Issue 6 of Mt. Carmel SUN

www.mcsun.org INSIDE

MT. CARMEL

OPINIONS: DO YOU HAVE A COLLEGE IN MIND? READ SOME STAFFER’S OPINIONS ON THE ADVANTAGES OF VARIOUS TYPES OF COLLEGES. PAGE 3

SUN

ENTERTAINMENT: WITH THE NEW YEAR COME NEW MOVIES, GAMES, TV SHOWS AND MUSIC. READ ABOUT THE MOST ANTICIPATED 2009 RELEASES. PAGE 5 FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2009 VOL. 36 NO. 6 | MT. CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL, SAN DIEGO, CA 92129

“This is the moment which the dream that once echoed from these steps at the Lincoln Memorial reaches the White House.”

-Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)

Historic inauguration marks new changes, hope SHAYON SAID STAFF WRITER A step toward reformation, a breakthrough in humanity, and “change” in the nation: on Tuesday Barack Obama clasped a spot in history by not only inspiring millions with these goals, but also by becoming America’s first African-American president.

Obama gave his inaugural address as the 44th President of the United States in the frigid temperatures of Washington, D.C. in front of the National Mall with over 1.5 million attendees at the historic moment.

Junior Jordan Busse, an actual witness of his inauguration, expressed the scene of the Mall as a direct response to Obama giving a speech.

“If it was anyone else giving the speech, you wouldn’t have seen all of the diverse people,” Busse said. “The atmosphere [of the National Mall] was very excited and unified because Obama was the person giving the speech.”

Obama’s speech focused on the enormous problems in America and how not only he as President, but all of the American people will have to address them in order to maintain our way of life.

Obama portrayed the key to renovation of our society through the one theme that thrived through his entire campaign: hope.

He expressed that America has come this far

through hope and by choosing “hope over fear.” He also sought a “unity of purpose over conflict and discord” in order to restore the admirable name of America and create change.

Junior Eddie Brann, a strong Obama supporter, already believes his campaign goal of change has already come.

32%

OF STUDENTS POLLED PLANNED ON WATCHING THE INAUGURATION.

*204 STUDENTS POLLED

“Not only do I think he will bring change, but I believe him becoming president symbolizes a great change itself.” Brann said Obama made it clear that the nation’s government can’t be judged by its capacity, but whether the government will succeed in fulfilling its job of aiding the American people around the globe.

“The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works,” Obama said. “Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will

end.”

Brann also praises him for his awareness of the nation’s situation in his speech.

“I liked how straight forward he was,” he said. “He spoke directly to the nation, admitting we were in a crisis.”

After admitting the crisis of the nation, Obama also presents the best way to resolve it.

“Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America,” Obama said. “For everywhere we look, there is work to be done.”

His inauguration as president has deeply touched many students as well. Senior Molly Morris took the entire day off work just to watch his inaugural speech.

“I feel like our country needs him,” Morris said.

“His ideals are so different from what’s happening right now that I find it impossible for him not to make a change in our nation.”

Morris said she is inspired by Obama, and like others she believes he is destined for greatness.

“I think he is really willing to reach out and help everybody because he is one of the greatest leaders of the free world” Morris said.

Though his toughest challenges include monumental political and economical problems, he still confidently insists that no matter how real they are, “they will be met.”

SUNDEVIL SIBLINGS

FEATURES: SIBLINGS ARE ALL OVER CAMPUS. LEARN ABOUT THEIR RELATIONSHIPS AND HOW THEY INTERACT AT SCHOOL. PAGE 9

Death toll rises in war in Israel; cease-fire aims to stop Hamas from rearming KAVERI GYANENDRA FEATURES EDITOR The death toll seems to be rising with each passing moment. With almost 1,300 Palestinians and 13 Israelis dead since the conflict began, the Israeli forces are completing their withdrawal from Gaza.

In response to President Obama’s first day in office, Israeli troops continued their cease-fire in the Gaza Strip; but forces remain strong at the border, ready to strike in case the three day truce with Hamas falters.

President Obama promised to shore up the Gaza cease-fire by establishing an effective antismuggling regime to prevent Hamas from rearming.

Obama also promised to work directly with Abbas’ Palestinian Authority to rebuild Gaza.

The continual fighting seems to be the main subject of international headlines day after day, which has started to draw strong reactions from students at MC. Pro-Palestinian senior Samera Yousuf takes action in supporting her side in various ways.

“I have stopped buying Starbucks because the chairman [of Starbucks] is a Zionist,” Yousuf said.

“Since I am on this side of the world, I can’t do anything to directly help the people that are being harmed in Gaza, so instead I have decided to make the effort to not aid the Israeli forces. I have stopped drinking Starbucks and attempted to spread the word to my friends who are also for Gaza.”

In addition to boycotting Starbucks products, Yousuf has done subtle things, such as wear black on certain days to show her support.

Junior Alexander Lange, who is Jewish, and a strong supporter of Israel, has his own view on the war.

“The Palestinians are not content with the land that they have,” Lange said. “[I connect to the war] by donating my Facebook status. Facebook uses my profile and about every six hours an update on what is going on and it puts it on top of everyone else’s status updates.”

Israel launched their military operation in Gaza on Dec. 27 to halt the rocket attacks on the southern region of Israel. Since then, there have been numerous attacks in Gaza, resulting in deaths of Hamas militants as well as innocent civilians.

Missiles have been aimed at schools, killing innocent children and women by the hundreds, and, in addition, leaving other people dead or critically injured because of the shrapnel. Israel claims that Hamas fighters used hospitals, schools and UN warehouses to launch attacks against Israel.

With the withdrawal in sight, people all over the world looked forward to the cease-fire.

“Let’s not fear President Obama,” Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Haim Ramon said. “I am convinced that President Obama and his team want to achieve what is essential to Israel: two states for two peoples.”

Skate parks lose supervision as result of troubled economy; rules ignored MACKENZIE LANCE SPORTS EDITOR First gas prices fluctuate, then stocks crash, and people lose their jobs and homes. Until recently, the financial crisis was more observed than directly felt by teenagers.

Now, the failing economy is touching on unexpected activities. Skate parks in San Diego, frequented by MC students have lost their supervisors due to budget cuts.

City budget cuts will leave the five skate parks in the county unsupervised.

To compensate for the loss of watchful adult eyes, the city has mandated signs to be placed within the parks listing several rules of the park.

The signs state basic rules such as required safety gear and prohibited activities. Also featured on the signs are some unexpected rules, including no contests between skaters or no spectators allowed within the park.

However, many patrons of the parks think the signs are useless or have been put

up to save the county in lawsuits. These signs are doing little to ease the nerves of parents whose children frequent the park.

Many skaters have already disregarded the signs because they realized that the city will not spend money on the parks and the supervisors and there will unlikely be any consequences for their actions.

“It’s hard for the supervisors to control the kids at the skate park so signs wouldn’t do anything at all,” senior Sarah Tran said.

“Without consequences the skate park can be a real danger to kids who want to do reckless tricks at the skate park.”

This kind of disregard for rules has lead to several severe injuries at the park.

“Without actual people there, sometimes kids don’t know what to do,” Tran said. “The kids won’t have adults to take care of them if they are seriously injured and it might take too long to get help.”

Other than students without proper protective gear, other rules haven been broken, putting skaters in danger.

“I’ve seen kids hit their heads pretty

Inside the SUN:

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hard into the ground,” Tran said. “It’s even more dangerous now because people really have no way of getting help from adults.”

While supervisors were in place, students on bikes could not gain admission to skate parks.

Now, because there is no supervision mandated in the parks, students on bikes ride in the parks along with skaters.

This is dangerous because of the difference in size between bikes and skateboards, as well as the speeds.

The bikes are much larger than the skateboards, as well as their riders. At high speeds, it becomes difficult to control the bikes and several crashes have occurred, injuring children.

Although kids under 14 are supposed to be supervised by their parent, this is just another rule on the signs that is constantly broken.

In this time of economic troubles, skate parks supervisors may seem like a trivial luxury, but it has become clear that many minor budget cuts are taking a dangerous toll on the public.

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KYLE COVEY | PHOTOGRAPHER

As a result of the economic crisis, Mayor Jerry Sanders has cut the budget for skate park supervisors. Skaters have not been following the helmet rules. Bicycles, which were previously banned, have now found their ways into the parks, endangering skaters’ safety.

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Mt. Carmel SUN

January 23, 2009

SCHEDULE CHANGES CAUSE LONG LINES

MATT COFFELT | PHOTO EDITOR

Angela Woods (12) (center) and Wade Morris (12) (right) fill out the necessary form to get their schedules changed. Students waited in lines all week in order to fiill out the form and submit it in order to switch classes and periods in their second semester schedule. The Sun Center has been closed off from students regarding their schedules throughout the week. Purple forms are being sent out to inform Sundevils if their schedule was changed or not.

State mandates no credit for marching PE; options explored to restore credit

Pending decisions regarding budget brings return of more pink slips

MACKENZIE LANCE SPORTS EDITOR

PARESH DAVE WEB EDITOR

Last year, senate bill 601 passed stating that California students could only earn physical education credit from classes taught by a credited teacher. The awarding winning MC marching band will no longer be eligible to earn physical education credit from their marching P.E. class.

Many view this as an unfair law because of the rigorous workout that the band students receive.

“It’s usually very hot, and holding up heavy instruments doesn’t help,” junior Kelsey Chesnut said. “We usually run things over and over again, a lot of times moving at fast tempos.”

The law was created to push students into more intense physical exercise and curb childhood obesity rates. The law arose to eliminate classes where idle students earn physical credit, but has actually eliminated several classes in the state that included rigorous activity. MC biggest blow from the law will be to the marching band program.

“Students need to take 2 years of P.E., even though band students don’t have room for that in their schedule,”

Chesnut said. “Also, a lot of kids will have to quit band just so they can graduate with enough P.E. credits, which will hurt our music program.”

Outside of MC, other schools in the state are losing physical education credits from ROTC programs, some dance classes, and their band programs. Other school districts, including San Diego County and Long Beach have taken action to fight the law.

The San Diego County school board has proposed ideas such as crediting ROTC and band programs as independent study programs or using a summer program to help the students earn credit. MC band students will receive credit for P.E. this year, but the future is unsure.

“We are waiting for the district to decide when this will affect us,” band director Gary McPherson said.

“There is not much of a story for us yet, maybe in the next year or two.”

The future of the law is still uncertain, but MC has a plan.

“A possible fix is, since we are so large is to ask a P.E. teacher to help us teach marching band for first semester,” McPherson said. “Therefore the students can get credit.”

Attorney General challenges Prop 8 in CA Supreme Ct.

‘Evening of Class’ showcases drama students’ talents through skits, plays

JORDAN UGALDE STAFF WRITER

ANGELA KIM STAFF WRITER

Last November, California passed Proposition 8 with a 52% majority and California attorney general Jerry Brown’s word that he would enforce it if it was passed.

However, in the months since the proposition passed, the California state Supreme Court is under pressure from gay rights activists, and, in an unexpected reversal, Jerry Brown, is now leading the fight to void the proposition.

This change of heart in the attorney general disappointed, among others, senior Marissa Lang, who was active in her support of Prop 8.

“It makes me upset that he’s a hypocrite for [reversing his decision] but he’s allowed to have his own free will to make whatever decision he wants,” Lang said.

But not everyone shares the same sentiment as Lang regarding the attorney general’s decision to challenge Prop 8 in court.

Senior Bryce Dunham-Zemberi worked against Prop 8 and is grateful to have such a powerful figure to help try and void Prop 8.

“It’s good that we have somebody on that high of a level on our side,” Dunham-Zemberi said. “I mean, it would’ve been nice if we could’ve had him the first time around, but we’ll take what we can get.”

The attorney general is the chief legal advisor to the state government, so Dunham-Zemberi’s gratitude and Lang’s disappointment are understandable.

Brown’s legal brief arguing the fundamental unconstitutionality of any ban on gay marriage is one of three that were accepted by the California Supreme Court.

Dunham-Zemberi believes that the chance Prop 8 would be undone with these briefs is about the same as it was during the November election.

“With such a controversial topic, it may happen, it may not,” Dunham-Zemberi said. “It will probably be close to a 50-50 chance.”

The Drama Department first organized the “Evening of Class” event with the goal to showcase every drama student even if they had never been in a play.

Last Jan. 8 and 9, the free-of-charge Evening of Class performance medley attracted friends and family once more.

Evening of Class means, literally, an evening of class. Drama 1, 2 and all do a series of short skits and the Advanced Drama class does one longer, short play.

Most skits are comedy, but some explore the deeper truth in humans.

In the short play “4th Wish” starring senior Sam Bratt, senior Parth Sitlani, and junior Alec Sobejana, Genie D.J. Inn (Sobejana) runs a magical cosmetics company and takes Mr. Folkway, a jittery reporter (Bratt), into the past.

There, the audience and Folkway watch Jack (Sitlani), D.J.’s former master, make three meaningful wishes as opposed to “the girl, the castle, and the cash.”

Jack learned what others thought of him, and also what kinds of people truly care for him.

He also realized with whom to go out.

Jack finally spends his fourth wish to set D.J. free.

Some poked fun at familiar places, like in “DMV” where a customer (senior Pierre Coburn) struggles with an unwilling and sarcastic DMV employee (junior Caitlyn Walker).

Junior Mieko Hayes participated in her first Evening of Class in a skit called “Blind Date,” a hilarious skit on a blind date where the girl and boy have completely opposite vibes. There she played the inner voice of Susie (freshman Stephanie Migalle), the miserable girl on the date.

Hayes has been acting since she was 11 in church plays and school productions.

She hasn’t done many short skits before and prefers dramatic roles.

“Normally I’m more dramatic,” she said. “I tend to lean toward scenes where the girl is like dying or getting ready to die, [or] falls in love with a guy who isn’t good for her.”

Hayes characterizes herself as a very dramatic person, so acting is the perfect way to channel her drama.

ANA ALVAREZ | PHOTOGRAPHER

Cassie Parker (12), Rebecca Wertz (11), Sam Webb (12), Sam Bratt (12) and Alec Sobejana (11) perform their short play, “4th Wish.” The play was a part of the annual drama final. The theme of the performance was “Evening of Class.”

All drama classes showcase what they have learned over the semester through a skit or short play. Most skits are comedic, but others put a more serious note on human nature.

“…Acting is really cool to me because, on a regular basis, I am a drama queen,” she said. “When I take drama it helps me be a drama queen but not get in trouble because [acting] is my duty.”

Compared to acting in Detroit, she finds it refreshing to do something light and hilarious.

“Back in Detroit, where I’m from, we don’t do a lot of comedy plays,” she said. “We do more dramatic stuff or something to do with God…the moral[s] of the [stories are] ‘praise God’ or ‘believe.’ And… with my school plays, it was always about not getting into drugs or doing well at school.”

Hayes hopes to try out for the spring play “Our Town.”

“It doesn’t matter the role, I make sure I stand out and shine,” she said.

Expecting revenue to continue to plummet, the state has asked the Poway Unified School District to budget for cuts of $20 million to $25 million during the next 18 months.

Those significant figures mean that in the coming months MC faculty members will again be seeing pink slips—except this time it won’t only be teachers.

According to Assistant Principal Ron Garrett, administrators and classified employees could be among those given notice about possible termination because the district has already exhausted other options.

To deal with last year’s budget shortfall, the district fired nonessential employees from its payroll.

Since protests and petitions last year led to a budget cut of about $5 million less than the district expected, many teachers’ jobs for this year were saved. As a result, Garret says the axe may fall on administrators, including assistant principals and counselors.

Some classified employees, which would include guidance technicians, secretaries, office assistants and any other staff members who do need a special credential to execute their job, had a chance to lose their jobs at the semester. But the situation was too much in state of flux for decisions to be made yet.

If it does come to that point, such employees would be fired in the order in which they joined the district, starting with the newest employees, compared to other people in similar positions across the district.

Personnel expenses constitute the majority of the district’s operating budget, so one of the ways they may try to save some funds is to continue to raise class sizes to even higher levels. Another large chunk is consumed by the bus system, which could face significant cuts next year.

At the state level, one of the proposals from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to save money is to reduce the current school year by five days.

Because teachers’ contracts for this year have already been signed, Garret doubts such action will be taken this year. However, a shortened school year for 2009-10 remains a possibility with the economy unlikely to recover soon.

If current figures hold, from 2001-2010 the district will have faced more than $50 million in cuts.

District and school officials will continue to meet regularly during the next several months to make some more concrete decisions, but for now discussions remains fluid.

The school board must decided

by March 15 if teachers will be laid off and by May 12 if non-teachers will be fired. A few days later, in May, Schwarzenegger will offer his revised budget.

Opinions

Mt. Carmel SUN

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January 23, 2009

WHICH IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR YOU? Out-of-State Public Universities KATELYN CUTTS NEWS EDITOR The decision of where to go for college can be the hardest and scariest one of a person’s life. With the endless possibilities of furthering your education, the options can be terrifying and overwhelming.

For some students, the idea of staying home is the only option due to financial or personal reasons. However, for those who want to experience a different part of the United States, out-of-state public universities can be a great option.

They give students

an opportunity to see beyond the city they have lived their entire life in. It gives them a chance to view more of America and experience different weather besides continuous sunshine with rain on special occasions.

It allows people the chance to go outside their comfort zone by experiencing something new surrounded by people that they have never met before.

Going out-of-state is the perfect simulation for how life after college will be as well.

Parents won’t always be there to do the laundry and make home cooked meals. It gives you the chance to see how you can handle being away from your parents.

Out-of-state let’s you have complete and total freedom as opposed to staying in-state. You don’t have anyone to depend one for support or trips home on the weekends.

Although going to college outof-state gives you complete independence and a change of scenery, it does have one drawback. The price for out-of-state college can cost twice as much as staying in-state.

If you don’t want to get students loans or have to deal with paying more for college than going out-of-state is not an option for you. According to “The Princeton Review,” annual in-state tuition for UCSB is around eight thousand a year versus the annual out-of-state tuition for University of Arizona, which is around eighteen thousand.

Minus the eleven thousand dollar difference between the two schools, going out-of-state gives you the perfect opportunity to get far away from your family and be independent for four years.

It also lets you experience a different region in America and a new type of weather.

In-State Public Universities NICOLE BUSTAMANTE STAFF WRITER For many MC students, not only seniors, college has crossed their mind.

It is an important part of anyone’s life and is a big decision that could affect the rest of your life.

Instate public schools are one of the best choices for students at MC because of their cost.

When considering which colleges to go to cost is always a major factor.

With the UC and CSU schools the price is significantly cheaper when compared to any out-of-state school even as close as ASU. For example, the estimated tuition fee at UCLA would be at the most about $23,135.

If you were not a California resident your tuition fee would be approximately $45,750.

Assuming most schools are simi-

lar to this, if you stay local or at least in California you are paying almost half the price.

Staying in California is particularly good if you are close to your family because it makes coming home for the holidays that much easier.

Not to mention if some of your friends attend college in California it is probable you will see them more often.

While a cheaper tuition and the benefit of staying local is true for any high school student in any state, California is unique to the extent that we have a wide selection of in-state universities.

Since California is the most populated states in the U.S., it gives us the benefit of having a big variety of colleges covering the entire state from UCSD to UC Berkley.

With 10 UC campuses and 23 Cal State campuses the

pickings are anything but slim, not to mention that Cal State’s 23 campuses make it the largest university system in the U.S. The universities of the California school system include universities of high stature, with UCLA, UC Berkley, and UCSD. Luckily for us, the Poway Unified School District’s high schools, such as MC, help set us up to get into an instate public school.

So if you want a more affordable alternative to private schools, stay in state and receive a good education from a public school.

Private Universities CORDELL HUNTER STAFF WRITER The first things one thinks about when they hear the words “private Universities” are rich kids, fancy cars and expensive tuition.

Although private schools cost more than state-funded universities, the expenses are justified in a better overall college experience.

Because they do not receive money from the state government, private universities depend on private donors and student tuition to stay running.

Since they do not follow the state’s finance plan, private universities are allowed to charge as much as they want. Tuition may

be high, but it’s worth it.

Private schools take the money students pay and use it to pay for better teachers. They also have enough money to pay the professors to teach more classes. More classes results in smaller class sizes, and smaller class sizes result in a better learning environment.

Another benefit of expensive tuition is better and more sports programs. Since they have more money, private universities have the luxury of being able to offer scholarships to excellent players, as well as hire successful and well-known coaches.

These coaches and players, in turn, provide more discipline and strength to the team, which translates into more wins and overall better sports programs.

Since they don’t follow state curriculum, some private universities offer specialized pro-

grams just for those wanting to pursue a specific career. Two excellent examples are MIT and Harvard Law. These schools mainly focus on one subject and are often outstanding in their category.

Private colleges can also afford better and larger campuses, as well as nicer dorms and facilities.

They can afford more land for their campus and more custodians to keep it clean. The dorms are also state of the art, which ensures a comfortable freshman year.

All in all, if you want to leave college feeling like you have learned something, have a memorable and comfortable experience and are able to afford it, a private school might be the right choice for you.

Military Academies MACKENZIE LANCE SPORTS EDITOR “We need to send that kid to military school.”

This phrase is frequently uttered in cliché-filled films and sitcoms as a solution to an out of control teen’s behavior.

Despite popular belief, military academies aren’t just a place for troubled teens who need to be straightened out. Most students there weren’t expelled from other institutions nor have anger problems.

“The Five Pointed Star” is composed of the military academy at West Point, the Naval Academy at Annapolis,

the Coast Guard Academy, the Merchant Marine Academy, and The Air Force Academy.

These universities are prestigious, but free of cost for tuition and room and board. Some of the academies even offer their cadets monthly stipends to help pay for personal expenses. After their graduation, the students are required to enter the military service and serve an average of five years, though some academies require slightly more or less.

Many of the applicants are military legacies, but the majority of students are the first in their families to join the military.

The schools are also a secure environment for students who want to focus on their studies and future rather than partying.

The Naval Academy was ranked number one

for least amount of marijuana used by students and was placed in the top ten sober schools by the Princeton Review.

Not everyone is cut out for a military academy. It involves a grueling workload, leadership based curriculum, and requires fitness tests.

Every applicant needs to submit a congressional recommendation, along with their application.

For those who strive to succeed and dream of “flying into the blue,” being an “army of one,” or one of the “few and the proud,” military academies are a secure choice with a guaranteed future upon graduation.

Community Colleges SARA SHANTZ STAFF WRITER While community colleges aren’t the best option for everyone, they do have their advantages.

If you would like to pursue a sport in college but aren’t quite ready to play at that level, playing at the junior college level gives you two years to improve your skills. From there you can be a walk-on your junior and senior year.

Not only do junior colleges offer great opportunities for sports, but they cost next to nothing to attend compared to the cost of some four-year colleges.

One nine-month session at Palomar costs approximately $600 for tuition.

If that’s still a bit pricey for you, you should check out the financial aid that Palomar, as well as the other local community colleges, offer.

Books and supplies cost somewhere around $1,500 per session.

If you want to live on campus, it’s another $4,000 per session at Palomar.

If that’s out of your price range, you can rent an apartment with friends and support yourself by getting a part-time job.

Another option is to live at home where you don’t have to worry about paying room and board.

If you have trouble learning in a chaotic environment, you should consider going to a community

college.

They offer smaller class sizes, which allows you to ask more questions, thus making learning easier.

You don’t have to be in college to take classes at a community college. They offer a variety of classes you can take just for fun.

Community colleges are also a good place to take summer school classes.

Community college may be the right option for you, whether you’re continuing your education after you graduate from high school, going back to get your degree, taking classes in summer school, or taking classes just for fun.

ALL PHOTOS BY MATT COFFELT | PHOTO EDITOR

Sporting gear from the colleges they will attend next year are the following seniors: (top left to upper right) John Biberman (12), Lindsay Schulze (12), Danielle Leiva (12), Melissa Roadman (12), Stephen Griswold (12), Danielle Spence (12), Chris Gallardo (12), Stephanie Wermuth (12), David Darling (12), Markus Ito (12), Karalee Angus (12), Maggie Doremus (12) and Michael Rawls (12).

Opinions

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Mt. Carmel SUN

January 23, 2009

Glued to a screen

Hard-working custodians deserve better treatment from students SARA SHANTZ STAFF WRITER

Paresh Dave

A down for every up On the night of Saturday the third, I cheered until I was hoarse, doing everything in my power to make Qualcomm Stadium a thunderingly hostile environment for the Colts.

After Darren Sproles eased into the end zone to ensure a Chargers victory, I yelled with joy until I was nearly voiceless. To celebrate, I had the best meal in the world: Taco Bell.

On the night of Saturday the tenth, my cheeks were swollen, and my only saviors were ice and Vicodin.

The night before, I could barely sleep as I imagined the pain of surgical equipment ripping open my gums and prying out my wisdom teeth.

The winds slamming against my window thundering so differently than the yells at the stadium the week before only brought more discomfort.

To put some food in my stomach, I had blended rice and yogurt.

With every high, comes an equal low. What goes up must come down.

The laws of regression to the mean, karma and Newtonian physics are parts of what governs our lives.

Not always does the turn-around occur as fast as it did for me recently, but at some point every positive force is matched by a negative force of equal magnitude.

The morning after the Charger game I woke without the ability to speak. As it turned out I would be unable to communicate normally until Friday. I don’t regret cheering and jeering my heart out, but a week at school without a voice is tough.

It was a far cry from a week filled with two Charger games that I attended, a new year’s eve on the town, a game of football and a birthday party with charades and a warm fire.

What more could you ask for in the final week of a homework-less break?

That day of Saturday the third, I knew things would be in my favor when I checked the time in the parking lot and it read: 3:33. With three being my favorite number, it had to be a sign from a great force from above.

Flash forward to Thursday the eighth and the signs change. My friend was having his behind-the-wheel test the next day so he peeked at his horoscope, which carried an ominous message. As it turned out, he finished with an automatic failure. Shortly after he shared his horoscope with me, what else was I to do but check mine. While my outlook was fairly neutral, it gave me little hope of a painless recovery from the wisdom teeth extraction surgery I was to undergo the next day using a local anesthetic.

As this turned out, I severely underestimated the pain that could be produced by such a quick and easy operation. I’ve never had anything wrong with my teeth in my life—not even cavities—so the most pain I had felt in my mouth was when they stick those pads in while taking x-rays.

The surgery made me sweat and cry. The anesthesia and numbness wearing off slowly over two hours made me squirm and clench. The puffy cheeks and limited food choices annoyed me.

Just when I had regained my voice, I had a new set of problems.

The week did not get any better when the Steelers limited Philip Rivers and the Chargers to one third quarter snap.

It was a week not from the great force above, but the demonic force below.

We take these ups and downs in stride, knowing that you can’t party forever. In a contract year, Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson got the greatest compliment he could from his boss one day; the next he was arrested.

Sproles ran wild against the Colts and then barely managed 15 yards against the Steelers.

For every up, there is down. When it comes, nobody knows, but rest assured, it will come soon enough.

He stared in disbelief at the mounds of trash after lunch and hung his head at the amount of work he had ahead of him.

MC custodians are severely overworked and understaffed.

Before the budget cuts, MC had eight fulltime custodians and one part-time custodian.

This year because of budget cuts, we have seven full-time custodians and one part-time custodian.

To make things harder on them, when they’re sick, they don’t get a substitute. That means that the guys who do go to work are left to pick up his slack.

MC custodians are responsible for cleaning each classroom nightly, emptying the trash cans after lunch daily, and picking up trash that’s been left on the ground and in the parking lot.

They even have to monitor the setting up athletic events and special events on campus, and making safety inspections.

That’s a lot of work to get done in an eight hour shift.

Teachers could save the custodians a lot of time by simply putting their trash cans by the door at the end of the day. That way, they won’t have to waste time hunting around the room for the trash cans and they can finish their work sooner.

The amount of trash MC students leave behind after lunch is just adding to the custodians’ work load.

MC students are careless.

At lunch, it isn’t uncommon to see people throwing food at each other, and, while it may be fun, it’s not at all fun for the custodians who have to clean it up.

If each student took a minute out of their day to throw away their trash, it would save the custodians an hour of work.

The faculty is currently nagging everyone about the trash problem, in an effort to fix the ongoing problem at MC. As a punishment for “chronic offenders,” they are taking people’s lunch spots away.

KYLE COVEY | PHOTOGRAPHER

An MC janitor cleans the quad after students neglect to throw away their trash in the appropriate cans. MC currently has seven full-time custodians and one parttime custodian. Budget cuts have reduced the number of custodians on campus.

STAFF EDITORIAL

America celebrates historic inauguration of first African-American president, Democrat Barack Obama On Jan. 20, a monumental event occurred that has never happened before.

A black man was inaugurated as president of the United States of America, making him the first black president, not only in America, but in the entire western world.

Barack Obama, a man with less than four years of experience in the U.S. Senate, came out victorious against a war veteran who had been in the Senate for over 20 years.

Sixty years ago, this would’ve been impossible. The segregation in many states would not have allowed a black man to even drink from the same water fountain as a white man, let alone run for president.

Clearly, times have changed, and Obama’s

presidency is said to be bringing positive change, his slogan, “change we can believe in,” indicates.

But with our president inaugurated so recently, there’s little noticeable change we can see so far.

One of the minor changes the president has already made is the presentation of the president’s weekly address to the nation.

In addition to being delivered by radio, the president’s weekly addresses will be delivered on video via YouTube.

The president’s weekly address was started by former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who began the trend with his famous “fireside chats” in order to try to get

closer to the nation, just like Obama is now by appealing through YouTube.

FDR has been also compared to Obama since both entered office during an economic crisis.

Of course, decisions that will affect the welfare of America will eventually be made, and with a Democratic executive and legislative branch for the first time since Clinton and the 103rd Congress, you can expect almost all of these decisions to go the Democrats’ way.

There is no doubt that this was a historic inauguration. But only time will tell if the election of President Barack Obama will fix the problems of our country and, ultimately, the rest of the world.

CHRISTIAN JUN | ARTIST

Different levels of learning, motivation justify need for more honors classes RACHEL MARTIN OPINIONS EDITOR There are significant differences between students at MC. And that calls for different classes at different levels to be available.

As freshmen, students can choose between regular and honors English.

In their sophomore year, they can choose between AP history and regular. Juniors and seniors again have choices between regular and advanced placement.

But there is also a need for an in-between.

Many students are driven and passionate enough about their studies to be able to handle AP courses.

However, there are also students who are smart and ambitious but who simply cannot handle, or do not want to handle, the pressure of being in such an advanced class.

So instead, they are forced to take regular English or history, with students who are less motivated and less concerned with their education.

This can be frustrating, for both stu-

dents and teachers. With these different levels of motivation, there will always be students who aren’t satisfied with the class and aren’t stimulated by the material.

But if there were certain honors classes available, it might solve the problem.

Students would have three choices. They would be able to take regular, honors, or AP. Many students take AP classes to boost their GPA to impress college admissions directors with their outstanding resume. But often, they

don’t know what they are getting themselves into.

Honors classes still look good on your transcript. They show colleges that you wanted to challenge yourself without the added pressure of being in an AP class.

Unfortunately, MC does not offer very many honors English and history classes after freshman year.

Although there are honors math classes, there is also a need for honors classes in other subjects.

Honors classes could be very popular. There are many students in

the difficult situation of choosing between regular and AP. There needs to be something in between. AP classes have become too demanding to make it the only alternative.

MC students and teachers would benefit from more honors classes.

Students who want a more challenging environment would be provided with one, and teachers would not have to worry about trying to satisfy all of the different levels of learning and motivation in their classrooms.

MT. CARMEL SUN Mt. Carmel High School 9550 Carmel Mtn. Rd. San Diego CA 92129 (858)484-1180 ext. 3211 rmercurio@powayusd.com http://www.mcsun.org Our mission is to provide the MC community with an informative, accurate and respectful student-run publication. The SUN seeks to stimulate the discussion of issues in order to promote a more aware student body. Whether informing, voicing opinion, or entertaining, the SUN strives for standards of balance and good taste.

Melissa Roadman Editor-in-Chief Rick Mercurio Advisor Catherine Jaravata Assistant Advisor Craig Racicot Photo Advisor The Mt. Carmel SUN is the official newspaper of Mt. Carmel High School, published by its Journalism 2 students. The views expressed in the SUN do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Mt. Carmel High School administration or PUSD Board of Education. Unsigned editorials reflect the beliefs of the SUN editorial board. The SUN is a student open forum, and all final content decisions are made by its student editors. Letters to the Editor are welcome and should be signed. For advertising rates and information please call, email, or write the SUN at the address above.

Editors Katelyn Cutts News Kylie Baranowski Center Rachel Martin Opinions Mackenzie Lance Sports Kevin Lage Entertainment Kaveri Gyanendra Features Paresh Dave Web Cathy McDermott Copy Matt Coffelt Photo Staff Writers Nicole Bustamante Erica Byerley Sarah Carrigan Melanie Dickinson Lauren Hall Cordell Hunter Angela Kim Karen Michel Aditi Pai Vincent Pham Shayon Said Sara Shantz Dennis Sun Jordan Ugalde Sean Williams Staff Photographers Ana Alvarez Allison Rogers Daniel Than Kyle Covey Artists Christian Jun Alyssa Surmillon Business Manager Megan Ashworth

Entertainment

Mt. Carmel SUN

5

January 23, 2009

2009 Entertainment Preview 2009 promises box office blast PARESH DAVE WEB EDITOR

BLOCKBUSTERS & SEQUELS

PHOTO COURTESY OF HARRYPOTTER.COM

When polled by the MC SUN staff, the majority of students said that they were most excited about the release of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” which is scheduled for release on July 17. Joining “Harry Potter,” “X-Men Origins” and “Terminator: Salvation” are also anticipated for 2009.

“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” tops the movie list for 2009.

Right behind it will be “Terminator: Salvation” with Christian Bale replacing Arnold Schwarzenegger and “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” still featuring Shia LaBeouf.

Tom Hanks is also back as Robert Langdon in Dan Brown-inspired “Angels and Demons.”

Directed by Martin Scorsese and featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, the fall release “Shutter Island” figures to receive some award talk.

“G.I Joe: Rise of the Cobra” comes out in August with Channing Tatum, Dennis Quaid, Sienna Miller, and Marlon Wayans.

Also back is hunk Vin Diesel with another “Fast and Furious.” Then there’s a new part to the Saw series: “Saw VI.” Hoping to catch the same success as Mama Mia, the musical “Fame” comes out with a fresh cut in the fall.

Elsewhere, “Alvin and the Chipmunks 2: The Squeakuel” and “Pink Panther 2” return with usual casts.

Since the first night was good, “Night at the Museum” returns this time as a “Battle at the Smithsonian.”

The geek-types and comic-fan types will have “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” and “Star Trek” to watch this year.

On Friday the 13th next month, moviegoers will have the choice among several movies including, “The International,” a blockbuster thriller with Clive Owen and Naomi Watts.

Also coming out the day before Winter Formal is “Friday the 13th 2009,” an update of the classic.

DISNEY

“Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience” will attract the teenage girl audience as will “Free Style,” a movie featuring the band’s music and starring Corbin Bleu as a normal kid turned motocross star. Hannah Montana will also make it to theaters for the second straight year. This time it will be a real movie taking her back to her Tennessee roots.

Meanwhile, Bleu’s HSM star pal Zac Efron stars alongside Matthew Perry with the male version of 13 Going on 30, “17 Again.” Disney fans will have to wait till next Christmas for the fairy tale “The Princess in the Frog.” However, they will have to wait only until May 29 for Disney and Pixar annual team-up.

This year it yields “Up,” which centers around a flying house.

Finally, Disney’s new green division comes out with its first movie: a nature documentary titled “Earth.”

BEST OF THE REST

Without a doubt, 2009 is the year of 3-D action. In 3-D, there’s the animated “Monsters vs. Aliens” along with “Piranha 3-D,” “Final Destination 4,” “My Bloody Valentine” and “Sorority Row.” Bale returns again in 2009, this time as a gangster, in “Public Enemies” which pits him against Johnny Depp and the Feds.

And from James Cameron comes the highly anticipated “Avatar” about an ex-marine sent to straight a human community on a distant planet. Beyonce hits the big screen in the thriller “Obsessed.”

From the weird side comes “Land of the Lost” in which Will Ferrell takes on dinosaurs. In the book-turned-movie group this summer is “My Sister’s Keeper” with Cameron Diaz starring in the movie based on Jodi Piccoult’s novel as well “Where the Wild Things Are” based on Maurice Sendak’s children’s story.

Right before Thanksgiving mystery lovers can indulge in Robert Downey, Jr. as Sherlock Holmes with Jude Law acting as his trusty sidekick Mr. Waston.

Teenage boys are likely watch Judd Apatow’s “Funny People” with Adam Sandler added to the usual cast of Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill and Leslie Mann.

In the more serious category, director Mira Nari captures the life of Amelia Earhart in the simply titled, “Ameila.”

Sundevils anticipate upcoming tv seasons

ERICA BYERLEY STAFF WRITER

REALITY

“American Idol” returned for its eighth season last week with just as many people coming out to embarrass themselves this year as ever before.

There are a few new twists to the show, however, designed to make sure the number one program on television stays that way. There will be more of a focus on what happens behind the scenes, a return of the “wild card” round, and a new judge, Kara DioGuardi. This means that Simon gets the deciding vote in the event of a tie. We might even see Simon be a little less mean to contestants after the Nov.suicide of a woman who was ridiculed by him.

“Make Me a Supermodel” is getting a complete makeover before it returns to the small screen in the next couple of months. This year the judges will make all of the decisions on who gets cut. The show’s new format will be more in line with the other reality series on Bravo, like “Top Chef ” and “Project Runway.”

SITCOMS

On last week’s episode of “Two and a Half Men,” audiences almost saw the end of Charlie’s hedonistic lifestyle. He thought he was going to die, so naturally, he went out and bought his friends and family gifts to remember him by. He was so desperate to create a legacy for himself that he almost

proposed to his stalker, Rose, before he found out that he was actually completely healthy.

“The Office” will also continue this year, with new episodes premiering every Thursday night at 9 on NBC. In a recent one, Andy finally found out about Angela and Dwight. Tune in and watch what happens to them as well as the rest of your favorite characters.

“Scrubs,” which was expected to end last year, was picked up by ABC for another season. “Scrubs” airs every Tuesday night at 9 pm.

DRAMAS

“Grey’s Anatomy” is back after a short break, with Izzie finally breaking up with the ghost of Deni, Cristina and Meredith still fighting, and Sloan and Callie still unable to forget about the interns.

“Desperate Housewives” will continue its 5th season every Sunday at 9 on ABC. See the relationships on Wisteria Lane become even more complicated and find out if Mike Delfino will live to see another season.

Title: Seven Pounds Rating: PG-13

SUPER BOWL

Even though the Chargers experienced a miserable defeat and are out of the running for the Super Bowl, it still may be worth watching. Bruce Springsteen is scheduled to perform at the halftime show and there still are all the interesting commercials to watch. The game will be held in Tampa Bay on Feb. 1 with the kickoff at about 3:30 pm.

SONY

The video game industry has many interesting upcoming releases for the 2009 year. Despite the economic recession, the gaming industry has seen overall growth for the 2008 year. With many intriguing developments for the coming year, such growth may be seen again.

MICROSOFT

Microsoft and Bungie’s Halo franchise will witness two new game additions this year. Halo Wars, a real-time strategy game, will feature many species and vehicles found in previous Halo games, along with new units.

Unlike some other strategy games, Halo Wars will focus more on the battle part of the game than the economy of it. Halo Wars will be released in North America on March 3.

Halo 3: ODST is the other new addition to the Halo game franchise. It is a first-person shooter that places players in a film-like version of Halo.

The story takes place in a film-noir version of Earth at the time of Halo 2. Halo 3: ODST will be released sometime during the fall of this year.

“What kind of disease,” Thomas said.

“I was born old,” Benjamin said.

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” is the movie adaptation of a short story by F Scott Fitzgerald. It follows Benjamin (Brad Pitt), who “was born under unusual circumstances.” Benjamin was born with all the wrinkles and afflictions of a very old man, and ironically was left as a baby on the steps of a retirement home.

Doctors tell the home’s owner, Queenie (Taraji Henson), that Benjamin has a disease, and tells her that he does not have long to live. He astounds everyone, by not just surviving, but getting healthier. When he was still very young, about the mental age of seven, with the body of about a 70 year old, he meets a young girl, Daisy (Cate Blanchett) who comes to the home to visit her grandmother from time to time.

Eventually Benjamin accepts that his body is in fact getting younger as his mind ages, and, after about 18 years, he heads off on a journey to see the world. Along the way, he experiences All of the actors do an amazing job, but especially Pitt and Blanchett.

They nail their characters and, with the help of some awesome makeup artists, they make you believe that they are actually aging. The director does a great job with the plot and setting. The one major drawback, is the ending, which seems to be cut short, and is slightly confusing.

The three hour long movie does get pretty long and hard to watch while cooped up in theatre seats, so my advice, is to wait for the DVD, and curl up on your couch and watch this great movie.

-Kevin Lage

PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC.COM

According to a poll conducted by the MC SUN staff, the majority of students polled are most excited about the return of “Scrubs.” Along with “Scrubs”, shows like “American Idol,” “Two and a Half Men,” and “Grey’s Anatomy” are also returning for another season. The television industry expects better ratings than last year. Due to the writers being on strike, around this time last year the industry had lower ratings.

Despite recession, gaming companies Music industry starts 2009 prepare for boom in video game sales with wide range of new music DENNIS SUN STAFF WRITER

Title: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Rated: PG-13

Sony’s PS3 console has impressive upcoming arrivals for 2009, as well. God of War III is the next game in the God of War franchise. The game is based on various Greek myths, and the war between gods and giants. The game will be released sometime during the last 3 months of 2009. Heavy Rain is an RPG-type film noir game that is being developed by Quantic Dream and published by Sony.

NINTENDO

Nintendo will release many new games this year, along with a new revamp of the DS Lite called the Nintendo DSi. The new DSi features two VGA cameras (0.3 megapixels), one in the internal side of the DSi’s hinge, and one on the outside. The DSi also has larger screens, better speakers, is thinner than the DS Lite, and has SD card compatibility. However, the DSi loses the GBA slot in order to accommodate these new features. The Nintendo DSi is anticipated to release sometime during the first 9 months of 2009. Sega has been developing a game for the Wii, one of the Wii’s few violent titles: MadWorld. The story involves a crazy game show, where contestants must eliminate adversaries in all kinds of gruesome fashions. It releases on March 31, 2009.

SEAN WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER A new year has rolled in, and already, a large number of new music is set to be released from all music genres, ranging from rock to rap and everything in between.

On Feb. 24, rapper Mos Def will be releasing a new album entitled “The Ecstatic,” and it is confirmed that it will feature fellow rappers Slick Rick and Tabil Kweli.

This will be Mos Def ’s fourth album, since his last album “True Magic” that was released over two years ago.

Rapper Missy Elliot also has a new album set to be released on Feb. 10 called “Block Party.” It will include 11 songs, including the song “Ching-a-Ling” as the lead single. “Block Party” will be her seventh studio album.

In the rock genre, musician Bruce Springsteen will be releasing his 16th studio album entitled “Working on a Dream.”

It will include 12 songs, including a bonus song entitled “The Wrestler,” which first appeared in August 2008 at the Venice International Film Festival debut of the movie “The Wrestler.”

This album will also be available in a

deluxe edition that will include a 38 minute documentary with behind the scenes studio footage on a DVD. Former Soundgarden and Audioslave vocalist, Chris Cornell, will release his third solo album that will be released on Mar. 9 entitled “Scream.”

According to Billboard, Cornell has taken turning toward a more R&B sound with this album, which is different than his previous sounds with both Soundgarden and Audioslave. “Scream” will include 13 tracks, including a hidden track.

Japanese rock band, Mucc, who has been gaining popularity in America for the past few years, will be releasing their new single entitled “Sora to Ito” on Jan. 28.

It will, more than likely, be unavailable in stores; however, it can be obtained by ordering it through various web sites.

Country music artist, Pat Green, will be releasing his new album entitled “What I’m For” on Jan. 27. This will be his 8th studio album and will include ten new songs from him.

So far, 2009 seems to hold some nice music choices. From every music genre, there will be many releases for all to enjoy.

Compassion: it’s a word defined as a feeling of deep sympathy for another’s misfortune with a strong desire to relieve their suffering. It’s the word that is expressed throughout Will Smith’s newest film, “Seven Pounds.”

Will Smith plays the role of an impersonating IRS agent, Ben Thomas, who uses his false identity, not to collect people’s taxes, but to find people in an extreme need of a miracle.

Throughout the film, Thomas uses his abilities as an IRS agent to find people whose lives couldn’t really get much worse. He helps a large variety of people from a boyfriend abused Hispanic lady, to a boy in dire need for a marrow transplant. Thomas even encounters Emily Posa (Rosario Dawson), a woman that he falls in love with but whose heart is failing.

Later in the film Smith’s real character is unveiled when the film proves that he stole his IRS credentials from his brother, the actual Ben Thomas.

Smith’s acting makes the compassionate side of him somewhat monotone, making the movie seem rather fabricated; however, the main feeling of pity towards the people in need is apparent. His dramatic mood swings of anonymously bagging on a lonely blind man over the phone just because he was blind, to crying right after he hangs up, causes the viewers to question his true intentions throughout the movie. Not until the near the end of the film, is a flashback of Thomas’ memory shown illustrating when he caused the death of seven people in a car accident.

Overall, it’s one of Smith’s best works at touching viewers hearts, and it gives one of the strongest senses of pathos in “seven” different ways.

-Shayon Said

6

Sun Spread

Mt. Carmel SUN

Mt. Carmel SUN

January 23, 2009

10 Things

five

Pull a senior prank

to do before Graduation *Not in any particular order

For most, it’s not receiving the final report card or even walking across the stage at graduation that is the most memorable part of senior year, it’s the prank of course!

A recent senior prank involved scattering Christmas trees across the parking lot and on the roof.

“This was just the first of many senior pranks to come...”

-Anonymous (12)

nine

Get hit by Mr. Raskin’s noodle

Whether it’s a stupid, witty comment or just because, being hit by Raskin’s noodle can be taken as either a compliment or an insult.

Even if you’re not a student in Raskin’s APEC class, walk into U-8 and asked to be hit, being hit is just simply a part of being a Sundevil.

“You haven’t lived until you’ve been noodled.”

-Mackenzie Farmer (12)

six

Ace a test, and fail one The feeling of seeing the giant, red A+ on the top of an exam is unforgettable. But then there is also the bitterly unforgettable moment of seeing the giant, red F on top of a test.

But hey, it’s all part of being a student to both pass and fail. We suggest waiting till second semester senior year to pull the fail.

MATT COFFELT | PHOTO EDITOR

A fired up crowd watched the Sundevils and the Wolverines battle it out to the finish on Friday, Nov. 14. The game was a nail-biter, ending in an extremely close 21-20 defeat.

one

MC vs. Westview Game

The new rivalry between MC and Westview is a fiery one, never leaving a moment of silence during the competitive games. Whether it’s the crowds yelling things back and forth to each other at basketball and volleyball games or the cheerleaders doing the third quarter combined cheer at a football game, the games are an essential part of your high school career.

They offer a chance to cheer on your school and combine spirit with those around you, regardless of whether you are friends with them or not. The feeling of yelling “GO SUNDEVILS!” and hugging the person next to you when the tie breaker, buzzer shot is made is unforgettable and a must do before leaving MC.

two

Know the fight song

We know the famous tune from pep rallies and football games, the Sundevil Fight Song drums up spirit, no matter how large the crowd.

“Fight on for Mt. Carmel, Sundevils gold, and scarlet win.

Our alma mater proud looks up to you with spirits high for Mt. Carmel, fight on for victory fight on!”

three

Get your license Freedom is the one thing that every teenager craves. Getting your license is a major milestone on the road to freedom.

Unfortunately for the aspiring driver, there are many obstacles to overcome in order to get that coveted piece of plastic.

But after learning the rules of the road any many grueling hours spent behind the wheel, your license is just a test away.

It’s no wonder that Sundevils ranked this near the top of their list of things to do before they graduate.

four

Ask someone to Prom

It can be nerve-wracking for both the guys and the girls, but asking that certain someone to Prom is a must-do.

Prom is hyped up for the fancy dresses and posh limousine rides but the way an individual is asked is just as important.

Whether it’s buying a bouquet of roses or creatively setting up a scavenger hunt, one should get creative and take the effort to ask someone to Prom.

seven

Try the cafeteria food Cardboard pizza with plastic cheese and mystery meat: sound appetizing? If you’re a normal human being that possesses a sense of taste, your answer is probably no. Fortunately for MC students, our cafeteria isn’t exactly like a stereotype out of the movies. Sure, it isn’t exactly gourmet cuisine, but for a school cafeteria, it could be much worse.

Can you even claim to be a high school student without trying the cafeteria food? It’s like a rite of passage. While there’s no guarantee that you will like, or even be able to swallow the cafeteria food, you never know…

eight

Dress up for a spirit day Homecoming spirit days are unique and fun.

Dressing up not only shows spirit and support for the school but can be fun and also give you a shot at getting a picture in the yearbook.

Go all out and ignore any weird stares you get while walking through the hallways.

“I think it’s cool to have spirit, and having the assemblies and wearing team warmups because you think about it all day. It does get you pumped up.”

-Michelle Clifford (11)

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MATT COFFELT | PHOTO EDITOR

ten

Brian Kelly (9) falls victim to the wrath of APEC teacher Lee Raskin’s famous orange noodle.

Survive the junior paper

The junior paper is the most anticipated and feared project of the high school years. This massive paper involves several months of work, and for APEL students, can entail several trips to the UCSD library.

“Just actually do things at the library nights, and keep up with the due dates.”

- Reyna Reycasa (12) >> Kylie Baranowski & Kaveri Gyanendra

7

Features

8

Mt. Carmel SUN

January 23, 2009

From the End of Heaven

Malekpour, Patrus siblings enjoy family friendly bonds Aditi pai staff writer Two families met at their relative’s house. The Patrus family lived in Michigan but moved to pleasant San Diego after meeting the Malekpours. From that day onwards these children, perfectly paired off in age, have been best friends. Though they are far from the Brady Bunch, the Malekpour and Patrus kids share special bonds.

The youngest kids are sophomore Aresh Malekpour and freshman Dominic Patrus. Next in age are junior Mojgan Malekpour and sophomore Raquel Patrus. The oldest of the clan are seniors Bijan Malekpour and Patrick Patrus.

From family Sundays to trips to the gym, this dynamic family finds time to enjoy each other’s company despite their busy schedules.

Mojgan appreciates going to school with her two brothers.

“I like it when I need money,” Mojgan said. “Still, a lot of my friends are friends with their friends and everyone talks.”

Patrick on the other hand sees himself as an “older brother” figure in his family.

“I am the leader,” Patrick said.

“If they have a problem they come to me. It’s good at times when you tell them what to do but I get blamed

Sarah Carrigan

Lessons from the avalanche zone This column comes with a disclaimer. The story that follows is not mine to tell.

It belongs to the hearts of a family who wondered if they would ever see their father again. It belongs to the search and rescue team who braved blizzard conditions on the wrong side of a mountain to bring him home. And above all else this is the story of a man who refused to lie down in the face of death.

On Dec. 22 this man was skiing in Utah with his sons and some friends. When he became separated from the rest of the group, he decided to catch the mid-mountain lift down to the base where they could meet up.

Once he reached the lift, he found out that it wasn’t running that day. No worries. Trails often branch out from these lifts in the event something like this ever was to happen. The man picked an opening in the trees and was off.

For the first few minutes he was having a blast, racing down the hill with blizzard snow blowing by him.

However, it soon became apparent that he had taken a wrong turn. The trail ended. Instead of hiking back to where he started, he headed down a creek that would lead to Provo River and then onto the road several miles down.

Before long, the truth was impossible to ignore. He was lost and alone. Immediately he began to pray for the means to find his way home.

Against all logic he felt prompted to hike straight up to the peak of the mountain 8,500 ft. above him instead of following the canyon.

For the next several hours, this man dug two feet at a time through chest high snow up the slope. He recognized the shape of a covered walking trail to his right, but something in him refused to take what was surely an easier way.

Hours later, soaked and freezing, he had managed to find his way to the search and rescue building. Miraculously, hypothermia hadn’t set in.

A rescue volunteer later thanked the man for fighting so hard. Not very often do stories like his have happy endings.

Remember all of those times when he ignored a logical and easier way to get to safety? Turns out his stubbornness saved him. If he had taken the walking trail he would have been led off a cliff. If he had stayed in the canyon he would’ve wandered straight into an avalanche zone. The rescuers even told his family, “If he goes down that way, we won’t go after him.”

Cool story? You bet. Miracle?

Sure. But this man’s story goes way beyond that mountain.

How often in our own lives do we take the wrong path? Every day probably, often times because we simply can’t see the bigger picture.

As the man experienced, we can even have fun for a little while as we speed through life along this course. Sooner or later, though, the pain of wrong decisions sinks in, and we find ourselves lost and alone.

At this point, we are faced with another decision. Do we turn back to where we came from or keep going along a broken trail that surely can lead nowhere safe? The first way is hard. It will be an uphill battle, at the least. The second way is almost impossible, and there comes a time where, if we go down that way, no one will come after us.

(Here comes my point, so pay attention.)

Often times, these trials are brought on by ourselves, but they can be avoided. By looking at the bigger picture, having a more eternal perspective, we will be able to see where our decisions will takes us, and what their consequences will be. If, however, we do get trapped in the storm, take the man’s advice.

“Stop. As early as you can. Don’t be afraid to take the skis off and walk back the 50 yards to safety.”

if one of them gets in trouble.”

At school the kids interact minimally but still take time to catch up.

“I hang out with my brother at break,” Dominic said. “I go to his friends. It feels good having someone to talk to. He also picks me up after wrestling and we talk then.”

Mojgan and Aresh spend time messing with each other, though Mojgan notes sometimes their antics act counterproductively.

“Once Aresh got mad and threw and orange at me,” Mojgan said. “I decided to throw it back and we kept throwing stuff at each other until Ms. Salo turned around and saw it hit Aresh’s table. She went to his group, but I didn’t know he would rat me out. We both ended up picking up trash after lunch that day.”

While Aresh and Mojgan end up in family squalls unintentionally, Raquel uses her time at school to purposely mess with her brother.

“I love going to school with my brothers,” Raquel said. “It’s fun to mess around with them. I embarrass my older brother usually by screaming his name when he is with his friends. They usually just laugh at him.”

Even the new semester provides excitement for them.

“Getting a new schedule is

exciting because sometimes we have a class with our family,” Raquel said.

“It’s fun to get a chance to annoy them there too.”

Though they interact at school, the Malekpour and Patrus kids see the most of each other at their Sunday family days. Their family day takes place at one of the houses and they enjoy time through activities that range from reenacting “Godfather” scenes to joking around. While their jokes usually come off as harmless, other times there is a more serious tone to them.

“Well sometimes we just make fun of each other for fun like Aresh starts it,” Mojgan said. “But other times when one pisses another off for example it’s Patrick and Bijan vs. Raquel and me and it gets really big. Sometimes it gets physical and Raquel and I run for our lives.”

They all try to keep their Sundays interesting no matter what they do.

‘On Sundays when we are with family we try to think of things to do to make the night interesting.”

Aresh said.

One thing they all agree on is one of the best parts of family day is the food.

“There is nothing better than a home cooked meal,” Bijan said.

“And there is nothing closer than a family bond.”

Evans sisters stick together; share clothes, life experiences nicole bustamante staff writer

Allison Rogers | photographer

Evans sisters, Laura (10), Vanessa (12), and Kathryn (10) are extremely close.

The girls love spending time together at school and at home and their loving relationship is a special support in their lives.

Every Saturday night the Evans sisters get together in the living room for their weekly sleepover and movie night.

“We watch whatever we are in the mood for, with anything from Disney movies to those one dollar movies from Albertsons,” sophomore Laura Evans said.

This close bond that all three sisters share is noticeable to everyone who surrounds them.

“We are really close, I mean they are my best friends,” senior Vanessa Evans said. “I can trust them with anything.”

The sisters’ slight differences in age make it easy for them to get along.

“We have so much fun, we goof off all the time,” Laura said. “Having two really great sisters just makes life so much more fun, from having someone to talk to on a long road trip or having someone your age at a family reunion.”

What makes the family unique is the way each sister is thought of. With Vanessa being clearly the oldest the question is between youngest and middle child, who happen to be the same age.

Sophomores Kathryn and Laura are fraternal twins. Although it may seem like a toss up between which one acts older, in their family it’s clear cut.

“Its not fair ‘cause she’s only two minutes older but yet I get treated like the youngest,” Laura said. “Most memories I have of my

three sisters revolve around me having blonde moments and them making fun of me.”

However, having a sister who is the same age helps each twin get through the tougher times in school.

“We go through the same situations we get each other more,” Kathryn said. “I have someone there to go through everything with me plus I always have a best friend there.”

Having three girls in the family means sharing, and not just clothes. The sisters have had the same teachers, the same friends, and the same clothes.

Since Laura and Kathryn have always gone to school together, they tend to hang out with the same people but in high school it has started to change.

“We kind of have the same friends but now I have more variety,” Laura said referring to her and Kathryn.

Since the twins take most of the classes Vanessa took often mix-ups occur.

“Often when Vanessa had the same teachers we do now we get called Vanessa,” Kathryn said.

Girls always share clothes and these sisters are no exception.

“Yes [we share clothes]!” Laura said while laughing. “We used to do it a lot more but now only here and there.”

During the interview with the two twins while there was pause in questions Kathryn looked over at Laura only to say “By the way Laura I’m wearing your jeans and they don’t fit.”

Hooks sisters, brother dance to a different tune, keep close with love lauren hall staff writer “For a while my sister always wanted to be different from me,” junior Savannah Hooks said. “But now we’re like the same person.”

Like many sibling relationships, in the Hooks family the two sisters, freshman Autumn and junior Savannah, share a tight bond, while their brother, Ian, has a more distant relationship.

But what makes the siblings unique is just how much they share in experiences.

Savannah and Autumn have been dancing since they were three years old and are now in Dance Troupe together.

“She [Savannah] always made me want to continue dance,” Autumn said. “I could always look up to her and I still do today.”

While spending nearly every waking moment together may seem intolerable for many Sundevils, for these sisters dancing together for so long has made them used to each other’s company.

“We were afraid we’d get sick of each other but it’s not really that different,” Savannah said.

“My sister and I basically sleep with each other every night.”

Being so close with one another, the girls know and understand each other inside and out.

In one of their dance performances

Savannah could even sense when Autumn was about to do her solo.

She could hear the music when no one else could and rushed to the performance just in time.

“I guess you could say there was a little sister telepathy going on there,” Autumn said.

While the sisters are very close with each other, their brother, Ian, does not relate as well.

“My brother is more distant, mostly because we’re girls and he doesn’t like to talk about what we talk about,” Savannah said.

Ian, although more separate, says that he does not necessarily mind his sisters’ company.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Ian said.

He appreciates his sisters, but accepts their closeness while he is mostly on his own.

Even walking through the halls the siblings react differently with each other.

“I usually ignore my sister when I see her passing in the hall,” Ian said.

“His friends will say hi, but it’s probably because they’re making fun of me,” Savannah said.

Savannah is very humorous about her with her sibling’s relationships.

“It’s funny how when you have siblings you fight when you’re not really mad at each other and some people don’t get it,” Savannah said.

“They just keep on saying ‘keep the peace!’”

Allison Rogers | photographer

Hooks siblings Savannah (11), Autumn (10), and Ian (9) may argue, but despite it all, they still know that their love is unconditional. The girls both participate in dance troupe with lots of support from their brother.

And, as many siblings would agree, arguing is just a way they express themselves.

“The only reason we really ever fight is because we’re not afraid to speak our mind to each other because we know that we will still love each other no matter what,” Autumn said.

Although Autumn and Savannah spend more time together and are very much alike, the feeling is mutual for their brother Ian. “My brother and I have gotten a lot closer over time because we’re the same age and we have similar interests,” Savannah said.

Features

Mt. Carmel SUN

9

January 23, 2009

Elder: popular teacher, beloved colleague says goodbye to MC RACHEL MARTIN OPINIONS EDITOR You would have thought the bell hadn’t yet rung. Students crowded around the desk, wanting direct attention from their favorite teacher. After 13 years at MC, Peggy Elder has evolved into the type of teacher every student wants to learn from.

However, the feeling isn’t just one sided.

Since January 1996, Elder has taught English and, for some time, Culinary Arts. She has been involved with the Fil-Am Club, African-American Student Organization and Key Club. But she has not always taught at MC. Elder taught at Granite Hills for 12 years and RB for one semester, but MC is where she spent the last days of her career before her retirement at the end of first semester.

And she has always felt MC is unique.

“I’m proud to be a Sundevil,” she said. “[There is an] incredible passion and warmth-of-feeling here in students and staff! The community, students and teachers show their concern and caring about each other on a daily basis. It ‘feels good’ to be here.”

She also feels that the types of students who attend MC are different than students at other high schools.

“I look around the classroom and see ethnicity from all parts of the world,” Elder said. “We see so many backgrounds and different histories. We recognize that our differences combine to make us special and unique; this is an advantage that all high schools don’t have.”

Since she was a child “playing

teacher,” Elder has always known teaching was in her blood. She began her career working at the high school she attended, El Capitan, while studying at San Diego State University. And since then Elder has always found her profession satisfying.

“I get rewarded every day at Mt. Carmel by my students and previous students,” she said. “I see them succeeding academically, athletically, musically, and socially. I also see them struggling and trying to cope with their pressures at school, at home and at work. I hope they maintain the attitude, ‘I can, I can, I can.’

I’m thankful for all the hugs and ‘thankyous’ I receive every day.”

And the students are thankful for her, too.

“The thing that made me love her class is that she was a good teacher, and she cared about everyone’s education,” senior Peter Lundgren said. “If you had a bad day, she was there for you. If you were having a good day she would have a party with you. Mrs. Elder is a special teacher because she was like a big kid, and everyone was her friend, if you were in her class or not.”

Through the years Elder has also had lasting relationships with other teachers.

“In addition, the teachers at Mt. Carmel have such enthusiasm and energy,” she said. “MC teachers spread their positive attitudes, and they support each other.”

And they will continue to support her in her retirement.

A native of San Diego, Elder plans to spend more time camping on beaches, in the mountains and in the

Elder retires after 25 years of teaching, 13 of those at MC. Her spunky personality has benefited many MC students.

deserts with her husband, Tom, a retired civil engineer. They plan to travel in the United States and abroad.

“I’ll have more time to ride my bike, backpack, attend Sundevil events, take (or teach) classes, read, sew, swim, cook, play with my dogs, Sunny and Spot, and cat, Scooter,” Elder said. “I’ll be able to spend much more time helping my own mom.”

Elder looks forward to keeping in touch with present and past students in her retirement, but she will also miss MC and her beloved students.

“I really do feel honored to be teaching here (I know-sounds phony!),” Elder said. “I think about how fortunate I’ve been to teach here, and I appreciate the environment every time I walk onto campus. I notice the friendliness and respect shown by students and staff. When I talk to teachers from other areas of the county, I realize that all schools are not like MC. Sometimes we take for granted the good things we have here at MC.” Elder has not taken her experiences at MC for granted, and she will be greatly missed by the students and staff at MC. “In my opinion she is the heart of MC, and MC will miss her a lot,” Lundgren said. “I know I will.”

ALL PHOTOS BY ANA ALVAREZ | PHOTOGRAPHER

Melissa Roadman

Searching for the Sundevils; where did they all go?

From top to bottom: Peggy Elder catches up with former students Alyssa Garcia (10) and Matt Crum (10). Elder teaches students as she points to her wall of students. Elder poses with her class outside.

Elder smiles with Josh Tucker (9) and Zach Holman (9).

Exciting substitutes Wonderful, Wilner provide a break from monotony of school CORDELL HUNTER STAFF WRITER Almost every day at least one teacher is absent and a substitute teacher is hired to take their place while they are gone. Most subs come and go, but some are here so often they are like regular teachers themselves.

One example is Mr. Nazari, also known as “Mr. Wonderful.” He has been a sub for 13 years, almost all of them for teachers at MC. “It feels like I’m here almost every week; probably because I am,” he said jokingly. “I guess you could say I have a personal attachment to this school. Three of my kids graduated and one is still going here. All the teachers are cool and I have a lot of fun every time I go. That’s what I do it for, you know? I work for the fun of it. Money just happens to come along with the job.”

Students at MC generally feel the same way about Mr. Wonderful as he feels about the school.

“He’s really chill,” junior Kingsley Davis said. “He’s one of those guys that doesn’t really care how loud it gets in the room as long as people are doing their stuff.”

Junior Jason Jiramma agrees.

“Mr. Wonderful is pretty much the only sub I can remember. He’s really cool and he has a sick name; how many people will you meet whose last name means “won-

Don’t Blink

derful” in a different language.”

Along with Mr. Wonderful, Abbe Willner, a retired D.C. middle school teacher, is another familiar face on campus.

“I’ve subbed at all the high schools in the Poway Unified School District, but the thing that makes MC unique from the others is its diversity,” he said. “There is a unique mix of students there that you won’t find at any of the other schools.” Apart from being a sub, Mr. Willner is also a professional clown.

“I blow balloons and tell jokes in class and everything,” he said. I found that they [balloons] were a better incentive than jolly ranchers.”

Many students seem to enjoy his unique methods of teaching.

“He’s really funny,” Davis said. One time a kid in my class said he could teach better than he could, so the guy let the kid try to be teacher for 15 minutes. The kid had no idea what he was doing and no one would listen to him.

Mr. Willner just sat on a desk and laughed, then he made the kid apologize for wasting class time.”

Substitute teachers in general are a welcome break ADITI PAI | STAFF WRITER from the monotonous school routine. Granted, there are a couple bad apples in every batch, but funny and laid back Abbe Wilner is one of the many adored subs at MC. His years as subs like Mr. Wonderful and Mr. Willner more than make a clown inspires him to make balloon animals for students while he substitutes. up for others shortcomings.

After sitting with a teacher one day, he said something that stopped me in my tracks and got me thinking.

He said students these days don’t know what it’s like to be a Sundevil forever. After they serve their four years, they are done.

He also asked me how many alumni I had seen who had come back to visit. I just nodded my head knowing I could count on my fingers the number of graduates I know who come back and visit their Sundevil home.

This teacher knows what it’s like to be a Sundevil. He went to school at MC, graduated, went to college, and came back to teach. He’s a true Sundevil.

I have a sister who is 11 years older than I am. She experienced high school just as I was beginning to learn to read and write. Her experience at MC was totally different than mine has been.

We have no school spirit. In my sister’s days, football games were a must Friday night activity followed by everyone heading to In-N-Out. Dances were not optional. Everyone went and spent the night as Sundevils together.

Thinking back over my three years as a Sundevil, I wonder where all this spirit has gone. Are we even Sundevils anymore?

I was scared to death the first day of freshman year when Coach Johnson started enthusiastically welcoming us to the new school year. He told us, “once a Sundevil, always a Sundevil.”

I was excited to join this tradition of being a Sundevil forever. But has this tradition died out?

Every year we lack more and more spirit. Spirit days are a joke that only ASB members take part in. That’s not how I wish it was.

Why was it that in elementary school everyone wore PJs on “Pajama Day” and dyed, spiked, and decorated their hair for “Crazy Hair Day,” but now we can’t even wear a red shirt on “Red and Gold Day.” I’m guilty too. I don’t dress up.

I know this sounds a little hypocritical. At the beginning of the year, I decided I would make an effort to wear red or gold every Friday. I kept up with it for about five weeks.

What made it difficult was I felt like a black sheep in a flock of white ones. No one else was wearing it.

Because no one else was wearing it, I had no motivation. As the second semester begins, I’m renewing my goal. My “New Semester Resolution” is to wear red or gold every Friday.

I hope others will join me.

Wearing red and gold aren’t your only options. Even as much as going to a basketball game and cheering on our team who has basically rocked the last three years!

I was at the girls basketball games versus Westview a few weeks ago. I remember my freshman year going to that game and having to sit on the stairs of the bleachers because it was so packed. This year, less than half of the gym was filled.

The school spirit has pretty much disappeared. We all need to be reminded of the great school we attend. We have a beautifully renovated campus and teachers who care about us students. We’re part of the Sundevil community.

As we enter into this new semester, we need to take pride in our Sundevil names.

Don’t walk on the MC; throw away your trash; put gum in a trash can, not under a desk or on the floor; but most importantly, respect each other—we are here for another 18 weeks. Let’s bring back the tradition and be Sundevils forever.

Features

10

Mt. Carmel SUN

January 23, 2009

Boy builds up courage to ask girl to

Racing Heartbeats

Winter Formal

PARESH DAVE WEB EDITOR

When he went to Winter Formal as a freshman, he needed his friends to annoy him for a week to build enough confidence to ask a girl. When he asked his latest crush to go see “Valkyrie” with him during winter break, he was shaking. When he was finally ready to ask her to Winter Formal this month, he planned to have a friend positioned right behind him to bully him into asking her in case he chickened out at the last second.

Asking out girls on dates has never been a strong suit, but now, junior Trevor Webb has a question to propose: he wants to know if sophomore Lauren Coffelt will go to Winter Formal with him.

“I’ve learned that once the asking is over with, it’s done, and the chips fall where they may, smooth sailing from there,” he said in anticipation of an affirmative reply to his proposition.

According to him, Coffelt is one of the few girls who gets him.

And he gets nervous around her for no reason, a surefire sign of sincere affection.

Webb rarely gets to see Coffelt around school because their schedules “have them at different sides and directions throughout the day.” It doesn’t help that Coffelt recently dyed her red, and that Webb sometimes still looks for a blonde. But the strength of their relationship has always been the product of phones.

“I was outside the drama room talking to people and Coffelt and her friend got into a fake argument,” he said. “I had never met her

MATT COFFELT | PHOTO EDITOR

before, but she ended coming to me and saying ‘he (Webb) will be my new best friend,’ and she took my phone and put her number in,” Webb said. “We talk on the phone a lot.”

That very day that fate brought her number to him, they conversed regularly through an exchange of text messages.

Their first in-person conversation didn’t take place until they met at church shortly after—a church both had attended their entire lives, but at which they had never noticed each other.

Since that encounter, they have spent time together at church and communicated via phone about their families and general life.

Webb’s parents, however, are still not aware of his crush or their gettogether during break.

One of the interests both Webb and Coffelt’ share is the computer game World of Warcraft. If all goes well in their budding relationship, it seems the logical that the pair might sit down and face each other, but Webb, with a smile, expressed some reservations.

“On one case, I could beat her and, sure, I beat a girl at a video game, or she could beat me, and I got beat my girl at a video game,” he said. “It’s a lose-lose situation.”

On the other hand, him overcoming some of the nerves and racing heartbeat holding him back and asking her to Winter Formal with her saying yes to his request: a win-win situation.

“If I can get into the conversation, I can just start talking and it’s all good,” Webb said. “It’s the going up that’s the problem. Once I pop the question it’s fine, and I can just enjoy spending time with her.”

Lauren Coffelt, will you go to Winter Formal with me?

How to ask them to the dance... definitely do

SARAH CARRIGAN STAFF WRITER Dance season is on the horizon and what better way to kick it off than with a Valentine’s Day Winter Formal. Of course dance night means date night, and the sure fire way to guarantee some arm candy is a clever “ask out” plan, the kind that will turn Singles’ Awareness Day into the night of your dreams.

It’s no secret that the fastest way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. With that in mind, ask the magic question with some dessert. Buy one of those big Hershey’s Kisses and print your invite on a strip of paper that will poke out of the top of the foil.

Another angle is to order some of those custom M&Ms from mms.com with your invite printed on each of them in place of the logo. Last but not least, you could head down to your local Chinese restaurant and get a fortune cookie that you could slip your invite into. Whether for a boy or a girl, these are the sweetest invites out there.

No matter who you’re asking, you can really grab his/her attention with this one. Write your thoughts on a card, seal it in an

envelope and tape it to the top of a remote control car. Sometime in the day when they’re just hanging out, send the car over to them. Be sure to hang back at of sight. A clever note would be, “Is there a remote chance you’ll go to the dance with me?”

If you’re shy, a discrete way to ask is this: Get a white t-shirt and write something like, “Winter Formal? Wash this shirt and look at the back to find out who wants to be your date!” Then, turn over the shirt and write a bunch of fake names in washable ink. Finally, write your name in sharpie so that when they wash it, yours will be the only one left.

A cute way to inflate someone’s ego is to fill out all of the invite info on slips of paper that make up the pieces of a puzzle and stick each piece in individual balloons that can be tied together in a bouquet. Your date will have to pop the balloons and put the puzzle together to find out all the information.

So, now that you have all these ways to ask someone, it’s time for tips to seal the deal.

First of all, don’t ask last minute. It takes time to shop for a tux, dress, shoes, corsage, etc. Second, however you decide to pop the question, make sure the method you choose is comfortable to you. If you feel awkward, they’re going to pick up on it immediately.

Everyone likes a person with confidence.

On the other hand, don’t be too cocky. No one wants to feel like they’re a sure thing. Be humble and you’re bound to be taken more seriously.

Finally, just relax. Anyone would be flattered to go out with someone creative enough to take the time to ask in any of these sweet ways.

think twice

KAREN MICHEL STAFF WRITER In the beginning of fall, when the leaves begin to change colors and the air becomes a bit chillier, teenagers everywhere begin to prepare themselves for their homecoming dance. In the mid-winter when the snow begins to fall (or in the case of San Diego the 80-degree weather sets in) teens will start planning for their winter formal or Sadie Hawkins dance. And of course, in the beginning of spring, seniors and juniors everywhere begin their preparation for their last dance of the school year, Prom.

In the midst of all this planning and reserving for a perfect night, there is one essential part to make it complete: a date.

It’s easy to buy a dress, rent a tux, make reservations for dinner, rent the limo for the night, buy the jewelry and bow-ties, and purchase the shoes that can keep up for a night of non-stop dancing.

Finding a date, however, is probably one of the most challenging aspects of preparing for a dance.

Sadly, ideas for asking someone to a dance have been abusively over-used. They are good ideas, but you really want to “wow” your friends and give your special someone a question that they can’t say no to.

So for those who are lacking creativity on how to ask someone to a dance, here are some not to do’s that you can try and avoid.

BAKING

Try to avoid yourself from the messages on

the cupcakes, cakes, cookies, etc. that spell out “HO-M-E-C-O-M-I-N-G” or “P-R-O-M”. It’s cute; it’s just not their birthday.

HOME

Let’s face it, the chalk on the garage floor can’t possibly persuade them to say yes. All they have to do is park over the message and use the excuse that they “never saw it.” And then there’s the flower petals leading to their room with you waiting there.

Romantic…or creepy?

SCHOOL

The idea of having a 12-foot poster stretching across the school wall never comes off too subtle.

You want to have your potential date to feel comforted by the idea of spending time with you, not putting them in the spot-light forcing them to answer with “Oh wow, I’m actually not sure if I’m going to be here that weekend, I’m sorry.” And then there’s the note and roses left in their locker.

It may have the upside of them thinking that it’s adorable, but it can also have the downside of them thinking, “How’d they get my locker combination?”

All these ways of asking someone to a dance, however, can be altered and even perfected into a more creative way that can only leave your potential date with the answer of yes. Just keep in mind the common and ordinary ideas, and try to avoid them.

And then again, there is no better way to ask like buying a 4x6-inch ad in your MC Sun newspaper.

Sports

Mt. Carmel SUN

11

January 23, 2009

Valley League benefits wrestling

kaveri gyanendra FEATURES EDITOR

leagues and CIF,” Fitzmaurice said. “The change in the schools we face is an advantage because now Poway is not battling for the same title as us which is good since they are defending league champs for 30 some odd years.”

The move from Palomar League is bittersweet for the boys as Palomar League is tradition.

“The only thing I will miss about Palomar [League] will be

off an impressive win at one of the toughest tournaments in the nation.”

The recent tournament, Five After months of strenuous Counties, which is the fourth workouts and long, tough practices, hardest tournament in the country the hard work seems to be paying featured teams from schools from off as the boys are off to a both the east and west coasts. phenomenal start in league play.

The competition was tough, Holding a record of 3-0 leaving only one Sundevil wrestler in the Valley League, the boys with a standing, Weber at eighth place. crushed Valley Center 58-7.

“The tournaments are a great According to NC Times. way for the individual wrestler to com, seniors Anthony see the rest of the competition Weber, Brad West, in his weight and a lot of times and Brian Quach and The only thing I will miss about Palomar even wrestling people from juniors Danny Grant, [League] will be the schools we wrestled that your league,” Fitzmaurice said.

Mitsuyoshi Smyth and “This is a good advantage to were closer to home and the competition from us in the league because it’s Alex Bojores, along with sophomore Zach the rival schools such as RB or Torrey Pines.” like a scouting report on other Drew, won by forfeit teams wrestlers to see what because Valley Center -Johnny Fitzmaurice (12) arsenal of moves they have.” did not have opponents Many of the seniors have in the same weight class. positive outlooks about this Senior Johnny Fitzmaurice the schools we wrestled that were season and look forward to being won by major decision, which closer to home and the competition the leaders among their teammates. is winning by more than eight, from the rival schools such as RB “The most exciting thing about as he beat his opponent 13- or Torrey Pines,” Fitzmaurice said. being a senior wrestler is knowing 0, giving his team three points.

“Valley league is better for that you have been working at this Being in Valley League is us and it’s very competitive with a for four years and so much of giving the boys an advantage as lot of tough competition,” senior you has gone into it,” Fitzmaurice the league switch eliminated many Steven Martienez said. “I do not said. “It’s weird to think you’re of the local tough opponents. think much will be missed about going to be leaving soon. It’s also “The change of leagues Palomar League because they have really cool to be seen as a leader came to us as a new hope that Poway in it, and they are among around school or in the wrestling we would be the first team to win the best in the state and are coming room to all the younger guys.”

“

ana alvarez | Photographer

Ted Kassen (11) pins down his opponent in the meet against Valley Center last Thursday. The boys are currently undefeated in the Valley League, as of Jan. 21. Their next meet is tomorrow at San Pasqual at 9 a.m.

Girls waterpolo optimistic for season, league

ADITI PAI STAFF WRITER

Well into the game, MC was down and the girls were working hard to keep Vista from scoring more goals.

As one of the players on Vista swam threateningly towards the MC goalie, junior Wendy Dorr held her hands up and skillfully eggbeated the girl backwards, allowing a sufficient amount of aggression to keep her goalie safe.

As everyone in the stands and poolside watched the retreating Vista girl, a thick tension in the air broke

and allowed the crowd a few chuckles.

“Look at her,” sophomore Katherine Evans said. “Wendy is very protective of her goalie.”

This spirit seen through games reflects an amazing attitude on the team as their wins and losses do not affect the team’s attitude in or out of the pool. Senior Christina Webb regrets their loss but sees more wins than losses in their future, especially when they play against Vista again.

“I felt we came back towards the end of the game but we could have played a lot better,” Webb said. “Next time we play them it will be different.”

Though they lost to Vista 6 -15, their league record remains untarnished at 2-0 as of Jan. 21.

Still, varsity coach John Au sees the effects of not having enough challenging teams to play against.

“We need to be tested more in games,” Au said. “Not to take away from the other teams but some are not playing at the level we are.”

As a result of this game, practices have gotten significantly more challenging as they prepare for CIF, and their chance to play Vista again.

“Our away games are not as challenging so after a couple hard

games like Vista it is a wake up call that we need to keep working harder,” senior April Purdy said.

“Our coach has us get in before he arrives; we wear t-shirts and weight belts in the water. It is a positive thing because it will help us in the long run but they are extremely difficult.”

In contrast to this game, their others provide less of a challenge and allows the team to let all the girls get significant playing time in the water. In the Escondido game, Au saw it as an opportunity to get all the girls in the water.

“From the beginning of the

year until now a whole lot has not changed,” Au said. “We used this game to play good defense and give everyone minutes.”

Their first league game last week against Orange Glenn was also their first shut out of the season. Not only did they give everyone playing time, senior Taylor Bugg enjoyed the chance to watch all of her teammates score including some that normally don’t have the opportunity.

“Everyone played a lot,” Bugg said. “Anyone who had not scored during the season scored then. We even put Karalee in the field and

Christina took her job as goalie.”

This week, MC beat Valley Center. Their win counted as the first big one as Valley Center posed the biggest threat in the league.

“It was our first big test, they are the most competitive team in the league,” Bugg said. “The paper said that they were expected to win so it set the bar for us. That win was really important.”

Halfway into the season, the girls water polo team has yet to lose a league game. After a victorious prior season with an undefeated league record, the team shows potential of matching their success this season.

Despite early losses, boys basketball Girls basketball celebrates win against Westview; aims for better results in league play shooting for fourth consecutive CIF championship

daniel than | Photographer

Lewis Sheffield (11) jumps and aims for the basket. The boys next game will be tonight at home against Oceanside.

VINCENT PHAM STAFF WRITER The boys basketball team is looking to bounce back after a slow start.

After a loss filled pre-season, the team started league play stronger with a 5954 victory over Ramona. Junior Mike Nelson describes their victory.

“It’s very exciting to get our first

win,” Nelson said. “We’ve been working really hard and we knew that it would pay off after a while. We knew that if we stuck to the game plan, we would be able to put up a win and beat them [Ramona].”

Nelson, along with juniors Max Shulman and Lewis Sheffield lead the team in points scored. Despite problems with free throw shooting, sopho-

more J.C. Buford has been a bright point with an 81% free throw percentage as of Jan. 15. The team is relying on their youth to propel them. Senior captain Kyle Eckman understands that the basketball program is rebuilding for the future.

“We only have three seniors left,” Eckman said. “It is definitely more pressure for the seniors to step up and lead the team. But I think next year and the year after we’ll have a really strong team.”

Although the losses have piled up for the team, a handful of them have come in close matches. One notable match was the heartbreaking loss to rival Westview on a last second shot.

“The Westview game was nuts,” Nelson said. “The arena was packed and there was a whole bunch of stuff going on.”

Nelson recalls the final seconds of the game and the chaos that erupted right after.

“We were up the whole game and then with four seconds left they drove right down and got a wide open layup to win the game and all the Westview players stormed the court. It was just crazy.”

Eckman sets his eyes on redemption for their next match against Westview in February.

“When we go back to Westview, we’ll all remember the close loss and we’ll be ready for that game,” Eckman said. “I definitely think that it’ll make us work harder because we don’t want to lose that close again.”

The team continues to work hard in practice with weight lifting, shooting, and plenty of conditioning. Eckman has a unique viewpoint as to the team’s greatest strength.

“We don’t have any superstars,” Eckman said. “We don’t have any real height, we’re undermanned, but we work hard and we’re a team.”

The team is preparing for their league match tonight against Oceanside at Sundevil Arena. They will close out their league play with five out of their last seven games on the road.

SARA SHANTZ STAFF WRITER The crowd stood up out of their seats as the game went into overtime and came to a roar as MC took the game away from Westview, winning 55-50.

The girls’ varsity basketball team is undefeated in league so far, winning their first two league games against Ramona and Westview. The girls attribute their success thus far to their intense practices.

“We always have hard intense practices to help us become better players and a better team.” Junior Michelle Clifford said. “We encourage each other off and on the court. We feed off each others great attitudes and it’s always a good feeling when your team mate gives you a high five.

We push each other and ourselves because we know we can only get better.”

The team finds it helpful to have a big supportive crowd as well.

“The stands were pretty packed [during the Westview game] and they were loud. That makes a big difference because if your school and family and friends are cheering you on that gets you pumped and ready to play,” junior Lauren Fricke said. The team has regular team bonding to help with the chemistry on the court.

“On game days we always have a team lunch in our coach’s room. It’s great and we have so much fun.” Fricke said. “A player is always assigned to bring in food and we hang out and talk and we write and decorate a page for one of our players and talk about what a great team mate and person she is. Right before a game we will have a team talk about the game and we start getting focused and pumped and ready to play.”

The game against Westview was Fricke’s favorite part of the season thus far.

“It was a close game and my heart was just racing the whole time,”

daniel than | Photographer

Brea Matthews (12) drives towards the basket and propels the team’s offense in the recent Westview game. MC won, 55-50.

Fricke said. “I even lost my voice from encouraging my teammates. It was a very exciting game. When we tied and went into over time it was even more exciting. Each of us was really proud to have been a part of it; I know I was extremely proud of the team to have fought through such a great game.”

On Tuesday, the girls beat Or-

ange Glen 62-41.

“We definitely got the job done [in the game against Orange Glen,]” Matthews said.

During the game senior Brea Matthews saw improvement in the team’s teamwork, passing, and defense. Their next game is tonight at six, at home, against Oceanside.

Sports

12

January 23, 2009

Mt. Carmel SUN

Girls soccer focuses on improving skills MELISSA ROADMAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

“The first time we played Westview, it was a 2-0 loss,” George said. “Both of their goals were scored by headers. I feel like they didn’t fully deserve the win with such goals, so I’m It’s 66 minutes and 50 seconds into the girls soccer game eager to face them again. This time around I hope we redeem against Valley Center, and the score remains 0-0. ourselves with a solid win.”

Senior Danielle Leiva runs down the right side of the field, The girls’ main goal of the season is to win the Valley dodging defenders along the way. She passes it to senior Jennifer League title.

Richardson.

According to Richardson, no girls soccer team at MC has With one touch, the ball flies past the defenders and into ever won the league title. the left corner of the goal, barely In order to do so, the team must win missing the goalie’s hands. every single game for the rest of the sea“I didn’t realize that it went son. in until [seniors] Cindy Peralta and If this happens, they will meet WestOur team is very successful when Catherine Miller ran up and gave me view for the league title. we settle down and play the ball to a big hug,” Richardson said. “It was Richardson is confident that they will really rewarding and relieving to get feet. When we play that way, we get be able to improve and beat Westview the goal after working hard on the good results, and our confidence goes next time. field and after so many attempts.”

“We’ll definitely get them in the next up.”

Richardson’s goal was the only game that counts!” she said. one of the night, bringing a hard On Jan. 16, the team played San Mar-Sarah George (12) fought victory. cos, who had previously beaten Westview.

Although the team came out on The Sundevils came away victorious, 3-0. top, Richardson does not feel like it George feels the team was very fowas their best performance. cused on this game, which contributed to their win.

“We didn’t have our best game,” she said. “We needed more “Our team is very successful when we settle down and play communication and better passing.” the ball to feet,” George said. “When we play that way, we get There were some positive aspects that contributed to the good results and our confidence goes up.” win.

Junior Kellie Fox scored two goals and senior Katelyn Cutts “We were quick,” Richardson said. “[We] played at game scored one. speed and kept our heads up the whole game.”

“My favorite moment in the San Marcos game was when As of Jan. 21, the girls’ league record was 4-1. our sweeper, the most defensive player, played in the attack,” The league season began strong for the girls. They beat Ra- George said. mona on Jan. 6, 6-0.

“Katelyn got hit in the butt and then cracked a shot into Their one loss came against Westview. The Wolverines, a the goal. Katelyn didn’t even believe that she scored, her face Division I opponent, has been one of the toughest teams the was priceless.”

Sundevils have taken on this season.

On Jan. 20, the girls beat Orange Glen, 2-0. Fox and George Despite their 2-0 loss, the girls put a lot of effort into the were the two scorers. game.

Tomorrow, the team will play Oceanside. They consider “I think our team played their hearts out during the West- this game to be one of the most challenging games of the league view game,” Richardson said. “But Westview is a tough team, play.

MATT COFFELT | PHOTO EDITOR and it just wasn’t our night.”

“We tied and lost to Oceanside last year,” George said.

Danielle Levia (12) maneuvers around the fi eld with the ball.

Levia assisted on the only goal of Senior Sarah George says the team was frustrated, yet de- “We should have beaten them. This game is more about rethe night against Valley Center.

This win helped raise the girls’ league record to 4-1. termined for the next game against Westview. venge than anything else.”

“

Boys shoot, score, strengthen bond LAUREN HALL STAFF WRITER

MATT COFFELT | PHOTO EDITOR

Andy Bolin (11) battles Ramona, helping the team win 4-1.

With the whole team finally able to play together, the varsity boys soccer team won two games, with a 4-1 win over Ramona and a 3-1 win against El Camino.

“The beginning of our season was a little tough because five of our returning varsity players couldn’t play with the team until 2009 due to club soccer commitments,” sophomore Chad Eckman said. “However, we were able to come together just in time to perform our best.”

The boys team plays well together, and the team only lost by a single point to Westview, who is their main competition in the league.

“After playing them once, we know what to expect for our next game on Feb. 3,” Eckman said. “We can focus on those areas and work on them in practice.”

The loss was not in vain, as the team now knows where they can improve.

“We could have taken advantage of all of our opportunities [on the offensive side] and we can work on clearing the ball on the defensive end,” junior Aodhan Quinn.

And, the team has the opportunity to work off of each other in their games.

“We are still learning each other’s strengths and weaknesses, but I think we improve with every game,” Eckman said. “We played well both offensively and defensively and with our stronger returning varsity players centering the field we are able

to score offensively and crush the other teams on defense.”

But the team is still very powerful in many areas, especially their defense.

“We have a strong defense and an explosive attack,” Quinn said.

Being such a young team, the players realize just how much potential they have.

“The season has gone as expected in a way because our team is very young, but now that we are 100% we should do very well,” Griswold said.

With every practice and game, the team learns how to work with each other.

“We are very close on and off the field and hang out,” Griswold said.

He believes that all together the team should be able to continue winning.

“We have only played three full games with our team and we have two wins and a tough loss. So with a full team we are very good,” Griswold said.

The team is looking forward to their next game against Westview, so they can step up their performance for a major victory against “the enemy.”

“Westview and Orange Glen are going to be our main competition,” Griswold said.

“We need to be tougher next time and win balls in the air and we should have a good chance at beating them.”

There is plenty of time for them to work on closing the gaps in the field and winning balls in the air for their game against Westview on Feb. 3, and Orange Glen on MATT COFFELT | PHOTO EDITOR Jan. 20 and Feb. 12.

Nick Ibanez (12) takes a shot during a game against Ramona.

Budget cuts eliminate referees; alumni fill in after negotiations fail KATELYN CUTTS NEWS EDITOR With the economic crisis taking over America, the soccer officials decided they deserved an increase in their pay.

When CIF decided not to agree to the raise, the referees went on strike.

According to a press release from CIF on Nov. 21, no agreement or contract has been made with the officials.

The officials are paid $58 for a varsity game and $52 for freshman and junior varsity games.

Athletic Director Randy Wright feels the officials were asking too much from CIF.

“The referees’ demands up to help keep the MC soccer program running by were too high,” Wright said. recruiting alumni.

“CIF felt like if they met “I asked some alumni those demands other sports for help because I knew they The referees’ demands were too high. officials would want to were qualified officials,” Green renegotiate their contracts as CIF felt like if they met those demands other said. “In my opinion, they are well.” sports officials would want to negotiate their actually better than some of the To keep the soccer contracts as well.” referees we have had.” season going, each school is With the officials knowing now responsible for getting the home team, some people -Athletic Director Randy Wright referees for home games. were concerned about a home If they do not get them, the field advantage. team must forfeit the game.

“We have not had many The boys varsity soccer coach, Mark Green, stepped road games, but I feel they have all been fair,” Green said.

“

“During an away tournament we had some referees that stunk, but they seemed fair.”

The strike shined a new light on the organization of soccer officials in southern California.

“I think there will be an association put in place whether it is completely new or just expanded from the old one.”

With the soccer officials being on strike, the season was jeopardized.

However, the fear was short lived.

“It was an unfortunate situation,” Green said. “It was not as big as I thought it would be. I have had no complaints from opposing coaches about the quality of the officials either.”