHNHQG ´ $PD\D VDLG VKH GLVOLNHG WKH K\SRFULV\ RI the people from her church. This was one of the reasons WKDW OHG KHU WR ORRN LQWR RWKHU UHOLJLRQV In Amaya’s second semester of freshman year, VKH PHW DQRWKHU 0XVOLP IHPDOH VWXGHQW 7KURXJK WKH 0XVOLP VWXGHQW $PD\D GHYHORSHG LQWHUHVW LQ the Islamic religion. She soon made the decision to FRQYHUW PXFK WR WKH GLVPD\ KHU PRWKHU Âł$W ÂżUVW VKH WKRXJKW WKLV ZDV DOO D MRNH VR P\ PRP GLGQÂśW FDUH %XW RQH WLPH VKH ZDONHG LQ RQ PH SUD\LQJ DQG IURP WKDW point on she never let me be alone.â€? Recently, Amaya moved into her grandmother’s house. Amaya also has experiences going out to public SODFHV ZLWK KHU KLMDE D KHDG FRYHULQJ ZRUQ E\ 0XVOLP ZRPHQ Âł,ÂśP VWLOO 6SDQLVK DQG ,ÂśP VWLOO JRQQD JR WR 6SDQLVK HYHQWV :KHQ WKH\ VHH PH VSHDN 6SDQLVK ZLWK PH ZHDULQJ D KLMDE WKH\ MXVW JHW VR VKRFNHG , DOZD\V get that.â€? %HFDXVH RI KHU IDPLO\ GLVDSSURYHG ,VODP $PD\D has considered to practice it when she becomes older. Âł:KHQ ,ÂśP ROGHU QR RQH FDQ VWRS PH IURP SUDFWLFLQJ what I want. Then I went to the Eid prayer, and I saw HYHU\RQH SUD\LQJ DQG , WKRXJKW Âľ:RZ ,ÂśP QRW WKH only one. I can’t give this up.’ It was very emotional IRU PH , ZDV DERXW WR FU\ ´ (LG LV D 0XVOLP UHOLJLRXV KROLGD\ WKDW PDUNV WKH HQG RI 5DPDGDQ D KRO\ PRQWK of fasting. Home life, as described by Amaya, is lonely because her three year old brother lives with her mother. She expresses how much she misses seeing her little EURWKHU Âł+H ZRXOG FDOO PH ÂľPRPÂś EHFDXVH P\ PRP LV DOZD\V HLWKHU ZLWK KHU ER\IULHQG RU ZRUNLQJ , ZRXOG GURS KLP DW KLV EDE\VLWWHUÂśV LQ WKH PRUQLQJV SLFN KLP XS DIWHU VFKRRO WDNH FDUH RI KLP DQG VWD\ ZLWK KLP RQ WKH ZHHNHQGV ´ Ten years from now, Amaya said she hopes that VKH ZLOO RYHUFRPH WKHVH REVWDFOHV Âł0\ RQH ZLVK LV IRU HYHU\RQH LQ P\ IDPLO\ WR DFFHSW WKDW ,ÂśP 0XVOLP Hopefully I’ll be on my own and maybe my dad can help me get to college. I’ve always wanted to become a math teacher.â€?

0DGHOLQH &URVV Australia By Bianca Shrestha Managing Editor

6RSKRPRUH 0DGHOLQH &URVV KDV EHHQ WKURXJK TXLWH D MRXUQH\ EHIRUH VWDUWLQJ PLGGOH VFKRRO %RUQ in Sydney, Australia, Cross expresses fond memories from her childhood. According to Cross, Australia was not as dangerous DV FRPSDUHG WR 1HZ 2UOHDQV Âł7KHUHÂśV OHVV FULPH <RX FDQ OLWHUDOO\ ZDON RU WDNH WKH EXV DQ\ZKHUH ´ &URVV expresses how she misses the atmosphere of Australia as well. For instance, she describes that birds would SHUFK RQ WKHLU KDQGV WR EH IHG Âł,WÂśV PRUH DPD]LQJ LQ Australia because all the people are more social. The places are beautiful and sanitary.â€? Âł0\ IDYRULWH PHPRU\ ZDV JRLQJ WR WKH EHDFK ZLWK P\ SDUHQWV RQ WKH ZHHNHQGV WR VZLP DQG FOLPE URFNV ´ Cross’ mother is Armenian and moved to Australia with her parents. On the other hand, Cross’ father is a 1HZ 2UOHDQV QDWLYH DQG PHW KLV ZLIH ZKLOH EDFNSDFNLQJ in Australia. $GGLWLRQDOO\ &URVVÂś IDWKHU RZQHG Âł7KH 1HZ 2UOHDQV &DIH ´ D UHVWDXUDQW WKDW EURXJKW WKH 1HZ Orleans culture to the people of Sydney. However, due

WR ¿QDQFLDO UHDVRQV WKH UHVWDXUDQW ZDV VROG WR FORVH family friends and the family moved with grandparents WR 1HZ 2UOHDQV Cross moved when she was six years old. She H[SUHVVHV WKDW LW ZDV QRW GLI¿FXOW WR DGMXVW EHFDXVH friends were interested in her life. ³, ¿W LQ YHU\ ZHOO EHFDXVH , ZDV GLIIHUHQW DQG everyone wanted to hear about my experiences being an Australian.� 7KH &URVV IDPLO\ XVXDOO\ JRHV EDFN WR $XVWUDOLD GXULQJ VXPPHU EUHDN WR YLVLW WKHLU PRWKHUœV VLGH RI WKH IDPLO\ 2QH FRQWUDVW IURP $XVWUDOLD WR 1HZ 2UOHDQV LV that there are more ethnic groups in Australia. Also, Cross describes that education was more lax LQ $XVWUDOLD 6WXGHQWV KDG D WZR ZHHN EUHDN HYHU\ QLQH ZHHNV LQVWHDG RI D VXPPHU EUHDN 'XH WR WKDW VWXGHQWV FRXOG QRW WHFKQLFDOO\ IDLO D JUDGH RU JHW KHOG EDFN ³,œP more challenged in American schools, it prepares you for the real world.� 2QFH ZKLOH FRPLQJ EDFN IURP $XVWUDOLD &URVVœ mother ran into problems with the airport security. Cross’ mother was deported, therefore Cross and her VLVWHU VWD\HG LQ $XVWUDOLD IRU QLQH PRQWKV ³,W ZDV GLI¿FXOW IRU P\ SDUHQWV PRUH WKDQ XV EHFDXVH ZH ZHUH LQ $XVWUDOLD ZLWK RXU PRP DQG RXU GDG ZDV LQ 1HZ Orleans.� The last time she has visited Australia was two years ago. Cross plans to return to Australia after JHWWLQJ KHU EDFKHORUœV GHJUHH DW 812 LQ 3V\FKRORJ\ ,Q Australia, Cross plans to get a master’s and live there permanently.

8

Friday, December 14, 2012

Sports

Players of the Month By Tia Banerjee Sports Editor

Chelsea Guillot Sport: Soccer Grade: Sophomore Position: Stopper Favorite Athlete: Hope Solo Favorite Food: Seafood Favorite Class: Health Favorite Musical Artist: MGK

“Chelsea is an outstanding leader on DQG RII WKH ÀHOG µ - Coach Scott

Ricky Harrold Sport: Basketball Grade: Senior Position: Shooting Guard Favorite Athlete: Kevin Duarant Favorite Food: Steak Favorite Class: Art Favorite Musical Artist: Kendrick Lamar

´5LFN\ LV RXU VHQLRU OHDGHU He’s a tremendous 3 point VKRRWHU ZLWK JUHDW UDQJH His abilities allow us to spread the court for other SOD\HUV WR VXFFHHG µ - Coach Jason Fischtziur

Irish Eyes

Eric Sheu

Senior Christian Heningburg waits for the signal from the referee as he attempts to pin his opponent at the George Trygg Memorial Tournament on Dec. 1 at Grace King.

Senior wrestlers dominate George Trygg Tournament pass a certain level of hydration, they are WROG WKHLU VSHFLÀF ZHLJKW FODVV GHSHQGLQJ Staff Writer on their age, height, and body fat. Male wrestlers must maintain at least seven Roberto Furtado’s motto for his percent body fat, while female wrestlers wrestling team is BAGUBA, Brutally are required to maintain 13 percent body Aggressive Grappler Uninhibited by fat. Adversity. This year members of the According to Furtado, his wrestlers wrestling team are certainly expressing get along well. “They push each other that mentality. physically, socially. They’ve developed This past month Grace King held the some pretty good friendships.” George Trygg Memorial Tournament. Contrary to popular belief, wrestling The tournament has been held at Grace is a team sport. Every wrestler’s King for the past 30 years in memory win, contributes to the entire team’s of George Trygg, a former wrestler and win. “Personally, I’ve won two state coach at East Jefferson High School. The championships as a wrestler in high WRXUQDPHQW LV WKH ÀUVW PDMRU ZUHVWOLQJ school. I could never have done that event of the year, with about 28 teams without my teammates,” Furtado said. participating. Among the schools that “A good wrestler is someone who’s not were present were Archbishop Rummel, willing to settle for second..., who’s Saint Paul’s and East Jefferson. JRLQJ WR KDQJ E\ KLV ÀQJHUQDLOV DW WKH Grace King placed third overall. Seniors cliff and knows that if he lets go he’s Maycol Rizo and Brandon Briones and going to perish.” sophomore, Jonathan Davadi all won the title of champion. Senior Angello Medina-Perez placed runner-up. In past years, weight classes were decided by the wrestler and the coach. The regulations have changed due to the dangerous circumstances of trying to gain or lose weight in small periods of time. Wrestlers must be part of a weight management program. The program requires Eric Sheu wrestlers to check their level RI K\GUDWLRQ DW VSHFLÀHG Senior Angello Medina-Perez was the runner-up for his facilities. Once the wrestlers weight class. King placed third overall. By Leiana Pineda

Irish Eyes

Sports

Soccer program challenges notable opponents By Nga Nguyen Opinions/Entertainment Editor

New soccer coach Cherlyn Scott is in KHU Âż UVW VHDVRQ ZLWK WKH /DG\ ,ULVK ,Q that, there has been improvement from the past seasons. Senior Captain, Christina Phan, is working hard to get her team headed in the right direction for the remainder of the season. “Since the team is mostly underclassmen, there is a lot of material to teach the girls,â€? Phan said “The girls get along well and are very willing to learn,â€? Phan said. Scott’s strategy involves using sophomore defense Chelsea Guillot, junior defense Destiny Strength and senior defense Gabriela Lepe. “I’m building my team around my defenders,â€? Scott said. Eric Sheu Sophomore goalie Astrid Martinez Junior Captain Hisham Abdelaziz defends against Jesuit on Dec. 5 at King. The Irish lost describes the position she has as to the defending State Champions 1-0. VRPHWKLQJ GLIÂż FXOW Âł,WÂśV D WRXJK MRE Most people see it as a position that is “I have a lot of pride in this team.â€? wasn’t exactly ready because we did not not popular, but it is the one of the most Along with the honor of being captain, have the time to stretch. We got there, got on the team,â€? Martinez said. However, Abdelaziz understands the amount of ready, and just played,â€? Toro said. “We work that goes were unprepared but I think we played teammates react into it. “Setting well.â€? However, Toro learned a lesson of well when the an example is a always listening to teammates. “A team other team key role in being member told me to look out for certain scores. Martinez a successful things, and doing that, I saved a penalty,â€? understands l e a d e r , â€? Toro said. “I couldn’t have done it how important Abdelaziz said, without the help of my teammates.â€? her position is. “You always Despite the loss, teammates are “It is one of the have to give cheerful about the devotion shown on the main positions your best.â€? Âż HOG Âł7R GHIHQG \RXU WHDP IURP VXFK D that help out the Along with KLJK SURÂż OH WHDP \RX KDYH WR VWDUW IURP whole team,â€? A b d e l a z i z ’ s yourself. You have to prepare yourself Martinez said. positive outlook mentally and you have to put your heart Nonetheless, Eric Sheu on the season, out even if you’re losing,â€? Abdelaziz the team is Senior center mid fielder Jose Duarte eludes a other team said. The players are appreciative of working well Chalmette defender on Nov. 30 at King. members seek the support and turn out of the game. and have much pride. “This year has been better than the a winning season. Junior center back “Having such a large crowd, cheering us past soccer season and we’re proud to be Oscar Vega knows the dedication and on as we played made all the difference,â€? work the team is putting in will help Abdelaziz said. Lady Irish Soccer,â€? Martinez said. On Dec. 29, Lady Irish shut out O. the team succeed. “I Perry Walker, 2-0. Each goal was scored am anticipating a good, by sophomore forward Samah Hammad healthy season,â€? Vega said. “I expect to go far in and junior forward Kimberly Pena. With the team’s hard work and the playoffs,â€? Vega said. Grace King’s intense contribution, Scott and team members are hoping for many victories. “The game against defending JRDOV IRU WKH VHDVRQ LV DUH GHÂż QLWHO\ ZLQ state champion Jesuit, but bigger goals are to build a program Dec. 5, ended with a that is positive and competitive and to loss of 1-0 with a late rebuild a program that builds pride and inadvertent goal. “Even restores success on campus,â€? Scott said, though we lost, I’m still “We’re looking for an awesome season. grateful for the way we played and managed each Come out and support girl’s soccer.â€? Junior Captain Hisham Abdelaziz is other in order to do our expecting a good season for the boy’s best as a team,â€? Abdelaziz soccer team. “I have played soccer for said. Freshman goalie, Nga Nguyen three years and each year, I see greater Wilmer Toro, felt the Senior Captain Christina Phan drives down the field against O. potential in the team,â€? Abdelaziz said, intensity of the game. “I Perry Walker on Nov. 29. The Lady Irish beat Walker 2-0.

9

Friday, December 14, 2012

Taking a Dive with Tia Tia Banerjee Sports Editor

This may come as a shock to those who know me, but if seven years ago, you asked me if I wanted to quit swimming, I would have said yes with little hesitation. Today, however, if you asked me the same question, would said no. Katrina took me out of the pool for six months. At that point, I really wanted to quit. Thank goodness my mother did not let me, because I have come to realize the role swimming has played in my life. Swimming is useful. It prevents you from drowning. Once you learn it, though, it gets repetitive. I swim back and forth, for XS WR WZR KRXUV IRXU WR Âż YH WLPHV D ZHHN Yes, there are different strokes, but other than that, it is the same thing over and over again. It is not like dance, where you can learn a new move, or football, where the ball can be intercepted and possibly change the entire outcome of the game. At the same time, swimming really is a great sport. It works out your entire body. There is no immediate risk of injury. :KHQHYHU , DP KDYLQJ D WHUULEOH GD\ , Âż QG that swimming clears my head. I also had really severe breathing trouble when I was younger, to the point where I always had an inhaler with me. Now, thanks to my many years of swimming, I rarely need one. There is also the thrill of competition. Last year, at the LHSSA State Swim Meet, , VZDP P\ KHDUW RXW LQ WKH Âż UVW URXQGV RI swimming, cut 5 seconds and went from being seeded 23rd out of 25 to placing seventh overall. This year, I did not do as well, but I watched many races that had me at the edge of my seat. There was one relay where the difference between second and third place was one one-hundreth of a second. If you were to ask me whether or not I liked swimming, I would probably give you some mumbled, vague answer. I would never quit though. I am not good enough to do collegiate-level swimming, nor would I want to. Still, swimming has taught me the importance of everyday exercise and how to properly take care of my body. It has taught me perseverance. The principles of swimming are things I will probably carry on with me forever.

10

Friday, December 14, 2012

Opinions

Irish Eyes

Youth encouraged to appreciate everyday life experiences Everyone has heard the saying, “Life is too short.â€? You may disregard this, as you are only a teenager. Why should you care about the length of your life when you have so many years ahead of you? While this may be true, the truth is, life goes by fast. If you do not stop and realize just how amazing the little things are, you may be missing out. The idea is called mindfulness. Living in the moment also improves health. According to a study done in California, practicing mindfulness can reduce anxiety, stress, and has PDQ\ RWKHU EHQHÂżWV Many of us live life without really noticing what’s happening around us. When we choose to be mindful, we see every moment unfold. Then we realize what we have done, what we are doing and what we want to do. It seems as though current society remembers the past better than it was, the present worse than it is and the future less resolved than what it will be. One way to live in the moment is to see what is in front of us: family. Family is usually left in the back of our minds in our lives. For example, what stores did on Black Friday totally degraded the meaning of Thanksgiving. Most camped out at an electronics store on Thanksgiving day, a day where we should take the time to enjoy dinner with our family. These stores chose to open early just to make more revenue. Instead of spending some TXDOLW\ WLPH ZLWK IDPLO\ SHRSOH ZHUH RXWVLGH LQ WKH FROG ORQJLQJ WR ÂżQG WKH EHVW SULFHV on things they probably will not use within years from now. Another way to live life is to not gravitate on things that cannot be changed such as the past. What is done is done and all mistakes must be learned from. All achievements in the past should not be dwelled upon, but seen as another way to learn how to succeed. We sometimes tend to see the past brighter than what it truly was. We then spend so much time trying to replicate that feeling. We also sometimes tend to see bad events in the past, and cannot let things go. The fact is, we must leave the past alone. Let it be. You should also keep in mind that the future is not set in stone and anything can happen. A powerful high-paying job does not always result in happiness. When you are deciding PDMRUV ÂżQG RQH WKDW \RX OLNH &KDQFHV DUH \RX ZLOO IHHO PRUH VXFFHVVIXO DW D MRE ZKHUH you are happy as opposed to a job where you hate with a high pay. Forrest Gump was onto something when he compared life to a box of chocolates. Each individual moment, like a piece of chocolate, should be savored. If you do not, it will be gone before you know it and you will be sad that you did not take the opportunity to enjoy it. Accept the past, live in the moment and enjoy everything the world has to offer.

Hakuna Matata Live worry free

You Only Live Once

Jessie Chen Managing Editor

With March nearing, I, as well as many others, need to focus on standardized testing. No, I am not talking about the EOC, I am talking about the SAT and the ACT. For those that do not know the difference, hopefully this helps. 7KH $&7 ÂżUVW RI DOO LV D FXUULFXOXP based test, meaning it tests what you have learned in school. The SAT, on the other

usage and sentence structure. In contrast, the English SAT section emphasizes vocabulary. For Math, questions range from arithmetic, Geometry, and Algebra to Trigonometry on both. However, the SAT includes functions and data analysis as well. While no formulas are provided on the ACT, they are on the SAT. The level of GLIÂżFXOW\ LV JHQHUDOO\ UDQGRP LQ WKH $&7 ZKHUHDV RQ WKH 6$7 WKH OHYHO RI GLIÂżFXOW\ increases. The SAT is scored on a scale of 2400, with a maximum score 800 in each of the three sections. The essay is scored from a range of two to 12 and is factored into your Writing score. For the ACT, the perfect score is a 36, with each of the four sections averaged to produce the composite score. The Writing test is given a separate score of two to 12. Juniors, it may seem like March is a long time away, but it is just around the corner. When the day comes, be sure you are well prepared and do your best.

Nepalese teen regrets not learning native language

Bianca’s Thought Bubble

just a way to communicate with my family. I cannot emphasize enough how wrong this EHOLHI ZDV &XOWXUH LV LPSRUWDQW ,W GHĂ€QHV who you are and where you come from. Preserving your heritage not only makes your parents proud, but will enable you to carry on that tradition to your children. I can only now speak bits and pieces of Bianca Nepali. If someone were to have a casual Shrestha conversation, I would be able to respond, Managing although with very limited vocabulary. As RI QRZ WKH WKRXJKW RI QRW OHDUQLQJ Ă XHQW Editor Nepali worries me. What if I cannot pass down my language to future generations? This thought often crosses my mindwhenever my mom speaks to me in Nepali It is not surprising to hear different or when watching a Bollywood movielanguages being spoken to peers while and all I can do is tuck it in the back of walking down the hallways at this school. my mind. I sometimes regret not fully learning how Teachers have always told me to learn, to speak Nepali, my native language. and I do acknowledge their advice. I know , ZDV RQFH Ă XHQW KRZHYHU RQFH , they are right. However, I use the petty started kindergarten, my knowledge excuse of me being too busy. slowly deteriorated. I did not really make It is embarrassing to go out to family a big deal of it. Back then, Nepali was not related functions and speak in broken something that I really cared about. It was Nepali to my elders. When I went to Nepal

Carpe diem

seize the day

Illustration by Bianca Shrestha

Junior draws comparison between entrance exams Chillin’ with Chen hand, is an aptitude test, meaning it tests skills, reasoning and verbal abilities. First, consider the different structures. The SAT has 10 sections: Critical Reading, Writing, (essay portion mandatory), Math and one Experimental. All these are divided into 25, 20 and ten minute sections. The Experimental section is used to determine trends and is used for later developmental purposes. While your score in this particular section does not affect your overall score, you still have to try your best because test-takers have no idea which one it is. $V \RX DOO PD\ NQRZ WKH $&7 KDV ¿YH sections: English, Math, Reading, Science Reasoning and an optional Writing section. All these subjects are tested in chunks. It has an Experimental section as well, but it is only included on certain test dates. As far as content, the critical reading section for ACT tests sentence completion abilities, referring, reasoning and reading comprehension skills. The English ACT section includes punctuation, grammar,

Go with the flow, bro!

LQ WKH ÀIWK JUDGH IRU H[DPSOH , UDUHO\ spoke to older relatives as it would have EHHQ WRR GLIÀFXOW WR FRPPXQLFDWH On too many occasions, I have made self promises that I will improve on my Nepali. Each year, I come closer to my expectation, but never close enough. I have even attempted to learn how to write Nepali. Unfortunately, my progress has been interrupted by school. It is hard, especially if you are the only one learning. My younger sister’s Nepali is worse than mine, perhaps because she FRXOG QHYHU VSHDN LW à XHQWO\ $OVR , GR QRW think that she expresses that same concern as me. I guess as the older sibling, I worry about these things more. I am proud of my Nepali heritage, and I hope to retain my language by practicing it with my parents. I try to spend more time with my family in an attempt to keep my culture alive. Indeed, my one regret is that I cannot VSHDN à XHQW 1HSDOL 7R KDYH WKH DELOLW\ WR speak different languages is so valuable, you should not take it for granted.

Irish Eyes Volume 45 No. 3 Irish Eyes is a monthly publication in conjunction with the journalism program at Grace King High School. It is a member of the Quill and Scroll Journalism Honor Society, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, American Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association and the Louisiana Scholastic Press Association. Letters to the Editor are welcome and should be submitted to room 210. Irish Eyes reserves the right to edit any submissions. The views expressed in columns are those of the columnists. The views expressed in the editorial are those of the Editorial Board.

Editor-in-Chief Eric Sheu Managing Editors Jessie Chen Bianca Shrestha Business Manager Linda Lin Sports Editor Tia Banerjee Opinions/Entertainment Editor Nga Nguyen Staff Writers Bethany Coate Kimberly Dang Leiana Pineda Jenna Brewton Sabra Burge Shanzay Chaudhry Stephanie Dix Isabella Cross Magdolin Hakem Samah Hammad Mahum Riaz Rhonisha Ridgeway Hamna Sial Adviser Thomas Curran

Friday, December 14, 2012

Hispanic student devoted to LASA organization , OLNH EHLQJ RQ /$6$ /DWLQ $PHULFDQ 6WXGHQW $VVRFLDWLRQ 7KLV FOXE LVQ¶W H[FOXVLYHO\ IRU +LVSDQLFV EXW DOVR IRU SHRSOH ZKR DUH LQWHUHVWHG LQ KHOSLQJ WKH /DWLQ $PHULFDQ FRPPXQLW\ KHUH DW *UDFH .LQJ +LVSDQLFV FRQVLVW RI D ODUJH SHUFHQWDJH RI WKLV VFKRRO 7KHUHIRUH /$6$ LV GHGLFDWHG WR VROYH SUREOHPV IRU QRW RQO\ ELOLQJXDO +LVSDQLFV EXW DOVR WKH QRQ (QJOLVK VSHDNLQJ Freshman grateful for student council and year +LVSDQLFV 7KDW LV UHDOO\ ZK\ , HQMR\ EHLQJ RQ /$6$ 0\ IUHVKPDQ \HDU KDV EHHQ YHU\ LQWHUHVWLQJ VR IDU Alexis Rodriguez, sophomore 7KLV VFKRRO KDV LWV EDG GD\V EXW , ORRN IRUZDUG WR WKH JRRG GD\V (YHQ WKRXJK ZH KDYH WKH $ % VFKHGXOH DQG Junior grateful for hardworking principal PRVW SHRSOH GRQ¶W SUHIHU LW *UDFH .LQJ KDV LWV SRVLWLYH *UDFH .LQJ KDV GH¿ QLWHO\ FKDQJHG VLJQL¿ FDQWO\ RYHU VLGH %HLQJ RQ )UHVKPDQ %RDUG JLYHV PH D ORW RI VSLULW WKH FRXUVH RI WKH SDVW WZR \HDUV , WKLQN PRVW RI WKDW LV IRU WKLV VFKRRO DQG PDNHV PH ORRN DW WKH XSVLGHV RI D UHVXOW RI 0V *ULIIRQ¶V SHUVLVWHQFH WR SXVK XV WRZDUGV .LQJ ,¶YH PHW DPD]LQJ WHDFKHUV DQG VWXGHQWV SHUIHFWLRQ 6KH LVQ¶W DIUDLG WR PDNH FKDQJHV DQG IRUFH *UDFH .LQJ KDV EHHQ D JRRG H[SHULHQFH VR IDU EXW , VWXGHQWV WR PDNH GHFLVLRQV WKDW ZLOO EHWWHU WKHPVHOYHV KRSH QH[W \HDU ZH GRQ¶W KDYH WKH $ % VFKHGXOH , ORRN HYHQ LI ZH GRQ¶W DJUHH ZLWK KHU SURFHGXUHV :H ORYH IRUZDUG WR WKH UHVW RI WKH VFKRRO \HDU \RX 0V *ULIIRQ .HHS XS WKH JUHDW ZRUN Anum Siddiqui, freshman Tyrionne Paul, junior Sophomore appreciates ACT practice during IS Student expresses sadness over ROTC program , GRQ¶W KDYH PXFK WR FULWLFL]H DERXW WKLV VFKRRO \HDU &RPSDUHG WR ODVW \HDU WKLV VFKRRO KDV JUHDWO\ , WKLQN WKH SUDFWLFH $&7 ZDV D JRRG LGHD VLQFH LW OHW¶V LPSURYHG , DP XSVHW KRZHYHU WKDW 527& LV QR ORQJHU PH NQRZ ZKDW , KDYH WR LPSURYH , WKLQN 0U *ULIIRQ KDV D SDUW RI RXU KXPEOH VFKRRO $V D IRUPHU PHPEHU RI GRQH D JUHDW MRE WKLV \HDU /$ , ¿ QG LW LQVXOWLQJ IRU WKH 527& VLJQ WR VWLOO Jack Vega, sophomore EH KXQJ LQ WKH VFKRRO HYHQ WKRXJK WKH RUJDQL]DWLRQ QR ORQJHU H[LVWV Freshman Class President gracious for school 7KH PRPHQW ZH IRXQG RXW 527& ZDV JRLQJ WR FORVH , ORYH EHLQJ )UHVKPDQ %RDUG 3UHVLGHQW IRU D JUHDW ZDV RQH RI WKH PRVW KHDUWEUHDNLQJ PHPRULHV RI P\ OLIH VFKRRO OLNH *UDFH .LQJ ,¶P WKDQNIXO WKDW VWXGHQW (YHQ WKRXJK 527& LV JRQH , VWLOO ¿ QG KRSH LQ RWKHU FRXQFLO DQG HYHU\RQH DFFHSWHG PH OLNH IDPLO\ $QG FOXEV 7KDQNV WR $FDGHPLF *DPHV DQG 4XL] %RZO , FDQ ¿ QDOO\ ,¶P ORRNLQJ IRUZDUG WR WKH UHVW RI WKH \HDU DQG KDYH WKH VWUHQJWK WR FDUU\ RQ SOD\LQJ EDVHEDOO HVSHFLDOO\ Justin Webster, sophomore Dylan Cross, freshman Senior hopes to see more recycling in future :KLOH LW¶V JUHDW WKDW .H\ &OXE KDV VWDUWHG SDSHU UHF\FOLQJ LQ D IHZ FODVVURRPV LW¶G EH FRRO WR VHH DQ H[WHQGHG VFKRRO ZLGH HIIRUW :H JR WKURXJK VXFK D JUHDW DPRXQW RI UHF\FODEOH SURGXFWV DQG LW¶V D VKDPH WR VHH LW DOO VLPSO\ JR WR ZDVWH )RU H[DPSOH LQ DGGLWLRQ WR WKH SODVWLF ZDWHU ERWWOHV WKDW HYHU\RQH VHHPV WR FDUU\ DURXQG WKH FDIHWHULD JRHV WKURXJK DQ DYHUDJH RI EDJV RI WUDVK D ZHHN ZKLFK PRUH WKDQ WKUHH TXDUWHUV FRXOG SUREDEO\ EH UHF\FOHG 1HDUO\ HYHU\WKLQJ WKURZQ DZD\ IURP WKH SODVWLF XWHQVLOV WR WKH OXQFK WUD\V WR WKH GULQN FDUWRQV LV UHF\FODEOH 7KDW¶V QRW HYHQ KDOI RI ZKDW FRXOG EH UHF\FOHG LQ RXU

Students appreciates efforts from principal 7KLV \HDU LV P\ MXQLRU \HDU RI KLJK VFKRRO &RPLQJ WR *UDFH .LQJ , GLGQ¶W H[SHFW WR EH VR LQYROYHG 6WXGHQW &RXQFLO GH¿ QLWHO\ FDXVHG PH WR WDNH SULGH LQ P\ VFKRRO $OWKRXJK 0V *ULIIRQ KDV PDGH VFKRRO UXOHV D OLWWOH PRUH VWULFW WKDW GRHV QRW JLYH DQ\RQH D UHDVRQ WR FRPSODLQ %XW LW FDQ EH XQQHFHVVDU\ 6KH GRHV ZKDW VKH GRHV WR EHWWHU RXU IXWXUHV DQG RXU OLYHV +RQHVWO\ WKHUH LV QR UHDVRQ DW DOO WR GLVOLNH D SULQFLSDO WKDW FDUHV DERXW \RX DQG FDUHV DERXW ZKHWKHU \RX GR VRPHWKLQJ ZLWK \RXU OLIH RU QRW Carmin Frisard, junior

6HQLRU UHÀ HFWV RQ À HHWLQJ KLJK VFKRRO H[SHULHQFH Shenanigans with Sheu Eric Sheu Editor-in-Chief

$V ZLQWHU EUHDN QHDUV LW PDUNV WKH VSRW ZKHUH ZH DUH KDOIZD\ WKURXJK WKH \HDU ,Q SDVW \HDUV LW ZRXOG UHDOO\ H[FLWH PH EHFDXVH , FRXOG VD\ WKDW , ZDV KDOIZD\ ILQLVKHG DQG , ZRXOG MXVW QHHG WR JHW

WKURXJK DQRWKHU ¿ YH PRQWKV RI VFKRRO 7KLV \HDU WKRXJK LW LV GLIIHUHQW DV , ZLOO QRW EH FRPLQJ EDFN DQG ZLOO EH RII WR FROOHJH DQG WKHQ LW KLW PH WKDW , ZLOO QRW EH VHHLQJ DOO P\ WHDFKHUV DJDLQ RU PRVW RI P\ IULHQGV DIWHU JUDGXDWLRQ 7KDW WKRXJKW PDGH PH UHDOL]H WKDW , VKRXOG QRW KDYH ZDQWHG HYHU\ \HDU WR HQG DV TXLFNO\ DV SRVVLEOH DQG WKDW , ZDQW WR JHW WR PRYH RXW DQG KHDG IRU FROOHJH IDVWHU , DP QRW VD\LQJ WKDW , ZDQW WR EH LQ KLJK VFKRRO IRUHYHU EXW UDWKHU , VKRXOG KDYH VORZHG GRZQ DQG ³VPHOOHG WKH URVHV ´ :LWK DOO WKH FODVV ZRUN DQG H[WUD FXUULFXODU DFWLYLWLHV , KDG WKURXJKRXW P\ IRXU \HDUV , SUREDEO\ VKRXOG KDYH VSHQW PRUH WLPH ZLWK IULHQGV RU FKDWWHG PRUH ZLWK WHDFKHUV LQ VFKRRO (VSHFLDOO\ IULHQGV RU WHDFKHUV WKDW DUH QRW HYHQ KHUH DQ\PRUH , UHDOL]HG WKDW , VKRXOG KDYH MRLQHG D

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

‘‘

0\ IDYRULWH FKLOGKRRG PHPRU\ LV &KULVWPDV EHFDXVH LW ZDV VXSSRVHG WR EH D VPDOO &KULVWPDV EXW LW WXUQHG RXW WR EH D ELJ VXUSULVH ZLWK JLIWV Gerod Macon

Assistant Principal

‘‘

0\ IDYRULWH FKLOGKRRG PHPRU\ ZDV JRLQJ RQ P\ VHQLRU WULS WR 'LVQH\ :RUOG EHFDXVH LW ZDV RQH RI P\ ¿ UVW WULSV ZKHUH , KDG D ORW RI IUHHGRP

Todd Olivier

Counselor

‘‘

0\ IDYRULWH FKLOGKRRG PHPRU\ ZDV P\ QLQWK JUDGH \HDU RI KLJK VFKRRO EHFDXVH WKDW¶V ZKHQ , EHFDPH PRUH VRFLDO Javonne Matthews

Dean of Students

‘‘

0\ IDYRULWH FKLOGKRRG PHPRU\ ZDV ZKHQ , OHDUQHG KRZ WR ULGH D ELNH ZLWKRXW WUDLQLQJ ZKHHOV Contrina Thomas

Counselor

‘‘

‘‘

Sophomore dislikes quality in cafeteria food ,¶YH EHHQ DW WKLV VFKRRO IRU \HDUV DQG ,¶YH QHYHU KDG D JRRG SURSHU OXQFK PHDO IURP WKH FDIHWHULD , SHUVRQDOO\ WKLQN WKDW EHFDXVH WKLV VFKRRO LV VR GLYHUVH ZH VKRXOG KDYH D ZLGHU YDULHW\ LQ IRRGV ,¶P QRW H[SHFWLQJ DQ\WKLQJ IDQF\ EXW , GR KRSH WR HDW VRPHWKLQJ JRRG RQFH LQ D ZKLOH *UDFH .LQJ¶V FDIHWHULD VHUYHV D ORW RI WKH VDPH WKLQJV HYHU\ ZHHN 6RPH VWXGHQWV DUH YHJHWDULDQV DQG VRPH MXVW VLPSO\ SUHIHU DQ\WKLQJ RYHU PHDW , MXVW UHDOO\ KRSH WKDW ZKHQ LW FRPHV WR WKH IRRG LQ WKH FDIHWHULD WKHUH LV VRPHWKLQJ WR ORRN IRUZDUG WR Aisha Cheema, sophomore

What was your favorite childhood memory?

‘‘

VFKRRO HLWKHU 7KLQN DERXW LW 3XWWLQJ VRPHWKLQJ LQWR D UHF\FOLQJ ELQ WDNHV XS QR PRUH HQHUJ\ WKDQ SXWWLQJ VRPHWKLQJ LQWR D WUDVK FDQ +RSHIXOO\ LQ WKH IXWXUH *UDFH .LQJ ZLOO FRQVLGHU UHF\FOLQJ PRUH WKDQ MXVW SDSHU Jessica Richmond, senior

‘‘

Baseball player sets high hopes for season ,¶P ORRNLQJ IRUZDUG WR WKH EDVHEDOO VHDVRQ +RQHVWO\ , FDQ¶W ZDLW 6LQFH WKH ODVW RXW RI WKH SUHYLRXV \HDU , ZDV UHDG\ IRU WKH QH[W VHDVRQ WR VWDUW 7KH WHDP KDV EHHQ ZRUNLQJ KDUG LQ WKH PRUQLQJV VLQFH HDUO\ 2FWREHU DQG ZH¶UH JRLQJ WR NHHS ZRUNLQJ WKURXJKRXW WKH VHDVRQ 2XU WHDP WKLV \HDU ZLOO VXUSULVH VRPH SHRSOH 1R RQH WDNHV XV VHULRXVO\ VLQFH ZH ORVW VRPH YHU\ WDOHQWHG DWKOHWHV ODVW \HDU EXW ZH¶UH JRLQJ WR EH WKH KDUGHVW ZRUNLQJ WHDP *UDFH .LQJ KDV VHHQ , SURPLVH WKDW &RPH VXSSRUW XV 7KDQN \RX Joseph Kuchler, junior

Speak Out

‘‘

Letters to the Editor

11

‘‘

Opinions

Irish Eyes

*RLQJ WR P\ IDPLO\¶V FDPS RQ WKH ZHHNHQGV RQ WKH 1RUWKVKRUH EHFDXVH ZH GLG D ORW RI RXWGRRU DFWLYLWLHV Larry Lala

Dean of Students

12

Friday, December 14, 2012

Entertainment

Irish Eyes

$PHULFDQ LQĂ XHQFH RQ DXWKHQWLF HWKQLF GLVKHV

the 1850s. Approximately 40 years after Chinese migration to California, Chinese people moved to New York to escape local persecution. The Chinese who migrated to the east began opening local restaurants. The restaurants, By Nga Nguyen then owned by New York bohemians, considered Chinese Opinions/Entertainment Editor food to be very exotic. After the United States repealed the Chinese Exclusion Some traditional dishes of ethnic foods were brought Act, along with the Immigration Act of 1965, master over to America by immigrants. These foods have evolved Chinese chefs immigrated over to the United States throughout the course of time. and opened restaurants. The restaurants presented new, Italy is known to be home to the world’s most XQXVXDO GLVKHV WR $PHULFD ZKLFK LQĂ€XHQFHG WKH SXEOLFÂśV primordial cookbook. Diversity of Italian foods began interest in the exotic Chinese meals. It is also interesting after the fall of the Roman Empire. During this time, to note that former President Nixon’s visit to different regions throughout the country began creating China made dishes such as “Peking Duckâ€? their dishes to separate their traditions and identities. popular. +RZHYHU WKH VSUHDG RI ,WDOLDQ IRRG PDGH D JUHDW LQĂ€XHQFH Before the Europeans came to South on Americans around the 18th century, when millions of America, natives were already harvesting immigrants, mainly from Naples and Sicily, arrived in the large assortments of plants. Since an irrigation United States. system was already developed, the mountain The immigrants created a new form of cooking, calling VORSHV PDGH LW PRUH VXIÂżFLHQW IRU JURZLQJ it “Italian-Americanâ€? food. Chefs currently are combining many foods. Peanuts, chili peppers, assorted classic Italian dishes with American dishes that may be potatoes, corn, cocoa beans, and lima beans either appealing or unappealing to certain diners. were grown by the natives. However, different 7KH ÂżUVW ZDYH RI &KLQHVH LPPLJUDQWV WR $PHULFD ZDV D regions prepared their foods distinctively from result of the California Gold Rush which occurred around one another. Though the way each prepared food was different, they used the same meats and ingredients. Meat is very essential in Latino meals.

The use of various types of chilis are also important. Jalapenos, Poblano, Malagueta and Habanero are often included in Spanish dishes. Vegetables, beans, rice and corn usually accompany these meals as well. Fruits such as mangoes, papayas, pears, passion fruit and plantains are also very common for Latinos. For most of the United States’ history, Mexican Americans have lived in the country. It was not until after World War II, when other Hispanic immigrants came in abundance to the United States. Like other immigrants, Latinos preserved original dishes from their homelands. The transformation of cooking traditions within Latino families began in the third and fourth

century. Since then, Latin American cooking has not only greatly expanded, but has become very popular to non-Latino diners. Some current recipes include new ingredients and combinations of other ethnic dishes. As the broad interest of Latin American food throughout the world expands, one can expect many new combinations of dishes to emanate. With the expansion in today’s restaurants, certain ethnic dishes may be altered by mixed types and amounts of spices causing it to become “Americanized dishes.� While some may prefer these dishes, some choose to remain faithful to the original, classic dishes.

Irish Illustrations: Random acts of kindness bring joy to children Illustrated by Bianca Shrestha

A simple act of kindness

can go a very, very...

HEADSTART Daycare

long way!

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.