Where is the Class of
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PANTHER PROWLER Friday June 6, 2014
Issue X
Newbury Park High School
456 N. Reino Rd., Newbury Park, CA 91320
AP and IB English students strike a pose Daulton Beck Staff Writer Check out what the statues have to say. Statue day: when the English 12 IB seniors dress up as any character they choose to be and stand on Reino Road as well as in the quad posing as statues. This year, the English 12 AP classes joined the IB students on June 2 and 3. The students created original poses, and made signs to explain the meaning of their statues. Students from other classes gathered around the statues to interpret them and their stories during third period and lunch. Janet Conner, English department chair, brought this tradition to the school. She said, “several years ago, I read a story by Julio Cortazar that depicts three girls who play a game posing as statues. They don’t just pose for each other, but rather pose for the students and workers who travel by train,” she said. “For our English 12 IB classes, we ask students to create an original statue with attitude,” Conner continued. “The assignment requires them to ‘be’ a story, all in one pose.” Bridget Murphy, senior, was a wolf in shepherd’s clothing. She said, “I wanted to represent deception in leadership because the wolf himself is guiding the sheep into their downfall.” Kenna Reed, senior, was part of a four person timeline that consisted of four different periods in history, each with the main criticisms of youth during that time. Reed’s time period was the 1920’s. She said, “We had frames, and around each frame were bad things that generation was called, like how [the 20’s] generation (was) called the Lost Generation and (that) they (would) never amount to anything. We aren’t particularly special, but the whole idea is that people have been ragging on (the youth of ) each generation since forever, like us [Millennials] too.”
Sammy Meyer/Prowler
Sammy Meyer/Prowler
Sammy Meyer/Prowler
Helena Van Brande/With Permission
New school policies implemented
Mariam Syed Opinion Editor Raevyn Walker Staff Writer
As the school year draws to a close, finals week looms over students. Finals fall on the last three days of school for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Some students arrange with their teachers to take their finals early, allowing them to leave for summer vacation earlier. However, according to the school’s finals and absence policy, this not should not be the case. The school’s current finals and absence policy mandates that if a student is absent on the day of his final and does not return before school ends for the year, the student is responsible for coming in on his or her own time during the summer to take the final in the office. While this has been the policy for as long as Principal Athol Wong has been at the school, this year it will be fully implemented. In the past, students often arranged with their teachers to take their tests earlier in order for them to leave for summer vacation earlier. Excused absences, such as when a student is sick, allows for the makeup of tests. According to the California Educational Code, “a pupil absent from school under this section shall be allowed to complete all assignments and tests missed during the absence that can be reasonably provided and, upon satisfactory completion within a reasonable period
of time, shall be given full credit.” Nevertheless, absences for students who leave school earlier for something such as vacation are not considered excused. “We understand that there are sometimes emergencies that prevent a student from being at school for their final,” said Wong. “This policy allows for the student to make up their test without repercussions.” However, the newly enforced policy is not the only change occurring. Next school year, there will also be a changed structure toward attaining entrance into honors level classes. Mostly impacting incoming freshmen, a larger group of students will be required to take a placement test for honors eligibility. In the past, the path to honors used to be determined only by previous grades and California Standardized Testing (CST) scores, and only a handful of prospective freshman students from out-of-district middle schools used to be determined entrance by a placement test. A group of faculty members would then decide who would enter. Jennifer Lockwood, the science department chair, said that these past processes had “no magic formula.” Now, incoming students transfer from various middle schools with different standards. With the absence of CSTs,
it is necessary for some method to compare students coming from different schools with different expectations. “It allows us to do (what) we have always done,” said Wong, “which is to make placement decisions based on data that is relatively objective, or at least the same for all students. We are not trying to exclude students from honors level classes. We want students to challenge themselves, but we also want students to be successful once they get there.” This voluntary exam for out-of-district incoming students and students moving up in class level will test for ability in math and english. Eligibility for honors history and science can be determined by scores on these tests. Nevertheless, if the student does not pass the math honors test or wishes to only move up in honors science, there is a second option of taking a freshman science placement test. As for high school students advancing to the honors level, there are subject specific placement tests, most of which have been formerly used. “Sometimes it is hard to tell because students change,” said Wong. “They mature and they grow up a little bit. Somebody who might not have been ready as a freshman might be very ready as a sophomore. That is why we are careful with (acceptance into classes), but not exclusive.”
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news The Prowler • June 6, 2014
News in brief
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Daulton Beck Staff Writer Haley Berardinelli Staff Writer
Administrators to work at new schools
Seniors in Mass Media present their films
Assistant Principal of Instruction Karla DiDomizio and Dean of Attendance Andrew Bowler are leaving for different schools. DiDomizio has been working at Newbury Park High School for about a decade, starting as a counselor and now the Assistant Principal. This upcoming year she is planning to work at Conejo Valley Alternative Academy, the school she was transferred to. She said that her favorite part about being at Newbury Park is the campus itself. “It’s a wonderful school, I love the staff and the students,” she said. Andrew Bowler has been transferred to serve as the Dean of Attendance at Redwood Junior High School. Bowler has been a teacher and administrator on both the East and West coasts. Seven years ago, he started as a math teacher here on campus. “The positive student and peer interactions, and the many great people that I work with here is why I wanted to come back to Newbury. I don’t think the students realize how great this school is, ” Bowler said. He has heard that the staff at Redwood is “amazing” and he looks forward to working there, but he will miss working here as a Newbury Park administrator. “I wake up every day and I look forward to going to work,” Bowler said.
The Second Annual DATA Film Festival takes place on June 6 in the Panther PAC where the seniors of mass media classes will show their own film productions. Seniors in the DATA program have selected their favorite films they’ve created to play in the Film Festival. There are various types of films being projected such as documentaries, stop-motion, silent films, and commercials. The free festival is held from 7-8:30 p.m. and open to all who wish to celebrate the seniors’ effort in DATA. Social science teacher Richard Bradley said, “this is a fun way to end senior year, as well as a cool opportunity to share some of the things that we do with the rest of the school community.”
AP Spanish and AP English classes cancelled for 2014-2015 school year As of next year, the AP Spanish and AP English classes will no longer be an option for students. This elimination occurred in order to make the school more “IB focused”, according to Debbie Dogancay, IB coordinator. The department chair and teachers met up and petitioned for the change, as “the benefits outweighed the consequences”. The units awarded for taking AP course and an IB course are the same on a student’s transcript. Therefore, students who want to take an AP test can enroll in an IB course instead of the AP equivalent. “You can take an AP test without being in an AP course, and since we are an IB school, we just labeled the course as IB,” stated Athol Wong, school principal. As only the subjects of English and Spanish had both IB and AP forms of the course, only AP Spanish and AP English were cancelled. The switch from AP to IB will only bring “changes mainly about how (the course) is evaluated,” as Sean Flaherty, Spanish department chair said. In regard to IB Spanish, the class will prioritize grammar concepts, vocabulary building, and high frequency vocabulary.
Victim of Isla Vista shooting Veronica Weiss remembered in candle lighting memorial Veronica Weiss, a Westlake high school alumna, was nineteen when she was shot and killed outside a sorority home on beach in Santa Barbara by 22- year old Elliot Rodger on May 27. Before the shooting took place, Rodger posted a video on YouTube stating the purpose of his ruthless rampage: neglection by women. For six minutes and 56 seconds Rodger rants about how he had been rotting in loneliness his whole life. He said that all pretty girls “denied him a happy life” and that he would, as a form of punishment, “deny them life.” He referred to the shooting as his “day of retribution”, and to himself has “the superior man”. At the end of his “promised day,” six people were killed and 13 wounded. After his rampage, Rodger shot himself as well. Weiss was known for being perpetually happy, and having a very kind personality. Attending UC Santa Barbara, Weiss had a bright future ahead of her. During her high school career at Westlake, she played for the school’s water polo team, swim team, and other sports teams. Her teams and many other people gathered from all over the area for her memorial at the Westlake High School pool, where they reminisced their lost friend. The memorial was also held in memory of Katie Copper, who lived in Chino Hills and went to UCSB with Weiss until she too was killed. On May 31, UC Santa Barbara students gathered together with lit candles, remembering the ones who were lost in the shooting rampage. On June 3, another memorial took place, attracting thousands from all over Santa Barbara.
opinion Panther Prowler • June 6, 2014
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#BringBackOurGirls RUSH LIMBAUGH AND THE INABILITY OF AMERICANS TO AGREE It might seem that speaking out against the kidnapping of Nigerian students would not be controversial. However, in today’s highly politicized society, even efforts as noble as protesting for human rights become controversial. In the current American political climate, everything has to have two opposite sides. For some political commentators, the action of speaking out against any cause of their opponent has become far too common. Rush Limbaugh, host of “The Rush Limbaugh Show”, recently spoke out against the Twitter campaign to raise awareness for the more than 200 Nigerian girls kidnapped from the Chibok Government Girls Secondary School on April 15. In particular, he criticized First Lady Michelle Obama’s picture holding a sign with the hashtag “Bring Back Our Girls”. Limbaugh called the effort “pathetic”, adding that “the sad thing here is that the low-information crowd that’s puddling around out there on Twitter is gonna think we’re actually doing something about it.” Limbaugh went on to rant that the message the “#BringBackOurGirls” campaign on social media sent out was that the United States is too powerless to actually contribute to the search for the girls, a problem he promptly connected to the Obama administration, saying “... I want to ask you, is the United States really this powerless? And then if you answer yes, we are really this powerless, then isn’t Obama to blame?” His criticism appeared to revolve around the fact that the United States has lost global status, and because of this, we have resorted to using social media to influence change, which he believes is ineffective. Without getting too much into the argument over whether or not social media campaigns are effective, Mr. Limbaugh’s comments seem indicative of a larger problem with American political attitudes. While it’s true that partisanship has increased in recent years, there is no reason for people like him to attempt to spin a controversy out of an issue which most Americans can agree on. No reason, of course, other than the fact that Limbaugh makes a living off of criticizing the other side and therefore cannot be expected to agree with people of opposite political ideology, even when the issue itself is not controversial. It seems safe to say that the majority of Americans would not support the kidnapping of innocent people in developing nations. But people in politics are so intent on disagreeing with their opponent on every issue that nonpolitical issues like raising awareness of kidnapping in Nigeria becomes political. Mrs. Obama was not making a political statement. There was no partisanship behind the message that something must be done to address the growing issue of safety of schools in Nigeria. Americans today put up too much with the attitude that the other side is always wrong. Compromise is not something that we should be afraid of, and agreeing with someone of opposite political ideology will not affect your ability to disagree with them on another issue. Aversion to compromise causes criticism without offering valid solutions and, as Americans have become all too familiar with, political gridlock. Instead, politicians and constituents alike should look for middle ground, especially on uncontroversial issues, which can be seen as an opportunity to work together for a united cause. Voters can also support candidates that have a history of working with the other side, try to avoid supporting those in media who carry unconstructive and extremist views, and supplement entertainment networks such as Fox or MSNBC with minimally biased news reporting. It is easy to rely on political ideology to guide our opinions on everything, but in order to remain an efficient and functioning society it is important to stay informed and not be afraid to cross party lines. While there may be disagreement as to how the Nigerian situation should be handled, it’s hardly fair to go after those who are simply doing their best to make a difference in the only way they know how. http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-27392955 2 http://www.boston.com/news/world/africa/2014/05/07/how-bringbackourgirls-spread-twitter-and-drew-attention-nigeria-kidnapped-girls/TWrOURXYGrXbI884ikC1pI/story.html 1
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It might seem that speaking out against the kidnapping of Nigerian students would not be controversial.
Top Countries using the hashtag1 Nigeria - 27% US - 26% UK- 11%
April 15
Roughly 300 school girls were kidnapped from Chibok, Borno State, Nigeria by the extremeist group Boko Haram
April 23
Hashtag first used by @Abu_Aaid and publicized by @ObyEzeks, Vice President of the World Bank for Africa2
May
PANTHER PROWLER 2013-2014 staff
Editors-in-Chief Patrick Rewers Cassie Stephenson Copy Editors Liam Brown Grace O’Toole Features Editors Justine Sizemore Kimmy Ferrante DPS / Grace O’Toole
Sports Editors Photographer Chief / Samantha Meyer Nathan Hickling Courtney Brousseau Graphic Artist Opinion Editors Michael Hellard Ad Managers Kishen Majithia Justin Buchanan Mariam Syed Business / Victoria Koi Staff Writers Daulton Beck Entertainment Editors Online Editors Haley Berardinelli Liam Brown Courtney Brousseau Shreya Chattopadhyay Julian Foley Mariam Syed Raevyn Walker News Editors Victoria Koi Nevnit Gill
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Use of the hashtag increased after news that the girls may have been trafficked and has been tweeted over 3.3 million times
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 three weeks throughout the school year by American Foothill 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
Adviser Michelle Saremi
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opinion Panther Prowler • June 6, 2014
Don’t be a background character
COLUMN:
Are you my Miller?
You may believe that the existence of life, blood, and a pounding heart in your body define you as living. In literal terms, this is very true. But what boring lives we all live. Living should not simply be going through a routine, but rather living life to the fullest, no matter what society dictates you do. It alarms me that a life can be summarized into a mere paragraph, and seem so simple. You wake up, go to school, converse with your friends, make a few jokes here and there, go home, finish homework, engage in forms of media, sleep, and repeat. Occasionally you have outings, where you’ll do something fun and generally unimportant. After you graduate, you go to a university, get a degree, obtain a career, eventually fall in a possibly temporary love, marry, have or adopt children, divorce if said love had only been fleeting, finish raising your child/children, continue with your job, and then retire once necessary. You may or may not still be with your spouse at this time, and after retirement you’ll waste away your days gardening or watching soap
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cheap video games or library books. What fans of these stories don’t realize is that they are far more similar to the civilians in the background of these stories instead of the main characters they pretend to be. Some might even live entire lives without realizing what a joy it is to live, with their office jobs and dumb cubicles and repetitive coffee machines. However, an escape to this common issue is not impossible. To rise out of the depths of unimportance would involve becoming a protagonist of the world, and making yourself unforgettable. Without exceeding the normal expectations of society, one might never feel alive. This is not a realization one should fret upon. The escape to this seemingly inevitable fate would be to rise above all simplicity and strive to be content with higher goals. Do not settle with menial jobs or low positions and create a powerful place for yourself in the world. Do so and perhaps you will rise to become a protagonist, rather than a background character.
operas and ultimately die. After one or two generations your name will be forgotten. Never having done anything special, never getting the chance to make an impact. And this is probably one of the most awful thoughts to reach the human mind. How can anyone feel utter happiness living a life like that? Simply take a look at your parents. Are they content? In most cases, yes. But are they gushing with excitement, adoring everything about being alive? Probably not. Without doing anything, a life could seem worthless. I suppose this is why people indulge in media. We watch certain shows, read certain books, or play certain games to live the lives we cannot achieve ourselves. The worst thing about stories is that you experience unreal characters with limitless resolve and high morals. Although it is (most likely) definitely impossible to develop magical powers and fight profound world wars with supernatural involvement, it certainly is possible to waste your days away pretending you’re some powerful hero in
(because 10 wouldn’t fit) moderately helpful things for your high school experience, or whatever
Justin Buchanan Ad Manager One of the great myths of high school is that you learn something. That’s just stupid. The truth is, we are just inundated (that word means “to be covered with a flood,” boys and girls) with random facts called “knowledge” by some higher law of osmosis or diffusion. We “learn” only to forget them immediately afterward. Want proof ? Talk to a sophomore the day after the AP Euro test about European history (what is this “continent” you speak of ?). For six to eight hours a day, we sit in uncomfortable plastic desks, chewing on erasers (that’s probably unhealthy), gum (do you have extra for me?), sticking that gum under your desk (all the students curse your name during earthquake drills), and taking pictures of it in class with your newfangled cellular device to show all your friends on SnapChat or FrapPat or CheckOutHowI’mBA. And all it does is prepare us for another four years of sitting in less uncomfortable desks, chewing on pen caps and more gum, getting called out for trying to stick that gum under the desk, and being known as the person who takes random photos of stuff they do. Don’t get me wrong, this preparation is invaluable. To prove it, I put together a list of the 10 most valuable things I learned just to show that the experience is edifying (that word means “providing moral or intellectual instruction,” boys and girls).
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Running is the fastest mode of transportation on campus, besides the golf cart or jetpacks.
I spend a lot of my time between classes killing my cardiovascular system. Nevertheless, running is perhaps the fastest way you’ll get across campus, or escape a bear. And if you need to get to somewhere in a hurry, it is usually pretty helpful. The other options are riding a golf cart, which I have never had the privilege to ride in, or a jetpack, which I have not yet invented.
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Couples: people actually have lives.
High schoolers, upon entering into a deep, until-the-end-of-the-week relationship, distort their sense of time and movement. Of course, somebody designed halls so it can
For the record...
only comfortably accommodate a couple holding hands, so that every time people (like me) need to get somewhere, there is some lovestruck pair walking as slowly as inhumanly possible. So, for people who actually want to get to class on time, or don’t want to look creepy hovering slightly behind you, couples, please move off to the side to continue your lovers’ ... thing.
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Seagulls are not likely to poop on you, unless they feel the urge to poop.
In my whole three years on campus, I have never been pooped on by a seagull. I hear some people suggest it’s a timeless tradition of NPHS, sort of like certain illegal fraternity hazing practices, but it’s never happened to me. I have never been hazed by a fraternity. Honestly though, it’s not like the seagulls have little songs in their head (“Let It Go”) every time they see an NPHS student that causes them to release their slightly nitrogenous payload.
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You don’t actually get Columbus Day off.
I’m not gonna lie: I regret having to put this one on the list. But as much as I hate to admit it (sniffle), we do not get a day off to celebrate the man who discovered our continent (technically it was just the Bahamas, which are islands) in 1492. Oh yeah, and who went on to slaughter and enslave the indigenous population, bring smallpox to the New World, and ultimately destroy a culture with a long and rich history. But aww, we don’t get a day off from school.
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Lunchtime is actually 35 minutes, not 45. And homework can be done in 35 minutes.
One of the greatest disappointments I experienced was that lunch was shorter than expected. Which hurts when I have to do homework during lunch, which happens often. One of the things that I learned in IB is that the phrase “time management” means focusing so intensely on a 30-page reading (due yesterday, of course) for a lunch period that you could burn through reinforced concrete (ooh, look, a squirrel!). So fear not, because that paper can be written in 35
minutes. Just try not to look at it for too long or it might burst into flames.
During earthquake drills, maintain at least 3 inches clearance between your hair and the bottom of the desk.
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The bottom of desks are plastered with chewed up gum, some of which is so old that it has begun to turn different colors from when it was first stuck there (that’s not a minty flavor, folks). So, for the love of the CDC and disease prevention, and to actually make that $50 visit to the hair stylist worth it, watch where you put your head.
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Big exams are called unit tests, small exams are called quizzes, and the exams you should study for are called finals.
Let’s face it: you know people who never have to study for a test. They just sit around and text and watch funny videos on YouTube, and they still get A’s. Why? Because they possess such godlike intelligence that they need not study for tests at all. And you can too! Why study when you can frolick with your friends and watch “The Walking Dead” reruns all day long. By the way, side effects of godlike intelligence include suspicious bags under your eyes, a constant need for caffeine, and an increased risk of insanity.
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It is worth worrying about.
When I say “worry,” I don’t mean the ones that give you stomach ulcers (excuse me while I take my Tums). Worrying is sometimes that little voice in your head telling you that something is important. So instead of “time managing” at lunch, listen to that voice. I guess you could call it “following your heart,” although your heart really has no role in determining life choices or anything... cognitive, in general. Well, that’s all I have. I would say “YOLO,” but that’s really not good advice; it’s more a statement of fact (you only live once-- unless you believe in karma). As a grizzled veteran of a public high school, all I can say is good luck and bon voyage, because I’m off to a public college. Oh, and myths are stupid.
In the May 20th magazine edition of the Prowler, on page 4, Justine Sizemore’s name should be added to the staff box as both a page editor and a writer. On page 12, A.J. Olssen’s nationality is incorrect; he is actually from Denmark. On page 14, Diana Galvez and Esmeralda Gonzalez are switched in the photograph caption. On page 30, “Wuesthoff” is the correct spelling of Eric’s last name.
The Prowler deeply regrets and apologizes for any errors we have made. If you spot any errors we have missed, help us correct them by sending mistakes to: prowler.newspaper@gmail.com.
Samantha Meyer/ Prowler
Nevnit Gil News Editor
Julian Foley Entertainment Editor According to Uncle Ben from “Spider-Man”, “with great power comes great responsibility.” I first learned what it truly meant to have superpowers in the sixth grade when I was given my first super cool slide-out texting phone (I never counted my TracFone as a real phone). To be fair, my first reaction to this great power was to send pictures of IHOP bacon to casual acquaintances, but perhaps Uncle Ben meant “with great power comes great responsibility, and great bacon.” So when I received that first real phone call (the ones from Jake the Verizon sales guy and my mom don’t really count), I was sure that it was a phone-friend anxious to compliment my photography skills. The short conversation went something like this: Me: “Hello?” Typical Telemarketer voice: “Is this Barry Miller?” Me: “I think you have the wrong number.” Confused Telemarketer voice: “This isn’t Barry Miller?” Unsure of the right etiquette for such an awkward phone moment, I took the only action my eighth-grade mind could think of. I hung up as quickly as possible, made some Facebook status about it, and got only three likes. Convinced that getting a call for Barry Miller was something that happened to pretty much every proud new slide-out texting phone owner, I decided to let the incident slide. Much to my dismay, the next few months brought more rings for the infamous Barry Miller. It turns out that Barry had an enormous network of friends, and was very popular with the IRS. My Barry Miller times lasted for years and I was forced to repeatedly state again and again that I had no shared bloodline with the Miller family and my first name wasn’t even close to Barry. The calls only stopped when I became wise and brave enough to turn the tables, informing callers that the line was indeed being traced and that Verizon would be dispatching the smartphone police if the unwanted contact continued. I could only hope the real Barry Miller wasn’t in too much trouble. Nowadays, the only wrong number stories that are shared are ones of mistaken text messages. Usually it is an unfamiliar number and a nonsensical note like “Hey Mario, you forgot your stuff at my house!” or “SRY BOUT YOUR CAT”. As tempting as it is to reply back with a note that says “Just keep the stuff ” or “thinking of getting a cat tribute tattoo”, I respect karma even more than I fear the smartphone police. Only recently did someone tell me that Barry Miller is the name of an award winning local actor who starred in “Saturday Night Fever” as well as in the TV series “Fame”. While I suspect that there are many other less famous Barry Millers out there that have more legal problems, it gave me a new perspective to think that even a few of my wrong numbers could have been from Hollywood directors, famous actors, and agents. Even when it sounds like the person on the other end of the line is a telemarketer or a wrong-number caller, it pays to be patient. You never know who you might be on the other end of the call. From the most famous actor to the most humble fugitive from the IRS to an 8th grader there is a little Barry Miller in each of us. Even the intelligent personal sidekick, Siri, could be forgiven for sending flowers to your ex-girlfriend instead of your new girlfriend. And if “Mommy” is in your contact list just above “Side Chick” you may want to pause for just a second before hitting send on that late night booty call.
features Panther Prowler • June 6, 2014
In Loving Memory
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Alumna Aimee Hoff comemorated by loved ones following drunk driving accident Patrick Rewers Editor-in-Chief Grace O’Toole Copy Editor Walking into Teresa Hoff ’s house is like looking into a lost memory. Boxes of photographs are stacked in the corners of the hallways. A girl looks out across the house from every wall, moments of her life immortalized inside countless picture frames with permanent smiles. The girl is Aimee Hoff, Teresa’s only daughter and 2009 NPHS alumna. Aimee died as a passenger in a drunk driving accident this past September. Teresa wants to ensure that as many teenagers as possible hear Aimee’s story to remind them that one mistake is enough to ruin a life, and that the impact is larger than they realize. “When you hear on TV, ‘Don’t drink and drive’, it’s abstract,” Teresa says. “It’s not a real person. It’s not someone you know.” The anti-drinking and driving campaign Every 15 Minutes has the same philosophy. As a singer and an active participant in theater, Aimee was one of the few students chosen to be a fake victim during her time in high school during her junior year. “For Every 15 Minutes, they choose kids who they think will have a wide impact overall to participate,” Teresa explains. Aimee was also a strong advocate against drinking and driving; after getting a DUI on her 21st birthday celebration, Teresa refused to drive her or let her drive for year and a half, leaving Aimee to find her own forms of transportation. “For the next year and a half she walked everywhere, and I mean everywhere ... She had holes in her shoes,” Teresa laughs, “I wanted to drive home the idea that driving is a privilege, not a right.” As a result of her charge, Aimee was required to pay thousands of dollars and attend mandated classes for weeks. After this experience, “she was a strong advocate against drinking and driving, and as far as we know, she never did it again,” Teresa says. The night of the accident, Aimee had received a text while babysitting from friend saying that he was drunk. She responded and assured him that she would
come pick him up after she finished babysitting. Aimee called her mom before leaving that night, explaining that she needed to help out a friend. Upon meeting her friend at the party, she ended up getting in a car with three others, including the friend she was assisting. All three were intoxicated, including the driver. Only five minutes later, Aimee and her friend were dead. Teresa reflects on Aimee’s decision, saying “She got in the car. No one made her get in the car ... but she thought for a second it’ll be okay. I’ll watch out for him. That’s the way she was. There’s been many many times she’s stopped friends, called cabs for friends, but she still got in.” In the months immediately after Aimee’s death, Teresa received letters and gifts from all over the world. “You think you know your kids, but I didn’t know what an impact in the world she was making until she died. I got letters from Norway, from a girl that was an exchange student that had felt alone and my daughter had talked to. I got a letter from a soldier in Afghanistan who said she had written him regularly and it had helped him. I got just so many things from so many people that I had no idea.” In an effort to publicize the dangers of driving under the influence, Teresa originally ordered a small stock of cards emblazoned with Aimee’s picture and the dangers of drinking and driving. When Principal Athol Wong saw the cards, she contacted Teresa for more to pass out at a senior meeting. Each card features Aimee on the front with a space on the back to write down the number of a friend or a cab. “One single exception, one single decision can cost you your life. Look at how adamant she was over and over. The cab was the last thing on her debit card, and one second you think ‘well this time will be okay’,” Teresa says. “This time might be your last time. You have to walk away from it every time.”
Grand Opening! June 9th, 2014
3339 Kimber Dr., Suite# A/B Newbury Park, CA 91320 (Next to County Harvest Restaurant)
Teresa Hoff / With Permission
Open Hours: Mon-Fri: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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year in review Panther Prowler • June 6, 2014
September
- Car accident claims ..the lives of two alumni - Common Core Testing ..introduced - McLane Martin ..honored by CIF
Ventura County Star/With Permission
October
- Vending machines are removed - Fitness 19 opens - Homecoming - Marching band wins at Fresno - Theater holds Zombie Run - Matthew Matlock breaks school ..rushing record
Samantha Meyer/Prowler
November
- Principal Athol Wong ..announces retirement - TO ranked safest city in CA - “Noises Off” play - Girls Tennis advances to CIF - Panther Prowler wins 4th in ..nation
Daphne Johns/With Permission
December
Samantha Meyer/Prowler
- New Mayor elected - Blood drive - Winter concerts - Construction on ..Wendy exit finishes
Shre
year in review Panther Prowler • June 6, 2014
FBLA State Competition Jazz band wins Westlake competition Art Show Prom Joshua Eby named next year’s principal Senior Rally Santa Barbara shooting International Week TEDxYouth@Conejo BLUSH lunchtime performance “Fool for Love” Alumni Play Emmanuel Garay named Most Inspirational Wrestler in California. .
April & May
Patrick Rewers/Prowler
March
Samantha Meyer/Prowler
February Speech and Debate Tournament Sadie Hawkins dance Basketball court named after Nori Parvin Mock Trial wins 3rd and 4th place Girls’ Basketball & Girls’ Soccer winMarmonte League..
eya Chattopadhyay Staff Writer
Samantha Meyer/Prowler
January Acceptance week Drought Emergency announced . Beyonce’s visual album“BEYONCE” debuts..
Samantha Meyer/Prowler
7
The Class of
2014
SENIOR MAP
“
The question, O me! so sad, recurring—What good amid these, O me, O life? That you are here—that life exists and identity, That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.”
- Walt Whitman “O Me! O Life!”
PROWLER SENIORS OF 2014 Dear Prowler seniors of 2014, This year has been the year of new beginnings. You have witnessed the birth of a new journalism program and a revamped journalism lab. You have been able to get to your computers without rearranging the room, make a cup of coffee in three minutes, publish a 32-page, high gloss, all-color magazine, and raise the money to pay for it! Kimmy, you compete in rodeos, write petitions, drive a large truck for miles to get to school, parallel park like a pro, and you are a journalist not afraid to tackle something new. You confront what’s bothering you and you take responsibility for all of your actions. You will be a successful journalist because you have the ability to empathize; you give voice to those who can’t or won’t speak up, and life’s hiccups don’t deter you in the least. Justin, seriously, I can count how many times I’ve seen you WALK on one hand and my goodness, I have never seen anyone eat so much in my LIFE! Only you can eat enchiladas and oatmeal with a mocha for breakfast. You succeed in all you do, and you never run out of energy! It’s no easy task to be in charge of funding a $700 newspaper per issue plus a $2,600 magazine and I know it’s a thankless job. Thank you for your professionalism in contacting all of those companies and private businesses. Nathan, we have celebrated probably over 500 birthdays as a journalism staff in my seven years as an adviser, and I’ve never seen anyone look so displeased with the ritual. I will keep that picture always. It’s not easy to join so late in the game, but you fit in seamlessly and became family. Thank you for taking on more and more tasks; whatever we threw at you, you accomplished without complaint and on-time, if not early, including those ridiculously difficult adviser vs. editors-in-chief questions. You know I won! Liam, please make sure I get your autograph because you are going to be the next Robert Ebert, blasting terrible movies in your witty but academic way, and commending movies that deserve recognition. You are the rock to those around you who are finding their way; you inspire me. Liam, it has been such an honor and privilege to work with you for the last four years. I lost track of how many awards you won two years ago. Forgive me if I call you next year and beg you to teach a review workshop in efforts to find someone to replace Liam’s corner. Victoria, thank goodness you redesigned our newspaper, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. You are our design guru with a vision and I hope we can continue to make you proud. I will personally send you a paper to critique just to make sure we stick with the Koi plan. Thank you for pushing us to try something new. I contribute much of our national win to the new look. George Washington University is going to be such an amazing experience and I am so proud of you for taking the leap and having the courage to go. Oh Seizemore, you take snark to another level and I’m really going to miss it. It took everything in me NOT to include a picture from each birthday convention. Thank you for taking on a position that I know was certainly a challenge on many levels but that you tackled with passion and precision. Your absence next year is going to leave a huge hole in my heart but not in my wallet. Who is going to raid my food, coffee, and water stash? Coffee is on you for the next 50 visits from Cal! Patrick, I will never forget the mad search for Rewers junior in the Minneapolis airport on our way home from convention. How did you almost miss that plane?!? I knew from that convention that you were going to be a die-hard Prowler-er by the way you ran after that security cart like a streak of lightning. I am so appreciative of your commitment to not just the newspaper, but to the staff and your team. You and Cassie both have a calm demeanor that effectively convinces people to work with you, not for you. Court and Gracie have some big shoes to fill because you both lead with maturity, integrity, and humility. Cassie, I’m not sure I’m ready to part with the 17 going on 25-year-old who forces me sit to down, scolds me when I do a staff member’s job, and can make someone freeze in their tracks with the deadly Stephenson LOOK. I know it will be difficult to let the Prowler go, but you have done a wonderful job setting the future staff up for success. Thank you for your endless patience and determination to transform the classroom into a journalism office and second home to the staff, and for your work on the T.O. grant. Every single one of you makes me so proud and I will miss our stressful and wonderful late nights where we eat and work together to create publication after publication that embodies good journalism. You are ready for the real world; but remember us back here in B9. Don’t be a stranger and if you ever need a fix, you know where we are. Best to you all,
Saremi
“What I really hope to see for The Prowler’s future is to keep a clean and effective design, continue writing articles about those who haven’t yet received recognition and another magazine!!!”
“A positive change that I helped influence was the redesign of the newspaper: I really wanted to see the Prowler succeed [...] I think placing fourth in Best of Show this year was a positive outcome of the redesign.”
“The most valuable thing that I learned on the Prowler staff is the value of companionship-of having a staff that is more like a family. I learned the importance of a good work ethic and journalistic integrity.”
“My presence has been a life-changing, enlightening experience for everyone on the staff, but perhaps the person who has experienced my aura the most is Grace, who would have been ‘a different person otherwise.’”
“I think I’ll miss the group mentality the most-the “we’re all in this together” spirit that makes the newspaper sparkle. “
“There are several people who had a large impact on me. Mrs. Saremi, Courtney, Grace, and Maia convinced me not to quit after sophmore year, when I though I wouldn’t be able to handle the stress ( funny, right?). Maia and Courtney gave me a lot of encouragement that later led to me deciding to run for Chief. Justine and Patrick taught me that it is okay to relax and have fun sometimes and make bad puns.”
“The person who has had the greatest impact on me on the Prowler staff is Julian. He is the most courageous person I know. Period. “
“ My favorite Prowler memory would have to be Kansas city, the night of the dance. Justine and I both skipped dancing five minutes in, and when we couldn’t get into our own rooms, so we sat and got to know each other instead. When everyone else left, the night finished off with card games in the hall and the best staff bonding I’ve ever had.”
A2
The Clas
senior map The Prowler • June 6, 2014 Humboldt State University
UC Davis
Haley Martin Noah Pepperman Olivia Sullivan
Sacramento California Maritime Community College Christian Bitz Academy
Charles Gallaher Austin Godinez Deven Kammerichs-Berke Hayden Marzalek
Miles Klein Frederick Pond
CSU Chico Toni Bucaria Megan Honigsberg Emily Lipper Hannah Sallee Matthew Stein
Mills College
Emma Vargas
UC Berkeley
Prempal Athwal Emilie Biondi Michael Cho Amy Li Andrea Liu Shadman Rahman Justine Sizemore
San Francisco State University Conner Mowery Siya Patel Rebecca Sall Edward Sernas Kennedy Toro
University of San Francisco
Perla Castro Emily Hall Farshad Mohsenian
Academy of Art University
James Sutton
CSU East Bay Vanessa Lacbain
CSU Monterey Kyle Coolidge Kaylee Koh
Saint Mary’s College of California
Santa Clara University
Sarah Brecht
Celestine Sun
UC Santa Cruz
CSU Fresno
Darcy Bate Brooklyn Belvedere Jake DiFebo Hannah Flora Camille King Erik Lau Sarah Marshall Mikhaila Reid Blake Rocheleau Carly Shaul
Courtney Dreitzer Rachel Rosson Ellery Vincent Katherine Winter
Fresno City College Emily Hoerr
UC Merced
CSU Channel Islands
Ruben Arias Jake Briggs John Daly Madison Dederick Adrienne DeGuzman Doran DiStefano Thomas Duddy California Polytechnic Christine Easley Sierra Garcia State University Troy Hummel Clayton Christie Travis Hunt Spencer Esparza Sara Karr Dylan Garrett Daniil Khlupin Connor Lavi Leanne Liggett Sydney Mohr Sarah MacMillen Johnathan Nicholson Jacqueline McBride Gage Nishi Autumn McClintock McCall Stone Morgan Mendoza Emily Sweetman Brandon Nordin Michela Tomlinson Kenta Nutley Ryker Wall David Pfeiffer Renee Redondo San Luis Obispo Armando Reyes Junior College Hannah Ruotsala Jacquelynn Lee Cody Stumbough Cuesta College Elise Urias Sean Kenney-Williamson Gissel Uriostegui Jessica Ventrone Nicolas Visnjevic Haley Wurst Matthew Wurtz California Lutheran Hunter Zimmerling
Brian Ikenna-Obioha
Willow College
Cabrillo College
Brandon Oakes
Jonathan Martin Hanna Masci
Sonoma State University
West Coast University
Devin Hachard
Isabella Idea
San Jose State University
Santa Barbara City College Paramjot Bhatia Hailey Boling Katrina Brunasso Lauren Hall Tara Hays Emalee Hoefner Tiffany Huang Sarah Jimenez Rachael Kircher Joseph McKenna Mckay Vezina Matthew Walton Kristen Yniguez
Gianina Mapa Logan Palmer Rachel Sall Kaitlyn Spong
Westmont College Drew Fabricius Samantha Masyr
UC Santa Barbara Joseph Barnes Elizabeth Comeaux Pia DeLosReyes Madison Dodson Sami Ghanem Chandler Hawkins Michael Hsiao Stephanie Lee Ty Saylors Tyler Smith Mary Ternovskaya Austin Tisor James Yang Zareena Zaidi
CSU Northridge
Sarah Barlow Nathan Hickling Vicky Hsu Rachel Hwang Eric Morales Spencer Netka Justin Ngo Alexis Noga Nicholas Ponticelli Alexander Reese Bryan Rothman Tiffany Strong Patrick Wala Ze Yi
College of the Canyons Karlin Hooper
Moorpark College
Tayler Albanese Owen Albers Allison Andrade Isabella Antinoro Katherin Arce Anthony Audenino Erin Baker Daniel Banyai-Becker Christina Barillas Siera Barnett Joyanne Begg Alexandra Best
University
Oxnard College
Grant Escandon Jesslyn Hutchison Ryan Kiunke Danise Kluss Grace Liao Emily Manwell Kaiden Mowery Paola Ortiz Munoz Leina Rayshouny Grant Richards Yoselin Roldan Savannah Sipes Ashley Whitwell
Destiny Avila Zane Cook Joseph DiCeglie Ashiska Pettway Amelia Santos Kaitlyn Williams
Pierce College Savannah Cormier Lamont Grant Katie Rogers
UCLA
Ariele Andalon Justin Buchanan Alexander Clarke Yonatan Dukler Gregory Giebel Jason Jiang
Pepperdine University
California Polytechnic State University at Pomona
Garrett Corral
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
Skyler Gibbons-Stovall Brian Ortega
Keila Richardson
UC Riverside
Culinary Institute of Arts Jasmine Thaxton
San Diego State University
Universal Technical Institute
Megan Cecena Nicolette Dux Elise Fitzgerald Diana Galvez Trent Golden Amy Ho Shabnam Khorsand Thomas Kirchhoff Brooke Krum Cambria Middleton Michelle Morro Phillip Rosen Nicolas Stewart Bradley Vansant
USC
Preston Payne Ashley Reddy
CSU Long Beach
Ryan Brar Liam Brown Shelby Bryson Christopher Hamilton Conner Kinsner Nathan Moreno Caleb Mulick Tarren Tice
Santa Monica College Shelby Corley Mariah Cosner Gabriella Dean Hannah Decker Dante Della Gatta Cassidy Hayes
The Art Institute
Point Loma Nazarene University Alex Brunk
University of San Diego Victoria Coleman Cordel Frovarp Eric Gerald
CSU San Marcos Nicole Duong
Anna Bisetti Juan Navarro Jacob Best Jacob Blackwood Maria Bonilla Kyle Boyd Matthew Boyd Jenna Bray Joseph Bray Patrick Brown Zachary Bruno Chancellor Bublitz Paige Buske Megan Cady
Samantha Camarillo Ryan Campbell Slater Cane Kurt Carruthers Angelica Castillo Blue Castillo Natalie Christensen Cameron Cordero Joelle Cordova Randall Cota Chase Courtney Victoria Crider
Gloria Cueva Omar Darras Kevin Davila Graeme Davis Gemma DeLaRosa Joselle DeLosReyes Mackenzie Dembrowski
Jonathan Demorest Shane Dettloff Viridiana Diaz Carly Doderlein Rachel Dreese
Corey Bowen
Kaden Burdick
Portland College Ryan McMahon
Washington State University Ella Dederick
University of Oregon Samuel Collier Philippa Martin Joseph Murphy Sean Richeson Casey Sheehan Angela Wells
Lewis and Clark University Anna Lindberg
Portland Community College
Brigh
Jared Annie
Haley Levens
Oregon State University Juliane Arreola
Boise State University Samuel Jennings Riley Taylor
University of Nevada Jenna Piekarski
Brigham Young University Andrew Ceco Zachary Eschenberg William Everett Emma Fife
Austin Anderson Rachel Atkins Nevada Blankenship University of Utah Ryan Cantrell Bryce Lorentzen Becky Chi Andrew Cordova Weber State University Allyson Duffy Peter McKee Sabrina Lopez Xiomara Maldonado LDS Business College Makenna Murray Alis Reynoso Jacob Perl Brenda Rodriguez Erin Schleich University of Nevada Eric Williams Natalee Bloss Melissa Wyche
Cassie Stephenson
Los Angeles Recording School
Edgar Avalos
Ventura College
Digi Pen Institute of Technology
Portland State University
Southern Utah University Adam Wright
Embry-Riddle Prescott Nicholas Nuyn
Steven Callan Jeremy Pang William Thomas
Harvey Mudd College
Northern Arizona University Amanda Conrad Paul Hearne Megan McDevitt Kevin Russell
Lee Norgaard
UTI Rancho Cucamongo Thomas Saufley
Azusa Pacific University John Groom Rebekah Groom Trevor Sparkman Laura Ann Vajcovec Angelica Weiss
Life Pacific College Julia Clemen
UC San Diego Ian Bertram Adam Chin Jennifer Ging Elvis Hare Priscilla Hare Pinxue Li Dennis Yeh
Dalton Duarte Brandie Escalante Jack Farquharson Brandon Ferrer Vertin Ferretiz Jordan Flack Yesenia Flores Jospeh Fontana Sydney Fraser Nicole Frischer Thomas Gaiser James Gonzalez
Arizona State University UC Irvine Haley Chaney Yoon Han Sarah Huda Hassan Khokhar Nikita Rao Neggin Salimi-Moosavi Stephanie Sanfilippo Paul Smith Mindy Vu
CSU Fullerton Sandra Belat Casey Bowen
Alexandria Albaeck Evan Hoppe Zachary Rutkin Jadie Stewart Matthew Zweig
Universal Technical Institute Shaydon Williamson
Grand Canyon University Landon Nealon Rebecca Quesada
Chapman University Blair Pennington Sofia Randel Alexis Wallace
Jose Gonzalez Noelle Good George Graziano Brian Grippo Yoselin Guardado Benjamin Guerra Gina Gusmeroli Dylan Hagy Sarah Haidermota Mohamed Hamza Christopher Harvey Vanessa Hawkins
Andrew Hazen Angel Hernandez Alexander Herrel Cassandra Hirschtick Ashlee Hotchkiss Cameron Huchingson Trevor Hutchinson Steve Iglesias Leif Johnson Nathaniel Johnson Robert Jordan Brennah Kavanagh
Hanan Kha Wolfgang K Kyrie Kistle Noah Kova Karli La Pe Dakota Las Alex Layde Benjamin L Brian Lope Cheyenne Brandon L Stephanie
Undecided/No Response: Megan Amato, Anna Bisetti, Isaiah Bowman, Cheyenne Carpenter, Tyler Cartaino, Tanner Contreras-Russel, Kyle Desenberg, Meghan Dougherty, Jack Evans, Robert Garcia, Joshua Garza, Paige Grinker, Sheridan Head, Jennifer Iba
ss of ’14
Panther Prowler • June 6, 2014
A3
Colorado State University Alison Barbee
Mckenna Jacobson Tailor Kamins Bridget Murphy Shayne Niroomand
American University of Paris
Air Force
Marines
University of Colorado at Boulder
Devon Costa Mason Lund Adrian Perez
Andrew Schwallie Mathew Walker
Army
Navy
Mark Mizuno
Charrisse Porter
University of British Columbia
Justin Sanders-Victor
Torsten Fibiger
University of Northern Colorado Katie Willebrands
Community College in Colorado Jace Durrell
Israeli Defense Forces
University of South Dakota
University of Iowa
Brittney Baker Courtney Baker
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Branden Le Blanc
Delanie Gleason Matthew Wallack
University of Minnesota
Blake Tucker
d Blatter e Davis
Talia Winston
Northeastern University
Cornell College
Doane College
ham Young University
y
senior map
Ethan Khanolkar
Patrick Rewers
Angela Zhuang
Chadron College
Princeton University
Emerson College
Helena Van Brande
College of Saint Benedict
Daniel Opferman
Derick Anderson John Kikuchi Kevin Luo
Purdue University
Callie Stark
Depaul University Nicolas Robnett
Rafael Barraza
Ohio Wesleyan University
Assumption College Cole Tracy
Guillermo Gutierrez
Boston University
Ohio State University
Ali Shan Patel
McLane Martin
Johnson and Wales University Shelby Grigoriadis
New York University American University McKenzie Culbertson Rachel Dean Nicolle San Jose
Jonathan Byrne Samantha Prasopthum
Marymount Manhattan College
George Washington University
Kelly Klein
Victoria Koi Amanda Lu Alec Allee Munoz
Jenna Steinkamp
Duke University Alexander Lee
Pace University
Hofstra University Weston Beteta
Wagner College Elise Begg
Culinary Institute of America Blake Goodwin
New Mexico State University
Anthony Gainsborough
Samantha Celenza
Florida Gulf Coast University
Ashley Barker
Olivia Ellison
Eckerd College
Rice University
Kenna Reed
Lauren Heller
Texas A & M Ariana Dermand
Davis Garner Tyson Hunter Jacob Pace Benjamin Parra Carson Smith
University of Hawai’i at Manoa
Conejo Valley Adult School
Alissa Leone Rachel Wood
Maryuri Hernandez Troy Horn Jacob Morhar Brandon Quevedo Fernandez
Brigham Young University Lauren Benson Hayden Exstrom Baylee Mier Jane Milnes Austin Monzon Steven Monzon Helen Mooney Flavio Munoz Tanner Nanfito Brittney Northern Tara O’Gorman Claire Ollivier Hayden Olson Oscar Olvera
Gap Year Lauren Burhoe Brenda Castro Maleea Christian Madison Ellis William Kitay
Julie Lindholm-Couch Alan Maida Ryan Marangola Tara Obregon Jennifer Pellnitz
Latter Day Saints Mission
Madison Faga Elizabeth Nerland Kathryn Reinke
Jessica Macias Matthew Mahan Derek Mahn Kassandra Marin Alec Marquis Elijah Martinez Ossirys Martinez Conor McDaniel Matthew McKenna Sean McNeal Julio Melgar Ivey Mellem
Ashley Berry
University of Mississippi
John Agulia
University of Arizona
alil King er alick erche sley en Levi ez-Rodriguez Lorentz Lorenzo Lugo
LaGuardia Community College
University of Kansas
Kimberly Ferrante
University of New Mexico
Broward Community College
Adam Ontiveros Ryan Osborn Evin Padhi Carli Pantelas Anajali Paramanandam Ian Parkinson Sawyer Phillips Martin Polen Sarah Quiroz Brandon Rabiei Iridian Ramirez Karina Ramirez
Cecilia Ramos Greco Ramos Jeana Reeves Sarah Riffel Carina Ritz Cecily Rock Richard Rogers John Rose Dezarea Salak Lisa Salvatore Claudia Sanchez Yajayra Santa Cruz
Working Jordan Albright Omar Alvarez Austin Asvanonda Tristan Berntsen Brett Cornish Anthony Egendorfer David Feinstein Lukasz Ferguson Jesus Santiago Mary Schiele Mackenzie Schioppi Lindsay Schwartz Aleeza Sheikh John Sheridan Erik Solis Adam Sortomme Tyler Spady Natalie Stanziano Kaitlyn Steinle Michelle Stolp
Murphy Flattery Emilia Fraley Jerrianne Guerra Cody Hall Bryan Iglesias Megan Johnson Christopher Kemerling Moises Landeros
Kevin Mayer Allyson Myhre Hannah Perez Lucas Rieder Hallie Sankovich James Skresvig Yisselt Villegas Rebecca White
Maria Suarez Akash Swami Amanda Thatcher George Toki-Lamipeti Robert Tomasi Joceline Urias Sara Valle Victor Van Geem Nancy Vega Evan Velasco An Wang Daniel Weinstein
Erin Wick Jessica Wick Kiyanush Williams Eric Wolfe Edward Zmitrewicz
arra, Kelsey Jaeger, Joshua Lopez. Amber Luttrell, Noah Norrup, Mark Ochsner, Antonio Pagano, Jennifer Perham, Matthew Scobey, Jennifer Shaffer, Madison Shane, Brielle Swartz, Laura Vajcovec, William Webster
8
features Panther Prowler • June 6, 2014
CHIEFS Cassie Stephenson and Patrick Rewers/Seniors
1 What is the tallest building in
ADVISER VS
Michelle Saremi/English and Journalism
8 Who starred in the 1987 film
Nathan Hickling Sports Editor
“Dirty Dancing” as well as playing Jeanie in the 1986 film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”?
the United States, completed just recently?
Stephenson & Rewers: The Freedom Tower, in NYC. Saremi: The new trade center, I think. Answer: One World Trade Center/Freedom Tower.
Stephenson & Rewers: I can picture her face but I have no clue what her name is. Saremi: Jennifer Grey, two of my favorite movies! Answer: Jennifer Grey.
The official name of the building is the One World Trade Center, but it is also informally known as the Freedom Tower. The score starts at 1-1.
Saremi ties the editors with the correct answer of Jennifer Grey and a final score of 4-4.
7Bill Clinton was famously
2 Who is the president of
impeached in 1998 for perjury. Which other U.S. president has been impeached but was acquitted?
our neighbor to the south, Mexico?
Stephenson & Rewers: Michael Peña. Saremi: Nieto? Not sure. Answer: Enrique Peña-Nieto.
Stephenson & Rewers: Andrew Johnson. Saremi: Nixon. Answer: Andrew Johnson.
The editors fall behind by a whopping one point. The answer is Enrique Peña-Nieto. Saremi gains the lead with a score of 1-2. Samantha Meyer/Prowler
3 How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? (closest answer will receive the point)
Stephenson & Rewers: 386. Saremi: Those are disgusting. Never been able to finish it. Answer: A student study at Cambridge came up with the number 3,481 licks to get to the center.
4 What is the highest elevation point in the continental United States?
Stephenson & Rewers: Mt. Whitney. Saremi: Mt. Whitney. Answer: Mt. Whitney. Both sides steal the point! 3-3
5“Can I make it any more obvious?” To what is the punk/ pop Canadian singer referring?
Stephenson & Rewers: Avril Lavigne... we don’t know. Saremi: Alanis Morissette? I don’t know. Answer: “He was a boy, she was a girl.”
The editors catch up with the correct answer of Andrew Johnson! 3-4
6 Who killed disco on “disco
demolition night” in 1979?
Stephenson & Rewers: Justin Buchanan. Saremi: No clue. Courtney Brousseau? Answer: Steve Dahl. Sadly, neither Prowler staff member killed disco in 1979. The answer is Steve Dahl. 3-3
The answer is actually he was a boy, she was a girl. 3-3
Although the editors are about 3,000 licks away from the real answer, they take the point. 2-2
IT’S A TIE! 4 4 ASL fundraises at restaurant for library Shreya Chattopadhyay Staff Writer If one peered into the restaurant Pieology on the Sundays of April 27 or May 18, they would have seen a silent but lively scene -- A group of American Sign Language students, parents and instructors signing animatedly to each other while enjoying the many delicacies Pieology has to offer. The American Sign Language club has embarked on a new program of fundraisers to raise money for new books and videos for ASL students. According to the official ASL flyer, these books and videos will “help start a new ASL section in the NPHS library”. The events, while generally involving communication purely through sign language, involve a multitude of activities, including games and ASL students demonstrating sign language. Despite the lack of vocal communication, students are able to enjoy themselves thoroughly.
“Mrs. Wilson tried to keep the events voices off for students and others who know sign, and we usually eat pizza and meet some friends,” said Emily Annis, junior. To participate in the fundraisers, students went to Pieology on the designated days, and presented the ASL flyer when ordering food. As a result, 15% of all sales on those days went to ASL club to fund their library. While the events are a fairly new creation, Sonia Wilson, ASL teacher, looks forward to more events and more money for the library. “We hope to continue the fundraisers, and the students want to have some future ones at places such as Cronies”, Wilson said. In regards to the library, students are hopeful that the fundraisers will lead to success. “I hope that by the time I graduate, the program will meet its goal and get better books,” Annis said.
Working for the cause - ASL club members practiced signing and raised money for the ASL’s new library during a fundraiser at Pieology. Sonia Wilson/With Permission
entertainment
9 Godzilla : a solid mix of drama and destruction Panther Prowler • June 6, 2014
Michael Hellard/Prowler
Liam Brown Entertainment Editor “Godzilla” is one of those films that plays more like an adventure than a simple sit-ina-chair-and-watch movie, thanks to a strong story and characters. Also, as you might expect, there’s plenty of destruction to go around. Everyone’s favorite giant sea monster is long overdue for a new movie adaptation: 2014 marks Zilly’s 60th anniversary, and Roland Emmerich’s much-reviled 1998 treatment left a bad taste in the mouths of fans and critics alike. Now it’s director Gareth Edwards’ turn, who is most famous for 2010’s “Monsters”, a British science fiction film that received positive reviews and acclaim for Edwards. (As of this writing, it’s also on Netflix streaming, and while it’s less exhilarating than “Godzilla”, it’s a compelling twist on the giant-monster story that’s worth watching to see what put Edwards on the map.) This “Godzilla” is more of an origin story, and according to uncredited script contributor Frank Darabont, focuses on Godzilla as “a terrifying force of nature”. Meanwhile, there’s a solid cast at work with a solid backstory for Godzilla. After scientists find a strange, colossal skeleton in the mines of the Philippines, suggesting something may have escaped, nuclear physicist Joe Brody
(Bryan Cranston) is called in to take a look, along with his wife ( Juliette Binoche). Tragically, his wife dies while exploring the core thanks to an explosion caused by the escaped monster. We watch not only from Joe’s point of view but from his son Ford’s, sitting in his classroom as three nuclear reactors crumble and poison the entire town. Despite what trailers and posters might suggest, the film is less about the destruction than the human cost behind the destruction, which separates “Godzilla” from other bigbudget action films. Flash-forward 15 years and Ford (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) has a family of his own, including wife Elle (Elizabeth Olsen). Dad’s still around, but the hundreds of newspaper clippings he keeps pinned to the walls suggest that he’s not doing a great job of living in the present. He insists that what killed his wife was no earthquake as the government suggests, and from there on out, the adventure begins, as it turns out that the creature that killed Joe’s wife was also being hunted by a much larger creature (hint: name starts with a G) and that we’ve really got two monsters for the price of one. One of the strengths of the movie comes not just from the visuals but from the cast’s performances. Ken Watanabe, as
Japanese scientist Ishiro Serizawa, and David Strathairn (forever associated in my eyes with Edward R. Murrow in “Good Night, and Good Luck” -- thanks, Mrs. Saremi’s intro journalism class!) as U.S. Navy admiral William Stenz clash over what to do about the warring monsters. Serizawa says let them fight it out, and the U.S., in all its infinite wisdom, goes for the “let’s shoot it” plan. It’s a realistic battle of ideals, which lends weight to the film. However, Cranston’s performance is the major highlight here. He doesn’t play completely crazy with Joe’s quest to uncover the truth, but there’s a glint of unhealthy obsession in the way he’s focused on it for so long. His theories about cover-ups and strange seismic activity are hard to believe, especially when we’re seeing him through the other scientists’ eyes, but then the earth shakes, the lights go out, and yeah, maybe we should’ve given this guy a listen while we had the chance. But admit it: the main reason we see a “Godzilla” movie isn’t for the drama. It’s to see a hundred-foot sea monster destroy stuff, and this adaptation delivers in spades. It’s like Godzilla’s comeback Tour of Destruction, from Japan to Hawaii to San Francisco (get those tickets now, people, because I’ve heard
this one is killer). At the very least, it’s worth a trip to the theater for this film, because Edwards does an excellent job of putting viewers in the middle of the action: you’re running for cover from a giant tidal wave with so many Hawaiian-shirted citizens; you’re watching from afar as Godzilla devours a train car as swiftly and quickly as one would devour an Olive Garden breadstick; you’re narrowly avoiding getting stomped on as these creatures tromp around the city (a handful of others aren’t so lucky). For the big guy’s 60th, he really couldn’t have asked for a better creature feature: it’s got enough smashes and bangs to awaken your inner kid, with enough human drama and strong characters to back it all up and make you realize, oh yeah, there are lives at stake here. It’s also a movie dealing heavily in endings: if you’re into this kind of thing, you’ll know that it’s the final film in the coproduction of Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures (“The Dark Knight” and “The Hangover” trilogies), through which the Brothers Warner have received their biggest box office grosses ever. It’s also my last review for The Prowler, and it’s only fitting that we go out with a bang -- or, in the case of this film, a roar.
Student Voices: If you could live anywhere,where would you live? Haley Berardinelli Staff Writer
“I would live in the United States of America because it’s the best dang country in the world!”
“I would love to live in Bora Bora because I love the tropics.”
Bryce Lorentzen senior
Jeff Demorest sophomore Delaney Downard freshman
“I’d live in Sweden because Sweden is rad. The people from Sweden have cool accents.”
Nick Bublitz junior
“I’d live in British Columbia, Canada, because the skiing and mountain biking are way good, and the people are way sick there too.”
10
entertainment Panther Prowler • June 6, 2014
ROCK OUT with your SUNBLOCK OUT summer concerts calendar
Raevyn Walker Staff Writer
JUNE
JULY
May 31-June 1: Bruno Mars and Pharrell Williams -Hollywood Bowl June 5: OneRepublic with The Script -- Hollywood Bowl June 12: T-Pain -- House of Blues June 16: Ed Sheeran, Demi Lovato, Colbie Callait, Andy Grammer -- Hollywood Bowl June 22: Vans Warped Tour -- Ventura County Fairgrounds
July 7: Cher -- Staples Center July 8: KISS and Def Leppard -- The Forum July 21-22: Lady Gaga -- Staples Center July 24: The Neighbourhood -- Greek Theater July 29: “The Voice” Tour -- Nokia Theater
AUGUST August 1: Arcade Fire -- The Forum August 2-3: Beyonce and Jay-Z -- Rose Bowl August 7: Eminem and Rihanna -- Rose Bowl August 7: Arctic Monkeys, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club -- Staples Center August 8: The Kooks -- Roxy Theater LA August 12: Justin Timberlake -- Staples Center
Michael Hellard/Prowler
Panther Players perform “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” despite behind-the-scenes obstacles Justine Sizemore Features Editor The curtain went up on the Panther Players’ first performance of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof ” on May 15. The six shows that followed were the accumulation of two months of hard work in which the cast and crew pulled together to overcome unanticipated obstacles to produce a successful spring play against all odds. “Our director left after the show was cast and we had to have a whole new director, and that was a different experience,” Cassidy Hayes, senior and assistant stage manager, said. “We just kind of did it on our own. Dani (Kluss, senior,) and Brett (Coker, junior,) would organize outside rehearsals … and then when we got our new director it was totally different because we had to meet a new person with new ideas on the show. But she was really into what we thought of the show so there wasn’t a lot of conflict. It was a really smooth transition.” This transitional period posed an unforeseen burden for the cast and crew, already working under a tight deadline. “We had no time. It was a major time crunch because of spring break,” Hayes said. “(Losing our director) became a huge part of the show’s process,” Coker added. “It was a large stress sometimes for the cast. It was interesting having to halt some aspects of the rehearsal process for a week or two while figuring out the new director and then starting in with a stranger.” The cast focused much of their time and energy on character development and building chemistry on and off stage. The show itself deals with powerful and sensitive themes such as alcoholism, adultery, and terminal cancer. “This show is a very bold choice for a high school. It definitely rattled everyone involved emotionally, but not necessarily in a negative way. Just it’s a very passionate show and it involves a lot of the more intense and hardcore facets of being a human being,” Coker said. “So that takes a lot, and maybe that’s not for everyone.” Coker played the role of Brick, the alcoholic favorite son of a wealthy plantation owner whose cancer has left him only months to live. “This role is one of my favorites I’ve ever done and its an extremely large undertaking. But it was something that I just found a lot of passion in as an artist and as an actor,” Coker said. Although the production was not as lighthearted as the student body is accustomed to, audiences were still impressed with the final result. “Honestly, the storyline was probably not what people wanted. People aren’t really into dramas at this school, but as far as the acting and performances went, I heard really good review from everyone,” Hayes said. “It was a success because we persevered. After all … we’ve been through it came out well. It came out really well. Even though we didn’t get huge audiences, it was a good show.”
Happy birthday, Big Daddy - Isabelle Surby and Ashley Berreth, freshmen, playing Buster and Dixie, sing a birthday song to their grandfather (Big Daddy, played by Casey Bowen, senior). Kurt Kemper, junior, playing Gooper, and Izzy Bordagaray, freshman, as Mae, argue with their family about the future of their father’s plantation. Samantha Meyer/Prowler
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Panther Prowler • June 6, 2014
Natalie Christensen named Lakers Student of the Month Kishen Majithia Opinion Editor The Los Angeles Lakers basketball organization honors several students and educators every month who “demonstrate an outstanding commitment to academia, athletics, and community outreach”, according to www.lakers.com. On April 11, Natalie Christensen, senior, went on the court during halftime at a Lakers basketball game along with five other students and educators to receive the Lakers Student of the Month Award for April. Christensen admitted that stepping out on the court in front of the crowd was a little nerve-wracking. “At first I was very nervous when I was on the court. There were cameras and a huge crowd which was very overwhelming … but it turned out to be a wonderful experience and I really enjoyed it,” she said. She was nominated by her social sciences teacher, Rich Bradley. “I believed she would be a worthy recipient based on her excellence in academics, her commitment to extracurricular activities, her strong leadership qualities, and her devotion to serving the community. Her work ethic is exceptional, and has enabled her to be an amazing student,” Bradley said. Christensen has been captain of the cheerleading team for three out of her four high school years and also serves the community as a volunteer at St. John’s Hospital. “(The award) comes as no surprise to me due to her reliability and her capability as a leader. She always took on leadership responsibilities in any in-class group activity,” Bradley said. When asked why she thought she deserved the award, Christensen remained humble. “To be honest, I think I simply won the award by being an actively working student. Much like a lot of other students at NPHS, I have tried to put a consistent
In the spotlight - Natalie Christensen, senior, waves to the crowd as she and two other students accept the “Lakers Student of the Month” award at a Lakers basketball game, along with teachers who received “Teacher of the Month”. Rich Bradley/With Permission
amount of effort into school and other activities and I think that must count for something. A lot of students I know would fit the role of the Student of the Month. Putting in effort is all it really takes,” Christensen said. After graduating this month,
Christensen plans on attending Moorpark College in the fall and hopes to transfer to the University of California, Los Angeles after two years. She is interested in pursuing a career in the medical field. “Natalie’s character is exceptional and
inspiring. She embodies all the virtues and values that I want to see in my own daughter. If one of my sons brought her home, I would lock the door and not allow her to leave until she agreed to marry him,” Bradley joked.
STUDENTS CONSIDERED FOR VENTURA COUNTY HALL OF FAME
Almost famous - Alex Brunk (left), senior, and Tyler Cartaino (right), senior, have been nominated to be inducted to the Ventura County Hall of Fame. Both were named “Most Valuable Player of the Marmonte League” on their respected Varsity Basketball teams. Tracie Stephenson/Prowler, Tyler Cartaino/With Permission
Kimmy Ferrante Features Editor On June 8, the Ventura County Sports Hall of Fame will induct two new student athletes from Ventura County that have been nominated from their school. This year, the administration and sports coaches at Newbury Park deliberated and decided to nominate Alex Brunk and Tyler Cartaino, both senior basketball players. Brunk, who was selected as MVP for her junior and senior year, says she has been playing basketball since second grade, with her dad as her coach, and has “progressively got more and more into the sport ... I’ve been on Varsity since I was a freshman, and each year I’ve been getting better and better,” she says. Between basketball, school and extracurriculars, “I’m very busy all the time,” Brunk says. “I take my academics very seriously … I also help teach basketball to younger
kids ... (and) I teach Sunday School for my Church (and) I do vacation bible school over summer.” Brunk is also involved in helping students in special education, on and off campus. “I’ve actually been a teacher’s assistant in the special education class here since freshman year, I’m the president of the Panther Pals club on campus, (and) sophomore year I planned prom for all the special education students,” she says. She is also involved in “Buddy Break” at her church. Next year, Brunk will be attending Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and playing on their NCAA Women’s Basketball Team. She plans to major in Applied Health Sciences with an emphasis in Kinesiology, as she is interested in pursuing a career as a physical therapist. “It’s kind of cliche as an athlete - but I love being around sports and being involved in them.”
However, she says she would like be involved in special education, “possibly teaching it or being a speech therapist ... I’m not entirely sure, there’s a lot of things I want to do,” she says. Cartaino, who was also an MVP this year, has been playing in multiple teams since fifth grade. These include “NPBA, (Newbury Park Basketball Association) … travel team … club basketball, I played all four years of high school and I’ve been doing AAU (Amateur Athletics Union) since my sophomore year.” Cartaino credits his youth basketball coach with his success, who is currently training players on the NBA Memphis Grizzlies team. “The person who has helped me most is Adam Mazarei … He’s been my biggest influence over the years.” Outside of playing basketball, Cartaino volunteers to teach others basketball. “I helped coach my little brother’s team, (and) sophomore year and junior year me and my friends did special needs basketball club. I’ve helped out with a bunch of basketball camps for younger, like third grade through eighth grade (kids).” Cartaino is undecided about his plans for next year, but is going to keep basketball a part of his future. “I might have to go to a prep school first but right now I’m getting looks from Cornell, Columbia, Brown ... then the Air Force is the other one.” He says he may want to study
“something with law ... but I’m not 100% sure yet.” Coach Jason Klein says that Brunk and Cartaino were exceptional in all areas of criteria for the award, which include academic and athletic excellence. “They’re great, they’ve both contributed so much, not only to their respected teams but to their school and how hard they worked… they’re just great examples of Panthers.” Larry Berlin, Assistant Principal, agreed, saying “(they are) both team leaders.” Both athletes were humble and grateful for the recognition, and surprised as well that they had received the nomination. “I was very shocked when I got this award, because I mean there are so many deserving athletes … every sport has so many incredible people,” Brunk says. “It’s such an honor and a blessing to be given this opportunity to represent my school … I’m very thankful.” “I didn’t really know what to say, I ended up just saying thank you,” Cartaino says. “I’m getting nominated for it personally, but honestly, if I didn’t have my teammates and my coaches with me it wouldn’t have happened … so I’m really thankful for the guys that I’ve got to play with for the past four years. Even during the losing seasons ‘cause those are all learning experiences,” he adds, “The guys … they’re the reason I’m here, my teammates and my coaches.”
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sports Panther Prowler • June 6, 2014
RUNNING
HOME Samantha Meyer Chief Photographer Moving the Game Forward - Winding up the pitch, David Hughes, junior, plays for the JV baseball team at a home game. Up to Bat - Hitting the ball, Davis Sine, sophomore, gets ready to run the bases at the game on April 4th.
Focused on the Field Concentrating on the game, Cameron Kisner, freshman, looks down the diamond before a pitch
Home Run - After their teammate rounds the bases, the freshmen baseball team cheers from the dug out.
Move Down the Field - Davis Sine, sophomore, runs from second to third during an inning.
Quick Reflex - Cameron Kisner, freshman, tries to tag out his opponent at second base.