2013-2014 Issue 1 (September 20, 2013)

in this issue

PANTHER PIT 5

CAREERS 6-7

FOOTBALL 12

pantherprowler.org

PANTHER PROWLER Friday September 20, 2013 Issue I

Newbury Park High School

456 N. Reino Rd., Newbury Park, CA 91320

New test to focus on new goals Grace O’Toole DPS Editor Raevyn Walker Staff Writer It’s spring in the year 2015, and a blanket of silence covers the entirety of the school just as it does every year. Except this particular year is different from those past.

This year, students are not taking California Standards Tests, but instead the newly implemented federal Common Core State Standards exams.

Common Core testing is slated to replace the current California Standards Tests by 2015, and will eventually replace the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) as well.

Along with the new federal tests come a newly minted set of national standards and several changes in how the test is conducted.

The most notable difference is who will be tested. After continuous testing from third through eighth grade, only students in eleventh grade will be required to take the Common Core tests. There are also only two exams, English Language Arts and Mathematics; however, while science and social studies will not have their own exams, factors and concepts from the two will be integrated into the others.

According to Jennifer Lockwood, Science Department Chair, the main focus has shifted from memorizing facts in each subject to “how do you connect all of these things together?” Now, she says, the tests “are looking for the thinking behind your answers and asking students, ‘Can you think?’.

In an effort to create a more lifelike, applicable test, students will answer questions on computers and in groups where students must figure out problems that force them to interact with their peers. Athol Wong, principal, comments,

“

more comprehensive thinking, a fact which is reflected in fewer, yet more in-depth questions. Lockwood prefers the new science standards, called the Next Generation Science Standards, which are based on concepts as opposed to facts.

“It’s hard to get all of the facts in, when science should be about experimenting and figuring it out. NextGen allows students to come up with their own ideas,” she says.

The tests have the potential to provide a more valid representation of student achievement. Nevertheless, there are still issues at the school and national levels. A pilot test in New York yielded much less than satisfactory results, with only one third of students passing. This creates the concern that the new tests will be much harder for students.

Finally, NPHS’ block schedule majorly conflicts with the required proctoring. At this school, students are usually split by grade level and last name rather than with close classmates, as in many other schools. In addition to this, only a fourth of the school will be tested and classes cannot simply be halted for eleventh grade only. All concerns aside, the Newbury Park student body should expect the Common Core testing to take full effect within the next two years.

Common Core testing is slated to replace the current California Standards Tests by 2015, and will eventually replace the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE)

Patrick Rewers Editor in Chief Nathan Hickling Features Editor

”

“(I) think that by demanding that students collaborate on those performance tasks, by using the technology that we want students to be able to use, it will help make education more relevant to students.”

The standards themselves will be deeper and encourage

School Begins WASC Review

This year marks the end of the six-year accreditation program completed through the effort of administration workers, teachers, and participating students. The joint program created by the Western Association of Schools (WASC) and the California Department of Education is designed to accredit high schools to allow their students to pass on into colleges and universities, and improve on needed areas.

The purpose of the accreditation process is to validate graduates’ diplomas for when they apply for college.

Accordingly, students also play a role in the process: during visits, the committee talks to select students, and students can take part in meetings, submit survey questions, and more. The process will be handled by Karen Kikuchi, math teacher, who has acted in the past a volunteer WASC committee member. Students and parents wishing to participate can find more information by contacting Kikuchi about opportunities. “[It is] a validation of the work we do,” Athol Wong, principal, said of the program. “The WASC commission reads everything... and then decides what length of accreditation to give to schools.”

In the case of Newbury Park, a six-year accreditation was awarded, although it will require renewal after the end of the school year. After being reviewed by the WASC committee during a three day inspection, the school is given a list of criteria to improve on. How well the conditions are met determine the new length of accreditation, which may last six, three, two, or one years and may require probationary visits or a mid-term comittee visit for schools that cannot meet the standards “Every stakeholder is in a focus group, and a home group,” Wong explained. “There’s a cycle that goes from home group, to focus group, to home group.”

The accreditation process allows the community to review the school, examine the aspects that otherwise might be overlooked, and cause change. For those curious about the different functions of the school, WASC is not only a way to accredit a school, but also to learn more, and actively shape the future of the system.

“Personally, I think it’s a great way for a teacher, or any educator, to learn how a school is run. You kind of get the behind the scenes perspectives and perceptions of what makes the school tick. As a WASC visiting team committee

member, you get to talk to parents, students,school board members, and get a broader perspective. I get a better understanding of all the different things that go on in the school. As a teacher, you go through three to five periods a day with the bell, and you’re so focused just on your students, that it’s hard to see the broader perspective.” Kikuchi said.

Among the changes that have originated from WASC, late start days are a direct result of the last review, as well as the school’s intervention program. The most common areas of improvement regard ensuring that all students perform to the best of their abilities and helping them overcome disadvantages.

“We’ve just started, and it’ll be a year long process. We’re hoping that the WASC committee will visit us next fall. We will be publishing a WASC report, and they will receive the copy before next fall, which will allow them to read through it and ask any questions they have,” Kikuchi said. “You want to look at the school as a community from all different perspectives.It’s a reflective process, and I think that’s a wonderful thing, because we’re not perfect. It lets you take a moment to think about where we are, where we’ve been, and how we can improve.”

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news Panther Prowler • Sept. 20, 2013

Yearbook and Journalism:

Under The Same Roof

Online at PANTHERPROWLER.ORG Interested in reading the sports scoreboard? Check it out online at pantherprowler.org, along with a review on the recent Wolverine movie,and an inside scoop on some new teachers!

Mariam Syed Staff Writer When Ted Warfield resigned as yearbook adviser last year, the school was left without one. Michelle Saremi, journalism and English teacher, accepted the position and is now the new yearbook adviser.

Saremi’s previous classroom was too small to accommodate the proper amount of computers required for both classes. To fix the problem, Saremi was given two adjoining classrooms, one to serve as a computer lab and one as a standard teaching room. In this way, Saremi could continue to teach all of her classes without becoming a traveling teacher.

As the adviser for both yearbook and journalism classes, Saremi hopes to see more collaboration between the staff of journalism and yearbook students this year. “I want the students to work together, take photos together, and for yearbook to be journalistic, because we’ve never had that before,” Saremi said. “I want there to be a family unity (between the students).”

A unity has already sprung between the two classes. Samantha Meyer, sophomore, is the assistant photographer for both journalism and yearbook. Even though the year has just begun, Meyer has already noted the positive difference in collaborating with the yearbook staff. “The merging (of both classes) has positively influenced me, giving me more photography experience and new friends I couldn’t have gotten without being part of both staffs,” she said. Meyer, who was on the journalism staff last year, believes that by “being under the same roof,” the students from both classes can better collaborate on articles and photos.

Senior Justine Sizemore is the co-editor-in-chief for the yearbook staff, and a features editor on the journalism staff. Sizemore, who has been on the journalism staff since freshmen year, has already noted the differences between the two types of publications.

“With yearbook, there is more freedom (than in journalism); it allows for more creativity in design,” Sizemore said, adding that she hopes to see a camaraderie spring between the students of both staffs.

As both classes begin to share photos and resources, the staffs’ opportunity for bonding has increased. In November, both classes will head to Boston, Massachusetts, for the annual National High School Journalism Convention, which offers workshops on photography, computer design, and writing, among many other topics. “By working together, I know we can really improve both publications,” Meyer said.

pantherprowler.org

News in brief

Mariam Syed Staff Writer

America’s Top Schools According to The Daily Beast, Newbury Park High School was ranked 192 out of the nation’s top 2000 public schools. The schools were ranked based on several factors: graduation rate, college acceptance rate, Advance Placement and International Baccalaureate tests taken per student, average SAT and ACT scores, average AP and IB scores, and the percent of students taking at least one AP or IB class. All data was self-reported by the school itself. To see the full list of America’s top schools, go to www.thedailybeast.com.

Water Bottle Refill Station In late August, two new water bottle refill stations were installed, one outside the girls’ locker room and one outside the boys’. The water bottle refill stations allow the user to fill up their water bottle without tipping it over, and can be used as a normal drinking fountain.

The water bottle refill stations are the result of the work put in by seniors Victoria Koi and Kathryn Reinke. Koi and Reinke began selling reusable water bottles last year in an effort to raise enough money for one water bottle refill station. The girls were fortunate to receive a promotion on the fountains, allowing them to receive one for free, which enabled the installation of two water bottle refill stations.

opinion Panther Prowler • Sept. 20, 2013

editorial:

HPV

vaccine

helpful or hurtful?

3

the vaccine is

3

shots over a period of 6 months

and is recommended for 1 both boys and girls

almost half of the

19,000,000 When people hear human papillomavirus (HPV), the first topics that come to mind are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). While HPV is an issue linked to STDs, the majority of people do not understand why it is important to be informed about this particular virus and the vaccine to prevent contracting it. The vaccine is a seemingly foreign preventive measure that some undergo simply because their doctor recommends it.

Many do not know what this vaccine is actually used for and what it does. HPV is a virus that can cause additional issues to the person infected, in conjunction to the health problems it can originally inflict. The main issue is that the virus can cause certain cancers to develop.

Originally, this vaccine was emphasized for the female population, but now it is beginning to be highly recommended for males as well. The vaccine is a preventive measure against the development of cervix cancer in women, a cancer that is almost always linked to the contraction of HPV. But now Merck and Company, which manages Gardasil, the only HPV vaccine administered, is recommending that males be vaccinated as well.

Some people are wary about why males are now considered eligible for this vaccine. In addition to this, the vaccine also raises the question about sexual activity at a young age. The vaccine can be given around the age of nine, which prompts the question of why so early? For one, nine is usually the earliest age when puberty can hit, and it does not necessarily correlate to the age of sexual activity. The early age is merely for preventive measures.

Boys, on the other hand, are not at risk of cervix or other related cancers, but these certain cancers are not the only thing HPV can cause, so that is why it is highly recommended to get vaccinated.

While HPV does fall into the category of STDs, the vaccine itself is not in promotion of reckless sexual activity. And while it is imperative that females get vaccinated, increasingly so in today’s world, the emphasis is now extended to the male population as well.

People who have been vaccinated could have the idea that this vaccine gives them invincibility to other STDs. This misinformation can be critical to those who are sexually active, and it causes a breach in their view on having safe sex. Protection is of the utmost importance and nobody is invincible to the contraction of STDs. The bottom line is that this vaccine serves the purpose of prevention, not protection.

new STDs every year are contracted by youth age

15 - 24

2

47.4% of high school students have had sexual 2 intercourse

1. http://www.cdc.gov/hpv/vaccine.html 2. http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/sexualbehaviors/

PANTHER PROWLER 2013-2014 staff

Editors-in-Chief Patrick Rewers Cassie Stephenson Copy Editors Liam Brown Grace O’Toole Photographers Chief / McCall Stone Samantha Meyer

News Editors Victoria Koi Nevnit Gill

Entertainment Editors Staff Writers Nathan Hickling Kimmy Ferrante Shreya Chattopadhyay Liam Brown Samantha Meyer Mariam Syed Opinion Editors Sports Editors Raevyn Walker Courtney Brousseau Preston Hill Dana Foley Kishen Majithia Features Editors Justine Sizemore Courtney Mack

Ad Managers Justin Buchanan Business / Victoria Koi

Online Editors Courtney Brousseau Mariam Syed

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

Panther Prowler • Sept. 20, 2013

Construction Frustration

RAMP CLOSED - With closed off ramps and impatient drivers, students of NPHS experience delay to and from school due to recurring construction on Wendy Drive. Samantha Meyer/ Photographer

Raevyn Walker Staff Writer Of the many depressing, stupid, and absolutely frustrating aspects of school, the cause of every premature gray hair on my head is from the dust of an endless construction project. On a school morning, I arrive to the exit on the freeway with ten minutes to spare, but that extra time is devoured in the construction site on the on-ramp of US-101/Wendy Drive.

The Wendy Drive/101 Bridge Project began renovation in February of 2012, according to www.toaks.org. The purpose of this project was to make the bridge

larger and improve congestion, though currently, the construction only seems to be causing more congestion and with it a multitude of frustration.The tedious improvements are scheduled to be completed this November, which is troubling because a few weeks ago they were scheduled to be done this September. Even more depressing is the fact that last year, the construction was “scheduled” to be finished in June 2013.

14.3 million dollars funds Wendy Drive/101 Bridge Project, according to www.toaks.org. Knowing this, every Camarillo student has the right to be

impatient. This is way too much money funding a renovation that is taking way too long. Obstacles like this one are what make Newbury Park’s “Camarillians” feel like we are children driving to Disneyland. This remarkable truth hits that one has to pay and stand in a line to reach the land where dreams come true.

The ramp going south, back to my Camarillo home, might as well not even exist. The Thousand Oaks Construction website advises that this ramp will be closed intermittently. But why on earth does that “intermittent” time have to be every day after 5 o’clock, when I’m trying to get home from school? It’s not just that I find joy in returning to my home sweet home, but I have homework, and tests, and a gargantuan pile of work to do.

There is no sufficient reason why I must be stranded on this island with no way to get out.

It’s not that we shouldn’t be improving our highway. More lanes will decrease congestion and a fresh, new highway will decrease the number of accidents on the grade (which also make us late).

Nevertheless, the construction seems endless.

There are reasons why so many students crowd on the Wendy Drive exit every morning. Camarillians choose to come to Newbury Park, when we have other options, because we love it here.

Honestly, this school is worth spending extra gas money. Although I complain, it’s worth waking up at 5:30 every morning.

It’s worth having friends that are all ten miles away. But when extra complications are added on, especially avoidable ones like this construction, then the love becomes strained. This is just one little inconvenience, but if construction were completed, it would make the greatest difference.

That shrinking feeling “Even though the summer is disappearing doesn’t mean nobody can enjoy it.”

Courtney Mack Features Editor

Freedom, hot weather, and water parks: that’s what summer’s all about.

The fact is, the warm days of running crazy through the streets are coming to a close. This is mostly due to school starting, but the other problem is the summer is seeming shorter. It’s like the season is shrinking.Teenagers cherish their summer, making it shorter just isn’t fair to the student’s eyes.

Of course now that we are back in school it gets unbearably hot outside and every student dreams of being inside. When anyone steps outside the humidity and heat takes over, turning us all into zombies.

So as the zombies walk to class, they are half asleep and don’t learn anything in the first place. The introductions

don’t catch anyone’s attention because much like zombies think about brains, students would be thinking about summer.

If we had just a few more days left in summer life would be better; the student body and the staff full of teachers would be able to stay at home with their families for a longer amount of time.

Not to mention everyone would be able to relax and do nothing in the cool comfort of their home. Our summer, apparently, is getting longer, yet it seems too short.

Looking back, school used to let out at the beginning of June and started back up again in the beginning of September. Now we waste away until the middle of June and come back at the

end of August.

That seems shorter all in itself.

The youth lives for the summer and for everything along with it. Taking it away from us is cruel and unusual punishment, even if the number of days says otherwise.

Even though the summer is disappearing doesn’t mean no one can enjoy it. After all, the summer feels short in general. It’s not exactly great that it’s actually shorter, ahough statistically, it’s becoming longer.

It seems normal for a teenager to think summer is shrinking. This feeling is typical to an average student.

Perhaps next year the summer will be a tad bit longer, so we can stay in the cold for just a few more hours.

COLUMN The Wrong of Way Samantha Meyer/ Photographer

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opinion

Dana Foley Opinion Editor There is an often quoted saying that states “third times a charm” but apparently the originator of these wise words has yet to step into the Department of Motor Vehicles.

While most teenagers were living their summer like a One Direction video, I lived mine like an infomercial for the DMV. What started out as a naïve plan to pass my permit test on the first attempt turned out to be a three month relationship with my new girlfriend, the DMV. As girlfriends go, she was demanding, needy, and expected more of my time than I was prepared for. As I would arrive each time, the same Paul and Debra looking pedestrians would sit in blue chairs waiting to return to their job at Amgen just as I would be given the same ‘Again?’ look by the foreign desk clerk. After three months and four attempts of the 9 a.m. visits, the white haired women with the over applied lipstick finally gave me the permit I thought I would receive in June.

Now armed with a new permit, all I needed was my weapon. With this, my mom then decided to take me to the automobile equivalent of an animal shelter. Rows of well used and dented vehicles pleaded for me with their dirty head lights and rusted wheels. After walking a few rounds around the lot, I finally decided on a used red car that I affectionately named Paint Chip.

After the DMV and I broke up, my mom decided to sign me up for behind the wheel lessons with an instructor who had probably taken just as many anxiety pills as I did beforehand. After introductions and a quick review of the only things I knew about driving, I was given the OK by my mentor and I soon began to remove my foot from the break, which immediately triggered the equivalent feeling to being strapped on a rickety ride by a suspicious looking Carnie at a fair. After the two hour long trip finally came to a stop, I felt accomplished, proud, and above all, relieved that no pedestrians or innocent squirrels were harmed during my constant breaking and screeching.

Later I imagined a nice trip to Dos Vientos, home of wide streets and upscale driveways, but I instead found myself tricked into barreling down the narrow trends of Potrero.

Terrified by my instructors demeanor, I found myself asking how she could possibly be calm. With a nervous laugh she confessed: “I’m not, I’m terrified right now!” We bonded in that moment, united by terror at each approaching sharp turn or steep ravine.

Although I’ll admit that I am still a nervous driver who shrieks when a car passes me without signaling, I’ve learned over time that the road of life will always have a few curbs and slow pedestrians. To those who have yet to enter the DMV line remember that failure isn’t fatal, it’s only a minor detour on the road to freedom.

features

steps up their game

Panther Pit

Panther Prowler • Sept. 20, 2013

Preston Hill Sports Editor Shreya Chattopadhyay Staff Writer

W

Making some noise - Enthusiastic students gathered in the Panther Pit at the Newbury Park vs. Thousand Oaks football game on Sept. 6 to root for NP’s varsity football team.

The revamped Panther Pit was the largest it has ever been, even exceeding the numbers of TO’s “Green Hole.”

McCall Stone/Prowler

ith the beginning of f.all sports, the new Panther Pit is more active than ever.

Anyone who regularly goes to the football games has likely seen a group of people dressed up in black and gold, yelling support to the players, chanting, and generally making people excited about the game. That group is known as the Panther Pit. Dylan McDonnell, sophomore, recently experienced the Pit for the first time at an away varsity football game against Thousand Oaks. “The atmosphere was beyond electric. The stands were shaking. Everyone’s voice was lost and their ears were ringing for hours after. I just can’t wait to see what home games have in store, and I would definitely want to lead (the Panther Pit) eventually!” he said.

“I definitely think that (the Panther Pit) can get inside the heads of the opposing team,” says

5

Offensive Lineman Zach Okun, junior, “as well as give our team a boost when we need it most.”

The Panther Pit has always had a presence at games, but it was a smaller group of people that were simply really big fans. This year, with new leadership and early planning, the Panther Pit is getting a makeover.

Dennis Yeh, senior and vice president of the Panther Pit this year, says “Though it may be too early to tell, I think the main difference (between this year and last year) is the number of seniors committed to the cause. In the years past, many people thought they were ‘too cool’ for the Pit, but now, the Panther Pit has members everywhere that can attract newcomers all the time. Just this past Friday (Sept. 6), nearly 50 people traveled to an away game at Buena just to cheer on our team.

Before, home games were not even guaranteed to have a high turnout.”

Along with membership, the Pit’s organization has changed. The officers have “taken the early initiative”, says Yeh, and planning for the Pit began over the summer. As a result, t-shirts are prepared, and some themed Friday nights have been readied.

For anyone who is interested, the Pit holds meetings on Fridays in the gym. All members are welcome, and the Panther Pit is looking for more underclassmen to continue the tradition.

tthings you did not know about your new counselors Courtney Brousseau Opinion Editor

Rik Napora: Last names S - Z Worked at a prison and was a bouncer at night club

Dreams Dre of liv living in Australia near Aus t the Great Barrier Reef Bar

Wants to help students discover their passions and interests

Like Lik Likes to m mou mountain bik and take bike care of his fiv pets five

Ser Se Served in the m mili military out of hig high school as par part of the Air Fo For Force

Tina Choi: Last names A - C Used to work at UCLA and read application essays

Wa Was born in Seo Seoul, South Kor Korea

Adm Ad Admires her pre predecessor, Mr. Intlekofer

Like Lik Likes to wa wat watch tennis, s, ba bas basketball and football ga gam games

Lo L Loves to eat bu but does not en enjoy cooking

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future jobs Panther Prowler • Sept. 20, 2013

To begin your career in medicine, it is best to start volunteering at hospitals while you are still in high school. To prepare for this career through high school classes, take biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, geometry, and calculus.

In addition, learning Spanish is especially helpful for pediatric jobs in California, since there may be Spanish speaking patients.

o t r c o

D

Becoming a pediatrician involves many steps, hard work, and possibly an existential crisis period halfway through your schooling. If you choose this pathway, do not give up. You must be absolutely sure of your decision before you start making your way down the pediatric road.

Pil

ot

If you hold any interest in becoming a pilot, now is the time to start. Assuming you have never flown an airplane, it is best to take an introductory ride at a local airport.

The cost is not high, and can certainly give you an entertaining weekend. In addition, you will get a chance to fly a plane yourself.

At this point if you truly are a skilled soccer player, you have a chance at becoming a professional. Truly great players can earn millions a year (http://the-socceressentials.com).

If you dislike it, piloting is not for you.

However, if you’re still interested, enrolling in a ground school can help you start your career. Ground school will teach you the basics you need to know to learn to fly. If you are unable to enroll in a ground school, start learning through books. There are quite a few books written for beginners.

If you still enjoy what you have been studying, a career in flying could be in your future. If you don’t enjoy the studying involved, flying is not for you.

Being a professional pilot requires a lot of work. Training can consist of either learning through military, or becoming experienced through private lessons and working as a pilot for small companies.

After going through either of these training regimens and earning several licenses, you will be ready to work in some of the major US airlines.

However, it can take up to ten years of training just to become certified, but from there on the rewards are high. Your first year of piloting will pay you about $25,000-$50,000, but after about ten years the average salary is $300,000 a year (http:// jetcareers.com).

Nevnit Gill / Prowler

Into the Future - From kicking a ball to arguing a case to cook on which career to pursue. Among these pictures lie a variety o the distant lights of New York City. Where will your future take y

future jobs Panther Prowler • Sept. 20, 2013

7

THE GAME OF LIFE

Intelligence and strategy play a huge part in your chances. You have to be the absolute best and work long hours whenever you have time to become better and better until basic perfection is hit. Becoming a professional soccer player holds immense competition and many others are looking to take that place, which is why you have to be the best.

Nevnit Gill News Editor Whether at the dawn of a long high school journey or at the bittersweet close, childhood comes to an end eventually, and big decisions must be made. The question stays simple: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, but it could never be more difficult to answer.

On a survey asking what students want to be when they grow up, students indicated they are interested in pursuing jobs like these: Teacher, Performer, Journalist, Writer, Chef, Air Force, Marines, Veterenarian, Lawyer, Cardiologist, Forensic Scientist, Classical Musician, Engineer, Tailor, Monk, Research Scientist, Animator, Psychologist, Fashion Designer, Political Scientist, Makeup Artist, Olympian, Architect, Artist, Orthodontist, Historian, Entertainment Producer, Neurologist, Game Designer, Athletic Trainer, Voice Actor, Drummer, and Marine Biologist.

Still not sure about how to get there or what to do? Within the game of life, there are difficulties and small little tips to help along the way. Hopefully this step-by-step explanation will be one of those tips. Here, laid out on a game board, is exactly what to do to achieve a dream job.

Once you graduate, you will be taking four years of college, four years of medical school, and three years of residency before you become a certified pediatrician. While in college, volunteer as much as possible, as medical schools are more favorable toward those who take volunteering activities.

You need to play as much as possible, and perfect your skills. Join training camps, and seek professional programs of development. Practice every day, and hone your communication skills. Get involved with tryouts, and see if your club invites talent scouts, because talent scouts are the bridge to your dream. You must be immensely fit, the strongest.

Towards the end of your journey in college, you will be expected to take the Medical College Admission Test, which requires far more work than the SAT. After residency, the average pediatrician makes $155,000 a year (http:// www.yourpediatrician.com).

Try to join a professional club, and if there aren’t any in your area then put together a video of your best moments in playing that can be sent to professional clubs. Make sure the video holds a wide range of your abilities, in order to impress these clubs, and request a tryout with them.

e s f si o r

r Play

P

First of all, you need to have a backup plan. If you are not discovered, there will not be a future involving this passion unless becoming a PE teacher or a coach is your main goal.

Becoming a professional soccer player requires a great love of the sport and dedication in order to reach a career in the professional leagues.

ce

king to teaching, there are many different options to consider when deciding of futures, including being a scientist, working with an international body, and you?

o

S l oc a n

er

Top ten schools: University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, University of Cincinnati, Johns Hopkins University, University of ColoradoDenver, University of Pittsburgh, University of California San Francisco, Baylor College of Medicine, Stanford University, and University of Washington

the pathway to your future

8

features Panther Prowler • Sept. 20, 2013

STUDENT VS TEACHER Matt Carrillo / Junior

Alana Bond / English

1Which actress and fashion

8What is the northernmost

icon played opposite Gregory Peck in the 1953 classic film “Roman Holiday”?

country in the world?

Carrillo: Greenland Bond: Greenland Answer: Greenland/Denmark

Carrillo: Marilyn Monroe Bond: Audrey Hepburn Answer: Audrey Hepburn

Isn’t it ironic that Denmark (one of the smallest countries in Europe) owns such a large, yet useless landmass?

While Marilyn Monroe is known for being a revolutionary actress and model, she did not appear in “Roman Holiday”.

2After which “Father of Texas”

7What is the highest

is the capital of Texas named after (first and last name)?

temperature ever recorded on the surface of the earth? (F)

Samantha Meyer / Prowler

Carrillo: James Austin Bond: Jim Austin Answer: Stephen Austin

2

Congratulations to both of you for getting the last name! But the “Father of Texas” was not James nor Jim, but Stephen.

Carrillo: 118 F Bond: 131 F Answer: 134 F

3

For those who complain of 60 degree winters in California, think of what 134 degree summers would be like.

Nathan Hickling Entertainment Editor

3What is the longest novel

4 Which of the seven continents 5Who invented the modern car

ever written?

is the largest?

in the 1886?

Carrillo: “Les Miserables Bond: “War and Peace” Answer: “In Search of Lost Time”

by Marcel Proust

Carrillo: Asia Bond: Asia Answer: Asia

Carrillo: Henry Ford Bond: Henry Ford Answer: German Engineer Karl Benz

Congratulations, you both know basic geography. Point to both!

Henry Ford invented the modern assembly line but not the modern car; that honor goes to Karl Benz, who later co-founded MercedesBenz.

Fun fact: “In Search of Lost Time clocks in at six volumes and 4,500 pages. The real question is, who has time to read it?

6 What are the two largest political parties in the United Kingdom?

Carrillo:Gryffindor and Slytherin Bond: Labour and Progressive Parties Answer: Conservative and Labour Parties While it is a common mistake, the Hogwarts houses are not related to British politics. Both were so close, yet so far... Two points from Gryffindor!

WINNER ALANA BOND DiStefano hosts foreign exchange student Samantha Meyer Staff Writer When Doran DiStefano became a host to Nadya Anjani, an exchange student, neither girl expected their lives to become so intertwined. The seniors not only gained a new knowledge and understanding of the world, but each one gained a best friend that was the sister they never had.

Anjani, a senior, has to attend Adolfo Camarillo High School due to being slightly below the requisite score on the International English Language Testing System. She is from Indonesia, where she speaks Bahasa as her first language, but is able to communicate quite well in English.

“It was a great struggle for those first days but now I can manage it somehow,” said Anjani, speaking of being at separate schools. “It’s just sometimes I get sad when I’m imagining what it would be like if Doran and I were at the same school.”

Even though they cannot be at the same campus, the seniors still are able to bond in new ways every day, whether it’s telling stories about their different backgrounds or just hanging out together.

“She’s teaching me so much about the society and customs of Indonesia,” said DiStefano. “We both can sit upstairs for hours and

also talk about American culture, like about how she loved ‘High School Musical’ and ‘Camp Rock’ when she was a kid.”

In becoming so close to Anjani, DiStefano is finding her family and herself changing their ways for the better to help the exchange student become comfortable and adjusted.

“I have to now extremely respect my parents and not talk back as much to set a good example,” explained DiStefano. “My parents also had to control themselves around her because she’s not used to having such a bickering family.”

With Anjani getting a first hand look at American culture by staying with the DiStefano family, she is picking up English faster than ever.

“I always wanted to study English because I wanted to understand song lyrics and travel the world,” said Anjani. “I am still learning, and am even more determined than ever.”

In the midst of both girls learning new things, whether it’s how to live in a new country or adapting to have a new attitude, they have grown very close and can’t picture what they’ll do without each other when Anjani leaves for Indonesia next July to return to her family.

“We’re going to stay in touch as much as possible,” said DiStefano. “My room will feel very empty without her.”

Doran DiStefano/ With Permission

Building a Lasting Bond - Senior Doran DiStefano and foreign exchange student Nadya Anjani have become close friends during Anjani’s stay at DiStefano’s house.

entertainment Panther Prowler • Sept. 20, 2013

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MOVIE REVIEW: “The Family” Liam Brown Entertainment Editor

Guns, revenge, and accents: that’s what people expect when they go to a movie about the Mafia. But can French filmmaker Luc Besson also get us to laugh?

Besson, arguably one of the most prolific foreign directors, has made a name for himself with his early films like “Leon: The Professional”; even when he’s not in the director’s chair. He’s been a powerhouse producer and writer of enjoyable B-grade actioners like the “Transporter” and the “Taken” series.

The story is interesting enough: Giovanni Manzoni (Robert De Niro), an influential mob patriarch, must relocate to the sleepy French town of Normandy with his family after he snitches on his associates. While trying to assimilate into their new home, which includes becoming “the Blake family”, they quickly go back to solving their problems with their own brand of conflict resolution, allowing their old enemies to

track them down.

Since the screenplay is co-written by Besson and TV writer Michael Caleo (“Rescue Me”, “The Sopranos”), it’s no surprise the movie follows a very TV-inspired structure with different subplots. We follow Maggie Blake (Michelle Pfeiffer) around as she sight-sees and gets to know the locals; son Warren (John D’Leo) and daughter Belle (Dianna Agron) must get used to their new high school (Warren is a master manipulator and Belle, looking for true love, soon falls for a handsome math tutor); and, as for Fred Blake (De Niro), he’s busy writing his memoirs and trying to lay low. He also gets involved in a dispute over brown water coming out of the faucet -- strange, but hardly dynamic enough to warrant an entire story arc.

Mob rules - Despite living under a new name, Fred Blake (Robert De Niro) cannot help solving We quickly learn that this family has their his problems with his own brand of conflict resolution in a scene from “The Family”. own special way of solving problems. Trash- Jessica Forde / With Permission talking store assistants are the first to realize this when they get on Maggie’s bad side (she even Besson grows tired of the real violence, pretty mediocre -- guns are shot and people blows up part of the store). Warren is the he engineers dream sequences for Fred where are hit, but there’s nothing new to it. That’s mastermind behind his own secret espionage he pretends to take out an enemy, because the main problem with “The Family” -- it agency that substitutes math homework we can’t go without yet another one of these has good ideas, but never gives us anything new. Worse, when you have a man of action and baseball cards for national secrets, and scenes for too long, can we?

The final act of the movie involves all of like Besson behind the wheel with nothing a fellow student takes a tennis racket to the face after getting too close to Belle. These the subplots converging together, as Fred’s to deliver, it’s even more disappointing. situations certainly provide some comedy, cronies are back for revenge. This is the part especially with the grocery store sequence, of the movie with the most action, and yet it’s but they become tired and repetitive quickly -- seeing a Blake violently dispatch someone who’s wronged them, with the same rockin’ guitar score in the background, makes up most of the first third of the movie. When

Student Voices: What are you looking forward to most this year?

Kimmy Ferrante Staff Writer

“

”

Richard Combs Combs,, Freshman - “...a good year, with good grades ‘cause it’s important for college.”

Sarah Alweiss, Alweiss, Junior - “...tennis: it’s my favorite sport and I love it.”

Lauren Hohls Hohls,, Sophomore - “...the homecoming dance, to hang out with everyone.”

Maryuri Hernandez, Hernandez, Senior “...graduating and getting started with life.”

Samantha Meyer / Prowler

I am looking forward to...

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entertainment Panther Prowler • Sept. 20, 2013

Applause for ARTPOP: Gaga’s latest effort shines through Nathan Hickling Entertainment Editor

T R A P O P

There are essentially three ways to group popular music.

There’s your average love song, about love lost or love found. Then there’s your typical run-of-the-mill party song, about waking up in a place one usually wouldn’t find comfortable to sleep, for example a bathtub, only to find that you crashed your car into a bridge, because hey, you don’t care. And last, there’s your feel-good anthem, with a couple verses about plastic bags, and a chorus where you realize that what doesn’t kill you makes you Taylor Swift.

And yet, none of these labels come even close to describing Lady Gaga’s latest musical effort, “ARTPOP”.

Recently, Gaga was kind enough to share a glimpse into her new album, “ARTPOP”, at the iTunes Festival 2013. It’s still on the internet, thanks to the digital era, and that works out perfectly because watching it once is just confusing. The second time is when you realize what a musical genius this lady really is.

Of course, some of the sounds coming off the stage were calculatingly disturbing. In particular, the songs “Aura” and “Jewels & Drugs” came off

sounding like if the nails on the chalkboard had words attached to them. There are slower moments too, and Gaga tips her hat to her earlier ballads to show she hasn’t lost herself with “I Wanna Be With You.” But what really stands out about “ARTPOP” is its rock background, and its ability to be so many things at one time. A few tracks that really shined were “MANiCURE,” “Swine,” and of course “Applause.”

Most of “ARTPOP” isn’t really about anything, and yet it describes perfectly her entire stage presence. It’s something unique that everyone will experience differently.

With “ARTPOP”, Gaga doesn’t bother trying to disguise what she wants. She wants applause. And she gets it. Simple. Ridiculously narcissistic. And possibly some of the best material she’s ever sung.

The title track describes the album perfectly in its 80s-reminiscent chorus: “My artpop could mean anything.” So go ahead and give “ARTPOP” a listen. It’ll be available this November 11. Decide for yourself whether you love it or hate it, but rest assured: it is worth listening to.

Fast Facts: ARTPOP Released on November 11, 2013 Liam Brown / Prowler

Lead single “Applause” released on August 12

Drama Department gets a fresh start Justine Sizemore Features Editor Consistency has not always been an advantage available to members of the Drama Department, which has had four different directors with varying leadership styles over the past six years alone. However, one factor which has remained constant throughout every change is the dedication shown by students involved the theater program. Now, with renovations being made to every aspect of the Department, both physical and logistic, students embrace the opportunity to grow and improve.

“Things are being run (much more intelligently). Danielle, our new director, and Cameo are completely focused on making things cleaner and more organized than I’ve ever seen,” Casey Bowen, senior and President of Drama Club, said. “The tech class even devotes part of the day to upkeep around the theatre. Rules are clear, and everyone respects each other. It’s amazing, the change and recovery from last year.”

Danielle Rollins, new theatre director, is working with Drama Club students and dance instructor Cameo Carolan, whom has taken on the responsibility of overseeing technical theater, to rebuild the budget and professional atmosphere of the entire department.

“I grew up in this department so my first impression started a long time ago, but upon coming back I was really disappointed,” Rollins said. “But since we’ve cleaned the PAC and it’s all organized and inventory is done, my impression (now) is that we have a shining future.”

Although many students were disappointed to learn there will be no musical this year due to budget issues, Danielle Rollins, director, proposed a number of ideas to raise funds and build up the department. She plans to produce two plays, one in autumn and the other in spring, along with a completely student produced 18 hour Theatre Festival and the usual One Act Festival.

“Danielle is more active than other directors I’ve worked with. Most directors would tell you your problems and leave it up to you, but she’ll encourage you too,” Bowen said.

“She really brings about a new spirit of, ‘Let’s work hard, and we can have fun doing that!’ It’s quite a refreshing experience to work with someone who is so eager to get these productions rolling to the absolute best of our ability.”

Rollins expressed the desire not only to make the department the best it can be, but to help each individual student achieve his or her personal best as well.

“We are going to be focusing more on the art of (theatre) and not so much the logistical side of things,” she said. “I want people to leave this department knowing how to act, feeling confident going into college or going into the real world. I don’t think that’s been the focus the past couple of years.”

“It’s amazing, the change and recovery from last year.”

“It’s quite a refreshing experience to work with someone who is so eager.”

--Casey Bowen, senior and president of Drama Club

Cassie Stephenson / Prowler

sports

11

Panther Prowler • Sept. 20, 2013

STUDENTS SURF THE WAVES

Shayla Chippendale/with permission

Shreya Chattopadhyay Staff Writer At a high school located less than thirty minutes away from a myriad of beaches, one might expect to find a large crowd of surfers and regular beachgoers. At that same high school, one might expect there to be a surfing club. While a significant amount of the NPHS student body either surfs or skimboards, there isn’t a club for these students.

One reason for this may be the varying expertise of surfers. While some kids have been surfing for years and have even competed, others have fallen in love with the sport recently.

“Honestly, I’ve only been surfing for about four months.” says sophomore Lauren Gunn. “But it’s amazing. I feel like I’m floating. I really want to improve.”

Taylor Bruynzeel / With Permission

Sophomore Delaney Dunlea, also a beginner, says, “I really want to get better and use shorter boards.”

At the other end of the spectrum, there are students like Taylor Bruynzeel, junior. Bruynzeel has been surfing competitively since she was ten years old, and competes about twice a month.

“My favorite part of surfing is being able to do a sport that is fun and challenging at the same time, working on different skills and techniques to improve in competitions, and being able to be at the beach and out in the water the entire day with friends,” says Bruynzeel. “We actually tried starting (a surfing club) my freshman year, but it ended up not working. But if there was one, then it would be fun!”

Renee Bruyunzeel / With Permission

Junior Noah Hudgins, another seasoned surfer, believes that a surf club at NPHS is possible. “It would (be possible), but we would all have to be very committed and have a few committed teachers to help, too.”

Whether or not a surf club is actually established, the enthusiasm and love of surfing in students involved in the sport is evident. “Surfing is a way of life,” Hudgins says.

“When you surf, you’re one with the ocean and with nature, so you can’t go to the beach expecting good waves every time. I love to surf because it is a relief; I feel one with nature.”

Christian Oertli / With Permission

Stomping Grounds: Taylor Bruynzeel and Noah Hudgins surf at the local popular beaches, Zuma, Leo Carillo, County Line and Silverstrand.

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sports Panther Prowler • Sept. 20, 2013

Fall Sports are underway Kishen Majithia Sports Editor

Going the distance - The cross country team is in the midst of preparing for their first league meet, which takes place on September 26 at Moorpark High School.

Samantha Meyer/Prowler

Record:

Wins: 2 Losses: 1 Next Game: Tonight at 7 P.M. Opponent: Moorpark Venue: Panther Stadium Helmet to helmet - The Newbury Park Panthers and the Thousand Oaks Lancers squared off last Friday in a rivalry game that finished at 31-21 in favor of the Lancers. McCall Stone/Prowler

Serving up success - Danielle Kirk, junior, prepares her serve in a preseason match against Santa Barbara High School on September 11. James Herron/ With Permission

Pumped - Spencer Esparza, senior, is one of the leaders on the Panthers’ water polo team. James Herron/With Permission

Record: 0 wins, 2 losses Next game: Sept. 25, 3:15 P.M. Opponent: Calabasas Venue: NPHS Aquatics Center

Ace - Mary Ternovskaya, senior, serves against her opponent from Camarillo High School in a preseason match. McCall Stone/Prowler