December 2012

Debaters Descend on LCC

Mavericks Sail Abroad

A brother and sister reflect on life aboard a sailboat.

Feature Page 7

Speech and Debate team hosts 42nd annual Winter Classic tournament.

News

Page 5

MavLife

December 2012

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

Ellen Reidy

Singer Ryan Beatty shows his vocal talents in the meadow while performing at a lunchtime benefit concert in support of freshman George Terris on November 7.

Ryan Beatty Performs at Benefit Concert on Campus

The Hungry Maverick

MavLife goes on a hunt for the most delectable apple pie, just in time for the holidays.

Entertainment Page 15

Volume 7 Issue 3

‘Drop It Like It’s Hot’ During the annual physics egg drop, held on November 29, students must create a device using only cardboard and masking tape that protects a raw egg from an eight meter drop. In David Evers’ first period class, eight out of ten eggs survived.

Photos by Megan Mineiro

Proceeds go toward freshman student’s recovery from cancer

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Yasmeen Halim News Editor

he routine lunch atmosphere on campus consists of students lined up around corners to purchase food, as they eat and mingle anywhere they can find a place to perch. However, on Friday, November 7, this familiar atmosphere gave way to something more festive.

Taking place in the LCC meadow near the front of the school, a concert was held on campus during lunch with rising teen sensation Ryan Beatty, a singer who has gained popularity through YouTube.

The main purpose of the concert was to benefit freshman George Terris, a student who has been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer known as Ewing’s Sarcoma.

The idea for the concert came when, after attending a concert at the House of Blues, Beatty fan Collie Martin went backstage and informed the manager about Terris. The idea then emerged for Beatty to perform a concert on campus to benefit Terris, with station Z90.3 to help sponsor the much anticipated event.

Screaming fans not only thoroughly enjoyed the concert on campus, but they also appreciated the more meaningful idea of helping support Terris.

“It means a lot,” Beatty said. “This is really one thing I’ve always wanted to do.

It was one of the best schools I’ve ever performed at, crowd-wise and energy.”

During the concert, Beatty performed several songs, including his originals “Hey LA” and “Every Little Thing,” as well as Ed Sheeran’s “The A Team.” Beatty says his favorite song to perform is “Hey LA.” “I feel like the crowd responds to that one the best,” Beatty said.

Terris also felt the school spirit throughout the meadow and was grateful

Continued on page 4

Top: Juniors Seth Abrams and Cameron Harrison open their box to find a cracked egg. Students whose eggs break during the drop can earn no higher than an 80% on the assignment.

Above (left to right): Juniors Madelyn Teague, Sarah Seiber, and McKenna Rohner, along with chemistry teacher Tiffany Sejut, react to Rohner’s egg as it falls from the roof of the theater.The eight meter drop proved too much for Rohner’s design.

Left: Juniors Kellen Carey and Jake Brown are relieved to find that their egg survived the drop.

Right: Junior Natalie Evans holds her cracked egg just after it was dropped.

Athletes Cope With Concussions

Ignoring the symptoms can prove detrimental to long-term recovery

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Cosy Burnett Staff Writer

ou catch your breath. Your eyesight is a little blurry as you try to piece the world back together.You know you got hit hard and your head throbs. You don’t remember how you got knocked in the head.

As your teammates surround you, you start to wonder: Did I get a concussion or am I just being a wimp?

Senior Jordan Robbins knows what it’s like to wrestle with these questions.

Robbins transferred to La Costa Canyon last year as a junior from Francis

Parker High School. She played for the varsity volleyball team and was enrolled in several AP classes. Even though she doesn’t wear crutches or bear visible scars, Robbins is coping with a life-changing injury.

In April of 2011, during just another match of her club season, Robbins dove for a volleyball and hit her head on the floor.

The contact of her head hitting the floor began the unpredictable life that she now lives. Robbins had sustained a concussion.

As the headache, nausea and dizziness took over her body, she was forced to sit out, but ten days later, like many athletes

Robbins lied about her symptoms and continued play.

“It’s so easy to lie about head injuries,” Robbins said. “I was the only setter on the team. If I sat out there would be no one to take my position. I felt like I had to play.”

Then, Robbins was hit in the head with a ball during practice, not an uncommon occurrence in volleyball, leading to her second concussion.

“It was because my symptoms hadn’t healed,” Robbins said. Her symptoms of headache, dizziness and nausea worsened

Continued on page 13

Opinion

2 MavLife 2012-2013 Staff Editor-In-Chief: Megan Mineiro Managing Editor: Rebecca Zilberman News Editor: Yasmeen Halim Sports Editor: Anthony Fregoso Opinion Editors: Rachel Hutchison & McKenna Stonhaus Entertainment Editor: Alex Visser Asst. Entertainment Editor: Jennie Barnes Social Media Director: Ingrid Kim Photography Editor: Ellen Reidy Head Photographer: Chase McAllister Web Editor: Kaylee Daly Rodriguez Assistant Editors: Ana Diaz & Claudia Mathews Assistant Design Editor: Meghan Lumsden Staff Writers: Emily Brown, Cosy Burnett, Juliette Cardinale, Jacob Castrejon, Cassandra Cyphers, Natalie Engel, Sydney Francis, Jayson Gacad, Cooper Gee, Kara Gibson, Kiki Gibson, Rhett Goodson, Alex Hummel, Hunter Klawans, Meghan Lumsden, Riley Medina, Molly Mineiro, Sandy Mueller, Kota Nishiguchi, Emily Schacht, Reilly Tiglio, Dani Tomassetti, Devon Whitlam, Jessica Woods, and Allison Zimmerman Business Manager: Kiki Gibson

M

Adviser: Suzi Van Steenbergen

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.

December

Editorial: Prioritizing Time With Family

The Editorial Board believes students should spend time with loved ones this holiday season, rather than being consumed with outside distractions

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his December, students are bracing themselves for the end of the semester, putting the polishing touches on essays and cramming study sessions in for tests.

On top of their responsibilities at school, students also feel pressured to find time to spend with their families during the holiday season.

The MavLife editorial board is concerned that the student body is fixated on minor worries, such as a grade on a test or who to ask to Formal. By allowing themselves to get caught up in minor distractions, students let moments with their loved ones pass them by.

In light of recent national events, it is important for students to be looking at the ever-present “big picture.” During these stressful times, it’s easy to let insignificant matters build up, such as who you’re going to be with on Friday

night, where you’re going to watch a movie, and which movie you’re going to watch, when these truly mean nothing at all.

Students should set aside these trivialities, in order to make family time a priority.

Many students are at a time in their lives when they are eager to move out of the house and their focus drifts toward

But the reality is that for the lucky among us our families have been here from the start and will continue to stand by us.

their future. But right here, right now, many students have the comfort and support of their families. However, many teenagers tend to neglect and spend time with their friends instead.

Teenagers need to take into consideration that our time in high school with friends and studies will pass by.

But the reality is that for the lucky among us our families have been here from the start and will continue to stand by us. This includes the families we choose for ourselves--our closest friends and companions.

The MavLife Editorial Board can’t help but feel for the families in Newtown, Connecticut, who have lost precious family members.

Let us not just take a moment to reflect on the young lives that have been lost, but also take time to embrace those who surround us this holiday season.

Elite Universities Aren’t the Only College Path Students should choose the college that’s right for them Allison Zimmerman Staff Writer

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ighly selective and prestigious universities in the U.S. have become status symbols in our culture. The pressure that students are under to attend an elite school is higher than ever. Many students believe that only elite colleges and Ivy League universities offer them the best opportunities to be successful for their future.

However, I disagree. I think that success in life isn’t determined by what college you attend.You are in charge of the success in your life. It is what you do with your degree after you graduate that matters for your future.

So why do students think elite schools are so great anyway? An elite education is believed to be the most prestigious. People assume that elite universities are the only places that the “best and brightest” young minds learn and study to shape the world for the future.

Further, receiving an education from a prestigious institution is believed to have its perks, some of which include a higher initial salary, more job opportunities, and a traditional college experience.

However, I think that these perks are available to students beyond the Ivy Leagues and private institutions.

Students tend to put too much emphasis on what college they decide to attend. It is teenage nature to care about what other people think of us, and we strive to impress others

whether we like to admit it or not. Teens are drawn by the allure of attending a prestigious school in order to impress their peers, friends, parents, and even themselves.

Also, students and even parents tend to think less of colleges that are not wellknown or are not highly ranked. Parents want to impress others by saying that their son or daughter will be attending a highly-selective school.

Instead students should choose what colleges they want to attend based on what the school offers the student, but unfortunately kids are more concerned with the school’s name and how highly ranked it is. In fact, if a student gets accepted to a less prestigious school, that student may receive a less enthusiastic response from his or her peers and is viewed as not very smart or as someone who didn’t try hard enough in school.

Just because a college isn’t well-known does not mean it is a “bad” school. There are thousands of colleges to choose from and only singling out the top tier universities as potential college choices ignores all the other options available.

www.facebook.com/lccnews

www.mavlifenews.com

I think that success in life isn’t determined by what college you attend.You are in charge of the success in your life.

Rebecca Zilberman and McKenna Stonhaus

Look past the top five.

As of 2010, there were 2,774 colleges in the United States.

Go to www.usnews.com/ education to find more information about the colleges that are best for you.

@MavLife

Opinion

December

I Am Dreaming of a White Christmas Christmas isn’t the same without a little snow on the ground C J C uliette

ardinale

Staff Writer

Juliette Cardinale

hristmas morning I wake up to my red-headed brother Jake smiling at me.

“It’s Christmas,” he beams.

I jump out of my bed, which is covered with a pile of blankets so that the chill of the mountain air doesn’t find me in the night.

Then I follow Jake downstairs wearing my slippers and Hello Kitty bathrobe.

I hear the thud of my older brothers chopping kindling and wood for our fireplace outside on the porch. Snow glistens on the windowsill outside. The white sky on the green trees with the snow white trim makes me smile.

It’s not quite yet 6:00 a.m., so we can’t wake up mom yet.

I go outside to see my brothers as my foot hits the concrete of our porch. Even with slippers, I can feel how cold it really is.

The temperature is probably somewhere between ten or fifteen degrees below zero.

I grab an armful of wood and kindling for our fire and my brothers flash me one of those oh-my-God-it’s-actuallyChristmas grins. It doesn’t take long for me to flash one right back at them.

Sound familiar? Maybe part of it. Maybe not. Here in southern California, Christmas is a little different. Most of us don’t have to chop our own firewood to heat our houses. Most of us don’t spend

Christmas in the snow. It’s usually not negative ten degrees either. We like it in the sun.

Born and raised a “Cali girl” until I was six, my family and I moved to the midwest where it snowed. All my Christmases from the time I was six until I was 15 were white. Now, the only thing white about the holidays here is a trip to the beach in our wet suits with the white foam crashing over our heads.

A California Christmas could be described as a “Summer Christmas.” While some people spend their Christmas days with a walk on the beach, others may spend theirs at the Encinitas Holiday parade over on old Highway 101 in the lumberyard.

My first summer Christmas that I remember was last year. On Christmas night we all hopped in the car and went on a drive through Carlsbad and La Costa neighborhoods, appreciating all the holiday lights.

The “Summer Christmas” I had here was very neat, but not my type of Christmas. I guess my “Summer Christmas” just lacked my sense of Christmas traditions I was brought up with.

As December is coming quickly, it’s much harder to get into the Christmas spirit without cold weather and a little snow on the ground. Christmas just feels like another average day here.

Watching “A Christmas Story” with my family for the millionth time makes me want to puke because I’ve seen it so many times, but I always secretly look forward to it. Watching it here, without snow, feels strange. Snow on Christmas is like candy on Halloween or an Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday. It feels wrong without it.

No snow angels, no sledding down the hill next to our house, no shockingly intense snowball fights with my brothers, and no miserable attempts at a snow man.

As you can see, there is quite a difference between a white Christmas and a California Christmas. For me, Christmas is not quite right without a little snow on the ground.

However, this may not be the end of a white Christmas for me. We graduate high school, get our degrees, and then we get to choose whether or not we want our holidays to be spent in the snow or in the sun.

Here is southern California, Christmas is a little different. We like it in the sun.

Visions of Sugarplums Already Dance In My Head Winter break falls too close to Christmas

“F

Molly Mineiro Staff Writer

irst we’ll make snow angels for two hours, then we’ll go ice skating, then we’ll eat a whole roll of Toll House cookie dough as fast as we can, and then we’ll snuggle!” Buddy from the popular 2003 Warner Bros.

Christmas movie is one wise elf.

Unfortunately, the week leading up to December 25 we will all be sitting in cold, hard desks instead of enjoying the Christmas spirit that Will Ferrell so effectively captured in his role as a human that believes he is a Christmas elf.

When I heard that our winter break would not officially start until Christmas Eve, I frantically looked to my agenda with the hope that I had been falsely informed. I had not.

The symbol that represents our temporary release from the daily rigor of high school do not appear until December 24.

After looking over the school calendars from the past three years, I discovered that the cause of this inconvenience was rather simple. In 2010 the winter break began on the December 20 and last year it began on December 19.

However, this year Christmas Day falls on a

Tuesday instead of a Saturday or a Sunday as it has in the past two years. Therefore, Christmas Eve is the first Monday before Christmas.

This occurrence is inevitable. If winter break were to start on Monday, December 17 instead, it would end before New Year’s Eve. Neither situation is favorable, but I think most of us would agree that it is better to give up time before Christmas than have to drag ourselves to school after New Year’s Eve festivities.

However, I am still frustrated at the scheduling of break. It could be said that my family shares Buddy’s “affinity for elf culture.” During the holiday season, my home looks like the set for the Martha Stewart Show during her Christmas special.

Our decorations take up 12 red and green plastic bins. Our paper snowflakes are masterful works of art. While I will still enjoy the most wonderful time of the year to an extent, it won’t be quite the same.

Sadly, for the students who are planning to visit extended family during the Christmas season, this timing could create a greater inconvenience. They have to choose to either miss school or sacrifice precious time with their families.

I wish this wasn’t the case.

I value the time spent with my family, especially during the holiday season. It is an important opportunity for families to create memories and build relationships.

It is unfortunate that we must sacrifice holiday moments with our loved ones in order to get in that certain number of school hours required. Still, I don’t want to let the time from 7:40 AM to 2:35 PM be completely void of Christmas cheer.

I want to bring the holiday spirit with me to school. It may take some creativity, but as the passing bell rings I’ll just try to imagine that I’m Buddy the Elf passing through the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, past the sea of swirly twirly gum drops. I plan to enjoy the holiday season, even while I’m in Maverick mode.

While I will still enjoy the most wonderful time of the year to an extent, it won’t be quite the same.

3

Molly Mineiro

News

4

December

Benefit Concert Brings Students Together Continued from page 1 for the support of his fellow students.

“I think it’s great that he’s doing this,” Terris said. “It just means a lot to me. It’s completely selfless that he’s using his fame to help me.”

Teachers also visited the meadow to hear the concert.

“I thought it was really nice of Ryan to come play to help raise money for George,” Spanish teacher Ryan Giusta said.

Although the concert’s main purpose was to inform students and faculty of ways to support Terris, it culminated as a mutual benefit in that a number of fans got the opportunity to watch and even meet one of their favorite teen singers in the music industry today.

“I thought it was awesome [because] I love Ryan Beatty,” sophomore Shannon Dorr said. “He’s amazing. He sounds like so perfect whenever he sings.”

The combined efforts resulted in considerable fundraising which will aid in paying Terris’s medical bills. Students can continue to donate through Ryan Beatty’s official website, www. t h e r y a n b e a t t y. com. “[We can] George Terris keep doing the donations because that helps and keep doing events at lunch to raise awareness,” Dorr said.

Terris was grateful to those who came out in support.

“I’d like to thank the community, LCC, and my family,” Terris said.

“It just means a lot to me. It’s completely selfless that he’s using his fame to help me.”

Ellen Reidy

Principal Kyle Ruggles (left) and George Terris (right) watch Ryan Beatty perform a benefit concert in Terris’ honor at lunch in the meadow on Friday, November 7.

Senior Tag Out Tradition Cancelled Due to Safety Concerns Class disruptions and potential for student injury also cited

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Kota Nishiguchi Staff Writer

eniors should no longer look forward to the school game, Senior Tag Out. The administrative team has cancelled Senior Tag Out indefinitely, deciding that it is too disruptive.

Many seniors are disappointed by the cancellation. For their time at LCC, this year’s seniors have always seen Senior Tag Out as an exciting high school event.

“As an underclassman, I looked forward to Senior Tag Out,” senior Austin York said. “It was a senior privilege.”

And though it may seem unfair particularly to this year’s seniors, many are unaware of the game’s potentially fatal consequences.

“It’s not just our senior class,” ASB president Callie Coleman said. “It just wasn’t safe anymore.”

Though the primary reasons for the cancellation are related to LCC only, games like Senior Tag Out have caused concern in other parts of the state.

In March of this year,The Modesto Bee reported a road rage incident caused by a game called “Senior Assassins.” This game, like Senior Tag Out, requires students to “eliminate” each other. However, this game involves squirt guns and water balloons.

Students from Modesto High School splashed a stopped car with a driver and his girlfriend. Aggravated, the driver chased the students’ car and, allegedly, shot his handgun. The driver then rolled his car, injuring and hospitalizing his girlfriend.

The incident in Modesto occurred

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after the decision to cancel Tag Out was made.

“It was just coincidental,” Assistant Principal Mark Van Over said. “It only stood out to me in the news, personally, because I knew that we had decided not to do [Senior Tag Out].”

Last year, the game caused complaints because of the disturbances during class.

Van Over mentioned that Senior Tag Out and games like it “almost turn into a bullying issue because some students usually take it too far.”

“Personally, it’s just [incidents like that in Modesto] that make me fearful for students because so much of it can happen off campus, where there’s absolutely no regulation or supervision,” Van Over said.

“There’s a couple of things that make me not want to have tag Out as an activity that

we sanction.”

In fact, the events that unfolded in Modesto were not part of a schoolsanctioned event. Modesto High School had no part in planning “Senior Assassins.”

Van Over mentioned that “this is the first school that [he has] ever been to where [the game] was kind of expected and almost supported.”

“I feel like students should not plan [Tag Out] on their own because there’s a lot of liability and everyone would be accountable for the consequences,” York said.

A student-planned Tag Out could lead to consequences that students alone are not equipped to handle. Since the school couldn’t supervise the students, the consequences are unpredictable.

December

News

5 Speech and Debate Team Hosts the 42nd Annual Winter Classic

Debate students from California, Nevada, and Arizona descend on campus for tournament Sandy Mueller Staff Writer

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oliday lights sparkle and aromas of home-cooked food fill the air, while in classrooms students argue or speak on a number of topics. This was the atmosphere of the 42nd annual Winter Classic Speech and Debate tournament. Hosted by the LCC debate team for the sixteenth year, the tournament draws over 600 competitors from all over California, Nevada, and Arizona.

The tournament, which is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Speech and Debate team, lasts three days, starting this year on the afternoon of Friday, November 30, ending on the night of Sunday, December 2. “[Winter Classic is] very important because it’s our main source of income,” senior Brennan Caruthers said. “The state and school have cut funding for Speech and Debate. We raise about $40,000 and it’s the main reason [La Costa Canyon] has a Speech and Debate program.”

The Winter Classic is overseen by Speech and Debate coach and English teacher Margaret Dubel, who described the tournament as “organized chaos.”

While it is only Dubel’s second year with the program, the tournament has continued to grow.

“As the years have progressed we’ve added more and more events such as policy debate,” Dubel said. “We’ve actually split campuses. This is the first year that we used Diegueño as well. We had over 825 entries from 60 different schools.”

The Speech and Debate team prepared over a month and a half for the tournament to create a program that would run smoothly and welcome visitors.

“[We] set up holiday lights around the campus and it sets a festive mood and we set up heaters around campus,” Caruthers said.

The team depends on parent and community volunteers to donate food to feed the judges, coordinate the entries in the tournament and help organize where the rounds take place.

“It takes a lot of work to set the tournament up,” sophomore Jacob Goldschlag said. “It’s pretty hectic.”

While posing somewhat of a challenge for the organizing team, the v i s i t i n g competitors think that Winter Classic a Jacob Goldschlag balances challenging level of competition with a fun atmosphere.

“The people are fabulous and the food is much better [than at other tournaments],” senior Summer Minden of Bishop Gorman High School, located in Las Vegas, said. “I had a great conversation with the coach and the people behind the [media center] counter.”

Debate tournaments typically have delays, but the team put their best effort forward to make sure that the Winter Classic was on time.

“It runs much smoother than the competitions in Las Vegas do, for one,” Minden said. “It’s very on time.”

The Winter Classic also offers an example of how students on campus can get involved outside the classroom.

“It’s good to see kids excel in things other than athletics,” Dubel said. “These are some of the best and brightest kids in the entire country and they go on to pretty incredible things.”

“It takes a lot of work to set the tournament up--it’s pretty hectic.”

Sandy Mueller

Top: Debate students relax and unwind between sessions at the sixteenth annual Winter Classic debate tournament held on campus the weekend of November 30. Bottom: Parents Alma Naudi (left) and Diva Armas (right) set up the concession table in the Media Center for judges and volunteers.

Student Proposes Changes to School Dance Codes Kenneth Downs to petition the administration to crack down on inappropriate behavior

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Meghan Lumsden Staff Writer

omecoming, Formal, and Prom. For many, these dances are big dates on the calendar and students look forward to them all year. However, at least one member of the student body is displeased with the way that his fellow students choose to conduct themselves while at these events.

Junior Kenneth Downs believes that not all students feel comfortable at the dances and has created his own movement in hopes of changing the dance policy.

“Right now there is some grinding or other forms of dancing that people aren’t comfortable with at this school,” Downs said. “The petition is trying to change that so everyone can really enjoy dances and all feel comfortable at them.”

With the title “Clear Guidelines for School Dances,” the petition is an effort to make dances more respectful places, and in turn, help students also respect themselves.

“I think that our school would have a more positive environment if we were to do this,” Downs said.

Others also have similar views on the petition from an ethical standpoint.

“I’d be more concerned from the character aspect of it, that if we promote students’ character we should promote

how they are perceived by their actions,” Spanish teacher Jim Teague said. “They may think they are cool, but are really causing damage to their reputation in the long term.”

Downs has been surprised at the feedback he has received through creating the petition and reaching out to other students.

“I have gotten people who say, ‘Thank you for doing this,’” Downs said.

“Most people who disagree have been pretty respectful and have been saying, ‘Yeah, I don’t agree with you but I respect your opinion.’”

Dances draw a significant portion of the student body.

“They’re a great way for students to connect and socialize with each other on a school-sponsored activity,” Principal Kyle Ruggles said. “I think they’re marvelous.”

Many of the students have yet to hear about the petition, but those who hear about it have an open mind.

“It’s not a bad idea,” sophomore

Courtney Juskie said. “The school dances can be kind of insane and everyone can get a little out of hand at times. Although I don’t think most people would really like it, I think it would be better for the school.”

Some may also protest an alteration of school dances, but many recognize that they have become home to more inappropriate behavior.

“I don’t think they are going to change the dances,” junior Ashley Burch said. “I mean, I don’t mind how are now. It’s Kenneth Downs they something I think is just a part of high school.”

Part of what Downs hopes to shed light on is the current frame of mind students have that inappropriate behavior has become expected and has become a social norm.

“I just think that’s the student culture right now and that’s what I am trying to change,” Downs said. “This petition is not just targeting the administration.”

Downs hopes more students speak up

“As a student, I have an influence on the administration and if there is something I don’t like and other people don’t like it, we should get our voices heard.”

about the issue.

“As a student, I have an influence on the administration and if there is something I don’t like and other people don’t like it, we should get our voices heard,” Downs said. “I think there are a lot of people that don’t like it and if they were just to simply voice their opinions, things could change.”

If change is to happen, it must come from the students, as monitoring the dances poses several challenges.

“They already have the principal there, and they have teachers there watching and that’s not stopping it,” Burch said. “Unless they are going to stand between the kids, it’s not going to work.”

The changes to dance policies don’t have to be drastic, according to Teague.

“I don’t think anyone is asking anyone do the Foxtrot or anything like that,” Teague said. “I mean it’s a school function.

It needs to have some decorum.”

Since such a large majority of students attend the dances, the administration may face opposition if they were to try to enforce a new system.

“Depending on how strict it would be, I definitely think some kids would be against it just because they wouldn’t want a more controlled dance,” junior Clayton Brown said. “It would be cool to have a large support from the student body though.”

News

6

Hurricane Sandy Ravages East Coast

December

Students reached out to friends and relatives hit by the storm Jacob Castrejon Staff Writer

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urricane Sandy, the most recent category two hurricane that ravaged the East Coast, is finally over. However, it has left the coast in a state of shock and disaster.

Hurricane Sandy originated in the Caribbean Sea on October 22, and hit American soil on October 29. From Atlantic City, New Jersey, it moved north along the coast, destroying houses and shorting out power in the process. Some students have family and friends in the hurricane’s path.

“Everyone is safe,” junior and former New York resident Megan Lucas said. “But, they did lose power for a long time and there was a lot of damage to houses.”

Because of the harsh rains, many areas of the East Coast were flooded, including the elaborate underground subway system. “[My aunt] said that it was really rainy and stormy,” senior Elana Cates said. “I know the subways were flooded.”

Unfortunately, many East Coast residents were unable to get to work for days on end. New Yorkers were hit hardest, especially commuters who relied on the subway for transportation to and

from their jobs.

“They were unable to get to work for several days,” Spanish teacher Emily Longiaru said. “They couldn’t take the subways or the buses, and they didn’t have gasoline to drive to their jobs.”

To prepare for the incoming storm, residents across the East Coast took several steps to outlast the hurricane.

“They had to go out and buy a bunch of food because they couldn’t leave their houses for awhile,” Lucas said. “They also didn’t have a lot of water, so they had to buy lots of bottled water.”

For over a week, East Coast Megan Lucas residents were locked inside their houses, unable to go outside for work, or even school.

To make up for the lost week of school, a simple, yet effective plan was put forth.

“They missed a week and a couple days, so they’ll have to make that up at the end of the year,” Lucas said. “They’re not really behind, because everyone missed it.

But, it was basically just a week of sitting alone in the dark in really cold weather.”

The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy left most residents in shambles. New York especially, was hit by the hardest points of

“They had to go out and buy a bunch of food because they couldn’t leave their houses for awhile.”

Photo by Tom W. Sulcer (Own Work) [CCO], via Wikimedia Commons.

High school senior William Snyder helps remove a section of a tree that had fallen in Summit, New Jersey as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

the storm.

“The burrows in New York City, like Brooklyn and Staten Island were hit really hard,” Lucas said.

Several organizations have donated their time, money and effort to aid the victims of the storm. On November 2, the American Red Cross announced that they had over 4,000 workers helping across the already damaged states, with thousands more coming in from other states. The US government also played a significant role in aiding the residents of damaged areas on the East Coast.

“As far as I know, they [residents] are

Colorado and Washington Modify Marijuana Laws Students react to the changes Jessica Woods Staff Writer

T

he legalization of marijuana, also known as “weed,” was approved by voters in November in both Colorado and Washington. In California, only medical marijuana is legal. Although marijuana

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is still illegal under federal law, citizens in these states are now allowed by state law to smoke marijuana for recreational purposes.

happy with the government response,” Longiaru said. “For the gasoline, they had trucks with free gas, for the people who couldn’t get to the gas stations.”

Hurricane Sandy is ranked the second costliest U.S. hurricane by the National Hurricane Center, outranked only by Hurricane Katrina. It cost the U.S. about $50 billion, leaving 4.8 million people without power and 19,729 flights canceled.

This disaster scarred many U.S. citizens, but with a hard working American spirit and a selfless will to aid the victims, we are sure to rise from this occasion a more united and stronger people.

To learn more information about the new law and to view a student-conducted poll, visit www.mavlifenews.com.

December

Feature

7 Meghan Lumsden and Megan Mineiro

Meg Shepro

Sailing Around the World Together McConnell siblings recount memories from six years aboard a sailboat

D

Cassandra Cyphers Staff Writer

esiderata, a white 41-foot sailboat with a blue stripe, was home to students Dana and Fletcher McConnell for six years. Beginning at ages six and seven, they lived on the boat for two years in a marina before sailing around the coast of Mexico, Central America, and the South American countries of Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia over a course of four years.

“Our longest time at sea was three weeks, going from Ecuador to the Galápagos Islands,” sophomore Dana said.

“And in between that, it was just a day or a couple days in between ports.”

While at sea, there was a sense of seclusion that few students experience.

“I remember being in open ocean,” Fletcher said. “Not seeing land or any other people. That was really neat.”

Dana and Fletcher spent a lot of time in the water; they scuba dived, visited beaches, and once even swam with one of the largest animals on Earth.

“One of the really cool experiences was swimming with whale sharks,” Dana said. “We saw them swimming around so we decided to jump off the boat and go swim with them. It was pretty awesome.”

The McConnell family came ashore every few days to shop, sightsee, and experience the culture of the local people. A prominent memory for Dana was when the family stayed with a man in Ecuador who was building schools there.

“My brother and I went into the school to teach English once a week to all the little kids,” Dana said. “They had never seen people with blond hair before, so they thought that was super interesting. They would come up and touch our hair and they thought that was super cool.”

The McConnells had the opportunity to witness the traditions of foreign cultures.

“A really neat part of the culture was that in the evenings everybody would go to the town square and just talk,” Fletcher said. “They weren’t secluded, playing video games or whatever. They were just in the square talking and hanging out and playing. I really liked that community feel.”

Peru was a memorable stop for Dana as well, including a visit to one of the seven wonders of the world--the Inca ruins of an ancient town in the Andes Mountains.

“Peru was probably my favorite, because it had Machu Picchu; we got to see that,” Dana said. “We got a lot of the in-depth culture of everything.”

Despite the amazing experiences the family had, Fletcher recalls a few of the things they had to live without on the boat.

“We only had Internet sometimes, and we didn’t have TV,” Fletcher said.

Used with permission from Dana McConnell

Fletcher and Dana with their parents, Mike and Nancy, at Machu Picchu in Peru in 2008

“We saw [whale sharks] swimming around so we decided to jump off the boat and go swim with them.”

Dana McConnell Cooper Gee

“Some comfort foods they didn’t have, like peanut butter.”

Dana agrees that life on the boat had its drawbacks.

“One of the things that I hated most was that we didn’t have ice cream, or anything like that,” Dana said. “It was a treat so you’d get it maybe every couple months. So now up here I always have ice cream all the time.”

Despite the sacrifices, being on the

boat meant being able to make their own schedules.

“It was kind of on your time, so you could do school for an hour and then go into town,” Dana said. “One time we didn’t have school for six months, but then we had to catch up on all our school work.”

When they weren’t doing schoolwork, doing maintenance on the boat, or meeting the locals on land,

Dana and Fletcher had a lot of time to themselves.

“I surfed, went spear-fishing or scuba diving, [went on] long beach walks or hikes,” Fletcher said. “I fished a lot. We caught some big mahi-mahis and wahoo fish.”

All the extra time grated on Dana’s nerves, however.

“I got super bored,” she said. “I read a ton of books and reread books, so I know some books by heart.”

Fletcher remembers feeling somewhat isolated from other kids, which was a negative element of the experience for him.

“It wasn’t a very social life because there weren’t always boats [with kids] around,” Fletcher said. “So really I just had my sister to be friends with.”

Despite not having friends or extended family to spend time with, the experience has brought the family closer together than ever before.

“I definitely know a lot more about my family than probably most people do,” Dana said. “It was practically sharing a room for four years. I’m probably closer to my brother than most people are.

We tell each other everything and we’re really close.”

The exposure to different cultures and ways of life in the world has been priceless. Meeting native Spanishspeakers and being surrounded by the language has improved Fletcher’s Spanish skills.

“I think it’s a very enriching experience,” Spanish teacher Emily Longiaru said. “He’s in AP Spanish Language, and now it explains how openminded he is, about all the culture.”

Dana’s friends see that her experience has affected her lifestyle.

“I think that it’s made her more willing to try new things,” sophomore Paige Detwiler said. “It makes her really fun to be around.”

Living on the Desiderata was an amazing experience for the McConnell family. It strengthened their relationships, provided cultural experiences, and most of all gave them the freedom to go wherever they chose.

“It was just cool to make our own decisions and where we’d want to go,” Fletcher said. “We could just look at a map and say, ‘Oh, this looks pretty cool.

Let’s go there.’ I hope to do it again someday.”

To learn more about Fletcher and Dana’s story, visit their blog at www.sv-desiderata.com.

Cooper Gee

Feature

8

December

THE

Celebrating Their Meghan Lumsden

The ELD graduation ceremony in June brings the program together to celebrate

G

raduation is always an emotional and triumphant time. But when students have not only reached graduation but have also mastered a new language, an even more profound sense of accomplishment is in the air.

While most students are in class taking final exams and finishing up the year’s work, the ELD students are also attending a special ceremony to honor their graduation. Every June, the ELD program gathers in the theater during fifth or sixth period to hear student speeches, applaud graduates, and watch the end of year video created by students.

“Not only have they accomplished graduation but they have learned to speak English,” ELD counselor Lisa Levario said.

“It is nice to see that all of their hard work has come to a positive end.”

Teachers, administrators, and parents listen as students speak.

“The students speak about their experience and how it’s been as an ELD student, encouraging the other students to continue on,” Levario said. “They all share a similar life experience. It is more intimate.”

Sheltered American Government teacher Angie Groseclose spoke of her emotions during this time.

“It’s very inspirational,” Groseclose said. “It’s full of a lot of pride and recognition. They come from all over the world and they’re here because they want to learn English and become educated.

Who wouldn’t get inspired just by that?”

ELD students have to overcome numerous obstacles to get a diploma, but their commitment is strong.

“They want to learn; they want to get an education,” Levario said.

While some of the students choose to return home and some stay in the United States, they all have plans for the future.

“We try to make plans for all of them,” ELD III and IV teacher Matt Cunningham said. “That’s another issue socially, that people don’t expect them to go to college.

But they all have have a plan. This group is remarkable this year.”

Although this celebration is meaningful for the students and ELD faculty, few students on campus even know about it.

“I don’t think anybody is quite aware,” Cunningham said. “They’re pretty fluent, and they came with nothing. It is a remarkable achievement. They’re great kids.”

Club president Isabel Albino saw the need for outreach After being in the program as an underclassman, senior Isabel Albino knows that the ELD students aren’t as connected to the campus as other students.

“When you are in ELD you’re not involved in school, you don’t come to the games, you don’t come to anything because you feel like you’re not going to be able to [say] ‘Oh can I get a ticket?’” Albino said.

Albino was motivated to create the ELD club to help students become a part of campus life. Setting up their own table at the food fairs is one of the ways in which she has been working to involve her peers in campus activities.

“We have been selling food in the food fairs, so that [keeps the ELD students] involved in the school,” Albino said.

The club is also trying to coordinate a college trip to motivate the students.

“ We are trying to go on a field trip to UCLA and Long Beach because the message is to get to higher education,” Albino said. “If we give an opportunity to the ELD students to go to specific schools, they are going to be like ‘oh I want to go to this school.’”

While college visits may be a regular occurrence for most upperclassmen, Albino expressed that this is not always to case for the ELD students.

“ELD students never see the colleges or anything, and if they do they will be like ‘I want to go. I want to do this’,” Albino said. “If not, who is going to tell them to go?”

Unfortunately, many of the ELD students aren’t participating in school activities.Through the ELD club, Albino hopes to help encourage the students to become more involved in the campus life.

LANGUAGE D

A look inside the lives of English language learners

H

igh school. The unending battle to fit in. What to wear. How to act. What to say.

Teenagers in this society are constantly struggling to find their place. Now, imagine trying to do so without the ability to speak the language of those around you. This is the challenge that the students from all corners of the world face as they enter the English Language Development program.

“They want to be seen as any other teenager no matter what language you speak or what country you come from you want to be seen as everybody else here,” ELD counselor Lisa Levario said.

When the students enter the district, they are placed in one of the four levels according to their English proficiency.

“There is a test that they take when they come in and it’s the [California English Language Development Test],” Levario said. “That test determines their level of English placement.”

The program’s levels range from I-IV. In order to give them academic proficiency, ELD I and II

teacher Catheri her students w basics.

“We start l in a lower lev alphabet,” senio student Antonio Through th efforts, some start in the lo able to advanc take College Pr “The goal o is for our stude program,” Leva students start o II and by their s can go into regu The te administrators i program are do to help and en students.

“Ms. Clo

“It is kind of a group on cam remarkable pe they’ve overc that we certai face.”

Matt Cu

*Quotes translated from Spanish by MavLife staff w

Isabel Albino

I

Chase McAllister

sabel Albino has been in the United States for four years since moving from Mexico. She was in ELD II when she for started at La Costa Canyon and is currently taking AP Literature.

After realizing how different education is here than in Mexico, her ideas about it changed. She used to have college. no idea what she wanted to do with her “Then I want to go to a law school. I life, but now she has plans for the future. want to become an international lawyer,” “I knew I wanted to have a career, but Albino said. it was just like a dream,” Albino said. “In Albino is Mexico everyone currently working has a dream, but “Now I want to show to the on her college we don’t even people that didn’t believe in me, applications. know what it is.”

“I applied to When Albino that I can do it.”

Long Beach, Chico began high school, Isabel Albino and I am going to she was in ELD finish my applications II. After telling for UCLA and UC Berkeley,” Albino said. her teachers that she wanted to go on “I’m doing private schools, so I want to to college, they told her that she would apply to Harvard and Washington.” need to take college prep classes.

People from Isabel’s community “For tenth grade I wanted to switch told her how she didn’t know enough out to have regular classes so that I would English, but she was able to overcome know how hard it was,” Albino said. “It that challenge. was one semester of ELD IV and then I “I realized some day I’m going to transferred to regular classes.” know [English], and they won’t say Albino took English 11 last year and anything,” Isabel said. “Now I want to decided to take AP Literature this year in show to the people that didn’t believe in order to challenge herself and prepare me, that I can do it.”

Aziz Alsaleh

F

Chase McAllister

or many students, home is only a few minutes drive from campus. For senior Aziz Alsaleh, home is thousands of miles away. He is from Saudi Arabia and lived in Denver, Colorado before moving here. This is his second semester at La Costa Canyon and he is currently in ELD IV. Coming “I live with a host family and my from a country ranked as one family lives back in Saudi Arabia,” Alsaleh of the worst for human rights, he speaks said. “For the first year it was really hard. of the privileges he has noticed here.

I was new here. But now I get used to it.”

“In America you have a lot of freedom, O n e like freedom of change he had “In America you have a lot speech,” said Alsaleh. to get used to “We don’t have was the food. of freedom, like freedom of that freedom in my Although he country. Also in prefers how speech. We don’t have that America is freedom some food is of religion. My made in his freedom in my country.” country is always home country, Aziz Alsaleh Muslim.”

Alsaleh thinks Alsaleh will other foods are take with him the done better the American way. knowledge of the differences in the “The food is different a little bit here,” governments of the United States and Alsaleh said. “The steaks and hamburgers, Saudi Arabia when he returns home to no way! Here is better. I like it. But the pursue a career. rice and chicken, I think we’re better.”

“I got to experience about the For the all-American hamburger American law,” said Alsaleh. meal, he has one place in mind.

“In-N-Out, totally,” Alsaleh said.

DEVELOPMENT

PROGRAM

s

Molly Mineiro Staff Writer

ine Close starts with the very

like one would vel [with] the or and ELD I o Vicente said.* heir remarkable students who ower levels are ce quickly and reparation. of the program ents to exit the ario said. “Some off in ELD I or senior year they ular English. eachers and involved in the oing all they can ncourage these

ose

Feature

December

and

Mr.

an invisible mpus. They’re eople and come obstacles inly don’t

unningham

Cunningham are doing all the heavy-lifting,” ELD administrator Bjorn Paige said.

“They are just outstanding, working with the students every single day, in and out of classes. They are incredibly dedicated teachers. I am here to support them.”

ELD III and IV teacher Matt Cunningham pointed out senior Isabel Albino’s experience as a ELD student.

After beginning high school in ELD II, she began taking college preparation classes the second semester of her sophomore year. She is now in AP English Literature.

“She is the model,” Cunningham said. “That is what we would like to see happen.”

Unfortunately, there few students on campus that are aware of this group of individuals.

“It is kind of an invisible group on campus,” Cunningham said. “They’re remarkable people and they’ve overcome obstacles that we certainly don’t face.

They have a lot to offer. When you get to know them they are remarkable people.”

9

ELD students forced into unsheltered classes

I

magine La Costa Canyon with only 450 students. That’s about 80% less than the approximately 2,200 people currently enrolled. This is the case of the English Language Development (ELD) program, which has shrunk dramatically over the past few years.

ELD is a program that helps supports students who are learning English while also mastering regular content classes

Meghan Lumsden

like math and science. While each of the of the words that you’re using to explain a four ELD levels once enrolled roughly concept, so you have to work on vocabulary 260 students, the entire program is now building.” comprised of fewer than 50 English In addition to social studies, other learners. sheltered classes that are now reduced “Our population to small groups within has shrunk to the point “I sometimes understand regular classes include now where we just and sometimes I don’t. I Biology and Earth don’t have as many and Space. Freshman ELD students as we communicate with what I Benjamin Mercias is in once had,” ELD I and II know.” level I of the program teacher Catherine Close recently moved to Benjamin Mercias and said. “I have five in ELD the area from Chile. He I and seven in ELD II.” spoke of the difficulty in As the program taking classes with English shrinks, the ELD students who remain feel speakers. the effects.

“I sometimes understand and “It affects it a great deal,” ELD III and sometimes I don’t,” Mercias said. “I IV teacher Matt Cunningham said. “First of communicate with what I know. It affects all, the kids don’t have as much of a voice. me being with English speakers because I They don’t have don’t understand.” * as many choices in Teachers and classes.” administrators are In previous working to provide years, English the education the learners have been students need in sheltered classes despite how small the that teach the program has become. same curriculum services that Matt Cunningham Some as regular classes used to be part of (Biology, World the program include History, Algebra, etc.) while incorporating an ELD Coordinator who oversaw all of vocabulary and language development. the students’ needs, bilingual aides who ELD students are now placed in small would assist in ELD and sheltered classes, clusters in standard college prep classes and a trained vocabulary support coach with native English speakers. who would help math and science teachers “[In my class there is] a cluster of ELD improve students’ language skills in their students and within that there are seven sheltered classes. All of these features have students who are ELD,” United States been cut.

History teacher Paul Giuliano said. “That’s “It’s not the same program that we been a challenge for me to figure out. You had, but we are doing our best,” ELD can’t assume that students understand all counselor Lisa Levario said.

“The kids don’t have as much of a voice. They don’t have as many choices in classes.”

Meghan Lumsden

*Quotes translated from Spanish by MavLife staff writer Ana Diaz.

writer Ana Diaz.

Belen Castillejos

F

Chase McAllister

or Belen Castillejos,transitioning out of the ELD program is one of her first priorities. Even though she has learned a lot, Castillejos is looking to begin taking college preparation classes in the upcoming semester.

“I want to try eleventh grade English and psychology,” Castillejos said.

“He had that Castillejos is currently enrolled in dream.

That’s why he is trying to level III of the ELD program. She moved accomplish that.” from Tijuana, Mexico Castillejos almost four years thinks that the ago. Her brother, ELD students Juan, graduated from should be reading La Costa Canyon last the same materials year. as the other Like her English students. brother, she plans to “They should attend college after put us to harder Belen Castillejos graduating. things, kind of “I want to go to a the same things regular college,” Castillejos said. “UC San that kids in regular English are learning,” Marcos or Chico State or UCLA.” Juan is currently at Mira Costa Castillejos said. “We should be trying to studying to reach his goal of becoming a read the same kind of books.”

However, Castillejos is still grateful doctor. He is considering transferring to for the program.

UCLA. “I’m pretty happy that I’m learning “Since he was a kid he always wanted things through ELD,” Castillejos said. to help people and cure them,” Castillejos “They’ve helped me a lot.” said.

“I want to go to a regular college, like UC San Marcos or Chico State or UCLA.”

Victoria & Alexander Lenander

A

Chase McAllister

n occasional visit to IKEA is probably the most connection to Sweden many students have.

For freshmen twins Victoria and Alexander Lenander, Sweden was there home before they moved at the end of summer. They are both in ELD III. “In “We lived in Sweden for nine years,” Sweden you don’t Alexander said. “It is very different from take six subjects; you take I think it’s here. People are thirteen subjects,” much more nicer Victoria said. “I here.”

“In Sweden you don’t take went to one of the Even though biggest schools and Alexander found six subjects; you take I think we were seventhat southern hundred. In Sweden C a l i f o r n i a n s it’s thirteen subjects.” it’s a big school.” are nice, the Alexander Victoria Lenander transition was recently made the challenging for freshman soccer his sister and him. team. He is glad to have the opportunity “It was hard because I had so many to play in a school team, instead of a club friends in Sweden and I didn’t know team as he did in Sweden. anyone here,” Victoria said.

“In Sweden we don’t have a lot of However, having each other makes a sports in school, so this will be the first difference. time playing in-school soccer,” Alexander “First we didn’t have many friends, said. so I could talk to my sister at break,” Still, Victoria and Alexander don’t Alexander said. feel at home.

The have both noticed differences in “It doesn’t feel like home here,” the schools here regarding size, subjects, Alexander said. and sports.

love

“I that MiraCosta College is focused on my

transfer goals and has an Honors Scholar Program,

which has helped me stay on track to to my dream school!�

transfer

Kelly DiMarco

Carlsbad High School graduate and MiraCosta College Honors Scholar student

Cardiff / Oceanside / Online www.miracosta.edu

facebook.com/miracostacc

760.757.2121

December

Feature

11

Bridging the Gap Between Cultures

Students with foreign born parents must navigate multiple worlds

S

Devon Whitlam Staff Writer

tudents on campus have families from every corner of the world, from Russia to the Philippines, from Syria to England. Such families came from other countries and ended up in San Diego for a variety of reasons. Many came to America looking for the “American Dream” of better schooling and a better future.

“My mom came here for better job opportunities,” junior Molly Naudi, whose mother is from the Philippines, said. “She became a nurse here.”

Other families fled to escape wars and seek the safety of America. In the process they gave up everything they had ever known to make a better life for themselves and their families.

“When my dad and his family were on vacation in London, Saddam [Hussein] started the Iraq and Iran war and lowered the drafting age to seventeen,” junior Laila Al-Shamma, whose father is from Iraq, said. “So my dad left his family and went straight from London to America to avoid being drafted. He didn’t see his family again until he went back with my mom after college.”

The families brought their culture and traditions along with them. Many students celebrate holidays most Americans have never heard of, such as the Brazilian holiday of Carnival, in which citizens wear masquerade-

Vicky’s parents came to America from Brazil when Vicky was in the third grade. Vicki still keeps in touch with her friends in Brazil.

Tanner’s dad came to America from Japan in 1972 and hopes to also visit Japan on his Mormon mission.

Rebecca Zilberman

themed costumes and attend public street parties and that since parades. their parents “I was born in Abu Dabi [the capital of the United didn’t grow up in America, they don’t Arab Emirates] and we lived there for a little bit, then understand what it’s like to be an American teenager, we moved to Brazil,” sophomore Vicky Monteiro, whose especially when dealing with school work. parents are both from Brazil, said. “I was in third grade “School wise my parents have no idea what I learn,” when we moved here. Now we watch [Carnival] on TV.” Monteiro said.

Students whose families have come from different Many parents who were raised in other countries countries often have a have high expectations for their different selection of food children. But mostly they just “My dad left his family and went for dinner, than just hotdogs want them to take advantage of and hamburgers. the opportunities their children straight from London to America to “We have Suki Yaki, a have living in the United States.

Japanese family meal,” junior avoid being drafted. He didn’t see his “She encourages me to Tanner Taguchi, whose take advantage of my education family again until he went back with father is from Japan, said. because [in the Philippines] my mom after college.”

“We eat buckwheat, beef, they don’t have the exact fish cakes. It’s delicious.”

I have,” Naudi Laila Al-Shamma opportunities Growing up with said. parents who are from Many students who have another country means families that come from other some things are literally “lost in translation.” countries are proud of their cultural background. They “Sometimes they have trouble with euphemisms,” are also proud of what marks them and their families as junior Caroline Orleanskaia, speaking of expressions being different than just American. that have a hidden or culturally-based meaning. “Also, in “I have a British accent,” sophomore Ross Hamilton, Russian we don’t say ‘take a shower’ or ‘take the bus.’” whose parents are both from England, said. “It’s slowly Along with the language barrier, some students feel fading but I want it to stay because I’m proud of it.”

Ross’ parents and him came to America from England in 2000. Ross was 11 when they moved and they frequently visit England.

Molly’s mom speaks two different dialects from the Philippines, Tagalog and Ilokano, and came to America from the Philippines in the 1980’s.

Laila’s dad came to America from Iraq when he was 17. He came to America to escape being drafted in the Iraq and Iran war.

Caroline’s parents came to America from St. Petersburg, Russia in their late twenties.

Orleanskaia speaks fluent Russian.

Photos by Chase McAllister

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Del Mar: 2683 Via de la Valle, Suite E • 858.755.5564 Encinitas: 204 N. El Camino Real, Suite G • 760.479.2442 Carmel Valley: 12925 El Camino Real, Suite AA1 • 858.794.7033 (Del Mar Highlands - Below the movie theater)

10 x 7

Sports

12

December

Fall CIF Wrap Up Girls volleyball and cross country teams bring home CIF titles

T

his year’s fall sports saw their share of peaks and valleys over the past three months.

While the girls volleyball and girls cross country teams brought home CIF championships, the football, boys water polo, boys cross country, girls tennis, girls golf, and field hockey teams finished with winning seasons, but were not able to get the satisfaction of becoming CIF champions.

The girl’s volleyball team earned their ninth CIF title in a row this season, beating out Canyon Crest Academy in the title game.

“Throughout the

Kara Gibson Staff Writer season, even when we lost, everyone on the team just kept a positive attitude and encouraged one another,” senior Mackenzie Gomes said.

The football team had a winning season with seven wins, and four losses, but players are still in shock over their 33-34 loss to Valhalla in the CIF quarterfinals.

“It was tough to lose, but now we have to look forward to next year,” junior linebacker Andrew DeMarco said. “We have to prepare differently and have more focus.”

LCC won eleven CIF championships last year and it looks like this could

be another banner year for the Mavericks. The cross country girls team added to this year’s title count.

“Earlier this year a lot of our runners were injured and it’s just great to be back together again, especially when we win,” senior cross country runner Kelly Lawson said.

The fall sports teams have packed up their uniforms and are already looking forward to the 2013 season, while the winter team rosters have been finalized and practices are underway.

Girls volleyball and cross country have helped continue the winning tradition.

Mavericks Shred T the Slopes

Students get ready for this year’s winter snowboarding and skiing seasons Hunter Klawans Staff Writer

he winter season has arrived and students are ready to hit the slopes.

After the seven month wait, they are eager to brush the dust off their snow gear.

“I have been snowboarding since I was nine years old,” junior snowboarder Tristan Alvarado said.

Snowboarding and skiing have gained popularity with thousands of teens around the country, with some starting at a young age.

Megan Mineiro

The girls cross country team huddles up with coaches Bill Vice and Taylor Hindle before the CIF meet at Morley Field in Balboa Park on November 17, 2012.

“I went up with Roosevelt Middle School and my friend was part of their ski club and his dad was head of that club,” sophomore skier Wyatt Boyd said.

Mountains like Mountain High, Big Bear Mountain, and Mammoth Mountain are highly popular for students at to visit.

“I visit Mammoth Mountain the most and I have a cabin there,” senior snowboarder Gage Wilson said.

Alvarado caught on to snowboarding in a way familiar to many.

“I learned from skateboarding and it just kind of transitioned pretty smoothly into snowboarding,” Alvarado said.

Most mountains opened up in November and the season will fly by in an instant, so students try to snowboard as much as possible. “[I will spend] 150 days out of the year in the mountains and about

80 days snowboarding,” Wilson said.

Lucky students have the privilege to leave California and visit other popular mountains around the west coast.

“My favorite mountain I went to was Brian Head in Utah,” Boyd said.

Some students enjoy the freedom snowboarding brings.

“You get away from everything that is going on in the world and you get to express yourself on the mountain,” Wilson said.

Sports

December

13

Cosy Burnett

Senior Jeff Van Dyke, who sustained a concussion while playing basketball, completes a daily symptom questionnaire.When his symptoms all return to 0 (indicating no pain), then he can be cleared to play. Once he does resume play, he will continue to fill out the questionnaire until trainer Sam Villa determines that he his healed. All athletes that sustain a concussion must follow the same protocol.

Athletes Cope With Concussions Continued from page 1 but again she lied to her coaches and parents.

“I had a big tournament that weekend and I couldn’t miss any more games,” Robbins said.

During that tournament came the final blow. Robbins collided with another player and lost consciousness.

This time, Robbins couldn’t lie her way back onto the court. She was pulled out of school and put on complete cognitive rest: no school, no volleyball, no life.

“I just sat in a dark room, no phone, no TV, no computer,” Robbins said.

When June arrived, Robbins was ready to play. With much hesitation from her parents and coaches, Robbins returned back to life and to volleyball.This time, however, she was forced to wear a black and red helmet during practice and games.

Although Robbins is a very unique and serious case, concussions can cause serious harm to anyone if the proper precautions are not taken.

During this past fall season there have been 30 reported concussions to the La Costa Canyon athletic department, most of them coming from the freshman football team.

“They don’t have the neck strength yet to support them when they get hit hard and they are all trying to prove themselves because it’s their freshman year so they go at it hard,” athletic trainer Sam Villa said.

Villa acknowledges that there have been a high number of concussions than in the past, but notices that athletes are more cautious now about staying safe.

“Kids have a higher awareness of the risks of having a concussion and are more willing to report it,” Villa said.

In the training office lies a thick binder stuffed with current concussion patients files. Once someone has been diagnosed with a concussion, Villa will hand them the concussion packet. It must have a doctor’s signature verifying to Villa that the patient has been professionally seen. It is only then when athletes can begin the “returning” process. The degree of the concussion will determine how long that process will take.

One of athletes listed in the concussion binder is freshman football player Michael Rice. He was able to recover in time to play in the last game of the season.

“I was going up the middle and I got laid out by the middle linebacker,” Rice said. “I blacked out, felt dizzy, and had a headache for a week.”

However, not all concussions are from football.

Megan Nolte, a sophomore on the varsity field hockey team, suffered a concussion this past season.

“During one of our games I was trying to guard the ball and I smacked heads with another girl,” Nolte said. “I lost my breath, felt dizzy, and was called off the field. My symptoms were really mild but Sam told me to keep an eye on them because they could get worse. I woke up the next morning and my headache was a lot worse.”

Nolte took the precautions Villa told her to and refrained from playing, but felt resistance from her

parents.

“My mom was surprised at the diagnosis,” Nolte said.

“She didn’t want me to miss anything, and as a family we didn’t know how to go about it.”

Reluctance from parents to keep athletes from returning to the playing field is not uncommon.

“It’s not because parents don’t have the child’s best interest at heart,” Villa said. “They just don’t have the information,” Villa said.

It is often the case for the parent to make the push for continual play rather than the coach or player themselves, but Rice’s parents took a different perspective.

“My parents were upset when I got my concussion because I got hurt,” Rice said. “They didn’t want me to play football in the first place and they were very concerned.

My parents were super strict with me coming back [to play].”

People often forget that concussions not only affect athletics but academics as well. If symptoms distract school performance, then time must be taken off in order for the symptoms to subside.

After missing the last two months of school at Francis Parker, Robbins returned to the classroom at LCC. Despite her best efforts Robbins went from being a straight A student, to getting Ds and Fs. “I didn’t know what was wrong with me,” Robbins said. “I wasn’t Jordan Robbins remembering anything. My parents even studied with me to make sure it wasn’t me just not trying.”

She met with a neurologist and visited the Scripps brain injury center for weekly cognitive therapy. She had been diagnosed with post-concussive syndrome (PCS), which resulted in short-term memory loss. She also had second impact syndrome (SIS), an extremely rare traumatic injury which occurs when an athlete sustains a second blow to the head when symptomatic from the first. The second hit does not have to be severe to cause damage.

Robbins was placed on a 504 plan for her schoolwork.

The 504 is for students who have certain medical or other circumstances that significantly affect learning. It assists students by giving them accommodations like more time to take tests or to turn in homework.

But for Robbins, even a 504 can’t change what’s happened.

“I will always be the way I am now,” Robbins said.

“It’s sad to know that this happened by playing volleyball,” Robbins said.

Despite what’s happened, Robbins will have the opportunity to play for the UCLA Bruins volleyball team next year.

But looking back, Robbins thinks about how her life would be different had she not pushed herself into playing injured.

“I risked my life for that one game,” Robbins said.

“I would sit out five years of volleyball to save what happened. No match is worth it.”

“I risked my life for that one game. I would sit out five years of volleyball to save what happened. No match is worth it.”

Chase McAllister

Junior Fritz Eibel jumps for the tip off in the team’s 71-50 win against Mira Mesa on December 5, 2012.

Basketball Season Tips Off Team hopes to carry on last year’s success Emily Schacht Staff Writer

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fter reaching the numerous. The loss against state championship at Archbishop Mitty in the the end of the basketball state championship game season last year, there is a was an unfortunate ending lot of enthusiasm coming to a strong season. That from the team going into game ended with a score this season. After two very of 78-57 and gave the important players, David team an overall record of Travers and Matt Shrigley, 34-3. graduated last year many “We’re speculators wonder if the underestimated this year team can carry on the because nobody knows success they created for what we can do, or what themselves last season. we’re capable of,” senior “Having them gone Sachrison said. has a good and bad effect,” Cassaw, however, junior knows Fritz Eibel “We graduated four what his said. “They team is taught us capable seniors and we need so much. of in the They taught some new guys to step 2012-13 the players season. taking their up.”

“I positions David Cassaw believe everything that this they need team to know.” has a chance to be really Despite the loss of special,” Cassaw said. two critical players, coach “They have all worked David Cassaw is confident very hard and deserve that his returning players success.” will be able to step up and The Mavericks tipped become leaders. off their season with a win “We graduated four against the Poway Titans seniors and we need some and the Hoover Cardinals. new guys to step up,” With the mark left Cassaw said. “We have on the program last year, Jeff Van Dyke and Kyle the team this year has Sachrison who I believe something to prove. can lead us this year.” ”I wouldn’t say the The achievements pressure is higher, but the last season were standard is,” Eibel said.

Entertainment

14

December

Chase McAlllister

Left to Right: Juniors Paige and Emily Galloway and juniors Nick and Sean Theriault are two sets of twins on campus.

LCC Students Are Seeing Double

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Dani Tomassetti Staff Writer

wins are often viewed as strange marvels and rare occurrences. So naturally, when one meets a twin, questions are going to be asked. When investigating what it is truly like to be a twin, I found answers that I wasn’t expecting.

“As a twin you have a special bond with a person--it’s not quite the same as having a sibling a different age,” junior Emily Galloway said. “Having a twin with you is like always having a best friend.”

I had been under the false impression

that twins communicate telepathically, switch places and all the other magic we hear about the twin phenomenon.

“We’ve only switched places one time this year,” junior Nick Theriault said. “But it didn’t really work because Sean can’t speak any Japanese.”

Likewise, the Galloways found it challenging when they tried taking on their twin’s identity.

“We switched places once, at a golf lesson,” Emily Galloway said. “But it didn’t work well because Paige is a lefty,

Being a twin has its perks

and I’m not.”

However, stepping into your sibling’s shoes for a day is not all fun and games.

“It was funny until I realized that he [Nick] had to present something, so then I switched back,” junior Sean Theriault said.

So it’s safe to say that having an identical partner-in-crime doesn’t always work out.

Deciphering which twin is which can be no walk in the park when you’re face to face with both.

“I get called Paige a bunch, probably

ten times a day,” Emily Galloway said. “I used to mind, but people have been doing it for 16 years so I guess I’m used to it.”

Twins are known to have not only matching physical features, but wardrobe choices as well.

“Our mom dressed us alike until we were in like third or fourth grade, and then my dad finally put his foot down,” Emily Galloway said.

All of this shocking info seems to be adding up, I suppose twins aren’t really aliens at all.

The Trendy Mav

Bundling Up for the California Snow Cooper Gee Staff Writer

BoysWinter Fashion

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ou know winter season has begun when you hear the jolly holiday tunes come on the radio, and see the little kids forced to sit on Santa’s lap. And with winter comes the cold, and we all know what that means: sweater time! With H&M stocking their shelves with new winter items, and the countless fashions engraved in the tradition of winter, here are a few tips for the guys.

First things first, the essential part of a guy’s winter outfit is the versatile cardigan. These semi-sweaters come in so many colors and give your complete outfit a dash of classiness. Pair cardigans with jeans, preferably skinny, that DO NOT clash with the color of your cardigan, as this could completely ruin the coordinated look you are trying to achieve. Underneath your basic cardigan, a v-neck T-shirt always looks best, as it adds an element of symmetry underneath the opening of the cardigan.

Here’s where the true creativity comes in: the socks. Why not celebrate this holiday season with a pair of Santa socks? If you can find a pair of truly

Avoiding ‘The Brain Flu’ Diagnosing this winter’s most contagious illness

Kota Nishiguchi Staff Writer

festive socks and a sweater or shirt that matches, then go for it! Socks are the article of clothing that always have a potential to add character to your look.

Next, the part of your winter outfit that ties everything together is the shoes. Let’s start by giving one key recommendation: anything by Hawkings McGill will do your outfit a favor. His designs range from the extra-formal leather boot, to the much more versatile oxford, giving you a choice to fit almost any style that you desire.

If you feel you still haven’t fulfilled your winter dream yet, there is one beautiful solution: behold the wingtip shoe. Complementing almost every outfit, and even adding a heavily profound retro look, the wingtip printed shoe can sway any ordinary outfit into one that will make heads turn.

So this concludes the holiday season’s tips for guys, but before you make your final decision on your outfit, always keep this in mind: “Am I rocking the hipster look?” If the answer to this question is yes, then you’re golden.

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s winter break approaches, students will be increasingly vulnerable to seasonal illnesses. It’s suggested that students receive flu shots. However, there will be one strand of flu that will not be protected by the average vaccine.

Every year, approximately 95% of students are exposed to this flu in the two weeks of winter break. This is the same flu that 100% of students catch during the two month summer break. Academica influenza, or “the brain flu,” will attack students’ minds and drain most, if not all, of what students have learned in school.

Imagine a lemur. The lemur, dressed in holiday cheer, crawls into your ear hole and into your brain. Merrily, the lemur

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Ingrid Kim Staff Writer

he weather reports are no longer favoring upper 80 degree temperatures, tanning by the beach, and ice cream for lunch. It’s officially time for the ladies to transition their summer wardrobe into winter layers. The sudden drop in temperature calls for a new compilation of this season’s hottest styles.

There is only one phrase that comes to mind as Starbucks reintroduces its holiday drinks and neighbors decorate their houses with Christmas lights: sweater weather. The perfect and ideal time has come for us to start pulling out warm knits from the dusty depths of our closets. A sweater is the ideal clothing piece to throw on when the weather outside is too cold but the need to look cute still resonates. Sweaters with scarves, sweaters with boots, and sweaters over skirts. The combinations are endless. What’s not to love about sweater weather?

Even if your closet can’t provide 365 different clothing items, there are various ways to create unique and distinctive outfits. How? Accessories.Yes,

pulls the drain on all of the academic knowledge gained within the last ten months of school. This lemur’s name is Academica influenza (gasp).

Symptoms of “the brain flu” include: forgetting the difference between abiotic and biotic factors, the time periods of each ancient Chinese dynasty, the year of Bacon’s Rebellion (1676, by the way), where you sit in all of your classes, what water symbolizes in “Crime and Punishment,” the formula for the area of a sphere, what your fifth period teacher looks like, and pretty much everything you’ve learned in a classroom, ever.

Students should not call up their “homies” to go out of the house to play.

GirlsWinter Fashion

we’ve all been through that awkward phase of piling on too many bracelets and a necklace that doesn’t match. Forgive and forget those past fashion crimes.

Which accessories are the most coveted this time of year? Collar and chain necklaces. Dress up a minimalist look with a statement necklace and you’re ready for a night out. Circle scarves are great for complimenting a basic outfit, beanies are convenient and perfect when having a bad hair day, and print leggings are a subtle but stylish way to spice up a less than ordinary ensemble.

The one item every girl should have in her closet is not her little black dress (LBD) but a leather jacket. Investing in a nice leather jacket will save your life. Really. Next time you mindlessly walk past this key item in your favorite store, don’t forget to pick one up. Fur is another must have for the cold weather.

If you’re vegetarian and salads are the only thing your diet consists of, you can still rock these trends. The answer to all your problems-faux. Faux fur, faux leather, faux sure.

This viral illness is contagious, and “chillin’’” will surely spread the brain flu.

If a guy asks a girl out on date, the girl should run away in terror, as the brain flu is a STD, socially transmitted disease. If a student participates in anything remotely fun, he or she is at risk for contracting Academica influenza this winter break.

Researchers encourage students to avoid academic influenza by quarantining themselves in an empty room devoid of “fun,” reading textbooks cover to cover, and only eating sugarless oatmeal, preferably cardboard flavored. Please stop the epidemic of Academica influenza and have a dull, boring break.

Entertainment

December

15

The Hungry Maverick The quest for the perfect holiday pie

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he air is crisping, the leaves are falling, and goods are baking in the oven. It is time for cookies, gingerbread, and Santa, and most importantly: pie.

Grandma’s pie and homemade crust fresh from the oven may sound like the

Stater Bros.

1048 N El Camino Real Encinitas, CA 92024 Trader Joe’s 115 N. El Camino Real Encinitas, CA 92024 VG Donut and Bakery 106 Aberdeen Dr. Cardiff, CA 92007

Holiday Gift Ideas Natalie Engel Staff Writer

most appealing option. However time isn’t always on your side. So this month, MavLife staffers conducted a blind taste test to determine where to buy the best apple pie.

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ou’re there all the time, bustling into Best Buy or getting a new pair of running shoes at Sports Authority. However, sandwiched between these two shops is a store you may often bypass;Stater Bros.

So take an adventure into the pastry isle where you can pick up our choice of pie

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fter battling the parking lot sharks and walking through the sliding doors of Trader Joe’s, you will pass the fresh cut flowers leading to the pastry section. The apple pies found here were “surprisingly underwhelming.” The majority of MavLife staffers were not

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he salted sea breeze fills the air as you walk into VG Donut and Bakery. With the array of long johns and jelly-filled doughnuts, you may not notice the pies that lie within all of the common pastry confections. Although these pies proved to be our least favorite, those who chose VG’s

Mom

Maybe you’ve already noticed mom in the kitchen, baking those little sugar cookies with the printed snowmen on them. But have you noticed her ratty old apron, or grimy rubber dish washing gloves? A colorful, patterned apron and cute pair of dainty rubber gloves to replace the old yellow ones may be just what she needs.

Check out Sur La Table, a kitchenry store located in the Forum, or Queen Eileen’s down on the Coast Highway 101 for some glam gloves.

Santa’s Not the Only One Coming to Town Observing the chaos at annual holiday get-togethers

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Alex Visser Entertainment Editor

h Yes! I can’t wait for Aunt Nora and Uncle Jim to pull up in the driveway in their teal minivan with my two calm and collected cousins. Mason, age four, screams and runs straight to the trampoline, while Abby, his nine year-old sister, barges in and greets me with a voice so loud that I often question whether she is wearing a permanent iPod earphone in each ear.

This is just the beginning of the holiday cheer. As more and more relatives flood through the front door, the conversations I overhear become increasingly more interesting. Uncle Jim, the “inventor,” has sadly once again trapped a relative, this time the lucky winner was my grandma, in the corner and told her about his infatuating new cat bed creation. Not to mention, Uncle Jim is the only Jewish member of the family, yet he has enough Christmas lights covering his house to be seen from space.

On the other side of the room, Uncle Willy and Uncle Dex engage in yet another heated argument over whether organic or pasteurized milk is ideal. I sit back and observe these people I love so very much, but I can’t help but wonder how we are related.

After the appetizers and drinks have been served, it is finally time for the highly anticipated holiday meal. We all sit

down to pray, and after some quick banter over whether it is pronounced A-men or Ah-men, it is time to dig in. Although I’d really like to serve myself some of Nana’s pumpkin bread, I just hang back for a few seconds because I know my brother Luke will be all over that thing before I can even lift a finger.

At first, the discussion is focused on informing each other about what has been going on since we were last together, but then mysteriously manages to shift to a harmless and casual political debate. First it’s just Aunt Anita and Uncle Willy, then Papa joins in, and before you know it, we have the entire electoral college at the dinner table. I get up and take a “bathroom break” until Grandma finally brings out the dessert and the conversation fizzles.

Dessert! Yes! I made it to the best part of the night. Although I still feel slightly awkward sitting at the “kids” table when I am seventeen, it does have its perks. We get the pie first, and I’m like, “yes, this party’s rockin’ yes!”

Although some relatives may be a little quirky, Christmas dinner never fails to be full of memories to look back on. Only a couple of weeks left ‘til I see that teal minivan roll up and I know I am about to embark on a holiday adventure full of surprises.

Jennie Barnes Asst. Entertainment Editor

for only $3.95. “There was no competition - [Stater Bros.] is the best. It had the best, light flavor with a hint of cinnamon, crunch, apple, and perfect crumbly crust,” sophomore Cassandra Cyphers said. Plus it’s a great deal!

Ellen Reidy

fans of these pies, though there were a few strong advocates. “There was a good amount of spices and I loved the apples,” senior Riley Medina said. This pie came in second and also had the second best price at $6.99.

Ellen Reidy

chose it with the verve of a Belieber. “The apples were juicy and full of flavor...an explosion of flavor. The clove was incredible,” sophomore Claudia Mathews said.

Surprisingly, the least desirable was also the most expensive at a price of $9.99.

Ellen Reidy

Dad

Dad is always trying to find something to fix even if it’s not already broke. He may be needing some new tools or supplies to give him a helping hand. Home Depot is always a good go-to when searching for items like a new drill gun or tool box.

Or, is Dad not much of a handyman?

Maybe he’s a big sports fan. A jersey with his favorite player’s name on the back could be a good way to go, or even a new box of golf balls. Sports Authority will most likely suit your needs for his gift.

BFF

Best friends want you to show some love and appreciation, too. Whether it’s clothing from their favorite store, or their favorite DVD, they’ll be happy that you went for a more personal touch this year. For something a little more meaningful, putting photos together in a collage is always a sweet gesture. A nice frame is a respectable addition to this thoughtful gift. Just be sure to not use photos that are too embarrassing, or your BFF may not show off your hard work.

MavLibs: The First Rain Grab a friend and play a game of MavLibs

Jennie Barnes Assistant Entertainment Editor

As the ______ falls on campus students begin to ____ towards the ______. verb

type of precipitation

They want to protect their _______ from the _______. The shrieks ring around location on campus

part of the body

same precipitation

campus as girls and boys alike place their ______ over their heads. With the first noun

rain, students __________ look to Principal ____________ to tell them if they adverb

name of person in room

will be going to _________ that day. When students find out they won’t be going after school activity

to practice their emotions range from ____________ to _____________. The descriptive phrase

descriptive phrase

first rain also signifies the time to wear your ___________ because it is going to type of clothing

get chilly. Students are sure to pack their ________ in their bags just in case it noun

begins to ______________.But the rain really signals to everyone on campus that precipitation

it is the end of ___________ and time to prepare for _________________. season

holiday

Because it is almost time for winter ___________.

thing you are looking forward to in December

Back Page

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December

December Horoscopes Aquarius:

Jan 20-Feb 18 You have a lot of things going on in your life right now, and it is getting hard for you to keep them all straight. The best choice for you is to make a list, plan out everything that you have going on, and be sure to get everything done--it will make you more stress-free.

Gemini:

May 21-Jun 20 Your best friend is your quick wit, but be sure not to rely on it this month. Watch your words because even if you don’t mean for it to happen, what you see as a joke may not have the best timing this time around.

Libra:

Sep 23-Oct 22 You are studious and dedicated with a love of fine art and books. But be sure to have fun this month. With the end of the year coming you don’t want to leave 2012 with any regrets.

Take the leap--falling is a part of the fun.

Pisces:

Feb 19-Mar 20 Even if you don’t always feel like it, you can light up a room. Be sure to have fun this month--go to the parties you are invited to and make new friends.You are a great addition to anyone’s life because of your contagious smile and positive attitude.

Cancer:

Jun 21-July 22 You are a bright and friendly person, so don’t be afraid to let that show.

The people around you would love to see you sing while you walk around, or listen to you talk about that show you love. It is your passion for things that draws them to you in the first place.

Scorpio:

Oct 23-Nov 21 You are everyone’s best friend.

People enjoy your companionship, and you like theirs as well. Be sure to stay positive as the clouds cover the campus. It has become hard for you to stay the happy person that you are, so be sure to keep your chin up and keep a smile on your face.

Aries:

Mar 21-Apr 19 You love to use your creative mind, but with all of your school pressure you haven’t had time to really enjoy yourself. Make something this month. It could be a Christmas present for someone or an ornament for your tree--whatever would make you happy.

Leo:

Jul 23- Aug 22 You enjoy looking for new things to love in life, and this holiday season let that be a new CD perhaps. It is time for you to head over to your local record store and ask for a suggestion. Even if you aren’t sure at first, you could be holding your new favorite album in your hands.

Sagittarius:

Nov 22-Dec 21 Love: it’s what’s on your mind.

You aren’t sure if you should take a chance and tell your crush that you like him or her. But with the year coming to a close, now is the time to enter 2013 with no regrets, because knowing is always better than not.

Taurus:

Apr 20-May 20 You don’t often express yourself to other people, but it has been weighing on you heavily this month.

Be sure to put what you can in your rearview mirror, and what you can’t, tell someone. A shared burden is lighter than one carried on your own, and your friends are always there to help you.

Virgo:

Aug 23-Sept 22 You are a kind person.You always care for others, and are ready to help everyone and anyone. And even if they don’t express it, the people in your life do notice and appreciate everything that you do. Make sure that you take the winter break to treat yourself as you treat others.

Capricorn:

Dec 22-Jan 19 Loyal and dedicated are two words that describe you. But don’t let that contribute to a downfall. Make the changes that you have been fighting for: leave your bad relationship, or ask out the person you have had your eye on. This year is yours--be sure to do what you want with it.

Teacher vs. Student: Jill Lax vs. Cory Morris Teacher and student square off in a battle of trivia and pancakes Jennie Barnes Asst. Entertainment Editor

Question 8. The Old Globe Theatre burned down during a production of which play?

Lax: Macbeth” Morris: “Hamlet”

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ophomore Cory Morris faces his English Teacher, Jill Lax, outside of her classroom to battle on behalf of their peers.

Another tough question.The correct answer is “HenryVIII,” resulting in no points for either side. It isn’t looking good for Morris.

L: 3 M: 0

Question 1. Who is the top selling artist on iTunes of all time?

Lax: Adele Morris: Sign

Question 9. The US Olympic team’s uniforms were made in which country?

Lax: I would have to hope US, but it’s probably not. China?

Morris: China

An unexpected turn, neither Morris nor Lax knowing that Taylor Swift is the top selling iTunes artist. Neither of them make it on the board in the first round.

L: 0 M: O Question 2. The Amanda Bynes movie “She’s The Man” is based off of which Shakespeare play?

Lax: “Twelfth Night” Morris: “Romeo and Juliet” Of the many things that Romeo and Juliet are known for, girls dressing up like men is not one of them. I guess Morris missed reading “Twelfth Night” (the correct answer) in eighth grade.With this, Lax scores the first point of the game.

L: 1 M: 0 Question 3. What is the longest word in the dictionary?

Lax: Antidisestablishmentarianism Morris: Pancake An ambitious guess, but surprisingly there are words longer than pancake in the dictionary, and the one that takes the title of longest word is in fact, antidisestablishmentarianism. Lax takes a substantial lead with her second point to Morris’s zero.

L: 2 M: 0

Photo by Jennie Barnes

Sophomore Cory Morris and his teacher Jill Lax battle over “Crime and Punishment”

Question 4. What is the longest word you can type on the top line of a keyboard Lax: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Morris: Pancake And pancakes strike again! Is it possible that Morris forgot to eat breakfast before school? No one gets a point for this question, as the correct answer is, appropriately enough, typewriter.

Let’s see if Morris can get on the board with this next question.

L: 2 M: 0 Question 5. The word lanyard comes from the old French word meaning what?

Lax: Necklace Morris: Rope Morris is getting closer than he probably thought.The correct answer is noose. Both Lax and Morris do not earn a point for this question.

L: 2 M: 0

Question 6. The Japanese Ambassador gave 2,030 of what to the USA during William Taft’s presidency?

Lax: Cherry Blossoms Morris: Willow Tree Lax is getting her third point of the game, knowing that it was Cherry Blossom trees.

Morris needs to pick it up if he wants to tie the game.

L: 3 M: 0 Question 7. The phrase “Where’s the Beef ” is from which fast food company’s commercial?

Lax: Burger King Morris: Burger King And no one gets a point with this question.

Ironically, the iconicWendy’s commercial featuring this line first aired on January 10th 1984, and came out around the same time Burger King was trying out the catch-phrase “Where’s Herb” which, although similar, never made the same fame.

L: 3 M: 0

With this question both sides get a point. After much controversy during the 2012 Olympics, it’s unlikely that American uniforms will be outsourced again. Morris gets his first point.

L: 4 M: 1 Question 10. You have thirty seconds to name as many “Harry Potter” books as you can.

Whomever has more will get 2 points.

Lax: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” “Harry Potter,” “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” “Harry Potter and the Phoenix.”

Morris: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”

Final Score L: 4 M: 3

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nd the match comes to a close. It was a well fought battle, but in the end Lax takes the crown with 4 points to Morris’s 3.