Mavlife June 2009

s e m i t n i a t r e c n u n i g n i v li An ever-changing world leaves students worrying about the future

pg. 12 - 15 la costa canyon high school

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1 maverick way, carlsbad, california 92009

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volume 1 - issue 6

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june 2009

adviser Christopher Greenslate cover illustration: Jackie Hsu

contact us:

1 Maverick Way Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 436-6136 ext. 6020 email: MavLifeNews@gmail.com

Students silently protest during the annual Day of Silence.

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editor in chief Rachel Scepanovic managing editor Jordynn Harris copy editor Katherine Dwyer editors Kayne Friesen, Kobi Melamed, Alexa Simpson, Hunter Vurbeff staff Heather Diaza, Kasey Fontaine, Sara Frondoni, Courtney Gulihur, Karl Johnson, Ryan Kay, Jackson Keller, Samantha Loos, Erika Mazza, Nicoll Mischel, Alessia Moscatelli, Jake Pruett, Carolina Palmer, Kristine Scott, Delaney Simmons

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A student commemorates Krista deBoer’s contributions.

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staff:

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MavLife awards sports teams for their successes this year.

www.MavLife.com Mav Life is the student newspaper of La Costa Canyon High School. La Costa Canyon High School 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 educational best practices as defined by the National Scholastic Press Association, Journalism Education Association, and Student Press Law Center. 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 newspaper staff, while opinion columns represent the writer’s perspective.

Advertisements do not necessarily represent the newspaper’s viewpoint. MavLife, an open forum, welcomes signed letters on pertinent issues from the community, which may be submitted to room 1304, via e-mail or to Christopher Greenslate’s mailbox in the administrative building. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

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[June] 9

senior check out

10-12 graduation

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finals

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Kyle Ruggles Announced Principal Hunter Vurbeff Editor

Staff gathers to meet new leader on campus

A few weeks ago, Kyle Ruggles was announced as the new principal of the school in the media center to staff by Superintendent Ken Noah.

“I feel so honored to be principal of La Costa Canyon High School, I just can’t wait to get started,” Kyle Ruggles said, “I want to be a Maverick.”

Ruggles is currently finishing his sixth year as the principal at Hidden Valley Middle School in Escondido. A graduate of California State University Chico, Ruggles holds a masters degree in educational leadership from National University and is currently completing his doctorate through University of California San Diego.

“He just has that feeling. I’ve been around long enough to feel that he’s the right one, like how a certain coach can get

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talk was short which means he wants to listen.”

Ruggles was honored as a Home Grown Hero by Eureka Springs, a community in Escondido. The award is given to people who have made significant contributions to the community at large in the San Diego area.

“He is an ordinary man who has extraordinary talent to do extraordinary things,” Noah said, “This is a man who wants to be at La Costa Canyon for the long run.”

After Principal Craig Lewis’ unexpected resignation a few months ago, the position of principal has been a much discussed topic . The reason for the “revolving door” of seemingly skilled, qualified, and experienced principals remains debatable, as each principal brought their own vision to campus.

“I feel so honored to be principal of La Costa Canyon High School, I just can’t wait to get started. I want to be a Maverick. “ -Kyle Ruggles

you really riled up and excited, there is just something about him that’s right for the job. Sometimes you just have to go with the feeling,” Mario Flores, physical education teacher and representative of the San Dieguito Faculty Association said.

Ruggles is coming from a school that has stark contrasts to the campus. According to the California Department of Education, 73 percent of the school’s students are Hispanic with only 18 percent being white. Here only 15 percent are Hispanic and 76 percent are white.

In the past few years Hidden Valley Middle School has had a series of race related disputes and fights, one of which involved a girl being knocked down and hit on the head, another girl being arrested and several other girls being suspended according to the San Diego Union Tribune.

“I think he’ll bring a fresh new start and a new approach to our school,” Assistant Principal Doug Kamon said, “I like what he said about working collaboratively. His

“There had been some poor choices with the selection of new principals and some bad decisions made by those selected individuals,” Noah said, “I saw this as one huge opportunity to get this right.”

Noah believes that his decision concerning the new principal is a pivotal moment in his career as superintendent.

“This is the most important decision that I will make as a superintendent,” Noah said “If we don’t get this right, it cements a sense that the revolving door is going to continue.”

“I knew that at La Costa Canyon you have seen thirteen years of different principals and I knew that wasn’t successful,” Noah said, “There were promises that had been made to you and the community that had not been fulfilled.”

Kyle Ruggles talks with Marcia Pink in the media center about his upcoming job as the new principal. Photos by Kayne Friesen

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Students Protest in the Student Center

Alessia Moscatelli Staff Writer

Gay Straight Alliance advocates for safer schools regardless of sexual orientation

Students protest on campus in recognition of the “Day of Silence”. The day advocates for safer schools. Photo by Alessia Moscatelli

The platform in the student center was crowded with approximately 30 students sporting red T-shirts and duct taped covered mouths. These students were participating in a student organized “Day of Silence,” in rememberence of those who have been killed, harassed or bullied because of their sexual orientation.

“There were probably a thousand students and it has never been so silent in the student center ever,” Marc Trocchio, Assistant Principal, said.

The action was organized by juniors and last year’s Gay Straight Alliance club members, Sarah Edelstein and Jenn Fasulo.

Every year, students participate in the “Day of Silence” on campus. Typically it is organized through the GSA club. Although there isn’t a GSA club this year, due to miscommunication of whom was to start up the club for the year, Edelstein

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and Fasulo still wanted to go ahead with the demonstration.

This year they estimated that there were approximately 60 students participating in the event on campus. Many wore red duct tape on their mouths or had on red “Stop the Silence” T-shirts that Edelstein ordered from Nightsweats & T-cells, a screen-print and design shop owned and operated by people living with HIV or AIDS. “Day of Silence” was founded in 1996.

Since it has become the single largest student-led action towards creating safer schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. According to dayofsilence.org, the very first Day of Silence started at the University of Virginia, and throughout the years it has grown into a national event. Students from nearly eight thousand middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities across the country

registered for the event last year.

In a Harris Interactive study on bullying, students said two of the top three reasons students are harassed in school are actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender expression.

Many have been killed or have taken their own lives due to the pressures of a culture that is predominantly heterosexual. A news brief and the homepage of dayofsilence.org talks about Carl WalkerHoover. Hoover, who would have turned 12 on the “Day of Silence,” took his life just a week earlier after enduring constant harrassment, including anti-gay bullying. Though Hoover did not identify as gay, his story is a tragic reminder that bullying and harassment affects all students.

“We’re making a difference just by starting conversations,” Edelstein said.

“Just because you are silent doesn’t mean people can’t hear you.”

Edelstein wanted to deal with the event by approaching the administration, staff, students and community beforehand.

First, she sat down with school Principal Craig Lewis and asked if she could speak about the day at a staff meeting.

At the meeting, Edelstein delivered a presentation to display statistics and the hopeful goals for the day.

“The presentation was well put together,” Spanish teacher James Teague said, “I think a lot of the teachers were impressed. It’s hard to stand in front all of the teachers and talk easily.”

Although it would have been a little challenging for them to be quiet and teach that day, many teachers still wore the red T-shirts.

“We were supporting an event that involved our students,” math teacher Bill Smith said, “I support many things involving my students, whether sports, theatre or demonstrations.”

Smith also commented that the teachers’ involvement in the “Day of Silence” had nothing to do with their own political, religious or ideological beliefs. It was about stopping student tormenting and creating safer schools for students of different sexual orientations.

Edelstein and Fasulo also reached out to students by starting a Facebook group and placing a video on LCC T.V. But according to Fasulo, Principal Lewis told them that he had received emails from parents and people in the area who were really unhappy with what the students were doing.

“It doesn’t matter what the cause might be. There will always be people who are for or against a certain topic,” Trocchio said.

According to the Day of Silence participants, the day overall was viewed as a success. Most who participated said that although they received a few negative comments, most treated them with respect.

“I’m proud of them even though it’s not what I believe.” Reagan Orme, junior, said.

{show me the money}

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g n i n e p hap News Briefs

Theft and Vandalism in the Locker Rooms Students report stolen items, and lack of supervison during school hours Kasey Fontaine Staff Writer

A fire that burned about 65 acres of brush in the Cottonwood area of East County was accidentally started during a training exercise by members of the U.S. Department of Justice, according to state fire investigators.

General Motors Corp. said that it has agreed to sell its Hummer brand, a day after the U.S. automaker filed for bankruptcy protection with hopes that it will transform its most profitable assets into a new company.

In San Francisco, California State Supreme Court upheld the state’s gay marriage ban but said that the 18,000 same sex weddings that happened are still valid.

During the school year, several cases of theft and vandalism have been reported including stolen iPods, clothing, money, accessories, and shoes. Students have reported that there have been urinating on the lockers.

“In my three years here, I’ve only had to deal with that twice,” Assistant Principal Marc Trocchio, said, “One of those times was this year.”

These acts of vandalism upset coaches, teachers and janitors who have to clean up every night.

“I don’t feel disgusted, it’s my job. I just feel sad that someone would destroy something like that. It tells you something about that person, they don’t care about themselves.” Custodian Ambrose Quebedeaux said.

Vandalism has directly affected many of the custodians which in turn has changed the attitudes of students towards taking care of the lockerroom.

“I had my $200 iPod stolen, it felt like I had a still birth, like something that was so close to me died,” Chris Ames, junior, said.

The methods of breaking into lockers have become a devious art form that students continue to expand upon.

“They put a pencil under the big lockers and pull small things out of it.” Roman Ruiz, freshman, said.

If the item the thief wants can not be squeezed out from the cracks of the locker, many attempt to pick the locks or swap students locks with their own.

When students take their lock off and set it on the bench, another student replaces that lock with their own. During class the student who switched the locks, opens up the locker, and steals all of the valuables, replacing the lock. As much as

Boys locker room, where students have had items stolen and opened their lockers to find the stench of urine on their belongings. Photo by Jake Pruett $460 worth in cash and iPods have gone missing according to Ivan Padilla, senior.

During the school year, the girls’ locker room tends to have a lot less break-ins and vandalism compared to the boys’ locker room. Some students believe this is because of the lack of a locker room supervisor according to Padilla.

“Coaches are responsible for being in there during PE. It happens a lot after school when it’s left wide open. Cathy Reny, the locker room attendant, has the primary responsibility to keep the gym and locker rooms clean,” Trocchio said.

Physical Education teacher, Mario Flores, explains how hard it is to catch someone actually stealing something from a locker.

“There is a minimum of about one hundred kids in there, coming in and out. You

could literally be watching a kid open their locker, put their iPod inside, turn their head, and it’s gone.”

Although he tries his hardest to supervise, he notices that several coaches seem to care little about the students’ belongings.

“I’ve never seen a coach in there once in twenty years. It’s a school issue. At any time of the day you can find ten kids down there,” Flores said.

The theft and vandalism problem seems to be avoidable if the school would tighten up on the availability of locker rooms and supervision.

When reporting something stolen, students should first go to a coach or teacher nearby if there is a suspect or witness.

Coffee Bean Break-In The shattering glass crashes onto the ground, creating a disastrous wave of a million little pieces. Masked humans walk through the window, further into The Coffee Bean, scrambling toward the register. The burglars walk out of the store with monstrous hunks of metal.

They then proceeded to rob Mexico Viejo, the

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nail salon and launders.

“When I got there, there was glass everywhere. I could have walked through the windows,” Katie Gillespie, freshman, said.

The thieves who crafted such a scandal arrived at the Coffee Bean on Camino De Los Coches between four and five thirty in the mornErika Mazza Staff Writer

ing, proceeding to break in through a window.

There are no witnesses to the break-in, and therefore no identification on the robbers. However, the only items stolen besides two moneyholding devices were laundered clothes. None of the primary stores like Henry’s and the bank were robbed because of their tight security.

{show me the money}

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g n i n e p hap Community in Uproar Over Checkpoints Driver’s license checkpoints in Escondido are the cause of controversy Sara Frondoni Staff Writer

Escondido Police Chief Jim Maher Photo Courtesy of the North County Times

Latino families in Escondido are being torn apart by city initiated driver’s license checkpoints that have resulted in the deportation of loved ones. “ The perception [of the checkpoints] is that Latinos in general are not welcome in Escondido. This has resulted in a division of the community,” said Bill Flores, a former La Costa Canyon parent and the spokesman for El Grupo, a civil and Latino rights organization.

Nidya Ramirez, a spokesperson for the Escondido Human Rights Committee, an orgainization that educates the community of Escondido about their rights in the United States, explained a case of a child’s mother who was sent back to Mexico from one of the checkpoints. This had a devastating effect on the child involved.

Escondido Police Department has been conducting random diver’s license checkpoints to try to control the amount of hitand-runs, but the local civil liberties groups in Escondido feel that these checkpoints are targeting Latinos and specifically illegal immigrants.

“A lot of the checkpoints are held near highly populated Latino areas, like the exit ramp off of the 78 freeway, on 9th and Tulip, the police station, and on Valley Parkway. It has also become a lucrative business for the city. Money is involved to bail out cars from repossession, people have to go to court and pay for a lawyer, and pay bail out funds for themselves,” said Ramirez.

The checkpoints are conducted randomly, about 48 a year, stopping thousands of cars to check for licenses. Many of the drivers who do not have their license with them have their vehicles impounded.

“The emphasis of this checkpoint was to contact and remove unlicensed drivers from the roadway, as well as to provide a highly visible operation to deter driving without a license,” said the Escondido Police Department.

The release also indicated that out of 972 vehicles that entered the checkpoint eastbound on Valley Parkway, 723 vehicles were screened in primary, 36 vehicles were sent to secondary screening (drivers who could not prove that they had a driver’s license), 23 vehicles were impounded, 18 drivers did not have a valid driver’s license issued to them, and 12 drivers could not provide proof of current automobile insurance.

“By conducting these checkpoints, the police are not focusing on other safety issues that are more important,” said Ramirez.

Groups like the American Civil Liberties Union, the American Friends Service Committee, the Escondido Human Rights Committee, and El Grupo are concerned about the checkpoints.

El Grupo feels that Police Chief Jim Maher is taking unnecessary action and contributing to the division of the community. They are taking action to have Maher fired.

“This is a result of several years of trying to convince him that drivers license checkpoints are not a good policy. This is an over response to what he is trying to do. A hit and run crime occurs after a traffic incident.

If you reduce the number of accidents by monitoring dangerous intersections, the number of collisions will go down. Immigration is not a part of it,” said Flores.

The checkpoints started being enforced after the Housing Ordinance of Escondido did not pass.

The ordinance stated that landlords were forbidden to rent homes to illegal immigrants. As a result, the landlords of these properties stopped renting to Latinos because they were afraid they were illegal immigrants, which is racial profiling. The City of Escondido was taken to court.

The act was rescinded shortly after, because the City of Escondido had no right to get involved into immigration issues, which is a power under the federal government. The Escondido Police Department is the only police department in North County that has an immigration agent. Flores emphasized that people in the community feel that the checkpoints are just an excuse to check for illegal immigration.

Escondido Police Department did not respond to interview requests.

The Run Down Checkpoints are conducted randomly, about 48 a year checking thousands of cars for licenses Checkpoints are used to check for unlicenced drivers and prevent hit and run accidents Local civil liberties groups in Escondido feel that these checkpoints are targeting latinos and specifically illegal immigrants Out of 972 vehicles that entered the checkpoint eastbound on Valley Parkway: 723 vehicles were screened 36 vehicles were sent to secondary screening (drivers who could not prove that they had a driver’s license) 23 vehicles were impounded 18 drivers did not have a valid drivers lisence 12 drivers could not provide proof of current automobile insurance.

For More Information: Escondido Police Department: 700 W Grand Ave Escondido, CA 92025 (760) 839-4721 El Grupo P.O. Box 301630 Escondido, California 92030-1630 elgruposandiego@yahoo.com

Desperate Times Leads to Theft in the Library After the first full inventory was completed at the library, hundreds of books and audio visual equipment were reported missing. Students have stolen thousands of dollars from their parents’ own pockets by taking books from the school library for their own intellectual

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benefit. “Twilight” fanatics stole all four novels once the craze for “Twilight” hit.

In fear of forgetting to return books, students result to stealing. Placing the book above the censor, or taking off the sticker that the censor reads allows students to steal whatever they please in

the library.

“We just want our books back. If you have any at home, please bring them back in. No questions asked,” Librarian Sharon Talmadge, said.

Erika Mazza Staff Writer

g n i n e happ ASB Honors Teachers Hunter Vurbeff Editor The smoky smell of the grill and the sound of cheerful chatter met teachers at lunch as the Associated Student Body showed their appreciation for good teaching by hosting a barbecue on campus.

“We planned the barbecue in honor of of the teachers in our school, to show that we as ASB appreciate them for what they do each and every day,” Stephanie Capps, senior, Head of Staff and Student Connection said, “Most of the teachers appreciate it and everyone looks forward to the free food.”

The annual meal was held in the courtyard of the ASB room where members of ASB tended to the grill and handed out snacks and desserts to teachers.

“Hey, I’m the king of the grill,” ASB Ad-

Teachers invited to barbeque for their hard work. viser Andy Saltsman said, “I love doing this at the food fairs but especially for the teachers as they do such a good job.”

The teachers came and went, but a good majority sat in the shade talking an enjoying each other’s company.

“It’s a great thing,” Darrin Brown, Head coach of the football team said, “It’s good to get all the teachers together with the students who do most of the work around here.”

As school is winding down ASB provided the hard working teachers of our school with a feast that put a smile on everyone’s face.

“It’s May and the end of the year is so near that’s it’s a great thing to have, I love being with all the teachers,” Ceramics teacher Ron Lenc said.

Self Proclaimed “King of The Grill” Andy Saltsman tends to burgers with the help of ASB. Photo by Hunter Vurbeff

Student Musician Trying to Date Taylor Swift Hunter Vurbeff Editor Many teens often dream of dating and falling in love with a celebrity, one student on campus is trying to make that dream a reality.

“Luke Walton posted a video of himself on YouTube singing Taylor Swift’s “Love Song,” to try and get her attention, “ Jenna King, sophomore, said, “He has a huge crush on Taylor Swift so he really wants his dream to come true by people

viewing this video and spreading it to their friends.”

Luke Walton, a senior who graduated early, is using his musical talent with the help of YouTube to date his passion, the country singer Taylor Swift. Walton is the lead singer in Blue Suburbia that won the Battle Of The Bands at school this year, and also pursues his solo career playing at places like Disneyland

and even appearing on KUSI News. He currently has an EP out called “Heart In Hand” and is working on a new record.

“We were trying to figure out a way for me to get a date with Taylor Swift, It seems completely impossible,” Walton said, “But what I figured out is if I put up this YouTube Video and you guys watch it over and over again, tell your friends about it and that kind of stuff it will get

high enough hits and move higher and higher up the search bar so that next time Taylor Swift searches herself my face will pop up,” Walton said.

On April 21 Walton uploaded a video to his video blog explaining his hopes that with the help of a high number of hits on the video, Taylor Swift, his crush would go out on a date with him. While his video currently has over 19,000 hits and his Facebook group supporting the video is growing, some students are apprehensive.

“I have a gut feeling that it won’t happen,” Jenna King, sophomore, said, “When you look at other videos that have hit the top such as Susan Boyle’s infamous audition on “Britain’s Got Talent” that has gotten two million votes, it makes Luke’s 19,000 not that big, but you never know, it could happen.”

“He might have a chance because he’s a really good singer, but Taylor Swift is really hot so it won’t be easy,” Cj O’Neill, sophomore, said.

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{news} Teachers From Uganda Visit Campus As a part of a group study exchange Ugandan teachers experience school culture Jake Pruett Staff Writer As part of the Group Study Exchange (GSE) sponsored by Rotary International Foundation, two teachers from Uganda visited our school and several others in the Southern California area to learn more about our education system.

“We are here to learn about how your education system works,” Gilbert Kansiime, Group Study Exchange team member, said.

The purpose of the sponsored trips between nations and continents is to educate both the teachers and the students they are visiting about the different teaching styles, tools, and influences that are employed in schools from different cultures.

The teachers are part of a Group Study Exchange, which is just one aspect of the professional fellowship programs that Rotary International sponsors world wide.

It selects its recipients from a pool of applicants, a process that involves extensive interviews and a substantial academic and community background.

“I was first nominated by my Rotary district in Muyenga, then I wrote an essay on the challenges of teaching computers in a secondary school, and then was interviewed and selected to go,” Benedict Nsana, team member, said.

There were several other people chosen to represent the five countries in Africa but were unable to travel because they could not obtain Visas from their government, according to Nsana.

The two team members that visited our school represent a total of five African countries, and themselves hail from Uganda. The first is Gilbert Kansiime a lecturer at Kampala International University, and among other things a social worker, and Monitoring and Evaluation specialist at different universities, with the goal of improving the lives of people living in the vulnerable communities.

The second recipient is Benedict Nsana who has eight years of teaching experience in secondary education (high school). He is extremely active in the technological progress of his school and community, where he runs an IT business to train and provide services for businesses.

“The biggest difference between here and there is the infrastructural development. The teachers here are well facilitated to teach with their technological aids, and our classes are more theoretical Ugandan teachers Gilbert Kansiime and Benedict Nsana answer questions from curious and not practical,” Kasiime said.

He cited journalism as an example of students. The teachers cited the stark contrast between Uganda and our school when the theoretical and practical teaching. In they visited. Photo by Jake Pruett Uganda the education does not apply “My favorite part of the trip was visit- the schools there as a part of a global exto specific vocations and leaves many ing the imperial valley, now I can go back change system of teachers. without a specific skill they can use when to my students and show them my picseeking employment in the local commu- tures from one the locations we studied.” nities.

Nsana said.

At his school Nsana teaches a geograTeachers Krista deBoer and Christophy course that covers several continents pher Greenslate had been selected by including North America. While here he Rotary International in previous years to visited a few schools in the Imperial Val- travel to the homeland of Nsana and Kanley, which is one of the locations he teach- siime in East Africa to visit and learn from es about.

LccTV Misleads Seniors Courtney Gulihur Staff Writer

False announcements create confusion among students.

A mixed message left seniors scrambling to tend to yet another task last Wednesday when LccTV relayed the message that the completion of the senior survey is required in order to graduate.

However LccTV was following directions they received from a higher order.

“It came up on our list of announcements to make, which was delivered by someone from the office”, said LccTV broadcast member Brianna Filips.

Although the statement was incorrect it was backed up by the the counseling departnent to air it. The school website even states that “The senior survey is mandatory to graduate.” However, it is not legal for the survey to be declared mandatory, and no one can be withheld from graduating for not completing it.

When questioned about this claim, counselor Randa Fast-Medley said “No student would actually be with

held from graduating for not completing the senior survey.”

Both LccTV and the counseling office delivered the wrong message. Unfortunately LccTV is straddled between delivering a cocktail of entertaining news and the daily announcements, which leaves staff prone to situations where they are dangling between information true and false statments.

In any case, seniors

should still complete the senior survey because it helps the entire school by showing which admirable colleges that its graduates were accepted to.

The mix up only occurred with the intentions to get a few more seniors to represent the accomplishments of their high school careers in order to promote the school.

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COVER STORY page 13 // the idea of certainty page 14// global warming and uncertain leadership on campus page 15// student narrative of their personal experiences and songs to get you through uncertain times

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any people are left with question marks floating over their heads as to what is going to happen in the next few years. Take a look at what students had to say about living in an ever-changing world.

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Student Worries students were polled about their biggest concerns

economy

The Truth of Certainty

post high school

Jake Pruett Staff Writer

“My future because anything could happen, expect the unexpected.”

-Chanel Essig, senior

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no clue), and our answer to the biggest question of all, “Why is there something as opposed to nothing?” is The Big Bang.

A series of instantaneous events that sent every conceivable form of matter hurtling uniformly outwards, thus creating the universe we find ourselves in. When looking for scientific answers to the biggest most timeless questions, we arrive at conclusions that will never fully pin down the enormity of the question.

The more one knows the less one finds they really know. Every question answered leads to five more, putting our own intellect at odds with itself. I find this perpetual chase of the tail to be comforting. I would not want to reach the end of line only to say, “So I guess that’s everything.” It is uncertainty that has driven our curiosity and fueled our desire to conquer all that remains uncertain. My optimism is embedded with the fact that despite our knowledge that we will never know all that there is to know, we keep at it.

Every day is a step closer to the grave, and already I have spent the first quarter of my life in a world of routine and certainty; in a culture where most endeavors exist as some sort of means to an end.

Kafka wrote, “The fact that the only world is a constructed world takes away hope and gives us certainty.” When we construct and define our own reality, limits are implicitly set on that reality, and with limits comes an absence of hope. I think I’ll spend the next few quarters of my life embracing the uncertainty of my own existence and take a walk into the wilderness.

report card grades war in Iraq new principal

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“I feel uncertain about terrorism and war because anything can happen involving other countries, especially with our new president, at any time.”

-Megan Rauch, junior

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“College, I don’t know which one to go to; I don’t know really know what to do.”

-Chris Arivett, senior

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I am certain of absolutely one thing; I am going to die. It is a strange, yet enormously liberating ability for the human mind to grasp its own mortality. Everyday takes us closer to the end, and how seriously we take ourselves in the face of this is for each of us to decide. The clock is ticking my friends.

Beyond this I really don’t know anything. We live in a time of immense certainty, established by the institution of science as the most guiding influence on western culture. The world is dissected and analyzed formulaically, and each new discovery brings our collective thought closer to a place where science and reason itself become infallible.

Let us be honest, each of us really knows nothing. When Socrates examined the scientific and artistic minds of his generation he came to this conclusion, “Although those men know nothing, they all think they know something; whereas, if I know nothing, at least I am not in doubt of it.”

At one point in time men believed that Earth was the center of the universe, and we look back and laugh at the ignorant state in which we once lived. I would argue that not much has changed, because at that time advocates of the geocentric model were undoubtedly as sure of themselves as the scientific minds of today are.

I do not doubt that science has a substantial weight on the realities of human life, but it is not perfect. Pi is an indefinite abstraction, the law of gravity is just now revealing its flaws to us in the form of “dark matter” (which is code for we have

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“The future of technology because soon all little kids will be texting.”

-Megan Lax, sophomore

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Environmental Challenges Loom Around the World With the rate things are going, the environment is in trouble.

Jordynn Harris Managing Editor Global Warming has been discussed in almost every newspaper, web site, radio station, and television show. It will continue to be a popular discussion as time goes on. The only certain fact we know is that it is man-made, and created by our emissions on a daily basis. It seems that environmental issues are getting worse, and nothing seems to be improving. It is unclear where the future of the planet is headed.

Because we are filling the streets

with garbage and making poor decisions when it comes to handling our planet, animal and plant life are going extinct. This selfish desire to make our world filthy, has only led us into an even bigger hole, which will soon be very difficult to come out of.

The media is constantly giving out ideas about how to save our planet, but time is of the essence and soon our human population will be in danger if these problems aren’t taken seriously.

Losing Our Leaders Changes in the administration leads to an uncertain staff and community.

Rachel Scepanovic Editor in Chief Administrative leadership has been continuously a work in progress. Principals and teachers are constantly being fired, hired, or transferred. Some of the longest-standing administrators and foundations for leadership will be ending their work here, contributing to the overwhelming confusion of leadership.

Marc Trocchio, an assistant principal, had dedicated the last three years to improving our campus and getting involved in positive programs. His enthusiasm and

dedication has laid a strong foundation that students and teachers can depend on. With the overwhelming number of principals we’ve had, consistency is left upon assistant principals and other administrators.

Tom Meeks, campus supervisor, will also not be working on campus next year.

Meeks was one of the most respected and appreciated staff members, and his absence signifies another gap in continuity for students. He has been working

14 | MavLife | june 2009

on campus since the very beginning, so it seems that many consistent faculty members are fading away.

Krista deBoer, speech and debate coach, will be attending Harvard Law to obtain a law degree. Andrea Cartwright, English teacher, will be assuming the role of the speech and debate coach next year in her place. She is another teacher who has positively influenced students, so with deBoer’s absence, it will be difficult for the team to adjust.

With Kyle Ruggles, the new principal, the future of leadership on campus is uncertain. We have adopted new policies this year including a tardy policy, homecoming dance policy, and the bathroom pass system, all of which have created more structure.

This year we have lost many of our most skilled leaders. The leadership roles could go in any direction, though hopefully Ruggles will lead the administration in a positive way.

Senior Confronts Challenges Before Graduating One student faces hardships before graduation as she tries to make a difficult decision that could change her relationship between her and her family as well as affect her future.

Tally Meyers Guest Writer

I have acknowledged that I have a problem. It’s hard to admit when at the point in my life when I’m supposed to know everything, but I find myself in the exact opposite position. I don’t know anything. Hello, my name is Tally and I’m scared to death.

Stepping onto the high school campus on my first day of freshman year was terrifying. I was a shy girl with braces and a pink backpack in a place that might as well have been the other side of the world.

Despite my skepticism, high school wasn’t as awful as I thought it might be.

I have learned so much about myself, but at this peak in my life where it feels like I am invincible, there is a dark cloud lurking in the near future. It holds a truth that will bombarded me with the unknown.

Although I have decided to go down the path of community college, I feel like my decision can’t be compared to California Polytechnic State University, or University of California Davis. My self-esteem takes a dive when I hear of my friends who are going to school that costs their parents $40,000 a year, over half of what my mom makes in that amount of time.

I won’t be able to experience the thrills of football games, hundred year old brick buildings, dorm rooms or fraternity parties at a university for at least another two years.

In my mind I know that going to college will be comparable to going to high school my very first day of freshman year; scary and unpredictable. The difference

I can’t seem to accept is that after I walk across that stage to receive my diploma, the real world is waiting for me. I fear not knowing if I will become overwhelmed with freedom that I will fail out. I fear not knowing what I want to major in when my friends want to be biologists, or therapists, or teachers. But what I fear most is not being able to pay my way to a degree.

Now, at one of the most crucial times in my life I have to make a “big-girl” decision. If I move out of my house to live with my friend, I will not get any help from my mother to go to school. No books, no health insurance, nothing. To anyone else this seems like the easiest choice they would ever make; stay at home and don’t pay for anything. But nothing is ever that simple.

Living at home with my mom and her boyfriend for the last four years has been a constant struggle. Bickering origi-

nates from anything from the tone of my voice to not sweeping the floors. I have to search for what is important to me, happiness or money.

When August comes, my graduating class will be waiting for that reality check that the world has promised, but I feel as though mine has come. Being faced with an issue of complete independence, I am worried that obligations will come in the way of my youthful experiences.

I am meant to go to college. Trying to avoid student loans that I will have to pay off until I’m forty is gradually becoming more difficult, especially if I pay for my education on my own, but I believe that if I really want something, I have the strength, the confidence, and the willpower to get it. I don’t know what I am going to do or how I will do it, and although I’m uncertain about my future, I am determined to figure it out.

songs certain to get you through “I Try” Macy Gray “Dont Panic” Coldplay “No Woman No Cry” Bob Marley “Let Go” Frou Frou “Stand by Me” Ben King “Sound of Settling” Death Cab for Cutie “Don’t Stop Believin” Journey “Where is my mind?”

The Pixies “All You Need Is Love” The Beatles “Let It Be” The Beatles

june 2009 | MavLife |

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t n e m e advertis

Michelle Balke, M.S., L.M.F.T. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist CA License No. 46979 Crisis>Solutions>New Opportunities Serving Southern California Telephone: (619) 322-0681 Fax: (619) 222-2853 E-mail: MMayBalkeFamilyTherapist@hotmail.com

16 | MavLife | june 2009

{opinion}

Efforts Stunted

Joelle Vann Guest Writer

A student struggles to promote fundraisers on campus Free Expression Law, “Students...have the right to exercise freedom of speech and of the press including, but not limited to, the use of bulletin boards, the distribution of printed materials or petitions... and the right of expression in all official

{

first place. Jordon kept the video up for the rest of the week, but Saltsman tried again to discontinue my video.

After he died in January, the Jake Pastel Cancer Fund, created and run by Jake’s friends and family, got permis-

{

I joined Social Justice with the intention to take my passion for helping others and use it to make a significant difference in my community and the world. But during second semester of this year my efforts to help the community were stifled.

On Jan. 9, 2009, my friend Jake Pastel lost his two-year-long battle to brain cancer. In order to defray the expenses of Jake’s medical treatment, my social justice project group planned a garage sale and I created a short video advertisement for LccTV. When my advertisement aired, Andrew Saltsman, Associated Student Body adviser, confronted Scott Jordon, video production adviser, with the intention of taking my video off LccTV. Saltsman said that the video must be approved by him because it deals with fundraising.

This is absolutely untrue. Saltsman’s job is to oversee fundraising transactions that occur on campus, not regulate the advertisement of them.

According to the California Student

“He fails to recognize he is violating our freedom of speech rights as defined by California education code.”

publications”.

What airs on LccTV is regulated by Jordon and no other faculty member has supremacy to step in, except when the video is “obscene, libelous or slanderous,” or “incites...a clear and present danger.”

My video did not meet any of those criterion. Saltsman had no authority in the situation, and it confuses me why he felt he should be involved in the

sion to rent out the theater for a benefit magic show. We created a short video informing people about the magic show.

Jordan referred us to Saltsman and Saltman said we were not allowed to show it because it was not approved by him.

Saltsman provided vague answers as to why he felt we were allowed to display flyers but did not have permission to air a video. Our advertisement never aired.

It infuriates me that Saltsman has absolutely no authority in this situation, but yet somehow managed to prevent us from doing what needs to be done.

He fails to recognize he is violating our freedom of speech rights as defined by California education code. And even more so, he has made our efforts to help a family that fell victim to cancer extensively difficult.

I do not want future students to endure the same difficulties we did. I encourage future administrators, including the new principal to make further efforts to ensure that the entire faculty is thoroughly informed about the California Student Free Expression Law. Sometimes we stand on the shoulders of our elders, and sometimes we have to stand on their necks. I strongly suggest that students remain informed and stand up for their rights, no matter who tries to deny them.

comic relief

Comic by Lizzie Marco

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d u o l t u talk o

Goodbye deBoer

Speech and Debate coach Krista deBoer leaves to attend Harvard Law School Alexa Simpson Editor

As two year old baby Ivy hangs from her neck, deBoer runs a frantic tournament with a smile. Finding time to banter with student Jason Gamache, her quick whit puts stressed out debaters at ease. Photo by Joanna Tang With a baby on one arm, and judge ballots in the other hand, she is determined to run her tournament on time.

Even during all the commotion of running and planning a tournament, deBoer is able to keep her cool and put a smile on her face while diving into the deep waters of argumentative debaters, and famished judges and parents.

Throughout the years the debate team has prospered into a highly competitive squad of award winning debaters. From Long Beach to Berkeley, the debate team has accumulated wins that have taken them to high level State and

18 | MavLife | june 2009

National tournaments. The one person to thank for our credited team is Coach Krista deBoer.

As a teacher on campus for nine years, deBoer was awarded teacher of the year and in 2005 took the club STAND, a group of students dedicated to improving the world to do service work in the Philippines. deBoer has made a name for herself over the years by dedicating much of her time to debate and making sure students always have a shot at figuring out what they are good at. Even with her busy schedule and a new baby, deBoer always

{

ing a new coach because they didn’t see where deBoer was headed long term.

“I wish I would have been heard when I was making suggestions about hiring a new teacher a long time ago; it’s nobody’s fault,” deBoer said, “but now we’re just going to have to have somebody fill in the gap.”

“It’s the most challenging yet most rewarding part of my job.” deBoer said, “My relationship with the debate kids and kinds of experiences we have together make my teaching experience worth while.” deBoer’s vibrant personality will never be replaced, her energy and light seemed to make the classroom a comfortable environment, while at the same time encouraged students to want to learn more and to never stop asking questions. She gave motivation and Iher students can only hope that in the years to come the debate team will keep that incentiveto not give up and strive to be better in each event they are competing in.

The debaters with years of experience will hopefully be willing and able to help the incoming freshmen as well as the new coach, Andrea Cartwright.

Cartwright, the English 11 College Prep. and AP English Literature teacher has volunteered to take on the position

“I think life is a process where you have to keep learning, and I feel that I’ve got to go away to school to do that.”

-Krista deBoer

tional lawyer. deBoer has known for a few years that she wanted to go back to school.

Her hopes were to hire someone specific a long time ago so she could show them the ropes and have them not be completely clueless on how to run and plan a Speech and Debate class. Unfortunately, the district did not see the urgency in hir-

{

found time for students that asked for extra help on cases or speeches.

Whenever students have trouble with a speech deBoer would always be willing to help on early mornings, giving her helpful suggestions. It will be unfortunate next year when students will not have that source of help that has always been there.

“I went into debate definitely knowing that I wanted to do tournaments but not on the scale that I have been this year, I tried a lot harder because deBoer was constantly motivating me to do better.”

Reza Zommorodian, sophomore, said.

With deBoer being a teacher and coach of such high caliber, it has long been expected that she would not teach on our campus forever. It has only been a matter of time before she would move on to the next stage of her life.

“I think life is a process where you have to keep learning, and learning and learning and I feel that I’ve got to go away to school to do that.” deBoer said. deBoer has made a stunning accomplishment of getting into Harvard Law School. Her hard work and smarts have taken her to a top Ivy league school and it is expected that with her passion to never stop learning, she will reach her highest dreams in becoming an excep-

as our team’s new debate coach.

“It’s going to be challenging because Speech and Debate is new to her, it was new to me, it was new to my predecessor, but I think more than anything it’s the personality she has that’s going to be the thing to carry her through. I feel really confident about her.” deBoer said.

y k n u f t e g Restaurant Review of the Month: Samantha Loos Berry Happy Staff Writer Happiness is golden, so is Berry Happy.

Frequents to encinitas blvd. stop to enjoy a refreshing cup of frozen yogurt.

Photo by Kayne Friesen

You walk into a modern, mini restaurant with round sink-in chairs and huge plasma high defininition TVs, just in the seating area. New age music playing adds to this feeling of walking in to an upper class dairy queen. The yogurt is conveniently placed right by the entrance and the add-on candies look, and definitely taste, fresh. The price depends on how much yogurt you decided to put in the cup. Though no matter how much you get it runs pretty inexpensive. This simply frozen yogurt place is now the new craze for teenagers in Encinitas. The restaurant looks like it’s going to “make bank” in the upcoming summer.

Berry Happy is a self-serve frozen yogurt shop on South Highway 101, located next to Filibertos, Manhattan Pizza, and 711, which opened up in March.

Berry Happy also serves a variety of boba, shakes, smoothies, and sundaes. You can also get different toppings on your yogurt.

I bought a small cup of yogurt with a mix of self-served cookies and cream, berry, brownie chocolate, peppermint, pumpkin, strawberry, and lemon; however, the flavors change every week. The yogurt was very smooth and was fun to put different toppings on. The shop’s toppings were varied from coconut to chocolate chips. Berry Happy’s coconut and other fruits had natural flavor to them, unlike other places where sugar is practically dumped onto them.

480 South Coast Highway 101 Encinitas

reviews Morrissey “Years of Refusal” Jerry Finn 7/10

Conor Oberst “Outer South” Merge 4/10

Green Day “21st Century Breakdown” Reprise 9/10

Iron & Wine “Around the Well” Sub Pop Records 8/10

“Years of Refusal” doesn’t provide any colossal surprises but still offers the wit and charisma that only Morrissey can deliver.

Steven Patrick Morrissey, known for his songs with The Smiths, shows a sign of defiance through his slow change from a melodious jangle to pummeling guitar progression to further his sound. His use of contemptuous, yet literate lyricism is dramatic in the way he speaks about doomed relationships and the burden of the prison of home.

An upbeat tune stuck to the remains of a once talented yet fairly melodramatic singer expresses new thoughts of happygo-lucky love. “Outer South’s” basic use of giddy, fast-paced instrumental is truly a failed attempt at modern folk. No more talk of bulimia and nights of lust, but instead unrealistic, Disney movie love. It is an album resembling the joyful sounds of Bright Eyes’“Cassadaga”.

Green Day, the punk rock trio from the 90s, released yet another hit album titled “21st Century Breakdown”, the first in nearly five years. Instead of extracting the past or simply recreating the present, Green Day has always focused firmly on the future. “21st Century Breakdown” is the most ambitious statement yet, ranging multiple territories of sound; furious punk to complex arena rock anthems, to go along with the hectic political climate of past years.

A compilation of both rare releases and never before heard, past creations makes for a relapse of beautiful music. Samuel Beam continues to create the relaxing vibe of his folk style with his latest album, “Around the Well”. Not much of a twist to his creations, as they continue to abide by his general style of love struck lyrics. However, classics like “Trapeze Swinger” and the “Such Great Heights” covers add to his newest work with a nostalgic feel.

Erika Mazza

Erika Mazza Kayne Friesen

Kayne Friesen

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{entertainment} Students Lurk On Facebook Social networking turns into convenient stalking.

Rachel Scepanovic Editor in Chief Facebook has made it effortless to find information about others. With a few clicks, one can see what school someone goes to, who their friends are, if they are single, and who they went to formal with freshman year. This habit of find information has taken on the name lurking, which has become a popular activity.

“People will know all about someone else’s weekend, vacation, or relationship without even knowing the person,” Jacqueline Cooley, junior, said.

Lurking on Facebook brings up the question of privacy. Though pedophiles are often associated with internet lurk-

ing, it has become standard for students.

Facebook is bridging the gap between creeping and simply finding information.

The statistics on campus show the popularity of Facebook lurking. Out of the students that have a Facebook, 85 percent lurk photos, 68 percent lurk wall posts, and 35 percent lurk relationship statuses.

Stalking refers to a more real, physical sense of following someone, though lurking is more socially acceptable. Stalking used to be hiding in the bushes following someone around, but has now

morphed into casually browsing on Facebook.

“Facebook lurking is equivalent to sending winking smiley faces over text, both are creepy but it’s a lot more creepy done outside of technology,” Clayton Samuels, senior, said.

Social network lurking shows how easy it is to access personal information on the internet. Social norms are changing and though unspoken, profile lurking is a norm.

For more information regarding this topic, see www.mavlife.com.

The Young Pilgrims Rock San Diego The Shins play for eager crowds at Soma.

Kayne Friesen Editor The audience’s tension flourished as orange and purple stage lights began to cascade up onto the many hanging stripes that inconspicuously hung behind the set.

The Shins headlined Soma San Diego, for the first time, with an impression that can only be described as a lull of giddy rock that swept through the crowd like wildfire.

Opening for the Shins, was local rock band, Delta Spirit, who did a fairly nice job at setting the tone for the evening.

Starting off with the upbeat swing of “Australia”, the show began to give off an embracing aura.

However, it felt almost that

a majority of the audience had only heard a few tracks by the Shins, being that the most appraised songs that were played were those in Zach Braff’s “Garden State”.

Lucky for the Shins, most, if not all, of their songs are fun and catchy anyway, so the audience didn’t seem to have much a problem with staying awake on that particular Monday night.

Among the wonderful set they played, the band debuted two songs that are planned to go on their upcoming, nameless, album; the first song called “Fool of a Martyr”, the second being “Sphagnum”. With this breath of fresh air, the Shins

20 | MavLife | june 2009

decided to cover a Beach Boys song, which only seemed right because of their comparable buoyant rhythm.

After what was played off to be the last song of the night, “Sleeping Lessons”, the Shins left the stage only to come back for a three-song encore, which included the favorite “New Slang”.

With some new material, edgier versions of old songs, a few instant classics, and the same sincere but not too earnest persona of the Shins, the overall performance was one to remember.

Illustration by Brittany Camarillo

y k n u f t ge Your Thoughts

Star Trek The Movie Legend Beamed Back To The Big Screen Ryan Kay Staff Writer

“Not worth seeing more than once, but still very good.”

Sarah Collins, junior

Courtesy of startrekmovie.com

“Really close to the original, seriously a good movie. Go see it!”

Nikole Barnes, freshman

“It was amazing! Seeing as it was based off the original show, they casted it perfectly. All characters were spot on.”

Aaron Peterson, sophomore

concerts Electric Daisy Carnival LA Memorial Coliseum Los Angeles June 26th, 27th

Rockstar Mayhem Festival San Manuel Amphitheater San Bernardino July 12th

Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. It’s continuing mission: to explore strange, new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no one has gone before.

Well for many it was the last words they heard of their beloved “Star Trek”, until the new movie. Just when all the lasers seemed to have ceased fire and the ships had landed on their planet, J.J. Abrams and company came out with a blast from the past.

For many, this was the second coming of a once great movie series, however, plenty die hard fans thought it to be a disappointment, a step away from the old series, and a step into the new era of action movies. Abrams even came out and said, “this isn’t your father’s Star Trek...”, which for many hardcore fans was disturbing that their beloved series was tweaked.

Now, I’m no Star Trek fanatic, but in the few I’ve seen, the history lined up pretty

well with the past episodes, even though the portraying of the characters was soso. It may have saved the movie for some that the past Spock, Leonard Nimoy, came to bring it back to its roots.

There are advantages in making an add-on to an original series like the already established fan base, characters, and basic story plot, but the difficulties of being accurate with the past can be painstaking as with this movie at times.

The acting I thought was sub par, a little too accommodating for the style of today’s world and less of the old Star Trek. The actors didn’t get into character as much as I thought they would, but it was nothing to get angry at. It wasn’t the greatest, not in any way the worst.

While the acting wasn’t anything special, the action and portraying history of Star Treks past was very good. It really made me want to watch the old series to find what it was all about from the characters, to the planets, to what a Klin-

be there

gon was. The movie started with an epic space battle, Kirk’s father and the Romulans clash with the explosions and heroics that wasn’t fully expected from this American classic, but nicely added. The plot seemed a little out of place for the common fan, but when Nimoy, original Spock, came into the picture, he reunited the old to the new and explained it all in the Star Trek fashion; all the quotes and lingo we’ve come to know and love.

From the time the lights dimmed to when the last of Spock’s monologue was said, casual and hardcore Star Trek fans were glued to the movie in which many of them watched as a child. For better or worse, “Star Trek” came back to a different time, maybe that time wasn’t as welcoming to “Star Trek”, and maybe some Trekkies were disappointed at times, but the essence of an American classic has returned.

Fuji Rock Festival

Lollapalooza

Street Scene

Naeba Ski Resort Japan July 24th, 25th, 26th

Grant Park Chicago August 7th, 8th, 9th

Downtown San Diego San Diego August 28th, 29th

Del Mar Summer Concert Series

Warped Tour ‘09

Del Mar Fair Grounds Sab Diego July 24th, 31st / August 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th / September 4th

Cricket Wireless Amphitheater San Diego August 22nd

Outside Lands Festival Golden Gate National Park San Fransico August 28th, 29th, 30th

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y k n u f t e g

summer guide

June 11th Tetro 12th Imagine That Food, Inc. Moon

July 1st

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs Public Enemies

3rd

I Hate Valentines Day

10th Bruno 19th

Dead Snow (Dod Sno) The Proposal Year One Whatever Works Under Our Skin

I Love You, Beth Cooper Soul Power Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg

15th

24th Transformers: Revenge of the

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Somers Town

Fallen

17th 500 Days of Summer Afghan Cheri The Girl from Monaco (La Fille de Monaco) The Hurt Locker Quiet Chaos Surveillanceberg

24th All Good Things G-Force Orphan The Ugly Truth The Answer Man In the Loop

29th Adam 31st

August 7th 14th

G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra Julie & Julia Shorts District 9 Taking Woodstock

21st

Inglourious Basterds Post Grad

28th

H2: Halloween 2 The Boat That Rocked

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Funny People Aliens in the Attic The Cove Lorna’s Silence Flame & Citron

Album Releases 6/23

The Mars Volta - “Ochahedron” Alexisonfire - “Old Crows / Young Cardinals” Lil Wayne - “Rebirth” Regina Spektor - “Far” Bjork - “Voltaic”

6/30

Moby - “Wait For Me” Maino - “If Tomorrow Comes” The Used - “Blood On My Hands”

7/14

Beastie Boys - “Ill Communication” The Dead Weather - “Horebound” Iggy & The Stooges - “More Power

Courtesy of Paramount Home Entertainment

26th My Sister’s Keeper

{show me the money}

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l a c i s y h p t e g MavLife Athletes of the Year

Girls Volleyball Team The girls volleyball team was, without a doubt,the top sports team this year. Led by All-American Katie Fuller (pictued above), the girls swept the Avocado League, won the state championship and were named the number one team in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com, maxpreps.com and Volleyball Magazine.

Photo by Bill Wechter/The North County Times

Girls Basketball Team

Led by Avocado League Player of the Year Katelyn Rowe , the girls basketball team exceeded all expectations this season, going undefeated (10-0) in league play to clinch the Avocado League title, winning the CIF San Diego Section Division I championship and making the state playoffs. The Avocado League and CIF titles were both firsts in girls basketball history. Photo by K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune

24 | MavLife | june 2009

Football Team

The football team capped off one of its best seasons ever with a fitting finish, beating Escondido 45-28 in the CIF San Diego Section Division I championship game to win the the section title for the first time. They were led by a wide array of stars, including All-CIF Defensive Player of the Year Jacob Driver, Avocado League Offensive First Teamers Sebastian Frausto and Kenny Stills and Avocado League Kicker of the Year Bobby Zalud.

Photo by Gary Nelson

{sports} The Reckoning Who knows lacrosse star Spencer Peterson best: his girlfriend Kelsey Harrington or his best friend Matty Gillan?

Spencer

Matty

Kelsey

Karl Johnson Staff Writer Favorite color?

Blue

Blue

Blue

Favorite place to eat?

Karina’s Mexican Food

Wahoo’s

Karina’s Mexican Food

Why the white patch of hair?

Birth mark that caused loss of pigment

He was born without pigment there

Birth mark, or as he calls it “halo mark”

Your pet rat’s name?

Sugar

Sugar (his maid called it Azucar)

Scooter?

Your middle name?

Randall

Randall, same as his dad’s

Randall

Your dogs’ names?

Roxie and Bailey

Roxie and Bailey

Roxie and Bailey

When is your birthday?

2/14/1991

2/14/1991

2/14/1991

Dream job?

To be a billionaire

Architect

Architect

Sexiest female garment?

Wearing nothing

Separated from the garmet

Nothing

Favorite artist/band?

Lil’ Wayne

Lil’ Wayne

Jack Johnson

Prettiest actress?

Jessica Alba

Angelina Jolie

Megan Fox

Favorite teacher?

Mr. Ruchman

Ruchman

Mrs. Anderson

RESULT: Kelsey wins, 9-7

g n al i n tt rso

e G

Pe

Kasey Fontaine Staff Writer

Jay Daniels (Freshman, Softball)

Monica Thunder (Junior, Lacrosse)

Jamey Lyon (Freshman, Swim)

Name I Wish I Had

“Ezra”

“Naida”

“Mr. Dude”

Guilty Pleasure Song

“Fever” by Family Force 5

“Bad Habbit” by Offspring

“Disturbia” by Rihanna

Favorite Saying

“Live in the moment.”

“Don’t take offense.”

“Common sense is not common.”

Favorite Sport (Other Than Mine)

“Badminton”

“Skiing”

“Surfing”

Craig Lewis...

“Has pretty cool sunglasses, but he’s too reserved.”

“Ominous.”

“The dude from YouTube?”

Photos by Kasey Fontaine

june 2009 | MavLife |

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l a c i s y get ph By the Numbers

Putting Adversity on Ice Freshman Jonathon Robinson is looking to become the first African-American MVP of the NHL

20 The boys lacrosse team hasn’t lost a league game since April 20, 2007

7 Record number of overtimes in Bulls-Celtics NBA series

13 Years since our school opened in 1996

108

Kasey Fontaine Staff Writer

Recently drafted to the prestigious Western Hockey League (WHL), freshman Jonathon Robinson hopes to pursue his professional ice hockey dream in Indiana in the fall.

“My goal is to go to the NHL, be the first African-American MVP of ice hockey, be the leading scorer and become the Michael Jordan of hockey,” Robinson said.

Since age six, Robinson has had a desire to play ice hockey. However, every year he has had problems dealing with the fact the he is African-American, unlike his nearly exclusively white teammates.

He has been able to get past the rude comments and does not have as much a problem with them as he becomes more and more respected by fellow teammates and rival teams.

“People used to be like dude, J-Rob, you’re black and playing hockey -- in a bad way,” Robinson said. “Now, they’re like dude, J-Rob, you’re black and playing hockey -- that’s sick.”

Robinson was originally very interested in BMX and was ranked third in his age group nationally. He first realized his love for ice hockey after a BMX race.

“My dad took me to a hockey rink and I was pretty good on the ice,” Robinson said.

He has stuck with the sport ever since and has come to love “the energy level,

League titles won by our sports teams since then

all the fans you get and mostly the physical part of the sport.” Robinson has just finished the season as a Sixteen and Under Midget AAA with the Los Angeles Jr. Kings Hockey Club. Robinson had a very successful year last year and retrieved several benefits from his hard work.

“Last year I was the leading player for goals and points. I just got drafted to play in the Western Hockey League(WHL),” Robinson said. The WHL is considered one of the top three junior ice hockey leagues in Canada, and also contains teams in the northwestern United States.

In addition to being a talented ice hockey player, Robinson has also acted in several television shows such as “Friends”, Nickelodeon’s “All That” and “Everybody Hates Chris”; in commercials for Chevrolet and Doritos; and as a stunt man in the movies “Kicking and Screaming” and “Rebound.”

Photo by Rick Robinson

Cutting School for Practice Jeremy Tyler, a junior at San Diego High School, is looked at by some as the next great American big man.

He has the skill, height and basketball knowledge to take his game to the pros in a few years, but he doesn’t want to wait and is looking to play professionally next season. In an unprecedented move, Tyler decided to give up his verbal commitment to Louisville University

26 | MavLife | june 2009

to play basketball in Europe, leaving behind his home, friends and life as he knows it. He’s going straight into a full-on career in a European league, with no room for messing around. His life will be basketball, basketball and more basketball. Instead of going to prom like other kids his age, he’ll be practicing with men nearly as old as his father. No matter how much he loves

basketball, he’s only a high school junior moving into a no-holds-barred commitment to the sport. If you move thousands of miles for one purpose, you’re going to have to work your tail off to succeed and make the trip worthwhile. He’s trying to grow up too fast, which will hurt his development as a player and as a human being.

Ryan Kay Staff Writer

{sports}

Flashback Reliving the success of the 2008-2009 sports teams

FALL August 2008

September 2008

Daniel Frasier (golf) named August Star of the Month by San Diego Hall of Champions.

Kendall Polan (volleyball) named September Star of the Month by San Diego 12/6/2008 Girls volleyball team won its first ever state championship Hall of Champions. and was named the national champion by PrepVolleyball. com. Katie Fuller, who is later named an All-American, finished the season with a North County best 359 kills.

Kendall Polan finished first in assists with 867. Natalie Loos took second place in blocks with 122.

December 2008 Katie Fuller (volleyball) and Jacob Driver (football) named December Stars of the Month by San Diego Hall of Champions.

12/12/2008 Football team won its first ever CIF San Diego Section D-I title, easily beating Escondido 45-28. Kenny Stills finished the season with 16 touchdowns, enough for 8th place in North County. Bobby Zalud scored his 9th field goal of the season and finished in a three-way tie for first place in field goals.

WINTER Photo by Gary Nelson

Photo by Kobi Melamed

February 2009 John Fitzpatrick (soccer) named February Star of the Month by San Diego Hall of Champions. He was later named the top soccer player in the country by ESPNU. Though the soccer team didn’t live up to expectations, Fitzpatrick led the Avocado League with eight goals and was named to the All-CIF First Team, along with teammate Johnny Espinoza.

3/2/2009 Tim Randall won his second straight CIF San Diego Section Masters title, at 145 pounds. He later went all the way to the state 1/4 finals, where he was eliminated.

The varsity wrestling team finished third in the team competition. It was later named the San Diego Section All-Academic Team for wrestling, with an average GPA of 3.27.

SPRING

3/7/2009 Girls basketball team won the CIF San Diego Section D-I title for the first time. The girls’ incredible season ended two days later with a loss in the first round of the state playoffs. Katelyn Rowe, who was named Avocado League Player of the Year and made the All-CIF San Diego Section Second Team, finished the season averaging 14 points per game, 4th among Avocado League players. Sophomore Jen Dumiak finished 6th in NorthCounty in free throw percentage, shooting 78.6 percent from the line.

5/18/2009

5/23/2009

5/28/2009

5/31/2009

Girls softball and boys lacrosse teams named CIF San Diego Section All-Academic Teams, with average GPA’s of 3.73 and 3.49, respectively.

Kendyl Stewart won the 100 yard butterfly and the 100 backstroke in the CIF San Diego Section Division I Championship Finals, with times of 53.44 seconds (a section record) and 55.37 seconds, respectively.

Steven Kearney won the individual CIF San Diego Section D-I golf title and lead his team to its third straight team title, beating Torrey Pines by one shot.

Boys volleyball team won its second consecutive CIF San Diego Section D-I title and its 10th in 13 years. The girls lacrosse team won the section title for the third straight time. The boys lacrosse team lost in the section finals to Coronado.

june 2009 | MavLife |

27

k n u r t e h t n i junk Ms. deBoer vs. Connor Braman Complete the Sudoku puzzle so that each and every row, column, and region contains the numbers one through nine only once.

teacher vs. student 1. Odontophobia is the fear of what?

Braman: Fear of dentists deBoer: Fear of the morning Answer: Teeth. Connor gets the first point! 1-0 2. What is the most common name in the world?

Braman: Mohammed deboer: Mohammed Answer: Both are correct! 2-1 3. What are the only mammals that can’t jump?

Braman: Elephants deBoer: Whales Answer: Connor is correct. 3-1 4. Like fingerprints, everyones’ _____ print is different?

Braman: Toe deBoer: Toe Answer: Tongue print. 3-1 5. Coca cola was originally what color?

Braman: Clear deBoer: Clear Answer: Green. 3-1 6. Right handed people live, on average, how much longer than left handed people?

Braman: 4 years. deBoer: I don’t know, but vegetarians live 7 years longer.

Answer: 8 years longer. Goes to deBoer because she is closer and vegetarian. 3-2 7. What is the only type of rock that humans eat?

Braman: Iron deBoer: Salt Answer: Salt. DeBoer gets the point! 3-3 8. People forget what percentage of what they learn in one day?

Braman: 45 percent deBoer: Depends on which people, my students: 98.9 percent Answer: 80 percent. 3-3

9. The average life expectancy of a person in the world is: Braman: 61 years deBoer: 61 years Answer: 66 years. 3-3 10. In Saudi Arabia, a woman may ______ her husband if he does not keep her supplied with coffee.

Braman: Divorce him deBoer: Leave Answer: Divorce. Connor was more specific. 4-3 11. How often does any given computer get infected with a virus?

Braman: Every 10 minutes deBoer: 3 times a week Answer: 5 seconds. 4-3 12. Women are more likely to do what with their faces when giving bad news?

Braman: Cry deBoer: Smile Answer: Smile. Goes to deBoer! 4-4 13. What is the number one thing that couples argue about?

Braman: Money deBoer: Money...or how annoying the man is.

Answer: Money. Goes to both. 5-5 14. Mars looks red because it’s covered by what?

Braman: Fairy Dust deBoer: Iron Answer: Rust. Goes to deBoer! 5-6 15. In the United States, tornados usually occur during what month?

Braman: May deBoer: October Answer: May. Connor gets the point! 6-6 16. Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in what part of their body?

Braman: Heart deBoer: Blood Answer: Hair.

Looks like it’s a tie. Congratulations to both Connor Braman and Mrs. deBoer!

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