MavLife March 2011-2012

Blue, Green, and Gold

Paging Dr. Bracket

Grant Goodstein offers tips for your NCAA basketball tournament bracket. Read more to find out who will be cutting down the nets.

The Hungry Maverick invites students to participate in a smoothie tasting during the February lunchtime Food Fair.

Opinion

Sports

Entertainment Page 23

Claudia Mathews voices her opinion on why she chose to go to LCC over another high school.

Learn more about the benefits LCC has to offer.

February 2012

Page 4

Best Smoothie

Page 17

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

Volume 6 Issue 3

Breaking Down

Barriers After three years, Challenge day has made a come back at La Costa Canyon

C

Ana Diaz Staff Writer

hallenge Day has returned to LCC after four years. On February 13, 14, and 15, over 300 students were gathered in the gym to participate in this emotional event.

Challenge Day is a program where students participate in breaking down social barriers at their schools. The last time the program was held here was during the 2008-2009 school year. This year, the program lasted a total of three days; students, staff, and even a few parents took part in this event. Principal Kyle Ruggles didn’t want just students to participate.

“The Challenge Day mission

is to provide youth and their communities with experiential programs that demonstrate the possibility of love and connection through the celebration of diversity, truth, and full expression,” Dr. Ruggles said.

At the beginning of the day, facilitators lead students in fun games in order to help everyone become more comfortable interacting and trusting their fellow participants.

“The music definitely started it off; it made us know each other and talk,” junior Sierra Fredricks said.

Continued on page 8

Academic Team Buzzes In LCC prevails in televised Academic Bowl Karlee Fuller Staff Writer

F

ive students sit behind a large desk plated with the title “La Costa Canyon.” They eagerly anticipate the questions of a host, then ferociously hit their team buzzer in an attempt to be the first student to utter an answer. This is the typical setting of an Academic Team debate.

“It’s fun, if you like Jeopardy,” senior Nik Gorishek said.

The regulations of the academic league are simple.With 35 running minutes on the clock, the host asks toss-up questions from a wide variety of topics. Anything from typical subjects such as math, English, and science, to more obscure topics like current events, are all fair game.

“The questions are basically about everything,” Gorishek said. “Music and art questions are asked too, and those are things you don’t learn in school, so it’s challenging.”

Either team has the chance to answer a toss-up question for a point.

If the team that buzzes in first gets the toss-up question right, they are then asked a bonus question worth three to five points. Bonus questions can be Photo by Karlee Fuller discussed as a team, but the captain The Academic Team readies for the spotlight in the ITV studio at the February 21 competition. must read the answer.

“Being the captain, you have Left to right: Seniors Nik Govishek, Bryan Chiou, Kevin Yei, Nathan Cohen, and Daniela Hattman. a certain degree of responsibility,” of pride at our school,” Giuliano said. “The challenge that comes along with the game, senior Kevin Yei said. “The pressure A Team can be just as exciting and just as but seem to also enjoy the social aspect of is on you to get it right.” being on a team.

The team practices once a week with adrenaline-filled during a close match.”

Giuliano also sees merit in being a part “My favorite part is getting to hang out Varsity coach Paul Giuliano and junior varsity of such a unique extracurricular activity. with my friends and compete at the same coach Doug Heflin—both of whom are “It reflects what school is supposed to time,” Gorishek said. enthusiastic about the academic league (“A be about, high academic achievement, and Team”) for more than just the opportunity combines that with the thrill of competition,” Continued on page 9 to answer hard questions.

“Sports here at LCC are outstanding, Giuliano said.

Like Giuliano, the players enjoy the and everyone knows that—it’s a great source

Editorial

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

M

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

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

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

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

Advertisements do not necessarily represent the newspaper’s views.

@MavLife

www.facebook.com/lccnews

Mar.

Be The Change D

uring three consecutive days in the month of February, students, teachers, staff members, and parents gathered in the gym to share in the games, tears, and camaraderie of Challenge Day. The program, which aims to break down barriers and celebrate the diversity of individuals, offered students the opportunity to address issues such as stereotypes, cliques, and intolerance.

The editorial board of MavLife commends the work of Challenge Day facilitators, the administration, and the student members of the Be the Change Club for bringing the program to LCC. The indescribable impact on the lives of those lucky enough to be selected to participate will undoubtedly serve them for years to come.

Nevertheless, we recognize that not every student was given such an opportunity and, in turn, the benefits of Challenge Day were not fully shared.

The Challenge Day program served 300 student participants in total, only around 12% of the student population, leaving several hundred students excluded and unaware of the benefits of Challenge Day. With its current feeling of exclusivity, many students who did not participate in Challenge Day do not see its value. It may have even inadvertently created more of a “cliquey” atmosphere to the LCC campus: Challenge Day participants vs. non-participants.

Let’s face it, our campus, as well as campuses all around, face the challenges of cliques, judgements, “drama,” and bullying.All these topics

“Spreading the spirit of Challenge Day through everyday actions is the first step in uniting the campus community.”

were dealt with during Challenge Day, ultimately leading each participant to realize that “things don’t need to be this way.”

Upon speaking to a group of participants, all agreed that the event drew them closer to fellow classmates; revealing personal, even surprising details about one another. Challenge Day served as an intimate bonding experience for virtual strangers as well as students who had known each other for years.

But with the event priced at $3,200 a day for a maximum of 100 teens per day, it would be nearly impossible for the school to fund the event for each and every student to experience.

So, the real challenge still lies ahead: how do we, as a student community, spread the message and impact of Challenge Day throughout the LCC campus?

First and foremost, those who were honorably selected to participate in the program must take a step of courage — not just for one day, but every day — in order to break down the barriers on campus. Spreading the spirit of Challenge Day through everyday actions is the first step in uniting the campus community.

Students who were not given the chance to participate in the event must be willing to receive the message and be open to carry on the spirit of acceptance. Instead of blaming Challenge Day for the formation of new cliques, students must recognize that they did not need to participate in order to treat others with tolerance and respect.

Letters to the Editor In Response to “I Dare You to Teach Me” (February, Editorial)

In Response to “The Perfect Fit” (February, Entertainment)

Dear Editors, In response to your February Editorial, I believe that you have touched upon a subject that teachers and students alike tend to just accept or ignore— student apathy and the lack of skills being learned to better prepare those apathetic students for the “real world.”

I found myself relating to numerous things you pointed out like sleeping in class or giving teachers that “I dare you to teach me” look, despite the fact that I am taking AP classes and am doing relatively well in them.

What especially interested me, though, was the recognition of the fact that teachers often do choose to accommodate students’ disinterest. It doesn’t help anyone. It creates an even more “don’t care” attitude for students who already don’t care, leading them ill-prepared for anything past high school.

As for the teachers, they’re making a habit for themselves of not teaching. A teacher not teaching... oxymoron, isn’t it?

So, you acknowledge the problem of apathetic teachers apathetically teaching apathetic students. But now what? I propose you to do something about it. As the newspaper, you influence the thoughts of students and teachers.

Zander SanFilippo (11)

Dear Editor, I’m writing in response to Meg Shepro’s piece titles “The Perfect Fit.” I thought it was really creative and humorous. After reading the article, I looked around my class and noticed how much a shoe does express one’s personality and thought it was cool that you mentioned well-known teachers on campus.

Vanessa Klosterman (11)

Dear Editor, I appreciated the editorial piece, “I Dare You to Teach Me.” However, I believe the problem of lackluster classes is more widespread than you addressed. It is not just college prep classes that lack interesting curriculum that makes students want to participate. I’m in several AP classes and I feel that so often all they merely consist of is busy work and the actual relevant part of the class might as well be online. I believe all the classes at our school need a jolt if excitement.

Megan Good (11)

In Response to the February Horoscopes (February, Entertainment) Dear Editor, I love the horoscope bit. I just have a minor issue with it. Most of the kids in my class didn’t know what sign was theirs. By putting what signs begin and start with certain days may help cover confusion in a simple way.

I also wouldn’t mind seeing some comics, whether they’re done by students or found online.

Breyana Pearlman-Green (9)

In Response to “The Wild Side of Formal Planning” (February, Entertainment) Dear Editor, I really enjoyed the entertainment section with the piece on Formal, “The Wild Side of Formal Planning,” by Cameron Gurley. I found it very funny and so true! It was quite enjoyable to read and I know a lot of people found it amusing. When I got my copy of the paper, multiple people told me to look at Cameron’s page first. Well done!

Jordan Robbins (11)

Letters to the Editor

Mar. Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I am responding to Will Jones’s piece about the motivation of students. I agree with you, for the most part.

I definitely think that the GPA system corrupts the process of learning, in a way.

But I don't think that this is the high school’s fault. I think that colleges are the ones motivating students to get the highest grades possible. And I don't think that grades directly reflect students’ academic strengths. I think teachers should grade students based on their academic potential...I believe the roots of this “false motivation’” is through colleges and their “expectations.” Getting good grades is overpowering students’ true potential in actually learning!

Julian Rundle (11)

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

In response to “Motivation for All the Wrong Reasons” by Will Jones (February, Opinion) Dear Editor, I was surprised at what a negative reaction [Will Jones] had to the Renaissance program. Programs like it have worked fairly well in other schools and do encourage good grades in a world where that is very important.Your GPA accounts for 25% of what colleges look at when considering you, so while learning is important (and if you are getting a 4.0 GPA, you’re probably learning SOMETHING), GPA is just a part of high school and a few treats will not cause students to go into a panic, but simply be a reward for all their hard work.

We worry and stress and stay up all night working for grades to get into college, not for a discounted dance ticket. It would be awesome to go to school and worry about learning rather than your grade point average—to be able to enjoy life a little more and not have to stress so much about grades. But, we do. So, why not once in awhile, get a little treat for our hard work? I don’t think that there’s anything sinister about that. If at the end of all our stress and heartache, we have a great GPA and a little recognition from our school in the form of fun rewards, we would all benefit from that.

Chloe Hetlinger (11)

Dear Editor, I really enjoyed the article on the Renaissance program.

I strongly agree with the writer’s opinion. I don’t think there needs to be any more incentive to raise grades in our school—the pressure is already high enough. I think this increases the pressure to cheat, which is a really bad outcome and goes against the goal of the program.

I think students will feel uncomfortable with this system if they have a challenge that prevents them from doing well in school. This will also make high achieving students feel uncomfortable when receiving rewards around friends with lower GPAs. Students and teachers need to speak out against this program.

Blair Middlebrook (11)

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presented with more tangible short term rewards for their efforts, such as food, they tend to become more motivated.

In addition, when a student needs to raise their grade they know copying homework will lower it. Because tests are worth more than homework, and if they haven't practiced the material during homework assignments, they will get a bad grade on the test and possibly the class. The people with good grades know to study not to copy.

Sarah Lutz (11) Dear Editor, The point raised in Will Jones’s piece “Motivation For All The Wrong Reasons” struck me well. I agree 100% with his opinion that the administration rewarding students with high achieving GPAs is more destructive than constructive.

As a student who would benefit from the Renaissance system, I don’t aim to criticize it because the last thing students need is another outlet for stress and talk. I can hear it already: students saying “what level are you at”? “Are you Gold”? “How much did you pay for your formal ticket?”

The last thing students need is another grade-oriented topic to worry, stress, and brag about. The writer did a good job painting the downfalls of the system. It was a harder position to take, but I think he tackled it well.

Garrick Gama (11)

Dear Editor, I am writing this as a response to “Motivation for all theWrong Reasons” by Will Jones. I was upset that he seemed to portray everyone with good grades as cheaters, writing, “when the goal becomes the grade students tend to cater their efforts to the goal. Copying homework, plagiarism... become a risky, yet effortless way to be successful.” He also says the rewardbased system won’t be effective for unmotivated students.

However, when students are

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Opinion

4

Becoming a Mighty Maverick

Mar.

Why one student chose to be a Maverick over a Mustang

Claudia Mathews Staff Writer

E

ver since I moved to San Diego, I’ve recognized LCC as the high school I wanted to say I was going to. The mascot, the school spirit, and definitely the football games, were just some of the things I was looking forward to as an incoming freshman. But even though I really wanted to go to LCC, I was told by multiple people to keep my options open and consider SDA as well.

Academically, SDA’s block schedule makes college applications superior as you can earn 80 credits per semester versus LCC’s 60.

Instead of each class taking a full year to complete, its duration is only a semester. However, I feel that you wouldn’t be able to understand the class fully as there wouldn’t be enough time to digest and cover concepts completely. So although at SDA you get more credits per

semester, that doesn’t guarantee higher grades.

Teachers at LCC, on the other hand, have more time to fully explain the concepts so you can build on them in later courses.

Based on that criteria, I thought that LCC was the better option.

Since college applications are somewhat based on high school grades, it’s the student’s job to get the best grades and the most credits they possibly can. So although more credits are offered at SDA, I felt like I could really balance out my high school experience at LCC while earning 60 credits per semester.

Then there’s the fact that at SDA, in my opinion, one does not get the full high school experience.

For example, when it’s football season, you can always find an abundance of SDA students at the LCC home games. As they have no football team and can’t go to any games on their Friday nights, the SDA students who seek football come to LCC. I feel football games are really beneficial to high school students because they provide students with a time and place to “get lessons” on how to be social. No classroom, and no teacher, could teach you that and that’s why the experience

of a football game can really help the social aspect of a high school student’s life.

Football games are also good for people who need to hang out with their friends on a Friday night.

I am definitely one of those people who can’t stand to be alone on the weekend, so Football games are a definite must that I would never give up.

Another factor I had to take into consideration was location.

SDA would be a solid 30 minute drive to and from school and the daily commute would definitely prove to be a challenge. But LCC, on the other hand, is a three minute drive and a 10 minute walk, making it accessible. I knew there would always be an occasion where I would need to drive home and get something or have one of my parents drop it off for me.

LCC also has multiple programs that are exclusive in the district, such as the tutoring program, which is a valuable resource to all students who need help on homework or to study for an upcoming test. No other high school in the San Dieguito Union High School District has a tutoring program and for that, LCC has one more reason it’s so special!

The Mavericks also host many

#1 LCC ation istr m g e R For

Illustration by Brenna Lyles and Raquel Zilberman

activities that are super fun and encourage campus participation such as Senior Tag Out, Dodgeball tournaments, Mav Fest, Movies in the Meadow, multiple Pep Rallies, and the carnival before Homecoming.

Making the transition from middle school to LCC was somewhat

of a challenge, but I am 100% positive I made the right choice.

La Costa Canyon is a positive campus environment where I am learning new things on a daily basis.

Between the sports programs, the curriculum, and the location, LCC was the perfect high school choice for me!

Letters to the Editor (cont.)

To conclude I feel that maybe students should actually In Response to “I Don’t Know But I’ve Been pay attention when speakers come in and know what they Told: Confusion Surrounds ASVAB Exam” are doing before they do it. Do some research, ask some

by Kiana Jackson (February, News) Dear Editor, I personally cannot believe the school would go to this extent to do this. By not telling the students that the [ASVAB] test was military related, they have violated the trust that parents and students have in this school and administration. This is a place of learning, not a military recruitment office.Those who want to join the military can join if they want to. But having the administration not let the enrolled students or their parents know in unbelievable.

They tried to bring this around with good intentions but it had the opposite intended effect. Please take this seriously.

Chris Brown (9) Dear Editor, I noticed that the cover story was about the ASVAB and how many students were blindsided by the fact that it was a military recruitment test. I had the complete opposite experience.

I didn’t take it. However, I knew what it was about.

As the name implies, Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, it is an armed services test. Now, I don’t know if people just tuned out when the speaker came in or what happened, but I know that after he came in I knew exactly what it was about.

I also feel that people are taking this too seriously.

They are reacting like a rebel insurgency came in and gave them a recruitment exam. It is just the military from the U.S. government taking inventory on potential recruits. It isn’t like they are going to force you to do anything based on your results.

questions. It won’t kill you.

Jake Le Mons (11)

In Response to “Extra Cushion or Easy Convenience” by Rebecca Zilberman (February, Opinion) Dear Editor, I really enjoyed the article on extra credit, “Extra Cushion or Easy Convenience?” I liked how [Rebecca Zilberman] got multiple opinions from different teachers.

If a student wants to go above and beyond, spending their time and effort for some extra credit points, teachers should let them.

There are always going to be a few very hard test questions, “Brainfarts,” lapses by accident with homework.

Extra credit helps a student recover from a stupid mistake, rather than seriously affecting your grade. This especially applies in AP classes, when some teachers do not curve tests with a very low average. It is a college level class in high school that should help you with a little bit of leeway.

Some teachers just need to warm up their hearts and help the students out. A student’s grade should reflect their effort in a class and how much they learned. Not whether they understood the trick test questions.

Cole Tudor (11)

In Response to “Students AskWho’s It Gonna Be: Romney, Gingrich, Santorum and Paul Compete for the Republican Nomination”

by Megan Mineiro (February, News)

Dear Editor, I really liked your paper’s piece on the Republican nominations. It is good that you are bringing light to the fact that this is an election year and although many of our seniors and some juniors will be able to vote, not all are familiar with the candidates or even the issues. It’s good that you are letting the student body know about the upcoming election. I urge you to write more about the upcoming election and have them be more opinionated on which candidate is favored.

Monica Eslamian (11)

In Response to “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” (February, Opinion) Dear Editor,

I’m a response to the article “A Dream is a WishYour Heart Makes,” written by Ali Madurowicz. I loved this article, and everything she mentioned about high school was true.

I also believe that it’s a “vicious cycle where everyone is trying to impress everyone else for the wrong reasons.” I think it was great to include her opinion on high school, because I know that many people can relate, including me. It’s nice to know that others have the same views and I hope other readers can understand and learn more about how others view high school. I also enjoyed the part about everyone having a dream and what parents expect from their kids in school. It’s difficult, but Ali proved that you really can accomplish your dream. This article was really well written and I wish Ali good luck on her cruise.Thank you for writing this.

Lexy Solomon (11)

Mar.

Life of a High School Introvert

Opinion

A look beyond a common stereotype

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The CATCHER in the RYE a novel by J.D. SALINGER

Jenny Barnes Staff Writer

I

t’s homecoming: everyone is dancing; who is focused on their own thoughts and lights are blinding; everyone is shouting feelings.” and whooping and hollering. I want to I feel it is important for people to know run. It is all just overwhelming. There are what an introvert is because it is so easy for people literally everywhere. Reaching for us to be written off as moody, or shy, but that me, talking at me. People I don’t know and is not the case. It is possible for people to be probably never will, are much too close to content with simply sitting on their own. me for my comfort zone.

I think that it is important that people I look up and see a gigantic blow-up realize that just because someone is sitting slide, something I would have killed to get in the library reading a book does not mean to the top of when I was little. But that that they are sad or lonely and you do not was before there were people crawling all need to bother them. You do not need to around it. I seek the take it upon yourself solace of some quiet “I feel it is important for to attempt to “cheer place, someplace where them up.” They most no one could breathe people to know what an likely are just fine on on me. their own. introvert is because it is so I retreat to the It is not important stairs, dim and busy easy for us to be written off for the label “introvert” as they are. It is one as moody, or shy, but that is to affect how you look place that I know no not the case. It is possible at someone. Introverts one will care about me. can be good and bad From these feelings, for people to be content with people, just like any it would be easy to simply sitting on their own.” other large group of characterize me as an people.And considering that introverts make introvert.

I don’t see anything up about 25% of the wrong or different about being an introvert. American population (according to Jonathan In fact, I rather like them. They are easier Rauch of The Atlantic), it is quite likely that for me to be around and easier to relate to. I everyone will encounter a good-hearted love people who are fine with just sitting and introvert and a bad-hearted one. reading a book with a little bit of company; Introverts are people who, when given talking is not strictly needed to have a nice the option of a group study session or studying at home in their room with flashcards, favor time together.

If you’re curious about what an introvert being alone. Introverts are the people who is, according to Oxford American Desk feel like they do their best work on their Dictionary, an introvert is “a shy, quiet person own and would rather talk with their friends

Check out our improved website,

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Illustration by Raquel Zilberman

one-on-one than have a group conversation.

Introverts are not really known for And just because someone is an introvert going to after-after-parties. In fact, one and does not feel the need to stand on a soap party could be good enough for us, if we box and shout her ideals, it does not mean go to any at all. that she will be forever overlooked in favor “Introverted people aren’t bothered by of her extroverted counterparts. Some well social situations,” Louis Schmidt, director of known introverts include Mother Teresa, the Child Emotion Laboratory at McMaster Bill Gates, and President Barack Obama.

University said in a recent Time article.

A common misconception about “They just prefer not to engage.” introverts is that they are reluctant to meet Introverts are not as easy to identify as new people. In most cases, we (introverts) people may think. We are not all sitting in are considered to be shy simply because we, the corner in a little black hooded jacket as CBS journalist Jeff Glor refusing to talk to other states, “prefer a smart, quiet people. conversation.” As opposed, “Introverts are not According to Rauch, for example, to thumping as easy to identify as you know someone is an introvert if he or she is a in a club and or socializing people may think.We at a cocktail party where person “who loves quiet are not all sitting in you can’t move. conversations about feelings The school experience the corner in a little or ideas, and can give a of an introvert is quite a dynamite presentation to bit different than that of black hooded jacket a big audience, but seems an extrovert. For instance, refusing to talk to awkward in groups and when my math teacher says other people.” maladroit at small talk.” the phrase “group quiz,” I Also, you may regard cringe. I do not want to introverts as being “aloof ” have any of my work be or hard to reach no matter dependent on someone else. I would rather how much you reach out to them. do poorly on a quiz and have it be my own And contrary to common belief, being fault than have other people be responsible an introvert is not something that you just “knock-off ” or “grow out of.” It is a part for my grade.

That feeling of just wanting to work of who you are as a person, like being a on my own is just one sign of an introvert. brunette. And you can try to hide it or Another sign of being an introvert is that change it by dying your hair red. But being after going out into society, even if having and introvert is who you are. And I, for one, a good time, I want nothing more than to wouldn’t change it for the world. plop into my bed and go to sleep.

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Opinion

Mar.

7

Privileged or Punished?

Student athletes don’t get special treatment

Anthony Fregoso Staff Writer

A

od s o G ade Gr

s a football and lacrosse player, I recognize that a typical get even less time to do their work. stereotype of high school athletes is that we get special For the students who don’t play sports, they go home treatment and extra attention on campus. However, from and can start on their homework right away and continue experience, I know this perception is completely wrong. working as long as necessary. Athletes, on the other hand, have to go to an after school workout often before they In reality, we are treated no differently than our peers.

Some of the special treatment that students think can go home. athletes get is with teachers.

Fur thermore, there They think we get extra time really is no special treatment “For the students who don’t play to do assignments and that they received on days when we have take it easy on us if we have a sports, they go home and can start a game after school or an game or practice, or even that event. Assignments are on their homework right away we are graded easier because still due by the due we have less time to do assigned and continue working as long as date indicated for all work. All of these stereotypes students in the class. necessary.”

The thought that are completely false and seem we are “cut some slack” ridiculous to me. when we have a game First of all, the idea some have that we occasionally get extra time to do class assignments makes no sense to me at all. Not only do we have to do is completely false. The fact is, students who play sports the same homework, but when we are excused early for a

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Time to spring forward!

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Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour on March 11th!

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Remember: AP Exam Registration is coming up.

The AP Test Service will be on campus during lunch and after school on Friday, March 2, and Monday, March 5 to accept personal checks.

The deadline for “Regular Registration” is March 14. Each test is $103.00.

Prices increase by $17 after that.The deadline for fee reduction requests is March 12. Bring a completed form and your money. Checks can be made out to AP Test Service.

Check out www.2012aptests.com for more information.

game, we also have to make up the classwork.

In addition, to make it even more of a challenge, we don’t receive all of the explanation on the classwork or homework, and we miss some of the instruction that all other students receive in class.

Finally, I have overheard students say that we are graded easier because the teachers think that we have to stay up late to get the work done or we have less time to do the work. However, teachers don’t know when their students do the work, or how long it takes them to do it. Some teachers are not even aware of which students are athletes in their classes.

The reality is many teachers don’t care; in fact, some hold athletes to a higher standard.

Most maintain the same expectations for all students regardless of whether they play a sport or not. While some students think that athletes get it easy, I know and believe that we are treated the same as anybody else.

News Mar. Breaking Down Barriers: Challenge Day 8

Continued from front page

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hile many activities are fun, others was designed to help the other members of are more emotionally charged for the group look past how that person acts in the participants. One of the more intimate the every day world. activities included the “cross the line” “This activity made me think that you exercise. In this activity, a facilitator reads may think you know someone’s life story, off certain situations or but you have no idea,” circumstances to the group “After [Challenge day], senior Hunter May said. and if the situation applies The entire program to someone, he or she I look at people diflasts around 6 ½ hours. would cross the line.These During that time students games helped people open ferently. I know their discovered that they have up to their classmates and stories and I have an more in common with their realize that they were not peers than they previously idea of what they’re alone. thought.

“After this, I look “The activities made going through. It made you open your eyes and at people differently,” see how people are doing me think twice before freshman Emily Darling in their life,” sophomore I judge someone.” said. “I know their stories Maddy Hamala said. and I have an idea of what Emily Darling they’re going through.

“It made you focus on everyone else instead of It made me think twice yourself.” before I judge someone.”

Another exercise involves joining a The goal of Challenge Day is to bring “Family Group.” During these groups, people together to understand each other students are placed randomly into groups of and to perhaps become close friends with five to seven people they wouldn’t regularly people they’ve never met before. At the associate with. Each group includes one adult: end of the day, many participants did feel a teacher, parent or other staff member. differently about their peers and almost Starting with the phrase “If you really couldn’t get enough. knew me, you would know that...,” each “If I could change one thing it would group member is given exactly two minutes be to make it longer,” freshman Pierce to share any life detail he or she wants.This Harrington said. “I wanted it to last.”

One general but very important rule school year, and so on,” Dr. Ruggles said. established at the beginning of the day is The Be the Change club help put this that what is said there, stays there. This program together. They worked with Dr. helps students feel secure when it comes to Ruggles and Ms. Woods to be able to have sharing their personal experiences. challenge day happen.

“I was very thankful for students being “We help put a list of people who we comfortable enough for thought could benefit from them to open up,” English this program. Junior Alex teacher Erika Wanczuk “I was very thankViser said, “ We also helped said. “It reminded me of ful for students being ms.Wood choose the days how hard it can be to be a and contact the Challenge comfortable enough Day company.” teenager.”

A c c o r d i n g t o for them to open up. It With so much positive feedback, people wondered Challengeday.org, the program was founded by reminded me of how why we weren’t able to have Yvonne and Rich Dutra St. hard it can be to be a Challenge Day last year. Dr. John in 1987. They both Ruggles made the decision shared an equal passion teenager.” not to have it last year for that in the future, every reasons. One because Erika Wanczuk two child could someday live he didn’t want students to in a world where they felt be taped, and second he felt that the students and staff wouldn’t open safe and happy.

Dr. Ruggles hopes to be able to bring up as much and have the greatest possible back Challenge Day as soon as possible.The experience they could have. school was able to receive the funding for Challenge Day is in place so that anyone challenge day this year through the school can learn to view people as they are, regardless budget, however the program costs $3,200 of the way they dress, talk, who they per day including the traveling expenses; socialize with. the total being over $10,000.

“One Challenge Day is only a little “I’m hoping we can find funding for difference,” junior Noah Lizerbram said.

Challenge Day to be put in for next fall, and “But multiple Challenge Days would be a if not, definitely next February of the 2013 big difference.”

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arch 14 is Pi Day, a celebration around the value, which is commonly approximated to 3.14. According to Mathforum.org, Pi is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter and has been around since before ancient Egypt. And at LCC, teachers try to have fun with the day.

This year, Pi Day will be different by being even more school wide. Instead of the festivities being held in Anderson’s room, it will be in the student center at lunch, where it is “more fun and inviting.”

“For years teachers have had [the celebration] in class,” math teacher Michelle Anderson said. “Last year, we tried to make it a school wide event so that there would

be a positive outlook on the math department and we would have school spirit in math department.”

Activities will kick off the day before.

“On the 13th there will be a pie eating contest at lunch,” Anderson said. “Students will sign up with their math teacher. Anyone who wants to do it gets put in a drawing, and one student is chosen from each teacher.”

Students can look forward to the celebration continuing on Pi Day with a contest in the student center.

“On the 14th during lunch, students will recite the digits of Pi,” Anderson said. “Anyone who wants to do it can.”

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Rebecca Zilberman Staff Writer

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A preview of Pi Day festivities

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News

Mar.

9

Choices, Choices, Choices Academic Team Buzzes In Choice Night attracts hundreds of potential Mavericks Continued from front page

1 Photo by Nicole Walters

Photo by Jenny

sent off to tour the campus and visit four workshop-like presentations.The 20 minute presentations included teachers and students alike discussing all the ways students can get involved on campus.Then students returned to the gym and were treated to a taste of student life from the ASB.

2

Barnes

1. ASB leads eighth graders in a game of Simon Says in the gym before beginning presentations.

3

ers ole Walt

y Nic Photo b

2. Left to right: Seniors Peter Norton, Cameron Gurley, Brandon Nourse, and Danny Birmingham tell incoming students and parents about Comedy Sportz and the Improv. Class.

3. ASB Director Kaitlin Wood (center), and senior Katie Fogolstrom (right) pretend to be incoming freshmen excited to come to LCC as they talk to a crowd of eighth graders and parents.

4. Principal Kyle Ruggles talks to eighth graders and their parents about LCC.

4 Photo by Nicole Walters

“The Biggest Preschooler in High School” Alex McBride celebrates his LeapYear birthday

F

ebruary 29 comes around once every four years. For most, it is a day filled with fun traditions, games, and, for one student, a birthday. Sophomore Alec McBride turned four years old on Leap Day this year.

“I like having my birthday on leap day because it comes once every four years and it makes this day extra special,” McBride said.

Because his birthday only comes around once every four years, on the years in between he is faced with the dilemma of choosing when to celebrate.

“I usually celebrate it on the twentyeighth,” McBride said. “Even though it technically doesn’t count as my birthday, I like to imagine that it is.”

Because McBride’s birthday comes around so rarely, his family makes an effort to go all out whenever it is February 29.

“My best birthday memory was when I turned three, when I was twelve,” McBride said. “I got to go to Disneyland for about four days. It was the best birthday I have had so far.”

This year on McBride’s “fourth” birthday, his family gave him a car to commemorate the rare event.

When asked his feelings on only getting to have a true birthday once every four years, McBride said that he didn’t really mind.

“I get to be the biggest preschooler in high school,” McBride said.

Photo by Karlee Fuller

Left to right: Daniela Hattman, Kevin Yei, Bryan Chiou, Nik Govishek and Nathan Cohen get pointers from coach Paul Giuliano before the match.

T

he team’s most recent match against Pacific Ridge was televised by ITV at the San Diego County Office of Education.

LCC started the match hot with senior Bryan Chiou quickly buzzing in to answer the first question about probability in playing cards.

They then continued to take a steady lead while Pacific Ridge failed to get many of their bonus questions right. “[Pacific Ridge] hasn’t had a lot of experience,” Yei said.

“They were relatively new, but I’m sure they will improve in years to come.”

The team was extremely relaxed on set. Players joked with one other, laughed often, and even came up with a comical answer when asked a question about the small intestine that stumped them. Rather than taking an educated guess, the team

agreed on the reply that “it consists of the beginning, the middle, and the end,” sending the whole studio into a fit of laughter.

“I figured, if we had no idea of an answer and we are on TV, why not take a chance to enjoy it?” Yei said.

The match ended with a 94 to 32 score—a Maverick victory— giving the LCC Academic Team a record of two wins and no losses. Appearing on television didn’t cause A Team members to lose their cool.

“It was really interesting to be in a new setting with a studio, lights, and a camera,” Yei said. “But we played it like it was any other game, and did our best, like always.”

The match will be aired on Thursday, March 29, at 7:00 PM on channel 16 ITV.

“I figured, if we had no idea of an answer and we are on TV, why not take a chance to enjoy it?”

Kevin Yei

Sample Questions: 1. Identify the country where you would find an ancient Easter tradition called “Smingus-Dyngus” — a custom of people pouring or splashing water on each other.

3) Mars

hoice Night, held on March 23, 2012, allowed potential Mavericks to get a taste of what LCC has to offer. The night started off at 6 pm in the gymnasium. Dr. Ruggles and the administration talked to the eighth graders and their parents for 30 minutes. Then students and parents were

2. Identify the title of the Shakespearean play that has the line “A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse.”

3. Name the planet has a diameter of 4,200 miles and orbits our sun every 687 days.

Answers: 1) Poland 2) King Richard the Third

C

Alex Condos Staff Writer

Math Tutor

Sheila Loghmanpour Master of Science in Engineering CBEST Certified

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Cell: 760-815-4314 Email: s_loghman@yahoo.com

News

10

Are You Ready to Pass the CAHSEE?

Mar.

Students reflect on upcoming exit exam Rebecca Zilberman Staff Writer

A

ll sophomores and those who are yet to pass the test will be shuffling into an assigned classroom to take the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) on March 13 and 14. There is a special testing block in the morning, but if needed, students can take the whole school day to finish the test.

However, this year there will no longer be a late start for the freshmen, juniors, and seniors.

“We are not legally able to [have a late start] anymore because everyone needs to have the same number of minutes at school,” Assistant Principal Mark Van Over said.

Administrators feel that the extra time will be beneficial.

“We are trying to make that a useful time for our students and to offer something that we really would love to do that we don’t always get an opportunity for,”Van Over said.

Van Over, who is responsible for organizing the administration of the CAHSEE, explains exactly what the exit exam is.

“The CAHSEE represents what the state says is the minimum that a student should do,” Van Over said. “It is a pretty easy test because we want our students to be able to do more than that.”

The CAHSEE has 80 English multiple choice questions, an essay, and 80 math multiple choice questions. Despite the length of the test, many sophomores agree that they anticipate the exit exam to be easy.

“I think that I am well prepared from going through school,” sophomore Olivia

Illustration by Kiana Jackson

Bogert said. “I heard [from upperclassmen] that it covers basic material.”

According to the California Department of Education, the statewide combined passing rate for sophomores in 2011 was 83% for math and 82% for English. For La Costa Canyon, the combined passing rate for sophomores in the same year was 96% for math and 92% for English.

However, some students are not as confident about the exit exam.

“I feel worried because I really want to get [the CAHSEE] over with and I don’t want to have to retake it,” sophomore Edgar Suarez said.

“I feel worried because I really want to get [the CAHSEE] over with and I don’t want to have to retake it.”

Edgar Suarez

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Some sophomores may not know what to expect from the test because the CAHSEE is not commonly discussed.

“I probably won’t study because I am not sure what to study,” sophomore Tyler Ingel said.

“Teachers have not talked about [the test] recently.”

T h e upperclassmen reflect on the test they took one or two years ago, concluding that it was easy.

“I do not think the CAHSEE accurately represents what we learn in high school because most of [the test] can be passed before we even get in high school,” senior Eric Stern said. “It is a step back and does not test current topics.”

One student explains why he thinks the exit exam is an unnecessary prerequisite to graduate.

“The exit exam doesn’t cover anything outside of the subjects of math and English, making it not a good determinant of a person’s overall academic standing or what they contribute outside of the classroom such as arts,” junior Tyler Leigh said.

If students don’t pass both sections as sophomores, they can retake the exam twice as juniors, and three more times as seniors, if necessary.

Once a student passes one section, he or she does not need to take that section again. If a student does not ever pass, then the student does not get a diploma, but rather a certificate, and can still go to graduation and advance on to college.

“It is good that the state offers the option as a sophomore because if a student experiences challenges with [the test], then it allows them to be able to take it again,” Van Over said.

Not all students find the exam easy, however. Students who are learning English as a second or third language often struggle, especially with the English Language Arts section.

“I was pressured and frustrated because there were a lot of questions [on the CAHSEE],”

senior Mario Mendez said. “I passed my second time.”

Catherine Close, who teaches English Language Development (ELD) for students who are learning English, as well as CAHSEE preparation classes, recognizes that such students work quite hard to pass the exam.

“This is the test they care about deeply,” Close said of her students. “They are overjoyed when they pass,” Close said.

The preparation classes that Close teaches last three hours each and span a period of three days. Students meet with Close on their own time to study for the exam. The first day covers literary terms and figurative language, the second day addresses conventions such as grammar and punctuation, and the third day consists of a practice test.

In the ELD classes, the students also work on skills that will be on the CAHSEE. “I teach intentionally and say, ‘This will be on the CAHSEE,’” Close said. “The textbook in ELD is designed to help with the CAHSEE.” One student argues that the test is unfair, highlighting the drawbacks of the CAHSEE. “The exit exam is unnecessary and, statistically, seems to be racially biased,” Leigh said. “A much higher number of students fail the test due to the English portion. The students that fail this English portion are predominately non-English speaking students.”

However, administrators try to accommodate students who do not speak English as their first language.

“English language learners are able to have the directions to the test read to them in their native language and they are able to have access to a translation glossary, not a dictionary,”Van Over said. “The students are also able to test in a setting with other native speakers.”

H o w students perform on the CAHSEE can have a big impact on the school and the distr ict.

Standardized testing data, including results from the CAHSEE, is broken down into g roups by ethnicity, income, special education status, and English language fluency. If schools do not show enough improvement quickly enough in each of the subgroups, they must go through several steps to address the needs of those subgroups in question.

The district is currently in Program Improvement status for CAHSEE results for English learners.

“We are hoping to see some growth for the sophomores who are taking [the CAHSEE] for the first time who are in significant subgroups because they will help contribute to us leaving program improvement,”Assistant Principal Bjorn Paige said.

“The exit exam doesn’t cover anything outside of the subjects of math and English, making it not a good determinant of a person’s overall academic standing or what they contribute outside of the classroom such as arts.”

Tyler Leigh

Features

Mar.

11

six Mavericks

Five stories

Julia Farrell Scott Baylon Daniel Oepkes Alexis Beery Senior

Senior

Senior

Freshman

A

round La Costa Canyon’s campus there is an air of competitiveness, spirit and Maverick pride, but rarely do we focus on the true culture of the school.To find out what really keeps Mavericks engaged and interested, MavLife found several students on campus who each bring a new talent, hobby, or tradition to the table.

Noah Beery Shelby Wailes Freshman

JuliaSeniorFarrell discovers beauty in words constant disconnect with others, which at times can be extremely awkward. I have been the outsider at times, and I usually feel isolated.”

Gold’s insight echoes Farrell’s personal experiences. He contends that those on the Autism spectrum are affected both inside and outside the classroom.

“So much of classroom stuff can be social, and so much of the world can be social,” Gold said. “And that’s the challenge anybody on the spectrum is going to face as they go through junior high, high school and into adult life, which is how to navigate the social game of life.”

Although she may at times have trouble relating to her peers, Farrell has no trouble with reading and writing.

“One of the hallmarks of Asperger’s is an obsession with something,” Kerri Farrell said. “With young boys, usually it is trains or cars—something mechanical.With girls, it manifests differently. Julia’s obsession is reading and writing. Her brain is wired for reading and that kind of thing,” Farrell’s mother said.

Farrell’s love for books became apparent in her early childhood. According to Julia, it was initially a sense of disconnection with others and pure boredom that caused her to turn to reading as a form of entertainment.

“I moved back from Hawaii when I was eight years old,” Farrell said. “I was alone in my house a lot. I was young and lonely, so I turned to books. I like books. People are hard to connect with, but words are easy.”

It was around this same time that Farrell decided she didn’t only wanted to read stories—she wanted to create them.

“I was so bored,” Farrell said. “My grandma had a computer, and so I decided to try my hand at writing. It was terrible at first, of course.”

It didn’t take long for her to fall in love with the art of writing, and her passion has only grown since her initial attempt at eight years old.

Now, as a senior in high school, Farrell hopes to make a future as a writer, pursuing her talent and taking college level courses in creative writing.

Though she has been published in online writing communities and forums before, she hopes to eventually get a full book published in print. Luckily, she has more than enough support to accomplish these goals.

“Both my mother and older sister are writers,” she said. “My mother gives me a lot of support.”

Farrell’s adoration for literature and her raw talent for writing are apparent to those surrounding her.

“She has a voracious passion for reading and writing and a delightful sense of whimsy with it,” English teacher Lauren Monahan said.

Farrell’s future plans aren’t at all hindered by her Asperger’s Syndrome, and she doesn’t foresee her disorder as an obstacle in her pathway to achievement.

One thing is for sure: Farrell knows her passion, and she knows what she wants to do with it. One day, her name just might be on the cover of a new, glossy hardcover.

Whatever her path in life, Farrell’s mother doesn’t doubt that she will continue to pursue her passion.

“No matter if she can make a living off of it or not, [Julia] will always continue to write,” she said.

“I like books. People are hard to connect with, but words are easy.”

Photo by Hanna Beyer

Senior Julia Farrell loves words and writing.

Hanna Beyer Features Editor

J

ulia Farrell has always had a knack for letters and words. At age four, she tested at the reading level of most six and seven year olds.

“She was reading those ‘American Girl’ books by four years old,” Julia’s mother, Kerri Farrell said.

And Julia hasn’t stopped reading since.

Her love for books has only grown as she’s advanced from beginning chapter books to devouring full-length novels within a matter of days.

But it wasn’t always that way. Up until she was three and a half, Farrell didn’t speak at all. It wasn’t until after attending speech therapy that Julia began to talk; soon afterward her parents realized that she could actually read.

Besides her speech delay, though, other differences in Farrell’s physical abilities and social behavior became apparent. She struggled with fine and gross motor skills and didn’t relate to others in the same way

Junior

other kids did.

After undergoing testing, Farrell was finally diagnosed at age seven with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), or more specifically, Asperger’s Syndrome. Asperger’s Syndrome affects students in different ways. “[The struggles of] Asperger’s Syndrome are different for everybody, and that’s the challenge with it,” Special Education teacher Ryan Gold said. “A student with Autism or any student on the Autism spectrum can struggle with interpersonal relationships or just reading social cues. There is a social pragmatics deficit.”

Because Farrell’s IQ is so high, she meets the criteria of being “high-functioning” on the Autism spectrum. But among those who have been diagnosed with PDD, Farrell is unique.

“A lot of kids who have PDD can get very frustrated, very angry, easily,” Kerri Farrell said. “Julia doesn’t. She is so positive.”

Even with her optimism, Farrell can testify to the challenges that come with Asperger’s.

“There is not an aspect of my life that it does not affect,” she said. “There is this

Julia Farrell

Features

12

Mar.

Shelby Wailes A proactive junior spearheads efforts to fight MS

Photo by Brenna Lyles

Shelby Wailes wears her T-shirt from Pain Busters, a club she founded to battle Multiple Sclerosis.

S

Brenna Lyles Editor-in-Chief

he’s President of Pain Busters, Hospitality Officer for Speech and Debate, a varsity tennis player, a youth art class teacher, and a volunteer for mentally disabled children.

Junior Shelby Wailes has an undeniably impressive resume.

Beginning in eighth grade,Wailes has been organizing groups of friends and acquaintances to take part in Legoland’s annual MS Walk, eventually leading her to start the on-campus club, Pain Busters.Through Pain Busters, she has raised thousands of dollars and organized various charity events towards helping those with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

“We’ve done a variety of fundraising events, including a fundraising bake sale in December where we raised $431,” Wailes said. “We have also been doing some volunteering for

the National MS Society.”

Wailes was initially driven to participate in the MS walks with her family because her mother had battled MS for over twenty-five years. When her mother passed away during her eighth grade year, Wailes dedicated herself to the cause of fighting this disease alongside the National MS Society.

“My mom inspired me a lot because when she was here, she overcame her obstacles with MS, and still did a lot of humanitarian work herself,” Wailes said. “She was just an amazing woman.”

Wailes has not allowed the tribulation of her mother’s death affect her school work or social life, managing to rise above and continue to set high expectations for herself.

“Shelby has strong perseverance and drive to succeed in all her endeavors,” her AP English Language teacher Erika Wanczuk said. “Despite family tragedy, she looks to the future and makes no excuses.”

Wailes has also been involved with Speech and Debate for the past three years and plans to continue on her senior year.

As Hospitality Officer, Wailes coordinates social events for the team.

“I have really enjoyed speech and debate,”Wailes said. “It has been a highlight of my high school career.”

Furthermore, Wailes has competed on the tennis team since her freshman year, holding a spot on varsity as a junior.

She has also volunteered her time to teaching art classes to children at the Boys and Girls Club, as well as mentoring young

mentally disabled children on the weekends. She describes all of these activities as “a lot of fun.”

In the future,Wailes aspires to attend a college where she can continue her humanitarian efforts. However, she assured MavLife that even if these opportunities are not available at her college of choice, Wailes plans to “create [her] own opportunities.”

“It’s really important to me that I stay involved in the community as well as focus on my academics,” Wailes said.

Wailes’s efforts in and outside the classroom have not gone unnoticed.

“Shelby is an outstanding student,”Wanczuk said. “Sometimes people think it just comes naturally to her because she’s just smart, but she works many, many hours of the day. I don’t think people realize how hard she works.”

Academically, Wailes is most interested in physics and hopes to work in the scientific field one day.

Furthermore,Wailes has proved to be both an outstanding student and volunteer, as well as a kind and humble individual. Her friends, classmates, and teachers alike praise her for her compassion toward others and her willingness to reach out to others in their times of need.

“Shelby is the kind of person who doesn’t brag about herself,” Wanczuk said. “Instead, she would much rather celebrate the successes of others.”

Whatever the endeavor, Wailes promises to continue to strive for greatness, living a life that would make her mother proud.

“My mom inspired me a lot because when she was here, she overcame her obstacles with MS, and still did a lot of humanitarian work herself. She was just an amazing woman.”

Shelby Wailes

Noah & Alexis Beery Photo by Megan Mineiro

Alexis and Noah Beery pose together in the meadow.

Features

Mar.

Scott Baylon

13

A look at the founder of Lil’ Mo Productions and Montage Mondays

I

Tara McQueen Managing Editor

t is a sunny day in the student center; everyone is absorbed in their lunch time activities. And there you see an eclectic, artsy student hidden behind a Flip camera, sporting cuffed jeans and a cardigan, while capturing the mayhem that occurs daily on campus. Scott Baylon’s hipster character embodies more than just his movie making skills.

“He’s the kind of guy you have way too many inside jokes with,” senior Chris Novak said. “Where you can have a full conversation with him and it’d be hilarious, but only between you and him.”

Ever since December of 2010, senior Scott Baylon has been using his Flip camera to film everyday student life and share them with friends via Vimeo through his own Lil’ Mo Productions.

Baylon records events on and off campus ranging from “a typical day in the life of a Mormon,” to the chaos of a school football game, to the thrill of the Survivor competition. Baylon incorporates all of this excitement by combining clips of LCC student life into what he calls “Montage Monday.” Every Monday, Baylon uploads his videos to Vimeo, posts a link to his Facebook, and receives abundant feedback for his work.

“I wait every Monday at 8 o’clock for it to come on,” junior Teresa Echols said.

Baylon has drawn from the excitement of his fans and

Scott’s Vimeo Channel See all of Scott’s videos on his Vimeo channel. http://vimeo.com/scottbaylon

“All the supporters push me to keep making [the montages]; I don’t want to let them down.”

video producing. In his free time, he also enjoys skateboarding.

Skateboarding is initially what sparked Baylon’s interest in

Scott Baylon

works to please his audience on a weekly basis.

“All the supporters push me to keep making them; I don’t want to let them down,” Baylon said.

As Baylon’s montages became increasingly popular, Lil’ Mo Productions started producing more montages and covering a wider variety of students activities.

“I started making videos of my friends and got good reactions and everyone wanted to be in it,” Baylon said. “It started off with 20 likes on Facebook and took off from there.”

Some students boast when they are featured in the weekly montages.

“It is the best, most accomplishing feeling to be in them,” Echols said. “When you see your name tagged, you’re just like, ‘Yessssss!’”

Besides inspiration from fans, Baylon is heavily influenced by his faith as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In fact, an entire montage was dedicated to depicting the life of a Latter-day Saint.

As a devout LDS member, Baylon attends church frequently and strives to share his values and belief in his faith. Not only does religion influence Baylon, but other students were impacted by this specific montage as well.

“It was about being under the influence of high morals and inspires me to be the best person I can be,” senior Trey Toolson said.

However, many do not realize Baylon’s interests go beyond

Photo by Will Jones

Scott Baylon shoots video with his Flip video camera during the lunchtime food fair on February 23rd.

film, photography, and fashion.

“Scott is a skateboard wizard,” junior Guy Baxtor said.

“He does tricks like a wizard makes potions.”

As Baylon lives by the motto “tears make us stronger,” he encourages all viewers to push through whatever struggles they encounter. Baylon’s montages help his audience see the brighter side of life.

“His montages will be very successful, and I hope to see his name in movie credits one day,” Echols said.

Twins Overcome a Life Threatening Disease T

Megan Mineiro Staff Writer

he mysterious cure for Noah and Alexis Beery’s illness has been featured on the Today Show, CBS News, and Good Morning America.Yet when the pair of fraternal twins were asked if MavLife could share their story, both freshmen wore big smiles and exhibited a humble sense of surprise.

“I think it’s really amazing how drastically their life changed,” sophomore Molly Naudi said. “You really appreciate the miracle of their lives and how nice they are.”

Noah and Alexi diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy when they were just twenty months old. Despite therapy, Alexis began to experience muscle weakness at age five, making it difficult to speak, talk and eat. When their mother, Retta Beery, found an eleven year old newspaper article about a girl diagnosed with “Segawa’s Dystonia” (now known as Dopa Responsive Dystonia), she immediately saw a connection and contacted the girl’s neurologist.

“My mom was the one who did the research,” Alexis said. “Because of her, we are alive and healthy. I am blessed to have an amazing mom. When asked how I feel about how she found the cure, I feel like crying.”

The neurologist confirmed that both Alexis and Noah suffered from Dopa Responsive Dystonia and both twins were put on Sinemet, a prescription drug approved by the FDA in 1988.

“If we didn’t find the medication, then I would be in a wheelchair, have a feeding tube, and I wouldn’t be able to walk, which most people take for granted,” Alexis said.

The prescription has allowed Noah and Alexi to become involved in athletics, free from the plaguing symptoms of muscle weakness and stomach irritation. Noah is looking forward to the volleyball season this spring and also ran cross-country last fall, striving at every opportunity and setting a positive example for his teammates.

“Even as a freshman [Noah] was such a great role model for the team,” cross country coach Bill Vice said. “He was

always there at the end of practice to shake my hand and say ‘thank you.’”

Alexis is also a double sport athlete. She made the junior varsity basketball team and plans to run the 200 meter and 400 meter races in track this spring.

“When I go out to do sports, I’m very grateful,” Alexis said. “It’s a real miracle I can.”

Noah and Alexis have a steadfast relationship with one another, strengthened over the years as they struggled through

“If we didn’t find the medication, then I would be in a wheelchair, have a feeding tube, and I wouldn’t be able to walk, which most people take for granted.”

Alexis Beery their illness together. When thinking back about doctors’ attempts to cure their disorder, Noah remembered how Alexis was always looking out for him.

“It brought us really close,” Noah said.

Alexis expressed how grateful she is to have Noah by her side and be able to confide in him.

“Being able to have someone who has the same symptoms as you—it’s incredible,” Alexis said. “We know what we are going through. I know I can tell Noah a lot of things that I couldn’t tell anyone else and he understands.”

Noah and Alexis’ experiences also enabled them to grow closer with their older brother, senior Zach Beery. He witnessed firsthand the suffering that his little brother and sister underwent before taking Sinemet and saw how rapidly the prescription cured them.

“It allowed me to get closer to them on a deeper level,” Zach said. “It was pretty horrible to be the one who had everything and watching them struggle. It was like watching two little kids in a cage fight for their lives.”

But now that the twins are winning their fight, they are able to focus on getting involved in the community and following their passions, rather than battling a life threatening disease. For her part, Alexis is involved in the National Charity League, a mother daughter service organization. “[We do] a lot of community service work and help seniors,” Alexis said. “It’s been a really great experience.”

Like most freshmen, Noah has enjoyed getting involved in one of the many clubs on campus.

“I’m involved in ACE (Engineering Club),” Noah said.

“We find out what we want to build, we construct it on the computer, and then build it.”

Yet, unfortunately, there are still some subtle reminders of their past condition to this day.

“Learning-wise we don’t grasp information as well as other kids,” said Noah.

“It definitely puts on a lot more stress and anxiety,” Alexis added.

Noah and Alexis both maintain a positive attitude, not letting others’ opinions affect them.

“Some kids are mean about it,” Alexis said. “But they are not the kind of people you want to be friends with. [Good friends] will be supportive, not take you down.”

The Beery twins’ life-changing experience has given them a sense of wisdom far beyond their years.

“Kids these days sometimes look at things and say ‘this is so hard’ or ‘this is impossible,’” Alexis said. “But if you look at what Noah and I have gone through, you probably haven’t gone through half of what we have gone through. Keep believing that everything is possible.”

“It’s always good to have good family support to help you through stuff,” Noah added. “Never lose hope, because sometimes life gets tough, but usually it pulls through.”

Features

Mar.

Daniel Oepkes

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“He always likes to stay one step ahead of the game.”

Carissa Mattison

Meg Shepro Staff Writer

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undreds of crazy cheering Maverick fans sit on the edge of their bleacher seats. The buzzer sounds, signaling half time. But senior Daniel Oepkes isn’t solely focused on the score; he is in the zone, making sure he hits all the right notes on his Alto saxophone for the La Costa Canyon Marching band’s halftime performance.

“I feel the vibe of going out under the lights in front of the fans, and I look forward to playing my show with pressure to better prepare myself for competitions,” Oepkes said.

Oepkes isn’t just your average saxophonist. As one of nine saxophone players in the Maverick Brigade, he has a long resume of volunteer work through the band, most often as part of the jazz ensemble.

“We play at retirement homes, grand openings (Ace Hardware, Sports Authority), the Christmas tree lighting in the forum, and quite a few other things like that,” Oepkes said. “I have also done the E-waste drive with the band, which is up in the LCC parking lot, and we collect electronic waste and give it to a company to recycle.”

While students who are part of large clubs would agree that sharing the spotlight with 64 other students would be pretty difficult, it’s just another band rehearsal for Oepkes. His positive attitude and musical talents haven’t

Photo by Meg Shepro

Daniel Oepkes has dedicated much of his high school career to band.

gone unnoticed; he is revered by his teachers as friendly, eager, and dedicated.

“He knows what needs to happen and will actually follow through,” band and guitar teacher Carissa Mattison said.

Oepkes mentioned Mattison as one of the teachers on campus who has helped support him and inspire him to become a better musician.

“She has helped me to push myself harder, past barriers and challenges, especially through Marching [Band],” Oepkes said.

Although Oepkes is fully dedicated as one of a handful of seniors in the band this year and has been performing

with a band since sixth grade, his musical career wasn’t originally all his idea. He says that he owes the discovery of his passion to his mom.

“Originally I was in band because my mom signed me up and I just kind of went with the flow, but then I began to really enjoy it,” Oepkes said.

With seven years of band under his belt, Oepkes hopes to be a part of the University of Southern California’s Marching band and to join a Jazz quartet or ensemble group while in college.

Along with continuing his musical career, Oepkes has also mentioned interest in studying business at USC’s Marshall School of Business and continuing his volunteer efforts. He also may start his own club, as long as it doesn’t interfere with his education, because as Oepkes says, “I have to devote myself to school first before extracurriculars.”

Whether he is playing his saxophone under the glaring lights of the football stadium, or in the common room of a retirement home, Oepkes’ leadership and humanitarian qualities are highlighted through his passion.

“He always likes to stay one step ahead of the game,” Mattison said.

Sports

16

Mar.

In the Swing of Things

Boys golf team starts season with new head coach

How to Sound Like a Master Learning to be a golfer requires more than just practicing your swing.

Master these terms, and you’ll fit in on the green like a pro.

Dance Floor: The green.The term comes from the flatness and smoothness of the green.

A-Game: The best golf you are capable of playing. Seldom experienced by amateurs.

Ace: A hole in one Air Mail: To hit a shot much farther than planned.

Bail Out: What many golfers do in order to avoid trouble on the course. That is, they hit a shot in the direction opposite the trouble. If the trouble is on the left side, they bail out right.

If the trouble is on the right side, they bail out left.

In His Bag: Used by a golfer to describe a certain shot in which he is confident in his ability to pull off.

On Fire: You’re on fire when everything you do on the course seems to work out just as you planned.

Photo by Tiffany Brock

Left to right: Golfers Justin Beck (12), Sean Hickey (12), Davis Oren (11) head toward the first tee on the south course at the La Costa Golf Course at tryouts on February 21.

Savannah Dukes-Samala Staff Writer

S

ince La Costa Canyon High School opened in 1995, Steve Armstrong had been the only coach for the boys golf team. However, this spring golfers will have to make some adjustments for their new coach, David Bradshaw.

Armstrong’s years of coaching experience led the team a long way,

winning ten Southern California Golf Association CIF San Diego Section Team Qualifiers and the 2009 California State Championship.

Although Armstrong proved to be an excellent coach for many years, the players are prepared for the changes that accompany a new coach.

“I’m really excited to see how the year turns out with the new coach,” junior Davis Oren said. “I think he’s going to be able to help us out a lot and improve our team.”

Before the season begins, the players laid out some expectations for Bradshaw.The boys golf team is not only looking forward to a new coaching style, but also to having a mentor who will push them to succeed.

“I expect him to care about the

guys on the team and be dedicated to the players,” junior Josh Krolicki said.

H av i n g wo n a s t a t e championship just a few years ago, the LCC golfers are hoping to live up to the legacy that has been left for them.

“We haven’t made it past CIF yet and it would be awesome to pass CIF as a team,” junior Brendan Frasier said.

Participating in a multitude of

tournaments, the golfers dedicate an a lot of time to their sport in order to improve their skills.

This season, the players have set ambitious goals, both personal and for their team.

“I want to win CIF all the way to the state championship,” senior Justin Beck said.

With a fresh season just around the corner and a new coach, the players are striving to ace this season on the golf course.

Photo by Tiffany Brock

Justin Beck (12) prepares to take his first shot on the tee box on the first hole at La Costa Golf Resort on February 21.

Photo by Tiffany Brock

Sean Hickey (12) takes his first shot on the tee box on the first hole.

Upcoming Golf Tournaments Wed. March 7 vs. San Dieguito Academy at Encinitas Ranch

Thu. March 22 vs. El Camino at Arrowood

Thu. March 15 vs. Oceanside

Mon. March 26 vs. Poway at Stoneridge Country Club

Tue. March 20 vs. Rancho Buena Vista at Shadowridge

Sports

Mar.

17

Sorting through the Madness: A guide to filling out your bracket

Grant Goodstein Staff Writer

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Indiana Hoosiers

Despite being ranked for the vast majority of the season, the Hoosiers are far too inconsistent to be considered a serious threat this March.

Coach Tom Crean’s team has struggled on the road against some very mediocre squads like Nebraska, while beating some of the nation’s top teams at home like Ohio State. Freshman Cody Zeller is a great player, but the players around him aren’t quite good enough for the Hoosiers to make it through the madness away from the friendly confines of Assembly Hall.

March Madness 2012

Kentucky Wildcats

Missouri Tigers

The Tigers have found ways to win all season, but this won’t necessarily translate to the tournament.

Coach Frank Haith’s squad seems to struggle in grind-it-out defensive battles, as they did in consecutive losses to a gritty Kansas State team.

Tournament games are more likely to be played at a slower, lower-scoring pace than they are to be played at the fast pace that Missouri prefers.

Star guard Marcus Denmon will try to silence Missouri doubters as he has done all season long.

But in the end, the Tigers don’t seem to have the “It Factor” typically possessed by teams who are successful in March.

vs.

Murray State Racers

The Racers have easily been college basketball’s most surprising team. Prior to this year, most people had never heard of the school, but after Coach Steve Prohm’s squad started the year with 23 consecutive wins, Murray State became a household name among hoops aficionados. Led by junior guard Isaiah Canaan, the Racers reached the top ten in the polls this year before a tough loss to Tennessee State. At that point, many had written the Racers off, but they came back with a convincing victory over nationally ranked St. Mary’s. Murray State will likely be a common pick to lose in an early round, but I could easily see them becoming this year’s “Cinderella.”

The Wildcats come into the tournament as heavy favorites, and it isn’t difficult to see why.

Kentucky is led by freshman phenom, Anthony Davis, a 6’10” center who is the heavy favorite to be named National Player of the Year. Davis is a physically imposing stud in the paint, constantly forcing opposing teams to think twice before nearing the basket.

Coach John Calipari has an excellent supporting cast surrounding Davis, highlighted

by Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Terrence Jones.The only question with the Wildcats is their inexperience.The team features six freshmen; Darius Miller is the lone senior who receives significant minutes.

Despite a lack of experience, Kentucky’s abundance of talent makes the team a clear favorite to take the championship in New Orleans.

ith March Madness approaching, it’s about time to start thinking about your bracket. Here’s some advice to help you “cut down the nets” in your tournament pool.

vs.

Duke Blue Devils

The Blue Devils are a team that lives and dies by the three-point shot. Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s team has some great shooters in Andre Dawkins and Seth Curry, but as with any team that relies so heavily upon jump shooting, Duke is one bad shooting night away from an early round exit. Freshman guard Austin Rivers is the only Blue Devil who is able to consistently score in the paint, so his contribution will be crucial to the team’s success. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Duke reach the Final Four if they can string together some good shooting nights, but I also could see them bowing out in the Sweet Sixteen, or possibly even sooner.

Marquette Golden Eagles

The Golden Eagles have been a team of highs and lows all season long.They lost to a very mediocre LSU team and were blown out by unranked Vanderbilt. On the other hand, they showed their potential by breaking Wisconsin’s yearlong home win streak. Marquette has two extremely talented players in forward Jae Crowder and guard Darius Johnson-Odom. Additionally, Coach Buzz Williams is one of the best in the game.

Still, many spectators worry about the team’s inconsistency. We will see which Golden Eagle squad decides to show up come tourney time.

vs.

Georgetown Hoyas

The Hoyas have pleasantly surprised college basketball fans this season. Despite being picked to finish tenth in the Big East before the season, the squad from the nation’s capital has been one of the best teams in the country. Led by senior guard Jason Clark, Coach John Thompson’s team has played extremely consistently. Sharpshooter Hollis Thompson is an excellent fit for the patient Hoya offense, and Otto Porter can be an impact player off the bench. Georgetown’s best win came on the road at Louisville, where it ended the Cardinals’ quest for a perfect season.

The team’s biggest issue this season has been spotty play from their big men, Henry Sims and Nate Lubick. If Georgetown can receive solid contributions from those two, the Hoyas will be a very tough out in March.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Harvard Crimson

The Crimson has proven to the masses that Harvard students are capable of more than perfect SAT scores. Coach Tommy Amaker’s squad is led by senior center Keith Wright, the reigning Ivy League Player of theYear.When the Crimson is inevitably selected for the NCAA Tournament, it will be the first bid in school history. Harvard proved it was for real with an early season win over ranked Florida State, where it held the Seminoles scoreless for the opening ten minutes.

Forward Kyle Casey and guard Laurent Rivard will be the difference makers come March.The ferocious Crimson defense makes Harvard a team that even perennial powers will not want to face.

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Page Design by Raquel Zilberman

Coming into the season highly touted, the Buckeyes have lived up to the hype. Sophomore center Jared Sullinger has been terrific, and will likely be rewarded with the Big Ten’s Player of theYear award. Ohio State also has one of the nation’s best perimeter defenders in Aaron Craft, and a great shooter in William Buford. Ohio’s finest proved that it was a team to be feared with a dominating early season victory over Duke. On the other hand, Coach Thad Matta’s Buckeyes have, at times, lost to teams they really shouldn’t have, including a home loss to a middling Illinois squad. If the Buckeyes are able to maintain their focus against lesser teams, don’t be surprised to see them go far in the tournament.

18 Getting Back on Track

Sports

Tourney Time Ticks Near

The pros and cons of being a track athlete

Students eagerly anticipate the NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament

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Photo by Brenna Lyles

Chase McAllister (11) pole vaults at track and field practice after school on February 28.

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Julian Sanz Staff Writer

ith spring around the corner, student athletes everywhere are coming out of hibernation to try out for the track team.

With the added stress of committing to a team resting on their shoulders, students try to find the time to balance school work and running.

According to assistant coach Bill Vice, the word “student” in “student athlete” comes first because students should always put their academic success before the team.

However, according to Vice, it is always the athlete’s decision to commit to the team, so they can’t blame academic failure on the team or the time commitment.

“When [the runners] come to me and say something like ‘Oh, can I skip this practice? I

Mar.

have a really big project due,’ or something, I say, ’Get in line — we all do,’” Vice said.

However, most runners do not find it difficult to maintain the balance between school and their sport.

“I just do my school work afterward, so it’s pretty easy keeping up, except maybe being late [to school] because practice is so tiring,” freshman Steven Terris said.

This year, to help runners keep in step, the track team has gone to the Internet (along with the rest of the school).The team website contains dates, times, and other important information regarding the team.

“We try to be adaptive to the times and to the students. Now we have a Facebook page, which we’ve never done before,”Vice said.

In addition, some teachers believe that

Karlee Fuller Staff Writer

ith March Madness just beginning, students have high hopes that their predicted champion for the NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championships will be cutting down the nets in New Orleans.

“I look forward to this every year,” senior Derek York said.

People are able to predict the winner of each game in the tournament in a giant flow chart commonly known as a bracket.

Often times once predictions have been made, NCAA fanatics gather into groups and contribute a designated amount of money into a group fund. When the tournament is over, the person with the most correctly predicted victories wins the cash prize.The groups are often referred to as pools.

“I love making predictions,” senior Gunsoo Kim said. “It’s awesome watching the underdogs beat the big teams.”

Some students find it difficult to balance watching college basketball games to keep updating their bracket, while staying on top of school work.

“In March, I concentrate more on my bracket than I do on my homework,” junior Max Arquilla said.

However, Kim thinks that the impact running with the team can be beneficial to the students’ learning environment.

“I think it’s good to be part of a group or community at school outside your normal group of friends, to be more confident,” science teacher Alyson Thile said. “I also notice track runners and other student

of March Madness on student life is less significant because fewer students get involved.

“In high school, it’s not as popular as the general crowds,” Kim said. “More adults get involved. It’s kind of an underground thing here.”

In 2011, a significant change was made to the tournament—the addition of three “play-in” games, bringing the total number to four.Traditionally, 65 teams were admitted, with just two teams battling it out to make the main field of 64. The new 68 team format allows four “low-majors” and four teams from “power conferences” to participate in the “First Four.” This new structure gives more teams the opportunity to chase a national championship.

“It’s good to give teams who haven’t had a lot of success a chance,” junior Drew Solomon said. “I will probably watch the games because every once in awhile a team that isn’t favored wins.”

Predictions of who will win the 2012 National Championship title range anywhere from Kentucky to Duke to Syracuse.Thus, students eagerly anticipate the playoffs in hopes that their bracket is the closest to perfection.

“It definitely adds excitement to the month of March,” Kim said. athletes are more organized because, to participate, they have to be.”

Being able to run is the fundamental skill needed for any sport and to be healthy in life. The track team can be an outlet for anyone wanting to get into shape, even if it means making a sacrifice.

Entertainment

Mar.

Reality Bites:

My Parents Are The Bane Of My Existence

How the “Jersey Shore” became the Jersey “Snore”

Grant Goodstein Staff Writer

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emember “Jersey Shore”? Just two short years ago, it was the show. Even as recently as October 2011, Jersey Shore ruled the television world, drawing a whopping 8.8 million viewers.

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However, season five has not been as successful. Far fewer people tuned in to the premiere, with a precipitous drop of 1.2 million viewers from the previous season’s premiere.

Let’s break down the reasons, character by character, why “Thursday Jerzdays” on MTV just aren’t quite what they used to be.

MTV executives seem to have realized that Jersey Shore is on its way downhill. To spice things up, DJ Pauly D will be getting his own show that will focus on his life as a disc jockey.

Also, Snooki and J-Woww will be moving in together to have their lives documented on camera.

You can look forward to seeing these two new shows later this year.

Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino & Pauly “DJ Pauly D” DelVecchio:

You probably know “Sitch” for his chiseled abs and GTL lifestyle. But as of late, he’s gotten to be quite annoying. Whereas in the past, he was better known for chasing down “chicks” at the club, these days, you’re more likely to find Sorrentino whining about something around the house.

In the early seasons, Pauly D was always ready for a good time. But with the show’s massive success, he decided it was time to capitalize by making a name for himself as a DJ. It’s just not quite as fun to see Pauly with his headphones on as it was to see him getting his GTL on.

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi & Deena Cortese:

Snooki is known across America for her unnaturally orange skin and love of partying. From getting arrested on the beach to falling off a mechanical bull, Snooki was sure to entertain. Nowadays, Snooki is typically involved in drama that seems to be more scripted. Her “party’s here” slogan does not quite fit anymore when one of her most daring moves this season was leaving work early.

Deena is a friend of Snooki’s who was added to the cast in season three after the departure of Angelina, the show’s clear cut villain. Constantly in search of a gorilla juice head, it seems that Deena, the Snooki wannabe, has not been a fan favorite.

Vinny Guadagnino & Jenni “J-Woww” Farley:

Vinny was long recognized as the Shore’s “family man.” Rarely in the first few seasons would an episode pass by without a mention of Vinny’s family. His mother would even show up to the Shore every once in a while to cook a meal for the cast members, bringing crazy Uncle Nino along for some fun. Nowadays, Vinny has fallen into the patterns of his cast mates, becoming much more involved in the party scene. Vinny’s new “bad boy” image has taken away from the authenticity he had originally brought to the show.

J-Woww could always be counted on to defend her best friend Snooki in whatever way possible, which typically meant a cat fight. She recently met a man named Roger and fans quickly began to tire of the relationship.

It would be nice to see J-Woww go back to her clear talent: slapping women all around the Shore.

Ronnie Ortiz-Magro & Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola:

As impossible as this would have seemed two years ago, America’s least favorite reality TV couple has somehow become even more bothersome.

Sammi was known for creating drama around the house, but these days cast members have learned to ignore her. The fact that the two are a couple is also a huge drawback.

Single Ronnie is easily the show’s most entertaining character. The lack of Sammi’s fisticuffs and Ronnie’s nights out on the Shore are contributing factors to the show’s turn for the worse.

Cameron Gurley Entertainment Editor & Humor Columnist -“Cameron! Wake up its time for school!”

A perfectly reasonable thing to say, right? Wrong.The fact that it came out of my mom or dad’s mouth instantly makes me despise these words. This annoyed attitude regarding anything my parents spew from their mouths started the day I turned thirteen.

There is a strange phenomenon that happens when a child becomes a teenager. Scientists hold this scientific mystery among the most curious in all fields of science.

Right there along with humpback whale mating rituals, the mysteries of the universe, and the cure for cancer, hatred for one’s parents for a three to six year period has flabbergasted experts everywhere.

The first hypothesis was that it was a hormonal imbalance.While this seems like the most plausible answer, scholars were too scared to begin research because anytime they asked the double blind sample group of teens any probing questions, they were ignored, yelled at, scoffed at, or mobile uploaded.

The second possible scenario was neural. This could have been further investigated, but when another random selection of teenagers were asked to come to the hospital, those letters were unopened, lost, or thrown away. Any reminders given by the parents were also ignored.

Superman has kryptonite, Batman has the joker, and teenagers have “being asked about their day.” The moment a teenager walks in the door after getting home, he or she is surrounded by an impenetrable bubble of avoidance.

Of course, parents know more than teens give them credit for. It seems that at the slightest sniffle — even just a tickle in the throat — your mother is taking your temperature, scheduling doctor’s appointments, alerting the surgeon general, and consulting Web MD. How dare my mom take care of me, right? What was she thinking!

In a recent study, it seems this phenomenon, known by experts as adolescence, seems to stop when the teenager goes off to college. This new environment apparently makes these teens experience some serious recall and this causes them to cry for their mommies all over again.

There’s nothing like that deliciously (free) home cooked meal they used to hate to satisfy their hunger.

While there hasn’t been much progress discovering adolescence’s origins, the fact remains that teens just don’t like their parents.

There is hope for parents who feel disconnected from their children: it will pass with time.While you are waiting, send your teens a text letting them know that it is time for dinner. They won’t respond, but that is their way of saying thank you.

Build your own world

Roblox is the world outside your own

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Zach Pownell Staff Writer

elcome to your world. Planet you. Roblox is a massive, multi-player online computer game that was created in early 2005 by David Baszucki and Erik Cassel. Users can create their own game using the infinite amount of blocks the game provides and can code what goes into the game by using the programming language, Lua. In addition, users can invite other people to play their game, as well as play along with them. With over 14 million people currently playing Roblox, it is quite fun to build your own games and invite different people to play them. Overall, Roblox is a great game to play if you’re looking into starting a programming career and letting your imagination run wild.

With all the editing tools the game offers, it makes it very easy to build what the user wants to build. Users can edit the block size, shape, and transparency—almost anything that comes to mind. If the users want to show off

their creations to the world, they can publish their creations to the Roblox website with just a click of a button. This feature allows other people to use your creation in their own game.

Lua is one of the greatest programming languages used for creating games, mainly because it’s so easy to customize and edit. Users can make the blocks do just about anything imaginable. From flying carpets to drivable cars, the choices are infinite. One may think that computer programming is difficult to learn, but with a little help from the Roblox Forums, it is easy to master and very fun to mess around with.

When Roblox users create an account, they get their very own customizable avatar. Users can interact with the other players in-game and move their characters around the world using the “WASD” keys on the keyboard. In addition, users can purchase things from the Roblox accessories catalog with their own virtual money.

Users can completely change the way they look ingame. My own fans like that I made myself look like a

robot-pirate man. By downloading a template, users can create their own clothing items and post it to the store for other players to purchase with their own virtual money.

Roblox also offers in-game interactive tools. For example, they can see the other characters in-game, as well as chat with them by pressing the “/” key on the keyboard.

If users do not have an account, they can choose from a list of messages to chat.

Personally, I think Roblox is an excellent game to play, mainly because it’s so easy to create an awesome, fully functioning game. My favorite part is that you can program how the blocks work in the game, and how you can make the blocks interact with the players. It’s very entertaining watching people play my game, trying to run up a mountain while dodging giant boulders.

It may not seem like it, but Roblox is also great game to start off your programming career in order to learn how computer programs and applications work. As it is a very fun game, I would definitely recommend checking it out.

Entertainment

20

Survival of the Fittest Shopper

The truth about where the beasts are born

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Meg Shepro Staff Writer

thin line of sweat draws on your brow as you frantically grab every hanger in sight and look at whatever t-shirt will be yours for the taking. It’s the sale of the season and you are ready to take down anybody who gets in your way.

Some girl has your size eight Jefferey Campbells? Nope. That’s not happening.

You devise a plan to grab the shoes amidst the swarm of girls trying on sweaters over their baggy sweatshirts and cropped tanks.

Boyfriends stare aimlessly at the ceiling while holding purses and pondering their ultimate surrender of manhood.

As I have come to find in my many shopping outings, sales bring out the worst in just about everyone.

The clerks are bitter, customers are frantic, and all girls are envious of the studded blazer that was just on the mannequin and is now in your possession.

But why is this exactly? Why must we be so animalistic about saving ten bucks on some average band t-shirts?

Whenever I am in a store with a sale, I get a “Mean Girls” style flash of an African desert, where the males are chimpanzees and the females are blood thirsty lions that will stop at nothing for a good deal.There is clawing and pawing and that one mom who is there for her daughter asking everyone what would look best on her “little princess.”

Sales seem to bring out our true human nature and the concept of survival of the fittest.We hunt for what we want, gather it on our arms until they weigh about twenty

pounds, and eventually end up with maybe three out of the three hundred items we brought into the dressing room.

But sales aren’t just a stomping ground for girls. Guys get just as into swap meets and huge warehouse sales as girls do.

Guys are excited when they can “score” hats for two bucks or spend only $20 on a brand new Hurley sweatshirt. Even the cheap thrills of Black Friday shopping at Fry’s in an attempt to get the better home entertainment will get a man’s blood pressure to rise.

Girls may occasionally skip a class to go shopping, but only guys will stay home from school to wait in line for nine hours for a brand new video game in an attempt to master every level before sunrise.

Shopping to men isn’t all about the deal or the steal—it’s about beating everyone else and having the better story.

I will overhear some dude say, “Yeah man I got, like, ten hats for fourteen bucks” as he waits for his friend to be bummed out that he didn’t join in on the fun.

Furthermore, coming to class the day after the latest Call of Duty game comes out is always a sight.

What few guys actually show up to school the next day are sporting their newest look: half-melted brains and five o’clock shadow.

Asking every guy in sight what level they are on is a chance for girls to hear guys get excited about something shopped for.

Whether it’s the bragging rights of a one-of-a-kind vintage dress or the tenacity of waiting outside all night for a game and playing for hours, the sales are always a hot topic for students.

Mar.

Getting Bored?

Ways to help cure your boredom

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Gage DiRoberto Staff Writer

he epidemic of boredom has wasted billions of precious minutes and robbed almost every student of their happiness. It may seem like a losing war, but — don’t fret!

— there is hope. Here are a few ideas to help save your day without completely emptying your wallet.

Fir st on the list is ice blocking.

Although this could be considered dangerous, I have experienced it to be incredibly fun.

The first step is to go to a convenience store that sells blocks of ice. A couple thick blocks of ice will typically be big enough to sit on. Next comes the tricky part.

“Ice blocking is the act of sliding on your butt down a steep, grassy slope on a piece of ice,” junior Chase McAllister said.

Ice blockers be warned: you must be very careful as injury is a serious risk — the medical bills would quickly start to empty your wallet.

Manhunts are another great activity.

However, they require an extremely large group of people to be done well.

“Manhunts require at least 100 people. The biggest manhunt I have had brought 600 people,” Manhunt organizer senior Bronson Young said.

In a manhunt you have two teams: the runners and the chasers. Both the teams start at the same area and the runners are given a head start. The runners’ job is to get from Point A to Point B without being tagged by a Chaser. If one of the Runners is tagged, he or she is either a Chaser or is out.

“Manhunts are like a giant game of hide and go seek tag on steroids,” Young said.

“Manhunts are like a giant game of hide and go seek tag on steroids.”

-Bronson Young

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Entertainment

Mar.

Music Review “Scars and Stories” How the Denver Rock band came to be T

Victoria Zamora Staff Writer

he Fray, a Denver- based piano rock band, has done it again releasing their third album on February 7, “Scars & Stories.”

Formed in 2002, school buddies Isaac Slade and Joe King were able to achieve their goal of releasing their debut album “How To Save A Life” in 2005 and have since rocketed to fame. Reaching double platinum in four countries and being nominated for more then ten awards like Best Pop Vocal Album in 2010 and Digital Album Artist of the Year in 2006, The Fray has come a long away since singing in a sports bar in Denver.

The Fray’s album starts off with their single “Heartbeat,” written by Slade and King.The song was premiered while opening for U2 on the U2 360 tour in May 2011. “Heartbeat” has a relaxing vibe to it and just makes you feel that The Fray will be there to help you pick up the pieces of any problem you may face.

Throughout the album “Scars and Stories” has a striking sound that gives it a quiet

intensity that you can’t help but listen to and connect with.With fast moving tempos and love-hate ballads this album has a little something for everyone. “Scars and Stories” is what every Fray fan has been waiting for since their 2009 second self-titled album.

In the end “Scars and Stories” will please every Fray fan young and old. “Scars and Stories,” with it’s combination of piano and vocals dripping from every track, will keep the fans coming back for more.

Spoiler Alert! The band has announced that their second single off of their new album will be “Run For Your Life.”

I give this album a four out of five stars. On one hand, I feel it is one of the best albums they produced but on the other hand, it will not bring new Fray fans. Because, even though The Fray is a soulful, smooth band who has many followers, teenagers today prefer the bubbly pop music of Ke$ha and Lady Gaga and don’t pay much attention to the magnificence that is The Fray.

21

Foster The Grammys

How a La Costa Canyon alum made it to the Grammys

I

Jenny Barnes Staff Writer

t is 2001. Parents, grandparents, and siblings all gather together at La Costa Canyon to celebrate friends and family members graduating from high school.

In the crowd of those donning caps and gowns is Jacob Fink. He is unaware as he walks off that stage that in eleven years he will be walking onto the Grammy stage.

Jacob Fink, the bassist for Foster the People became the first LCC graduate to ever grace the Grammy stage and was even fortunate enough to contribute to the Beach Boys tribute. Fink, along with Foster the People, shared the stage with Maroon Five as well as the Beach Boys themselves.

Foster the People was formed after singer Mark Foster realized, while living in Los Angeles, that he needed a band. He decided to go to his long-time friend Jacob Fink as well as Mark Pontius to form Foster the People.

Fink is also the first La Costa Canyon student to be nominated for a Grammy.

Foster the People was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album as well as Best Pop Duo/Group Performance come Grammy night.

Unfortunately, when time for the awards rolled around the band lost Best Pop Duo/Group Performance to “Body and Soul” preformed by Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse. And they lost Best Alternative Music Album to Bon Iver’s album “Bon Iver”.

While at LCC, Fink was involved in many campus activities. He was a member of the Volvo Club, as well as the First Priority Christan Club and the Film Club.

The fact that a student from LCC went on to become so successful is an inspiration to some bands on campus.

Dean Bliss, one of the many musicians on campus, said that he feels like the school is the “gateway to new possibilities.” Bliss feels like being young makes breaking into the music scene harder, but “hopefully in the future we can.”

Let the Games Begin!

Readers of the beloved Hunger Games novel speculate on the upcoming movie

M

Kelsea Critin Staff Writer

any excited fans are sitting on the edge of their seats, counting down the hours, minutes, and seconds until March 23, 2012, when the games begin with the world theatrical premiere of “The Hunger Games.”

Said to be closely following the wellreceived book, “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, this new thriller was voted “Most Anticipated Film of 2012” by Entertainment Weekly readers. Collins worked as executive producer on the movie, which should be promising to fans who are hopeful for the movie’s accuracy.

The science fiction novel details the adventures of sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen as she struggles with a tyrant who pits child against child in a fight to the death. Katniss meets Peeta Mellark, a bread boy who also had the misfortune to be nominated for the games. Waiting at home for her is Gale Hawthorne, Katniss’ long time friend and hunting partner.

If you find yourself wanting to know

more, you are not alone.With more than 2.9 million copies in print and 100 consecutive weeks on the NewYork Times best-seller list, I advise you read these popular books.

Jennifer Lawrence, who found fame after appearing in four-time Academy Award nominee “Winter’s Bone,” has been picked out of the many aspiring actresses to play Katniss. But speculation over director Gary Ross’s choice found the 21-year-old star fit to play the part. Students are optimistic about Lawrence’s potential to bring the novel to life.

“I saw Lawrence in a film before and, in that, she was really good,” senior Karlee Benner said. “I think she’ll do a good job in this movie, too.”

Although she simply must dye her hair to Katniss’ deep brown and change her persona from glamor to grit, it is expected that Lawrence will live up to her reputation as a talented actress.

As for Lawrence’s co-stars, Collins has

provided, through her brilliantly written books, a cast of colorful characters not easily forgotten.

Josh Hutcherson, selected to play Peeta, and Liam Hemsworth, picked to play Gale, were both chosen for their chiseled good looks and previous film successes. Like Lawrence, both actors must dye their hair and put on the survivalist attitude required of all pawns in “The Games.”

In all, this highly anticipated production looks promising. It has stars, direction, and the actual author leading the charge. Provided with the right amount of romance, combat, and that special something only a novel could portray, this movie is projected to be box-office gold. “‘The Hunger Games’ teaches people that it’s not all about love,” Benner said. “It’s about surviving and family. Katniss teaches people to be strong.”

And so, to throw in a little treat for those who have read the book, as Effie Trinket

would say for an uncertain situation like this: “May the odds be ever in your favor.”

“The Hunger Games teaches people that it’s not all about love,” -Karlee Benner

Photo from www.thehungergames.co.uk

Hunger Games Movie Poster

Entertainment

22

Mar.

Luck of the Irish! March Horoscopes Pisces

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Keep up the good work.Your daily grind is finally going to pay off. Somebody will soon reward you for all your hard work.

You seem to start feeling more distant from your friends. Make an extra effort to be kinder and more inviting and you will find that your friends just needed you to be there for them.

Take on your next adventure cautiously. Peer pressure can introduce more struggle ahead.

Beware!

Everybody loves you, Gem.You are there for everyone, but don’t let that get in the way of asking for help yourself. Everyone needs a little TLC.

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Libra

2/19-3/20

6/22-7/22

3/21-2/19

7/23-8/22

4/20-5/20

5/21-6/21

8/23-9/22

9/23-10/22

Start a new project this month.

Maybe run a fundraiser or throw a surprise party for someone just for the heck of it. Get creative and have fun.

Stay true to yourself. Don’t let others influence you negatively.

You may be feeling down right now, but your real friends are there for you and are ready to cheer you up.

Right now is the time to get healthy. Challenge yourself to a new exercise plan and learn how to manage your time better.

Good luck, Virgo. Sí se puede.

Stay focused, but don’t get too caught up in your work. Some of your friends are feeling neglected and now is not the time to leave them feeling left out.

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Can you keep a secret, Scorpio?

All that gossiping is going to nip you in the butt. Learn how to keep your lips sealed!

You are taking another step in the right direction. Keep on chasing your goal and never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

You have set a new goal for yourself, but now it is time to really push yourself to become a better person. Don’t hold yourself back, Cap.You can do it!

Get excited! Your dreams are just about to come true. Be careful not to brag about it too much and still be ready for unexpected complications. Be smart and play your cards right.

10/23-11/21

11/22-12/21

12/22-1/19

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Mar.

Entertainment

23

The Hungry Maverick The Hungry Maverick invites students to sample local smoothies

G

etting thirsty? As spring draws near, the Hungry Maverick opted to celebrate the warming weather by treating Food Fair attendees to a chilly, refreshing treat. MavLife ordered strawberry banana smoothies from three local eateries and set up shop at the

Food Fair on Thursday, March 23. A total of 56 students lined up to participate in the free, blind taste test, offering their honest feedback on smoothies from Juice Stop, Fountain ofYouth Juice, and Little Jungle Java.

Juice Stop

1042 N El Camino Real Encinitas, CA 92024

Juice Stop’s “America’s Cup” won the gold as 48% of reviewers picked this fruity drink as their favorite. Students claim its thick consistency and real fruit taste made it the overall best tasting smoothie.

Juice Stop is a sporty themed smoothie

Lil’ Jungle Java

shop located in EncinitasTown Center. It offers over 30 smoothie varieties, as well açaí and other healthy options.The smoothie sampled

by LCC students,“America’s Cup,” contains strawberry juice, bananas, strawberries & vanilla yogurt.

1502 Encinitas Boulevard Encinitas, CA 92024

Coming in second with a 38% of taste testers’ votes, Lil’ Jungle Java’s smoothie was complementing for its great taste and for having the perfect amount of sweetness.

The quaint Lil’ Jungle Java shack is located on Encinitas Boulevard in the Taco Bell parking lot. It offers a variety

of smoothies and coffee products for the morning commuter. Employees were friendly and personable, making it easy to get our smoothies quickly. When stopping by to pick up your tasty smoothie or daily cup-of-jo, make sure to take advantage of their drive through.

Only 14% voted in favor Fountain of Youth’s “Strawberry” smoothie. Unfortunately, this smoothie shack ran out of bananas,which would explain why some said the smoothie was “runny” and “too tart.” However, smoothie lovers said that this smoothie had a very delicious, unique taste.

168 North El Camino Real Encinitas, CA 92024 Fountain ofYouth Juice offers a variety of menu items as well as smoothies. Many other items are served including made-toorder sandwiches and sweet baked treats.

Fountain ofYouth provided hospitable service and a down-to-earth atmosphere.The shop offers a great stop for breakfast or lunch before heading to the beach for a beautiful San Diego day.

Fountain of Youth Juice

Kenya Caines Photo Editor

48% Juice Stop 38% Lil’ Jungle Java

14% Fountain of Youth Juice

Top Left: MavLife editors Tara McQueen (left) and Raquel Zilberman (right) hastily prepare the smoothie samples.

Top Right: Junior taster, Andrew Solomon (left) seems skeptical about trying our smoothies. His tasting partner, Alex Visser (right) is ready to dig in.

Bottom Left: Freshmen Zane Moothart (left) and Cole Carroll (right) try to find the words to describe the taste.

Bottom Right: Smoothie samples are going fast on this warm winter day.

Photos by Will Jones

Back Page

24

Mar.

Teacher Vs. Student John DiGiulio vs. Zach Lax Who cut van Gogh's ear off?

DiGiulio: He did Lax: He did Answer: He did Starting off to a great battle, Lax and DiGiulio really know their art history.

Who was the main actor in “Superman 2”?

DiGiulio: Chris Reeve Lax: Christopher Reeve Answer: Christopher Reeve These two must watch a lot of action movies as they were both very quick to answer.

In which city is Hollywood?

DiGiulio: LA Lax: Los Angeles Answer: Los Angeles I thought I could stump them with this easy question— the plan failed.

the World History student has surpassed the teacher.

Which fast food restaurants were established by Ray Kroc?

DiGiulio: McDonald’s Lax: In-n-Out Answer: McDonald’s At least DiGiulio knows his fast food history.

Shanoah Souza Staff Writer

What are the three primary colors?

DiGiulio: Red, blue, and yellow Lax: Blue,red, and yellow Answer: Red,blue, and yellow I’m glad they both scored a point on this question,. I has been awhile since first grade art class.

Where is the smallest bone in the body?

DiGiulio: Tympanic Membrane Lax: The ear Answer:The ear (more specifically, the Tympanic Membrane) DiGiulio knows his ear. Lax, not so specific but still has a solid answer to bring to the battle.

What tree gives us prunes?

DiGiulio: Plum tree Lax: Oak tree Answer: Plum tree Really? An oak tree? Better luck next time Lax. Great point earned by DiGiulio.

How many months have 31 days?

DiGiulio: Five Lax: Seven Answer: Seven I guess DiGiulio needs to be taught the knuckle trick. Maybe Lax can teach him?

On average, how many people choke to death on ball point pens every year?

DiGiulio: 117 Lax: 100 Answer: 100 Lax seems to have great guessing skills.

This was a shady point that he had earned.

What's the smallest country in the world?

DiGiulio: San Marino Lax: Vatican City Answer: Vatican City It appears this World History teacher needs to brush up on his geography.

The first toilet ever seen on television was from what show?

DiGiulio: “I Love Lucy” Lax: “Leave it to Beaver” Answer: “Leave it to Beaver” Lax seems to know his television. And his toilets.

How many wives did Henry the Eighth have?

DiGiulio: Five Lax: Six Answer: Six Lax knows his Renaissance. It seems

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