2019-2020 Issue 4 (Dec. 6, 2019)

PANTHER

PROWLER

Friday Dec. 6, 2019 • Issue I V • Newbury Park High School 456 N. Reino Rd., Newbury Park, CA 91320 • pantherprowler.org

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Inclusive Schools week Teri Sanders

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Patriotic Day

Holidays

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5

Knives Out

Speech and Debate

14

Luke Varav

15

6

United Airlines Winter Panther Pit

7

Ok Boomer

16

Ice Skaters

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staff editorial Panther Prowler • Dec. 6, 2019

NPHS falls behind on inclusiveness This past week, schools throughout CVUSD started celebrating Inclusive Schools week, a federal celebration that acknowledges and teaches inclusiveness and appreciation amongst our students.

Inclusive Schools Network, the sponsor, states on their website: “Inclusive Schools Week has celebrated the progress that schools have made in providing a supportive and quality education to an increasingly diverse student population, including students who are marginalized due to disability, gender, socio-economic status, cultural heritage, language preference, and other factors.” While the goals of Inclusive Schools Week are certainly admirable, Newbury Park did not wholly accomplish what the Inclusive Schools Network set out to do.

On Monday, ASG handed out bracelets that said “You Matter” and encouraged students to talk to students they didn’t know. On Tuesday, all students were asked to wear white to promote overall inclusivity on campus.

However, many students were unaware of the message and relatively few people actually ended up wearing white. On Wednesday, ASG put sticky notes on a wall in the hallway, but the weather conditions caused them to quickly fall onto the puddled floor. On Thursday, there was a staff lawn chair lunch and a Student Development Lunch. Today, you were supposed to dress up in your school colors- look down, are you wearing them? We hope so.

Students would participate in more school activities if they were more actively broadcasted in advance. Activities could be announced on PTV, or on second period and third period announcements. Announcements could also be posted around the campus, in classrooms, on the marquee and in emails sent to both students and parents via Panther Tales or general announcements from the school.

Many students we spoke with were not aware that this week was Inclusive Schools Week. In the future, this important week should be advertised further in advance especially because the event happens directly after Thanksgiving Break. Newbury Park should work harder to include more activities during this important week with the goal of creating a more open school community.

We enjoyed hearing what Westlake High School did for Inclusive Schools Week at this Tuesday’s board meeting. According to students at Westlake, the activities were well received. Some highlights of their week included an assembly on Tuesday where Caley Versfelt, a Westlake graduate with Down Syndrome, and Cindy Liu, chairperson of SEDAC (Special Education District Advisory Council) and the mother of a child with Down Syndrome, shared personal experiences with the entire school, followed by a performance by the Sparkles Cheer Team. Performances by our very own Sparkles Cheer Team are well received by our student body. It’s a moment when our students show true compassion and empathy. Rather than a Winter Rally, why not have a student wide assembly to emulate Westlake’s success during Inclusive Schools Week?

On Wednesday, students from the Learning Essentials Academic Program (LEAP) passed out cookies and stickers to inform general education students about their program, and a transgender student spoke about his experience at Westlake High School. The student body does not pay attention to gender diversity on our campus, and our LEAP Program is holding a Special Ed tea during second period where most students on campus will not be able to attend. On Thursday, English Language Learners (ELL) and the National Spanish Honors Society discussed the challenges they face learning English as a second language while living in a predominantly white community. The activities that Westlake held for its students would have also been beneficial for our student population.

We recognize and appreciate ASG’s efforts to recognize Inclusive Schools Week, but we do not feel that it was enough. It’s no fault of their own; the responsibility falls on the school as a whole. We would be more successful in getting students involved if the clubs on campus were more active in these events. This won’t happen on its own;we need to consciously work to make change. Inclusive Schools “Week” should be the kick off for inclusivity all year long.

PANTHER PROWLER 2019-2020 staff Editors-in-Chief Emily Nagamoto Aditya Vunnum

Entertainment Editor Manas Khatore Copy Editors Emily Augustine Carter Castillo Prasheetha Karthikeyan Manas Khatore

Cover Editor Emily Augustine

DPS Editor Jessica Zhou

Features Editor Prasheetha Karthikeyan

Online Carter Castillo Rahul D’Souza Prasheetha Karthikeyan Jessica Zhou

Sports Editor Clarissa Shin Opinion Editor Carter Castillo News Editors Sarena Kabir Emma Schoors

Photographers Chief// Rahul D’Souza Reese Kelem Jacob Malone Jessica Zhou

Graphic Artists Emily Augustine Clarissa Shin

Staff Writers Abby Gorman Adalia Luo Adviser Michelle Saremi

Barren - The sticky note on the walls in the hallway between the C and D buildings are nearly gone only two days after initially being put up. In the future an actual poster in a much more accessible and pretty area would improve the quality of the information received. Carter Castillo/Prowler

Front Cover Caption: In loving memory - Community members came together on Nov. 23 to remember Teri Sanders: a loving teacher, colleague, friend, wife and mother. Read more about what Sanders meant to her loved ones on page 8. Emily Nagamoto/Prowler

For the record...

Clarissa Shin made the graphic on page 6.

We apologize for misspelling Jessica Zhou’s and Aspen Roos’ names on page 10.

Jason Van Doren is in the picture for the water polo article on page 15.

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

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

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

Newbury Park High School 456 North Reino Road, Newbury Park, California 91320 (805) 498-3676 x 1110 prowler.newspaper@gmail.com

news Panther Prowler • Dec. 6, 2019

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Bobcats celebrate patriotism

Sarena Kabir News Editor

On Nov. 22, Banyan Elementary hosted a Patriotic Day Assembly to honor the veterans who have served our community and schools that reside in Newbury Park.

Instead of it being the adults and staff at Banyan holding the assembly, a group of students took charge. Allison Kennedy, the Banyan Principal, believed that with the kids in charge, it made more of an impact.

“I think it’s more meaningful for kids when they have to think about what they want to say and what it means to them and come up with concepts of what to do. It’s really more powerful this year because of that,” Kennedy said.

The main goal of the assembly was to show gratitude towards the veterans. “We intended on honoring the guests by giving flowers and flags.

We intended to show our patriotism by singing patriotic songs and we had a lot of decorations hanging up around the school showing our patriotism and our gratitude,” Kennedy said.

Since the theme of the assembly is “We are Thankful,” Kennedy believes that, “it really helps kids heal from all the tragedies that have happened in the past year,” she said. “I think it means a lot to our community that [...] we’re able to

come back together and honor all these people that helped us.”

In Kennedy’s opening speech to the assembly, she said, “We have watched out beloved mount boney burn not once, but twice over the past year yet even though our school is less than a mile away, not one of us lost our homes and our beloved school was always safe. You make it possible for the rest of us to sleep at night because you keep us safe.”

Bill Gorback, the clerk of the CVUSD Board, attended the We are Thankful Assembly. He recognized Kennedy’s opening speech. “I think Mrs. Kennedy did a great job explaining how close the fires were to this school, and yet no one lost anybody because of the people who were sitting up here; it was the school giving thanks to the community,” Gorback said.

Gorback believes that at first, kids can often initially be scared of the police uniform but here they “get to see that these people are human, they’re not only just police men and women, they are also a human being.

They don’t have to see them just as an officer. They can see them as a person who has an office,” Gorback said.

Lauren Bisenius, a 4th grader at Banyan who the Prowler received

Wave- Banyan students gather around the stage, waving their flags up in the air while the school’s choir sings patriotics songs. In honor of the veterans, a group of students organized the event and passed out roses to them. Emily Nagamoto/Prowler

parent permission to interview, was one of the students who held the assembly. “I wanted to motivate them to have fun, to feel proud to be an American, and to feel thankful for the heroes in our Banyan community,” Bisenius said.

Being one of the organizers of the assembly, Bisenius had several jobs.

“I introduced the Banyans who sang “The Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless the USA.” Later, I helped distribute roses and flags to the kids so they could give them to their

special guests,” Bisenius said.

“I enjoyed working with the other students and teachers for this assembly. It was fun preparing and working with Mrs. Kennedy,” Biensius said.

NPBA season set to begin Aditya Vunnum Editor-in-Chief The Newbury Park Basketball Association, or NPBA, is set to have its first games of the season on Saturday, Dec. 7, and many NPHS students will be participating.

NPBA is a recreational basketball league in which high school students can both play and coach with their friends and classmates.

The league provides a stress-free way to play without the intensity of more competitive organizations.

Prior to the beginning of the season, players participated in five on five games with random teams to act as tryouts. Coaches watched them play and took notes on their strengths and weaknesses before ranking them for draft picks.

Zeyad Khokhar, junior, switched from playing high school basketball to NPBA this season. “I am looking forward to playing with and against my friends during this season. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun,” Khokhar Flick- Vivek Kanchi, senior, works on his free throws at his first practice. From the flick of the wrist to the chiseled jaw- said. line, everything about his form is textbook, comparable to even Michael Jordan. “I wrecked my knee a couple times so Games for the league are all hosted now I just stand back and shoot because I can’t take the contact,” Kanchi said. If his injured joints allow it, Kanchi would throughout Newbury Park on Saturdays, love to continue playing in rec leagues like NPBA when he is older as well. Rahul D’Souza/Prowler making it easier for high school students to

participate as it does not conflict with busy school schedules. Vivek Kanchi, senior, decided to play in the league because he enjoyed competing against his friends and felt it was a fun way to stay active.

“Other people should join because it is a fun and relaxed way to play the game and it’s not a huge time commitment,” Kanchi said.

Hayden Smith, senior, is currently playing high school basketball but has decided to coach NPBA to spend more time with his friends and be more involved with the sport.

“I think it’s a really good opportunity to pass on some knowledge to the youngsters that don’t know as much as I do,” Smith said.

In February, every team will compete in the playoffs for a chance at winning the league. Playoffs will be double elimination, and teams with a better record during season will start higher up in the bracket.

“I can’t wait to win the championship led by the best shooter in the league, Tyson Lundring, the best looking man in the league, Soren Brown, and the man who Bronny fears, Robby Keister,” Smith said.

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news Panther Prowler • Dec. 6, 2019

Open Mic Night resonates with local poets Abby Gorman Staff Writer

Adalia Luo Staff Writer

Retrospective- Sandra Knapp reads a poem titled Year One, reflecting on her marriage, to a captive audience at Open Mic Night on Nov. 13. The poems read these weeknights often cover a wide range of topics and forms of poetry, cutting-edge and pushing boundaries. “It always amazed me how you can put 30 to 50 people in a room, and everything that they have to say is different from the one before.” Knapp said. “We all speak our hearts and have different personalities.” Abby Gorman/ Prowler

The air was buzzing with laughter and comradery as we sat down and took our seats in the otherwise sparse community room of the Newbury Park Library, three rows back, surrounded by close friends reuniting. As regular attendee Conor Logan stepped up to the podium, the volume of the room rose with the comfortable chuckles and jibes directed at his jacket’s decorative Polish crest.

Open Mic Night is a community event where poets from all over Ventura County gather to read and listen to locally-written poetry.

Occurring every second Wednesday at the Newbury Park Library and every fourth Wednesday at the Thousand Oaks Library, each evening starts at 6 p.m. and consists of two rounds of readings from the regular attendees. On the fourth Wednesday, the night includes an extended reading by a well-

known local poet.

About 20 people regularly attend, but anybody interested is encouraged to pay a visit, no matter the level of expertise. “If you’ve never read before, people will listen to you,” Ken Jones, event host, said. “People will give you a lot of encouragement to come again.”

After moving to Newbury Park in 2017, doctor of Chinese medicine and acupuncture Conor Logan says he immediately felt welcomed by the tight-knit group of friends at Open Mic Night. “The greater community for Ventura County and the poet laureates and the people that help organize these events, they are so connected together, and build such a community in it,” Logan said.

Now an Open Mic Night regular, Logan is appreciative of both his fellow poets and the event itself. “I have good friends now because of this,” Logan said.

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“It’s changed my daily routine. I get up and think of writing. . .We pass things back and forth and help each other out.”

Not only has this event helped these local writers improve their skills, Open Mic Night has also opened up opportunities for these poets to share to a wider audience.

“They turn people that take this as a hobby into published poets,” Logan said.

These writers also strive to bring awareness and activism through their poetry events. In light of some of the recent local tragedies, Ventura County poets came together for specialized readings about “the fires and mudslides in Santa Barbara, the fires in Ventura County.” Jones said. “Some of those collections of these get together and publish a book. I think that’s something that they want to do more of.”

One of the regular readers is Conejo Valley resident Sandra Knapp, who began attending

Open Mic Night when they began in May 2017. “As poets, you’re always looking for a place to read,” Knapp said. “Sometimes it’s a coffee shop or something then the place goes out of business. But to have a regular venue is really great.”

Bonnie Goldenberg, another frequent attendee, has used this event to rejuvenate her passion for poetry. “To have a regular reading series, it really encourages you to keep writing poetry,” Goldenberg said. “Even if it’s just a few people that come, at least it’s somebody to listen to you.”

Most importantly, Open Mic Night has allowed these writers an opportunity to share their passions within the community. “I just love poetry too. I just want to do something that sort of furthers poetry in the community,” Jones said. “It’s a community thing for us. It’s not just for me.”

news Panther Prowler • Dec. 6, 2019

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Speech and Debate tournament comes to Newbury Park Manas Khatore Entertainment Editor NPHS Speech and Debate is a team that regularly competes and wins in tournaments across the Tri-County Forensics League. On Nov. 23, NPHS hosted a speech and debate tournament for the first time in several years. The event was attended by participants from over a dozen schools across the Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties.

David Cho, sophomore, believes that part of the reason NPHS hosted a tournament is due to club improvements.

“We’ve gotten a lot more organized this year and we have regular meetings on Tuesdays at around 3:00,” Cho said. He explains that the specific event that NPHS held is called Congress, which mirrors its real-life counterpart. “You basically pretend to be a senator trying to pass a bill… there’s usually three rounds where you compete against different people and at the end of the day there’s awards.”

Katie O’Neill, adviser, has been involved with speech and debate for the last four years.

However, this is the first tournament that NPHS has hosted under her leadership. “We had to figure out what would be a manageable thing for us to do our first time… so we picked a smaller event called Congress to host,” O’Neill said.

As a result, she has faced several challenges in the planning process, notably getting rooms to use for the event. “I’m really trying to make sure that… we’re kind of making the teachers feel respected,” O’Neill said.

Benito Canepa, sophomore, was a part of the planning process for the tournament. He states that a major focus was providing enough food for the competitors. “There was the snack food that didn’t need to be cooked at all… we (also) had nachos and hot dogs and popcorn,” Canepa said. Since they were in charge of setting up and cleaning up after the competitors, the NPHS team had long hours on the day of the tournament. “(We started) about 6:30 (in the morning) until around four,” Canepa said.

Overall, the tournament was a success for NPHS Speech and Debate and has given them motivation to host more in the future. The team also hopes to gain more recruitment within the next couple of years to keep its momentum going. “The kids really do love what they’re doing so it’s spreading to people who see them succeeding and loving what they’re doing…

Anybody’s always welcome,” O’Neill said.

Chip in - Morgan Bendoni, sophomore at Valley International Preparatory High School, purchases food at the speech and debate tournament on Nov. 23 at NPHS. This was the first time NP has hosted in several years. “At the tournament there’s usually three rounds where you compete against different people or if you’re doing events then a different group of people each time and then at the end of the day there’s awards,” said David Chow, sophomore. Jessica Zhou/Prowler

LEAP tea party brings students together Abby Gorman Staff Writer

Leap together - Unified sports team members receive banners commemorating their participation in the Special Olympics. Both this and the Jungle Tea were part of the activities in honor of Inclusion Week. “They learn how to get out of their box and do things they’ve never done before,” Alvarez said. Sarena Kabir/Prowler

The LEAP Program’s Jungle Tea is an opportunity for students, their families, and staff to come together for an event to share food that is prepared and served by the students in the special education program.

Anne Alvarez, a special education teacher on campus, is the coordinator of this event and has been involved with the program for the past twelve years. “Our tea is an annual event where our students decide to treat the staff on campus to a tea,” Alvarez said. “We set up the room so that it looks like you’re walking into a restaurant,. . . make all the food, serve all the people, and clean up.”

All of the students, including Wendy Carillo, senior, have dedicated their time to prepare for the event by sending out invitations, planning the menu and decorating the classroom according to the theme. “We take our time and try to do it perfect,” Carillo said.

The activity was created for these students to have the opportunity to actively participate in the planning of an event and make it their own, as well as to spend time with their friends and family. “The idea is to teach the students how to host an event,” Alvarez said. “We really want it to be their event, so we let them pick out everything.”

The event is certainly memorable and looked forward to by the students every year, including Austin Moncourtois, sophomore. “My favorite part of this event is getting to serve food, hang out with all my friends and with all my family and all the good food,” Moncourtois said.

Most importantly, Alvarez hopes her students have a positive takeaway from participating in this event.

“They learn how to take an idea and put it into action,” Alvarez said. “It’s a lot of work, but so worth it.”

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opinion Panther Prowler • Dec. 6 2019

United Airlines continually mistreats animals

Emily Nagamoto/Prowler

Emma Schoors News Editor United Airlines has got to get their pet-flying policies under control, or they will be the face of airline malpractice to pet owners all over the world.

A two-and-a-half year old Neopolitan Mastiff named Bam Bam died on a 2012 United flight after being put in a metal luggage cart without air conditioning. “His tongue was hanging out so far, it couldn’t have hung out any farther. He just looked awful,” Michael Jarboe, Bam Bam’s owner, said. United did not take responsibility, only releasing an apology.

The story started gaining public traction when a 10-month old French bulldog named Kikoto suffocated to death after being forced into an overhead bin by a flight attendant on a March 2018 flight. This inhumane incident should have kicked United into full gear and inspired them to change their pet-flying policies, but, once again, all the airline offered was a mere apology. A passive one at that, which claimed the attendant was unaware that a pet was in the kennel in the overhead bin.

Perhaps the most apathy-infected incident of all is when Bea, a golden retriever flying on United, died in flight due to heat stroke. “One of them is dead,” a worker reportedly said to Maggie Rizer, Bea’s owner, who had flown another one of her dogs on the same flight. “Our little Beatrice died in pain, scared, and alone,” Rizer said, expressing that the attendant was “emotionless” when delivering the news. Heat stroke is a common cause for these deaths, and taking proper precautions can easily prevent it from happening.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, United

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Manas Khatore Entertainment Editor

Airlines was responsible for the majority of animal deaths in flight in 2017. 18 of the 24 animals killed on airlines were in the care of United. Comparatively, both American and Delta Airlines reported two animal deaths.

Simple apologies, no matter how heartfelt, are useless without action. United needs to make real, structural changes to their pet flying policies to make sure there are no more avoidable deaths of animals like Bam Bam, Bea or Kikoto. Some meaningful steps could include temperature-control, better ventilation and special tags to make sure attendants are aware of where these pets are on the plane.

The anxiety that animals can endure while being so quickly put into a high-pressure plane is bad enough. They should be taken care of just as well as their human counterparts while flying.

Stop blaming the public, corporations are at fault Abby Gorman Staff Writer A study published in BMJ Open Medical Journal recently made headlines with a collection of new research involving the impact of asthmatics on the world’s carbon footprint.

The researchers behind the study suggested replacing typical metered-dose inhalers (which emit hydrofluoroalkane, a type of greenhouse gas) with a more environmentally friendly alternative.

However, this was not what many took away from the study; rather, the recurring theme of the responsibility for lowering global emissions being shifted to the general population.

While it is important to consider the environmental effects of your daily routine and make lifestyle changes within your personal reach, it is extremely unrealistic to suggest that the use of inhalers even slightly compares to the extent of pollution from large-scale corporations.

Emily Augustine/Prowler

Slacktivism won’t cut it

According to a report from the United Kingdom’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the nation’s total carbon footprint was 449 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, out of which only 0.635 million tons, or about 0.14% of the total, could be directly linked to inhalers.

These headlines suggest a false reality of a much larger issue; one that cannot be solved without the efforts of major corporations and industries. In fact, the 2017 Carbon Majors Report found that just 100 companies are responsible for 71% of the global emissions since 1988. Yet, the blame for the extent of carbon emissions is always shifted to the public.

Similarly, the recent introduction of electric cars and plastic straw alternatives have been advertised as necessities, leading the public to believe that the solution is within their own reach.

But, by encouraging individuals to purchase these products for additional expenses, the same companies responsible for the majority of global emissions are benefiting from the general public with comparably little impact.

Using electric cars and reducing plastic straw usage may be helpful on a smaller scale, but ultimately has next to no impact when compared to the massive global oil and gas industries.

Whether it be inhalers, paper straws or electric cars, don’t be convinced that fixing the problem is entirely your responsibility.

It’s time for corporations to take initiative and solve the issues that they greatly influenced instead of finding somebody else to blame once again.

As I was scrolling through Instagram the other day, I noticed something in common between the people that I follow. Everyone had reposted a video on the effects of climate change on the coral reef on their story. While the video was very informative, I had to wonder: do that many people really care about coral reefs? Considering the amount of plastic bags and bottles I see around campus, probably not.

This phenomenon is just another example of slacktivism, in which people like, tweet, or repost so they canor “contribute” to a political cause online. The foundation for slacktivism is that it requires very little effort; reposting a video on one’s story takes about ten seconds maximum. People often engage in slacktivism to make it seem like they are politically active, when in reality, they are contributing almost nothing to the cause. As a result, this increasing culture of laziness undermines the effort needed to make actual political change.

Slacktivism plays right into social media’s tendency for self-gratification. After posting something and receiving hundreds of nice comments, you tend to feel good about yourself. The same concept applies here; people feel satisfied after simply liking or reposting something political, thinking that they have done enough to contribute to the cause. But let’s be honest: how does liking a post do anything to bring change to society? Martin Luther King would be rolling in his grave seeing this.

We all saw this play out recently with the shooting at Saugus High School. I witnessed someone make an offensive joke about the tragedy, to which they were reprimanded by their friends. A couple of hours later, I saw that same person post “Pray for Saugus” on their Instagram story in order to “redeem” themselves. If that doesn’t show how useless these posts are, I don’t know what does.

However, it wasn’t just that one person who shared the post. Almost every single person I know had “Pray for Saugus” on their story. Along with this, many were urging their classmates to wear blue the next day to show solidarity. While I understand the motivation behind it, does wearing blue really help Saugus or America’s gun violence epidemic? The only people affected are those wearing blue themselves; they feel good about “standing up for a cause” even though they didn’t do anything meaningful. Because of this, no change occurs and the cycle repeats itself.

By “making change,”, I don’t necessarily mean leading a national protest movement. There are smaller ways to contribute to a cause, such as volunteering or connecting with organizations that you’re passionate about. Our generation needs to understand that actions like these speak volumes more than a simple retweet.

opinion

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Panther Prowler • Dec. 6, 2019

“OK Boomer” claps back?

Prasheetha Karthikayen Features Editor

Sarena Kabir Features Editor

The rhetoric “ok boomer” is a joking way to clap back at baby boomers from younger generations for the years of ridicule for fighting against climate change, gender inequality, and for how our youth is incompetent.

The viral phrase emerged after a video of an older man criticizing the younger generation surfaced on the newest social media app, Tik Tok. “Millennials and Generation Z have the Peter Pan syndrome, they don’t ever want to grow up; they think that the Utopian ideals that they have in their youth are somehow going to translate into adulthood,” the man said.

Numerous people have remixed this audio and added the simple phrase: “ok boomer” to fire back.

The phrase “ok boomer” is not always directed at the older generations. It is often used as a joke towards other friends and the people in our own generation. Honestly, it really is not something to take much offense towards--it is just kids being kids.

For several years, the baby boomers have insulted Gen Z for their over usage of phones, for not being smart or old enough to have our voices heard, and asserting that we are doing more harm than good, and accusing us of being lazy and having everything

handed to us. While the insult can be reflected in some Gen millenials and Gen Zers, that does not apply to all of us.

Our generation has made a cultural impact on our society, which should not be looked down upon. The #MeToo Movement has started to destigmatize sexual assault for men and women alike, creating a safer community. We have collectively become more accepting, making safe places for LGBTQ+ persons to express their true selves without backlash, releasing the strain on many people’s mental health. While the older generations have not paid much attention to how this Earth is slowly crumbling as time goes on, we are raising awareness surrounding climate change, marching in cities around the world..

In the video, the man mentions that the younger generations “don’t ever want to grow up; (and they) think that the Utopian ideals that they have in their youth are somehow going to translate into adulthood.” But many of our youth have to face stress, family issues, discrimination, and more. How does this embody “Utopian ideals?” We know that life is not perfect and we take time out of our daily lives to cope and deal with

these problems. Battling these struggles one on one, instead of running away from them, is a true sign of growing up.

Some baby boomers have gone as far as to call “ok boomer” a slur. Bob Lonsberry, a radio host, referred to it as the “n-word of ageism.” While a ton of baby boomers continuously comment on how Gen Z-ers are “too Politically Correct” or turning into “special snowflakes who get offended over everything,” it is ridiculously ironic how many of those same people are getting offended over this phrase. As if baby boomers did not ridicule us, calling us out as walking zombies who are glued to their cell phones and unable to make actual human connections. But apparently saying “ok boomer,” crosses a line.

This is not to say that millennials and Gen Z-ers are flawless. However, taking matters into our own hands is something that has been long overdue, and our retort: OK BOOMER. Emily Augustine/Prowler

Thanksgiving before Christmas Reese Kelem Photographer

Clarissa Shin Sports Editor

The United States struggles with over-commercialization of Each year, it seems as though Christmas is approaching earlier and earlier, knocking out other holidays like Halloween Christmas, using the Mall Santa, Elf on the Shelf and all sorts and Thanksgiving. The haunting sounds of Jingle Bells ring of presents as their platform to exploit the holiday for profit. sooner and sooner every passing year and commercial companies By selling earlier every year, it only encourages this commercial have decided to “celebrate” this holiday as early as October by business and diminishes the holiday even further. Christmas bringing their Christmas deals and decorations to the stores. loses a large amount of its value when it becomes normalized in This push to selling Christmas themed items overour society and not looked at as a special holiday. commercializes the holiday and leads to other As a result of the push for commercializing Christmas earlier, other holidays are losing importance or are holidays being forgotten. flat out being forgotten. Many people ignore the One prime example is Costco Wholesale. meaning of Thanksgiving as they prepare for Black Costco usually starts putting Christmas trees Friday to buy all their presents. According to Adobe and other decorations up for sale beginning in October, before Halloween has even passed. Clarissa Shin/Prowler Analytics, between Nov. 1 – Nov. 30, $98.8 billion has Additionally, the Oaks Mall hangs up their large wreaths in early already been spent online during the holiday season. In addition, November. Radios and music apps started playing Christmas 40% of total holiday spending happens over Thanksgiving tunes WHEN. Spotify has “Christmas Hits” on their popular weekend. playlist list early on in November.

According to the Washington Post, many store franchises

like CVS, Michael’s and Bed Bath and Beyond carried little to no Hanukkah decorations in 2018, but had plenty of Christmas Decorations. Moreover, the fact that Hanukkah came before Christmas that year but there were no decorations even furthers this Christmas corruption.for it even furtherMany retailers forget the date and order Hanukkah decorations too late. With all the Christmas presence in stores, holidays such as Thanksgiving and Hanukkah don’t get equal recognition and appreciation.

Businesses have a perfect window to sell all their toys and decor: the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas, while still keeping Hanukkah in mind. Thus, people have time to appreciate Thanksgiving and Hanukkah before franchises bring up the big decorations. Retailers should take into consideration the importance and significance of these special holidays instead of jumping to Christmas sales, to increase profit.

Bloomberg is out of touch with the Democratic Party Carter Castillo Opinion Editor Former New York City mayor Micheal Bloomberg is just another power hungry billionaire who wants to become president. The Democratic party needs to make a statement that they are the party of the people if they wish to beat Donald Trump and to have a billionaire as their nomination would undermine their message.

Bloomberg is the latest candidate to enter the Democratic nomination process for president. However, Bloomberg represents the old Democratic party, one that like the republican party favored rich elitists who had their political careers served on a silver platter. Micheal Bloomberg is like the stereotypical superrich supervillain that wears a monocle, and swoops down and attacks when he senses a power vacuum.

The reason so many fellow Democratic front runners are upset over the Bloomberg bid is not just who he is, but how Bloomberg is trying to win. Bloomberg is suspected to skip the early contests

and resort immediately toward a brokered convention, a scenario in which no candidate has received a majority of the delegates. This means that the delegates for lower tier candidates become unpledged, and the candidates contesting will try and persuade as many delegates to come support themself. Therefore, the whole nomination would be decided by only a handful of delegates, which undermines the Democratic process set in place for elections. Based on those undemocratic principles alone, the Democrats must come together to resoundly defeat Bloomberg.

Bloomberg is out of touch with the Democratic party’s younger and more left-leaning wing, and as Carter Castillo/Prowler

young voters are once again expected to be a key voter bloc with an expected high voter turnout, the Democrats need a candidate who can excite the younger voting base. Put simply, Bloomberg is not that person. The Democrats should not elect somebody out of fear.

One of the more controversial stances that Bloomberg has taken was the stop and frisk policy that he implemented during his tenure as mayor of New York, which disproportionately affected Black americans. Moreover, Bloomberg was endorsed by another entitled mayor during his run for mayor of New York, Rudy Guiliani. It is important to remember that Bloomberg’s party affiliation change frequently, he was a Democrat, then ran as a Republican, and then last year he switched back to the Democratic party.

Bloomberg is another wishy-washy elitist moderate who does not stand a chance in today’s politics.

8

Teri Sanders

Teri Sanders

Panther Prowler • Dec. 6, 2019 Manas Khatore Entertainment Editor Jessica Zhou DPS Editor Carter Castillo Opinion Editor

Empathetic, real, funny, passionate, strong; these are the words that her friends used to describe her and many more.

She was a supporter, a listener, a role model, a mentor and a good friend to many of the teachers at NPHS. Teri Sanders’ classroom was a safe haven for feelings to be shared and ideas to be exchanged. Alana Bond, English teacher, was one of the many frequent visitors to her classroom. “Teri Sanders was invariably in her classroom at the crack of dawn, as many of you know, and I found myself drawn to her room in the mornings where we have little pow-wows almost every day before second period began,” Bond said.

Both transferring to NPHS in 2011, Bond and Teri Sanders immediately became close friends as they were both trying to get familiar with the “Newbury Park ways.” Soon, they became even closer when they were both given the opportunity to teach English 9H and English 11 CP. Bond was inspired by the way Teri Sanders would take on the role as a teacher and how she would build close relationships with her students. “I think so many kids came out of her class with friendships that they didn’t have before that, more so than in any other class… it’s something that I strive towards because of her,” Bond said.

Teri Sanders’ classroom was always filled with positive energy stemming from her passion for teaching and love of literature. Bond recalls a time when she walked into Teri Sanders’ lecture on “The Catcher and the Rye” and listened for four minutes until Teri Sanders finally noticed she was in

An energetic smile, signature bright sweater and deep passion for education. Teresa Miller Sanders embodied all of these and much more. She passed away on Nov. 19 after a long battle with stomach cancer. Known around campus as Teri, she was a beloved English teacher who was integral to the Newbury Park High School community. She connected with students and fellow teachers to create a lasting legacy in the school, leaving a void in countless people’s hearts. After only a few days of notice, people gathered in the Performing Arts Center on Nov. 23 to celebrate her life as an English teacher, colleague and family member.

Her podium is an indication of everything she embodied and meant to her students. Hundreds of signatures of former students cover the podium. The podium is a physical manifestation of the love she gave to the students she taught.

Students on campus knew Teri Sanders as a transformative English teacher. She taught English 9 Honors and was often the first teacher students had in high school. Remembered for her positive personality, sense of humor and welcoming environment, she touched the hearts of many at NPHS. Annika Kanugo, sophomore, had Teri Sanders for English during her first semester of high school. Kanugo vividly remembers the joy of being in her class. “I felt like I could be myself and I never really had a moment where I didn’t want to go to that class… it was where I made my best friends too,” Kanugo said. This feeling was shared by many of her students, as her classroom was an uplifting environment. She would greet her students with the same beaming smile and unapologetic enthusiasm everyday.

During her freshman year, Kanugo became sick and was in the hospital for an extended period of time. She remembers how Teri Sanders checked up on her frequently. “She’d offered to help me with things after school,” Kanugo said. “She emailed

always start a conversation with me and I always felt I could go and talk to her about anything… you could tell she cared about how you were doing,” da Kroob said.

An aspect of Teri Sanders’ class that many of her students enjoyed were the creative assignments that she came up with. An example of this was the “walking in someone else’s shoes” project inspired by “To Kill a Mockingbird.” This assignment was created in order to understand the perspectives of different people, and was a favorite of students and the English department. Although most students hate being assigned work, Teri Sanders made it worth their while. “Mrs. Sanders always introduced an element of customizability with her assignments,” Goldstein said. “This made her teaching effective, but also enjoyable.”

Students were shocked when they heard that Teri Sanders had passed away. “I thought she was always going to get better and just come back and be, you know, the Mrs. Sanders that everybody knows,” Kanugo said.

However, her passing has made her students remember the impact that she has made on them. They believe that Teri Sanders established a strong legacy in her time at NPHS. “Mrs. Sanders will be remembered for her unabashed dedication, both to her students’ well-being and their success in the classroom. Any person who had her will remember her warmth and understanding,” Goldstein said.

In Memory- Sunshine Roth, Kamden de Ruyter, and Gwen Buchanan all sign a poster dedicated Mrs. Sanders and her family after her passing.

Many flowers were laid out, posters were hung up, and a moment of silence was made for this teacher the day after she passed. Reese Kelem/ Prowler

me from time to time asking how I was doing, which made me feel like she really cared about me.”

Rachel Goldstein, sophomore, also had Teri Sanders as a teacher for her first semester of high school and believes her animated personality made her an impactful teacher. She would frequently crack jokes, walk around class at a brisk pace and talk about her obsession with fuzzy sweaters and socks. “She was funny and a little kooky and a fantastic listener,” Goldstein said, “so committed to every single one of her students.”

Teri Sanders’ constant and contagious positivity resonated with her students and she soon became the adviser of the

NPHS ukulele club. A group of students arrived every Friday to B4 to play ukuleles, sing songs and have conversations with her. Although the club was small, Teri Sanders was a very active adviser, constantly encouraging students and spreading her love of music. On a lucky occasion, students would be able to catch her jamming out with the students herself.

Vanessa da Kroob, sophomore, got to know Teri Sanders both as a student and as a member of the ukulele club. She saw Teri Sanders as not only a teacher, but as a friend and someone who could give her advice, whether it be about the next English assignment or managing high school in general. “She would

Panther Prowler • Dec. 6, 2019

9

the room. “She was just really good at remembering her purpose here. Telling me and others you’ve got to block out all the noise and just close your door and focus on your kids because they’re the ones that are counting on you. I always felt that way, but I remind myself of it even more because of how strongly she felt about it.”

However, Bond’s strongest impression of Teri Sanders is her empathy. During her time at NPHS, Teri Sanders left for a couple of years to teach at Conejo Valley High School. “I was sad to be without my friend but in awe that she was seeking to reach some of the most challenging students in the district,” Bond said.

Teri Sanders came back to NPHS to take the place of Darrin Carr, an English teacher who passed away on Dec.30, 2016. “I think it takes someone with great sensitivity and empathy to thrive in that situation and to be able to relate to the students who are getting over the trauma of losing their previous teacher,” Bond said.

“I just can’t think of anyone else that was more perfect for such a tragic situation.”

Bond described Teri Sanders as “a warrior” in her speech delivered at the memorial. During Teri’s battle with stomach cancer, Bond would visit and go on walks with her. Unlike how most people would describe their situation, “she just said this is what it is and this is where it is headed. We’re just gonna fight this with everything that we’ve got now.”

Christine Hodson, a fellow English teacher, was Family- Mrs Sanders smiles with her son, Michael Sanders, and her husband, close friends with Teri Sanders, and Hodson’s son, “was Mike Sanders at Michael’s 8th grade promotion last year. There was lots of support going toward the family after her passing, including lots of flowers, lucky enough to be one of Teri Sanders students.”

Hodson mentioned how she and Teri Sanders, “were cards and posters. Alana Bond/With Permission birds of the same feather” and that their relationship about her family, who were her entire world. “immediately went to friendship...having her as a friend... we Teri Sanders never failed to provide support and spread felt more like sisters to each other.” laughter to those who needed it. Scott Miller, Teri Sanders’ Hodson took over Teri’s classes when she took her medical brother, recalls a photo album Teri Sanders made for her leave of absence in the second semester of last year. “I felt close parents in celebration of their birthday which she themed to her by getting to know her students and talking to her about “Still sexy at sixty.” Inside were “letters and notes and pictures them. And she, she missed all of you. And she loved all of you. from all of their friends over their life, and each of us kids and And she said that she just won the lottery that year with those so many people in our parents’ lives.” students,” Hodson said.

Mike Sanders, Teri Sanders’ husband, shared the same When reminiscing about the legacy of Teri Sanders, sentiment. “Family was most important to her, never forgetting Hodson said, “The first word that pops into my head when I a birthday, anniversary, always making calls and sending cards,” think of Teri Sanders and I think of what she’s remembered for he said. is “light” because there is an energy of lightness that radiated Michael Sanders, their son, was his mother’s everything and from her.” she supported him with everything she had. Mike Sanders said there was “never a moment she didn’t love, worry, care about, and make plans for her baby. It was always the very best for her Michael and nothing would keep her from making that happen.”

Teri Sanders lived a life full of challenge and adventure. Her During Teri Sanders’ memorial, Mike Sanders told the story open personality would always make her stand out wherever of when Teri Sanders “was looking for a preschool, long before you saw her. She enjoyed trying new things like skydiving, one was a necessity. One day she came home in tears because sports, the color purple and fuzzy socks. One of her favorite she had visited a place where she couldn’t imagine Michael books was “The Glass Castle.” Her jokes were genuine and being in that place.” funny, always making you laugh, and they always included a “Teri is and will always be my world. She made me better in twinkle in her eye. When she talked to you, you knew she was every way possible,” Mike Sanders said. “Teri taught me what it genuinely listening. And she told the most wonderful stories felt like to be loved.”

Mrs. Sanders, You were the first English teacher we had at NPHS. We entered your class as shy, inexperienced freshman and left as stronger writers, speakers and thinkers. You gave all of us a love for English and a passion for discussion. You wanted everyone to be treated equally and with respect, and you instilled the quality of tolerance in all of your students. Whether it was through the books you taught or your own life stories, you reminded us that everyone is human and deserves to be treated accordingly. You encouraged us to discover and reach our full potential. Thank you for your welcoming smile and radiant personality; walking into your class immediately made our day better. Thank you for going above and beyond in preparing us for future classes and life. Whenever we would feel bad after a rough second period, you were the first person to make us feel grateful for being here at school with your caring words and joyful smile. We will always remember your loving interjections during our presentations like, “I love you” when we did something well. You could see her passion for teaching radiate from her as she would inform us of the deeper significance of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. You made us confident, you are the one who made us who we are. Thank you for encouraging us to be kind and to fight for what we believe in. Thank you for blessing us with your wisdom and silly personality. You are why we are writing for the Prowler.

Thank you, Manas, Jessica, Carter

8

Teri Sanders

Teri Sanders

Panther Prowler • Dec. 6, 2019 Manas Khatore Entertainment Editor Jessica Zhou DPS Editor Carter Castillo Opinion Editor

Empathetic, real, funny, passionate, strong; these are the words that her friends used to describe her and many more.

She was a supporter, a listener, a role model, a mentor and a good friend to many of the teachers at NPHS. Teri Sanders’ classroom was a safe haven for feelings to be shared and ideas to be exchanged. Alana Bond, English teacher, was one of the many frequent visitors to her classroom. “Teri Sanders was invariably in her classroom at the crack of dawn, as many of you know, and I found myself drawn to her room in the mornings where we have little pow-wows almost every day before second period began,” Bond said.

Both transferring to NPHS in 2011, Bond and Teri Sanders immediately became close friends as they were both trying to get familiar with the “Newbury Park ways.” Soon, they became even closer when they were both given the opportunity to teach English 9H and English 11 CP. Bond was inspired by the way Teri Sanders would take on the role as a teacher and how she would build close relationships with her students. “I think so many kids came out of her class with friendships that they didn’t have before that, more so than in any other class… it’s something that I strive towards because of her,” Bond said.

Teri Sanders’ classroom was always filled with positive energy stemming from her passion for teaching and love of literature. Bond recalls a time when she walked into Teri Sanders’ lecture on “The Catcher and the Rye” and listened for four minutes until Teri Sanders finally noticed she was in

An energetic smile, signature bright sweater and deep passion for education. Teresa Miller Sanders embodied all of these and much more. She passed away on Nov. 19 after a long battle with stomach cancer. Known around campus as Teri, she was a beloved English teacher who was integral to the Newbury Park High School community. She connected with students and fellow teachers to create a lasting legacy in the school, leaving a void in countless people’s hearts. After only a few days of notice, people gathered in the Performing Arts Center on Nov. 23 to celebrate her life as an English teacher, colleague and family member.

Her podium is an indication of everything she embodied and meant to her students. Hundreds of signatures of former students cover the podium. The podium is a physical manifestation of the love she gave to the students she taught.

Students on campus knew Teri Sanders as a transformative English teacher. She taught English 9 Honors and was often the first teacher students had in high school. Remembered for her positive personality, sense of humor and welcoming environment, she touched the hearts of many at NPHS. Annika Kanugo, sophomore, had Teri Sanders for English during her first semester of high school. Kanugo vividly remembers the joy of being in her class. “I felt like I could be myself and I never really had a moment where I didn’t want to go to that class… it was where I made my best friends too,” Kanugo said. This feeling was shared by many of her students, as her classroom was an uplifting environment. She would greet her students with the same beaming smile and unapologetic enthusiasm everyday.

During her freshman year, Kanugo became sick and was in the hospital for an extended period of time. She remembers how Teri Sanders checked up on her frequently. “She’d offered to help me with things after school,” Kanugo said. “She emailed

always start a conversation with me and I always felt I could go and talk to her about anything… you could tell she cared about how you were doing,” da Kroob said.

An aspect of Teri Sanders’ class that many of her students enjoyed were the creative assignments that she came up with. An example of this was the “walking in someone else’s shoes” project inspired by “To Kill a Mockingbird.” This assignment was created in order to understand the perspectives of different people, and was a favorite of students and the English department. Although most students hate being assigned work, Teri Sanders made it worth their while. “Mrs. Sanders always introduced an element of customizability with her assignments,” Goldstein said. “This made her teaching effective, but also enjoyable.”

Students were shocked when they heard that Teri Sanders had passed away. “I thought she was always going to get better and just come back and be, you know, the Mrs. Sanders that everybody knows,” Kanugo said.

However, her passing has made her students remember the impact that she has made on them. They believe that Teri Sanders established a strong legacy in her time at NPHS. “Mrs. Sanders will be remembered for her unabashed dedication, both to her students’ well-being and their success in the classroom. Any person who had her will remember her warmth and understanding,” Goldstein said.

In Memory- Sunshine Roth, Kamden de Ruyter, and Gwen Buchanan all sign a poster dedicated Mrs. Sanders and her family after her passing.

Many flowers were laid out, posters were hung up, and a moment of silence was made for this teacher the day after she passed. Reese Kelem/ Prowler

me from time to time asking how I was doing, which made me feel like she really cared about me.”

Rachel Goldstein, sophomore, also had Teri Sanders as a teacher for her first semester of high school and believes her animated personality made her an impactful teacher. She would frequently crack jokes, walk around class at a brisk pace and talk about her obsession with fuzzy sweaters and socks. “She was funny and a little kooky and a fantastic listener,” Goldstein said, “so committed to every single one of her students.”

Teri Sanders’ constant and contagious positivity resonated with her students and she soon became the adviser of the

NPHS ukulele club. A group of students arrived every Friday to B4 to play ukuleles, sing songs and have conversations with her. Although the club was small, Teri Sanders was a very active adviser, constantly encouraging students and spreading her love of music. On a lucky occasion, students would be able to catch her jamming out with the students herself.

Vanessa da Kroob, sophomore, got to know Teri Sanders both as a student and as a member of the ukulele club. She saw Teri Sanders as not only a teacher, but as a friend and someone who could give her advice, whether it be about the next English assignment or managing high school in general. “She would

Panther Prowler • Dec. 6, 2019

9

the room. “She was just really good at remembering her purpose here. Telling me and others you’ve got to block out all the noise and just close your door and focus on your kids because they’re the ones that are counting on you. I always felt that way, but I remind myself of it even more because of how strongly she felt about it.”

However, Bond’s strongest impression of Teri Sanders is her empathy. During her time at NPHS, Teri Sanders left for a couple of years to teach at Conejo Valley High School. “I was sad to be without my friend but in awe that she was seeking to reach some of the most challenging students in the district,” Bond said.

Teri Sanders came back to NPHS to take the place of Darrin Carr, an English teacher who passed away on Dec.30, 2016. “I think it takes someone with great sensitivity and empathy to thrive in that situation and to be able to relate to the students who are getting over the trauma of losing their previous teacher,” Bond said.

“I just can’t think of anyone else that was more perfect for such a tragic situation.”

Bond described Teri Sanders as “a warrior” in her speech delivered at the memorial. During Teri’s battle with stomach cancer, Bond would visit and go on walks with her. Unlike how most people would describe their situation, “she just said this is what it is and this is where it is headed. We’re just gonna fight this with everything that we’ve got now.”

Christine Hodson, a fellow English teacher, was Family- Mrs Sanders smiles with her son, Michael Sanders, and her husband, close friends with Teri Sanders, and Hodson’s son, “was Mike Sanders at Michael’s 8th grade promotion last year. There was lots of support going toward the family after her passing, including lots of flowers, lucky enough to be one of Teri Sanders students.”

Hodson mentioned how she and Teri Sanders, “were cards and posters. Alana Bond/With Permission birds of the same feather” and that their relationship about her family, who were her entire world. “immediately went to friendship...having her as a friend... we Teri Sanders never failed to provide support and spread felt more like sisters to each other.” laughter to those who needed it. Scott Miller, Teri Sanders’ Hodson took over Teri’s classes when she took her medical brother, recalls a photo album Teri Sanders made for her leave of absence in the second semester of last year. “I felt close parents in celebration of their birthday which she themed to her by getting to know her students and talking to her about “Still sexy at sixty.” Inside were “letters and notes and pictures them. And she, she missed all of you. And she loved all of you. from all of their friends over their life, and each of us kids and And she said that she just won the lottery that year with those so many people in our parents’ lives.” students,” Hodson said.

Mike Sanders, Teri Sanders’ husband, shared the same When reminiscing about the legacy of Teri Sanders, sentiment. “Family was most important to her, never forgetting Hodson said, “The first word that pops into my head when I a birthday, anniversary, always making calls and sending cards,” think of Teri Sanders and I think of what she’s remembered for he said. is “light” because there is an energy of lightness that radiated Michael Sanders, their son, was his mother’s everything and from her.” she supported him with everything she had. Mike Sanders said there was “never a moment she didn’t love, worry, care about, and make plans for her baby. It was always the very best for her Michael and nothing would keep her from making that happen.”

Teri Sanders lived a life full of challenge and adventure. Her During Teri Sanders’ memorial, Mike Sanders told the story open personality would always make her stand out wherever of when Teri Sanders “was looking for a preschool, long before you saw her. She enjoyed trying new things like skydiving, one was a necessity. One day she came home in tears because sports, the color purple and fuzzy socks. One of her favorite she had visited a place where she couldn’t imagine Michael books was “The Glass Castle.” Her jokes were genuine and being in that place.” funny, always making you laugh, and they always included a “Teri is and will always be my world. She made me better in twinkle in her eye. When she talked to you, you knew she was every way possible,” Mike Sanders said. “Teri taught me what it genuinely listening. And she told the most wonderful stories felt like to be loved.”

Mrs. Sanders, You were the first English teacher we had at NPHS. We entered your class as shy, inexperienced freshman and left as stronger writers, speakers and thinkers. You gave all of us a love for English and a passion for discussion. You wanted everyone to be treated equally and with respect, and you instilled the quality of tolerance in all of your students. Whether it was through the books you taught or your own life stories, you reminded us that everyone is human and deserves to be treated accordingly. You encouraged us to discover and reach our full potential. Thank you for your welcoming smile and radiant personality; walking into your class immediately made our day better. Thank you for going above and beyond in preparing us for future classes and life. Whenever we would feel bad after a rough second period, you were the first person to make us feel grateful for being here at school with your caring words and joyful smile. We will always remember your loving interjections during our presentations like, “I love you” when we did something well. You could see her passion for teaching radiate from her as she would inform us of the deeper significance of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. You made us confident, you are the one who made us who we are. Thank you for encouraging us to be kind and to fight for what we believe in. Thank you for blessing us with your wisdom and silly personality. You are why we are writing for the Prowler.

Thank you, Manas, Jessica, Carter

10

features Panther Prowler • Dec. 6, 2019

Winter Season brings diverse holidays Reese Kelem Staff Writer

Prasheetha Karthikeyan Features Editor Emily Augustine Front Cover Editor Jacob Malone Back Cover Editor

“Pifa is also in charge of delivering your list to Santa when you’re done. You just put it on the tree and it’s gone the next morning,” Sierra-Valdez said. The bird is white with a festive red scarf, hat and beak.

“Pifa would also visit us after Christmas for Three Kings Day, January sixth, then she would return to the North Pole until next Christmas,” Sierra-Valdez said. Also known as Epiphany, Three Kings Day is a Christian holiday that marks the day when the gift-bearing three kings met baby Jesus.

“Three Kings Day is like a mini Christmas where you get shoes and clothes instead of toys or fancy gifts,” Sierra-Valdez said. The holiday is typically celebrated in Spain and Latin America.

“Most of my family on my dad’s side is from Spain, my mom’s side is more native or Latina,” Sierra-Valdez said. Her father brought the family tradition of Pifa Pifita to the Sierra-Valdez family, and she hopes to continue it.

Hanukkah “Hanukkah is the celebration of when the oil in a destroyed temple lasted for eight nights when it should have only lasted one,” Rachel Goldstein said. Rachel’s family is one of many Jewish families in the community who are celebrating the holiday.

The holiday occurs different days every year since it is based off of the Jewish Lunar calendar, being from Dec.22-30 this year.

Coo Coo- Pifa Pifita, a little white bird, sits on a tree with her baby. Pifa comes around the holiday season to watch over families and deliver Christmas lists. “Pifa would also visit us after Christmas for Three Kings Day, then she would return to the North Pole,” Aitana Sierra-Valdez said.

Aitana Sierra-Valdezr/With permission

As the nights get chillier and the holiday season draws near, many students are celebrating the holidays this year. Most celebrate when Santa Claus puts presents under the tree, but some enjoy other unique holidays, as you will see.

Saint Lucia’s Day As a part of her Swedish heritage, Josephine Duc, senior, celebrates St. Lucia’s Day, a holiday that honors St. Lucia, a Christian martyr. Although St. Lucia’s day is a Swedish tradition, St. Lucia was actually a Roman woman who was killed in the year 304 A.D. during the Roman persecution of Christians. Although much of her history is lost, it is known that she valiantly donated her time to serve others. “We celebrate the saint on December 13th, and people celebrate the idea of bringing food and light to those who need it,” Duc said.

St. Lucia’s Day is traditionally celebrated with candle crowns.

These candles are meant to bring hope and light to the cold, Scandanavian winter. Additionally, St. Lucia wore a candle crown when she cared for others. “She brings light throughout the world of darkness, both with her candle crown and with her kindness,” Duc said.

However, there is another aspect of the holiday that cannot be forgotten: the food. Traditionally, families celebrate St. Lucia’s Day by enjoying coffee and baked goods, such as saffron bread and ginger biscuits, with other members of the family. “We make gingerbread cookies from scratch and lots of Lusse bullar, which are shaped like an S with raisins in them,” Duc said. “All of the food we eat is connected to either wintertime, Christmas, Lucia, or Swedish culture.”

Three Kings Day “Before Elf on the Shelf, my parents used a little bird called Pifa Pifita to watch over us,” Aitana Sierra-Valdez, senior, said.

The bird figure disappears and reappears periodically throughout the holiday season.

“On Christmas morning, (Pifa Pifita would) be there with her baby. We still do it because the ornament is super pretty but I still don’t know the secret of Pifa,” Sierra-Valdez said. Her family consists of her parents and her younger sister who is a freshman.

Happy Hanukkah-The Mensch on a Bench, sits atop a desk holding a potato and potato peeler. The Mensch on a Bench, is a popular toy that is said to watch over the Menorah and bring joy to jewish families during Hanukkah. Rachel Goldstein/With permission

During Hanukkah, many delicacies cooked in oil (representing the candle oil that lasted eight days) are enjoyed, like latkes, or potato pancakes. “You say the prayers over the candles and eat lots of good food, like most jewish holidays, and it’s customary to give gifts to your family and friends,” said Goldstein.

It is also common to play a game of dreidel where people spin a top and try to win coins. There are four sides to the dreidel, “Nun,” “Gimel,” “Hey” and “Shin,” and whichever one faces up after the dreidel is spun tells each player how much to give or take from the “pot” in the center. Overall, the four letters mean “Nes gadol haya sham,” meaning a great miracle happened there, referring to the temple.

While there is an up and coming popularity around the Christmas tradition of Elf on The shelf, an elf that watches kids if they are good or bad and reports to Santa, Hanukkah has its own unique version of this. “My family has a Mensch on a Bench, it’s like a Jewish Elf on the Shelf, we put that out every year,” said Goldstein. A Mensch is a person who is relied on for his or her integrity and honor.

According to the stories, Moshe the Mensch (The Mensch on a Bench) was in the temple with Judah the Maccabees when they won the war against the Greeks. He now brings joy to families globally and watches over the menorah.

One important centerpiece of Hanukkah is the menorah, which consists of nine candles, four on each side of the center candle, called the shamash. Each of the eight candles represents one of the eight nights that the miraculous candle burned in the temple. The shamash is used to light each candle for every night of the holiday.

Dutch Christmas Kamden De Ruyter, sophomore, celebrates a unique version of Christmas compared to the American Version Dutch Christmas. Celebrated on the fifth of December, which is Saint Nicholas’s Eve, Dutch families, including De Ruyter’s, wait for Sinterklaas (Santa Claus) to bring them presents. “We put out wooden shoes, and then the next day, he comes in, they’re full of chocolates and stuff,” said De Ruyter.

Families also eat traditional Dutch desserts during the holiday like the stroopwafel. “You can find them at Trader Joe’s, they’re extremely good. It’s basically two wafers with caramel in between,” De Ruyter said. “They (also) make cookies in the shape of windmills and they’re not necessarily less sweet but more like flavorful.” There is also pepernoot, a popular cinnamon biscuit commonly eaten by the Dutch as well as a Dutch Christmas Ring Cake.

This holiday also has its own unique traditions and folklore.

Dutch children are told about Santa’s helpers called “Zwarte Pieten”. As the tale goes, Sinterklaas and Zwarte Pieten arrive in a steam boat at the port of Rotterdam and leave presents for good children. They put treats in dutch wooden shoes, or clogs, that children put by the window.

Diwali Another holiday celebrated by many people all over the world is Diwali. Diwali is an Indian holiday, loosely translated as the “Festival of Lights.” Diwali is celebrated differently depending on the part of India. Annika Kanugo, sophomore, celebrates it with the South Indian custom. “[Diwali] celebrates the defeat of the demon king,” Kanugo said.

Diwali is often celebrated with firecrackers, symbolic of the name of the festival. Many people also go to temple to worship and eat a big meal with family around the table. “My favorite part is getting to eat food and spend time with friends and family,” Kanugo said Diwali is also a very personal holiday, so different families engage in various activities.

For Kanugo and her family, they tend to stay in. “We have our own ceremony in our house to worship the gods,” Kanugo said.

“And we have a big dinner afterwards.”

Every year, a Diwali party is held for all the Indians in the community. Although it was on Nov. 9, over two weeks after the actual holiday, it was still successful and enjoyable. “The Diwali party is held in Dos Vientos and has performances and food and entertainment. Everyone dresses up and it’s a lot of fun,” Kanugo says. This event was one of many across the globe to celebrate a special holiday cherished by the Indian culture.

Light it Up-The 2019 Diwali party, taking place on Nov. 9 at the Dos Vientos Community Center, kicked it off with a number of student performances. Prasheetha Karthikeyan/Prowler

features Panther Prowler • Dec. 6, 2019

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Emily Augustine Front Cover Editor

Ryan Younes: a musician, an Eagle Scout and an aspiring pilot. His unwavering positivity and friendliness makes him one of the most approachable seniors on campus.

I had the opportunity to share some tea and find out more about him.

What are doing right now in preparation for becoming a pilot?

So, my plan for that is I’m going right now to the EAA chapter in Camarillo and basically the EAA is this organization that helps young people like me get their pilot’s license; it gets them into aviation.

You may know or you may not know about this but there’s a big pilot shortage, and it’s growing quickly, and airline jobs are getting to look a lot more on the market. You can become basically higher up member and get a good pay much quicker now, because of the demand for the pilots.”

What is your favorite movie?

My favorite video game is fortnite cause it’s the only game I’m kind of good at. I’ve been playing fortnite for about two years, and I started playing because a lot of my friends were. I don’t play as much now due to a busier schedule, but I definitely still try to play when I can.

What is your favorite video game?

Favorite video game. Oh yikes. I don’t know. I’d say Terraria because it’s just got so much to deal with like you can play with your friends, one, there are a lot of possibilities you can run with, a lot of things you can explore, and it’s a challenge for sure. I mean, if you hadn’t seen it as a challenge you’d get bored of it just like that. I like Terraria, man, it’s good stuff.

Who is your favorite celebrity?

James Hetfield. I really liked him because basically he is who I looked up to basically throughout my freshman/sophomore year and a little bit less now that I am moving into different interests, with the aviation thing, because that is pretty all encompassing. There is a lot less time for me to play guitar, but he is still a big role model for me because he is somebody that went through a lot of strife and trouble within the band, with himself, with all of that, and moved on to become one of the biggest rock stars around the world.

Metallica sells out in stadiums everywhere. It’s crazy, and you watch him on stage, you go to a show, and there is something about the air there, and it doesn’t have to be in the music. You may not like the songs, but it is what he creates in that stadium that keeps him so electrifying”

What is your favorite melon?

Watermelon, duh. What kind of a question is that? I could throw honeydew and cantaloupe out the window for a watermelon.

How does the pop music genre compare to rock music?

It is obviously a different kind of music made

Jacob Malone/Prowler for different reasons and I am not trying to

legitimize one and delegitimize the other, but it’s a different art style for sure.

Turkey Day Dashers race in the rain Adalia Luo Staff Writer Cheering-Youth and Government club members help to set up the backdrop for runners at the Turkey Dash to take photos after the race. Jolie Mehner, sophomore, arrived at the event at 6:30 a.m. to help in any way she could. “The environment around the dash was really positive. People were kind and were willing to help you out if you needed it and generally just very friendly.” Mehner said. There were multiple races that participants could run in, including a timed 5K for those who wanted to run competitively.

Jolie Mehner/With permission

This past Thanksgiving Thursday was the 15th Annual Turkey Day Dash held at California Lutheran University. Including a 5K, 1K, and a costume contest, the race raises money for the Conejo Valley YMCA’s youth and senior programs.

Senior Director of membership at the YMCA, Allison Wilson, loves her longtime job of being the Race Director for the Turkey Day Dash, even with the early start times. “We arrive to setup at about 4:30 in the morning,” Wilson said. “The kids race is a one mile race that begins at 7:30, and the 5K race begins at 8:00.”

This year’s race made history as the first time in 15 years that the runners raced in the rain. “We had over 2,000 runners,” explained Wilson. “It was so inspiring to see so many people brave the rain, to support both our Conejo Valley YMCA, but also their community.”

The Turkey Day Dash serves as an annual fundraiser for the YMCA. “The money raised from

the TDD is used to give scholarships to people needing financial assistance,” said Wilson.

Activities like their Safety Around Water program and Youth and Government would not be possible without this event.

An officer in the YMCA’s Youth and Government program, Jolie Mehner, sophomore, spent the day with her club volunteering. “I was there from 6:30am to 10am,” Mehner said.

“We like to do stuff for the YMCA since they run our organization.”

Although this Turkey Dash was her first experience with the annual event, there was never a quiet moment as a volunteer. “I was just helping out where I could. I helped set up things, helped out with the kids race, and handed out applesauce to the runners after they finished the race,” Mehner said. “The YMCA always has really nice people volunteering and it sets up great events.”

Fellow Youth and Government member, Morgan Ashamalla, junior, also spent the morning volunteering for the Turkey Day Dash. “Our delegation asked for volunteers to help make pancakes for the runners,” said Ashamalla. “We ended up just supervising and handing out snacks and medals to the runners and I personally supervised the children’s race making sure nobody slipped and fell in the rain.”

Arriving at 6:30 a.m. and staying til 9:30 a.m., this was Ashamalla’s first year as well. “I would totally do it again,” she said. “The people were super nice and it was a cool hangout with my friends. The environment is super fun and relaxed.”

Despite the unexpected rain and freezing temperatures, Turkey Day Dash 2019 was full of grinning faces and glowing smiles. “Everyone is just there to have a good time and support the YMCA,” said Ashamalla.

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entertainment Panther Prowler • Dec. 6, 2019

“Knives Out” stuns audiences Jessica Zhou DPS Editor

“Knives Out” is the newest addition to the “whodunit genre,” placing a fresh twist on classics such as “Clue.” Released worldwide on Nov. 27, the movie has received critical acclaim and currently holds a 96 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Seeing as most of the horror movies of 2019 have been pretty horrible, we decided to take a stab at the murder mystery genre and attended the premiere of the film. Even though we sat in the front row of a packed theater, “Knives Out” was worth all two hours and ten minutes of neck pain endured.

The movie starts with the death of Harlan Thrombey, a famous mystery author and the wealthy owner of a renowned publishing company. The death is believed to be a murder and suspicion is immediately placed on Thrombey’s three children and his caregiver Marta Cabrera, a Latina immigrant. After Cabrera receives Thrombey’s will, the rest of the family turns against Cabrera, who believes she accidentally killed Thrombey herself. However, in a shocking (or not) turn of events, an alternate suspect is revealed to have plotted Thrombey’s murder at the end of the movie.

It is pretty clear that the structure of the movie is very basic; a wealthy man is killed, a will is argued over and the surprise murderer is revealed at the very end. However, “Knives Out” builds

Jacob Malone/Prowler

Manas Khatore Entertainment Editor

off of this outline brilliantly through a diverse set of subplots and characters. Each of Thrombey’s children is dealing with their own issues, ranging from a romantic affair to a failing skincare startup, all of which are shown to provide motive to kill Thrombey.

Additionally, the movie is filled with various comedic moments, including Cabrera’s tendency to literally vomit when telling a lie and Chris Evans’ portrayal of Ransom Drysdale, Thrombey’s grandson.

There needs to be a life lesson in order for it to fit the PG-13 category. The whole story aims to reveal a central message of kindness toward others. Cabrera is the epitome of an angel on Earth, while the Thrombey family is the literal image of corruption and failure under wealth. Members of the family are also racist, including Thrombey’s son and “alt-right” grandson, and threaten to deport Cabrera after she receives the will. Cabrera never retaliates and is always polite to the family in return. As the Thrombeys reach their demise at the end of the movie, the audience is able to witness a full circle of beautiful karma in action.

“Knives Out” has elevated the basic murder mystery plot and made it relevant and entertaining to modern audiences. Whether you are an aspiring detective or looking for a way out of “Frozen 2,” this movie is a must-see for all.

“Ford vs. Ferrari” races into the box office Rahul D’Souza Chief Photographer

Music Corner

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brooding persona, opting for a more quippy drifter instead.

Headstrong and stubborn, Bale’s character clashes with the others, but is also the force driving the team forward.

The chemistry between Bale and Damon leads to a beautiful friendship on screen. Their characters’ personalities conflict, but also compliment each other. The inflexible loner and the goodnatured designer are an unlikely pair, but by the end of the movie an unbreakable bond is formed between the two.

Set in the 1960’s, the car culture in the movie is strong, with many nostalgic beauties making their way onto the screen. Some can be seen in only a few clips, while others are favorites for the entire movie, but all these old beasts are welcome sights for those that can appreciate them.

Unfamiliar viewers may confuse “Ford vs. Ferrari” with “The Fast and the Furious” series. This may make them turn away, as the series has experienced a downward trajectory the last few years. However, don’t get it twisted: “Ford vs. Ferrari” currently holds a 91 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is excellent.

Overall, “Ford Vs Ferrari” brings us a movie that redneck motorheads and average moviegoers can love together. Regardless of whether or not you like race cars, the performances delivered by the seasoned cast of actors is sure to keep you content.

Em

Contrary to what the name implies, “Ford vs. Ferrari” isn’t just a car movie with fast driving and loud races. The film combines drama with a deep appreciation for the intricacies and art that go into a race car.

Based on a true story, the main conflict in the film is between Henry Ford II and Enzo Ferrari. After Ford attempts to buy a controlling share in his company, Ferrari practically spits back in his face, insulting his lineage. Ford takes this is a declaration of war, determined to destroy Ferrari in the most prestigious race of the time: the 24-hour Le Mans race in France.

Ford brings in Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon), a masterful car designer with an eye for performance like no other. His name will go down in history associated with the Shelby Mustang muscle-car, but in this film, he works on the Ford GT40, a pure race car. Damon delivers a fiery, yet likeable performance. He doesn’t stand for anyone insulting him, even going so far as to fistfight his driver, Ken Miles (Christian Bale). At the same time, he is cheerful and lively, contrasting sharply with the stubborn attitude of Bale’s character.

Bale is known to immerse himself in his roles entirely, losing or gaining unhealthy amounts of weight to fit his characters.

After playing Dick Cheney in his last movie, “Vice”, Bale lost an astounding 70 pounds to play Ken Miles, a daring racer.

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Emma Schoors News Editor Christmas is the time for many things; oversized evergreen trees, talking snowmen and time with family and friends are just the start of them. Music is one aspect that those who celebrate this iconic holiday remember vividly, because some Christmas albums are just timeless.

One of the most beloved Christmas albums is “Christmas Portrait” by The Carpenters, which, in 1978, seamlessly blended the silky vocals of Karen Carpenter with classic holiday songs.

This album revolutionized 70’s Christmas tunes by adapting them to modern music standards, all the while keeping the authenticity and warm vibe of older Christmas tracks.

Frank Sinatra’s 1957 “Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra” is an iconic, sleek album. His classic arrangements do not stray far from the classic 40’s sounds that made Christmas music a modern phenomenon, but his famously smooth voice ties the bow on the top of this album. Many immediately associate Sinatra with Christmas music, and there is a good reason why.

The Beach Boys shook up the classic holiday music scene with the release of their 1964 album “The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album.” Featuring seven iconic Christmas songs and five originals, the band effortlessly balances their signature Southern California pop sound with snowy Christmas charm.

In terms of popularity, Bing Crosby’s famed “Bing Crosby’s Christmas Classics,” released in 1988, is a holiday staple for millions. This is largely due to its classical feel, which makes it a beacon for great Christmas music. Those who celebrate Christmas tend to sway toward this album to accompany their holiday celebrations.

There are dozens of iconic Christmas albums, and they all have similarly nostalgic, positive undertones. It is no wonder that so many people fall back into the same Christmas songs again and again.

entertainment Panther Prowler • Dec. 6, 2019

e z n o r 2 f ” “ Loved with the same exuberance of

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Anna to Elsa Adalia Luo Staff Writer

Clarissa Shin Sports Editor

With freshly different outfits, unfamiliar settings and new songs, the recent Frozen sequel was filled with stand-out features.

Released on Nov. 22, “Frozen 2” brought in many fans both new and old. Brimming with a new event or character every moment of the film, the movie had a much more complex storyline than the first.

Right off the bat, one of the main protagonists, Elsa, begins to hear a lilting and nearly-operatic melody, which instantly captured our attention. The plot thickened when Elsa, after a heartwarming musical number about family, proceeded to follow the voice into the Enchanted Forest, an intriguing new setting change. While the first movie was primarily based in Arendelle, “Frozen 2” introduced the Northuldra and characterized the elements of nature.

The movie was full of explanations as to the elusive death of Anna and Elsa’s parents, the sisters’ future and an update on

Kristoff and Anna’s relationship. The characters had all received extensive development as the movie incorporated details of all aspects of their lives into the wonderfully exhaustive plot. By the end of the movie, there were almost no unanswered questions.

Even the characters’ outfits gave the audience a better understanding about who they were and where the movie took place. For example, Anna’s outfit was light brown in the beginning of the movie, showing her fun, lighthearted nature.

We were captivated by Anna’s outfit change to a black dress under her purple cape because it foreshadowed the “dark” events to come.

The movie had no repeat songs, which we loved because it gave the movie an overall novel feeling and allowed the audience to experience variety. The songs played at the right times and were not too overwhelming. Elsa’s songs, “Into the Unknown” and “Show Yourself ” were great and summed up a big portion of

Emily Augustine/Prowler

the movie’s plot.

Throughout the movie, Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Sven were introduced to new characters, including Bruni, Yelana and Ryder.

These additions added greater understanding to the overall movie and we felt the new characters fit perfectly into the storyline.

The end of the movie caught us off guard because Anna ended up taking Elsa’s place as queen and Elsa ruled the land of Northuldra. We were happy because it gave Anna a well-deserved position of power, when in the previous Frozen, Elsa was the main character who was queen of Arendelle.

Overall, we loved Frozen 2 because the songs, characters and settings were so interesting and different than the first movie.

Frozen 2 presented a well thought out plot and flowed very well from scene to scene. The movie ended with a happy ending, leaving us satisfied and amazed. We recommend this movie for any age who wants to watch a great family movie for the winter.

“Baaaaa-Maste” meets Conejo Valley Reese Kelem Staff Writer You make your way slowly to a tabletop position, engaging your core, and all of a sudden, leap! A goat jumps onto your back for a treat.

On Sunday, Nov. 17, YOGOAT LA came to The Lakes in Thousand Oaks to instruct an hour-long yoga class with their trained goats. YOGOAT is a goat yoga company started by Eli Bahar, a student at UCSB, who rented and brought goats to Coachella Music and Arts Festival two years ago for a one time yoga event. Over time, however, Bahar continued these events and it grew into his up and coming company. Bahar trained his goats for social interaction and his company has since traveled from San Diego to San Francisco doing these events. As the company grew, they bought a “goat mobile” and even a farm for their goats, and the media became more and more interested.

“We’ve made it onto some pretty big platforms. We’ve worked with the Ellen DeGeneres Show now three times, so that’s been a very big step for us. We’ve done events with NBC Universal, we’ve done events with Ernst and Young, we’ve done events with so many big corporations. That kind of blows my mind sometimes,” Bahar said. Moreover, Bahar looks forward to making his company into a lifetime career.

I had heard about the event while looking at upcoming local events online and decided to participate in this unique experience that Sunday morning for only $20. As I arrived at The Lakes, a long line of over 50 people waited to join the outside class, one of the largest classes Bahar has had outside of university events.

The goats were brought into the gated area, where everyone laid out their mats.

This class was taught by one of Bahar’s friends, Olivia House, who aspires to be a yoga instructor and open a yoga studio.

Although it was hard to hear the instructions at some points and the poses were rather repetitive, many class members and I enjoyed interacting with the goats as we did poses like Downward Dog and Reverse Warrior. This was her first time teaching a class like this, but she believed the class went smoothly. “I really

Leap- One of the goats featured in Eli Bahar’s YOGOAT LA class jumps on one of the yoga student’s backs when they were in Tabletop position.

The class came to the Lakes in Westlake on Nov. 17 and had one of their largest classes be held with over 50 people in it. “And then from one thing to the next, I ended up buying my own goats, training them for goat yoga and social interaction. And now we’re here two years later with a good company,” said Bahar. Reese Kelem/Prowler

could tell the energy was great. The goats made it really fun and comedic,” House said.

The goats were extremely well behaved and would climb on people for treats (animal crackers). Unfortunately, some of the class-takers tricked the goats into thinking they had treats so they would jump on them, but it only made the goats upset.

One mom brought two small children who would not stop complaining until the goat jumped on them, and once it did, I thought the goat would crush the kid due to how small she was compared to the animal. Luckily, they were pretty light when they got on people’s backs and it felt like getting a back massage.

The goats weren’t exactly potty-trained, but luckily nobody got

peed on. Some goats did their business on a yoga mat or two, but that was about the worst thing that happened. The goats didn’t fear people either and would walk through warrior poses to get treats and pets.

The class closed with quiet meditation, despite the distraction of a couple bleats from the goats. Afterwards, everyone was welcome to take pictures with the goats on their backs in tabletop position, which I couldn’t help myself and had to participate in.

I got to talk to the instructors afterwards and learned all about their passions of both yoga and goats. When leaving the event, the local smoothie store, Sunlife, offered free samples of their most popular smoothie and ten percent off their smoothies for any participants of the yoga class. Although I didn’t love the taste of their samples, it was still a kind gesture.

All in all, this class was entertaining and an enjoyable time. It was a good opportunity to have fun with animals while building your core. To any who seek to do this event in the future: it is more about the goats and less about the yoga, but I recommend doing it because it is a unique, great experience.

Strike a pose- One of the yoga participants at the YOGOAT LA Yoga class goes into a Tabletop position as a goat stands on top for pictures.

This class was taught by Olivia House who is training to be a yoga instructor. Reese Kelem/Prowler

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sports Panther Prowler • Dec. 6, 2019

Luke Varav joins national team Jessica Zhou DPS Editor While many NPHS students took the opportunity to reunite with families and travel to new places during Thanksgiving break, senior Luke Varav boarded a plane to Sweden to start off a tournament with the Estonia National Soccer Team.

Varav’s passion for soccer started ever since he could walk and it continues as a major part in his life as he currently plays for the LA Breakers and the Estonia National Team.

“When my older brother Noah and I were very young, I saw him play in his first ever soccer game, and I immediately wanted to be just like him with a jersey that had a number on the back, and scoring goals,” Varav said.

Varav has also been part of the Newbury Park Soccer Club, LA Galaxy Academy, Real So Cal, Strikers FC and was also one of the main forces on the high school team. His past achievements and results from his previous experiences on different teams set the stage for him to join the national team.

“My dad was born in Estonia, so I was able to get dual citizenship. From there my dad and I emailed the national team coach with a link to my highlight reel, and the coach was impressed. He replied saying that there was an upcoming tournament and that he’d like me to fly out and play for them,” Varav said.

Varav’s friends were very excited but not at all surprised at the news of him making the national team, including Bradley Magnussen, senior, who has been on the school team with Varav for four years.

“He is super Estonian and it has been his dream to play for his country. As soon as he told me I got him to sign my jersey because he will be famous when he grows up for sure,” Magnussen said.

Once Varav runs on the field with the soccer ball he immediately gives the impression of a skilled, hardworking and outstanding player, especially in the eyes of his teammates. “Luke is one of the most influential players on the field. He controls the game when he’s on the field. He’s one of the hardest workers I know and he never gives up,” Stone Watring, sophomore, said.

Varav joined the Estonia national team in May and ever since then he has been participating in many tournaments around the world, including the Baltic Tournament and the European Qualifiers.

“I’ve played in the Baltic Tournament which was in Estonia, and European Qualifiers which took place in Sweden. Each one was special for different reasons. The Baltic Tournament was my international debut, while the European Qualifiers was the biggest stage I’ve ever played on,” Varav said.

While many people would enjoy the experience of travelling around the world with a national

team and competing with some of the best teams internationally, Varav has to put in double the sweat and effort as he balances athletics with school.

“Every morning we start by doing a morning walk before breakfast, then we train from around 11:00 to 1:00. After training we eat lunch and then do some form of recovery, like ice baths or Normatec boots. After that we’d have meetings where we’d analyze our opponents and see how they play. It’s difficult at times to balance this with school, so I just do my best to get done as much work as I can in our limited free time,” Varav said.

Looking back at the time he spent on the national team, Varav feels honored to represent Estonia and contribute to the team. He hopes to continue his passion and grow in the sport that he loves. “My goal for soccer is to play it for as long as I enjoy it. I can’t wait to see where it takes me in the future,” Varav said.

Hustle- Luke Varav, senior, plays soccer in a tournament in Sweden with the Estonia National Soccer team.

Varav has played for this team since May and has played in the Baltic Tournamentin Estonia and the European Qualifiers in Sweden. “There’s so many reasons why I enjoy playing on the national team, I’m just honored to be able to represent Estonia playing the sport that I love,” said Varav. Reese Kelem/Prowler

Tennis underclassmen show promise Aditya Vunnum Editor-In-Chief After losing five starting players from last year, the boys’ varsity tennis team hopes to carry their momentum from last year forward in the Marmonte League with the support of two key underclassmen: sophomores, Dhilan Patel and Jared Gillespie.

Both players were starting members of the varsity team as freshmen, and will step into a bigger role on the team as the season approaches in January.

“They are players, like many very good tennis players, from tennis families. Their families were incredibly supportive of them growing up, getting them to competitions and letting them train individually. And because of that support, when they came to this team they both were experienced and ready to compete as freshmen,” Richard Kick, head tennis coach, said.

The team ended their season last year as second in the Marmonte League, and both Patel and Gillespie played a significant part in their success. Patel played as part of the number one doubles team, and Gillespie played as number three singles.

“They have earned the right to be starting varsity players as freshmen. Seeing them progress through the year and for Jared to get to a playoff match against some incredibly tough singles players, and tie back against them. That’s amazing,” Kick said.

Both underclassmen feel that their exposure to the high level of play within the league as freshmen will help them during their sophomore season.

“Last season was really amazing. We had a lot of good players

last year, and it was a great experience to watch them. The people from other schools were really good too. So I got beaten a lot, but I also won a lot. It definitely made me better, so I’m super excited for this year,” Gillespie said.

Though the team lost in the first round of CIF playoffs last year, Gillespie was able to get to 6-6 with a very high level singles player as a freshman. Patel was one of four doubles players from Newbury in the tournament and played as the number one seed.

“I know I want to do better in CIF than last year. As a freshman, I played mostly doubles and this year, I expect to play singles. So I know that I would like to get further inside CIF and just the league overall this season,” Patel said.

With the season drawing nearer, boys’ tennis feels confident in their placement within the league.“Because of players like Dhilan and Jared, the expectation is, we’re going to be competitive. This year we’re going to go in with the attitude that we have as good a chance as anybody to win the Marmonte League title,” Kick said.

“That’s a great place to be right now.”

Serve- Jared Gillespie, sophomore, prepares to serve the tennis ball during practice at the Newbury Park High School tennis courts. Gillespie has been playing tennis for seven years and is going into the season eager to win.

“I’m just trying to play the point and try not to force aggressive shots too early so I can wait for an opening,” Gillespie said. Rahul D’Souza/Prowler

sports Panther Prowler • Dec. 6, 2019

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Panther Pit brings school spirit to basketball Emily Augustine Front Cover Editor The NPHS gym was filled with spectators, squeaking sneakers and most of all, Panther spirit. While families and friends of the players gave their support on the bleachers, a special section sported blue shirts as they cheered for Newbury Park.

The Basketball Panther Pit made its first appearance this year at the boys’ varsity game against Crespi on Nov. 18. They wore blue to support the victims of the Saugus High School shooting which occurred just four days before.

“We shout out the Panther Pit through three different social medias. Wwe usually do Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter.

We like to try to involve other students so we like to make interactive polls,” Jackson Calderwood, senior and Panther Pit leader, said. He is taking on the responsibility of leading the Pit along with Aidan Jimenez, Abbey Scott, Aidan Bute, and Bradley Mags, all seniors.

“The fact that we had like a lot of hype around our football games (is why) we were able to carry that over into the basketball season to make it a better turnout than last year,” Calderwood said. At its peak, there were 68 students seated at the Basketball Panther Pit on Nov. 18.

“I’ve been around a bunch of different high schools and when the students come out to the games and support the teams, it can make a ton of difference and especially in a close game,” Steve Lepire, principal of NPHS, said. Seeing this year’s

success with the Football Panther Pit and tailgates, he has a proposal for the Basketball Panther Pit. “We are actually talking about (how) we want to do two tailgates for basketball this year for TO and Westlake,” Lepire said, “to kind of make sure everybody gets to the TO, Westlake (and) Calabasas games for the boys, and do a tailgate game for the girls as well.” Although Lepire went to high school at Crespi,

he cheered for the Panthers that night too.

“It’s great to have the support from all of our fans and all of the friends that are out there helping us, and it’s great just having extra energy for us to keep playing,” Matthew Smith, senior and boys varsity team captain said. The Pit’s cheers included “Defense,” “You can’t do that,”, and various names of team players including Smith, who scored a three pointer within 30 seconds of being put on the court.

“Although we didn’t come out with a win we got better,” Smith said, “and I think we can take some of the things we did wrong and better ourselves for the future games that we have.”

The loss against Crespi was immediately followed by Panther victories against Santa Paula and Hoover high schools.

“We actually put a lot of effort into what we want to make the Panther Pit look like and what experience we want to give the students of NP,” Calderwood said, “We’re trying to make it the best it can be.”

Ayyy The crowd goes wild at the Boys Basketball team’s first Ayyybasketball game on Nov. 18. “We actually put a lot of effort into what we want to make the Panther Pit look like and what experience we want to give the students of NP,” said Jackson Calderwood, senior and Panther Pit leader. The players and the pit wore blue in support of the victims of the Saugus School Shooting. Reese Kelem/Prowler

Snow sports swoop into town Sarena Kabir News Editor As winter approaches, it is time for the skis and snowboards to be brought out and be put into action. Even though the California heat does not offer the best snowy places, those who are interested, do have a few places to go to. The most popular, being Mammoth.

Tim Schaeffner, senior, moved from Switzerland to California in __. Schaeffner makes time and heads over to Mammoth for about three weeks of the year.

Back in Switzerland, he began skiing at age 3. “I loved skiing from a super young age,” Shaeffner said. “Skiing has always been apart of my life because I used to live next to a ski area and always had a lot of fun with skiing, and it has been one of my favorite things to do.”

For Shaeffner, the sport is a way of expressing himself. “It’s like an artistic form of expressing yourself,” Shaeffner said. “In ski racing, every turn can teach you something new, and it’s just a very special way of expressing yourself. Similar to my connection with surfing, it’s a beautiful way of doing things.”

Leon Burg, senior, was not brought up in this country his entire life. When he was 9 years old, he moved from America to Germany and then moved back when he was 15 years old.

Due to the big move from Germany back to California, Burg is unable to go as often as he used to. “When I lived in Germany, I used to go skiing for about two to three times a week, but now I go at least 5 weeks a year just because we live in California,” Burg said.

Burg’s love for skiing was primarily due to the races. “I enjoy skiing because I did ski racing, which was one of my main sports alongside soccer,” Burg said. “I think it’s just really fun … it’s a bit competitive and it’s not like a lot of other sports, so its not played

with a ball or anything, it’s very different.”

Jackson Calderwood, senior, is a snowboarder who started his journey at age 10 all the way in Maryland. “I was in Maryland for the winter with my mom, my friend and his mom. I’ve never seen actual snow till the day I first strapped into a snowboard,” Calderwood said.

At first, he had a rocky start, but that did not make him hate snowboarding. “I remember my first attempt going down a small, little hill on the side of the road, and it didn’t go well at all,” Calderwood said. “I love snowboarding because it’s such a dangerous, yet amazingly fun and creative outlet to enjoy your time at the snow... I love how unique you could get with the sport and how there’s always new tricks or styles or riding that are being introduced everyday.”

Calderwood tries his best to go snowboarding throughout the year, having different spots in mind depending on the season.

“I personally love Mammoth Mountain because it’s such a huge mountain with so much to do.” Calderwood said. “Everything on that mountain is meant for everyone so there’s always a beginner run, and also expert runs so everyone has fun! ... For more experienced riders, I suggest Mt. Hood. It’s the only mountain in the northern hemisphere that has snow in the summer.”

For Calderwood, “I noticed how no one in the sport is the same as the other one. Everyone is very different from the next but yet they all have this natural community with every other snowboarder they meet. It’s like a network that every snowboarder is connected to where everyone just gets along so well. That’s what really inspires me.”

Shred Tim Schaeffner, senior absolutely destroys a wicked slope at ShredMammoth Mountain. Carving it up on the slopes is one of his favorite winter activities. “Feeling the wind whip through my luscious hair as I race down those slopes is a feeling like no other,” Schaeffner said. He hopes to continue skiing for many years to come, adamantly refusing to become a loser snowboarder. Tim Schaeffner/With Permission

16

sports Panther Prowler • Dec. 6, 2019

Prasheetha Karthikeyan Features Editor

Emily Nagamoto Editor-In-Chief

Lander Etcheverry and Miranda Kolb, both juniors, are NPHS students who are also ice skaters. Both skate at the Iceoplex in Simi Valley, and they have been working hard on their routines and practices, each one participating in unique events.

Smooth Skating- Kolb practices on the rink with only one leg on the ice, the other in the air. She has been working hard on quite a few things recently. “I’m working on my double jumps, 2 rotations in the air and I’ve moved up some levels so I’d say I’ve come pretty far in the last few years,” Kolb said. Emily Nagamoto/Prowler

Smooth Skating- Etcheverry glides across the ice while practicing. He loves the sport because of the mental effects it holds. “My favorite thing about figure skating is its ability to relax me,” Etcheverry said. “The mental focus this sport requires allows me to forget any troubles I have at home or school, and focus on my body and mind. Some skaters get overwhelmed with the psychological aspect of skating, but I take advantage of it.” Emily Nagamoto/Prowler

Leap- Etcheverry jumps in the air during one of his routines. Etcheverry has been skating since November 2016, and believes he has come farther than he thought he would, considering how late he started. “ I have landed all of my single jumps and am working diligently on my doubles at the moment,” Etcheverry said. “I have also passed my first round of pre-preliminary Moves in the Field and Freeskate tests.

This summer, I competed at the National Showcase in Wenatchee, Washington.“ Emily Nagamoto/Prowler

Round and Round- Holding one leg in the air, Kolb spins around in a circle. Kolb has had her fair share of challenges throughout her ice skating career. “I’m consistantly injured in figure skating, so that’s been a struggle,” Kolb said. “I’ve had to take a lot of time off the ice. It’s always hard to come back after that, but it’s worth it.” Emily Nagamoto/Prowler

Down Low- Etcheverry practices a routine for “The Lion King On Ice,” an ice skating production taking place at 7:00 PM on Dec. 20, and 12:00 PM and 4:30 PM at Iceoplex in Simi Valley. “I skate both technical solos, like what you would see at the Olympics, and showcase solos, which incorporate costumes and acting. I also skate on Pacific Edge Production Team, a group of about 20 skaters who compete large-scale showcase programs. We just concluded our 2018-2019 season of CATS the Musical and placed 2nd at Nationals,” Etcheverry said. Tickets for the show are available at www.tcypc.tix.com. Emily Nagamoto/Prowler