MavLife April 2011-2012

Make a Change

Student Safety

MavLife staffers take a stance on teen depression, suicide and underage drinking, offering ideas for change both on and off campus.

MavLife examines student decision making, stress, and several safety issues on campus. Find out how the school views these pressing problems.

MavLife students filled their tummies with four samples from local sandwich shops. Find out where you should head next time you’re in the mood for a sandwich.

Opinion

Features

Entertainment Page 23

Page 5

Best Sandwhich

Page 9-15

MavLife T E E N S April 2012

La Costa Canyon High School, One Maverick Way, Carlsbad, CA 92009

Volume 6 Issue 5

For Teen Safety

Town Hall offers students an opportunity to reflect on making safe choices Jenny Barnes Staff Writer

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n the evening of March 22, hundreds of students, parents and teachers packed the gym in anticipation. Only this time, it wasn’t for a basketball playoff game.

Rather, attendees arrived ready to hear some difficult stories of drug abuse, poor choices and regret. The annual Teens for Teen Safety Town Hall meeting offered Above: Members of the Teens for Teen Safety Club kick off the Town Hall meeting. Left to Right: Charlie Beck (11), Emily Burns (11), Claire Sorlie (10), and Teresa Echols (11).

audience members an opportunity to reflect on their own choices by learning from others.

According to club president and junior Maddie Carnow, the mission of the night was to educate students about the dangers of using drugs and alcohol and the consequences that can result from such behavior.

“The goal of the event is to show the students of the school that it is doable to make the right choices,” Carnow said.

Founded three years ago, the Teens for Teens Safety Club seeks to shed light on the issues and temptations young people today are facing.According to preventions specialist Nancy Logan, some of these tragedies teens

Helping Hands Photos by Megan Mineiro

are currently suffering from include “drunk driving crashes, driving without a seatbelt, and using drugs and alcohol.”

Their efforts to educate students are not going unnoticed.

“I’m a lot more cautious,” said sophomore Laurel Bonsack. “It was an eye opener and really effective.”

In order to help convey their message, the club invited four guest speakers to share their personal testimonies with the audience.

“I come from a good home and a good family,” said guest speaker Chad Sorlie. “I got good grades in school, but these things did not prevent me from substance abuse.”

And with that statement Sorlie revealed

Continued on page 7

Mavericks transform annual MavFest talent show into fundraiser for senior Breea Ramskill

Kelsea Critin Staff Writer

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ne morning this past December, senior Breea Ramskill awoke, feeling a little clumsy and out of sorts.

“By six o’clock that night, my entire left body was paralyzed and I couldn’t walk,” Ramskill said. “I couldn’t even get up when I was laying down without help,” she said.

“I was really scared.”

In addition to this paralysis, her left eye went blind and she lost the ability to talk and swallow. Ramskill was immediately hospitalized as doctors searched for an explanation. Her diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) came as a shock.

With about 20 people diagnosed with MS each week and around 350,000 affected nationally, Ramskill is not alone.

MS attacks the central nervous system, often causing numbness and even paralysis or loss of vision. According to the National MS Society, this condition, first identified

what was really happening with his life during high school.

“Freshman year I smoked pot for the first time,” Sorlie said. “I thought it was no big deal and I wasn’t hurting anyone. I thought it was the best thing ever, but that period of time was short lived. My family’s home life began to deteriorate and I started slacking in school.”

Sorlie managed to avoid harder drugs but even staying with weed did not go without consequences.

“I was arrested for possession the first semester of sophomore year at CCA,” said Sorlie.

Photo by Kelsea Critin

Members of Elizabeth Engleberg’s Transitional Alternative Program sing a medley of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “A Wonderful World” during the MavFest fundraiser on March, 22, 2012.

Left to Right: Ryan Wilson, Julie Brown, Adriana Ramirez, Kaitlin Goetz, Aly Hays, Kevin Bath, Elizabeth Stress, and Sarah Bullen.

as a medical ailment in 1849, affects no two people the same way, which makes it difficult to treat.

The particular reason Ramskill contracted such a disease is difficult to say. Research has found that MS is more common in Caucasians, women, and people living in North America. Some scientists think that

heredity plays a role in a person’s likelihood of having to deal with this unpredictable condition.

Ramskill began physical therapy and underwent medical tests in order to recover as quickly as possible.

But this situation, however life changing, has not stopped Ramskill from accomplishing

her goals. After a six grueling weeks in the hospital, she regained vision in her eye, trained herself to talk and swallow again, and was able to walk.

“I had a special leg brace made for me and a wheelchair to help me get around,” Ramskill said.

The adjustments to daily life, however, were long and tedious.

“I lost everything,” Ramskill said. “I had taken walking for granted. It was really difficult to have to reteach myself so much, and I hated being stuck in the hospital for so long. But my mom, friends, and family visiting helped me get better and push through it.”

While Ramskill was adjusting to her diagnosis, her friends were as well.

“When I heard she was sick, it was like a part of me was sick too,” Kunzik said. “I guess I’m still not adjusted to it. I just had to talk to myself and decide to face this with her.”

Ramskill’s friends saw what she was going through and wanted to do something to help.

“I can’t act as a doctor, but what I can

Continued on page 7

Editorial

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April

MavLife 2011-2012 Staff Editor-In-Chief: Brenna Lyles Managing Editor: Tara McQueen Features Editor: Hanna Beyer Opinion Editor: Raquel Zilberman News Editor: Kiana Jackson Sports Editor: Courtney Utsler Entertainment Editor: Cameron Gurley Design Editor: Will Jones Assistant Designer: Meg Shepro Copy Editor: Grant Goodstein Staff Writers: Rikki Backus, Jenny Barnes,Tiffany Brock, John Mark Carlson, Alex Condos, Kelsea Critin, Ana Diaz, Gage DiRoberto, Savannah DukesSamala, Maddy Fitzgerald, Anthony Fregoso, Karlee Fuller, Grant Goodstein, Claudia Mathews, Megan Mineiro, Zach Pownell, Julian Sanz, Shanoah Souza, Meg Shepro, Niki Walters, Victoria Zamora, Rebecca Zilberman

M

avLife is the student newspaper of La Costa Canyon High School.

LCCHS student media products are public forums for student expression.

Students are responsible for their work in print publications, online content and video broadcasts, as well as in other products, none of which are subject to administrative approval. Students make all final content decisions.

Media programs follow Scholastic Press Association, Journalism Education Association, and Student Press Law Center standards. In addition, student media programs work to follow all copyright laws and avoid libel, slander, and infringing upon the rights of others.

Unsigned editorials represent the opinions of the editorial board, while opinion columns represent the writer’s perspective.

Advertisements do not necessarily represent the newspaper’s views.

@MavLife

Staying Within the Boundaries

Photo by Karlee Fuller; Illustration by Brenna Lyles

Students sit in the Student Center during fifth period on Tuesday, April 3, 2012. (See editor’s note below).

School should change its off campus lunch policy

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n the past few years, La Costa Canyon’s campus security policy. would be decline in campus security personnel Of course, there will be exceptions made held liable has greatly limited our school’s ability to to these rules, as there are now. Students for their enforce certain rules on campus. While with bathroom passes and passes for their safety. policy specifies that students are forbidden counselors will not get in trouble, nor would In addition, the sense of school community to wander campus during class time and only those who are with a teacher. has dwindled as very few students are present seniors are permitted to leave school during In order to enforce such a policy, teachers to participate in lunchtime activities held lunch, it is evident that our would be required to always by ASB while school assemblies have been lone campus supervisor, enforce the use of bathroom cut due to a lack of funding.

Lori Branson, cannot single Students should not passes, while teachers of classes Due to the school’s inability to enforce handedly manage every be loitering in other that require students to be out its “seniors only” lunchtime policy, we believe student at every minute. of class (such as video film, that a closed campus is necessary in order Students with scheduled areas of the school journalism, yearbook, etc.) to ensure student safety and to simplify the online courses, known as would need to provide their duties of Lori Branson while promoting a ISOL, as well as those with during class hours, students with permanent and sense of student community. unscheduled classes are either because they apparent identification badges.

This would entail that no one would prohibited from staying We feel that such policies be allowed to leave campus during lunch, on campus during these are unsupervised or would greatly reduce the which, for many seniors, is a dreadful periods. Unless working because they create number of students loitering on proposal. Many would argue that they go specifically on their online campus, participating in risky off campus because district-provided food classes, ISOL students are distractions for activities, or simply avoiding sold on campus is undesirable and that a not allowed to be in teacher classroom instruction, while special senior privilege has been taken away Sherill Brice’s classroom. surrounding classes. simultaneously simplifying from them.

Similarly, the library the job of our Details of how to go is closed to these students lone campus School policy about this change in policy would need to be worked out during class hours, a policy that essentially supervisor.

Another issue that came explicitly states with a committee of students, forces students off campus. Many students lack a ride home or to an appropriate location, up during our investigation is that only seniors teachers, and administrators. leaving them to either roam the campus that of unauthorized students Potentially, outside vendors without permission or unsafely walk down leaving school during class, are permitted to may be brought in to sell and especially during lunch. “go off ” during quality food during lunch. the street to the Coffee Bean.

School policy explicitly Seniors may also be given Our campus security policy needs to an alternate privilege such change. It needs to be something that can states that only seniors are lunch, yet many as “seniors only” access to a be more easily enforced with our limited permitted to “go off ” during specific picnic area. campus supervising staff, and it should not lunch, yet many sophomores sophomores and Overall, the editorial push students off campus just because they and juniors with access to juniors with access are not enrolled in an attendance-based a car can often be spotted staff of MavLife values the to a car can often be safety of our friends and class at that time. driving out of the lot.

To alleviate both of these problems, the Although ID cards were spotted driving out classmates and we recognize editorial staff of MavLife proposes creating checked at the beginning they are in jeopardy due zones in the school where students who do of the school year, this of the lot. to limited on-campus not have a class can be. Such zones would reinforcement of school policy supervision. Collectively, we agree that there are solutions include places like the meadow in front of has diminished and seniors’ the media center and inside the media center. off-campus privilege basically applies to to these related, pressing problems that Creating such zones would provide a few anyone with the means to “go off.” currently face our campus that are worth places where students can feel safe and can Students fail to recognize that if they taking the time to initiate discussion to were to be confronted with danger, the school ensure student safety. do any school work they need to do.

Students should not be loitering in other This issue of MavLife examines student health and safety issues.As areas of the school during class hours, either such, throughout the issue you will find data from the California because they are unsupervised or because they Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS), which is an annual and anonymous create distractions for surrounding classes. survey completed every spring by students throughout the state.

Healthy Kids Reducing the campus supervisor’s focus The data in our issue comes from survey results from La Costa Survey Data to these areas, as well as spelling out clearly Canyon High School in 2009 and 2011. Look for the blue icon where students can and can’t be during class for insight into how students view some of the issues covered. will help improve the enforcement of the

CHKS

www.facebook.com/lccnews

Editor’s note regarding photos that appear on pages 2, 9 and 11:

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nTuesday,April 3, 2012, at approximately 1:30 p.m., a MavLife photographer walked around campus in order to document the presence of students in non-classroom

spaces as part of a feature story (see pages 9-11). Some students were present for only a few minutes, while other students were photographed multiple times during the 45 minutes the photographer was out on campus. During that 45 minute period, MavLife photographed over 50 different

students across campus.

MavLife does not intend any representations about the reasons students were out of class—only that the pictured students were present in a location other than inside a classroom while class was in session.

Editorial

April

3

Untapped Expertise

Students need a voice in the Teacher of the Year selection process

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nited States Representatives are chosen by their constituents, the ASB President is chosen by students, and Teacher of the Year by...other teachers? In some absurd distortion of common sense, the Teacher of the Year is selected without input from the most relevant demographic for the contest: students.

Currently, the Teacher of the Year is chosen by other teachers, who both nominate the candidates and vote for their preferred candidate. However, students, not teachers, are regularly in the classrooms of these candidates. It is these students’ educations, not those of the teachers, that are the end products of the candidates’ efforts.To propose that students should have nothing to say on which teachers should be recognized for their outstanding efforts in the classroom is ridiculous.

It’s true that teacher voice is important.

Teachers have a greater understanding of other teachers’ jobs beyond the ring of the final bell than students do.While this year’s

Teacher of the Year, Cindi Schildhouse, lenient or favorable towards students, rather happens to be very popular, effective, and than one who continuously challenges his passionate in the classroom, permitting or her students. It might also cause some student voice in the process will enhance teachers to pander to their students to influence their choice the validity of teacher in Teacher of the Year. selection.

To entirely leave So making students Currently, the Teacher students out of the justify their choice of process of choosing Teacher of the Year is of the Year is chosen by the Teacher of theYear vital. A simple student other teachers, who both essentially rots away vote would not satisfy nominate the candidates much of the title’s this requirement. To credibility. In order for and vote for their preferred ensure that student voice the Teacher of theYear is involved fairly, student candidate. Students, not award’s meaning to hold recommendations true to its intentions, should be required for teachers, are regularly in students need to be nominees before voting the classrooms of these involved with and be on the candidates. candidates. more informed about Students could be asked the selection process to write a short letter for Teacher of theYear. of recommendation, The question of explaining why they how to incorporate student voice is, admittedly, think that the teacher should be considered more difficult. If put up to a simple vote, for Teacher of the Year. By citing specific students may choose a teacher who is overly examples, it ensures that their choice is

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor,

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want to congratulate Kiana Jackson for writing the article “Confusion Surrounds ASVAB Exam.” The story has circulated around the country and is being discussed by legislators and ACLU attorneys in several states. Journalism is a great calling and it takes a lot of hard work, research, and courage to be a great journalist. Kiana appears to be on her way. She has brilliantly documented the confusion several hundred of us across the country have worked to expose over the last 7 years.

Sometimes truth isn’t apparent. It has to be painstakingly researched and documented.

That’s the job of a journalist. It’s becoming a lost art.

I have been a counselor for the GI Rights Hotline and I have taken many calls from soldiers who have told me they were actively recruited after taking the ASVAB in high school. Actually, recruiters have the legal right to do this. It’s the lack of transparency and the automatic release of student information without parental consent that is troubling to us.

Kiana has to be careful in the way she identifies people in her stories. Many of us have made the same mistake. For instance, she refers to me as “Pat Elder ofWarisaCrime. org.” I am not affiliated with that organization.

I am the Director of the National Coalition to Protect Student Privacy. Our organization is made up of many veterans and we defend the right of the military to recruit in our

Mr. Pat Elder,

MavLife greatly appreciates your insightful letter to the editor as well as your congratulations of Kiana Jackson. We are thrilled to see the story being shared across the nation.

We wish to share our regret for misidentifying you as “Pat Elder of

In Response to “I Don’t Know But I’ve Been Told: Confusion Surrounds ASVAB Exam” by Kiana Jackson (February, News)

test results from being used for recruiting high schools.

Kiana is correct in writing that I refer purposes. Inaction on the part of a school to the ASVAB as a recruiting tool, but I will cause USMEPCOM to automatically got that from the U.S. Military Entrance select Option 1. Students and parents may Processing Command’s Pamphlet 350-13 not determine which release option is used; that says the ASVAB is designed to “Provide therefore they cannot opt out of releasing the field recruiter with a source of leads of the information individually. According to high school seniors and juniors qualified data our campaign has received from the through the ASVAB for enlistment into Pentagon through a Freedom of Information the Active Army and Army Act Request, 41 students Reserve.” at La Costa Canyon High In most people’s minds, Sometimes truth School had option 1 selected reading that the ASVAB is and 34 students had option isn’t apparent. It has a recruiting tool is more 7 selected during the 2009credible if Kiana had quoted to be painstakingly 2010 school year. Option the Pentagon rather than 7 means there were invalid researched and “War is a crime.” Besides, test results because test why not go to the source? documented. That’s the security was jeopardized. It I sent Kiana’s article interesting to read that job of a journalist. It’s was to Irene Ho, an aide to Principal Ruggles thought California Assembly Member becoming a lost art. that approximately 200 Julia Brownley. Assembly students signed up two Member Brownley will be years ago. If the school had submitting legislation that will prohibit the selected Option 8, no student information automatic release of student information would be used for recruiting purposes. (See to military recruiters gained through the the California data attached hereto) administration of the ASVAB. This year, with 461 taking the test, was U.S. Military Entrance Processing the school advised of the various release Command (USMEPCOM) Regulation options, specifically Option 8? What release 601-4 identifies several options schools have option did the school select, if any? Just regarding the administration and release of 12% of the 660,000 students who took ASVAB information. These options range the ASVAB in US high schools had Option from Option 1, which permits test results 8 selected last year. and other student information to be released There is, in fact, a great deal of confusion to military recruiters without prior consent, regarding the administration of the ASVAB. to Option 8, the only one that prevents For instance, a little more research would

MavLife Response WarisaCrime.org,” rather than as the Director of the National Coalition to Protect Student Privacy. Thank you very much for your feedback.

Sincerely, The MavLife Editorial Board

well justified. Teachers, who would still be voting for the Teacher of the Year, would be presented with these letters along with the list of nominees, so they can examine the perspectives of students while making their choice.

Before students can participate in the selection process, they need to be more informed about it. Students don’t hear about the process or winner, and many who do are unaware of it long after the candidates have been voted on. In order for students to be able to participate in the process, they need to be informed.This could be accomplished simply by collaboration with MavLife, ASB, and/or LCC-TV, who can inform the students about the selection process and encourage discussion on the topic.

By involving students in the selection of Teacher of theYear, we bolster the credibility of the title.We make that teacher someone we can all, especially students, celebrate as a truly great contributor to the school’s community.

Letters to the Editor

have revealed that Assistant Principal Doug Kamon was off the mark when he suggested that students who opt out pursuant to Section 9528 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act are exempt from ASVAB testing.

The administration of the ASVAB manages to circumvent both ESEA and FERPA. In other words, students who have “opted out” may still take the ASVAB and have their results forwarded to recruiters without parental consent. We don’t blame Assistant Principal Kamon. The same confusion reigns high schools across the country.

We agree with the comments made by Dr. Ruggles that the test “provides a positive experience for life after high school and opens up the military as an option.” The military provides an excellent option for many.

Our objection has to do with the wholesale release of highly sensitive student information to military recruiting services without parental consent. Parents have a right to know what’s going on. This automatic release may be avoided simply by having the school select ASVAB Release Option 8 pursuant to USMEPCOM Regulation 601-4.

Your story has had a profound impact across the country.

Pat Elder Director National Coalition to Protect Student Privacy

Have an opinion about a new school policy?

Have a bone to pick with something MavLife has published? Anything else on your mind?

E-mail us at mavlifenews@gmail.com or write us a letter and drop it off in room 820.

Opinion

4

Underage Drinking Is Risky Parents can help students make smart choices O

Tiffany Brock Staff Writer

It’s the Law The Board of Supervisors of the County of San Diego states in Penal Code Section 32 that any person who sells, furnishes, gives, or causes to be sold, furnished, or given away, any alcoholic beverage to a minor is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Any person who violates this will be punished by imprisonment in a county jail for a minimum term of six months not to exceed one year, by a fine not exceeding $1,000 or by both imprisonment and fine.

Illustration by Raquel Zilberman

ne minute you are a beautiful, intelligent, and respectable person; the next you are an incoherent mess.

There is a reason why you have to be at least 21 in order to consume alcohol.

Alcohol has dangerous and long term effects on your body and brain.

Going to a Catholic school for eight years, I was sheltered from the fact that young teenagers just like me were drinking.

My freshman year in a public school was an absolute culture change. I did not realize how many teenagers were drinking alcohol.

My first thought was, “How do their parents not know that they are doing this?”

Throughout the year, it became clear to me that many parents were not aware that their kids were drinking. Other parents knew that their kids were drinking, but did not attempt to stop them.These parents are failing to recognize the potential danger and liability in permitting such behavior.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “nearly onethird of all deaths of 15- to 20-year-olds are the result of a motor vehicle crash and about 35 percent of those fatalities are alcohol-related.”

Underage drinking is illegal, but every teenager knows that it happens and that the

California in Numbers Information from the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation,September 2011

LCC in Numbers CHKS Healthy Kids Survey Data

Healthy Kids Survey Results

Illustration by Raquel Zilberman

choice to drink is going to be put in front of them at some point during their high school years.

I personally am uncomfortable with underage drinking, but I feel that if this is something that is going to happen, then teens should be able to have an open line of communication with their parents if they are in a tough situation. Teens should feel comfortable calling their parents for help if they are in a sticky situation.They shouldn’t

April

have get in a car with a drunk driver, or drive under the influence to escape getting in trouble with their parents.

Many parents think they are helping by allowing alcohol in their homes, which can sometimes encourage kids to drink. Parents are condoning the behavior by allowing it to happen, and acting as if it’s okay that their children are drinking underage.

However, I believe that it is better if the parents are aware of what their child is doing without actually hosting parties because they can help encourage the teen not to drink.

Alternatively, parents can advise their kids that if they do drink, an adult is aware of it and can take action.

Often times I have noticed that the kids who are threatened by their parents with punishment are the ones who rebel the most. A child should not feel scared to call a parent if he or she is in need of help.

If a teenager has a problem with alcohol— either while drinking or with addiction—the parents need to assist them to get help.

Parents especially need to make sure that their children know not to get into a car with someone who is drunk or to drive drunk themselves. This will ensure the safety of their child as well as all other drivers on the road.

Harm Associated with Underage Drinking

Alcohol Consumption by Youth

Underage drinking in California leads to substantial harm due to traffic crashes, violent crime, property crime, unintentional injury, and risky sex.

•During 2009, an estimated 141 traffic fatalities and 7,552 nonfatal traffic injuries were attributable to driving after underage drinking.

•In 2007, an estimated 28 alcohol involved fatal burns, drownings, and suicide were attributable to underage drinking.

Underage Drinking is widespread in California. Approximately 1,372,000 underage customers in California drink each year. In 2007-2009, California students in grades 9-12 reported: • 56.6% had at least one drink of alcohol on one or more days during their life.

• 19.9% had their first drink of alcohol, other than a few sips, before age 13.

• 34.0% had at least one drink of alcohol on one or more occasion in the past 30 days.

• 46% of students who took the Healthy Kids Survery during 2010/2011 school year, said that there was a moderate/severe problem at school regarding student alcohol and drug use.

• 36% of students who took the Healthy Kids Survery in 2009, said that they drank at another

student’s home with their parents’ knowledge and 67% of students said that 10%-30% of parents would allow a party with underage drinking.

• 20% of students at LCC reported drinking 5 or more drinks per occasion at least once in the last 30 days.

Opinion

April

Don’t Let Cliques Get to You

It’s Time to Make a Difference

A student reflects on the causes of teen suicide and depression

Changes need to be made to create unity among students

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isolation, but it changes the way one might live his or her life.

Imagine having no friends, no one to go to in times of need.

Who or what would you turn to? Drugs? Alcohol? The answer varies for each individual, but all of them have one thing in common: the only purpose is Rikki Backus to mask the pain for the time being. So then you ask yourself, Staff Writer what is the point of no return? ecently, we lost one of our One can only contain so much fellow Mavericks, Arin sadness within before breaking.

Miller, to suicide. Although he That is where suicide comes was part of our community for into play.

Thankfully, there are people a very short time, his presence nevertheless had an impact on in this world who go to school many lives. Moving from out of solely to study the ways of human state and being “the new kid” is thinking.Their purpose in life is hard for anyone to adjust to, but to help those who think dying to some, it may be impossible. is the only solution to their Arin was that kid who was problems. They take time out constantly trying to be friends of their lives to help prevent with everyone.Very few however, suicide and help treat depression.

Suicide is becoming more gave that attention to him in return. Arin could only take so of a “go to” or “backup plan” much agony before he broke. If as the years pass.Yes, it is true we keep disrespecting others’ that suicide would put an end feelings, many students may be to grief, but it would force that same grief onto headed down of students their families this same path. CHKS said that a n d l o v e d Each year there was a moderate/ ones.The main suicide and depression severe problem at school theme here is rates r ise. regarding depression or to just stop and According to other mental health problems. think about a study at the said that there others. Put University of was a moderate/ yourself in their Minnesota, severe problem at school shoes, and walk one out of regarding harassment or in them for a e v e r y s i x bullying among students. few minutes before making people in the 2011-2012. a decision that United States could affect suffers or at least encounters depression. your future.

One should stop and That is almost eighteen million think about how their actions Americans each year.

Depression is not simply a may impact or influence the feeling of sorrow, but can be a people around them. No one mental illness, depending on how should be inflicted with the long it lasts and its severity. It pain of harassment because is an illness that can be treated. that alienation disfigures their Not only does depression swarm emotions. Often times, this turns the country, but according to into depression which could the National Alliance on Mental potentially result in suicide.

Losing Arin caused great Illness, suicide is now the eighth leading cause of death. Will it sadness to many students, and ever stop? The answer is no, not many of us wish we could go until we stop the ignorance and back in time and undo what has been done.Those who seem to start informing.

As a teenager in the 21st be blinded by the fact that suicide century, I have been a witness does occur need to realize the of depression in multiple truth and act. The loss of Arin circumstances.Walking around should open all of our eyes to campus, I see those few kids the reality of what may seem hanging out by themselves, or to be fantasy.

Let’s take a stand against the ones who try to be a part of something but just get shut depression and suicide by down. It’s disappointing that putting others before ourselves. students don’t realize that the Let’s think twice before way they treat others may very saying something that may well affect others’ emotional be dehumanizing. We need to wellness. Not only does this take this to heart and make a emotional instability lead to difference.

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Meg Shepro Staff Writer

he bell rings for break and I walk with trepidation, because if I walk too fast, I won’t have anyone to stand with or talk to in the Student Center.

If I dare to walk too slow, I will have missed my mark and the circle will have been formed--a circle that cannot be entered, a circle that traps the short girl on the outside, a circle that would make even Mike Tyson wet his pants in fear.

I have come to find many groups and cliques around La Costa Canyon’s campus.These cliques seem to be closed off to newcomers and very rarely do they include new people in their sacred circles.This closedminded sense of superiority has become a problem on campus and often these people forget about their impact on those who they exclude.

The severity of the situation that most of these people do not realize is that leaving someone out, even if there is no intention, causes that person to feel completely adrift and alone. I myself even tend to feel alone in a group of people that I would consider my friends only because of the exclusivity of high school, the elitist complex, and inside jokes.

The theory behind cliques is that people belong to these groups because they themselves are afraid of not belonging. In turn, they enclose themselves in order to protect their status.

But being in a clique only secures insularity and prevents a person

from growing and connecting to a wide range of people with various backgrounds, cultures, and interests.

You cannot simply take your clique off to college or to your job, and you definitely cannot take your clique with you as you move through the real, non high school world.The most successful people in life make friends among a variety of groups and know how to transcend boundaries by bringing people together.They value the importance individuals rather than just the commonality and familiarity of a group.

If you ever see old friends reunite at a high school reunion or even after just a few years out of college, they are bound by memories shared, not by the narrow definition of the group that they once belonged to.

So when I see you on the streets of NewYork City in some distant future, I’ll recognize you, I’ll know you from the time we were both La Costa Canyon students, and we will bond over our commonalities and know that we had shared something special together, regardless of our social status.

I challenge you to go out into the world, make a difference, and embrace all the people that you have met on this journey.

They all matter and are all part of the history that will make you who you are in this big world.

• For every suicide among young people, there are at least 100 suicide attempts.

• 30% of teens with depression also develop a substance abuse problem.

• About 20% of teens will experience teen depression before they reach adulthood.

• Over 14 % of high school students have considered suicide, and almost 7% have attempted it.

All statistics found on: http://www.teendepression.org or http://www.bullyingstatistics.org

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Healthy Kids Survey Data

43%

44%

Families for Depression Awareness: A national nonprofit organization helping families recognize and cope with depressive disorders to get people well and prevent suicides. Visit www. familiesaware.com or call 1-781-890-0220.

Teens Against Bullying: Visit www.teensagainstbullying.org for stories and advice.

Opinion

6

April

Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall: Who’s the Thinnest of Them All?

Students struggle with self-image, but self-worth is more important

Raquel Zilberman Opinion Editor

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t’s a problem that isn’t easily talked about.

It is very clear that low self-esteem haunts many high school students. But it’s not the low self worth or hate for one’s body that we should be worried about. Instead, worry should be directed toward the true problem: the increasing number of teenagers with eating disorders.

According to the National Institute on Media and the Family, one study reported that at age 13, 53% of American girls are “unhappy with their bodies.” This number grows to 78% by the time girls reach 17.

While these numbers seem startling, the true knowledge can be gained just by observation. As a senior in high school, I have noticed how this obsession with being thin can take over lives.

While I was walking to class one day,

Illustration by Brenna Lyles

I overheard two girls talking. They looked Teens younger, maybe freshmen or sophomores, str uggle to definitely fit and skinny looking.They weren’t make healthy choices too skinny, but a healthy weight for 14-16 when faced with the challenge year olds. of staying “beautiful.”

But what is As I walked by them, I overheard one this beauty that teens crave for? of the girls tell the other, “I’m so excited! I For girls, being a size zero lost eight pounds! Can you believe it?!”The or even double zero should not be sought other girl responded with enthusiasm and after.

Every person has their own shape, their encouragement to keep up the good work. own size, and their own genetic make up How is being on a diet and losing weight that helps create them into a purely different something that high school students should individual.

While being thin seems to be the be shooting for? Both girls looked healthy goal, the situation can be and thin; neither one of viewed much differently. them needed to lose any According to the National Instead, these young girls weight to be considered Institute on Media and the are really searching for beautiful.

Family, one study reported something that will make But for many teens, that at age 13, 53% of Amerthem happy. they unfortunately do not ican girls are “unhappy with But time and time again, realize when to stop. losing weight becomes an Thankfully, I have never their bodies.” This number endless cycle of diets and had an eating disorder, grows to 78% by the time working out, where reaching but I know how it feels to girls reach 17. your goal is never good wonder, “should I really enough. eat this?” While choosing “I’ll only lose five more what to eat for any given meal, many pounds to reach my ideal weight,” some students begin to weigh the pros and cons girls may think. of their food options. Many students count But what if you look in the mirror and calories, over-exercise, or even stop eating you still aren’t happy after meeting that goal? all together because they are desperate to Seems like it’s at this point that young girls look a certain way.

CPR Can Help Save a Life

think it’s time to get back on the treadmill and starve themselves until they are unbearably skinny to others, but unbearably ugly to themselves.

For teenage boys, it seems to be different. There is no true pressure to be thin. The pressure lies within how much weight must be lifted to obtain a desired muscle mass. Many boys in high school assume that if they don’t lift weights, and get all buff and macho, then girls won’t look in their direction. But big muscles, and a six pack isn’t what girls truly crave.While these things are a plus, like any other physical characteristics a guy may have, someone who is caring and genuine can go far in the world of high school relationships.

A word of advice for both males and females: while you worry about your body and self image, realize that the opposite gender is doing the same thing. If you choose to accept people the way they are, and stop creating this pressure to be skinny or muscular, then in turn people will accept you for the way you are.

So, even though you may not love the way you look, remember that the people you surround yourself with should support you for who you are, not how you look.

Befriend those who encourage you to eat healthy and workout, but don’t overdo it.

CPR classes should be offered to students

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Rebecca Zilberman Staff Writer

ouldn’t the world be a safer place if everyone knew how to help a person that has stopped breathing?

Recently, I was required to take a CPR class for an internship, and after two hours and $50, I was changed.The feeling I experienced after I was done was one that I never felt before; I felt that, if I needed to,

I could save a person’s life. I felt powerful and significant in this big, daunting world.

I felt so useful after that one simple class. I could make a difference in a person’s life.

Some people might not be required to take a CPR class, so it may not even cross most people’s minds. Before I took my class, with everything going on in my life, I did not even think that this would be particularly beneficial. Also, most people would not want to spend $50 and drive 15 miles away for something they are not required to do.

For this reason, I think a CPR lesson should be offered free at high schools once a month. If it was free and convenient to become CPR certified, more people would partake in the process. The world would benefit from having more people who know how to perform CPR.

A basic CPR class provides instruction on how to give mouth-to-mouth to an adult, child, and infant, how to give the Heimlich Maneuver to an adult, child, infant, or pregnant woman, and how to self administer the Heimlich Maneuver. Each student gets to practice on a “dummy” and role play to experience how the situation would feel in “real life.” I found these tips to be very useful and now I feel prepared for a multitude of scenarios.

After my CPR class, I am confident that I can truly make a difference if someone stops breathing in my presence. I want everyone at school to also have this feeling and be able to perform CPR. The school needs to take action. By offering CPR lessons, the school would ensure that students could perform simple and life-saving safety measures.

Illustration by Raquel Zilberman

• • • • •

CPR Tips:

Check the scene for dangers Take no more than 10 seconds to check if the person is breathing Call for help Roll the person on his/her back in one swift motion Continue CPR until advanced life support is available

News April Town Hall Invites Student to Reflect: Continued From First Page

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The personal stories shared at the event and drugs. really touched some students.

Dudley is now clean and dedicating “[The speakers] are always really some of his free time to teaching others in interesting and the the community the stories are really dangers of making choices similar to his. powerful,” said “I recommend everyone go and junior Lexi Paulson. made you be a part of Teens for Teen Safety think“Ittwice Another about at least once throughout one’s what decisions speaker, Jason Dudley, graduated you’re making,” said high school career.” from Valhalla High Paulson.

School in 2004.

By the end of the night, it was Dudley began to clear that students abuse drugs and alcohol during his had taken away senior year. At first, it started as a way to something bigger than a stamp for extra stave off boredom but it soon became much credit. more serious.

“Being able to see first hand the effects Eventually his actions almost took his life. of substance abuse really had a long lasting “My head flew into the divider,” Dudley impression,” senior Alana Torres said. “I said while describing his horrific car crash recommend everyone go and be a part of on a steep highway onramp. Dudley had Teens for Teen Safety at least once throughout been driving under the influence of alcohol one’s high school career.”

Alana Torres

Photo by Megan Mineiro

Students react to seeing a graphic photograph of injuries that guest speaker Jason Dudley sustained during a car accident in which he had been drinking and driving.

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s a part of his school drug prevention protocl he went to the READI Program which taught him that marijuana had little to no real use and that unless you were “riddled with leukemia you don’t need to smoke

Got Jobs?

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weed,” even if you are stressed at school.

He explained how after stopped using drugs he learned of his love for photography and went on to attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

The City of Encinitas hosts annual job fair at lunch

Niki Walters StaffWriter

n Wednesday March 28, the Teen Expo returned to the campus. The job fair, which has been held at the school annually for the past 12 years, offers students and parents information about jobs offered in Encinitas with employers such as Tilly’s, Legoland, Kids M-Power Art, and Marinello.

“It offers a wide range of jobs and internships offered to students,” ASB teacher Kaitlin Wood said. “It’s also a chance for students to see what’s out there.”

Local businesses have many openings for teenagers. “[The job fair is beneficial] if anyone is looking to work in the area,” event coordinator Vicki Rubenstein said. “Businesses come forward and offer their jobs for teenagers— there are over 200 jobs on board in the community.”

The fair offers teens an opportunity to

make connections. “[The job fair] is to provide information on careers and education for the youth,” Rubenstein said. “The job fair is specifically for the teenage population. It also allows teenagers to get involved in the community.”

Students appreciated the opportunity to speak with recruiters.

“Right now I’m looking for jobs and it was helpful to see all the options there were,” senior Sonya Akhavan said.

The convenience of having the fair at lunch appealed to some students.

“It gave kids from our school a head start in finding a job,” senior Francisco Xinol said. “Most kids wouldn’t go out of their way to look for a job, or they won’t have transportation. I think they should bring the job fair every year.”

Photo by Niki Walters

Freshman Josh Birchall (front) and sophomore Jordan Medina (left) compete in a Hula Hoop contest during the Teen Expo job fair at lunch on Wednesday, March 28.

MavFest: Continued from First Page do is fundraise for a doctor,“ senior Andi Kunzik, one of Ramskill’s closest friends, said.

So students worked together to come up with a way to raise funds to help pay some of Ramskill’s mounting medical bills. Suddenly, with the help of the ASB, the already schedled MavFest talent show became a fundraiser for Ramskill.

“I think all of her friends kind of came up with MavFest together,” Kunzik said.

“We kept asking Breea what she wanted to do. Most of all, we really wanted to get the message out there.”

This simple idea made acquiring money for large medical expenses possible, though not without a lot of effort.

“We made all the posters, contacted the T-shirt company, and set up in the theater after school,” senior Monica Vejar said. “We worked pretty hard.”

Ramskill was grateful for their efforts.

“I was really happy that people turned up to support me and what I’m going through right now,” Ramskill said. “It showed me that my friends cared when they first brought the idea to me.”

The benefit was a success.

“It went really well,” Ramskill said.

“We raised $1,279.”

The money, donated by LCC students and parents, will be put to good use.

“I talked to Breea’s mom just the other day,” Kunzik said. “She said it was just the perfect amount to get a custom wheelchair or to drive Breea back and forth from the hospital.”

Vejar has been inspired by her friend’s courage.

“Breea showed me how strong a person can be,” she said.

Looking back, Ramskill has a different perspective on life than she did before that December 8 morning.

“Through this I have learned to appreciate what I have,” she said. “I learned who my true friends are, like with the people who came to visit me almost every day. Just talking to me, bringing me food—it was all to keep my spirits up.”

Kunzik knows that Ramskill will always welcome and need support.

“Honestly, you can never really stop helping Breea,” Kunzik said. “Not just financially—with encouragement too.

Even just a quick post on her wall, like ‘Hey, hope you’re doing good’ can make her day. She really needs all the help she

Photo by Kelsea Critin

Breea Ramskill (center) poses with senior Monica Vejar (left) and family friend Eric Kendall (right), both of whom came out to support her at MavFest on Tuesday, March 22, 2012.

can get.”

One fundamental idea that kept Ramskill going through such a hard time was the support of her friends and family as well as the LCC community.Through MavFest and

the t-shirts sold there, the school’s support during her time of struggle was evident.

“We wanted to show her that we’d always be there, no matter what,” Kunzik said.

News Staff Members Honored for Excellence 8

Cindi Schildhouse named LCC and SDUHSD teacher of the year

Photo by Kenya Caines

Science teacher Cindi Schildhouse coaches students during the annual Valentine’s Day sheep heart dissections in Anatomy & Physiology, a course that Schildhouse started at LCC.

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Meg Shepro Staff Writer

s you walk through the science quad on any 1-3-5 day, you can smell the stench of the alcohols that are preserving the dissection cats in science teacher Cindi

Schildhouse’s classroom.You are only able to identify the source because you’ve heard about this teacher’s ability to surmount budget cuts and resource constraints to

Always ‘sporting’ a smile

Nancy Wease Chosen as Classified Staff Member of theYear

bring an unusual and special class to La Costa Canyon. Pig fetuses, sheep hearts, eyeballs, and cats would initially make one believe this is a university Anatomy and Physiology course.

In part because of her efforts to establish the new course, Cindi Schildhouse was awarded the distinction of Teacher of theYear by the faculty. Schildhouse was surprised by the announcement.

“I was pretty excited and shocked— totally shocked,” said Schildhouse, an eight year veteran. That the award is voted on by teachers also had special significance for Schildhouse.

“It’s really special to get recognition since it is from my peers [and] to get recognition for all of the work that I do,” Schildhouse said. “It means a lot.”

In addition to teaching two classes in which students dissect animals, AP Biology and Anatomy, Schildhouse also serves alongside chemistry teacher David Emerson as Co-Department Chair, a job which brings with it a host of out-of-the classroom responsibilities.

When she isn’t tutoring students, preparing for class or grading labs, Schildhouse works as a tour guide at the San Diego Wild Animal

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Meg Shepro Staff Writer

f she doesn’t know you by name (which she probably does), she knows you by your sport, your specialty, or your passion.

Quite possibly she even knows your siblings, what positions they played, and when they graduated.

Question about the blue card? Medical forms? UT Player of the Week? Please see Nancy Wease, Athletic Secretary and the wizard behind the curtain of the Athletic Director’s office.

Wease was selected by her peers as Staff Member of the Year for the second time in a decade.

“It’s humbling and very gratifying,” Wease said. “With all the budget cuts and everything that has happened, everybody is working super hard. It could have gone to anybody; I work with great people.”

Photo by Meg Shepro

Her fellow staff members aren’t Wease’s only supporters. Principal Kyle Ruggles is also a big fan.

“She does a marvelous job running our athletic department,” Dr. Ruggles said. “She could be in the middle of doing 30 things.

If someone stops by her door she will drop everything to help that person. She is kind and considerate with a great sense of humor.”

Students also sing her praises.

“Every time I have a question or just pass by, Ms.Wease is always willing to help me or say hello with a smile,” senior Sara Armbrust said.

It is easy to see why she is considered a big contributor to the spirit and fabric of the school.

“I love my job and I love the kids here,” Wease said.

Park. Such experiences help enrich her teaching.

“I think some of her background is unique,” science teacher David Sills said.

“She knows a lot about animal breeds, animal life, and endangered species which is really helpful in the classes she teaches.”

Schildhouse is also respected for being close with her students and taking a keen interest in their success in the classroom.

“You can tell she really cares about what she teaches and wants her students to be excited about learning the material,” senior Laura Gonzales said.

“She works really hard to make sure her students are successful in her class and in life.”

Not only was Schildhouse chosen as LCC’s teacher of the year, but she also has the honor of being named Teacher of the Year for the entire San Dieguito Union High School District. This means she will move on to the competition for San Diego County Teacher of the Year.

Schildhouse will also be honored at the annual Salute to Teachers ceremony on October 12, 2012.

Gearing Up for a Win

Engineering students win third place in Southern Regional Chevron Design Challenge competition

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Athletic Secretary Nancy Wease always welcomes students into her office.

April

Meg Shepro Staff Writer

ach year, Project Lead the Way of California holds the Southern Regional Chevron Design Challenge competition.

California PLTW is a non-profit organization partnering with public schools, organizations, and higher education institutions to increase the number and quality of engineers, technologists, and biomedical professionals graduating high school and college.

This year, a team of three engineering students from LCC competed, placing third in the overall engineering design challenge. The students, including senior Michael Hernandez and freshmen Laura Talley and Jacob Gensler, each won a $100 Amazon gift card and have qualified for the state finals to be held in San Diego in May. As stated on the Project Lead the Way of California’s website, each group of two to three students is provided with

the necessary tools to sketch designs, as well as a computer and printer. Each team must bring one laptop that is loaded with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint in order to complete their design and create a presentation for the judges.

The contestants are judged by a panel who scores designs based on the competitors’ initial design sketches, drawings of specific parts, and whether all required and appropriate views are shown.

“It gives you a chance to bring out all your ideas and solve problems and bring skills that you would use in life.” said Michael Hernandez of his experience in the competition.

Hernandez started engineering in his freshman year at LCC and enjoys sharing his design ideas and solving problems with his freshmen protégés.

Features

“Be safe!”

April

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“Be safe!”

...are the words that chase teens on their way out the door. Students may

roll their eyes every time they hear this plea from their

parents, mocking the seemingly preposterous world view that the universe is a dangerous place with threats lurking around every corner. But despite this universal teenage feeling of invulnerability, students face daily choices that govern both their current and future safety.

A lot of this decision-making takes place on our school’s campus every day. Drugs, risky online behavior, sleep deprivation, and hazing are common to high schools across the country. MavLife takes a look at the particular ways the administration, teachers, parents, and students of the LCC community address, prevent, and remedy these issues.

Out of Class Keeping students in class proves increasingly difficult with budget cuts Photo by Karlee Fuller.

Several students, including freshman Paiton Wood (facing the camera), walk by the 900 building during fifth period on Tuesday, April 3, 2012. (Please see editor’s note on page 2.)

Raquel Zilberman Opinion Editor

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Zilberman &Rebecca Staff Writer

t is a beautiful, sunny Friday in March at La Costa Canyon High School.Walk outside during class time and one can hear more than just the birds chirping and the faint sounds of teachers lecturing--the chatter of students lounging in the student center fills the air. And this isn’t an unusual occurrence.

On any given day, clusters of students can often be spotted on campus while class is in session.

In order to get a sense of just how many students wander campus during instructional time, MavLife conducted a study over the course of two weeks.

On one particular day, for one hour a MavLife reporter observed activity in the Student Center while class was in session, tallying the number of students who passed by or lingered without any apparent justification of a bathroom run or class-related activity.

In the span of 60 minutes, the reporter counted enough students to fill three full classrooms.

On another day, a different MavLife reporter walked around campus during fifth period, observing what exactly these wanderers were doing. Two students were sunbathing on the stage in the student center.

Other students sat on benches or on walls, chatting with friends for 20-30 minutes. When the MavLife reporter entered the parking lot to observe students sitting in their cars or leaving campus, she spotted a student smoking a cigarette behind a dumpster. All of these students were verified to have been enrolled in a class that period or were enrolled in independent study--none had free periods.

Lost Productivity & Instructional Time

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eaving class can take away from the productivity that is supposed to come from a school day, according to teacher Jim Teague.

“It is a school,” Teague said. “You are supposed to be in class. It is pretty obvious it works that way.You are not supposed to be staring at a drink machine for two hours pulling leaves off of plants. That is not a productive use of time.”

Often, based on our observations, the same groups of students choose to leave class multiple days per week.

“I leave every chance I get,” said one male junior, who asked not to be named.

Students who are missing out on class time are not the only ones suffering the consequences. They could be causing other students to miss out on instruction as well.

“You walk outside and there are the same clusters of people,” Teague said. “Pretty soon there is a whole party going on on the wall out there.”

Some students might have valid reasons for being out of class, but it still can be problematic.

“Any time students are not where they are supposed to be, where they are congregating without supervision, it is not a good situation,”Teague said. “They need to be under supervision.

If they are doing something for a class project then that is a different deal, as long as there is some accountability for it.”

Whether leaving for valid reasons or just to escape the classroom, missing valuable instructional minutes can negatively affect students’ grades.

“It is important for the student to be here,” Attendance Secretary Lauri Secrest said. “Plus, usually I see that if there are a lot of absences, the grades suffer too. Attendance and grades go hand in hand.”

“You are not supposed to be staring at a drink machine for two hours pulling leaves off of plants. That is not a productive use of time.”

Teacher Jim Teague

Currently, administrators do not believe that there are large numbers of students missing class during instructional time.

“I think there are some students leaving,” Principal Kyle Ruggles said. “I do not think it is out of control.”

Assistant Principal Doug Kamon notes that the number of students abusing their freedom during instructional hours has greatly decreased as of recently.

“There are still students out there, but I do not think it is as bad as it used to be. It is much better now,” Kamon said.

Administrators also note that as young students are still developing their decision-making skills, some do not always make the right choices.

“I realize that teenagers, young people, love to get out of class,” Kamon said. “I would certainly hope that they think twice before doing something or going places they really should not be going.”

Budget Cuts Make Supervision Difficult

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ver the years, budget cuts have left the school, along with other district schools, with limited resources and minimal on-campus supervision and security.

“Other [similar] campuses in our school district also have one campus supervisor so it is not that we have unequal staffing,” Dr. Ruggles said. “It is not anybody’s fault that we do not have funding for extra supervision.”

If funding was unlimited, administrators would make several changes in order to make sure that students were in class during instructional time.

“I wish we had one person staffed in every bathroom in the school, and every hallway in the school,” Dr. Ruggles said. “We do rely on our teachers and as many other people as possible to supervise so that all students are safe.”

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Off Campus Lunch Policy Difficult to Enforce

aving only one campus supervisor makes monitoring the seniors-only lunchtime off-campus policy a challenge.

Many non-seniors go off campus daily during lunch, leaving the campus devoid of students.

“There’s no such thing as a closed campus anymore,” teacher Speed Farris said. “All kids of all grade levels will leave whenever they want. Some are caught, but the vast majority are not.”

The consequences for non-seniors going off campus during lunch are not harsh enough to encourage student obedience, according to teacher Joe McCormick.

“I know it’s officially seniors only, but often times you’ll find others,” Continued on page 11

Photo by Karlee Fuller

Sophomores (left to right) Evan Vejar, Roman Wells and Michael Scanlon stand near the bathrooms next to the Student Center during fifth period on Tuesday, April 3, 2012.

April

Continued From Page 9

McCormick said. “They get found off campus and that they are only a junior, and they get a little referral or Friday night school.There is just no consequence. It’s a safety concern.”

When students of all grades do leave campus at lunch, they miss out on activities and announcements. “[It] is kind of sad because we lose the opportunities for functions that we could do during lunch, which is really the only time we have to get people together on campus,” Teague said.

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“They get found off campus and that they are only a junior, and they get a little referral or Friday Night School. There is just no consequence. It’s a safety concern.”

Teacher Joe McCormick Leaving Campus Poses Risks for Students & Teachers

eaving class to wander around campus is one thing, but students who choose to leave campus during school hours could be putting their personal safety at risk.

“I would imagine that most parents want to assume that if their kids are at school, that’s where they are,” McCormick said.

Teachers are potentially liable for their students’ actions if students leave campus during school hours without a valid pass. In fact, some teachers fear the consequences that might occur when students disobey directions to stay on campus.

“It concerns me because those kids who leave the Video Film class are technically my responsibility,” Farris said. “Even though I have given them explicit directions to remain on campus, if they should get into a car accident or get injured off campus, it will come back to me. The parents and the community will ask why I wasn’t watching them and that’s really frustrating for me because I can’t physically watch every kid all the time.”

Students may not realize that it’s a teacher’s responsibility to watch them.

“Per ed code, if I let [the students] go [to Sprouts] and someone runs into them and it’s not their fault, it’s my job,” McCormick said. “I don’t want to lose my job. If that makes me a little less popular with some of the kids, so be it. It’s the right thing to do.”

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Classes that Require Out-of-Class Activities Can Pose Challenges

here are several classes on campus that in fact require students to be outside the classroom, such as ASB, Photo, Video Film, Yearbook, and Journalism. However, some students abuse the privileges given to them.

“The nature of Video Film requires people to leave class and the temptation is to wander,” said Farris, who teaches three Video Film classes. “Sometimes their wandering leads to off campus which they know is against the rules but I can’t supervise everybody at the same time so they will escape eventually.”

Teachers realize that there is no way to keep students in class all day, especially when they are in a class that requires wandering around campus.

“I would discourage any attempt to keep all kids in class at all times,” Farris said. “There are certain classes that I think require allowing students to roam the campus.

It’s just a lack of supervision when they’re wandering the campus. That’s the problem.”

Students who are taking online classes do have a valid excuse to leave campus during instructional time or at lunch, as they are not allowed on campus at all unless they are in the Plato classroom.

“We have some freshman students that only have five periods that they attend during the day and they have a free period so they get to go [off campus],” Dr. Ruggles said. “It may seem like there are a lot more students that are nonseniors leaving that are not approved, when in fact they are, because of online courses,” Dr. Ruggles said.

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Features

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Photos by Karlee Fuller

1. Sophomores Tiara Knight (right) and Emma Anderson (left) chat on the stage in the Student Center while junior Abraham Hernandez speaks with two unidentifed girls in the background. 2. An empty pack of cigarrettes lies near a dumpster in the back parking lot. A student was spotted smoking cigarettes there during the MavLife investigation. 3. Junior Gabriel Kasor leans against a vending machine in the Student Center. 4. Junior David Satoda looks at his phone in the Student Center. 5. Sophomore Andrew Oh stares into the vending machine in the Student Center. All photos were taken during fifth period on Tuesday, April 3, 2012.

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Calls for More Supervision and Accountability

inding solutions to this and other problems on campus can be a challenge. Changes in policy though, might not be necessary, according to McCormick.

“I don’t think there has to be a change [in policy]--the change needs to be enforcement,” McCormick said.

A more strict practice of teachers monitoring students during school hours might help reduce the number of student out of class.

“I know some of my best friends and colleagues here have a 180 degree different opinion on tardiness and on attendance,” McCormick said. “That’s a problem because there isn’t ‘this is the policy schoolwide.’

Legally, we shouldn’t have any choice. It’s kind of sad, but that’s the way it currently is.”

Bill Smith agrees that teachers have a role to play in keeping students safe during school hours.

“If other teachers are not being responsible with their students and the passes, then the students themselves will get into mischief,” Smith continued. “We are talking about young people here who are still learning what it means to be mature and responsible.”

Dr. Ruggles wants to make sure that teachers know it is against the rules to let students wander around campus during class.

“If there are teachers that are haphazardly letting their students leave without any sort of redirection telling the student to stay in the class, then that is something I need to know about,” Dr. Ruggles said. “We need to make sure that our teachers are not allowing students to roam during instructional time.”

Some teachers feel powerless that the students don’t respect an unfamiliar teacher who confronts them when they’re out of class or don’t see administrators as authority figures. “I actually witnessed the other day some kids leaving from one of the classes,” McCormick said.

“I said, ‘What are you guys doing?’ [They said] ‘We are

taking some pictures or we are making a video.’ I watched them as they continued to proceed right to the parking lot. I don’t think they want to listen to someone they don’t know,” McCormick said.

Students also need to be given the opportunity to make the right decisions, and if they don’t, then there needs to be proper consequences, according to Smith.

“If we don’t have ways to hold people accountable for poor choices, for irresponsible behavior, then we are not doing what we are supposed to be doing, which is teaching students,” Smith said. “We can’t expect students to exercise responsible behavior if we don’t give them an opportunity to demonstrate that and monitor it.”

Staffing might also pose a solution to the problem of students leaving campus during school hours, though budget costraints can make that difficult.

“I think the best thing they should do is to have one person standing guard at the exit to the school,” Farris said.

“We’ve had that person in the past and I realize it costs money to do this, but I think that would keep a large percent of students on our campus who would normally leave.”

In order to minimize the number of students who are not in class when they should be, the administration hopes to emphasize teachers’ and students’ shared responsibilities.

“I plan to make sure that I remind students that they need to be in class during instructional time,” Dr. Ruggles said. “They can’t be leaving during the class. [I also plan] to make sure that all our staff understands the importance that they are responsible for supervising the students in class. Students shouldn’t be leaving at any time.”

Regardless of the challenges, the teachers and administrators interviewed for this story agree that student safety matters.

“Student safety is a top priority so that is why I am extremely visible and I ask that we keep eyes on everything,” Dr. Ruggles said. “I don’t think we can ever sit back and not worry about safety.”

“It is not anybody’s fault that we do not have funding for extra supervision.”

Principal Kyle Ruggles

“There are certain classes that I think require allowing students to roam the campus.

It’s just a lack of supervision when they’re wandering the campus. That’s the problem.”

Teacher Speed Farris

Features

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April

fighting drugs Budget cuts strain school’s ability to combat student drug use

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Megan Mineiro Staff Writer

t’s common knowledge that drug use is a recognized danger among teenagers. But the behind-the-scenes circumstances, potentially affecting the safety of students, are not as commonly articulated.

With the state of California approximately $361 billion in debt, the state’s public school system has been drastically affected. While campus safety is a top priority for the our administration, budget cuts have left them with limited manpower.

“We are down to one campus supervisor and have lost our campus police officer,” Assistant Principal Doug Kamon said. “That officer was able to inform us on what kids are using today and [how to look for] signs of it. He is not here anymore, so we don’t get those updates.”

When there were multiple campus supervisors on staff, they were able to work as a team, monitor individual parts of the campus, and ensure students’ needs were met.

Unfortunately, campus supervisor Lori Branson now holds that position as a single individual trying to oversee the safety of over 2,000 students.

“It can be pretty stressful,” Branson said. “There are people who have genuine needs and I have to prioritize.

There is only one of me. I can be watched by the students, but I can’t watch them.”

The administration has stepped up to the plate to assist Branson, managing students in the possession of drugs or under the suspicion of possessing drugs.

“Between the three Assistant Principals, we will probably deal with one student every six to seven days,” Kamon said. “We may not always have proof, but the suspicion is there.”

According to antidrug.com, drug use is detrimental to a student’s academic capability. Students who frequently drink or use drugs are up to five times more likely than their peers to drop out of high school. Teens with a “D” average are four times more likely to have used marijuana than teens with an “A” average.

“Obviously, any time mind altering

Photo by Megan Mineiro

A representative from the People Against Spice Sale organization holds up a sample of “spice,” a new drug with rising popularity, during the Teens for Teen safety assembly.

substances are abused in an educational environment, it’s going to take away from the learning environment,” senior Jon Mueller said.

While problems that students are having may be evident in their school work, deeper roots can often be found linking those struggles to their lives at home.

“If their family is suffering, they can’t help but bring that to school,” Branson said.

Further information from antidrug. com reveals that parents are the most powerful influence on their kids when it comes to drugs. Two-thirds of kids from the ages of 13 to 17 say losing their parents’ respect is one of the main reasons they don’t smoke marijuana or use other drugs. Furthermore, students who are not regularly monitored by their parents are four times more likely to use drugs.

“We have to make sure we are educating them as well as we can, but the rest comes

from home,” Athletic Director Kari DiGuilio said.

But for the students who don’t get the support they need at home, there are many opportunities to become informed. While they don’t always hold the same power as a family member’s concern and attention, informational opportunities, such as the Teens For Teen Safety Forum that was held on March 22, allow students to witness multiple guest speakers who share their testimonies on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

“What students are doing with the Teens for Teen Safety is good,” Kamon said. “That’s something I would really like to see more students get involved in.

Maddy Fitzgerald Staff Writer

For this reason, Dr. Ruggles and Assistant Principal Doug Kamon have taken it upon themselves to monitor the flow of traffic most mornings and afternoons. However, limited manpower can only achieve so much, and not all drivers are conscientious about their surroundings.

“I always stop for students crossing, but I know that not everyone does,” Heflin said. “I haven’t hit anyone...yet.”

In order to improve pedestrian safety, the committee has discussed installing sidewalks.

“It would only make sense to put sidewalks in the parking lot so pedestrians don’t have to battle with the cars,” Heflin said.

The committee is also discussing the senior off campus lunch policy. As many students might recall, checking students’ identification early in the year caused long lines and delays.

“When we did take the time to check and I.D. everybody, lunch was already over by the time we got the last student out,” Heflin said.

Despite the challenges involved in ensuring a safe parking lot, administrators agree that closer monitoring is needed.

“If we could just get the cops to cruise through maybe once or twice a week, it may help with all the chaos,” Paige said.

The most popular idea at the meeting for alleviating the morning rush seemed to be that of assigning parking spots.

Juniors and seniors would have their own separate parking spots while staff and visitor parking Continued on page 15

“There is only one of me. I can be watched by the students, but I can’t watch them.”

Lori Branson

CHKS 79% Healthy Kids Survey Data

of students at LCC are personally aware of students who are using illegal drugs on campus.

Committee Focuses on Safety Students, faculty, and administrators collaborate on campus safety issues High school should be a student’s safe haven, a place with no fear or danger. The Safety Committee on campus works to ensure just that—regulating matters ranging from routine fire drills to parking lot safety.

The committee is comprised of students, faculty and an administrator, and meets monthly.

During the most recent meeting at lunch on March 26, the committee discussed such issues as the recent fire in the boys bathroom, repainting the staff parking lot, where to install defibrillators, and whether to hold lockdown drills, which are not mandatory.

The need to more effectively advertise committee meetings to the school also came up, as only three members were present, including Assistant Principal Bjorn Paige, teacher Doug Heflin, and junior Rachael Hodge.

The most pressing topic, however, seemed to be concerns arising from chaos in the parking lot.

“The driving habits of our students are a cause for concern,” Principal Kyle Ruggles said.

Recent budget cuts have left the school without a designated crossing guard or traffic monitors to regulate the lots before and after school.

“I feel that students need a voice, especially when it concerns their safety on campus.”

Rachael Hodge

Photo by Maddy Fitzgerald

Students walk back to class after the evacuation drill on Thursday, March 26, 2012.

Features

13 Students struggle to balance responsibilities and sanity

April

Average Hours of Sleep per Night as Estimated by Students* 10 Hours 2-4 Hours 3.17% 11.1% 8-9 Hours 17.46%

5-7 Hours 68.3%

Juskie attributes his lack of sleep to his demanding class schedule. or most high school students, the obnoxious blare of the “I have four honors alarm clock in the morning marks the end of a too-short classes so I get about three sleep session and the beginning of a lengthy “to-do list” hours of sleep a night, just consisting of school, tests, sports, homework, projects, hanging because I’m doing homework,” out with friends, and being the perfect son or daughter.With Juskie said. the weight of living up to others’ expectations, the increasing Sleep deprivation can cause students competitiveness of education, and the pressure to succeed, it to fall asleep in class, cram for tests, perform poorly both is no surprise that most adolescent students will experience academically and athletically.To cope, some people use caffeine extreme stress at one point in their high school careers. to stay awake and alert during school hours.

“Anxiety amongst teenagers English teacher Margaret Dubel reflects on her previous is difficult,” Principal Kyle struggles with caffeine dependency.

Ruggles said, upon reflecting on “I started drinking Diet Coke in college,” she said. “I stress in the LCC community. would drink it from the moment I got up in the morning “Everyone goes through it. A lot to the second I went to sleep. I couldn’t go fifteen minutes of pressure is put on people to without it.” perform and it’s just too much.”

Dubel’s caffeine addiction took its toll.

For many students, the “When I didn’t have [Diet Coke], I’d get really bad looming pressure of getting into headaches and get grumpy,” Dubel said. “I’m much happier a decent college and leading a now that I don’t drink it.” successful future has pushed Reliance on caffeine can be as simple as just appreciating them into taking increasingly the taste of a good cup of coffee, or it can be as menacing as demanding schedules in order it being a requirement in order to function. to keep up with their growing competition.

“I don’t need it anymore,” Dubel said, smiling. “That’s Every year, students join clubs, perform community service, the difference.” become some sort of president, apply for jobs, practice their Some students identify with Dubel and her previous sports daily, and strive to make the best grades—with the reliance on caffeine. Thirty one percent of the students hopes of someday achieving satisfaction, praise, and success. surveyed admitted that they somewhat or completely agreed “It’s a vicious cycle,” sophomore Austin Mursinna said. that they depended on coffee, tea, caffeinated soda, or energy “Stress leads me to look for ways to relax, and those ways drinks to stay awake. to relax take up precious time that should’ve been spent on “I think it’s horrible,” Dubel commented, when asked about homework in the first place. It’s really never ending.” the caffeine consumption of teens today. “Kids drinking soda Never ending it is; there are exams to be taken, midterms way too early, walking around with these big energy drinks to study for, homework to do, teachers to in their hands—it’s contributing to obesity communicate with, projects to finish, calendars and insomnia. There’s no reason for kids of to juggle, groups to coordinate, and missed high school age to be addicted.” work to complete.

Students who are feeling stressed can For many, the avoidance of personal seek support outside of turning to caffeine responsibilities can contribute to a buildup or other substances. of stress.

“I would let anyone know to go and ask 25 “I procrastinate too much,” Mursinna for help, talk to people about their stress or explained. “I find myself relearning exactly an adult on campus—someone you trust,” what was taught in class the day before at Dr. Ruggles said. “Make a connection and let 10:00 at night.”

20 them know what’s bothering you, even if the Juniors Shane Knight and Nick Juskie agree reason seems silly. Just talk to others.” that procrastination is a large contributor to Mursinna has a slightly different suggestion. the rise in their stress level.

“The only way to fix stress is to get 15 “I would definitely stop procrastinating productive and motivated,” Mursinna to get rid of my stress,” Juskie said. said. “Otherwise, it’s just the cycle again: Knight contends that taking care of her procrastination, pushing back homework 10 responsibilities would lift some of the pressure. time, pushing back bedtime, less sleep, more “When I have the opportunity to do it and tired in class, harder to focus, more stress, to get something done, I should do it right then ease the stress you procrastinate, and then it 5 and not leave it for later,” she said. starts all over.”

In order to get a bigger picture of the Furthermore, Knight said the key is to current role stress plays in lives of teens, take a break every once in awhile.

0 MavLife conducted a survey of 85 students, “I know that this year is junior year and Soda Coffee Tea Energy Drink including a sophomore and a senior English everything counts, but I think people worry class. way too much,” Knight said. “They just need Of the students surveyed, Mursinna * Based on results from a MavLife survey of an English 10 Honors class, an English 10 College to relax and take a breath sometimes.” shared the three top causes of stress.

Prep class, and an AP English Literature class.

Kelsea Critin & Claudia Matthews Staff Writers

F

“Definitely my parents, school, and extra curriculars,” he said. “And it’s not just me, I hear the same from all sorts of people, not only students.”

With so many different tasks on their minds, high schoolers today must find ways to cope with the stress of such rigorous schoolwork in addition to the added needs of friends, family members, money complications, or relationships.

Most students surveyed reported feeling some amount of stress in their lives and have a variety of methods for dealing with the extreme pressure they experience. Some relax by listening to music, sleeping, writing, painting, drawing, watching movies, taking hot showers, or going on long walks.

“I love to play guitar,” Mursinna said, fondly speaking of his stress favorite reliever.

“I can write and play songs to say what I could never put into words or tell my parents to their faces. I can’t really explain why.

There’s just something different in music.”

Others take part in more vigorous activities like exercising or participating in sports.

“Swimming really helps me relieve stress,” Knight said.

“Especially when I go to practice and push myself really hard.”

Because of all their demands, an overwhelming majority of students attested to getting only five to seven hours of sleep per night.

“I get six or fewer hours of sleep most nights, sometimes under three or four,” Mursinna said. “My mind races, I can’t get myself to settle down and fall asleep. There’s just too much on my mind.”

“My mind races. I can’t get myself to settle down and fall asleep. There’s just too much on my mind.”

Austin Mursinna

% of Students Surveyed Who Drink Each Beverage More Than 4 Times per a Week* 22.0%

21.5%

16.4%

2.9%

14

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April

When The Line Begins to Blur

When initiation crosses the line into hazing, the consequences can be severe

Initiation

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Megan Mineiro Staff Writer

eing the new kid on the team can be a nerve wracking experience without having to worry about being mocked, humiliated or teased by older teammates.

For this reason, strict rules are in place that prohibit athletes from welcoming new members in ways that might make them uncomfortable. The difficulty many students and coaches face, however, is knowing when well-intentioned initiations cross the line into hazing.The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) defines hazing as “any act that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any fellow student or other person.”

If an athlete is found to have participated in hazing, punishments are enforced that affect the athlete as well as their teammates and coaches.

According to Athletic Director Kari DiGiulio, when any student is suspended from school for two or more days, regardless of the reason, they are automatically barred from participating in all extracurricular activities, including sports, for 30 days. When hazing is involved, the consequences may be much worse.

“Students may be kicked off their teams,” DiGiulio said. “It is a CIF and school rule.”

The district and the school’s athletic department do not condone hazing in any form, while recognizing that traditions can be an important part of building team unity.

“I am the first one to be complimentary of traditions,” Principal Kyle Ruggles said. “Some things are in good fun, but if it’s belittling at all or makes the person feel uncomfortable it shouldn’t be going on.”

For those students who are engaging in activities that fall under the umbrella of hazing, Dr. Ruggles has a stern warning.

“It’s illegal and it will get their coach fired,” Dr. Ruggles said.

While some may see these consequences as extreme, hazing can be dangerous.

“Kids sometimes don’t understand the severity,” DiGiulio said. “Something done in good fun can turn into something they weren’t expecting.”

While some students feel that participating in initiation activities comes with being part of a team, not everyone

15

Hazing agrees.

“I don’t believe in the rite of passage at the high school level,” basketball coach David Cassaw said. “It’s personal for me, because my brother had an instance when he was hazed. It’s something I will never tolerate.”

While hazing is a forbidden practice, initiation is widely accepted as a tradition on many teams. While initiations often involve students doing something embarrassing, such activities are viewed by some students as merely lighthearted and focused on team comradery.

The girls field hockey team, for example, welcomes new varsity team members by surprising new players early in the morning, with the permission of the girls’ parents.

“They woke us up early and dressed us up in their crazy outfits,” sophomore Maddy Belin said. “Some people were embarrassed but I thought it was really fun.”

Many of the costumes are quite elaborate. Flamboyant hats, cumbersome props, and mismatched patterns are just a few of the eye-catching elements students wear to school.

Part of the experience of the initiation is that new players now share a common bond.

“I was the only person in my chem class who was dressed up,” Belin said. “I got a lot of really weird looks but I stuck with the field hockey players and we sulked together.”

Players take the ritual in stride, while recognizing that when things get out of hand, there can be repercussions.

“I’m not really that embarrassed because I think a lot people have to do initiations,” freshman Bayleigh Bogan said.

“If you take it too seriously or it goes too far then there are consequences. But if its just fun and games, then it’s fine.”

Although the majority of students MavLife interviewed see initiation as a fun team bonding activity, the line that separates initiation from hazing is dependent on an individual’s

interpretation.

“I think hazing is the mean aspect of initiation,” junior varsity field hockey coach Erin Charnow said. “Hazing is doing something derogatory while initiation is something fun and not hurtful.”

Unfortunately, coaches aren’t able to watch their players every moment of the day, so they often enlist the help of athletes’ parents. Realizing what is at stake, coaches seek to prevent students from engaging in activities that could be defined as hazing by clearly communicating safety guidelines to athletes and their parents. “[During the] first meeting of the year, parents and athletes are called in,” Cassaw said. “I have a slideshow that talks about it. I ask the the parents to contact me if they ever are aware of it.”

There are some teams that do not have an initiation, choosing instead to focus on entertaining team events.

“We don’t have any initiation to make it easier on coaches, but I have a lot of traditions,” wrestling coach Dwayne Buth said. “We play ping-pong and I like to take the wrestlers to Spaghetti Factory.”

Athletes are wise to think carefully before participating in any activity that might cross the line.

“It could be seen as hazing if students are forced to participate,” DiGiulio said.

For students who do feel pressured to do anything they are not comfortable with, they are advised to let someone know what has happened.

“To the people who are being hazed, let an administrator know and let your coach know,” Dr. Ruggles said. “Doing something you don’t want do or having other people make you do something to be a part of their group—some people don’t mind, but it’s not ok.”

“[Hazing] is illegal and it will get their coach fired.”

Principal Kyle Ruggles

“If you take it too seriously or it goes too far, then there are consequences. But if its just fun and games, then it’s fine.”

Bayleigh Bogan

Note: Reporters Ana Diaz and Victoria Zamora contributed to this story.

Safety Committee: Continued From Page 12 would remain the same. This decision, however, will not be determined until after this school year.

In addition to parking issues, the Safety Committee also addresses pressing concerns brought to the table by student members.

“I feel that students need a voice, especially when it concerns their safety on campus,” Hodge said. “I finally got to say what I wanted concerning safety for students.”

Hodge admits that she had only just heard about the Safety Committee before attending her first meeting in March. Because it is not a widely publicized event, many students aren’t aware of the opportunity to participate.

“We need to get the word out to students and get them involved,” Dr. Ruggles said.

Though administrators, teachers, and students alike are working hard to ensure student safety on campus, some are grateful for the fact that, in general, the largest issues before the team have to do with student parking or speed bumps, rather than more serious issues.

“I have been to schools where their main concerns are gang violence and fighting,” Paige said. “I am very glad that we don’t have to deal with that here.”

If you want to participate in Safety Committee meetings, contact Doug Heflin or Bjorn Paige.

Upcoming meetings are on April 23rd and June 4th.

Photo by Maddy Fitzgerald

Principal Kyle Ruggles (right) supervises the evacuation drill during fourth period on Thursday, March 29, 2012. According to Assistant Principal Bjorn Paige, it took 17 minutes for the entire school to move to the field and line up by class.

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Sports

17

Living the Life of an Iron Man Jenny Barnes Staff Writer

T

he Ironman: 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of cycling, 26.2 miles of running, and only 17 hours to cross the finish line. Not many high school students are up to this task, but junior Waylon Christensen embraces the challenge.

In July 2011, Christensen completed his first Ironman triathlon--the Vineman in Guerneville, CA, with a time of 15 hours, 25 minutes. In his next race, the Arizona Ironman in Tempe this coming November, Christensen hopes to finish in 10 hours.

Christensen starting doing triathlons because his family had a history of participating in them.

“A few years ago, my dad decided he wanted to do [an Ironman] and then my brother decided that he wanted to do it with him,” Christensen said. “So I wanted to give it a shot, too. I just didn’t want to be the only one not doing it.”

In fact, Christensen’s biggest motivation to race is his father.

“He did the Ironman Coeur d’Alene,” Christensen said. “In 2009, right after we started, he won an entry. It’s a big deal because it sells out and he had only done a sprint [distance triathlon]. He went from spring, with no racing at all, to an Ironman in like nine months. So the fact that he could do that is incredible.“ Not only does Christensen dedicate a great deal of

JuniorWaylon Christensen balances school with rigorous training schedule

time to the Ironman, but a bit of his skin also brands him his age group by 0.5 seconds.

When crossing the finish line during a race, Christensen an Iron Man. “I got my tattoo this past August,” Christensen said. “I feels gratified that his dedication has paid off. did my first Ironman and it is a tradition to get one. My dad “All those bad workouts and days you didn’t want has one too. Everyone that I know who does the Ironman has to get out of bed all become worth it,” Christensen said. one, so I was like, ‘I want to get one now, too.’” Christensen Recovery, however, offers its own type of torture. had parental permission to get his After a particularly grueling race, tattoo, as must all minors.

Christensen had to go into the Christensen’s weekly training medical tent to recover from the schedule consists of running, exertion. cycling, and swimming, as well “My theory is that if you as other endurance exercises don’t wind up in the [medical] to prepare for the rigor of the tent you didn’t try hard enough,” competition. He works out every Christensen said. day, totalling 20 to 30 hours a week.

Christensen has learned that With such an intense training along with high aspiration comes regimen, the typical diet of a many sacrifices. triathlete is quite a bit different “All my friends think I am crazy,” Christensen said. “They ask than your average high schooler.

“I don’t eat McDonald’s or ‘Do you want to go to a party?’ any of that kind of crap,” said and I’ll say ‘No, I have to get up Photo by Jenny Barnes Christensen. “I try to eat 6,000 at 4:00 tomorrow and go ride calories a day. On my weekend Christensen’s Ironman logo tatoo, a source of pride, offers my bike.’” bike rides I’ll burn like 10,000 a constant reminder of his goals and accomplishments.

Christensen’s commitment calories.” does not go unnoticed by his Although the Ironman consists of biking, swimming, and close friends. running, Christensen does not necessarily love every one.

“Waylon is a really laid back, open person, but he’s “I hate swimming--I am like a cat,” Christensen said. “I pretty dedicated with his goals in life,” senior Cameron hate open water. It scares me to death. There is probably a Woodring said. “If he wants something, he is going to just big fish down there just waiting to eat my foot.” go out and get it no matter what.”

Christensen plans on participating in several more Ironman Despite his hatred of the swimming leg of the race, Christensen has proved to perform well in the water. During triathlons in his lifetime. His unwavering perseverance and his first open water race, Christensen ended up winning endurance truly makes him the school’s Iron Man.

Boys Volleyball Digs CIF

Varsity ‘sets’ to be champions

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Anthony Fregoso Staff Writer

odies dive to dig the ball, send it spinning in the air, and set it high for a hitter who spikes it for the ace. Boys volleyball might not hold the spotlight on campus with so many other sports having successful seasons, but to the players and coaches, it is the only sport on their minds.

This year, the volleyball team has plenty of potential and goals to match.

“I think that varsity will win CIF and go onto state because of their talent,” junior varsity player and freshman Kevin Hornbeak said.

The varsity team must perform to the best of its ability, each player showing off his skills in order to reach the team’s aspirations.

“Hopefully the varsity team will win CIF and go to state,” varsity player and senior Tavish Smith said.

When asked how they got started playing, many players responded with similar stories.

“My sister got me interested and I found that I really

enjoyed the game,” Smith said.

Another player was also introduced to the sport by his sister.

“My dad and mainly my sister [sparked my interest] because she went to Stanford [to play volleyball] and won the NCAA women’s volleyball national championship in 2004,” Hornbeak said.

Although volleyball can be thought of as a primarily women’s sport by some, it is just as much a man’s sport as it is a woman’s.

“Personally, I think that women bring much more to the table when it comes to the competitiveness of volleyball,” freshman Thomas Goddard said.

The players however, hold strong opinions on the major differences that make men’s and women’s volleyball unique.

“I think the main difference [between men and women’s volleyball] is the speed of the game,” Smith said. “Men also tend to be more offensively focused while women are great defensively.”

Several of the varsity players aspire to continue playing volleyball in college next fall as well as in the years to come.

“I hope to continue to play volleyball in college,” Smith said. “I have already been recruited by Division I programs such as Stanford [#5 NCAA Division I].”

Photo by Cameron Gurley

Senior Austin Gout goes up to spike the ball during the March 14, 2012 game vs. Kamehameha.

Sports 18 Boys Basketball Charges to State Finals

April

Mavericks end record setting season in Sacramento

T

Karlee Fuller Staff Writer

he 2011-2012 season was one for the record books for the boys basketball team. Winning both the Division II CIF San Diego Section title and the Southern California Regional Championship, the team landed in the state championship game against San Jose’s Archbishop Mitty Monarchs. The Mavericks and the Monarchs arrived for the March 24 game in Sacramento riding identical 18 game winning streaks.

The team started the championship game strong, playing tough defense for the first and most of the second quarter.

But Mitty’s 6’8” Aaron Gordon, ESPN’s number three ranked junior in the nation, stepped up his game, starting

Photo by Karlee Fuller

Senior Zach Beery goes for a layup in the state championship game against Archbishop Mitty on March 23, 2012.

an avalanche of scoring that the Mavericks were unable to stop. Even with 22 points from David Travers and 13 from Matt Shrigley, the Mavericks couldn’t quite keep up.

Mitty dominated the boards, pulling down 21 more rebounds than LCC and creating 18 additional shot attempts through the course of the game.

The Mavericks stayed within 10 points of the Monarchs until early in the fourth quarter, when the Mavericks pulled to within seven points after two strong moves to the basket by Zach Beery. Unfortunately for the Mavericks, the Monarchs scored 10 unanswered points after Erik Magnuson fouled out.

The final score was 78-57 with Mitty coming out on top.

The Mavericks finished the season with a record 34 Photo by Karlee Fuller wins, more than any team in the history of San Diego Senior David Travers shoots for a three pointer while guarded by county. They will always be remembered as the first two opponents from Mitty at the championship game on March La Costa Canyon basketball team to reach the state 23, 2012. championships.

Photo by Karlee Fuller

The boys varsity basketball team huddles up before the state championship game on March 23, 2012, shooting their fists into the air for good luck.

Sports

April

Sports Spotlight: Tommy Wehsener

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Surfing is all in the family for student athlete

W

Photo by Maddy Fitzgerald

Senior Tommy Wehsener poses with his surfboard which is covered in stickers from his many sponsors on Friday, March 30, 2012.

Maddy Fitzgerald Staff Writer

aves crash on the shore and the salty sea spray caresses one’s skin; all the while, crowds of surfing fans can be heard for miles.This is exactly what senior Tommy Wehsener has experienced on a weekly basis ever since he was little and set goals for himself to be achieved through practice and dedication.

“Tommy grew up on the beach surfing with his family,” said Tommy’s mom, Tami Wehsener. “We couldn’t keep him out of the water. This is when we knew he was hooked on surfing.”

It is evident that Wehsener was destined to start surfing as he has been surrounded by the surfing culture all his life.

“Growing up a few blocks away from D Street and Swami’s meant I was bound to start sometime,” Wehsener said. “My mom, dad, and sister all surfed, so I basically just followed in my family’s footsteps.”

Baseball is only part of the game Players balance academics and athletics to succeed

Wehsener’s motivating factor has been his family.

“My dad has always been there pushing, coaching, and egging me on to compete and be a better surfer,” Wehsener said.

Balancing school, homework, practice, and competitions doesn’t phase Wehsener, although it does often cause him to be late to class in the mornings.

“Being tardy every day makes him unique,” said teacher Justin Machado. “Maybe he is just too busy surfing to think about the time.”

Wehsener has come to find that his dedication to surfing sometimes comes at the expense of school.

“As long as my grades stay up, surfing comes first,” said Wehsener. “My teachers never understand how I am allowed to skip class for surfing, but that’s how it’s always been.”

Wehsener plans to continue surfing in college with the hopes of earning a degree that he can incorporate into becoming a part of the surf industry.

Surf competitions get fierce. Although the contests he participates in are nationally

Seventh Inning Stretch Saves Mavs

LCC scores seven runs in a single inning to tie Torrey Pines

T

Zachary Pownell Staff Writer

orrey Pines High School is currently the number one baseball team in the district, but on Friday, March 23, LCC’s baseball team had the opportunity to outshine its competition.

After seven innings, Torrey Pines led the game 7-0, but the Mavericks did not accept losing as an option.

“When we were seven runs down, it was not good,” coach Justin Machado said.

“You play the game to win, not to lose.”

LCC then tied the score at the bottom of the 7th inning, making the score 7-7.They

Photo by Julian Sanz

Senior Andrew Hinkle preps for a pitch during practice on Monday, March 26, 2012.

S

Julian Sanz Staff Writer

tudents who aim to have an arm like a rocket, a swing like Derek Jeter, or eyes that can see a pop fly 50 feet up are showing off their abilities this spring on the baseball team.

Once a player has proven his worth and made the team, the barrage of practices and games begin.The season includes many games in a short period of time; sometimes tournaments last for days in a row. As a result, baseball players get numerous early releases from class. However, this often has a negative effect on the students academically.

“Some of the pros of being on the team are getting out early,” freshman Zachary Brown said. “So it takes decent grades to begin with to keep up.”

One would think that it would be a great challenge to accommodate the time to finish the extra schoolwork.

“Per week, we miss about two hours of school,” freshman Dylan Hall said.

Some participants claim that it doesn’t have an effect on them because their schedules make it work.

“My school work isn’t affected because my last period on both days is not a core class,” Hall said. “So, it’s worth being on the team, definitely.”

Even though it does affect others, the players claim that playing baseball is a top priority. To most players, this delicate balance they have to keep in their lives is difficult, yet attainable.

“You have to balance your time and sometimes stay up late to finish work,” senior Andrew Hinkle said. “Your team turns into your friends and those friends turn into family.”

Hall agrees, adding that “as a team, we’re all really good friends; we’re like a sewing circle.”

The physical activity helps players deal with the stress of their everyday lives.

“Staying active definitely keeps you mentally and physically healthy,” Hinkle said. “Also having people there to support you makes life a lot easier.”

Whether it helps or hinders, the general consensus seems to be that becoming part of the baseball team gives players a “second family.” For many players, the sense of brotherhood formed is well worth the make-up work, missed school, and physical strain.

publicized, the school seems behind the curve when it comes to supporting the surf team.

“Our school surf program is not very popular,”Wehsener said. “Sports like football and basketball receive a lot more attention but, hey, I think I like the sport of surfing having a low profile and being underground.”

Surfing may not have the biggest following, however that fact proves to be positive for Wehsener.

“It’s nice to have something special as an escape that you share with only a few of your friends,” Wehsener said. “It makes the sport of surfing more personal and important for me.”

The NSSA, or National Scholastic Surfing Association, provides many opportunities to young surfers. It provides club surfing for those who want to pursue it through their college years.

“The colleges I am looking at are all on the west coast and a short drive from great surf spots,” Wehsener said. “It will be tough to balance school with competitions and traveling, but I think I will be able to pull it off one way or another.”

kept the tie going all the way to the 11th inning until the end of the game.

“The game finally had to be called due to darkness,” Machado said.

Although the Mavericks kept the score tied those last few innings, just about anything could have changed the game.

“Baseball is a funny sport,” Machado said. “You never know what’s going to happen next.”

Despite the game ending in a tie, Machado is still proud of his team for holding off the Torrey Pines team.

“Torrey Pines is one of the best teams out there right now,” coach Machado said.

“I am very proud of my boys.”

Entertainment

20

April

L’amour de Fashion Girls and their nails: What are ya gonna do about it?

“Y

Meg Shepro Staff Writer

ou don’t know Jacques!” is the Then there’s always the psychological delightful greige nail polish that graces thrill in knowing that your blue, green, and my fingernails as I type. This fierce color is gold nails contributed—no, ensured that always an easy fall back for me, especially Shrigley would make that game-winning in the winter months when all you want basket. But the truth is that guys, even Mr. is a dark nail without giving off the “emo” Matt Shrigley, would never notice the color on your nails. stereotypical black look.

Nail polish is an easy escape for any Unless, of course,this guy is your girl with a flair for style or who just loves male flight attendant who happens to be sporting some extravagant a slight pop of color. And if painting their nails isn’t “Ladies & Magenta-Men” cause enough to “stop the “I am reminded pink nails (true story, presses,” then girls will Southwest flight 6435 to paint them a brand new that five plus five San Francisco). color the very next day.

Along with the Heck, I know girls who fantastic fingernails therapeutic swipe of each will plan outfits the night is a sum much nail, there is also a need before and paint their nails for attention hiding within in order to match and greater than 10.” us. Every time a new color repaint the next night for appears on a girl’s nail, a whole new look. she is secretly hoping for The never-ending cycle of O.P.I., Essie, someone to notice and either say “OMG I Voya and Butter brand nail polishes is a love that color!” or “OMG! Where did you relaxing break from the chaos of day-to-day get that?!” with subtle tells of desperation teenage girl struggles. The blow of getting in the admirer’s voice because she doesn’t a 79% on an AP Chem test lessens as “the currently have that color.

It’s a game.A game that thrives on jealousy, chemical reaction on my cuticles looks to the fear of not getting a compliment and the die for with this skirt.”

While I am studying for my Stats class, competition to have the best looking nails I admire my bright “My Chihuahua Bites” in class. And you have to finally admit that Tangerine fingernail. I am reminded that you are in the game when it’s 53 degrees five plus five fantastic fingernails is a sum and raining, but you are still wearing sandals to show off your dressed up little piggies. much greater than ten.

Collections & examples of names & colors of the Nail Polish brand O.P.I. COLLECTIONS:

THE CLASSICS: You're Such a Kabuki Queen (Bright Lime) Don't Socra-tease Me! (Bright Red) Argenteeny Pinkini (Light Pink) Cheyenne Pepper (Burnt Orange) Who Comes Up with these Names? (Bronze) Hoodoo Voodoo?! (Magenta) Most Honorable Red (Red) Royal Flush Blush (Pearl Pink) The Thrill of Brazil (Red/Orange) Windy City Pretty (Light Purple)

SOFT SHADES: Coney Island Cotton Candy (Faint Peach) Kyoto Pearl (Pearl) Tickets to Paradise (Cream/White) A Peony for Your Thoughts (Beige) Mimosas for Mr. & Mrs. (Pale yellow) Tutti Frutti Tonga (Pearled Salmon)

DELICIOUSLY DARK AUSTRALIA COLLECTION RUSSIAN NIGHT BRIGHTS INDIA HOLLAND TOURING TEXAS DESIGNER SERIES

BRIGHTS: Atomic Orange (Bright Orange) Blue My Mind (Deep Blue) Dazzle Me (Teal Sparkly) Flashbulb Fuchsia (Hot Pink) Need Sunglasses? (Yellow) Significant Other Color (Light Sheen)

Entertainment You’re Tacky And I Hate You

21

April

A MavLife staffer delves into the motives of the “dress to impress” crowd Karlee Fuller Staff Writer

O

ne day, as I was walking amongst the crowd of starving seniors (and the occasional stray junior) charging towards the parking lot in an attempt to beat the traffic at lunch, I became acutely aware of my attire.

I was rocking my rinky-dink, beat-up Converse, a food-stained college sweatshirt, and my comfiest pair of Lululemon sweatpants. Not to mention, I wasn’t wearing any makeup and my hair was beautifully placed in the sloppiest, most explosive bun the state of California had ever seen.

This realization of my true status as a slob came to me purely because I noticed the girl walking next to me wearing an outfit she easily could have just ripped right off a runway model.With her curls perfectly in place, her makeup flawless, and her Steve Madden boots just the right shade of caramel brown, she was an embodiment of perfection.

The initial question that popped into my head: What the heck was she thinking when she got ready this morning?

I have come to the conclusion that the type of person who wakes up at ungodly hours each morning to put an atrocious amount of effort into looking attractive is not only mentally deranged, but also clearly an underclassman searching for the love of her high school life.

The motto “Senior Year: No Regrets” really applies to high school females when it comes to clothing. Rather than stick to our freshman year routine of getting up at 6:00 in the morning to straighten our hair and cake on five layers of cover-up for a zit that isn’t there, we choose to sleep in until 6:50—thus rolling out of bed and straight into our Uggs and sweatshirts.

The number of cases of “I’m-over-it-itis” that wreak havoc through the senior class truly stems from this concept of laissez-faire attire. For example, there are 20 kids in my math class, but maybe five of them look

presentable every day. However, if I were to walk into a 40 student freshman geometry class, I would find all of two students in sweats—the rest would be dripping in knock-off Prada purses and fresh mani/pedi’s.

For you non-senior girls or those without a boyfriend, let me just tell you that you’re doomed. How could you not wear your hottest new halter top and award-worthy pink jeggings with flip flops in the middle of winter? Who cares if you freeze? At least you will attract a hot new boyfriend, right?

The key that unlocks the precious door enabling you to wear absolutely whatever you want, no matter how sloppy it is, lies entirely in the pockets of those senior girls in relationships, for they have no one of the opposite sex to impress and seduce, and no judgemental friend to tell them that pink can only be worn on Wednesdays and gauchos are so fifth grade. But if ChanningTatum walked through campus one day, don’t get me wrong, I am sure most senior girls would put some effort into their wardrobes and strut around in bandeaus and micro minis.

Maybe fashion is your thing and you constantly look amazing purely for the satisfaction of looking like a walking mannequin, but here’s a newsflash: you’re making the rest of us look bad. So keep on rocking your Steve Madden boots and orange halter top, Miss Perfect.

While your feet hurt at the end of the day and it takes you 20 minutes to take out all that hairspray, I’m gonna sleep in what I wore that morning and use those precious extra minutes to lurk your quality outfits on Facebook.

Writer Karlee Fuller shows off her casual attire.

I’m Sorry To Inform You...

Cameron Gurley Entertainment Editor & Humor Columnist

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fter careful review of your application, we regret that we are unable to offer you admission to our prestigious university for the fall quarter of 2012.

Your grades were fine, your scores were fine, you have been giving to charity since you were in the womb, and you have been involved in varsity sports since conception, but there just doesn’t seem to be any room for you in this incoming class of freshmen. In fact, the freshman class that did receive admission is primarily not from planet Earth.

Sound familiar? As we enter the college season, we are faced with some of the most painful times and some of the most rewarding times.While some are going out to dinner to celebrate their acceptances and puffing on some cigars* with Dad,** others are eating 40 chicken nuggets in their bathtubs to cope.

This “College Season” is always hard on people, those both accepted and rejected. Being happy about your enemies’ failures while worrying about your friends’ hopes and dreams makes the month of March the emotionally longest of the school year. Friendships are destroyed and rejection letters are shredded, while college deans of admission are tarred and feathered.

It’s nice to know that after 12 essays, I was fortunate enough to receive the top tier scholarship from the San Diego Zoo Scholarship Fund for Orangutan Research.

Each essay that took about 12 months to write, and all 15 letters of recommendation from US Senators, really helped me earn this scholarship, which had 19 million applicants.

The $37.00 dollars recieved biannually will help me pay for a few pages out of my Organic Chemistry 101 textbook.

Some colleges even went so far as to say that “it is not possible to offer admission” in the fall 2012 term.

Not only were the hundreds of schools that I built and painted for orphan babies not good enough, but it was not even a possibility for me to receive admission to the school.

The second they saw my application, without even reading its contents, the board of admissions decided that there was a 0% chance I could go to their school.

It’s the people who sit on admissions boards who make me pretty certain that we did not land on the moon.

On the flip side of the proverbial coin, we have students who are unable to cope with such good fortune during this time of year. Unfortunately for our few fellow classmates, they can’t seem to manage the unbearable stress of choosing between UCLA, USC, and Berkeley.

Let's take a moment of silence for those students during this unfortunate time.

In all seriousness, I want students at La Costa Canyon to try and realize how lucky we are to have the options that we do. I don’t want students to feel that they are settling for the University of California at Santa Barbara.

That is a fantastic school.

For the students who are still obsessed with “what could have been,” consider this: Where you partake in your undergraduate education has little impact on where you will end up for graduate school.

Don’t despair. You still have another four years to get more recommendations and extracurricular activities on your resume! *Many high school seniors are 18 which makes the use of cigars legal. **I do not advocate the smoking of cigars.

`

22

Entertainment

April

Reality Bites: The Real Housewives of Orange County

Dissecting the worst show known to mankind Housewives” watcher like myself. In the three minute recap from last season alone, I witnessed a divorce, tons of yelling and crying, along with one housewife calling another an “evil b****.”

Grant Goodstein The premiere is entitled “Stranger Things Have Happened,” but I’m not really Staff Writer sure that’s factually correct. can’t believe I’m doing this. Really, I Equally as crazy as the episode itself was can’t.Wow, I took one for the team this the “later this season” promo at the end of month. You see, the first two months of the show, which featured nude modeling, this Reality Bites column, I went down a plastic surgery, marriage proposals, sex conservative road with toy shopping, and organ “The Bachelor” and “Jersey transplants.

Really.

Shore.” But this month, “I can’t overstate I can’t overstate I’m taking you where no what a horrendous man has ever gone before: what torture it was experience it was to “The Real Housewives of watch an entire hour to watch an entire Orange County.” of this show.

I honestly First off, this show would’ve preferred is on Bravo. Not only hour of this show.” various forms of torture, did I have no idea what including, but not limited channel to look for on to: Chinese water torture, waterboarding, my DIRECTV program guide, but as a and the electric chair. self-respecting young man, I had no clue In sum, “The Real Housewives of this channel even existed.

Orange County” amount to a bunch of The episode I ended up watching Mothers I’d Like to Forget. was the first episode of Season 7, since Now, let’s go to our usual character I figured the premiere would have some by character breakdown (at right). basic information for a first-time “Real

I

Alexis

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ur first housewife has just moved her family from Newport to a brand new home in Dana Point. She is a mother to two small children, and her husband is rarely home. Although she is a stay-at-home mom, she apparently needs a full-time assistant.

Additionally, she either never bothered to learn how to drive, or is too lazy to do

Tamra amra is the most controversial of the

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“ladies” from the OC. It seems that, as a REALTOR, she is the only housewife with a job.

Tamra is quite the loose cannon, she has a long history at throwing drinks at people when she gets angry. She is in the process of getting divorced from her husband Simon,

Heather

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he wealthiest of all the housewives, Heather is a new addition to the Real Housewives cast in Season 7. She is introduced while shopping for a lot on which she will build a new house, since her current 13,000

Gretchen

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retchen is yet another divorced, stay at home mom. She is currently dating a guy named Slade, who seems way too normal to be on this show.

As any sane person would, Slade hates Tamra, which causes some real friction in the two women’s relationship. Gretchen and Tamra decide to have a “bury the hatchet”

Vicki ur fifth and final housewife isVicki.Vicki

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is going through her second divorce from her husband Don, and is currently dating a man named Brooks. Due to the divorce, Alexis and her son Mike, who still lives at home, must move out of the house, but not before Vicki throws a Cajun themed

A Mentally Stimulating Story

A review on the website Sporcle

so. Alexis, the self proclaimed “next Katie Couric,” recently got her first news gig as a weekly fashion contributor to San Diego’s Fox 5 News.

In this episode she is seen doing a segment on National Booty Awareness Month. Somehow, Alexis is the most normal of our five housewives.

and is now dating some new guy. Not the most humble person on this planet, Tamra boasts about everything and anything from her wealth to her sex life, claiming she and her boyfriend often have sex for up to five hours consecutively.

If the Devil is walking here on Earth, it is definitely Tamra.

square foot home will not be sufficient once her fourth child is born. Her search for the perfect lot leads her to Tamra, and although she does not opt to buy her lot, the two become fast friends. lunch, where Tamra is able to revive the friendship only through bribery; she gives Gretchen an extremely expensive friendship bracelet and all is forgiven.

Later in the episode we meet Gretchen’s friend Sarah, a fedora wearing woman who seems to be extremely drunk.

“moving out” party.

The party gets extremely awkward when Tamra’s friend, Peggy, shows up, since Peggy had previously stalked Alexis’s husband.Vicki is called “secretive” by Tamra when she refuses to discuss her boyfriend’s penis size, calling it a “private matter.”

Music Review Attack Attack!

Singer Caleb Shomo adds a heavier, harmonic twist to new album

A

John Mark Carlson Staff Writer

re you looking for something to do a 5 out of 5 because it is so fun and keeps other than Facebook? Do you want to me entertained for a long time.

My favorite game is the Big Four Teams stimulate your mind? Then Sporcle.com is in which you name all of for you!

Sporcle is a the sports teams in the website for mentally NHL (National Hockey “I use Sporcle almost League), NBA (National stimulating quizzes in categories: geography, Basketball Association), daily and I believe it entertainment, science, NFL (National history, literature, Football League), and sharpens my mind.” sports, language, just MLB (Major League for fun, religion, movies, Baseball). television, music, I use Sporcle gaming, miscellaneous, almost daily and I and history. believe it sharpens my If you are bored, I would suggest this mind.This would also be a fun, stupendous website because it makes you smarter and way to exercise your brain before study and quickens your mind. I would give this site homework time.

Nicole Walters Staff Writer

A

ttack Attack!, an American heavy metal band from Westerville, Ohio, returns with their third full-length album, “This Means War.” Though many fans were both shocked and disappointed with the replacement of Johnny Franck, former guitarist and clean

vocalist, some were are also satisfied with the new keyboardist and singer Caleb Shomo.

In this ten track album released January 17, 2012, “This Means War” prepares you for battle with the endless guitar riffs, echoing 808 drums, and the harder, deep vocals that Shomo passionately screams.

“The Revolution” drags you into the head-banging melodies echoing on the battlefield while screaming “start the revolution.” Each song from “This Means War” leaves you chanting the catchy, edgy songs as you rock out to the blaring 808’s.

Head-bangers, take your battle stance ‘cause This Means War.

Entertainment

April

The Hungry Maverick

23

A search for the tastiest turkey sandwich Karlee Fuller Staff Writer

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&

eed to branch out of your lunchtime routine of peanut butter and jelly? MavLife staffers are here to help. We investigated the areas around LCC to find the best hole-in-the-wall

C

oming in first with 60% of the votes was Board & Brew’s Turkado. A turkey avocado sandwich stacked with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and a mayonnaise spread, this sandwich left staffers’ mouths flavor-filled and craving more. The freshness was widely

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he sandwich voted second best was the Cold Italian Turkey from Rosanna’s Pasta Shop on El Camino Real. Widely under the radar, this sandwich consists of turkey and provolone cheese topped with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and thinly cut onions. With 22%

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losely following this cold turkey sandwich with 19% of the votes was the Elizabeth from Java Depot, a coffee shop and cafe on the 101 in Solana Beach. This restaurant favorite consists of warm turkey and melted cheese on a ciabatta bun with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a light

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ast of the competitors with only 1% of the votes was the Turkey Bagel from Garden State Bagels on El Camino Real. A turkey sandwich on a bagel and over-flowing with veggies, this lunch-time special received the least amount of votes not because

Meg Shepro Staff Writer

sandwich shops. In a blind taste test, staffers picked their favorite specialty sandwich from four competitors: Java Depot, Rosanna’s Pasta Shop, Board & Brew, and Garden State Bagels.

acknowledged, but even more appreciated was the soft sourdough bread which was noticeably sweet but also very fluffy.This sandwich ranked high scores across the board, and is recommended for a quick, affordable lunch for all ages.

of the votes, this sandwich’s most appealing quality was its sweet french roll, which looked like it had just been pulled out of the oven.

Next time you stop in Rosanna’s for pasta, be sure to pick up this delicious turkey sandwich. spread. While not particularly admired due to “sogginess” staffers agreed that the sandwich would have been best eaten as soon as it was made and still warm. Most commendable was the flavor of the turkey, but staffers wished that there had been more of it.

of faulty flavor, but lack thereof.

Staffers appreciated the taste of the turkey and the freshness of the bagel, but some were “intimidated by its height.” Overall, it got the job done, but not in a very zesty manner.

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Illustration by Raquel Zilberman

Far Left: Senior guest taster Scott Baylon takes a bite of a delicious sandwich from Rosanna’s Pasta Shop.

Top: A fresh Turkado sandwich from Board & Brew awaits consumption by the MavLife staff.

Right: Senior staffer Savannah Dukes-Samala enjoys Board & Brew’s Turkado sandwich during this month’s Hungry Mav. Photos by Meg Shepro

Back Page

24

April

Teacher vs. Student Teacher: Cindi Schildhouse Student: Miad Hadaegh Shanoah Souza Staff Writer What percent of people use personal ads for dating that are already married?

Schildhouse: 57% Hadaegh: 35% Answer: 35% Schildhouse was very quick to answer, but Hadaegh was right on.

How many ridges does a dime have around the edge?

Schildhouse: 200 Hadaegh: 104 Answer: 118 ridges Trying to count the ridges on the dime, both guesses came close. Love the effort!

What fish can blink with both eyes?

Schildhouse: Coelacanth Hadaegh: Rainbow trout Answer: A shark Great participation by these two. Let’s hope they can score a point with this next question.

What is the only 10 letter word that you can type on the top row of your keyboard?

Schildhouse: Typewriter Hadaegh: Typewriter Answer: Typewriter Looks like these two spend a lot of time on the keyboard. Great job on both scoring a point!

How many muscles does a cat have in each ear?

Schildhouse: 4 Hadaegh: 8 Answer: 32 I guess the only way to find out the real answer is to dissect a cat’s ear—which Schildhouse’s class hasn’t done yet.

What is a dragonfly’s average life span?

Schildhouse: Couple weeks Hadaegh: One Month Answer: 24 Hours Who would have known dragonflies only live for a 24 hour period? I guess the study of anatomy doesn’t include the life spans of various species.

What was the first sport in which women were invited to compete at the Olympics?

Schildhouse: Track & Field Hadaegh: Discus Answer: Tennis It’s about to be game, set, match!

What sports activity was originally known in England as “plank-gliding”?

Schildhouse: Skiing Hadaegh: Waterskiing Answer: Waterskiing Finally a score is put up on the board. Nice point earned by Hadaegh, who takes the lead.

What breakfast food gets its name from the German word for “stirrup”?

Schildhouse: Pancakes Hadaegh: Syrup Answer: The Bagel I wasn’t aware that syrup was a breakfast food— Miad’s eating habits are another story.

How many ways can you make change for a dollar?

Schildhouse: 200 Hadaegh: 432 Answer: 293 ways Schildhouse and Hadaegh need to touch up on basic cashier knowledge.

What type of nut is a member of the peach family?

Schildhouse: Almonds Hadaegh: Coconuts Answer: Almonds It seems Schildhouse knows the anatomy of peaches as well! All tied up!

What did Hyman Lipman do in 1858 that made life easier for students?

Schildhouse: Ballpoint pen Hadaegh: Bleaching paper Answer: He put the pencil and eraser together.

These two will need an eraser after that round.

Final Score:

Hadaegh: 3 Schildhouse: 2 It was a close battle, but Miad came through with the win by one point.

Photo by Shanoah Souza

Ms. Schildhouse (right) is taking down Miad Hadaegh (left) in this month’s Teacher vs. Student trivia contest.

Spring Horoscopes Aquarius

Pisces

January 20-February 18 You approach life with a firm but loving hand applied with endless patience. Make sure to take care of yourself before you take care of others.Your Song of the Season: “Fix You” - Coldplay

February 19-March 20 You are eager to go out and start a new adventure in life. Beware of the unexpected encounters soon to approach. Plan your next move carefully! Your Song of the Season: “Courage to Grow” - Rebelution

Gemini

Cancer

May 21- June 20 It may be a very stressful time for you, and that may cause you some heartache.

Don’t give up and keep pushing yourself to be the very best you can be. Others will acknowledge your effort and admire you for it.Your Song of the Season: “Fly” - Nicki Minaj

Libra

September 23- October 22 Even though these past few months have been very stressful, get excited for what your future has planned out for you. Way to keep your mind open, Libra.Your future looks promising. Your Song of the Season: “Take You Away” - Cris Cab

June 21-July 22 Pay particular attention to your friends’ actions towards you,: they may be shifting because you have started to neglect them. Make sure you are balancing your social life along with other activities you are involved in. Your Song of the Season: “Doing it Wrong” - Drake

Scorpio

October 23-November 22 Don’t let others’ words bring you down.

You are in need of some down time with yourself. Stay true to what you know best, and don’t stray too far from your comfort zone.Your Song of the Season: “Part of Me” - Katy Perry

Aries

March 21-April 20 You will realize that you will have a softer, gentler approach on dealing with the world, and your friends and family will marvel at how laid back you are.Your Song of the Season:“Yellow” - Coldplay

Leo

July 23-August 22 It has come time for you to stop living in the fast lane and slow down a bit. Pay close attention to what your future holds, and set goals for yourself. Your Song of the Season: “Set Fire to the Third Bar” - Snow Patrol

Sagittarius

November 23-December 22 Now is your time. You need to be willing to take it to the next level and be ready to embrace what is coming your way.

Keep up the good work. Your Song of the Season: “Color on the Walls (Don’t Stop)” - Foster the People

Taurus

April 21-May 20 You are trying to do everything that you possibly can, but sometimes it is not enough. Unbuckle your seat belt and stay awhile until you are ready to embark upon your next journey. Your Song of the Season: “The Show Goes On”- Lupe Fiasco

Virgo

August 23-September 22 It is time to focus on what really matters, and not all of the side drama.What happens today won’t matter in ten years. Keep your head up and move on. Your Song of the Season: “Keep Your Head Up” - Andy Grammer

Capricorn

December 23-January 19 Stop putting so much effort into how you look. Remember that the inside is what counts. Others will respect you for your independence and for that, you will stand out.Your Song of the Season: “Domino” - Jessie J