2016-2017 Issue 4 (November 18, 2016)

PANTHER

PROWLER Friday November 18, 2016 • Issue IV • Newbury Park High School 456 N. Reino Rd., Newbury Park, CA 91320 • pantherprowler.org

T H E R O A D AHEAD Teens take the wheel

IN THIS ISSUE:

@npprowler

4 Marijuana Legalization 5 Election Reactions 12 Pippin Musical 14 Winter Sports

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staff editorial Panther Prowler • Nov. 18, 2016

We are Americans First Although Trump carries a bad reputation, we must hold hope for his successful presidency and stand together as a nation for our rights.

This year’s election has run its tumultuous course with Donald Trump taking the victory over Hillary Clinton in the presidential race. A mixing pot of shock, surprise, fear, pride, and even utter confusion are dominating the minds of Americans. According to the Gallup Poll, 75% of Americans were surprised at the outcome, including 62% of Trump supporters. 44% of Americans fear for the nation’s future under Trump’s presidency, including 76% of Clinton supporters. A dominating feeling of fear and anger has erupted across the country in the form of protests against the president-elect.

Trump had his first interview since the election on Nov. 11 with CBS News’ “60 Minutes” program, during which he changed many of his previously stated policies, easing minds across the nation. Immediately noticeable was his change in demeanor: while he was often wild and uncensored on the campaign trail, using strong and hateful rhetoric, he seemed subdued and somber with the responsibility of the nation on his shoulders.

One of the more pressing issues is immigration. During his campaign, Trump said he would deport over 10 million people.

Now, he has clarified that illegal immigrants with criminal records will be the primary target for deportations, which he amounts to 2 to 3 million people. Additionally, Trump is open to using alternatives like fencing or natural barriers for certain areas instead of his previously proposed wall along the Mexican border.

In terms of social issues, Trump retracted his plan of totally eradicating Obamacare, especially after meeting with the President on Thursday, Nov. 10, and is open to keeping two important parts of the plan. He also said that gay marriage is a “done deal” that had already been decided on by the Supreme Court.

Trump has also decided not to invest a lot of time in the Clinton email scandal, although he previously stated that he would hire a special prosecutor to look into the issue. When asked about it, he believed that there were more pressing issues. “... I want to focus on jobs, I want to focus on healthcare, I want to focus on the border and immigration and doing a really great immigration bill.”

Trump’s shift in attitude towards some policies is encouraging. Along with his business experience and eagerness to work on the economic issues, they served to calm our nation in this challenging time.

table of contents.

2 Editorial: Trump’s New Presidency 3 Election Results 4 Legalized Marijuana 5 Election Reactions 6 Black Friday

United States Official Ballot

88% Clinton supporters were surprised

5%

Trump supporters were afraid

66% Clinton supporters

were devastated

62% Trump supporters were surprised

Gallup.com

7 Learning Languages 8-9 DPS: Student Driving 10 Hipsters 11 Student vs. Teacher

However, his stance towards other issues are alarmingly firm.

He wants to appoint a conservative, pro-life Supreme Court justice, hinting at the possibility of overturning Roe v. Wade and leaving woman’s abortion rights to the states, even if it means that some states will ban it outright.

And, while he campaigned against the influence of lobbyists and special interests in Washington D.C., his own transition team is filled with those people. Reports have also been circulating on the turmoil of this team, which makes us question his ability and experience in running the government.

Likewise, his belief and stand on environmental issues are troubling to a lot of Americans, especially with news of his potential appointees in this area.

During his interview, Trump’s reputation was elevated with his less aggressive and more realistic approach to the presidency. We hope it’s a preview of his reign yet to come. As Americans, we believe in our democratic process and need to accept what the country has decided. As Hillary Clinton stated in her concession speech, “Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead.”

However, that does not mean we can only idly stand by.

In the short term, we urge president-elect Trump to do more than just look at the camera and say “Stop it” to racists and bigots spurred by his campaign rhetoric; he needs to pay more attention and to forcefully and specifically condemn the violence against innocent Muslims, immigrants, minorities, LGBTQ citizens and other citizens across the nation.

In the long term, we as a society need to stay engaged and continue voicing our concerns on equal rights for people of all walks of life. As Clinton said: “Never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it. It is, it is worth it.”

The only way America is going to get through this is by unifying into a solid, single voice. President Barack Obama has set an example for the rest of us as he graciously told the country to stay strong and to give Trump a chance to prove himself. “Everybody is sad when their side loses an election, but the day after we have to remember that we’re actually all on one team. This is an intramural scrimmage,” he said.

“We’re not Democrats first. We’re not Republicans first. We are Americans first.”

We need to remember; when Trump succeeds as president, the nation succeeds as a union.

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Pippin Musical American Horror Story Winter Sports Previews Sports Column Braden Handy

news Panther Prowler • Nov. 18, 2016

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Election signifies a new chapter for the nation Farhaan Pathan Photographer On the night of November 8th, the eyes of millions of Americans were glued to their television screens as the election results trickled in. The lead in the race bounced between the two frontrunning candidates, but by the end of the night it became clear who would become the 45th President of the United States: Donald Trump.

Before last Tuesday, a majority of pundits predicted that Hillary Clinton would win in the election. Clinton did indeed win the popular vote, but the votes of the electoral college pronounced Trump the winner.

While some cheered ecstatically for their new president, others took to the streets with protest signs. Riots in protest of Trump and the electoral college took place on college campuses

and cities across the United States.

While Liam Lecka, senior, does not support the presidency of Donald Trump, thus he currently disagrees with the electoral votes determing the presidency, he would support the electoral college had the results been different.

“The purpose of the electoral college is to ensure that a “qualified” candidate--which I do not believe Trump is--wins the presidency, but I can see how if the election results had been opposite, I would probably have a different sentiment right now,” Lecka said.

However, there are two sides to every coin.

Harrison Power, senior, was happy with the presidential election results. “Trump was the underdog and thus more likable,” Power said.

“Hillary had the entire political machine, the

media, and millions of dollars of political blood money. Her innumerable scandals didn’t help.”

Both new and old government officials were voted into position at state and local levels.

Kamala Harris was elected to U.S. Senate and became the first African American Californian senator. For the Thousand Oaks City Council race, Al Adam and Rob McCoy. In regards to the School Board of the Conejo Valley Unified School District, incumbent Betsy Connolly was re-elected for her third term while newcomer Sandee Everett gained a seat.

During this year’s election, 65.33% of registered voters in Ventura County cast their ballots, and only 31%e of registered voters in Conejo Valley voted. If America continues to follow this trend, everyone as a whole will not

be able to make a change in four years so it is imperative that we get out there and vote since we represent a new generation.

Steve Johnson, history teacher, has experienced numerous elections and with history being his forte, he advocates for his students to vote whenever possible.

“I think elections can be very emotional experiences and I think we found that out, and I think that hopefully the lessons are, for most of our students at Newbury Park High School who weren’t old enough to vote this time, is how important it is to be involved, and not take it for granted, and that elections have consequences,” Johnson said. “I would like to see all of our current students, as soon as they are 18, to be registered and be part of the process.”

Election Results President

House of Representatives

Trump

Brownley 60.0%

290* Clinton

Dagnesses 40.0%

232*

*results for Los Angeles, CA

*national electoral votes

Clinton

Senate

*

33.0%

*results for California

62.6% Sanchez

37.4%

*results for California

Alyss aB oe

Thanksgiving

di gh

Give thanks for break extension Gianna Longo Cover designer

*

Harris

61.5% Trump

*

m ei

e

hic Artist rap G r/

Propositions and Results * 51

YES 54.0%

57

YES 63.7%

63

YES 62.7%

52

YES 69.8%

58

YES 72.6%

64

YES 56.2%

53

NO 51.3%

59

YES 52.7%

65

NO 55.1%

54

YES 64.8%

60

NO 54.1%

66

YES 51.1%

55

YES 62.4%

61

NO 54.0%

67

YES 52.4%

56

YES 63.5%

62

NO 53.8%

*results for California

This year, the Conejo Valley Unified School District extended our Thanksgiving break from the regular three days, to now, a week. Our students may be greatly appreciative for this kind gesture, but many wonder why.

“There is some data that shows the attendance on those two days we have had, had been low, so it’s better off just not having it at all,” Joshua Eby, principal, said.

In order to make this decision, it must go through various parts of the school staff, including the counseling union, teacher’s union, the district, administrative staff and eventually must be approved by the school board.

In order to allow time for this break, teachers must complete 12 hours of outside training, also called Professional Development Time, so a few extra school days have been tacked on to the end of year. According to Eby, “That’s why we are ending the last week of school in the middle of the week,” he said.

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news Panther Prowler • Nov. 18, 2016

Students respond to California’s “dope” future.

Maya Chari Staff Writer Daria Azizad Staff Writer

The passing of Proposition 64 has caused a wide range of reactions from teens.

In the past, some teens have relatively easy access to marijuana for recreational usage. The passage of Proposition 64, which legalizes cannabis for adults 21 or over, may affect this underage usage.

In 1996, medicinal marijuana was legalized in California and since then, the controversy over legalizing its recreational use has risen. This November, the people voted in favor for Proposition 64, which supported legalizing recreational marijuana. Proposition 64 allows marijuana to be bought and sold by adults 21 and older with a sales tax. Unlike alcohol or tobacco products, marijuana usage must strictly stay out of public places. Though Proposition 64 does not pertain to anyone under the age of 21, many students hold strong opinions concerning its effects on teenagers.

Chandler Martineau, senior, supports the recreational usage of marijuana and its recent legalization. His support stems from the regulations that will now be enforced on marijuana plantations. Before the bill passed, “People didn’t know if the growers were spraying chemicals on the plants; people were unaware whether it was unhealthy,” he said. “Now we are going to have people making sure that it’s healthy (and safe) so that users know what they’re smoking.”

In terms of student usage, Martineau believes “it will stay stagnant” because “if they want to smoke marijuana, they are going to get their hands on it even if it’s not legal.”

John Felix* agrees that the legalization of marijuana is good for the country, but not because it will decrease underage use. “The legalization will not make it harder for students to obtain. Not at all,” he said. “If people want to smoke weed they smoke weed; it’s like alcohol. (Some) underage students drink all the time.”

The benefit from this legalization, Felix believes, will be that it will help the economy. The legal sale of marijuana in California is estimated to provide an influx of around $1.4 billion tax revenues with a 15% tax rate on cannabis sales. The high price is meant to discourage underage users by making pot accessible, but expensive.

However, to many, the downside of the legalization, in terms of its effects on students, is that “it will be easier for students to obtain because young adults aren’t very mature and can give it to teens,” Camille Lish, sophomore, said.

Now, in addition to illegally using someone else’s medical marijuana prescription, minors can simply obtain the drug from an of-age user.

“Marijuana alters your mind, so you can’t always make the right decisions,” Lish said, in opposition to its legalization. “It smells bad too.”

Martineau also stressed that the legalization of cannabis may make it more difficult for people who need medical marijuana to pay for it, because of the high tax.

The school policy puts the punishment for use of

- ADVERTISEMENT -

marijuana on campus at the same level as the illegal consumption of alcohol. Even with a medical marijuana card, the substance is not allowed at school under any circumstances, stressed Josh Eby, principal.

The indirect effects of the newly enacted proposition will soon be felt by teens throughout California. Students must be watchful for laced items and keep in mind that marijuana is a gateway drug.

*name changed upon request

Alyssa Boedigheimer/Graphic Artist

news Panther Prowler • Nov. 18, 2016

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Students react to election results Whether you are an avid political follower or a blissfully oblivious citizen, you are bound to have an opinion on this year’s election results.

I have questioned my faith in the American political system. I have wondered how it is possible that half of my country is willing to support someone who irreverently spews hate. I Haley Berardinelli, ‘16 have scratched my head at the fact that all branches of the US government—a government I @haleylauraa have always hoped and dreamed to work for, will now be deep red. As a young woman of color, it is If you burned the American flag, absolutely terrifying to see this man elected into the most important office of the free world. I please don’t ever speak to me recall my own struggles as an Asian-American woman. My friends’ experiences with sexual assault and rape. My coworkers’ and classmates’ sufferings through blatant discrimination and racism. again. :) And of course, I worry for the future.

I love that the conversation has erupted. That protests are happening. That petitions are being drawn up. I’m glad that people are standing up for what they believe.

-Amanda Lu, ‘14 Letter to the Editors brookebesttt, ‘16 These are not riots let me tell you. Oh no not even close. I have never felt Ryan Henkel, junior more human in my life. Walked with the beautiful people of New York City @ryanhenkel4 44 blocks to a certain tower to express to a certain someone how we feel.

No wrong in that; us let’s go Melania Trump will be the 1st

immigrant 1st lady since Abigail Adams and you’re all still saying Trump hates immigrants.

Dear Mr. Trump, Congratulations to you and your supporters.

What a triumphant moment after such an interesting campaign. ...You deserve the win.

Now comes the hard part. You lost the popular vote. I have the utmost respect for elected government officials and I do not intend to make you an exception. However, you have to understand why I do not trust you. You have relatively no political experience and no respect for the political system unless it works in your favor. I do not believe that you will fight for people from all corners of the country. I am extremely worried for the state of women’s rights, global warming, and global relations. But then again, I may be wrong. You must have something going for you that I am missing. Prove me wrong. I honestly hope the next four years are better than I foresee them.

Too many friendships have ended, too many fights have been had, too many rude comments have been made. The results of the election are what they are, and sadly, many of the people who are preaching being fair throughout our differences are now the ones who are saying people can't be forgiven for their differing opinions. I really think it's sad that people are going at each other's throats over this. At the end of the day, I think it's perfectly healthy and well to talk about the election, but ending friendships and accusing each other is too far.

We're going to be alright. We must accept Good luck, each other. The only thing holding us back Jordan Jomsky, senior is fear, and if we come together we can eradicate this fear.

Letter to the Editors -Katie Meyer, junior Letter to the Editors Hayley Taggart, ‘16 Olivia Everett, ‘16 @OliviaaEverett

If Trump won the electoral vote, where were all these protesters yesterday to vote against him?

Not voting means supporting Trump. #civicduty

Miranda Barraza, senior

Absolute shock. This was the first emotion I felt when we could start to see that Donald Trump would be our next president late Tuesday night. This shock quickly turned into dismay and fear. I am terrified of what a Trump presidency looks like. I worry for all members of minority groups- from race, to gender, to immigrants, and to the LGBT community. Most of all, I am fearful of the bigotry that not only still exists in the United States, but is thriving.

Yes, #Imwithher, or rather I was with her, but something was made very clear to me the day after. The election is over- it’s time to stop fighting.

None of us want the President of the United States to fail, regardless of who holds that position.

To both sides, there is still work to be done.

But that work will never get done if we stay divided. We truly are stronger together.

-Liam Lecka, senior Letter to the Editors

@m_barraza_

How is this even possible?? I thought we had some intelligence in this country

Luke Creger, senior @lukecreger55

@m_barraza_ It turns out we actually do, that’s why Hillary is taking this L #GOP

Yes, I supported Trump. That does not mean I don’t respect my myself as a woman. That does not mean I am a racist or a bigot. That does not mean I want to watch the world burn. It means that as a female college student who respects the political system I picked the lesser of two evils and supported him.

I looked past his personal views and instead looked at how he could better our country which is hurting right now.Please, don’t bash me for my views. If you preach tolerance of all orientations, races, and genders, please tolerate me. I have yet to poke fun, tear down, or abuse your position. I still want to remain friends after this is all over. So please respect my opinion as I do yours.

daultonnnnn, ‘16 As someone who supported Hillary Clinton 100% throughout her campaign, I am very saddened by the results of the 2016 election. However, as a feminist it would be against my values to hate someone for doing what they think is best. Therefore, I accept Donald Trump as our new president and I wish him the best of luck. Continue to preach love even if it seems like they don’t deserve it.

Everyone deserves equality and support, Everyone. Thank you.

This is what America has chosen for it’s future. A president favored by the KKK, a man who has a trial up for a rape lawsuit, a man who spreads hate on a country that was progressively shifting away from that.

Digressed back a whole century. Women deserve so much better. People of color so much better. We deserve so much better.

-Charles Ocampo, sophomore Letter to the Editors

Shreya Chattopadhyay, ‘16 @shrrreya_

Stop telling people they are dramatic.

With this election, it is needless to say there is much speculation that our future president will strip minorities’ of their civil rights. But Trump can’t take our morality away from us; many of us have already done that to themselves, considering the way they have handled this process.

-Kylie Vincent, junior Letter to the Editors

Although I’m not old enough to vote, as a young woman and minority, this Stop telling people to ‘chill.’ Maybe, election was important to me because the issues affect me and everyone in this for once, acknowledge that people are country. The results of the election were hurtful to many not just because of the hurting and that matters. topics discussed, but because of the rhetoric used. Although supporting Trump’s campaign does not necessarily mean you are a racist, xenophobic, sexist, bigot, it does however mean that these messages of hate and seclusion at best are not a deal breaker. And that’s a problem. It is more important than ever that we as the next generation become as active in our government as possible.

-Catie Parker, sophomore Read complete Letters to Editors online at pantherprowler.org Letter to the Editors

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opinion Panther Prowler • Nov. 28, 2016 Caitlin Henderson/Prowler

Black Friday: Spend Time, Not Money Sarah Lu Photographer Kavita Rai Staff Writer feel the need to have something tangible to always remember. They feel the necessity to have physical objects to fulfill their happiness, but this happiness is only short term because things go in and out of style.

Society has given materialistic objects so much value, while forgetting the value of gratitude.

Although many people love to get ahead on all the sales Black Friday provides, many stores have decided not to open the evening of Thanksgiving--when many families like to get a head start before the rush. Stores such as Costco, Nordstrom, Marshalls, and Burlington, have opened in the past, but will be closed this year.

They recognize that spending time with your family is more important than spending your money because family is not something that is outgrown. Sure, you can get tired of family once in awhile, but the memories made will last longer than the Angela hoverboard you bought last Black Friday.

Swartz/ Instead of wasting time waiting in Prowler line for a store with some good deals, why not do something worthwhile with your family? Go ice skating, or go to a theme park; do something you will remember. Whatever you do, do it with your family and those you love. Do something that when you are older, you can tell stories, reminiscing about the times that you had with your family. Don’t be stuck having to recall the time where you went to the hospital on Thanksgiving because you broke your arm in a fight with someone over the last Lego Black Seas Barracuda Pirate Ship Set.

SALE!

November is coming to a close and those days off from school are upon us. This can only mean one thing: Thanksg--no, Black Friday. Ironically, the day after Thanksgiving is actually supposed to be Buy Nothing Day, an international protest against consumerism invented in the 1990s by Vancouver artist, Ted Dave. However, this day is relatively unknown because it is overshadowed by Black Friday. Thanksgiving is a day for gratefulness and family. Yet instead, many families feverently search for magazines in their trash bins for every last coupon.

Holidays, such as Thanksgiving, are given a mainstream, commercialized image in replacement of their actual significance. The anxiety people feel to get every last deal on Black Friday is not worth it. Families wait and camp out in front of their favorite stores, starting on the evening of Thanksgiving. They sit out in the cold for hours on end, in hopes that they will get all that they want for an amazing price. In reality, all they get is a punch in the face from fellow customers aiming for the same deals. Giving thanks is far from their minds. People’s need for worldly items is somehow too overpowering for them to realize how lucky they are for everything else.

I cannot fathom why such a materialistic “holiday” would directly follow Thanksgiving. The sad part is that many people don’t even realize the irony between these polar opposite holidays. They’re just used to it, because society has become so focused on materialism. People

On: Growing Up John MacMillen Copy Editor “Grandma can’t cook anymore,” decided the family. It started with the fire.

The family adores Grandma’s yams: a thick layer of baby food smooth yams topped with a thicker layer of marshmallow. More marshmallow is eaten than yam.

The family called the yams sweet potatoes.

Four years ago, Grandma forgot the yams in the oven.

An anxious aunt asked. The oven was opened. Torn through were decades of grease, the pan pulled out. The marshmallow was brimstone and spit-fire.

Two years ago was the cleaning incident. Grandma prepared her turkey; four hours it sat. The intestines marinated the garbage can as the family sat on familiar fabric. They drank coffee from an unwashed coffee pot.

A raspy call slipped through broken and missing teeth: “The turkey is done!” The pan was filled with thin fat and thick blood. Grandpa began to cut. The family squealed. The meat was still glossy. Slices fell and splashed into the juices. The family cried.

“The next generation should cook,” decided the family: one cousin, a sister, and me. I was the only one with cooking experience.

I got a job at Ali Baba’s. “Work inside and outside,” said the owner. On the inside, I was to cut Persian cucumbers. I cut my hand. The cut hasn’t healed yet. I couldn’t cry.

I tried to boil water. I fell asleep. Whistling became screaming. I woke up. The kettle was black and shot dry steam.

Whenever I would make food for my family they would complain about how it was too hot. I never learned. “It’s more spice than food,” they said. I called it fine.

Grandma would supervise Thanksgiving. Her son told her to not talk about politics. His son was too volatile. “The Bible says to pray for the peace of Israel,” said Grandma.

“I’m not a provocateur,” said I. I laughed when my family tripped on cracks. Today I trip on the same cracks. I too drink from unwashed coffee pots.

Growing up, I expected to become grander; to leave everyone I looked down on behind, but it seems that won’t be the case.

Alyssa Boedigheimer/Prowler

I’m a feminist, and you should be one too Bella Robakowski DPS Designer During the scientific revolution, it was discovered that females have smaller skulls and bigger hips than males. This information was used by men as positive proof of their superiority. To them, smaller heads indicated that women were less intelligent, and the wider hips confirmed their main purpose was for childbearing.

For hundreds of years, women have fought to be recognized as more than just a small skull with big hips. Women have argued, protested, and some have even risked their lives battling for women’s rights, and out of this struggle, the feminist movement was born.

Feminist is a title that I wear with pride. I am a feminist, and I firmly believe that you should be one too. Unfortunately, in today’s world, the word has taken on a negative connotation that needs to be addressed. If you think of man-haters who refuse to shave their armpits when you think of feminism you need to recalibrate your perception of the word. People shy away from feminism because they’ve gotten the wrong idea about the movement or they just don’t understand what it means, and why it’s so important.

Feminism is the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men. EQUALITY. Feminism is the fight for women to be on the SAME level as men, not higher, simply equal.

Women have come a long way the past couple hundred years. We’ve gained the right to vote, to own property, and can even wear pants if we want to. There has been tremendous progress. However, the fight continues, because we still have a long way to go, especially when it comes to financial equality. According to the National Women’s Law Center, American women who work full time, year round are only paid eighty cents to every man’s dollar.

When women say they aren’t feminists, it truly hurts my heart. I think many women feel this way because they can’t even imagine anyone telling them they can’t work outside the home or go to college. These are issues that our generation has never had to deal with. Those are battles that feminists have already won for us so it makes us think the movement is no longer necessary.

However, without working together and fighting for women’s rights, women cannot continue the fight for equality that still needs to be addressed.

Unity is key when we’re challenging the limits of society and pushing for more.

Absolutely no woman should say she isn’t a feminist because that means she’s satisfied with being classified as inferior; it means that it’s fine we get paid less for the same work.

Plain and simple, women are not inferior and we deserve equal pay for equal work. We’re much more than small skulls and big hips, we’re equally as intelligent, equally as motivated, and equally competent human beings.

In conversations I’ve had with my guy friends they seem to be puzzled when I tell them that they too should be feminists. Now, why should men be feminists? My answer to this is, “Why not?”

Every man has a mother, sister or other significant female person in their lives that they want the best for. Men need to fight for the women in their lives. In the 1900’s, if men hadn’t joined the fight to help women get to vote it would not have happened. Today, as women fight for equal pay, they need the help of their male counterparts to make it happen.

Equality is a win-win situation for everyone because it makes the world a better place. That’s why every women and every man should take on the title of feminist with pride. I’m a feminist, and you should be too.

opinion Panther Prowler • Nov. 18, 2016

Early language learning has significant advantages

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Lindsay Filgas Entertainment Designer In order to graduate, every student is required to take two years of a foreign language. Some students will choose to continue on and take four, or even five years of their language. I was one of those who decided to take four years of Spanish, and although I have become proficient in understanding the language, I cannot help but imagine how much better I would be at Spanish if I had been speaking it my whole life.

I am jealous of anyone who grew up with two languages, because their ability to communicate in both languages is incomparable to that of someone who has just been exposed to the language in high school.

I always laugh at the fact that the concepts we learn in the first few years of foreign language, the concepts that we struggle to understand and remember, are the concepts that an elementary student would be learning in a Spanish speaking school. We fail to grasp the idea of the preterite

(Spanish past tense), yet we learned the past, present, and future tense of English in first grade.

In “Why Is it Easier for a Child to Learn a New Language Than an Adult,” Sharon Perkins explains that young children unconsciously pick up languages in the first few years of their lives, whereas adults have to consciously work and study to learn a language.

However, she explains, for a child to learn a foreign language, they must be constantly exposed to it. By including foreign language in elementary education, we would be incorporating it into our everyday lives, increasing the exposure and amount of practice that children receive.

So why not teach foreign language in elementary school? If students learned two languages starting in first grade, not only would it be much easier for students to learn, but they would have 12 years of practice in the language by the time they graduated high school. I believe that this would increase students’ fluency dramatically.

In addition, learning foreign language has been proven to help students in other areas as well. It improves students’ multitasking skills, memory, self-confidence, and can even improve their first language skills. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages even states that learning a foreign language helps students to develop a more positive view of the speakers of that language.

Learning a foreign language also sets students up for a better Bonjour! future. Fluently speaking two languages opens up a world of new career opportunities and makes it much easier to learn a

¡Hola!

Angela Swartz/Prowler

third language.

After 4 years, we like to think that we speak our language pretty well, but we’ve barely scraped the surface. I thought I knew Spanish, but when I interact with a native speaker, I still feel like I am in a tornado of speech and words are just flying past me as I get swept away in confusion. It’s not just that I’m lacking skill, but I’m lacking confidence and experience. I can only imagine where I would be with 12 years of speaking experience versus four.

I will forever be salty that I did not learn Spanish as a young child. Every time I mix up por and para, I have detailed daydreams about the amazing and simple life I would be living if I had grown up with a foreign language. But since I cannot change this about my past, I will do what I can to make sure that future generations of students don’t have to live with the regret of only speaking English.

PANTHER PROWLER 2016-2017 staff Editors-in-Chief Nina Chiuchiarelli Victoria Juan Entertainment Designer Lindsay Filgas

Ad Manager Megan Joshi Opinion Designer Angela Swartz

Copy Editors Rachnca Deshpande Connor Keep John MacMillen Clare Wang

Photographer Chief / Caitlin Henderson Sarah Lu Emily Nagamoto Farhaan Pathan Megan Vlietstra

Cover Designer Gianna Longo

Features Designer Nelson Kappas

Online Lindsay Filgas Nelson Kappas Sports Designer Alyssa Boedigheimer Graphic Artist Alyssa Boedigheimer DPS Designer Bella Robakowski

News Designer Kessa Chavez Clare Wang

Staff Writers Daria Azizad Maya Chari Rahul D’Souza Olivia Luby Kavita Rai Nidhi Satyagal Jaycen Sussman Aditya Vunnum Broadcast Lindsay Filgas Caitlin Henderson Connor Keep Jaycen Sussman Angela Swartz

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.

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Adviser Michelle Saremi

8 Student driving

Panther Prowler • Nov. 18, 2016

Student Driving: A Privileg RISKS OF THE ROAD

New freed

Nelson Kappas Online Editor

In 2

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...

16-19 year olds are more at risk than any other age group for crashing their vehicle. Every day, around six teens in this age group die from car crashes. The fact that this age group has one of the lowest rates of seatbelt use probably does not help minimize this statistic.

Finally, while 15-19 year olds make up 7% of the population, they cause 11% of the cost of car injuries, and this is without even considering that many of that 7% do not yet drive.

These statistics from the Center for Disease Control reveal what many would consider an uncomfortable truth about a significant step in teenagers’ lives: that driving is very dangerous, especially for the young drivers found on high school campuses.

Lucano Germann and Jack Walsh, seniors, know these dangers first hand. In October of 2015 they were in a car together driving to a water polo tournament when they endured a bad accident.

“We stayed up really late the night before so we were driving early towards the tournament, and I didn’t fall asleep, but I was kind of like day-dreaming you know,” Germann, who was driving at the time, said.

“We lost control of the car so it kind of veered towards the center divider, and we over corrected and ended up rolling a few times and ended up upside down in this ditch, and ya, it was an experience,” Walsh said.

Both students were rushed to the hospital in ambulances. While both are now fine, the incident remains vivid to them.

“I think about it whenever I get into a car with another person. (I think) ‘this is the same thing.’ Of course you are going to be nervous after something like that for a little while,” Walsh said.

The accident also affected Germann’s view on driving.

“I didn’t drive for two, three months after that at all, and then I was definitely more aware that something bad could actually happen to me. Before that I kind of

2,270 teens in the United States ages 16–19 were killed BY motor vehicle crashes

Angela Swartz Opinion D thought something could, but never viewed it as a reality,” Germann said.

Obviously, many students have never and will never be involved in a crash.

Shane Doyle, senior, has not had any negative experiences driving with other students.

“I haven’t almost died yet,” Doyle said with a laugh.

However, this does not change the reality that teens are more likely to be involved in accidents. Insurance companies usually sell their policies at higher rates to young drivers.

Esurance, an Allstate Company, explains its reasoning in that “New drivers, particularly young drivers, have higher insurance rates for 2 reasons: inexperience behind the wheel and immaturity.”

Both Walsh and Germann would agree with the experience part of this assessment.

“I mean, I feel like what happened to me could have happened to anybody, because I was so inexperienced, it’s justified. I think it make sense,” Germann said.

“It sucks for us, but it’s a reality that teenagers are less experienced drivers and more likely to crash (because of that),” Walsh agreed.

Walsh and Germann agree that it is ultimately a parent’s responsibility to effectively prepare their children for the road, though Germann has one additional suggestion.

“I feel like the driver’s test should definitely include something on the freeway because that’s where you spend most of your time,” he said.

Doyle feels that students are adequately prepared for the road after taking their required driver education.

“There is only so much you can learn. The rest has to be learned from experience,” he said.

However, he does have his own suggestion: “I feel like they need to teach more common sense, because a lot of people don’t have that.”

1 in 5 of 16-year-old dRIvers has an accident within their first year of driving

The open road is before yo obstacle in sight. But as you cont obstructions become visible: th the street, and a car crash on the your journey, difficulties occur w you are full of optimism and de not as easy as you think.

High school is the time whe getting their permit or license. to go places without the stress o believe that having a license repre getting a license symbolizes thei Junior, Priya Jhingan, believe an actual upperclassmen.

“You know a lot of my friend I can’t really do a lot of things I w said.

For sophomore, Hailey Wa practicality than anything.

“I feel like my life would be so would be more efficient than wa Jubal Rancourt, junior, has t would make his and his family’s “Going to school would be s I would have a car, and I’d be abl go out more as well, take my sib Rancourt said.

Getting a license would ease

t dr ages 16 nearly three than driver older to c

Student driving Panther Prowler • Nov. 18, 2016

9

ge that Shouldn’t Be Abused

doms come with a price

Designer Kavita Rai Staff Writer

ou, stretching for miles on end without any tinue your drive, the road starts to narrow and here are stop signs ahead, people are crossing e side of the road. Just as barriers will arise on when getting your license. In the beginning, etermination, but further on, you realize it’s

this milestone is not always so easy to get. The struggle of obtaining a license is common for many high schoolers.

The first step is to complete a driver’s education course either online or in class to prepare for the test for a driver’s permit. In order to pass, students

en many teenagers go through the process of The long-yearned freedom to finally be able of finding a ride is finally here. Many students esents their independence. For many students ir new adulthood. es that getting a license will make her feel like

It’s cliche but with driving comes more responsibility.

There’s more that you have to know how to do and know how to be safe on the road.

teen rivers 6 to 19 are times more likely rs aged 20 and be in a fatal crash

must be at least 15 and a half and get at least 38 out of 46 questions correct.

“It was so easy; I skipped through half of my driver’s ed and I missed 5 questions. It’s mostly common sense,” Misa Nguyen, junior, said.

But while juggling school and extracurriculars, students often struggle to

. . .

15

...

e the lives of many high school students, but

RACHEL KIM

014

o much easier if I had one, [getting my license] alking home everyday,” Washington said. the same mentality. He believes that driving lives a lot easier. so much easier if I had a license, my sister and le to drive to school, drive to my practices, I’d blings to school, pick them up from school,”

In 2

Washington, getting a license is more of a

“

ds can drive, and I don’t have my license yet, so want to do, go places, stuff like that,” Jhingan

“

find the time to finish the course or schedule a test time. Nguyen took her permit test late in order to focus on school. “(I took it late) because my mom wanted me to focus on the AP test. I could’ve got it in April, but then I took the test when school was over,” Nguyen said.

Receiving a driver’s permit allows teens to drive with a licensed driver over the age of 21 in the car. Students are now expected to participate in six hours of driving lessons with a trained driving teacher to qualify for a driving test.

“I thought learning to drive would be hard, but it wasn’t at all. Especially if you have a good driving instructor, you just need to know the rules and it will just come naturally to you,” Kim said.

For some, having control over a vehicle is a daunting task. “(I’m scared) a little bit. I think it’s like one of those things if I get practice it’ll just seem like riding a bike,” Jhingan said.

Practice makes perfect, and junior Jubal Rancourt is confident in his abilities, even though he is surrounded by unsafe drivers.

“Well, (since I have been) already driving, I am a very safe driver. A lot of my siblings and my family are reckless drivers. (There have been) no accidents, but my sisters especially are very reckless drivers and I don’t want to drive like them. I’ve driven quite a few hours probably over 400 hours and I’m a very safe driver,” Rancourt said.

As an already licensed driver, Kim appreciates the privileges it brings, but makes sure to be careful.

“It’s cliche but with driving comes more responsibility. There’s more that you have to know how to do and know how to be safe on the road. I used to be able to sit back and let my dad be my limo driver, but now I have to be alert and make sure I don’t get into an accident, and look out for people, because safety first,” Kim said.

six teens ages 16–19 died every day from motor vehicle injuries

0 2 only 61% of In high school students reported always wearing seat belts as a passenger

10

features Panther Prowler • Nov. 18, 2016

Jack Frye perseveres with a smile Olivia Luby Staff Writer Emily Nagamoto Photographer The classroom of E-5 has gained a new student, one who is already making an impression on those around him and the school. While Jack Frye, freshman, has a rare disease called Hunter’s Syndrome, he does not let it stop him from being a hard-working, kind, and friendly panther.

Anne Alvarez, special education teacher, has found that Jack has affected her life in many ways, even just in the work of her everyday life.

“He makes me smile, he makes me thankful for what I have and what I can give other people. He really lightens up my life,” Alvarez said.

The freshman’s treatment can sometimes make keeping up with schoolwork difficult, but Alvarez, who has had a student with similar conditions in the past, tries to help where she can.

“Sometimes he doesn’t get his homework done, but [for example] he has treatments on Mondays, so I don’t make him do homework on Mondays,” she said.

His classmates enjoy the same warmth Jack shares with Alvarez, and she sees them working well with each other.

Talkative and always saying “hi” to everyone, Jack has fun with the other students.

But the other kids don’t suffer from the disease that Jack has battled for his whole life. Hunter’s syndrome, also known as mucopolysaccharide II disease, is an inherited genetic disorder that inhibits the production of an important enzyme in

things

5

charge of breaking down certain materials in the body. People affected by the disease have a buildup up of these substances, damaging cells and causing the symptoms Jack feels such as sinus infections, weakness, joint pains, etc. and the hardships he has to go through. Hunter’s Syndrome can result in growth and facial feature irregularities, as well as other neural complications and development delays. Even with his physical and mental difficulties, Jack perseveres and tries to live life normally, not letting anything stop him.

Normal life includes having fun with his sister, Nicole Frye, senior. They enjoy many activities together, including walking their dogs, playing, watching movies and TV, and just hanging out with each other. Usually siblings also may not have nice things to say about each other, but in addition to calling her brother’s humor her favorite thing about him, she repeatedly emphasized what a good person Jack is.

“He is very energetic, and he loves meeting new people, he’s very open. He’s very nice, he’s pretty much willing to do anything . . . He’s a great kid,” his sister said While she admits that their lives can be very hard and filled with compromise because of her brother’s condition, Nicole believes that her attitude has also been changed by his condition, something that might not have been the same if she hadn’t experienced living with these ordeals.

“It’s changed my perspective on life, [especially for] living every moment like it’s your last,” the senior said.

As a senior, Nicole plans on going to college in California so that she can stay close to Jack. She thinks that even though it will affect him, he’ll understand why she has to go, and she plans to visit as much as she can.

Jack is an honorary member of the JV football team, enjoys hanging out with his classmates, spending time with his sister, playing with his dogs, and lives life like any other kid. This is something his sister stresses, that Jack and all kids like Jack, are not that different.

“It might be scary to talk to special needs kids, because you never know what to say. But just talk to him, he’s a great kid,” Nicole said.

Together - Jack Frye (right) embraces his cousin while looking their best. Nicole Frye/With permission.

Hipsters: They’re Just Like Us Caitlin Henderson Chief Photographer Megan Vlietstra Photographer

you d id n ot kn ow ab o ut

Emily Nagamoto/Prowler

Jill Magnante // English Emily Nagamoto Photographer

1

She went to William Jewell College, the same college as her father, three miles from where she grew up.

2

In high school, she loved to sing and perform in musicals.

3

She has two sons, one who graduated from NPHS last year, and one who is a sophomore this year.

4

Her favorite author is WIlla Cather, an American author from the late 1800s to the 1900s, who wrote about immigrant families and the plain states.

5

She met her husband, once a Major League Baseball player for the Kansas City Royals, on the baseball field. The Royals are her favorite team too.

Hipsters are everywhere. When people think of hipsters, they think of someone who wears thrift store clothes, square glasses and visits unknown coffee shops on the corner of the street.

Identifying as a hipster can often be taboo due to the cultural ridicule it receives, but that doesn’t stop people from expressing themselves through thrift store clothes and unique Instagram captions. Hipsters go to their Vampire Weekend concerts and shop at Urban Outfitters, but they’re just like you and me.

“It’s a title I’m very proud of because I think it’s important that lesser known things get recognition too,” Gwyn Pryor, senior said.

Hipsters are not defined by a certain style either. Pryor, who described herself as a hipster, depicted them as simply people who support “non-mainstream things” such as small businesses and lesser known music, but she still emphasizes the difference between hipster people and “indie” people.

“Indie just means independent. Indie is something that’s on its own, it doesn’t have its support from anything else except from itself. Hipster is just supporting things that aren’t mainstream.

They really go hand in hand sometimes,” Pryor said. “The mainstream things usually have a lot of support from things but independent will have a hard time getting into the mainstream because of its lack of support.”

Ashley Mansour, junior, doesn’t define herself as a hipster but agrees that she listens to non-mainstream music. “Calling yourself hipster isn’t hipster,” Mansour jokingly said.

Mansour described stereotypical hipsters as “people who think they’re better than everyone else because they don’t listen to regular music. I don’t really think I’m better than everyone else just because I don’t like the same music as them. I think it’s just a personal preference of what music you like.”

The stigma around hipsters sure is rough. Think back to 2010 and you’ll remember the spread of “hipster” memes,

which consisted of photoshopping glasses onto something and captioning it with a phrase like, “You’ve never heard of it,” or “I liked it before it was cool.” which transformed what it means to be a hipster. Jokes aside, hipsters don’t want any trouble; they just want to listen to Alt-j in peace.

“I think (making fun of hipsters) is dumb. It’s not like I’m like, ‘Oh my God I think mainstream music is awful and nobody should listen to it’, I just personally don’t want to listen to it,” Mansour said.

Grant Hoffman, junior, doesn’t personally identify with the hipster label either, but realized that around his freshman or sophomore year, he began to do things that are “kind of hipster.”

“When people think of hipsters they think of guys with bow ties or suspenders or really weird beards and I’m not like that at all. When I think of my appearance I don’t look like a hipster,” Hoffman said. I think that part of being a hipster is not totally obeying stereotypes and if I completely fit the image of a hipster I would be obeying a stereotype and that’s not something I do.”

In the spirit of hipsterism, it’s important to note that hipsters are more than the stereotype: they eat dinner with their families, they feed their dogs in the morning, and they step out of the mainstream all the while.

“If you look at hipsters as people who are just trying to do cool things and then other people start doing those things later on that’s great. It means I’m a trendsetter, it means that other people think that what I do is cool and that’s a good thing,” Hoffman said.

As ironically hipster as you might be, Pryor agrees that people should follow trends that they like, without worrying about others’ opinions.

“If they enjoy it and that’s the style they like, then more power to them. People should just do what they enjoy,” Pryor said.

features

STUDENT Nicholas Nagamoto/Senior are the 2018 Winter Olympic Games 1 Where going to be held?

Nagamoto: Sochi, Russia.

Dogancay: Vancouver.

A: Pyeongchang, South Korea Rough start for both competitors, but there are still seven questions left. Nagamoto: 0, Dogancay:0

VS

11

Panther Prowler • Nov. 18, 2016

TEACHER Debbie Dogancay/Science and TOK element has the chemical symbol of 5 Which “Y”?

Emily Nagamoto Photographer

4-3

Harry Potter character said this quote: “One 2 Which can never have enough socks”?

Nagamoto Wins!

Nagamoto: Ytterbium Dogancay: Ytterbium A: Yttrium The symbol for Ytterbium is “Yb”. IB Chemistry teacher Dogancay and IB Chemistry student Nagamoto might need to go back to the basics.

Nagamoto: 3, Dogancay: 1

company hosts the Thanksgiving Day 4 What Parade?

Nagamoto: Dumbledore.

Dogancay: I’m sure he got that right. I’m going to say it was Hermione.

A: Dumbledore Dogancay was correct, Nagamoto did get it right; she might know her students well, but not Harry Potter.

Nagamoto: 1, Dogancay: 0

Nagamoto: Macy’s Dogancay: Macy’s A: Macy’s Seems like both of them have watched their share of Thanksgiving parades; they have been around since 1924. Nagamoto: 4, Dogancay: 2 Emily Nagamoto/Prowler

many fingers do the characters from the 3 How Simpsons have?

Nagamoto: Four, except Jesus and Satan. They have five.

Dogancay: Four. I bet they have three digits and a thumb.

A: Four.

Sound reasoning from Dogancay, and random facts from Nagamoto, both apparently help get the right answer. Nagamoto: 2, Dogancay: 1

7 Who won the world series last year?

Nagamoto: The San Francisco Giants Dogancay: Not the Cubs, not the Indians . . . the Yankees.

A: Kansas City Royals After the Cubs historic victory two weeks ago, Nagamoto and Dogancay couldn’t recall who won last year. Nagamoto: 4, Dogancay: 2

won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 4 Who 2016?

many times has Leonardo Dicaprio 8 How been nominated for an Oscar?

Nagamoto: I don’t know um. . . Bob Dylan, Bob Dylan!

Dogancay: I really have no idea.. . Orhan Pamuk.

A: Bob Dylan Dylan is the first musician to win the award, and the first American since 1993. Nagamoto: 3, Dogancay: 1

Nagamoto: Oh I have no idea, 8.

Dogancay: Probably a lot, like 5.

A: 5 times Dogancay gets another point, but it’s not enough to tie or beat Nagamoto, making him the winner.

Nagamoto: 4, Dogancay: 3

New clubs hit campus Megan Joshi Ad Manager Alyssa Boedigheimer Spots Designer With the school year picking up speed, many students chose to fill their schedules with clubs or interest groups on campus. This year, students have even more choices as many new clubs were formed around a variety of interests, ranging from science to volunteering.

Random Acts of Kindness Club was created

by Lisa Liu, junior, “to unite the students on campus and to do kind deeds for students, teachers, all the staff, and the community.”

“Random Acts of Kindness is (about) doing a kind deed,” said Liu, “whether it’s helping a teacher or spreading love across campus or volunteering somewhere outside of school.”

Random Act of Kindness meets on Mondays in G4. Currently, Random Acts of Kindness is focusing on Thanksgiving grams, helping teachers, and doing volunteer work.

Misa Nguyen, junior, created Newbury Park High School’s “She’s the First” chapter in order to help first generation female college students receive higher education.

“I started the club to make a positive impact on the world and to raise awareness about education equality around the world,” said

Nguyen.

They meet every other Monday in F-9, and Nguyen encourages people to join to “see the impact we have on a person’s life. We welcome anyone who cares about education and gender equality.”

Outbound Club was made by senior Ethan Duff y and sophomore Connor Keep in order to unite people with a love for the outdoors.

“There’s a lot to do, there’s a lot of trails you can hike on,” said Duff y, “You know, Malibu is 20 minutes away, you can go to the beach, and you can hang out there.”

So far Outbound Club has gone to Joshua Tree, gone hiking in Malibu, and been surfing in Ventura.

Science Club was created to help elementary schools to set up experiments for young students and does experiments every other Friday in E1.

“We set up some slime for them to make in the classroom,” said Brenda Herron, junior and member of Science Club, “which is really cool because elementary school is supposed to be fun and science is fun. We want to mix

academics and leisure as much as we can to make people enjoy school.”

Clubs also provide a space to make new friends, according to Herron, “I’ve met a

lot of different people this year. I only knew two people going in, and I feel like I know 10 coming out and I’ve only been to one meeting so far because it is a very new club.”

Outdoorsmen - Individuals with a shared love of nature gather for Outbound Club; they enjoy camping and hiking together. Sarah Lu/Prowler.

12

entertainment Panther Prowler • Nov. 18, 2016

Pippin brings magic to the theater Gianna Longo Cover Designer The crowd begins to grow quiet and bright lights shine upon the actors. They have been preparing months for these moments. Colorful costumes and decor fill the stage as the opening act starts and the music fills the performing arts center.

This year, set up by NPHS’s theater department, Pippin the musical, performed November 4, 5, 10, 11, and 12. The plot surrounds a young man named Pippin attempting to find himself through a journey of life. This year’s main characters are performed by Kylie Vincent, junior, and Colin Grumney, senior.

Preparation for this production began two months prior to opening night and used many of the student’s after-school hours in order to rehearse. Rehearsals took place Monday through Friday after school until 6:30.

“Balancing between going to rehearsal, then coming home and doing stuff for school and then also rehearsing outside so we’re prepared,” Vincent said. “My favorite part about being in theater in general is challenging myself to do something different and new in every show,” Noah Varav, junior, added.

This year’s play has allowed many students to step out of their comfort zones and to have fun within the show.

Like father like son- From left to right, Pippin (Colin Grumney, senior), King Charlemagne (Sam Herbert, sophomore) and Lewis (Carlos Idea, senior) pray for success in battle. Emily Nagamoto/Prowler War is a science- King Charlemagne (Sam Herbert, sophomore) excitedly prepares for battle during his musical number while the soldiers show their support, dancing behind their king.

“It’s a really challenging, complex concept and so it’s been really fun to find ourselves within the characters, and we are just ready for an audience,” Vincent said.

The theater department spends the most hours perfecting the show during Tech Week, the week prior to opening night. “(For) Tech Week, we are at school until 9-10 o’clock...

It’s the most time consuming because it’s the most sitting around, running thing over and over again, and it goes so late,” Miranda Barraza, senior, said.

In contrast to the other productions put on by theater department, “(Pippin is) a very stylish, cool type-ofshow...it’s really innovative and fun and something different,” Noah Varav said.

Having finished the musical, it holds as the final production for many high school seniors, something that is extremely bittersweet.

“I am super proud of (Pippin this year,) I think it’s really great, I’m leaving my senior year on a high note, which I’m really happy about, it’s a really great show,” Barraza said.

Six seconds of silence Vine is dead Kessa Chavez News Designer Social media is constantly changing. New outlets are created while apps that were once all the rage (remember Myspace?) become a distant memory. On Oct. 27, Twitter announced that Vine, an app that allows for a maximum of six seconds of entertainment, would be shut down. As of now,Twitter has not disclosed an exact date for the closing of the app, however creators are encouraged to save their work while they still can.

The closing of the mobile app was a shock to many, including the community that utilized the platform.

Matthew Espinosa one of the original users tweeted, “I can’t believe the app that got me where I am today is [going] to be taken down… so many memories just thrown away.”

The most common question being asked is, will users still be able to monetize their videos. According to several users including, Logan Paul, Cody Johns, and Jessi Smiles the app only provided, “... sporadic financial success… with a few sponsor

campaigns.” Like many platforms, a majority of the creators’ income does not come from the videos themselves, but instead the sponsorships that come from them.

No new Vine accounts will be created, however, the Vines themselves will stay available for viewing online.

Twitter let out a statement to the community saying, “...We think it’s important to still be able to watch all the incredible Vines that have been made. You will be notified before we make any changes to the app or website.”

As for the reasoning behind the closing of the app, it may have something to do with the fact that the influencers who launched Vine into main stream media have already moved on to different platforms such as Youtube, Instagram, and Facebook.

Thomas Sanders, a popular user, commented on the closing

of the app tweeting, “Well Vine may be going away, but this means I get to focus all my energy on Youtube. Hope you don’t mind seeing my comedy in long form!”

These platforms provide more creative freedom to the creators as well as more monetization opportunities. After previously making the decision to let go nine percent of its workforce the company has not been able to continue progressing.

While Vine was short lived, it had a good run.

Vine upheld itself as an innovative stepping stone for creators to showcase their talents for future endeavors. Now let’s have six seconds of silence for the app that provided an array videos that never failed to put a smile on our faces.

Wikimedia Commons/With Permission

13 Lady Gaga Not so gaga anymore entertainment

Panther Prowler • Nov. 18, 2016

Angela Swartz Opinion Designer

Diamond Heart

Dancin’ in Circles

GaGa goes country? Influenced by the American spirit, GaGa sings about her past life while a simple drum best plays in the background. I thought this song was alright but nothing special.

Similar to GaGa’s previous style, “Dancin’ in Circles” implements a techno beat with a catchy chorus. I didn’t think this song was that impressive either.

A-YO This is a super catchy party song that will get you pumped for the day. It is a nice contrast to the first song on the album about the struggles of life to show the listener that you can stop to appreciate what you have.

Joanne GaGa reminisces the life of her past aunt who greatly influenced her life. YOu can really appreciate her vocals in this song, as GaGa is the focus of the song with a light guitar in the background. “Joanne” is eye opening and it’s realness definitely makes it my favorite song on the album.

John Wanye Starting off with GaGa talking to friend about the struggles of her love life. In an upbeat abrasive manner, GaGa relates that she is sick of the cookie cutter man that society has created and wants to find someone like her.

Perfect Illusion Sticking with the theme of the previous song, “Perfect Illusion” is an electronic pop song. It is kind of mirrors cheesy 80’s pop, but I mean I will let it slide because it is Lady GaGa.

Million Reasons This is one of my favorite songs on the album!

Introducing GaGa’s new style, this song focuses on her vocals and issues deeper than just partying. The beat is a basic piano medley but it strikes a chord in your heart. If you are confused about GaGa’s clothing change, listen to this song first.

Gaga Daily/With Permission

From bleeding on stage in her 2009 VMA performance to wearing a meat dress on the red carpet, Lady GaGa is known as the queen of avant-garde. She became a pop icon in the late ‘00s for not only her unique outfits but top 40 hits celebrating originality. Although known for being out of the box, GaGa’s style has been evolving from innovative to glam in the past couple of years. Complex architectural dresses and electronic pop songs were exchanged for simplistic gowns and songs that focus on vocals rather than the beat.

In 2014, GaGa released a jazz album “Cheek to Cheek” with friend and fellow artist Tony Bennett, surprising many fans.

Many see GaGa’s change in appearance negatively as a loss of her brand and individuality, but I don’t see it as a setback.

Rather, I believe it shows growth. Celebrities shouldn’t be put in a box of one set image.

They are people too - they learn and grow as time progresses. Just because GaGa isn’t doing peculiar things that make headlines anymore, doesn’t mean she changed her personality or set of values. GaGa’s new look may be different, but she’s still true to herself, and her new album “Joanne” is a key example of this.

Released on Oct. 21, “Joanne” is simple yet chic while still showing GaGa’s personality.

Here is a description of the first eight tracks on the album:

Sinner’s Prayer Similar to Beyonce’s “Daddy Lessons”, GaGa is able to relate her life lessons in country style while still appealing to her original pop audience. This song is catchy and upbeat while still preaching good Christian values, if you are into that.

My Roanoke Nightmare brings “Horror” To American Horror Story Caitlin Henderosn Photographer American Horror Story is triumphantly back. After an amazing three seasons and a questionable fourth and fifth, the sixth installment of Ryan Murphy’s, American Horror Story is just as chilling as it is unsettling. The first three episodes are bad, but then even the most seasoned horror junkies, such as myself, are afraid.

If you didn’t pay attention in APUSH, the Lost Colony of Roanoke, found off the coast of North Carolina, gets its nickname from its strange lore. Some of the English settlers went on a supply trip to England, and when they returned, everyone from the colony had disappeared, and the only thing left was the word “croatoan” written on a tree.

In the context of My Roanoke Nightmare, couple Matt (Andre Holland) and Shelby Miller (Lily Rabe) give their testimony to a camera about their time living in a large house near the Lost Colony. They recount their experiences documentary-style, and actors (Shelby is Sarah Paulson, Matt is Cuba Gooding Jr.) give a “dramatic reenactment” of the story. The acting, as it always is, is superb, and the AHS usuals, such as Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters (who plays the first owner of the house, 1700s aristocrat Edward Mott), portray their complicated characters perfectly.

Every season, American Horror Story creates the most complex characters in that you never know who is truly good or bad, and My Roanoke Nightmare does not fall short. Shelby and Matt, though they are the protagonists, are not a happy couple, and neither is Matt’s sister, former cop Lee Harris (Adina Porter).

My criticism of the first three episodes is its cheesiness. It’s cliché: a couple moves into a new house to start a “new life,” none of the neighbors want them there, and they hear little bumps in the night. Since Matt and Shelby are recounting what happened, we already know that they survive in the end. It takes away some suspense. The beloved American Horror Story theme song is also gone, and if you’re like me and you love repetition in literature, you’ll know that this is a sad, sad thing to do away with.

Yet, there’s something about this season that’s hauntingly familiar to season one, Murder House. In Murder House, all of the people who die in the house can never move on, so their ghosts eternally haunt the property. All of the Roanoke ghosts look like real people (which is how Murder House’s ghosts look), and never move on to some kind of afterlife. Ryan Murphy recently revealed that all of the seasons, though they have different storylines, are connected in some way, so could the trapped Roanoke ghosts be connected to the Harmon household?

The scare starts around episode 4, when Lee’s daughter goes missing, and the “Blood Moon” approaches. According to the previous owner of the house, the “Blood Moon” is the period of time in which the Roanoke ghosts can kill people, and they do so to keep their property. The leader of the ghosts, The Butcher (Kathy Bates) is a woman who ruthlessly murders all who trespass on her land, and made Roanoke into a human-

sacrificing cult after they attempted to banish her to the woods. Bates’ portrayal of The Butcher is spot on: she’s cruel, she’s bloodthirsty, but most of all, she’s vulnerable. The most interesting part is when you meet The Butcher’s actress, Agnes Mary Winstead, a mentally unstable woman who takes the part she plays to heart. And she really takes it to heart…

What separates My Roanoke Nightmare apart from other AHS seasons isn’t just the filming style, but that it is true horror. Past seasons of AHS, such as Asylum or Coven, don’t necessarily focus on the terrifying aspect of the story, but rather the suspense. Past AHS seasons were never too “scary” as they were dark, but because My Roanoke Nightmare loses some of this initial suspense with the introduction of a documentary style production, it has to make up for it in other areas. Not only does it amp up the horror aspect, but the second half of the season changes focus, and adds the suspense element back in. After Shelby and Matt’s story concludes, a viewer-hungry producer named Sydney James (Cheyenne Jackson) seeks to create a second season, bringing back all of the actors, and the Millers to the house during the “Blood Moon.” This, as most horror stories go, is a bad idea (please, somebody watch this with me because I am sitting in my room biting my nails and losing sleep).

This season isn’t quite done yet, but I am sitting in cruel, suspenseful anticipation. American Horror Story is like clickbait. As bad as it might get, you will always watch and you will never look away.

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sports Panther Prowler • Nov. 18, 2016

Aim high - Nickerson Demelfi, sophomore, shoots a hoop in a JV and varsity practice on the home court.

Emily Nagamoto/Prowler

Winter Sports

Preview

Connor Keep Sports Editor Jaycen Sussman Staff Writer Farhaan Pathan Photographer As the clouds begin to appear and a slight chill accompanies the breeze, a new season is upon us, winter. Not only does this new season bring sweaters and holiday cheer, but also new sports at NPHS, such as wrestling, basketball, soccer and water polo.

Wrestling this year has improved with new motivation and higher goals set to be achieved.

“This year I expect to make it to CIF and win league. As a team I expect to come first in league and beat TO,” Austin Lynch, junior, said.

The team has been preparing tremendously for its upcoming season with weights and club wrestling.

“To prepare for the season we’ve been weightlifting two days a week, and doing cardio and conditioning three days a week. We just started practicing wrestling,” Matt Rosson said. In a agreement, “Individually, I train with a wrestling club separate from the school and I also run in my free time.” Lynch added.

Overall, according to the team’s success in preseason, the boys wrestling team has a great

On the run - Darcy McPherson, junior, runs across the field, pursued by the simi defense.

Darcy McPherson/with permission

Ready to wrestle - Mason Snow, sophomore, is getting grappled by Kai Wei, freshman, during a practice at NPHS. Farhaan Pathan/Prowler

chance of winning and going all the way to CIF. Boys soccer has also rigorously been training for their upcoming season.

“To train for this upcoming season, we’ve really been focusing on our goals and what we hope to achieve,” Sterling Watring, junior, said. “Along with working hard to get our skills where they need to be, also building chemistry to be as strong as we possibly can.”

Like every other team, the boys soccer team believes that they have a very good chance at making CIF. “This year, I expect our team to win league and excel beyond that,” Isaiah Garza Bolton, senior, said.

The men’s basketball team is looking to rebound from last year’s 2-8 record in league play. The team only lost six seniors and are primed to have a good season. They won their last two games last year and want to pick up right where they started.

Matt Solomon, sophomore, has been on varsity since freshman year and thinks he and he teammates “can win league this year as a

team and compete against any team.”

The women’s basketball team has a significant void to fill since Kayla Overbeck graduated last year. However, the team is still in a strong position. Their goal is to “work better as a team since we are a young team and to be ready for the season and playoffs,” Alyssandra Lacanilao, sophomore, said.

Girls soccer has their first game after Thanksgiving break and has been training hard to be just as successful as they were last year.

Newcomer to varsity, Taylor Orr, junior, notes that the team is looking to “get first place this year and to come together as a team.”

As the men’s water polo season ends, the girls’ begins and they are ready for the upcoming season. After last years successful season of participating in the CIF playoffs, Lily Smith, senior, has high expectations for the season ahead of them.

“We definitely want to go back to CIF’s and smash Agoura,” Smith said.

With the new season quickly approaching us, our school has good chances of making CIF and becoming the champions of CIF.

Keeping her cool- Bridget Hughe, junior, tosses the ball in after a play at an away game.

Lily Smith/with permission

sports Panther Prowler • Nov. 18, 2016

Keeping your eyes on the prize, but forgetting what’s truly important Jaycen Sussman Staff Writer

Caitlin wler rson/Pro Hende

When an athlete goes pro they have one goal; win a championship. Some will do whatever it takes to win a championship even if it means leaving everything behind and moving to a new team. A player like Kevin Durant caused a lot of controversy by doing this simply because he had everything he needed to win a championship, yet he gave up on his team. The reason I think Durant moved to the Warriors from Thunder is simply because he gave up, he thought that by switching teams he will be able to get ring and frankly this just made him look desperate and lazy.

Durant is taking the easy way to success, and eventually he will get his ring, yet he will never feel the accomplishment of bringing Oklahoma their first title, (which he could have done). I don’t agree with Durant’s decision because he made the decision to take the easy path to a championship opposed to truly working for it… but the more you think about it, doesn’t everyone prefer the easy way? When we are faced with everyday challenges we are prone to taking the easier way to get out of the problem.

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We as high school students have a lot on our plate.

We need to make sure we are keeping our GPA up, maintaining a social life, participating in extracurriculars and much more, so we are sometimes forced to take the easy way to get tasks done. So why do I disagree with Durant’s decision so much if we students take an easier path?

We are driven by success and like Durant, students want to be victorious. But you can’t be successful if you give up. Durant had all the materials he needed to put a ring on his finger, yet he was tired of being too close, in result he packed up and left. We can’t just pack up and leave high school, but we can sometimes give up on it. We have the materials to succeed as a student. There are teachers everywhere with the same goal as you; they want to be successful, and that comes from making you a success.

The goals we have as students drive us through high school, whether it is to get an A in your Math class or to make sure you graduate with a 4.2 GPA, our goals keep us going everyday and they are truly important. Just like you and me, Kevin Durant has a goal; and that is to retire with a ring on his finger.

Although I don’t necessarily agree with his decision, I understand why he made it. Durant has worked his whole to get where he is today and he deserves a ring.

Nobody said success comes easy… we need to work hard. But if we can remember that school is truly important to our future, like Durant, we can be successful.

16

Braden Handy Panther Prowler • Nov. 18, 2016

Braden Handy Connor Keep Sports Editor Jaycen Sussman Staff Writer Under the bright lights, Braden Handy, sophomore, takes the snap from under center.

He scans the field and throws it deep. The panthers have taken lead.

This year Braden Handy has been playing football on both the varsity and J.V. team throughout the season. He has had to move up and down due to the injuries of the starting quarterback, Cameron Rising, junior.

The road for Braden Handy this year has been very unexpected.

“Playing on J.V. was what I first expected to do and then I was brought up to varsity in the middle of the season and again 2 weeks later,” Handy said. “The experience was great.

I’ve learned a lot from playing with and against better competition and I feel like I’ve improved a lot.”

Handy has taken advantage of his time on varsity and has a record of two wins and two losses. Rising has been a great help to Handy during his move up to varsity.

“He’s helped me so much with the transition to a faster pace of play and he’s given me valuable advice about the ins and out of playing at the varsity level as well as the mental aspect of it,” Handy said.

In addition to teammates, a coach is a player’s best friend. Jason Klein, head coach of the varsity team, says Handy has improved on his confidence, speed, and his ability to grow as a player.

With a J.V. quarterback as the team starter, Klein has been training the players for an

appearance in the CIF playoffs, yet he wanted Handy to treat it like any other game.

“We try to treat every game the same, so there is nothing new and crazy that we’re doing, we just want to improve what we already do,” Klein said.

Rising has been the starting quarterback for the Panthers since his sophomore year and is a great talent. He holds the Ventura County record for the most yards in total offense. He did this against Oaks Christian this year.

Rising has supported Handy throughout his journey on moving up to varsity, in his absence.

Rising believes Handy’s greatest attribute as a quarterback is “his pocket presence.” “(Handy) can hang in the pocket and take a hit. That’s something that’s very tough for a lot of quarterbacks to do and he does a very good job of it,” Rising said.

Handy has had a very small time to grow with the system since he was moved up in the middle of the season. Rising thinks he has matured, “When he got brought up he was scared, I know that. He did a good job. The first half was of the Valencia game was tough for him, but the second half he got settled down and was like he can do this and he did a fantastic job,“ Rising said.

Handy played in his first CIF game on Nov. 11, 2016 against Edison High School in Huntington Beach. The Panthers lost the game, 24-49, but the upside is: Handy gained more experience for his upcoming years on the team.

Sideline support - Handy watches the defense from the sidelines at the Thousand Oaks field and readies himself for the next offensive possession. Bella Robakowski/Prowler

Sophomore quarterback steps in for varsity team

Planning the attack - Braden Handy scans the field between plays to find an advantage at the Thousand Oaks game, which NPHS won 42-7 . Bella Robakowski/Prowler

Handy with the ball - After receiving the snap, Handy prepares to hand off to Ryan Matlock, senior running back. Bella Robakowski/Prowler