2018-2019 Magazine (April 25, 2019)

PANTHER PROWLER Modern Escapism: Coping with stress

INSIDE Book Policy / 4-5 Solomon Siblings / 10-11 Max Clark / 25 Promposals / 30-31

Thursday, April 25, 2019 Special Edition Magazine Newbury Park High School 456 N. Reino Road Newbury Park, CA 91320 www.pantherprowler.org Follow us @NPProwler

LETTER - from the -

EDITORS

4 Book Policy

10-11 Solomon Siblings

10-11

14-19 Modern Escapism

20 Service Dog

22 Melody Hellard

14-19

25 Max Clark

26-27

#TOStrong has been the cornerstone of this past school year. Being the observers and reporters of our campus and community, we are honored to present testimonies of the unrelenting Panther spirit. Never before has devastation pierced so close to our hearts -- let alone in successive trials -- that we needed to band together as one, inseparable pack.

After the immediate shock and stinging pain subsides, it is tantalizing to numb the senses and bury the agony, to carry on and go through the motions. Our students have fought this urge and won.

Vigils and memorials materialize that familiar twinge, but also fuel us to speak louder until we are heard. Our message of strength not only speaks through our voices, but also our artwork, sports championships, academic achievements and public service.

Continuing the opt-out book policy debate, our readers begin this special edition magazine with the editorial on pages 4-5. This section focuses on proposed amendments and current discussions among the school board. School should be where students explore uncharted territory, not have their perspectives limited by bans.

Readers get an inside look into familial support on pages 10-11 with the Solomon siblings who are star athletes within their sports, basketball and gymnastics. Matt, MVP of Marmonte League, and Alexa, state champion on the bars, have an unbreakable support system for one another in their hardships and aspirations.

Continuing with our theme of support, the cover story on pages 14-19 delves into the escapist culture in which many students partake to feel less stressed. Here at the Panther Prowler, we wanted to shine light on emotional health and how students cope with daily life and continue living after tragedies.

Directly after, on page 20 our writers Emily Nagamoto and Sarena Kabir featured Willow, a service dog that assists Avery Finger, a sophomore who lives with epilepsy.

On pages 26-27, we honor our female students who defend both our country and gender equality. Emma Schoor writes her opinion on the recent proposal that would require women to register for the Selective Service System. Unilateral support in all aspects of society for all peoples strengthen us all.

Our staff is delighted to present you with our special edition magazine. Students should feel proud of their achievements both on campus and off, with the most noble one being willing to stand strong besides one another in the wake of tribulations. The Panther Prowler cherishes the opportunity to display these stories.

Female Military

30-31 Humans of NP 2 | Panther Prowler April 25, 2019

Clare Wang

25

Editor-in-Chief

Connor Keep Editor-in-Chief

Looking for a

summer job?

If you are at least 16 years old, love swimming & kids, are responsible, and have a great attitude, then you can become a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor for the Conejo Recreation & Park District! We recruit applicants for the Community Pool at California Lutheran University, as well as at Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks High Schools.

• Gain terrific work experience • Earn money having fun in the sun • Earn the respect of your peers • Make a difference in others’ lives • Learn & teach skills that save lives • Enhance your customer service skills

Job Applications and Tryouts

Employment applications are available at the College and Career Center or www.crpd.org/aquatics Application Deadlines Returning Staff .................................... Fri, March 8 by 5:00pm Senior Guards/Managers .................. Fri, March 7 by 5:00pm New Applicants ................................... Fri, April 5 by 5:00pm

Try-Outs/Interviews Those who have submitted applications may choose a time slot from the dates below: Try-Outs ................. 9:00am Saturday, April 6 OR Sunday, April 14 Interviews ............. 12noon to 5:00pm on the same day as assigned Try-Out

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Questions? 805-241-0894 or www.crpd.org/aquatics

Conejo Recreation & Park District

EDITORIAL

Core literature books are educational not pornographic The original opt-out policy -- 6161.12, which was introduced in 2016 and remained omnipresent in the CVUSD board room for two years, has resurfaced as the new and reformed opt-out resolution: 6161.11. Last year, the board voted 3-1 to accept the controversial 6161.1 policy written

by Trustee Sandee Everett, with former members Mike Dunn and John Andersen joining her to vote for the policy and current President Betsy Connolly voting against. This policy stipulated the distribution of a district-wide handout specifying which books contained adult content using an asterisk and referencing a California Department of Education (CDE) list. Community backlash called for teachers’ rights in determining policy for their classrooms, and questioned the legitimacy of using a redacted CDE reference.

We are seeing the same trends that we saw last year, of the community polarizing into two vehement groups: one for and one against the policy. However, unlike last year, the tables have turned with the flip of the school board, bringing fresh animosity to the Tuesday meetings.

During public comments at the March 19 school board meeting, many people wanted to express their own opinions of the controversy. A statement made by Dr. Narissa Chew stood out in particular. “The selective books in question make my circle of people wonder whether the next teacher’s assignment could include pornographic movies, realizing Thousand Oaks is right next to the porn capital, San Fernando Valley. There are professional porn stars and unions which feed into a sizable porn industry next door to us,” Chew said.

There are legitimate concerns, and then there is fear mongering and creation of material fact.

Throughout the last two years, as the opt-out policy cyclically resurfaces and submerges in the local news cycle, board meetings have been bombarded with emotional claims and with a vehemence that can never and will never foster real conversation.

The selective books in question are novels that enrich the development of a well-rounded adolescent. High school is the bridge between childhood and the “real world,” and exposure to topics like sexual assault, female subversion and domestic abuse helps us understand how to deal with a perpetually oppressive power structure.

These novels teach us how to listen, to understand and to stand with dignity in our opinions and 4 | Panther Prowler April 25, 2019

beliefs.

Over the past two years, books like “Brave New World,” “Snow Falling on Cedars” and “Bluest Eye,” have been arbitrarily categorized as pornography by board members and community members alike. If pornography is, in fact, literature that contains a meaningful and powerful message and that challenges a student to expand their intellect and personal horizons, then all power to it. However, the definition of pornography according to Merriam Webster is “the depiction of erotic behavior (as in pictures or writing) intended to cause sexual excitement,” and it is very disturbing if people view these pieces of literature as erotic or as something that is meant to be indulged in. The point is, this is a skewed claim that has been used inappropriately far too many times, and that has unnecessarily diverted community attention away from practicality and reason.

At the most recent meeting on April 2, the policy appeared on the agenda as an action item for the board to vote on and the public to comment on.

Several teachers and community members stood in support of the approval of a much more relaxed policy, which removes the CDE asterisk and takes into consideration the requests of teachers in the creation of the policy.

One community member, Carrie Howard, talked about her history with literature and how it related to her past, “I come to the board to speak not as a parent, or as a former public school teacher,

but the survivor of childhood sexual molestation as well as a violent sexual assault. In the days, weeks, months, years that followed these traumas, loved ones and literature where key allies in my healing...

To see myself in stories, and to know that I am not alone and to follow someone else’s journey from victim to survivor helped to smooth the edges off the aftermath of such trauma and even of the events themselves,” Howard said. “My mother knew that shielding me from literature that might break my heart could be the very same literature that could heal it.”

In a board meeting environment, with anger flying from one side of the room to another, we often forget to listen to voices that speak from experience. Teachers and students have long been silenced and disregarded.

Last year, the Prowler wrote an extensive story covering sexual assault among teens. A common theme among the victims was not shielding the concept of rape or abuse from students; many expressed their desire to open up conversation so that the youth and adults alike can understand the extent of the problem.

If we dismiss literature as pornography, without substance, we are dismissing the true or relatable stories of people around the world. Uncomfortable topics bring out uncomfortable conversation that, in this day and age, can no longer be kept under the table.

Emily Augustine/Prowler

STAFF BOX Editors Emily Augustine

Editors-in-Chief Clare Wang

Connor Keep Writers Brian Fang

Hannah Gross Sarena Kabir Prasheetha Karthikeyan Manas Khatore Jacob Malone Hailey Washington Photographers Chief/Emily Nagamoto

Maya Chari Rahul D’Souza Sarah Lu Clarissa Shin Jessica Zhou Aditya Vunnum

Daria Azizad Carter Castillo Kessa Chavez Rahul D’Souza Marli Davis Sarah Lu Emily Nagamoto Kavita Rai Nidhi Satyagal Jaycen Sussman Aditya Vunnum Jessica Zhou

Ad Manager Gianna Spiro Adviser Michelle Saremi

EDITORIAL POLICY: The Panther Prowler is the official publication of Newbury Park High School, and is created and produced by the Advanced Journalism students. The newspaper is funded by advertisements from local companies. The Panther Prowler staff makes all final decisions on information published in its newspaper, its website and its publishing in other social medias. While Mrs. Michelle Saremi advises the Advanced Journalism students, the staff is solely responsible for what is printed.

The Panther Prowler is published every four weeks throughout the school year by Valley Press Publishing Co. For advertisement information, visit www.pantherprowler.org.

The Panther Prowler is accepting letters to the editor. To submit your feedback, please provide your full name, email and a letter about 300 words in length. Letters are subject to discretion and editing for taste, length and libel. Letters can be submitted to the email posted below.

Newbury Park High School 456 North Reino Road, Newbury Park, California 91320 (805) 498-3676 x 1109 prowler.newspaper@gmail.com | 5

THE BRIEFS

Students take on the stage Written by Prasheetha Karthikeyan

Emily Nagamoto/Prowler

Written by Gianna Spiro

Emily Nagamoto/Prowler

Elev El e en ev n hig igh h sc scho hool ho o stu ol tude d nts spokke at a the he NPHS P rffor Pe o miingg Art rtss Ce C nt nter err on March 244 and ndd gavve TED talk ta lkss ab abou outt th thei eiir ow o n “b “bar arrriers” at th he fo four urrth annual TE EDx DxYo Yout uth@ h@Co h@ C ne Co n jo Con nference, an in inde depe pend endently ndd y orga or gani niizeed TE ED ev e en nt..

Amin Am inah ah Gha hane nem, ne m,, junior, spooke k abo b ut “the impo im port r an rt ncee of bi bili liing ua ling u l education and and ho h w wee can furt fu r he rt h r im impl plem emen entt it i her eree in n Conejo Va Valllley ey.”.”.

6 | Panther Prowler April 25, 2019

Bili Bi ling nguual edduca ng ucat uc ation sp sparked Ghaaan nem em’s’s int nter erreesst afteer ta takkiiin taki ng psyychology an an learning abo and b ut lan angu guuagge acquisitioon. “I di di fuurt did rther re research and saaw aw tha h t Co Cone n joo ne Valley was asn’t as adv d ancced ed in bilinguual al edu d ca cati tion ti on n.

Everyonee was so gr g eaat, a biiigg thank you too Mr M . Jaane ness an nd the TE TEDx TED Dx com mmi mitt tteee,” Gh tt haanem said. h

Emily Nagamoto/Prowler

TEDx speakers break barriers

Robotics team closes competitions

Student One Acts were on April 5 and 6, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the PAC. One Acts featured a number of mini plays directed and written by the Theatre 2 students at the school.

One of the plays, “Tomato Soup,” featured a teenager named Izzy who stayed home so she and her mother could watch the Housewives of Beverly Hills together. However, Izzy’s best friend, Holly, believes Izzy is staying home because she is trying to avoid Pablo, the server at the restaurant, on the tomato soup special day because she likes him.

“I’m all for Student One Acts. I am so proud of the work I did and how well the audience responded and I think it was just amazing to see the shows I worked on come to life and run really smoothly,” Delaney Small, writer of “Tomato Soup” said.

Written by Clarissa Shin The Robotics team pushed through build season during the months of January through mid-February, and are now awaiting the closure of their competition season. The team recently competed at Valencia High School on March 15-17 and at Ventura College on March 28-30.

Written by Clarissa Shin

Ziv C Zi Ca arrm arm mi/W i//Wit Wiitth W h Permi miss ssion ion

Knowledge Bowl team takes the trophy National Honors Society hosted their second annual VIP Dance on April 6.

Created last year by Hannah Neiyer, senior, the dance is centralized towards catering to people with disabilities. “We had over 80 people there, 40 interabled and 40 neurotypical people. It’s such a special time for students of NP who have disabilities. They just want to feel like everybody else, and we just want to give them opportunities to feel included. Everyone deserves a time to feel special and get dressed up,” Neiyer said.

On March 6, 13 and 20, the Knowledge Bowl team had their competitions at Hueneme High School, Buena High School and Adolfo Camarillo High School. Knowledge Bowl is a trivia competition between various schools throughout Ventura County where four students from each school’s team go head to head answering academic questions.

VIP Panthers dance the night away Written by Gianna Spiro

Gianna Spiro/Prowler

Emily Nagamoto/Prowler

Written by Jacob Malone

Students perform at IB Theatre Night March 15, 2019: Christchurch Mosque Shootings - Fifty people were killed and fifty people were injured when a gunman opened fire on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Mueller report subpoena released, saying that there was no collusion with Russia, but not excusing President Trump from “Obstruction of Justice”

On the evening of March 28, the applause of the audience filled the PAC as the students of IB Theatre performed in the first ever IB Theatre Night, which served as a way for the students in IB Theatre to fulfil requirements for the class.

Twelve students presented their pieces at the event. For this event, the students needed to either

New Demographic Presidential Candidates - John Hickenlooper, Jay Inslee, Wayne Messam, Beto O’ Rourke, Kirsten Gillibrand, Andrew Gillum, Mike Gravel, Tim Ryan, Eric Swalwell have all entered the presidential race.

create an original piece or create their own interpretation of an existing piece using unique theatrical elements.

These performances were the end product of months of preparation.

Giavanna English, junior, reflected on the endeavor. “It took a lot of time and effort to make sure that our pieces turned out the way we wanted them to,” English said.

Jill Magnante won “Teacher of the Month” for the month of June.

She has been teaching at NPHS for 5 years, previously teaching at Sycamore Canyon Middle School for 9 years. | 7

COLUMN

Do not erase the power of the pencil Written by Hannah Gross Marli Davis/Prowler

High school provides an opportunity to explore your interests and discover what you’re passionate about. Whether you’re into theater, dance or art, there’s a place for everyone. Well, everyone except writers. Hey, you’ll always have English classes, but the creative writing class at NPHS was recently cancelled due to a lack of students. More specifically, only five students enrolled. The same amount as the music appreciation class at NP, and only three fewer than another. In a traditional academic class five students may not be sufficient. However, five people is ideal for an elective class like creative writing. In a specialized class like this, smaller class sizes allow for greater focus to be placed on each student.

I watched the Oscars recently, and was inspired, as always, by those given awards for best screenplay and best song. Imagine what would have happened if these artists had listened to the general consensus that writing isn’t a viable career. That they should just quit. Be more practical. Join chemistry club. Encouraging careers in science and math is wonderful. But on the other end of the spectrum, what is being sacrificed? Newbury Park may be home to great performing arts and academic programs, but writing is an area that is lacking.

“

Jessica Zhou/Prowler

The platforms for creative writing that are in place are few and far between, and had to be fought for tooth-and-nail to stay alive. They barely survive through grants and donations. Take the ekphrastic poetry contest, a school-wide contest associated with the art show. In the past, students had the opportunity to win first, second or third place in two categories: free verse and sonnets.

The winners received cash prizes. Now, there are only three prizes available -- they had to be donated by the PTA (and they’re not cash.) It is so important for students to have a space to write outside

Creative writing is an art.

It may not be flashy like playing an instrument, singing or acting, but that doesn’t mean it should be dismissed.

Senior

8 | Panther Prowler April 25, 2019

“

- Hannah Gross

of an assignment for class. The ability to just write, and express our ideas freely is a beautiful, radical idea, but we take it for granted. And now students are losing a space where they can do that. Creative writing should be considered a legitimate fixture at schools, not an expendable program that has to depend on charity.

Creative writing is an art. It may not be flashy like playing an instrument, singing or acting, but that doesn’t mean it should be dismissed. Without great writers, what would the actors act in? What songs would the singers sing? Think about how many voices are being silenced without it. A book someone writes could become an anchor for someone in difficult times.

It could make their life more colorful, give someone a new perspective, or make them feel less alone. It could even be your book!

We should never be discouraged from sharing these experiences. The world needs compassion and perspective just as much as it needs the quadratic equation--and young writers are the key to that. Think of your favorite movie or song. Or even poem or novel.

This is the stuff that makes life worth living. How can we allow that spark to be extinguished? How can we refuse to foster it? These voices need to be heard.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

SPORTS

Written by Sarah Lu & Carter Castillo

Gymnast for 14 years Attending San Jose State University for gymnastics Favorite event is bars Practices five hours a day 2017 California State Champion for bars

Rahul D’Souza/Prowler

Basketball player since kindergarten Attending CSUN to play basketball Varsity starter on the NPHS basketball team for four years Won MVP award for Marmonte League Wakes up at 3:30 a.m. to practice and workout

Swish! Flip! Slam dunk! Back handspring! Basketball and gymnastics.

Matt and Alexa Solomon. Both seniors at Newbury Park, the Solomons are a sibling powerhouse. With Matt exceling on the court and Alexa unrivaled in the gym, it seems like there is nothing that they cannot do.

Ever since they were little, Matt and Alexa Solomon have been into sports.

Like many children, the Solomons tried many different ones before specializing in basketball and gymnastics, respectively.

“They tried every single thing they could possibly think of and then at the end when they got a little bit older, they decided which one they wanted to concentrate on, which one they loved the most,” Lisa Solomon, Matt and Alexa’s mom, said.

While basketball and gymnastics are two very different sports, Alexa and Matt are still very competitive with each other.

“We both always want to be the best, but I think it’s a healthy competition,” Alexa said. “We both push each other to do the best that we can.”

Pieter Marcus, Alexa’s friend, can see this as well. “(Alexa and Matt are) both super driven and determined and both achieve at an exceptionally high level, so I think they kind of push each other in that way,” Marcus said.

Both Alexa and Matt are very dedicated. Their sports take up most of their time, so they sacrifice a lot socially.

“All of (Alexa’s) friends were going out.

She couldn’t because she wanted to practice. She loved it. She absolutely loved it and wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Lisa said. “(Matt) too, he sacrificed going out with his friends. And to see your friends having so much fun all the time, he would rather be in the gym with the basketball.”

The Solomon siblings greatly admire each other’s skills with their respective sports. “(Matt) puts so much time into the sport and inspires me to put as much time

10 | Panther Prowler April 25, 2019

in as he does so that I can be as good as he is at basketball,” Alexa said. Matt feels the same about Alexa. “I think she’s awesome and she works really hard. And she’s a great person outside of gymnastics,” Matt said. “Seeing the way she is committed, she finds six hours a day to practice, that’s crazy. Alexa is stronger than me, my sister is stronger than me; she is insane.”

Lisa can see how much her children are there for each other. “They support each other and help each other out with different exercises- strength exercises, stretching.”

of their children during competitions.

“It’s a lot of divide and conquer. My husband will go with one, and I’ll go with the other,” Lisa said. “(Competitions are) usually at total opposite ends of the world, and it’s impossible to see both. So we’ll trade. One will go to Matt’s games.

The other will go to Alexa’s meets… I really wish they were different seasons.

Then we could see them all. So I think that’s pretty tough.”

In addition, practices for both Matt and Alexa take up most of their time, so there is little family time. “There’s never a

“

We b o t h a l w a y s w a n t t o be the best, but I think i t ’s a h e a l t h y c o m p e t i t i o n .

We b o t h p u s h e a c h o t h e r to do the best that we can.

- Alexa Solomon Senior

Having one child become an outstanding athlete is incredible to Lisa, but having two is a whole other story. Both Matt and Alexa had the goal of becoming a Division I college athlete, and both accomplished this goal.

“Having two Division I athletes is mind boggling… I think I’m still in shock,” Lisa said.

Unfortunately, gymnastics and basketball are in the same season, so the Solomon parents often cannot watch both

“

Sarah Lu/Prowler

time where all four of us are in the house at once, because (Matt) has practices, I have practices and my parents are working,” Alexa said.

Lisa often uses Crock-Pots for dinner because the four of them are never at home at the same time. “That’s hard, not gonna lie. I cannot remember the last time we all had dinner together because of their practices,” Lisa said. “But it’s all worth it. It really is.”

As a young girl, Alexa was always One of Alexa’s greatest “bouncing off the walls as a child, accomplishments is getting a scholarship jumping from couch to couch and very, to go to San Jose State University. very active,” Lisa said. A retired gymnast “(Alexa’s) goal was to be a college herself, Lisa decided to sign Alexa up for gymnast… So that’s what she went after. some gymnastics classes when she was And that’s what she got,” Lisa said. “I’m three, where “she just took to the sport proud of her that all those years ago and immediately.” the goal that she set, she achieved it.”

Even after starting to train four to Now that Alexa has achieved her goal five hours a day at only six years old, of becoming a college gymnast, she has Alexa’s love for gymnastics never faded. set new goals for her time in college. She “Sometimes there’s times where it’s hard to go to practice, but once I get there, I realize why I’m meant to be there,” Alexa said.

“I love the feeling.

I felt like I could fly, I felt like I was free, and it was a stress reliever too.”

Alexa trains at Matrix Gymnastics in Chatsworth, where she is seen as a leader at practice, and is very determined and goal oriented.

“She knows what she wants and she does whatever she can to get there,” Sammi Rosqui, a homeschooled Practice makes perfect- Alexa Solomon, senior, balances in a senior at Alexa’s handstand on a bar during a practice. Alexa had aspirations to go to the Olympics, but ultimately decided that college gymnastics would gym, said. be more enjoyable for her. Alexa Solomon/With Permission “Whenever you’re having a bad day you can count on her to give you some hopes to compete in all four events (bars, inspiring words to get you through the beam, vault and floor), as well as help practice.”

SJSU become conference winners. Alexa Gymnastics has taught Alexa many also has goals outside of gymnastics. She important life skills. “It’s taught her time is majoring in dietetics, and hopes to management skills and taught her focus,” become a nutritionist after college.

Lisa said. “When there’s a goal, (Alexa) At such a high level, there is always goes after it, and she doesn’t stop until pressure to do better. For Alexa, a lot of she reaches (it).” it comes from within. “There’s a lot of All of Alexa’s hard work and time pressure because I want to be the best she has put into the sport has paid that I can be and accomplish the most off. Besides learning life lessons from that I can,” Alexa said. gymnastics, Alexa has also gained Despite all of the pressure, time and many titles over the years. She was state effort that goes into gymnastics, Alexa champion on bars, a level 10 Regional wouldn’t change it for the world. “I love Qualifier in 2017 and an all-around gymnastics and it pushes me to be the champion at the 2018 OC Classic. best I can in everything.”

Matt Solomon was not always into basketball, but once he discovered his interest in it, he committed himself entirely to it. He played on the Newbury Park High School team for four years, and his skills in basketball have led him to attend California State University, Northridge.

Matt’s commitment to basketball was noticed by members of his family. “Matt would get up at 3:30 in the morning,

and he never pressured me to play anything, basketball is up tempo and I really like that.”

Once Matt was part of the basketball team, there was a clear connection with the team. One teammate, Nickerson DeMelfi, senior, mentioned how much of a leader Matt was on the basketball team, “[Matt] really leads by example, he is going to a division one school, CSUN, and everyone follows his example.”

DeMelfi also Dribbling the ball- Matt Solomon, senior, handles the ball while recounts Matt’s practicing. He recently broke many records regarding basketball, integral part in the including the number of points scored by a player over their entire high school career. Rahul D’Souza/Prowler team’s success. “He pushes us through.

He is the reason we won some of our games. He is also a verbal leader, so he’ll bring us up, and if someone messes up he won’t get mad, he’ll be like “Oh you’ll be better next time” and say other positive things, and make the team better,” DeMelfi said.

Matt’s hard work eventually paid off when he won the award of Most Valuable Player in the Marmonte League.

“I was really honored to win it because there was a lot of great players and my go to 24 Hour Fitness, play basketball, hard work paid off,” Solomon said. It come home, take a shower, go to school, was not just Matt who was proud of his be out by noon and go workout again,” achievements, “[Matt’s] stats were crazy, Lisa, Matt’s mom, said. he was averaging 25 points a game, and But Matt did not start out as a 7 rebounds and 4 assists. That’s insane basketball player, as his mom said, “He to do at any level of basketball. Even did every sport you can think of. He did though we didn’t win league I wasn’t lacrosse, he did football, he did baseball, surprised Matt won the MVP award just soccer, everything. He was really big into because he was the most valuable player,” baseball and football and then I think DeMelfi said. he stopped football right before High Matt is now onto college, and School and decided that basketball was has recently committed to CSUN, his thing.” where he plans to continue playing Although his dad was an athlete basketball,“(CSUN is) local so my as well, he played an entirely different parents and family can come watch me sport, but that did not stop him from and I can visit them. It’s also a division supporting Matt, as Matt remembers. one team which has always been my “My dad played professional baseball, dream,” Solomon said. | 11

Dylan Narkawicz climbs to the top Written by Rahul D’Souza

Dy lan N

ark aw icz /W

ith P

erm iss ion .

His palms are sweaty. Knees weak, arms are heavy. He’s fallen off this wall already, expert difficulty. He’s nervous, but on the surface he looks calm and ready, to reach the top, of this rock wall it’s steady.

This is a day in the life of Dylan Narkawicz, senior, as he hangs at awkward angles, slowly making his way up steep rock faces or climbing walls.

Narkawicz has been climbing for four years now, and his skills and strength have progressed rapidly.

“Besides being a great way to stay fit, climbing makes me feel truly happy and there is always a new goal you can set for yourself to improve and get stronger,” Narkawicz said. Rock climbing is one of the most strenuous sports out there, requiring not only muscles of steel, but also an iron will to keep climbing up even the hardest routes.

Narkawicz will go climbing at least three to four times a week. He usually works out at the climbing gym Boulder Dash, but he does not limit himself to the indoors.

Occasionally, he will find a great spot in the outdoors and either free solo without a harness, or strap himself in if the route is a sizable one. On these occasions he will usually bring a couple friends with him.

“For me, the hardest part is trying a route over and over again. Dylan will probably try a route over 20 times and bring a new idea to each trial. How else do you think he gets those major big biceps,” Angelina Powers, senior, said.

Narkawicz is determined when it comes to rock climbing, refusing to give up on a course that he knows he can do. Sometimes, simply approaching the wall from a different angle makes all the difference.

“One time I was climbing outside in Angeles National Forest and I saw a few guys all falling on this one hard move, I tried it the way they were and eventually when I tried it my way, I stuck the move and finished the route,” Narkawicz said.

Narkawicz tries to apply this mentality outside of rock climbing as well, always trying his own way rather than following what other people are doing.

Whether it be in school, on the rock wall or just in general, Narkawicz would rather have fun and fail just to try again succeed, rather than succeed the first time doing it someone else’s way.

As for his motivation, Narkawicz’s dad was a large part of why he started. “My dad was a climber when he was younger and one day he took me to an indoor rock climbing gym and I loved it at the start,” Narkawicz said.

Narkawicz plans to carry on with rock climbing for many years to come, making time for it whenever he can and staying fit so he can conquer any course.

“In the future, I still see climbing as a huge part of my life and I plan to travel around the world to climb different areas. I’ll probably be living in a van and simply be doing what makes me happy,” Narkawicz said.

Narkawicz’s determination draws much admiration from anyone who has seen him climb. Aaron Fang, senior, has been climbing with him several times, and he has nothing but respect for him.

“Dylan’s most admirable quality is his tenacity to see a problem through its end,” Fang said. “Also his screams which I can hear halfway across the gym. They are inspirational.”

12 | Panther Prowler April 25, 2019

Stretch- Dylan Narkawicz, senior, watches his balance as he slowly stretches across a gap between two handholds. Dylan Narkawicz/With Permission

Hanging on- Narkawicz uses his foot for leverage as he tries a complicated move to get up a boulder. Dylan Narkawicz/With Permission

Grip- Narkawicz hangs on the wall by nothing but his fingertips as he attempts to scale the obstacle ahead of him. Dylan Narkawicz/ With Permission

Slam Dunkers shoot for inclusion Written by Clarissa Shin

Shoot- Nicholas Crilley, sophomore, bends his knees as he prepares to shoot a basket as his teammates surround him, waiting in anticipation for the ball to leave his hands. Emily Nagamoto/Prowler.

Breakaway- Austin Moncourtis, freshman, sprints down court as the rest of the Slam Dunkers cheer him on. Newbury Park beat Thousand Oaks in this close game. Emily Nagamoto/ Prowler.

Crowds cheer as a student dribbles the ball across the court in an attempt to make a basket. As he approaches the three-point line, spectators hold their breath in anticipation. He shoots, he scores and the crowd goes wild.

On March 15, 20 and 25, CVUSD held its Unified Basketball Games at various schools throughout the district. Special education students were able to play alongside their peers in a series of basketball tournaments supported by staff, students and family members.

Each tournament started at 10:30 a.m. and consisted of 10-minute halves, lasting a duration of 20 minutes total. At the beginning of each game, the different schools playing in the tournaments were announced.

CVUSD organized inclusive basketball games in partnership with Special Olympics Southern California, an organization that supports people with special needs across Southern California in their sports, education and athletic health.

The first basketball tournament was held at Newbury Park High School and included two games. Adolfo Camarillo High School played against the home team and Thousand Oaks High School played against Westlake High School. The halftime show featured the NPHS Sparkles cheerleaders performing a dance.

NPHS won their game and Hannah Neiyer, senior, played a big role in supporting the students throughout this basketball season.

“I’ve been the event coordinator for the basketball game that we hosted. We hosted the first basketball game and I pretty much was the leader in charge of making sure all the corresponding parts came together and that ASG was there. I’m in ASG and Sparkles and I just made sure the whole event flowed the way it was supposed to,” Neiyer said.

Neiyer performed in the halftime show with Sparkles,

and played in the basketball games with the Slam Dunkers. Slam Dunkers is a club on the NPHS campus that unites students with and without disabilities and encourages them to play basketball. The club competes in tournaments throughout the district and is run by President Jennifer Finger, sophomore.

The second tournament was held at Westlake High School. Westlake played against both Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park in two games. Newbury Park played in the second game at 11:50 a.m. and won with a score of 24 to 14.

Samantha Stewart, Adaptive Physical Education coach, helps advise the Slam Dunkers in their practices and believes the club supports inclusion and helps kids both with and without disabilities learn to grow as individuals.

“We need to keep the inclusion going, getting everybody involved and have fun, and see how rewarding it is to work with other people who are not like us.

Learn to grow, learn acceptance, learn compassion.

Compassion is a learned trait and I’m just proud of everybody in Slam Dunkers,” Stewart said.

The last tournament in the unified league was at Thousand Oaks High School. Despite the close game, Newbury Park won, making the Slam Dunkers undefeated. Finger coached the team throughout the basketball season and was inspired by her sister to start the club.

“I’m in Sparkles and my sister is special needs, so it’s just something I love to do,” Finger said.

Finger, like Stewart, advocates for inclusion and believes Slam Dunkers and the Unified Basketball League are great opportunities to break those barriers.

“Unified means inclusion for all students and any person no matter what differences they have,” Finger said. | 13

“Turn off your mind, relax and float downstream,” ~ The Beatles “Tomorrow Never Knows”

Maya Chari

Daria Azizad

Hannah Gross

Hailey Washington

Nidhi Sataygal

Emma Schoors

Generation Z (born from 1997-2012) may not be facing the struggles that past generations have, but that does not mean that school is any less stressful for these students. According to the American Psychological Association, 45% of all teens said they were stressed by school.

Data collected from the American Psychological Association for the Stress in America Survey shows that the stress levels experienced by teens rival that of adults. Teen’s stress can be dangerous and unhealthy, and is sometimes underestimated, which can deepen its impact. The most common sources of teenage stresses are school (83%), the future (69%) and family finances (65%). Many high school students reported feeling angry and appearing visibly stressed. Teens reported lying awake at night, overeating and skipping meals due to their stress levels.

Students find coping with this stress to be difficult and often turn to external sources to help alleviate the burden, including exercise, religion, self-medication and screens.

*Names have been changed to protect the identity of sources | 15

Turning to self-medication

Sarah Lu/Prowler

To manage the psychological aspect of stress, many teens have resorted to self-medicating. Marijuana, in particular, has become prominent due to its relaxing effects. Many students find that their drug usage was triggered by stressful situations.

Blake*, senior, uses a wax pen to vape marijuana. “I use it to ground me and to relax on the weekends,” he said.

“I primarily use (the wax pen) when I’m being

16 | Panther Prowler April 25, 2019

swarmed by a lot of work, or when I’m having trouble with friends,” Blake said. “I find that it’s really good at making me worry less and it helps me rationalize the issues I’m facing, so I’d say it’s really effective for relieving stress.”

For Daniel*, senior, taking painkillers and smoking marijuana every day is his way of coping with

mental health struggles. “I have generalized anxiety disorder, so I’m kind of a stressed out person and I got good at hiding it and I just used drugs as something as an escape from myself,” Daniel said. “Drugs just let me hide from a person that I was forced to see all the time. Whenever I am high, I’m just hiding from myself. I wasn’t someone else. It’s impossible to be sad or anything when you’re high because you’re just having too much fun.”

Jane*, senior, began using medical marijuana to stymy her chronic pain, anxiety and depression. “My anxiety is caused a lot by school, the hypercompetitiveness in our school, especially, and external factors relating to my family,” Jane said.

In terms of stress relief, Jane believes that it is an effective solution. “(Marijuana is) 100% effective. As soon as I smoke it, I’m just relaxed: all my worries and anxieties just fade away. I don’t overthink and I don’t stress about unrealistic things.

I just am completely in a relaxed state,” she said.

Even with other methods of coping with stress, Jane believes that without her medical marijuana card, she would be at a disadvantage. “I think I would be in more of a heightened state of anxiety. I think I could survive, but I’d just be a lot more anxious.”

Jane also believes that her medical marijuana usage helps her academic success. “I just think I would be way more overwhelmed with what I have to do. As soon as I’m calm when I smoke, I can do one task, and I’m not overwhelmed with all the tasks that I have to do. And I’m not an anxious mess.”

Maya Chari/Prowler

Sweating out the stress Harvard Medical School’s Health Publishing states that, “Exercise reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that are the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators.”

With the stress that is presented in our modern society Paige Henry, freshman, finds that even exercising can help alleviate the stress she deals with on an everyday basis.

“Two years ago, the summer before eighth grade, I started exercising regularly... it (has) definitely helped me relax, especially because it releases endorphins. It just really helps calm my whole body down,” Henry said.

From agility to weightlifting Henry does different exercises, allowing her to replenish her mind and get ready to do all her activities.

“Sometimes I’ll have so much homework, and I’ll save it for after workouts, because I feel like my mind is refreshed and I’m not in a very panicked mode,” Henry said.

Henry works out three times a week and is planning to start a new form of exercise at Studio Barre by the Newbury Park Library. Henry finds that if you want to start exercise as a form of relief, “Just go for it. Even if you only want to go for

stress, just put all your effort into it because it will help you personally.”

Kian Alamir, junior, also uses exercise to relieve stress and to help balance out his busy lifestyle. “When I go to the gym or go surfing or go hiking, I 100% focus on that, I don’t think about anything else. Forcing myself to focus doesn’t allow me to think about the other stresses in life,” Alamir said.

Alamir makes sure to stay healthy and fit, exercising frequently both at home and at the gym. When he does not have access to the latter, Alamir runs or uses his punching bag. “I’m told, scientifically, it boosts endorphins, and makes you happy,” Alamir said. “It makes you tired but it makes you feel better in your mental state.”

Alamir feels the pressures of high school life frequently -- whether it is balancing social life with school, preparing for his future in which he hopes to study law by participating in mock trial or juggling his many AP and IB classes.

“What’s great about (exercise) is that you are not only relieving stress, you are literally making yourself healthier so you can do more things. When you exercise, you feel proud of what you’re doing, like you have accomplished something positive. It boosts your self esteem,” Alamir said. | 17

Ethan Ronk/With Permission

Finding solace in faith With school, stress from home and the growing sense of disconnect that teens often feel, many turn to religion and faith to find solace during difficult times.

A local youth group hosted through Calvary community church is a place for students to meet with friends, share inspirational stories, participate in service and talk about faith.

Ethan Ronk, senior, experiences stress from school, sports and family life. He is part of a subgroup of 15 Calvary members that meets every Tuesday night.

“It’s a good place to commune and be in fellowship together, and that helps me a lot,” Ronk said. “Having that community of people who feel the same way about certain things as you do, and having people that are there to lift you up and support you is always a great system to relieve stress.”

Within the Calvary church, there are three subgroups: the high school ministry, the main service and the elementary and middle school ministry. This allows the sermons to be catered to the specific demographic of worshippers.

“The high school ministry focuses on stresses that high schoolers may be going through, so we talk a lot about dealing with stress and dealing with certain things in certain ways,” Ronk said. The pastors are also open to talking with people and praying over them after sermons.

“There have been instances where I’ll have a super stressful week and there is a lot going on with school and sports, and then the sermon will line up to that.”

Ronk said. The group just wrapped up an eight-week long series on the book of James, which was heavily focused on dealing with stress. “Having direct sermons that apply to high school life is really helpful when it comes to learning how to deal with stress with faith,” Ronk said.

Zain Kazi, senior, also turns to his religion as a release. “When I get stressed out with school and stuff like that, when I come home I just read the Quran and pray and kind of escape from all other distractions that are going on, and makes me feel more secure,” Kazi said.

As a part of the full IB diploma class, Kazi has consistently experienced the stressful dynamic that comes with balancing school, social life and personal health.

“When I practice my faith, I feel like I perform better and I just feel more positive,” Kazi said.

Kazi is a member of the Muslim community, and is devout in his faith. “I follow most of all the rules of Islam. I don’t do all my prayers five times a day, but it’s like an 18 | Panther Prowler April 25, 2019

escape -- when I’m not feeling well, it’s something I look forward to like a guidance path.”

Kazi tries to do the prayers as frequently as he can, makes sure to eat Halal and follows the five pillars of Islam which provide a moral framework for character in his day to day life.

Kazi also took a religious pilgrimage to Mecca last summer, during which he paid respect to the followings and passages of Mohammed. Kazi feels that these aspects of his religion enrich his life and help him balance his academics with his personality.

“We have our own youth group, and it’s good because it brings the community together,” Kazi said. “I didn’t really know many people that were my age in the community that were Muslim before, but the activities in the youth group where we volunteer at the food bank and soup kitchens also help us come closer together and share our personal experiences.” It is meaningful to him that he is able to bond with others who share his faith.

“It’s the whole idea of hope,” Kazi said when describing why he prescribes to Islam. “If I have religion by my side, God will make the whole process of my life a lot easier. It helps me find clarity in difficult situations.”

Zain Kazi/With Permission

on

Rebooting the mind

ESCAPE 104 NPHS students were surveyed about their main sources of stress. Participants were taken from all grade levels to serve as an accurate sample. The results indicated that 77.9% of NPHS students attributed their main source of stress to school.

Gianna Spiro/Prowler

Many teenagers today rely on their screens as a short-term solution to a long-term accumulation of stresses. According to Pew Research Center in 2018, 95% of teens have access to a smartphone and 45% say they are online “almost constantly.”

School, family life and even just getting adequate sleep can become major issues that the calming blue screens seem to keep under control. Keene Debler, freshman, uses screens to distract himself from his burdens. “Watching things is relaxing because I am invested in it and forget about worries in my life,” Debler said. Debler spends around three hours a day on his phone or watching TV. “I am on my screen about fifty percent of the time to escape life, but the rest is just for entertainment which could also be an escape from life,” Debler said.

Riley O’Leary, freshman, finds that using her phone helps her to temporarily relax. “I’m only a freshman and I’m already freaking out over schoolwork,” she said. “Phone usage, for me, can easily be a good distraction from everyday stresses.”

O’Leary spends around three to four hours a day on her device, but is aware that this elongated time of scrolling can catch up to her in the long run. “I think that there is no way to escape unless you tackle the things worrying you, head on.

The phone can’t solve those things for someone,” she said. “I

usually wind up getting tackled by procrastination.” Though O’Leary realizes the repercussions that come with too much screen time, the short-term fix that it provides seems to make it worth it. “It’s a temporary distraction from the things nagging in my mind.”

Screens have been a way for people to relieve themselves of their daily stresses and escape since the beginning of computers. The universality of screens between age groups can be seen through freshman all the way to seniors.

Aaron Grossman, senior, spends around five to six hours a day using screens to play video games and watching YouTube. “(Screens) help me relieve stress by letting me focus on something other than my pressure. It also allows me to relax and have fun,” Grossman said. Most of Grossman’s sources of stress are school related: “IB and testing, theatre, choir, relationships with others and school drama.”

Grossman understands that video games play a conflicting role in his life, but at times the ends justify the means.

“Without monitoring and specific limits, it can be more harmful than helpful. However, when controlled, it is very beneficial to tune out with video games,” Grossman said.

Although people find that they are capable of finding ways to relieve their stress through their own methods, sometimes what they need is someone to talk to. Finding help from a medical professional or therapist can be transformative.

]

With therapy, I’ve been able to better rationalize my inner critic. She’s still there, and always will be, but she doesn’t control each and every minute of my life.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline 1-800-950-6264

Along with school, several students found sports, friends/family, and social media as a large source of stress. Respectively, each of these categories were made of 6.7%, 8.7%, and 1.0% of students.

From the same survey, students were also asked about their primary method in finding relief. 22.1% of NPHS students primarily cope with stress by spending time with friends, and another 21.2% exercise.

Other prominent methods of stress relief include social media, food, self-meditation, religion, and video games.

Respectively, 10.6%, 12.5%, 5.8%, 2.9%, 1.9% of students utilize these techniques as a release.

]

NPHS counselors can help students find resources that can assist in them managing their stress. To make an appointment with your counselor go to the office.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 | 19

ACADEMIA

Willow is super smart. She is still in training, but she’s compassionate dog,” Alvarez said. progressed far enough that she’s allowed to be at school,” Before Willow could even come to school, though, Neiyer said. there was concern about student allergies on campus.

Jenny says that Alvarez and the she feels comforted Finger family

by Willow’s presence had to work with on campus, and she the school nurse, has noticed a change Betty Greene, in Avery too. and the principal, “She’s been a Stephen Lepire, lot happier and she to make sure that has been a lot more all students could independent,” Jenny be accomodated, said. “We wanted but Willow to give Avery ended up helping independence, more people hoping Willow than just Avery.

Sophomore would be able to take “It was care of her when she decided that has a seizure.” having the dog Although at school was a Jenny calls Willow a “friendly true benefit for Avery,” Alvarez said. “As it turns out, face at school,” it has been much more beneficial that any of us had she, Neiyer and anticipated. Avery’s seizures have dramatically decreased, Alvarez stress (and) the students in my classroom have reduced their that when the inappropriate behavior. The dog seems to have a calming dog has a vest on, effect on everyone in the class.” no one can pet According to Alvarez, “Willow is now just a member her. of our classroom.” Willow’s constant presence is a “When she “comfort” for Jenny, Neiyer and Alvarez; and for Avery, has her pink vest Alvarez notes the bond that Avery and her dog formed on, we cannot almost instantly. touch her… This is “Since bringing the dog to school, Avery and Willow sometimes very have created a tighter bond. Avery is taking responsibility hard because for the dog and Willow has responded by being closer to Willow is a very Avery and responding quickly to her,” Alvarez said. beautiful and Neiyer has seen the same thing -- a connection forming between the pair unlike any other.

“Willow loves Avery and always wants to be around her which is what Willow is supposed to do…Willow’s kind of like that nagging parent to her that’s almost always around, but it’s kind of cute,” Neiyer said.

Willow is still new to campus and learning the ropes of her important mission, but the Finger family is optimistic about the future. “ I think it could be amazing,” Jenny said. “It could help a lot with her seizures, and help us help her.”

“

We w a n t e d t o g i v e A v e r y independence, hoping Willow would be able to take care of her when she has a seizure

- Jenny Finger

“

S

tudents are starting to see something new on campus: a friendly, furry golden retriever. But this dog is not here to play, this dog is on a mission.

Willow is a service dog, helping her owner live a safer, more independent life.

Avery Finger, sophomore, has epilepsy, a brain disorder with abnormal nerve cell activity, and often suffers from seizures. When the Finger family received Willow one year ago, they were hoping that the three-year-old puppy could help Avery when her condition was at its worst.

“When Avery has a seizure, her service dog jumps into action and will lick her face, often times pulling her out of the seizure immediately,” Anne Alvarez, special education teacher, said. “Sometimes the dog will sense a seizure coming on and will jump onto Avery’s lap and lick her face, preventing a seizure.”

As a service dog, it is Willow’s duty to be by Avery’s side at all times, from waking up in the morning with Avery to helping out with the seizures that may be life threatening.

Hannah Neiyer, senior, has known the Fingers for two years, and has seen how the dog has impacted Avery’s life.

“She has more opportunities on campus now because she has a safety net through the dog,” Neiyer said. “She can do more things on campus and not be as limited, like in her adaptive PE class, she can probably participate more.”

It was a long road to get Willow. A chance encounter led to a meeting with the company Custom Canines, which trains and matches service dogs. According to the company, puppies have to be 8-10 weeks old before they can begin training, and the training process can take anywhere from 1220 months. Avery was put on a waiting list, and in 2018, after three years, she was matched with Willow. “ I t ’ s amazing how much they can teach that dog in such a short period of time because

Written by Sarena Kabir & Emily Nagamoto

Clarissa Shin/Prowler 20 | Panther Prowler April 25, 2019

Written by Emily Augustine

Parents paid up to $6.5 million to ensure their children would get into the college of their choice.

The mastermind behind the scandal was William Rick Singer, a bussinessman who owns a for-profit college counseling service known as The Key.

Thirty-three parents are accused of paying Singer to help their children either cheat on admissions exams or bribe athletic officials on the false basis of being recruited for a sport.

Charges were filed against 50 people during the 2019 college admissions scandal.

Among the millions of high school students who wait patiently for their fate, the Now, I wonder how many people have successfully gotten away with a college question lingers in a student’s brain: will she attend the school she has been dreaming degree from a school they did not deserve to attend. Who are the real scholars, and of, that she worked so hard to look good for? who are the frauds?

After what seems like an eternity, the results are released. Her hopes are shattered In an email sent out by Princeton Review, it claims that “Three million students when she gets a rejection letter from her number one school. In her place, a wealthy apply to college each year, and the overwhelming majority gain admission fair and child attends the school who did not even have to lift a finger to get in. Now, another square, not by cheating...they do the work...And it works!” question lingers: how could this be?

This email was reassuring, but imagine how frustrating it would Sadly, people recently used money to compromise be for a cheater to take your spot at your a system that is supposed to dream school. They live in only assess merit. Rich what would’ve been parents were caught your dorm, go to bribing proctors, parties you would coaches and college have gone to and administrators to accept get the education their undeserving that you dreamed children into a variety about without of prestigious colleges. putting in half the As a junior, I am less amount of work than a year away from that you did. the application frenzy.

What a nightmare.

Marli Davis/Prowler This scandal is a haunting reminder that my fate can What we have to remember as be affected by a corrupt system. After thinking students is that we are not law enforcement about it, however, I was not surprised that or members of the college admissions Schools that were people cheated their way into college. board; therefore there is nothing we can do involved in the To some people, fancy colleges can be about those who cheat. Yes, it affects us, college admission seen the same way as an expensive car but stressing out about something scandal include or an ostentatious house. Those who out of our control is harmful to chase after shiny things tend to let our mental health.

USC, UCLA, their materialistic motivations The best we can do is Stanford, Yale blind them and take over their apply to the colleges we love and Georgetown moral compass, which in turn and let the chips fall where causes things like the college they may. This scandal could according to cheating scandal. be a blessing in disguise because it CNN. By getting their child into a highly emphasized how important it is to selective college, these parents are keep a close eye on college admissions. attempting to fill in a void in their lives with their child’s (false) Ideally, there will be a better system in the future for catching achievements. It must be humiliating when every publication on the web exposes those criminals before it is too late. them for being frauds. Oh well. They can cry into their bags of money.

Colleges really need to step up their game when it comes to letting truly deserving This is not the first time money has been used immorally. Donald Trump cheated students into their schools. Letting in cheaters cheapens their name as a college and on his wife and paid off the porn star he had an affair with. Back in the day, Michael has an impact on how many people apply in the future. If this corruption continues, Jackson bought a ranch for millions of dollars where he molested children. With an prestigious colleges will lose their popularity and less competitive colleges will become excess amount of money comes a great deal of corruption. It is nothing new. more selective.

The worst part of this situation is that it makes prestigious schools less reputable. If Above anything, admissions should be truthful. As a future college student, anyone can pay their way in, can the college still be considered selective? The devaluing I can only hope that corruption within college admissions will fade over time and of these schools is unfortunate because there is less pride in the accomplishments of the students who are admitted to top notch colleges actually earn their way in, not students who genuinely worked hard to get there. through money but through hard work. | 21

THE ARTS

Written by Hailey Washington & Emma Schoors

Sarah Lu/Prowler

22 | Panther Prowler April 25, 2019

about will not be hard. Marilyn Strange, theater teacher, who has been working with Hellard in the theater department for four years, is especially hopeful for her.

“She could easily get hired at a professional theater and nobody would bat an eyelash that she’s only 18 because she’s just incredibly mature and focused and professional,” she said. “I’m going to be watching her get an Oscar or Tony,” Strange said of Hellard’s bright future. “No doubt, that’s where she’s going. I’m excited.

Hopefully she’ll thank me in her speech.”

Though Hellard was once a beginner, she is now capable of making garments such as clothing made from Comic Con bags to men’s formal jackets, extending the range of clothings she once was incapable of. However, what she finds to be an important part to designing is challenging herself.

“I think my favorite project I made and I was the most satisfied with was a prom jacket I made last year.

Because it was my first formal men’s piece, and it was really difficult because I had to try to understand, because I only ever patterned for female bodies, so it was hard for me to translate that to menswear because it is a very different concept. But, I learned a lot from it and I am really satisfied with the result,” Hellard said.

Craig Hastings, senior,

Marli Davis/Prowler

Fusing modern and classic styles, Melody Hellard is not afraid to depart from the norm when it comes to creating fashion pieces.

Hellard, a senior who started making clothes when she was eight years old, juggles school and fashion with a whole lot of determination. She takes inspiration for her work from all around her.

“My design style is definitely inspired by 60s fashion and clothes, music, TV shows because I grew up watching a lot of 60s TV shows,” Hellard said. However, she is not afraid to dive into modern fashion when she is creating. “I love fancy dresses, and I love watching big elaborate runway shows. I love how much technique has to go into it.”

Balancing school and fashion can be extremely difficult, but Hellard understands the importance of both. “I want to succeed in school and fashion. I feel like it is important to balance them out.” All-nighters are not an unusual sight for the designer, but she looks to the future for motivation. “I will treat this like my job because I know that one day this will be my job.”

The feeling Hellard gets when she finally finishes a piece makes it worth it. “You look back and you are like ‘oh, it finally came together,’” she said. “When it is finally done it’s a great feeling.”

Finding a job in the realms that Hellard is passionate

is a good friend of Hellard and has known her since freshman year doing One Acts. Hastings was also the person who Hellard made a prom jacket for. “She makes everything with different colors, different styles and different eras. And the jacket that she made me was something that we worked on together, and that was a collaboration. And she made it really well and I really liked wearing it.” Hastings said.

Not only is it important for her to challenge herself as a designer, it is just as important for her to be critical.

“You need to be like your own worst enemy because you have to realize if you are not satisfied with your work you are the only one who can fix it because it is your work,” Hellard said.

And if you are hoping to start in fashion, Hellard finds you should not hold yourself back. “There were a lot of things I didn’t know how to do, and I just went for it. And you can’t be afraid to mess up, because I mess up all the time still and I have been sewing for ten years now and I still make really stupid mistakes sometimes,” Hellard said. “But it is important to just go for it, and do it regardless you think you can or not, because you will never know what you can actually get done unless you try it.”

Sarah Lu/Prowler

Written by Sarah Lu & Jaycen Sussman Singer, thespian, composer and superhero nerd are just a few of the traits thatt embody student Kobe Burton, senior. Music has always been a major factor in hiss life. Since a young age, Burton has focused on instruments like the piano and mostt recently the guitar. “I think more than anything music has helped me push through trials and stuff that have knocked me down” Burton said.

Through his years in high school, Burton has committed himself to several extracurriculars, the most prominent being his involvement within the theatre and choir departments where he holds major roles.

Allison Martinez, senior, has worked closely with Burton for five years. Martinez emphasized that while she works hand in hand with Burton on different artistic endeavors, his leadership and kindness is abundant.

“Kobe is most definitely a leader. In everything he does… (he) is someone we can all look to for guidance when we need it,” Martinez said. “He treats each and every person he encounters with a huge amount of respect and kindness. His happiness is just infectious. infectious.”

Just last year year, Burton had no idea oof what greatness he could achieve with composing. Now, Burton is on his way to attend Biola University for music composition and vocal performance.

The road to Burton’s success has been a tricky one. However, Burton has been reading music and playing piano since he was very young, so he already knew the general idea of music composition.

Along with the knowledge gained over the years, Burton benefited a lot from trial and error.“I tried different things out,” Burton said. “If it didn’t work, it was out and if it did work, it was in.”

Burton has also been aided through his music journey by John Sargent, the choral music director.

“I connected (Kobe) with professional coaching and mentoring pertaining to his study of music and voice,” Sargent said.

Sargent has been the most pivotal person in Burton’s life in regards to music. “Without (Sargent) I probably wouldn’t have thought about doing music in college,” Burton said.

Burton’s main two extracurricular activities are choir and theatre, both of which he excels at. These two activities were the reason that Burton decided to go to NPHS. Burton originally got interested in both choir and theatre because of his sister, who graduated from NPHS in 2012.

Compared to when he first joined theatre his freshman year, “(Kobe)’s grown absolutely in terms of his craft. His comedic timing, he has developed over the course of the four years.” Marilyn Strange, theatre teacher, said.

Burton has put a lot of time into theatre to get to where he is now. “He’s every director’s dream. He listens.

He retains. He goes home and he practices. And he comes in and has educated questions about his character and about the blocking and about what’s going on. He thinks about things,” Strange said.

With the dedication Burton has put on stage through the school theater programs, he has put equal effort into his role within the choir department. Burton has been part of choir since his first year on campus and is now representing Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Men’s Chorus and Barbershop Chorus.

Working closely with Burton, John Sargent spoke of how Burton plays a crucial role in his department. “I would say Kobe’s greatest strength lies in his ability to lead entire rehearsals; a skill that very few students have at his age. His positive attributes as a leader and a thoughtful performer are quite advanced. The other singers respect him deeply and he shows care and empathy towards others,” Sargent said.

Aaron Grossman/With Permission

Music is very important to Burton, as he believes it is a form of communication. “You are trying to convey to this person a certain feeling, emotion or memory that you want them to think. And if you get them to think exactly what you want them to think, and in the end really move them, I think that is a job well done by a composer,” Burton said.

A composer that Burton believes does this very well is John Williams. John Williams is the most influential composer to Burton, as “whenever I listen to John Williams, that’s basically when I realize this is what I want to do. This is without a doubt, something that I want to try to achieve,” Burton said. “It’s really an experience to listen to his music and really be sucked into whatever world he’s trying to take you to. I think it’s just one of the coolest things that you can ever do.”

Burton hopes to become influential in his music composition one day. For now, he is going to try to pursue both acting and composing.

“Whatever works out is what works out,” Burton said. “We’ll go from | 23 there.”

THE ARTS

Max Clark

Written by Aditya Vunnum & Brian Fang

captures life abroad in Africa N P H S has never been short of student talent. From academics to sports to the arts, the high school has seen amazing achievements being made by its students across the board.

In the world of Roaming- Max Clark captures a woman walking along the side of a road in a small village. Max Clark/With Permission photography, Max Clark, senior, has showed off some of his own talent in digital and darkroom photography.

Clark first took interest in photography in sixth grade under the influence of his grandfather, who is an artist. “I just started taking photos and I fell in love with it,” Clark said.

Over the past three years, Clark has completely immersed himself photography, travelling all over the world to get better at his craft. “I’ve gone to Africa, I’ve gone to the Serengeti and taken pictures there, I’ve been to Peru and taken pictures and Machu Picchu and all around it’s really cool.”

While in Africa, Clark drove around the safari in the Serengeti in a Land Rover Defender taking pictures of the wildlife just feet away.

“It was scary but exhilarating because of how close these animals will get you. At onepoint we were in between a den of lions and their lunch- the zebra. It was a really

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weird feeling, I didn’t know whether to be scared or excited,” Clark said.

Clark has also taken classes such as Photography 1/2 and AP Photography along with his friends under teacher Eric Lindroth to refine his skills and learn more about his craft.

“Max has got a lot of attention for his work, especially his photography on the safari in Africa. He made some really compelling images there,” Lindroth said. “Max likes to work around a lot of different range: he does darkroom, digital and he’s always got a really positive attitude and outlook about everything. With his photography, it’s the same thing. He’s really into it and really excited about being a photographer.”

Braeden Rice, senior and fellow photographer, developed an interest in photography at the same time and has seen Clark’s photography develop through the years.

“Max is extremely talented due to his unique style and even more unique subjects.

Max’s photos that he took in Africa easily belong in National Geographic. They’re so incredibly beautiful and raw. It takes a special kind of photographer to be able to capture that sense of emotion and display it to the world,” Clark said.

As an aspiring photojournalist for National Geographic, Clark has submitted his photos to the Westlake Village Art Guild, as well as the Newbury Park art show where he won best picture.

“He definitely has a future in photography if he wants it because he has the enthusiasm which is the most important. This is true with everything, but especially photography because it’s very competitive to be a photographer and he’s got the discipline that contributes, so it goes a long distance for him,” Lindroth said.

Clark feels that photography can be open to everyone, as long as they put in the effort. “If you think you like photography, you should go out and do it. It’s an amazing experience,” Clark said. “Just practice. Just taking photos and watching videos on how to use a camera and what to do. Going out to practice helps a lot.”

It was scary but exhilarating because of how close these animals will get you. At one point we were in between a den of lions and their lunchthe zebra. It was a really weird feeling, I didn’t know whether to be scared or excited.

Senior 24 | Panther Prowler April 25, 2019

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- Max Clark

Still- While on a safari in the Serengeti, Clark was able to get within close proximity of a full grown lion. Max Clark/With Permission

Mina Schwind Written by Kavita Rai & Manas Khatore

High school is often a time to explore one’s interests, even if they are outside the classroom settings. Some students are lucky to find their passion in the classroom and carry it on for the rest of their lives. For Mina Schwind, senior, that passion is through creating art.

Schwind has been drawing for as long as she can remember. “My grandma was an art teacher, so I did it a lot because she did it a lot,” she said. However, she started to focus on her technique in middle school and freshman year. “I started to think that this is something that I enjoy doing and I want to do this for my future. So that’s when I tried to apply myself the best that I could.”

That same dedication has carried on throughout the years, as Schwind continues to draw for at least two hours a day.

Even for Schwind, creating art is not always easy. In the past, Schwind has struggled with doubting herself in regards to her art. “I think the biggest challenge is just getting inside your own head and confidence… that’s something that I struggle with a lot, feeling like I’m not improving,” Schwind said. However, she thoroughly enjoys the process of creating an art piece and plans to continue for as long as possible.

Unlike most students, Schwind has taken every art class offered at NPHS. “I’ve taken art media, life drawing…right now I’m in IB art, and I’ve also taken AP Art History,” Schwind said. These classes have made Schwind aware of the different art styles used around the world, which she tries to incorporate into her own art. “I try to look at a lot of different artworks like Ancient Chinese or Islamic and a lot of contemporary artworks... I try to draw inspiration from everywhere,” Schwind said. Additionally, Schwind has gotten to form closer bonds with her teachers and classmates who are passionate about art. “It’s definitely a community. Everyone knows each other and everyone is very supportive of each other,” Schwind said.

Suha Hussain, senior, became friends with Schwind through shared art classes. Hussain has seen Schwind grow as an artist throughout the years.

“I really like how she has a whole backstory for her theme, so I think she’s really strengthened her artworks over time,” Hussain said. Most of Schwind’s pieces center around themes such as female emp owerm ent .

“She has a sense of this

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I started to think that this is something that I enjoy doing and I want to do this f o r m y f u t u r e . S o t h a t ’s when I tried to apply myself the best that I could.

- Mina Schwind Senior

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Third eye- Mina Schwind, senior, poses with one of her most creative works, entitled, “Self Portrait.” Max Clark/ With Permission

constructs magic through her passion

bigger picture that she wants to accomplish through her art and I really liked that she has a vision for her artwork,” Hussain said.

Jennifer Lee, art teacher, has taught Schwind for the past four years. “She’s a very hardworking student and always very creative. She’s always pushing herself to do something outside of her comfort zone,” Lee said. Lee has seen Schwind improve her art skills, as her classes taught Schwind to experiment with different mediums and forms of composition.

Lee is aware of Schwind’s plans to pursue art as a career. “She’s already gotten a few freelance jobs… she went to UCLA for their summer program and then she’s talked about applying to schools to pursue art further,” Schwind said. Schwind is planning to attend CSUN in fall 2019.

As a young artist, Schwind has advice for any student who is interested in making art. “Just accept that from the get-go it’s going to be rough and it’s going to be challenging to look at, but if you enjoy the process and it makes you happy... just stick with it and everything will work out,” Schwind said.

Artist at workSchwind chose her three favorite pieces to print and display. They are entitled, “The Traveler” (top left), “Daggers” (top right), and “Wetlands” (bottom).

Max Clark/With Permission

| 25

NP CULTURE

Written by Kessa Chavez & Marli Davis

Female students share their journeys and struggles on their path to the military.

High school graduation is a transitional period for every senior. Many students continue their education at a junior college or four-year university, excited to attend their choice college; others decide to take a year off to work or set aside time for self-reflection. For some students, graduation means the beginning of a path in the military.

It is not uncommon for students to find themselves interested in programs like Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) when there a r e several benefits that come from the training program.

Students who have committed to serving in the military after their college education, ROTC cadets, are provided a scope of opportunities.

These individuals are eligible for scholarships that cover the hefty costs of tuition, textbooks and other college-related fees for the full four years that a student can use to pursue their educational Kaira Samuel goals.

Kaira Samuel, senior, made the decision to apply to the ROTC program in November of 2018. Her older sister pursued a similar path after her high school education and is now serving in the Air Force.

Samuel has decided to follow in her sister’s footsteps in finding a career within the Air Force branch. “I think that the jobs the Air Force offers are more technical which is what I feel that I would excel at doing, rather than maybe the army or the navy which is more physical,” Samuel said.

Samuel’s family, having been exposed to the program once already, was incredibly encouraging and supportive of her decisions.

Shelby Scholle, senior, decided to join the army reserves program at the end

of her sophomore year for the security it would give her in her future.

“I saw that they had opportunities for me to go get an education, a college education, for free. And then stability and stuff beyond that,” Scholle said.

Scholle’s journey hasn’t been easy though. People sometimes question her judgment when she tells them that she is planning on joining the army.

“They think you’re just going off to war. But there’s so much more than that, it’s a bunch of skills that you need and it’s a really good lifestyle,” Scholle said.

The enlistment process can be complicated, especially for students joining ROTC. They Shelby Scholle can officially enlist at 17 and a half with parent permission or 18 without parent permission. Then they must go through a test, the ASVAB, Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, and medical examinations, the MEPS, Military Entrance Processing Command.

Andrea Dominguez was eligible to graduate in January which is the month she made the decision to commit to her path to enlistment in the Air Force.

Despite the fact that Dominguez is now completely devoted to her decision, she faced multiple barriers along the way. Initially, Dominguez’s parents were skeptical of her commitment to this path; however, ultimately Dominguez, “took lots of time and deep thinking to realize it was the right choice for me and eventually they did feel happy with my choice. It was also hard thinking about all my other options,” she said.

Dominguez’s decision may be rather unconventional but she is confident in the advantages that will come out of her time in the Air Force.

“I wanted to have something push me in the right direction, and other than the benefits I’ll have after, I’ll be mentally stronger and I’ll be able to build my life early on,” she said.

A History of Women in the Military

1775 Revolutionary warwomen serve in roles such as laundresses, cooks and nurses

1901 Congress establishes the Army Nurse Corps.

26 | Panther Prowler April 25, 2019

1917-18 1939-45 During WWI and WWII, women had key roles such as nursing and supporting the staff.

1951 The Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services is created to advise recruitment for women.

2016 The Department of Justice opens all combat jobs to women.

Emma Schoors

A federal judge’s decision that only requiring men to sign up for Selective Services is unconstitutional isn’t a legal hit to women yet; a final report is not expected until March 2020. It does, however, bring up a discussion of priorities in the military.

America may never see another use for the law requiring men to sign up for Selective Services, but the debate over whether women should as well is as divided as ever. Some call it unconstitutional that citizens of any gender should have to sign up for a possible draft, and others think of it as a duty.

The consequences that reside with men ages 1825 who dodge the draft are severe; losing the right to vote, loss of driver’s license, and in some cases imprisonment and adding the flattering “Felon” status to your name. Why is this decision a necessary one if it’s only to put the pressure on more people, not to alleviate them of it?

The country has relied on a voluntary system for decades which has bared experienced forces in large numbers without thousands fleeing to Canada, faking a terminal illness or getting married and having kids to avoid war.

Annually, $23 million is spent on a system that has not seen the light of day since 1973. If the issue at stake here is equality, it is a strange way to level the playing field. If a draft could be in the near future, modernity and justice has to come along with it, but talking about the repercussions that come along with failing to take part in this dormant system is just as important.

By 1943, with the help of the Women’s Army Corps, contribution for the advancement of the military and provide women were officially allowed to enlist for military service. many beneficial skills.

Over the last several decades, America’s military has seen an “Honestly a woman should be able to do anything a man can increase in female enlistments as gender stereotypes have do. Men are physically more capable but we’re all trained to do slowly come crumbling down. the same thing,” Scholle said.

As years have come and gone, the mental image of a typical Dominguez also feels that despite the fact that the gender ser viceman disparity is slowly has become improving, gender blurred. stereotypes still T h i s play an influential sentiment has role in the journey had a lasting taken by female impact on the enlistees. rate of women “It’s really who decide irritating because to pursue a I feel like as a career in the female trying armed forces. “I to go into the definitely think military, people Senior that the gap is automatically getting smaller assume I won’t be as women able to handle it are more or really actually encouraged to go into the military because I think that it got through it unless I was some sort of buff, masculine female,” is moving away from having to be this stereotypical strong, Dominguez said. brawny military man, it’s more about encouraging different Sharing the path you plan to take after high school graduation is aspects of people and how that can be useful to the military,” a common bond between students and their friends. Dominguez Samuel said. “That being said there are still so many more finds that her girl friends are incredibly supportive and “hyper men than women in the military.” (her) up” while her guy friends tend to, “make jokes and say I can Scholle agrees that the gender divide has been slowly probably beat them up when I come back,” Dominguez said. narrowing, and for the better. Women can offer a significant

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I have just being thinking about the fact that just because you are in the military doesn’t mean that you are o n t h e f r o n t l i n e s , t h e r e ’s s o m a n y different things you can do.

- Kaira Samuel

Making big decisions are never easy, doesn’t mean that you are on the front but with support and level-headed lines. There are so many different things thinking any obstacle can be overcome. you can do,” Samuel said.

Committing to a program like Scholle has had to sacrifice a lot ROTC requires long and throughout her journey to the hard thought. Samuel military. She had to give up her attributes this love of playing sports and will sense of immense be missing her first semester responsibility of college. as her biggest “I was playing softball hurdle. “I think and I had to give that up in the biggest thing order to really set my goals.

I considered, and I couldn’t do everything Andrea Dominguez am still considering, so I had to cut stuff out. is the commitment that Obviously missing your fall I will have after. The five-year semester of college, that’s a big deal. A commitment afterward to be in the Air lot of people were really judgmental Force,” Samuel said. about it when I first told them,” Scholle Despite the mental obstacles that said.

Scholle is both excited and nervous come with long term commitments like for what is to come. “I’m most nervous these, Samuel has found a way to adjust. for the physical aspect of it. I’ve always “I have just been thinking about the fact been a physical person, but it’s a mental that just because you are in the military

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Selective Services is a flawed system

game too, where you have to physically push yourself,” she said.

Unlike Samuel and Scholle, Dominguez plans to bypass the ROTC program and to instead immediately enlist when she turns 18. Soon after she completes MEPS and swears in to the Air Force, she will leave for bootcamp.

Once Dominguez completes her four year enlistment, she plans to pursue a career in the medical field as an OBGYN, obstetrician-gynecologist.

Her education will largely be covered by the GI Bill she will receive following her time in the service.

The GI Bill aims to provide financial relief for service members who seek higher education following their time in the military. Those who are eligible may also receive a housing allowance and money for textbooks and other school necessities. | 27

Written by Brian Fang

The second annual Hats & High Tea was hosted on March 17, as a forum for empowering women and discussing women’s rights. Together, under the Girl Up United Nations Foundation, several Girl Up clubs across different high schools in the our areas from Westlake to Newbury Park to Camarillo came together to draw awareness towards this social issue. Hats & High Tea was inspired by 17th Century Salons, where prominent women came together to discuss the imminent issues surfacing their respective time era. The event worked towards engaging our community and increasing involvement and activism.

Sarah Lu/Prowler

Speakers, Fashion and Shopping

Anushka Pandya, senior and president of the Girl Up club at Adolfo Camarillo High School, outlined the aims of the event. “Our main goal of the event is identifying and discussing gender inequality as well as sending a message towards the importance of activism and empowering women around the globe,” Pandya said. “This event also acts as a fundraiser, as our profits are donated towards the parent Girl Up organization.”

In achieving these goals, Hats & High Tea incorporated many activities such as a student fashion show, student art exhibitions, international feminist speakers and local woman-owned businesses.

Sarah Lu/Prowler

28 | Panther Prowler April 25, 2019

Lindsey Villano, senior and Girl Up club member, helped with the addition of a fashion show to the event, giving a platform for NPHS student, Melody Hellard, to showcase her collection. “Melody Hellard, a senior from (NPHS), came to the event and put on a fashion show of some formal wear that she had made. She had beautiful pieces and it was fun to see some of my friends in the show,” Villano said.

The aim of the art exhibition was to showcase and empower local female artists by giving their work more recognition. “The purpose of the art walk was to provide a platform for female artists to present their work and display their talent. We thought that this event would be the perfect opportunity to elevate girls in our local community. We also featured some information of female artists in history who used art as an outlet to address topics of inequality and feminism,” Pandya said.

Kamia Ranjbar, senior and president of Girl Up at Oak Park High School, worked on finding prominent feminist speakers to achieve the aims of the

event. “Hats and High Tea is an event to give the community an opportunity to discuss issues regarding women both abroad and at home. We wanted to incorporate an initiative of Girl Up within each of our speeches and activities: leadership, advocacy, health and education,” Ranjbar said.

Guest speakers at the event included Kaija Hinds, editor and producer of “gimme mo,” Kimia Mohebi, a student activist and delegate for the UN and district 44, Catherine Von Burg, CEO SimpliPhi and Dr. Leticia Ximenez, founder of “Start Again, Not Over.”

Another aspect of the event was the abundance of female owned businesses. “At our event we wanted to promoted women-owned businesses so we contacted local businesses that are women owned and might be interested in selling products at our event. For example, we had Alina Cosmetics (skincare) come as well as Omroze Jewelry,” Pandya said.

Written by Jessica Zhou & Jacob Malone Sarah Lu/Prowler

Marli ler

/Prow

Davis

The sounds of wailing saxophones and booming trombones echo throughout the PAC as the NPHS Jazz Band performs their musical piece. With months of practice under their belts, the band is determined to achieve the best score possible.

The 11th annual Jazz Festival was successfully held in the PAC on March 15 and 16. This festival is an opportunity for the NPHS jazz bands and many other jazz bands from the community to showcase their talent and receive feedback on their performances.

At the festival, all the bands performed in front of a row of judges who scored their performance and provided them feedback on what they did well and what improvements they could make. This year 22 bands performed in the festival including world famous jazz drummer, Jeff Hamilton and his trio.

Matteo Rivera, sophomore, plays the piano and trombone. This is his second year playing in the jazz band and the festival. He loves jazz music and playing jazz music even more. “(The Jazz Festival) is an opportunity to perform and also an opportunity for local high schoolers to

experience a good educational experience,” Rivera said.

There are two jazz bands in NPHS, Jazz 1 and Jazz 2.

Jazz 1 meets every B-day during 4th period. After learning and practicing their fundamentals for most of the first semester, they begin practice and start to prepare for the jazz festival beginning the first day of the second semester.

Nathan Shadron, junior, is a member of Jazz 1 and Jazz 2. Shadron started playing the saxophone during his freshman year. He had a passion for jazz when his grandpa introduced him to it when he was young. Shadron has been a member of jazz band and played in the jazz festival for two years, just as Rivera.

“It’s interesting to perform with people and for an audience, since that’s we play an instrument, in order to perform for people,” Shadron said.

The NPHS Jazz Band put several months of effort into preparing for the jazz festival in order to perform their best and receive high marks by the judges. This involves multiple rehearsals, as well as practicing their instruments at home.

Danny Darras, junior, is a member of Jazz 1 and a part of the trombone section of the band. He has been

working nonstop, practicing constantly, in order to do his best during the festival.

“Outside of school, there’s also a lot of practice that takes place, and many people take private lessons,” Darras said. “The amount of time that the people here dedicate to the band and their instruments is insane.”

All of this practice resulted in the band scoring extremely well, as Jazz 1 scored a two, a two, and a one from the judges, with one being the best and five being the worst.

However, all of this practice does not go without other rewards as well, such as forming better relationships with people.

“The best part about being in band isn’t just playing music but also a lot of the people you get to meet,” Darras said. “You make some really close friendships because band is really time consuming and you get to spend a lot of time with people.”

| 29

Jackson Lyon & Cami Davis

d Jackson (Lyon) set on the beach and me an ll Hi nd Sa e th to nt PROM ? Then we So we we ur in the formation of ho d an lf ha t ou ab for idea and we walked up rocks ow up and they had no sh to ni Jen d an mi would be a little fun asked Ca surprise. We thought it a s wa it so , ere th em the beach. and left th at location and right by gre a it’s o als t bu ty ivi act

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- Jackson Wells Senior

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for I was thinking about it a d nte wa a while because I d ion tol ler Ty Sally Lee/With Permiss prom date, and y nd rgu bu me about his uld turtleneck that he wo t ugh tho I be wearing , and to e cut tty it would be pre ss, match with my black dre , get Tar to so last night I went at r ste po and I made my my 12:30 after finishing all rk. homewo

Daniel Fisher & Kira German

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My inspiration to promp ose cam mee from the innate t quality of sloths to stir up em mooti tioon nss of joy and complacency. At first she scream meedd and then just kept saying ‘what?’ And the n I popped my head out of the bballoons and she los t it. Overall, she was really stoked.

- Daniel Fisher Senior

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- Sally Lee

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- Tyler Ngo Senior

30 | Panther Prowler April 25, 2019

Sally Lee & Tyler Ngo

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I did it because it was the least cringiest thing that I found on Pinterest, even though it is still cringey, girl love that kind of stuff, you know?

Senior

ely I think it was extrem it authentic, I didn’t see tely coming , I’m comple of blown away by the amount ei effort that she put in becaus was could totally tell that this not planned for months if years.

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Jackson Wells & Jenni McDonnell

Daniel Fisher/With Perm

ission

rmission Jackson Wells/With Pe

HONP

Taylor Cummings & Connor Leeds Connor Leeds/With Permission

- Connor Leeds Senior

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Aminah and I ha ve a handshake and we’ve been building it for a week. And I thought since we alread y have a handsh ake, why wouldn’t we wan t to go to prom together.

- Nathan Le Senior

Ben Au & Veronica Seixas

Nathan Le & Aminah Ghanem

ng loong lon been really closee for a (Veronica and I have) , de gra ourth as far back as fou time now! I remember ser clo e was, so as we becam thinking how cool she at high school, it was gre in middle school and ith W her as a close friend. having someone like ely season, I knew I definit the whole promposal ing dg nu t it took a bit of wanted to ask her, bu ually be crazy nervous. It act from (a friend) to not out ing e to figure someth took me a long tim felt I t be cute obviously, bu because I wanted it to her for ect my appreciation like it should also refl e’ cip ‘re ended up being a friendship. My poster en be e numerous times I’v poster because of the ciety) (American Cancer So over there baking for en erience that’s be . and how fun of an exp

Nathan Le/With

Permission

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I got a sign, a few balloons, and a sunflower wreath that I went and set up on her car half way through class. It says something like will you be my sunshine at prom. I chose this method because she really likes yellow and sunflowers are yellow, so I went with this really yellow and bright theme.

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- Ben Au Senior

Follow @npprowler on Instagram for more HONP

B aeden Rice & Br Maggie Wesner Braeden Rice/With Permission

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ler

Nidhi Satyagal/Prow

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eeds

Graphics by Marli Davis

- Braeden Rice Senior

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