2013-2014 Issue 8 (March 20, 2014)

in this issue

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PANTHER PROWLER Thursday March 20, 2014 Issue VIII

Newbury Park High School

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

International Week

Students explore cultural expression

Music, food, and dance - During International Week, students danced (top right), played African drums (top left), and enjoyed live performances by the school orchestra (bottom left) and the school fencing team (bottom right).

Samantha Meyer/Prowler

Justine Sizemore Features Editor In spite of new challenges regarding food sales and student participation, volunteers pulled together to organize International Week, an annual cultural awareness event, for the benefit of students.

Each day of the week was devoted to a different international region, including Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Africa, concluding with World Day. Throughout the week, a variety of clubs got involved with the event by setting up informational booths and putting on performances to emphasize an aspect of their club that relates to the international community.

“The great performances were what stood out to me,” James Sutton, senior and emcee, said. “The fencing club’s demonstration, the strings orchestra, and the IB dance performances were incredible.”

Sutton and fellow emcee Casey Bowen were responsible for introducing each club demonstration and keeping the student body interested. “Emceeing is an interesting job, you have to plan out what you’re going to say seconds before you say it. Staying energized, although difficult, is a must to get crowds pumped,” Sutton said.

As well as student involvement, Asia Day featured an outside performance from BLUSH, a pop-music group composed of members from China, India, Japan, Philippines and the United States.

“We had BLUSH perform on Monday, which was exciting because they are a really large group, and mainly we’ve just had student performers so it was great that we could have someone else from off campus perform,” Stephanie Lee, senior and member of the event’s

organizational committee, said.

In addition to new performers, there were new issues regarding food sales. Due to a recent change in California law regarding food sales at school, clubs were prevented from fundraising through food sales during school hours, forcing them to sell before and after school.

“This year, I think … a lot of people were less enthusiastic about International Week because it didn’t have the whole food aspect. So it was difficult getting clubs to want to participate in the whole entire international cultural experience that is really the main focus of this event,” Lee said. “It’s kind of interesting that we didn’t have as much student participation.”

Despite these setbacks, Lee feels the event was a success. “I think overall it turned out really well, still. I was really happy with the result.”

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news The Prowler • March 20, 2014

News in brief

Visit us online at PANTHERPROWLER.ORG

PANTHERPROWLER.ORG

Mariam Syed Staff Writer

Mock Trial wins awards at county competition On February 24-27, Mock Trial competed in the Ventura County Competition, sending four teams, the most out of all other schools in attendance. The top two teams, Gold and Panther, won third and fourth place respectively, beating the other 30 teams in the county, and was the only school to have two teams to make it to the semi-finals and finals. Students either acted as attorneys for prosecution or defense, or played as witnesses.

Students from all four teams won awards. The attorney and pretrial awards were won by several students: junior Colin Rice won second place for defense pretrial attorney; senior Snow Li won first place for prosecution pretrial attorney; and sophomore Anastasia Pyrinis won first place for prosecution attorney.

The witness awards were won by students from all grade levels: sophomore Carrie Lamb won third place for Avery Perkins; sophomore Zachary Veazey won first place as Avery Perkins; freshman Faatimah Syed won second place as Casey Burke; senior Dennis Yeh won first place as Casey Burke; freshman Wolfgang Beutal won third place as Robin Doherty; freshman Sydney Clark won third place for Rae Concha; sophomore Chloe Diestel won first place as Robin Doherty; junior Connor Woods won third place as Alex Weaver; junior Lindsay Alahakoon won second place as Alex Weaver; sophomore Nikhil Chari won first place as Alex Weaver; junior Demi Boxley won first place as Riley McAlister; sophomore Sabrina Thai won third place as Ricki Sanchez; and junior Mariam Syed won second place as Ricki Sanchez.

Other awards given included senior Steven Callan, who won second place as bailiff and junior Grace O’Toole won second place as courtroom journalist. Senior Katie Rogers, juniors Jinal Sharma and Manas Kumar, and freshman Kienna Herron were recognized as most valuable player, and seniors Rafael Barraza, John Kikuchi, Akash Swami, and Lee Norgaard were recognized for their Commitment to Excellence.

Preparing for competition - Mock Trial’s Panther prosecution team listens intently to the judge’s input on their trial. Manas Kumar/With Permission

FBLA completes sectionals to move on to state competition

Jazz band prepares for annual festival performance

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Club encourages students to learn about the world of business. Throughout the year, the students take part in a series of conferences where they are able to test their business skills against students from other high schools, as well as network and meet new people. This year, the FBLA conference was held at the beginning of March and took place at West Ranch High School in Valencia. After the competitions, the students were taken to the Westfield Mall instead of Magic Mountain, due to the rainy weather.

Several students won awards, and the club won second place in sweepstakes overall. In April, FBLA will be heading to Ontario for the State Leadership Conference.

On March 22 at 8 a.m., the sixth annual Jazz Festival will be hosted by the Jazz Band in the Performing Arts Center. The Jazz Festival is a regional competition for both middle and high schools at different skill levels, such as novice, intermediate, advanced, and heavy. The competition will be judged by jazz performers and educators from institutions such as the University of Miami. The top prize awarded will be a one week scholarship to the Idyllwild Jazz Workshop Summer Camp, awarded to the best middle school and high school soloist. The day will also include a concert at noon, performed by the Jeff Hamilton Trio, as well as on-site vendors. Tickets will be sold for $7 at the door.

opinion Panther Prowler • March 20, 2014

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FOOD SALES ON CAMPUS: WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

SALES OF FOOD & BEVERAGES THAT ARE NON COMPLIANT WITH STATE GUIDELINES

MAY NOT BE SOLD FROM HALF AN HOUR BEFORE SCHOOL TO HALF AN HOUR AFTER SCHOOL1

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The state regulations regarding food sales on campus by third parties have recently restricted all clubs from selling food during school hours and in the thirty minute period before and after school on campus. The regulations had a major impact on food sales during International Week, when clubs were forced to sell before and after school instead of during their usual lunchtime period.

The regulations come from the state, according to Dean of Activities Kelly Welch, and dictate the nutritional requirements of “competitive foods,” that is foods sold by parties other than the school cafeteria during school hours and on campus. According to Welch, the new requirements mandate that clubs need to have products that have been prepackaged and meet a slew of nutritional requirements in order to sell during school hours. This severely limits the sales of some clubs such as Chinese Club, which sells Chinese food from local restaurants as its main source of revenue.

It is understandable from the state’s perspective. Club products often compete with the traditional items sold at the cafeteria, and since they are a source of revenue, the state has every right to try to help its cafeterias.

At the same time, club sales rarely occur more than three times a year. An aggressive club might hold several food sales after school, but in reality, most clubs make money to support themselves at Club Day and during International Week. To eliminate these sources of income for clubs is unfair, especially considering that they only hold sales once or twice a year. Compared with last year’s sales, the club food sales during this year’s one day allotted from International Week, with sale times restricted to before and after school, was significantly lower. Chinese Club, which sold restaurant-grade Chinese food last year, made $146, but only made $68 this year selling Hi-Chew candy after school. The topearning club last year, Latinos Unidos, sold tacos, but did not even participate this year.

The fact is that students are not on campus as much before or after school, so selling foods during this time is difficult. During lunch hours, however, the volume of potential high school customers is drastically increased, considering that only half the student body is able to go off campus, and even less actually do. This is the prime time for clubs to be selling food, which was lost due to the regulations.

In addition to the loss of profits from International Week, the regulations also affect the inherent advertising that comes from selling food. Club Day and International Week are times for clubs to advertise what they do, but without the monetary motivation, very few clubs would be willing to set up booths. Thus, the restriction of food sales by clubs also unconsciously restricts advertising.

If the state is concerned with rampant “club days” that would severely undercut profits for the cafeteria, then the regulations should be limiting the number of sale days, not whether the clubs should be able to sell. If the state is concerned about health implications of unchecked food sales, then it should be focusing more on the education of healthy eating habits since, quite frankly, a couple of club days is not going to severely impact the health of a student body.

State regulations that govern third-party food sales have taken quite draconian measures that drastically reduce the profits and therefore the income of clubs. This year’s International Week food sales serve as evidence: due to these regulations, clubs were now forced to sell before and after school, times when a large percentage of the student body is not on campus, which led to decreased club profits and participation in International Week. Rather than completely eliminate a club’s ability to sell food and generate revenue, the state should instead focus on limiting the number of times a club can sell food during the year. In this way, both parties benefit, as the cafeteria can mitigate its losses and continue to support the school, and clubs can benefit from a couple of days of highly anticipated sales and advertising.

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http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/he/compfoodsreq.asp

PANTHER PROWLER 2013-2014 staff

Editors-in-Chief Patrick Rewers Cassie Stephenson Copy Editors Liam Brown Grace O’Toole Features Editors Justine Sizemore Kimmy Ferrante DPS / Grace O’Toole

News Editors Victoria Koi Nevnit Gill

Sports Editors Photographer Chief / Samantha Meyer Nathan Hickling Courtney Brousseau Graphic Artist Opinion Editors Michael Hellard Ad Managers Kishen Majithia Justin Buchanan Mariam Syed Business / Victoria Koi Staff Writers Daulton Beck Entertainment Editors Online Editors Haley Berardinelli Liam Brown Courtney Brousseau Shreya Chattopadhyay Dana Foley Mariam Syed Raevyn Walker

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

The Panther Prowler is published every three weeks throughout the school year by American Foothill Publishing Co. For advertisement information, visit www.pantherprowler.org.

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

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

Adviser Michelle Saremi

Panther Prowler • March 20, 2014

Fighting for Justina’s Justice Grace O’Toole Copy Editor As of February 2013, ice skating and hanging out with friends dominated the life of Justina Pelletier, a 15-year-old Boston teen who is normal in every aspect but one: she suffers from mitochondrial disease, a rare yet very dangerous disorder caused by dysfunctional mitochondria. Last year, the the state of Massachusetts seized custody of Justina and, despite her previous diagnosis, locked her in a psychiatric ward.

Justina received regular care for her condition from a doctor at Tufts Hospital.

However, when she went to Tufts in early February with a severe case of the flu, she was told to go see her normal doctor at Boston Children’s Hospital. But upon arriving at Boston Children’s, Justina did not get to see her regular doctor. She was instead examined by psychologists, who ruled that her mitochondrial disease was purely psychiatric and that absolutely no physical treatment was necessary. Her parents, baffled at the ruling, demanded to check their child out of Boston Children’s and take her back to Tufts -- the next day, they were told to show up in court to fight for custody of their daughter. The state won the case, accusing

the Pelletiers of medical child abuse, and seized custody.

So for the past year, Justina has been locked up in a psychiatric ward receiving absolutely no treatment for her condition whatsoever. Until recently, her parents were under a gag order, legally forbidden to speak of their daughter’s plight.

This is the stuff of nightmares. A sick child taken away from her family and friends and left to rot away in a ward, all completely sanctioned by the government-regulated Department of Children & Families (DCF).

Her parents, Lou and Linda Pelletier, are only allowed one hour-long supervised visit a week and drive nearly two hours each way to see her. Her other siblings are not permitted to see her at all. Justina’s own condition has degenerated from severe flu symptoms to a state in which she cannot walk and is confined to a wheelchair, all the while being told that everything is in her head. What in any way justifies this?

The case itself is riddled with holes and fallacies. According to Lou and Linda Pelletier, the DCF did not perform any checks to see if the charges of medical abuse

were true before blindly ruling to take Justina from them, not even listening to her previous doctor’s diagnosis. One of Justina’s older sisters also has this condition, yet no other actions have been taken. Why was taking a child away from her family on a disagreed diagnosis even a feasible option for the state government?

When Lou Pelletier defied the gag order, and rightly so, the DCF tried to press charges on him until the mainstream media picked up on the story. It recently dropped the gag order completely, shortly after it was decided that Justina would go into a foster home. When they heard the ruling, Lou jumped up and started yelling at the judge.

Her siblings burst into tears. Her mother fainted and was taken away on a stretcher.

This entire ordeal has completely and unjustifiably put a family and a young girl through trials that they never should have had to deal with. The lack of proper care is incredibly endangering this young girl’s health and life. Justina Pelletier should be able to be with her family and receive the care she needs to live a healthy, normal life to the best of her ability.

When in doubt, choose C: 10 Tips for the SAT reasoning test Justin Buchanan Ad Manager This past March, millions of students once again took the SAT. In other news, a puppy died.

One of the things that I’ve come to simultaneously admire and fear about the SAT is its ability to make students like me pee my pants. So, having left the SAT Reasoning Test a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, I wanted to take this time to compile a list of some things that any future student might ask. From me. About the SAT. By the way, this is a FREE list: that’s right, I’m not charging you a penny in advice fees for this list, and I don’t fine you any late penalties or charge you to look at a copy of this later.

Important SAT Strategy 1: This is a multiple choice test.

For all wondering, the SAT is a multiple choice test. Answers are typically given in the A through E format. Bubbling is the preferred answering method. Using your own answers for the questions is optional, although for a score above 200 the College Board recommends choosing from the provided answer choices.

Important SAT Strategy 2: Like all multiple choice tests you have ever taken, it starts off with an essay.

The College Board was kind enough to provide you with an essay prompt to get your SAT juices flowing. The prompt is on an easy-to-answer-in-your-head-or-at-any-othertime-than-8:00-in-the-morning kind, so do not panic. Starting 2016, however, the SAT will deviate from all multiple choice tests and make the essay optional, so for all you people not born yet, good luck. For all you people taking the test in November 2015, bummer.

This is one of those stories you will tell your kids, starting with “Back in my day…”

Important SAT Strategy 3: Use pencil.

The College Board asks kindly that, for a score above 0, you use a No. 2 pencil. Pen is optional, although the College Board must

remind you that using such instruments will likely (100%) result in a score of 0. They suggest that you bring at least two or three with you to the test center, along with a photo ID or driver’s license, although they will accept a birth certificate of every paternal ancestor in your family dating back five generations.

Important SAT Strategy 4: Who caught the pronoun error in Strategy 3?

If not, I would suggest investing in some kind of SAT boot camp, although not three days before the test. That’s like the one-night stand of SAT preparation.

Important SAT Strategy 5: Wake up at a timely hour.

Speaking of true one-night stands, you need to be at the testing center by 7:45 a.m., so a good time to wake up for a cram study session involving a full mock exam would be 3:00 a.m. Therefore, get plenty of rest the night before, which you probably won’t since you are worrying about the SAT the next day, or set up an IV drip with a mixture of Monster and coffee (I call it, creatively, Monster Coffee IV).

Important SAT Strategy 6: Bring a calculator.

The reading passages are extremely difficult. Questions will cite line references, such as “In line 30-36…” or such, so an important aspect of counting the lines will involve higher level functions only available on a calculator. I suggest a TI-83 or higher.

Additionally, some questions will be mathbased, such as “The author’s voice throughout the passage is…” These questions require intense calculations, and are too much for the average American mind. Why the College Board didn’t see this, I will never know.

Important SAT Strategy 7: SAT Math requires a general understanding of addition, subtraction, and higher math.

Remember to line up the ones and tens places. Carry over numbers. Use fingers

and toes and your neighbor’s fingers when necessary.

Important SAT Strategy 8: Remember to breathe.

The proctors will sometimes tell you this right before the test. It is good advice.

No proctor wants to call 911 because some student passed out on their floor. So, although it is difficult to do while reading about Thoreau’s hermit years or while trying to find the number of paths Johnny takes through the dark forest, try to breathe.

As a general warning, failure to continue breathing can result in serious injury or, in some cases, restarting of the medulla oblongata which means you will be just fine (go SAT Bio!).

Important SAT Strategy 9: You lose time for bathroom breaks.

The SAT docks you for all the time you spending peeing your pants, washing your hands, and texting your friends for the answers and to tell them that “OMG, OMG, this is the hardest thing ever.” Therefore, unless you have the Zen bladder control of Mr. Miyagi (whose biology probably works against him due to his age), I would not recommend Monster Coffee IV unless you want a urinary tract infection.

Important SAT Strategy 10: Score reports do not come out at exactly at 3:00 a.m. PST on the day of their release.

Score reports are inexact measurements.

They do not measure your self-worth (at least for some of you), your intellectual ability, or your chances of getting into college. The only thing they are exact on is how badly you screwed up on the SAT. So don’t expect their release date to be exact either; they could come out hours, days, or weeks late. No biggie. After all, these are being released by a computer.

That is all I have on SAT tips. Just remember to relax, have fun, and that it is just your future that is at stake.

For the record...

In the Feb. 28 issue on page two, staff writer Haley Berardinelli’s name was misspelled as “Bernadelli”. Also on page two, Jenna Steinkamp (not Jenna Segin) is a softball player (not water polo). On page three, the photo credit for the Thousand Oaks Acorn was cut off. We used the photo with permission. On page five, Hayley Taggart’s name was misspelled as “Haley”. On pages 6-7, Samantha Meyer was listed incorrectly as a staff writer. She is the chief photographer. On page 9, “The Lego Movie” was incorrectly given 3.5 stars. It was supposed to receive 4.5 stars. On page 12, Jake Wood was incorrectly listed as a freshman. He is a sophomore.

COLUMN: Please Stop Believin’

Samantha Meyer/ Prowler

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opinion

Dana Foley Entertainment Editor It could be the family next door with the holiday lights still up in February, or it could even be the binge texter who won’t stop sending you Facebook messages.

We all know one; we all have encountered someone who doesn’t seem to realize when the party is over and all the guests have gone home. It could even be as seemingly harmless but as truly despicable as the compulsive gum chewer who sits behind you in history class.

Not knowing when to say when is not limited to Starbucks slurpers and sideconversation specialists. It is found in the very soundtrack to our lives.

If you’ve ever been to a middle school dance, a wedding reception or any form of a goodbye party, you are no doubt familiar with the rock song that tells the story of a small town girl and a city boy who took the midnight train going anywhere. In the 1980s it was considered the anthem of a generation but today it is simply the anthem for people who don’t know when to stop believin’.

Knowing when to stop is one of the many life skills we must acquire on our journey. We start out as obsessive and easily entertained 8 year olds watching “101 Dalmatians” for the 10th time (or was that just me?) and gradually become teens who understand that the likelihood of dognapping is as rare as me writing a news article.

Unlike the song that proudly proclaims “The movie never ends. It goes on and on and on...” the movie probably does need to cut to the credits at some point. Nothing lasts forever, not even your favorite movie, and like Elsa in “Frozen”, it’s best to just let it go.

McDonald’s has done savoring right with the Shamrock Shake. It was in 1980 that the fast food eatery birthed the shake into the world, but it wasn’t until last year that I pledged my deep, longing loyalty to its minty holiness. But no matter how many shakes I have for the shake itself, things do always lose their flavor and when the time of leprechauns and excuses to pinch people has passed, so do my appetite.

Once exposed to something too much, I myself begin to stop believin’. McDonald’s in its wisdom only brings it back each year for a limited time only, which is what makes it so magically delicious.

Perhaps it is part of human nature to want to make things last as long as possible. As the HBO series “Game of Thrones” enters season four, winter is STILL coming. But it is precisely the breaks and pauses between seasons that increase my anticipation of the next turn of events in the battle for the Iron Throne.

Whether it is a television series or movie, a song or a stick of Orbit, we need to savor things while they last. Once the flavor is gone, it’s time to give up the over chewed gum.

The Prowler deeply regrets and apologizes for any errors we have made. If you spot any errors we have missed, help us correct them by sending mistakes to: prowler.newspaper@gmail.com.

features Panther Prowler • March 20, 2014

students showcase talent

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Singing from the heart - Sierra Watson, freshman, performs her her original song “You Are Beautiful” on piano with voal accompaniment. James Herron/Pawprint Rocking out - John Groom and Wolfgang King, seniors, of the band Potato Klock, cover the song “Everlong” by Foo Fighters.

James Herron/Pawprint

Will you Wi u go to pro rom om wi with me with e? ?

Raevyn Walker Staff Writer

Samantha Meyer / Prowler

Fourteen acts showcased their talents in front of a full house at the Talent Show in the PAC on March 7. Students featured in the show not only presented their talents, but enhanced them through the process of passing February’s auditions, practicing, and actually performing. Directed by ASG, the Talent Show provided an opportunity for everyone to witness the many talents that exist at NPHS. “The talent show is a great experience,” Evelyn Utterback, senior and one of the performers, said. “You make good friends and if you have friends in it, you become closer.”

Tor Fibiger and Bella Antinoro

emceed the show this year with jokes and shenanigans that humorously prepared the audience for the many diverse acts. The Talent Show exhibited students with skills that ranged from dancing to singing, from rock-and-roll to pop, and everywhere in between. The production featured talent, humor, and even two prom proposals.

“I really wanted to get as many acts as possible ... and I wanted to make it more diverse,” Nicolle San Jose, senior and commissioner of the talent show, said.

Some wrote their own pieces to sing, including Sierra Watson, freshman, who sang her original song, “You are Beautiful.”

“I chose to be part of this talent show

because I wanted to share something that was really important to me that was (the message) ‘Everyone is beautiful no matter what their shape or size is’,” Watson said.

The talent show performers competed with prizes for first through third place. The winner of the show was a band including Jeff Demorest, sophmore, Austin Asvanonda, Jonathan Demorest, and Juliane Arreola, seniors, who performed a cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Give Me Love”. The group won a prize of one hundred dollars. Tyson Hunter and Carson Smith, seniors, ranked in second place with a seventy-five dollar prize. Their performance concluded with a surprise prom proposal. Following with third place, Ashwin

Vasudevan, freshman, performed a hip-hop dance routine to a mix of songs that he formed himself.

“I’m always very competitive in everything that I do,” Vasudevan said. “I love competition. And I love winning competitions.”

The talent show was held to fundraise for ASG and far surpassed expectations, due to the fact that the show sold out and the acts were able to perform in front of a packed facility. San Jose said, “I am really glad to see all the talent at Newbury Park. I am happy that I was able to put them on a stage and let everyone see how amazing they are.”

things you did not know about thin

Señor Geher S

Spanish Teacher

Victoria Koi News Editor

Once managed to eat a grand total of five hoagies in a single sitting when he was a kid.

Hasn’t had a real cheesesteak since the last time he was in Philadelphia in 1986 (and ate at Jim’s on South Street.)

Has participated in a total of three marathons in his lifetime.

Once in Spain while at a bullring for tourists, a bull gored him in the hand. He still carries the scar today.

Believes that Beyonce and Adele pale in comparison to Aretha Franklin and that Justin Bieber will never be Mick Jagger.

features

6 A coach worth working for Panther Prowler • March 20, 2014

Alex Whitney Journalism 1 He motivates students to run an average of six miles, six times a week across flat roads and steep trails. He inspires them to spend hours of their time participating in a highly instense, but unappreciated sport. The community witnesses the cross country team crossing Reino Rd, running up Conejo Rd., and trekking through the hills of Dos Vientos. Martin Maciel is right behind them, acting as their motivator.

Maciel, commonly known as “Moss” or “Coach Moss” by his athletes, is the boys’ cross country coach, long distance track coach, and the physical education teacher for 10th, 11th, and 12th graders.

Maciel has been teaching for 28 years, educating generations of the future, and motivating them to greatness. “He thinks very philosophically, and always does what he can to help the other runners,” Nathan Alamillo, sophomore, said.

Shawn Fought, Maciel’s assistant coach and a graduated panther, has much respect for this man, saying “…I wouldn’t have come back to coach if Maciel wasn’t my coach. He’s been an inspiration for me and the others…”.

Maciel participated on his high school’s wrestling team, which inspired him to follow in his coach’s footsteps and become a science teacher and an athletic coach.

When a position for a wrestling coach and a science teacher opened up at Newbury Park, he applied for both.

Coaching wrestling became too taxing on his body, so when an opening for a cross country coach became available, he joined Mr. Stewart, the previous coach, in training the team. Due to the immense time committment, he decided to move from being a science teacher to becoming a physical education teacher. “They really wanted to keep me in science…if they wanted me to keep doing science and coach, it would be too much work,” Maciel said.

The school allowed Maciel to transfer into the positions he currently holds today. He hasn’t regretted his decisions.

Despite the endless hours he spends coaching, he finds being a physical education teacher more demanding of his time because of the students he teaches.

Most students who take P.E. are not interested in athletics but they are required to take the class in order to graduate. This is frustrating because he doesn’t always get full particpation, and he has to grade them accordingly. “This is their last opportunity, their last chance to get P.E. credits, …I don’t like dealing with those kids…but I got to take them,” said Maciel.

The most infuriating thing for Maciel is seeing a person with potential who is not utilizing it. “I’ve kicked some phenomenal athletes off my team before, and as hard as it is, ultimately it’s sending a message to them that ‘no, you aren’t exercising to your potential’…therefore I’m willing to lose a

Speaker before an audience - Maciel speaks to his runners about the day’s practice.

He and his athletes meet at the track before heading out on their run. Alex Whitney/ Journalism 1

good athlete in order to help them see how important they are to me, what I see in them.” An example of this is an athlete from several years ago who constantly goofed off during practices despite numerous warnings. It eventually resulted in him kicking the athlete from the team. The day after, the boy apologized to Maciel for his behavior, and promised to practice for real.

This individual ended up placing in the top ranks for the 800 meter, 1600 meter, and 3200 meter runs at the varsity level, which had not been done before in the history of the school.

To Maciel, he doesn’t measure success in the titles the school holds or the number of top runners in county and state finals. He measures the successes of the individuals who may not ever hold the spotlight, but who strive to further better themselves and work toward their personal goals.

Ultimately, he coaches in order to help his athletes to achieve their goals and strive for greater ones. “Its guys like that that I can look back and go ‘wow, this guy did great’…seeing individuals achieve their goals, ultimately that’s what it boils down to.”

The future starts with us Nicole Duong Journalism 1 Technology has increasingly advanced beyond our predicted limits within this generation. It started off with simple hand held devices and now we are able to experience wearable technology. The Glass project began about three years ago, Google Glass is a headmounted intelligent device that would be worn by users as a wearable computing eyewear.

Google has not launched this device to the public, but they have chosen specific consumers to purchase it at $1,500. To be chosen, they must frequently purchase google

Going by tradition - NPHS alumnus and Google product tester Colin Duong models Google Glass. Nicole Duong/Prowler

devices and give feedback to the company in order for changes to be made to the final product that will be released to the public.

An Android lover and Google fan sums up his experience with the product, “Certainly the price is way too much, but when it is open to the public, the price will definitely be under a grand. The simplicity of utilizing Google Glass is surprising because there are so many features included.” Thomas Bui strongly believes this is a needed necessity in people’s lives that can be compacted into this one device. The voice command makes it easier to do everything within one moment and the glass prism is at the corner of your eye, enabling you to stare at the screen without getting annoyed or recieving a headache. “I love how convienent it is to send messages, search for information, record videos, capture pictures, and share it all through social media. The best part is utilizing numerous amounts of features through glasses, instead of a hand held device,” says Bui. Technology is evolving and Google Glass has the potentional to replace cell phones because of the convience it holds.

A controversy over Google Glass has been very popular on and off social media. One side contemplates whether or not this will be an invasion of privacy and is hesitant to be so dependent on technology. While others such as Colin Duong look at the situation with an open mind and a new perspective. “In the past, so many people were scared how iPhones would impact privacy but look at how many apple users are in America. So now it is just the same situation and we need to learn to accept a product that could be life changing,” says Duong. He is one of the few who have received the opportunity to purchase Google Glass and has only one complaint about it. “The only problem is the battery life, but other than that the features are flawless,” says Duong.

The vision Google has for our future is a device that enables us to treasure each moment while living in it without any worries. Think about the different scenarios where Google Glass would come in handy; a birthday party where children are running and screaming, or a sporting event with friends and family. Elise Begg lives a hectic life; juggling sports, school work, and water polo. However, she is excited to see technology transform itself to immeasurable means. “Multi-tasking is an easier way through Google Glass, I will have the ability to take candid shots of my friends and at the same time I can enjoy that moment,” says Begg. Capturing and recording what we see with our eyes and without our hands is the start of a new beginning. Google Glass isn’t just technology we want, it’s something we need on a day to day basis.

features Panther Prowler • March 20, 2014

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Behind the scenes of tech theater Daulton Beck Staff Writer Much goes unnoticed for what goes into school productions. Behind those productions are the theater tech students.

Being unrecognized can be swept under the rug for some time, but it soon becomes apparent to the theater techs. Rena Dvoretzky, sophomore and tech theater member said, “Some people don’t even know we exist.” which backs up how much is unappreciated.

Dvoretzky adds, “People don’t realize that there is someone setting up the stage for the performers.” On the flip side, Dvoretzky noted that at the end of the shows, they occasionally give a “round of applause” to theater tech for their hard work behind stage.

Besides the fact that they usually go unappreciated up until recently, they are also under extreme stress to make everything flawless. Dvoretzky says, “It is extremely stressful because if something breaks backstage, then we have to be resourceful and quickly fix it to make sure that it is perfect to the audience.” The stress to have everything perfect can be a big deal, and if any props were to break and be noticeable to the audience, it may negatively affect the performance. The deadlines that the tech theater have to meet are also tense. If they miss a deadline, it may throw

off the whole schedule, and put them behind on a project. Additionally, another member of theater tech Gil Torten, junior and member of theater tech, said, “The person who has the most stress would be the stage manager, Dani Kluss.” Kluss has been the stage manager for the past few performances.

This Year Danielle Rollins replaced Billy Woody as the tech theater teacher. Rollins has her class write down their thoughts about her and if they have any suggestions of what she can do differently, she’ll read, review, and improve. Rollins doesn’t assign her students to one job for the whole semester she creates stations with all of the theater jobs and assigns a specific group of students to that job, then has every group go to a different job after every performance. Rollins is willing to help her students with anything and everything in being a part of the theater tech team. Rena Dvoretzky said, “She is an amazing teacher with responsibility, and someone who treats us like equals, not students.”

Even though they are under tremendous stress, and know that they aren’t minded as much as they would like, they love their tech teacher and are happy to be part of those great productions.

Going by tradition - Despite the landslide number of votes at the Senior Meeting for Dave and Busters, many seniors, including Amber Escudero (above), are still adament about attending grad night at Disneyland. Daulton Beck/Prowler

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Some people don’t even know [that] we exist RENA DVORETZKY

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Funniest Classroom Moments Chloe Bisera Journalism 1

ALANA BOND

ROBERT MARTIN

MICHELLE SAREMI

ENGLISH TEACHER

SCIENCE TEACHER

ENGLISH TEACHER

Chloe Bisera / Journalism 1

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“When I was teaching at Westlake I had a kid show up in only a speedo because apparently he wanted to win class clown, or one of the superlatives, and he thought he had to do something outrageous. Unfortunately he already had a pretty long disciplinary record and that was the last straw, and he got expelled.”

“

“A boy was trying to ditch school and trying to jump the fence, when I was in D12 [now in C8], and he got stuck on the fence. We were all looking out the window, looking at him, and he was hanging from the fence. The only way he could get down was to take his pants off, and his pants got stuck to the fence. And then he had to walk, carrying his pants, to the office.”

“

“My second year of teaching, when I was teaching in Whittier, I confiscated a fart machine from one of the students. First of all I said, “Your parents can come pick this up and I guess he didn’t tell them I had taken it, so it was in my possession for quite some time. I decided that rather than have it just sit there and be a waste that I would use it. It was funny because I would stick it under this kid’s desk. I put the trigger in my pocket, and every time it was a silent moment I would lean on it.

The trick was keeping a straight face.”

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TEDxYouth

TED Panther Prowler • March 20, 2014

x

Youth @ Conejo

What is TEDxYouth@Conejo?

Nevnit Gill News Editor

TEDxYouth@Conejo is a young, independently organized, more localized event based off of the global TED (Technology Entertainment and Design) conferences. Operating under TED’s motto, “ideas worth spreading,” TEDxYouth@Conejo allows individuals such as Courtney Brousseau, junior, Dennis Yeh, senior, Sabrina Thai, sophomore, and Jessica Han, sophomore, to inspire others in a manner that embodies the mission of TED -- to intellectually stimulate an audience. The theme of the March 16, 2014 TEDxYouth@ Conejo event was “Pathways”, which speakers interpreted in a variety of ways. This year’s topics ranged over a variety of issues, including overcoming a stuttering problem, the validity of teacher tenure, and personal definitions of success.

“The turnout was a lot more successful than we expected; we had to untape rows (of seats) in the auditorium that were originally meant for cameras,” said Shreya Chattopadhyay, sophomore and member of the committee. In the future, Chattopadhyay hopes to make TEDxYouth@Conejo a well-known and prestigious event that students and community members alike look forward to attending.

2014 NPHS Speakers Courtney Brousseau Sabrina Thai Jessica Han Dennis Yeh 2 1 3

Sparking Conversations - Anastasia Pyrinis, sophomore, and WIll Thomas, senior, (4) members of the TEDx planning committee, emcee the event.

Members of the TEDx planning committee pose with speakers for a picture on stage (6).

(Above) Kaitlin Hung, a senior at Thousand Oaks High School, improvises a dance to illustrate finding one’s path.

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Realizing pathways - Cassiel McEvoy (1) and Nina Heintz (2) perform pieces relating to their talks.

Courtney Brousseau (3), junior, Dennis Yeh (7), senior, and Jessica Han (5), sophomore, speak on various topics relating to pathways. Samantha Meyer/Prowler

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TEDxYouth Panther Prowler • March 20, 2014

9

Student Speakers Inspire Peers

Samantha Meyer Chief Photographer

As the final speech closed and the audience’s applause rang throughout the auditorium, the TEDx speakers and committee gathered onstage, tired from rigorous preparation for the event but satisfied with the final outcome. Smiling, they took a bow as cameras flashed and the cheering continued.

This year’s TEDxYouth@Conejo was held in the Thousand Oaks High School PAC, with student speakers sharing inspirational stories meant to help spread ideas and encourage others to make a difference. Speakers came from schools all over Conejo Valley including Newbury Park, Westlake, and Thousand Oaks High Schools, as well as Moorpark College.

“I’ve always really loved TED ever since I was introduced to it a few years ago,” Courtney Brousseau, junior, said. “I think it’s a really great source for intellectual thought and debate.”

Brousseau, a student speaker at TEDx, discussed educational reforms he feels are necessary in schools, particularly the hiring and firing practices used on teachers and student representation.

“We’re really lucky here in this district to have some really amazing teachers that I’ve been fortunate enough to have, and so for that reason I was a little concerned that there are students in California who don’t get that opportunity,” Brousseau said. “I wanted to make sure that as students we started to raise awareness about that and start having a conversation as students.”

As a way to start a movement, Brousseau founded “Students Transforming Education”, a program whose goal is to collect 10,000 signatures throughout California in favor of common-sense reforms and making sure students can have great teachers. Brousseau described what he wants people, especially young students, to take away as a result of his speech.

“I hope people take away (from my speech) that people don’t have to be apathetic about their education and that even though it seems like we might not be able to make a difference, I think we really can,” Brousseau said. “My hope is that students start talking

about and start to get involved in (student representation) in whatever way they think is best.”

Jessica Han, sophomore, closed TEDx with a speech discussing her former fear of public speaking and how in the past, giving a talk in front of strangers would have been nearly impossible.

“It’s just easier to talk to people in general,” Han said when explaining how triumphing her fear of public speaking affected her life. “It translates into a lot of different things ... like being more open, trying new experiences and being more willing to put yourself out there.”

After joining her Speech and Debate team in junior high and then becoming even more outgoing in her freshman year of high school, Han believes that looking back at who she was helps her become a better person today.

“I just hope that (people in the audience) think about things differently when they look back,” Han said. “When they go through something that maybe they don’t like, they should think about how it could change them in the future, and that if they have a moment like that in the future they can also look back after they’ve thought about it and see how it goes.”

Sabrina Thai, sophomore, opened the TEDx presentation by making a speech about her interpretation on the theme “pathways”.

“I thought it was fun to hear all the different people and stories and to hear what they had to say,” said Thai. “(TEDx) lets teens know that there are ways to get out there in the community and that people have different opinions and that you can voice them anywhere.”

TEDx speakers were not only brought together to inspire people by discussing their own stories, but also to inspire others to make a difference themselves.

“I think that often times we are so stuck in our day to day routine that we don’t think we can make a difference, but you just have to go for it and find every opportunity,” said Brousseau. “I think that the best thing you can do is to find adults who believe in you and your mission, because they can help facilitate what you might be able to do. Honestly, just keep pushing.”

features

10 BILLION DOLLAR WORLD OF CODE Panther Prowler • March 20, 2014

LACKS QUALIFIED STUDENTS STUDENTS Victoria Juan Journalism 1 With sleek designs and captivating innovations, it’s no wonder that so many smartphone apps like Instagram or Candy Crush Saga have become widely popular and hugely successful. But it’s not only entrepreneurships that spur the accomplishments; it’s also the knowledge in coding the software that fundamentally runs everything you see (and can’t see) in the app. And that knowledge of coding is what we are lacking right now.

According to code.org and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2020, there will be almost a million more computer science jobs than students available to fill them up. Computer science is now becoming a fast-growing, large percentage of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and is a multi-billion dollar industry with huge potential for technological revolutions and a quick jump to fame, like what the Snapchat app recently experienced. But the question now is whether students can keep up.

“There are tons of extra jobs, just waiting for people who know how to code,” said Austin Tisor, a senior who will possibly major in computer science in college and is currently the president of App Club. “Taking computer science alone gives you an advantage over most people.”

Richard Kick, a computer science teacher for over twenty years and adviser of the computer science club, also agrees. “Coding is really the greatest democratization of job opportunities,” he said. “The job market is going to get intense. People who know how to write software will have a better and better opportunity to get a very high paying job and be very competitive in the job market. The explosion of the use of technology is going to cause the explosion for the need of programmers.”

Although computer science is now a prominent aspect of humans’ daily lives, relatively few students get much exposure to this field. Schools including

Newbury Park offer a few classes such as AP Computer Science or Computer Science Principles, but these have limited space, are often filled up quickly and do not count towards math or science graduation requirements. Therefore, countless students don’t get the chance to explore this area and overlook it. “[Schools] need to show how what students are learning can be applied first,” said Tisor, who began exploring code in middle school and is currently developing multiple apps. “Too many people start learning fundamental principles and get bored, not realizing how much it will let them do later on.”

Kick agrees that students have a lack of exposure to code. “People who have no computers, no internet and don’t even know what software is and don’t understand that they have the capability to create it…it leaves them very far behind.”

Fortunately, many organizations have begun to open the doors of coding to students everywhere. Code.org, for example, is a website created to help people of all ages explore programming and its world of possibilities. This past year, code. org hosted an “Hour of Code,” a campaign that encourages numerous students all across the world to try one hour of coding—and turn it into a lifetime of software development. It was a huge success, teaching over 22 million people worldwide and reaching top news everywhere.

“This was by far the greatest support I’ve ever seen for increased exposure to computer science because I think everyone’s aware [that] it is so important for not only our country but the entire world,” Kick said of the recent movement.

For students who aren’t coding yet, it’s still not too late to begin learning. Tisor recommends starting off with an easy programming language like Java, and exploring the Computer Science Principles class. Whether students have begun coding yet or not, the prospects are high, and new areas can always be explored.

Like Kick said, “If you are knowledgeable, if you are motivated, anyone in the world can program, and they can impact people’s lives.”

WHAT CODE COULD MEAN FOR YOU $78,000/year is the average annual income of 10 different computer and information technology occupations that may rquire knowldge of coding

18% growth is the expected increase of computer and information technology jobs by 2020, mainly due to an increase in the need for data collection by businesses

989,000 new jobs in the computer and information research field are estimated to be created by 2020. source: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm

Victoria Juan/Journalism 1

A passion that is worth the risk

Haley Berardinelli/Prowler

Haley Berardinelli Staff Writer The boy was only five when he first rode his PW50, he felt hesitant and scared because of the abrupt noise the dirt bike made.

Fourteen years later the boy, Taylor Holt, a graduate from NPHS, went from his PW50 to a KX450f. Riding became one of his greatest passions, and now his favorite part of riding is listening to the sound of the bike and feeling the power of it.

His father, Tim Holt, is the man who introduced riding to him. Tim loves to ride with his son Taylor, “Any time I can spend a second with the kids is golden. I know it sounds cheesy, but it’s true” Tim said. Taylor’s mother, Jenny Holt, thinks it’s a great sport that the entire family can be a part of. However she is always nervous at the start of the races because a crash can occur at any moment, “Its either pick up your bike and brush the dust off or call the medics” Jenny said.

Taylor usually goes trail riding. Once he turned fifteen he started racing every once and a while. Most races went well for him, but one of them was unfortunate. In 2011, he participated in a race at AV Motoplex. Taylor was having a

great race, he was in first place, ahead of him was a section of whoops to go across on the track until he crossed the finish line. He was in third gear when he hit the brakes, “I started to lose control and fishtailed until I flew off” Taylor said. After he flew off the bike, it came back and hit his stomach.

The bike ended up landing on top of him.

Luckily, his bike only needed the bars repaired, they were bent after the incident. Sadly, Taylor had a concussion and a fractured rib after the crash. Five months later once he was fully recovered, he got back on his motorcycle, “It was easy (to ride again) simply because I knew very well that the crash was caused because I was riding over my head. I know how to stay in control.” Taylor said.

The crash did not, and will not stop him from riding again. When Taylor is older, he plans on teaching his children to ride just as his father did. Despite the dangers of the sport, he wants to ride as long as he physically can “It’s worth the risk (of being injured) because the thrill of jumping a bike forty ft. in the air can’t be replaced by anything else.” He is planning to race again in springtime.

features

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Panther Prowler • March 20, 2014

Jay Zhao, junior, is not only new to Newbury Park High School, but also to the United States of America.

Victoria Juan/Journalism 1

New student from China adjusts to American life Victoria Juan Journalism 1

It wasn’t easy for Jay Zhao, junior, to move over 6,500 miles across the Pacific Ocean from his home in the city of Hangzhou, China to the suburbs of California in October last year. In addition to the regular burdens of schoolwork, learning a new language and settling into a different society proved to be difficult. But Zhao has found solace in his new high school here in Newbury Park. Freedom and friends are just some of the perks of the U.S.A. that he has encountered.

When did you move to the U.S. from China?

Why? I moved here in October 2013, and I moved here because I want to change my school and get a better education in the U.S. My parents want to move here for a good life.

How are the people here different from home?

People are friendly and very polite, and some people help me a lot. They are very kind.

Tell me some things about China that you miss, and what you don’t miss.

I miss many friends and many good teachers, and here I get more [friends from another country].

They can help me with my English and teach me many things here.

What do you like about Newbury Park High school?

Newbury Park High school is different from Chinese schools. There are many people, many students here, and I like the classroom, and school and gym, and environment.

How are schools in China different from schools here?

Chinese schools are a little smaller than this school, and a little dirty, and very crowded.

Students are not so friendly.

How will an education in the U.S. affect your future?

Maybe it will help me a lot, and I will make progress in the future.

I will be better here.

Do you plan to live in the U.S. later and have a job here?

Yeah, I want to find a job and live in the U.S. What opportunities do you get here that you don’t get back in China?

Here, America is a free country. In China, there are many things that limit me, so I can’t do this, I can’t do that. In America, I can graduate and I have many choices and many chances here.

Teaching her world Cecilia Ramos Journalism 1 Everyone is equal to each other no matter what you look like, whether you speak, hearing or not, have disabilities or not. Out casting others for their differences is the world Deaf people have come known too.

Ms. Sonya Wilson, Deaf American Sign Language teacher at Newbury Park High school, is one of school’s first Deaf teacher. David Pfeiffer says, “I think it’s a really good idea, so she can change the world,” of her teaching at a hearing school.

She was born in Los Angeles California, she is not the only Deaf one in her family, some of her siblings and family members are Deaf too. Her culture is her family and friends, the Deaf community, her community is like no other, “we connect, share the same experiences,” Says Wilson.

Finding an identity in the hearing world was tough for Wilson because she did not feel like she belonged here, she could not connect to the people, but in the Deaf community she received her identity, she got confidence in herself, she had support, family, and friends.

Growing up Deaf in the hearing world was tough, Wilson says her college experience as ‘hard,’ “my first year of college I failed.” Colleges did not provide interpreters for Deaf students or any special services. Deaf students SONYA WILSON did not always receive the education and help they needed, they did not have rights that protected them.

Until July 26, 1990 when the American with Disabilities Act, (ADA Law) was passed, by President George W. Bush, it prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and impaired. It provides equal rights, opportunities of employment, purchases, participation in services, state and local events.

After learning about the ADA law she sought for her rights at college to receive what she needed, indeed she won. She received help from the school, providing her an interpreter for school. Now there is all different sorts of help out there for Deaf people.

She wants people to know that the Deaf community is as equal to the hearing people, they can do as much as the hearing people can except hear through their ears. She fights for what she believes in, she over comes audism (discrimination of deaf people, who think hearing people and speaking are better) by teaching sign language to people who are willing to learn. Hallie

LOVE

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“I feel the more I teach, I can help change the world one classroom at a time.”

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Sankovich student in American Sign Language 2 said, “For us being high schoolers and obnoxious, I think she did an amazing job teaching us and allowing us to be in her world.”

She’s been teaching for 18 years, “I feel the more I teach, I can help change the world one classroom at a time,” she says of why she teaches sign language. She loves to have the opportunity to teach her culture and history to others. She inspires her students to not just learn American Sign Language but to get to know the culture of the Deaf community.

Cecilia Ramos/Journalism 1

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features Panther Prowler • March 20, 2014

STUDENT VS TEACHER Caitlin Keeler/Science

Angela Wells/Senior

1 Who founded the National

5 About how much of its oil

Nathan Hickling Sports Editor

Aeronautics and Space Administration?

does the United States import from other countries?

Keeler: “Eisenhower.”

Wells: “Eisenhower.”

Answer: Eisenhower.

Keeler: “90%.”

Wells: “95%.”

Answer: 60%.

And they’re both correct! The other founders were John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, and German scientist Wernher von Braun.

Close… although the number is actually 60%. Neither Keeler or Wells is close enough to get the point. The score remains 3 - 4.

2 Name one major American

6 When did the first iPhone come out? a Meyer/ Samanth

city that does not have a basketball team.

Prowler

Keeler: “San Diego.”

Wells: “Pittsburgh.”

Answer: San Diego, Pittsburgh, Cleveland or Las Vegas.

Again, both correct. Neither San Diego nor Pittsburgh has a basketball team, nor does Cleveland or Las Vegas.

Keeler: “Winston.”

Wells: “Shawn Carter.”

Answer: Shawn Carter.

that surrounds the Crimean Peninsula.

Keeler: “Black Sea.” Wells: “Russian water!”

Answer: Black Sea.

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I’m sure the Ukraine and Russia fight all the time over whether it is or is not actually Russian water.

Keeler leads with a score of 2 - 3.

4 Meryl Streep has been Keeler: “Three.”

Wells: “Three.”

Answer: Three.

The correct answer is 2007. Since then, they have become a musthave for every six-year-old across the country. Wells, correct, is now tied with Keeler 4 - 4.

7 What is Jay-Z’s real name?

3 Name the body of water

nominated for an Oscar a record-breaking 18 times. How many times has she won?

Keeler: “2006.”

Wells: “2007.”

Answer: 2007.

Wells wins!

Meryl Streep has indeed only taken home the Oscar three times out of the 18 she’s been nominated.

Keeler remains in the lead by one.

Wells is correct, although I’m sure George Orwell’s character from the novel “1984” would be pleasantly surprised at the shoutout. Wells pulls ahead 5 - 4.

8 Which book is the 1995 movie “Clueless” based on?

Keeler: “Clueless.”

Wells: “Something by Jane Austen?”

Answer: Something by Jane Austen.

“Jane Austen’s “Emma” to be exact. Good guess on Keeler’s part, though, with movies like “Twilight” and “The Hunger Games” recently dominating Hollywood. Wells wins this round, beating Keeler 6 - 4.

Threads for (RED) raises AIDS awareness through Fashion Show Daulton Beck Staff Writer The Threads for (RED) Fashion Show was put on by the Interact Club on March 15 in the school gym as a fundraiser to fight AIDS. The show featured volunteering members of the club that signed up as models in order to raise awareness and money that was eventually donated to The Global Fund.

(RED) is an organization founded by Bono Shriver of U2 and his brother Bobby Shriver with the intention of raising funds to combat the spread and effect of AIDS. After the organization funnels the money to The Global Fund, the money goes towards HIV/AIDS programs in Africa dedicated to preventing transmission of HIV and treating those infected.

According to the organization, (RED) is supported by iconic brands such as Apple and Coca-Cola, who donate up to 50% of their earnings on special (RED) products directly to The Global Fund to fight AIDS. Siya Patel, senior and Interact co-president, organized the

event this year.

“We get donations from the stores, get the models fitted, and put on a fashion show,” Patel said.

Before the show, the models prepared their first set of clothes and waited in line for the event to kick off. “I thought it would be fun, and all of the stores have really nice clothes,” Claire Therriault, sophomore and model, said. “I thought it was a good opportunity to raise awareness for AIDS.” To sum up her experience of participating in Threads for (RED), Therriault says, “It’s exciting.”

After the event, the organizers of Threads for (RED) counted the money they made from this event. The grand total came out to a successful $1049.

“We get the satisfaction of being able to help a cause that is in need and knowing that we can make a difference,” said Patel.

Walking with a purpose - Ryker Wall, senior, models clothing on the runway in an effort to raise money to fight AIDS across the world.

Samantha Meyer/Prowler

entertainment

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Panther Prowler • March 20, 2014

TV SHOW REVIEW: House of Cards

Liam Brown Entertainment Editor If one thing is for certain, it’s that season one of “House of Cards” presents a side of Washington D.C. unseen during the annual eighth-grade field trip.

Instead of the glittering vistas of the Capitol and the White House, the breakout Netflix series deals with a grimier, dirtier side of politics -- reflected in everything from the story to the characters to the title sequence, which features timelapse photography of a gritty, grungy D.C. (set to composer Jeff Beal’s score, which is fantastic throughout the whole season.)

Creator Beau Willimon is no stranger to politics, either: he served as an aide for Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer, and later was one-third of the writing team for 2011’s “The Ides of March,” another film dealing with dirty politics and the consequences that unfold. His move to TV serves him well, as a more long-form medium allows him to play with an array of different characters, subplots and storylines that couldn’t fit in a two-hour movie.

And what stories and characters, indeed: in the series’ first season, Congressman Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) has been passed over for Secretary of State and vows revenge on those who have wronged him; his wife Claire (Robin Wright) has ambitions of her own through her charity, the Clean Water Initiative; Zoe Barnes (Kate Mara), is a young reporter for the Washington Herald who looks to move up the rungs of the journalism field; and Peter Russo (Corey Stoll), a U.S. representative, must face his demons of drug use and alcoholism. These characters are all connected by ambition, and -- more often than not -- Frank Underwood himself, although siding with the insidiously manipulative Congressman may have its own consequences. (Blame poor timing for this being a review of season one instead of season

Weaving a complex web - In “House of Cards”, Kevin Spacey plays Congressman Frank Underwood, who is out for revenge after being passed up for Secretary of State. Robin Wright plays his equally-powerful wife Claire.

Michael Hellard/ Prowler

two, as I started the series only a few days before the second season dropped.)

As the episodes progress and the web becomes more tangled, “House of Cards” becomes a riveting political drama filled with excellent performances all around. Frank Underwood is played brilliantly by Spacey, and while his character’s tendency to break the fourth wall and talk directly to the audience can sometimes be distracting, Spacey does it well: these moments are Frank at his most honest, sharing secrets and opinions with us he wouldn’t disclose even to his wife. Wright’s dialogue delivery is very natural and very subtle, but she proves that Claire Underwood can hold her own with the best of them. Mara, who played a backfrom-the-dead, not-going-anywhere mistress in the first season of FX’s “American Horror Story”, channels the same determination here with splendid results as the street-savvy Zoe. At the same time, there are also moments in which we don’t see these characters utilized to their full potential, as is often the case with Claire, whose subplots aren’t usually heavy on a strong storyline: in one example, she goes for a morning jog and wanders into a cemetery, where an elderly

woman chides her for being disrespectful. These plots provide good character development, but they often don’t carry the dramatic weight of some of the other storylines.

All in all, though, it’s the potent mix of generally strong subplots and name talent including film director David Fincher (an executive producer on the show and director of the first two episodes, which are some of the strongest of the bunch) that give “House of Cards” season one its can’t-miss punch. It’s the show that everyone is bothering you about, and for good reason.

Also of note here is Netflix’s distribution model: they’ve released all episodes at once of the independently-produced series for each season, outbidding other networks like AMC and HBO for the distribution rights from independent company Media Rights Capital. Fincher himself says it best: “The world of 7:30 on Tuesday nights, that’s dead. A stake has been driven through its heart … and its mouth has been stuffed with garlic. … If you give people this opportunity to mainline all in one day, there’s reason to believe they will do it.”

And if that doesn’t sum up “House of Cards” in all its dark, cerebral, binge-watching glory, I don’t know what does.

BLUSH: Lunchtime performance kicks off International Week Grace O’Toole Copy Editor Five figures stood on the stage, their backs to a steadily growing crowd. A hush fell over the quad as the first strains of music started up: a few beats of silence passed, and the figures whirled around to clapping and cheers.

On March 10, the pop band BLUSH performed at lunch to kick off Asia Day, the first day of International Week.

Founded after extensive talent searches picked one girl from each of five different countries in Asia, BLUSH is comprised of five members and has opened for many artists, including Snoop Dogg, Justin Bieber, The Black Eyed Peas, and Psy. Carmencita Ricafort, Career Education Coordinator, said that the band’s members and presence is exactly what International Week is all about. “I think the band’s main message is that … despite our differences in cultures, in skin tones, in race, we all can work together,” Ricafort said.

Ricafort’s daughter, Catherine Ricafort, recently joined BLUSH when one original band member dropped out.

Ricafort was looking at the band’s High School Nation tour schedule (in which they are performing with Drake Bell and other artists) when she saw that BLUSH would have a free slot on Asia Day. According to her, Career Education Coordinator Nick Colangelo is “always very proactive as far as bringing in musical acts.” The two asked the school’s

administration if bringing the band in would be possible and received permission.

BLUSH performed their newest song, “Ain’t Nobody Got Time For That” as well as several of their other hits. To get the crowd involved, they pulled out water guns and squirted students, then brought individuals up on the stage to learn and perform a dance called “The Whop”.

Catherine said that performing was “really fun” and that the band would love to come back and perform again. “It was cool to sing -- (the students) weren’t expecting us,” she laughed. After the performance, BLUSH stayed by the stage to take pictures and give out autographs. “It was nice meeting students face to face after; it means a lot,” Catherine added.

Senior Doran DiStefano enjoyed the performance, joking that she would like to learn the band’s dance moves, as well as commenting on the experience of having a live band on campus. “We haven’t had many since my freshman year, so having more would be a good way to bring the campus together as a whole and make lunches more fun,” DiStefano said.

Junior Min Ahn agreed, adding that the performance was “uncommon”. “I think if we (had concerts) more often, people would open up to it,” she said.

Undivided - Catherine Ricafort (left) recently joined BLUSH and is traveling with the band on their current High School Nation tour. BLUSH performed in the quad on Asia Day, the first day of International Week.

Samantha Meyer/Prowler

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entertainment Panther Prowler • March 20, 2014

Theater department produces “Fool for Love”, school’s first-ever alumni play Justine Sizemore Features Editor Shreya Chattopadhyay Staff Writer Former Panthers took the Performing Arts Center stage once again on March 14 and 15 in “Fool for Love”, the school’s first ever alumni performance.

Theater teacher Danielle Rollins worked with a cast of three fellow alumni over the course of four weeks to pull together the show as a fundraiser for the school’s drama department. Tickets were sold for $40 at the door, $15 pre-sale.

“We kind of self-directed which was really weird. That was really interesting when you have four different brains all coming together to come up with this concept. We hit some roadblocks, but we’re all friends and we all wanted the same show,” Rollins said.

“The content of the show is a lot more mature than any show I would have high school actors do, but we put that in the disclaimer, we marketed it as a professional show just being done at a high school,” she said.

The one-act play written by Sam Shepard revolves around the turbulent love affair of lead characters Mae and Eddie. The show addresses such taboo topics as incest, alcoholism, and adultery.

“Other than the time, I think it’s touchy subject matter. That’s always difficult, and drama is more difficult because it’s more subtle but I had a lot of fun,” Matt Sanford, alumnus, said. “Keeping it fun, even in a really heavy play is important, and not losing your actual self in it.”

“Fool for Love” was well-received by a diverse audience of students and community members alike.

“It was uncomfortable in a good way, because it was so private,” Destiny Duarte, sophomore, said. “The acting was just incredible.”

Alumnus Lucas Urgoitti, who currently works behind the scenes in the film industry, was thrilled to return to the world of acting, especially on his old high school stage.

“It was kind of surreal. I never thought that would happen again, and it was wishful thinking actually,” Urgoitti said. “Having worked with Matt Damon, and Morgan Freeman, and Zac (Efron), you learn certain things, tricks of the trade as far as acting is concerned, and you always wonder like ‘Aw, man, I wish I could use those at some point’, and I feel like I got the chance to do that now.”

Storytelling - Matt Sanford and Danielle Rollins, NPHS alums, in a scene from “Fool for Love”, a tragic love story written by Sam Shepard. The production was the first alumni play performed at the school. Samantha Meyer/Prowler

Student Voices: What is your favorite band, and your favorite song of theirs?

Shreya Chattopadhyay Staff Writer

We ask students to express their own musical opinions in light of BLUSH’s performance at International Week.

Favorite band: Five Seconds of Summer Favorite song by the band: “She Looks So Perfect”

Carlee Volz freshman

Favorite band: Guns N’ Roses Favorite song by the band: “Paradise City”

Joe Shimomoto sophomore

Favorite band: Grizzly Bear Favorite song by the band: “Ready Abel”

Giselle Sadler junior

Favorite band: One Direction Favorite song by the band: “Story of My Life”

Alishan Patel senior

sports

15

Panther Prowler • March 20, 2014

PROFILE: MCKENNA JACOBSON Kimmy Ferrante Features Editor It was the last varsity girls basketball game of the season; the junior varsity team had just played and the court naming ceremony honoring Coach Noralyn Parvin had just concluded. Every player, parent, referee, announcer and supporter rose in respect as the singer of the National Anthem took the court. McKenna Jacobson, dressed in her No. 24 jersey, basketball shorts and sneakers was not only playing, but opening up her own game with the nation’s song.

Music and singing is not a relatively new hobby for the senior, who started playing piano when she was just five years old and has taken professional voice lessons for seven years. For the entirety of her instruction, she has sung at Iced Pita Music Lessons, a studio in Thousand Oaks, and takes weekly lessons with her longtime teacher, Heidi Yost.

Despite her extensive background in music, she was hesitant when her mother suggested to her that she sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the first CIF girls basketball playoff game.

“I was like, ‘I don’t know, I’m new to the team’ … but (my mom) ended up contacting (Athletic Coordinator Jason) Klein … so I got the spot at that game,” Jacobson said.

After hearing Jacobson’s voice, her teammates encouraged her to sing at more games, including the last girls’ basketball game of this season when the court was named after Coach Parvin. “They were all like ‘Oh, you should do that again’ ... and I was like ‘Yeah, okay, I’m up for that’ ... so I asked Coach Klein if I could do it but I definitely had some support from my team.”

Jacobson was a varsity player this year after playing on the team for all four years of high school, as well as playing in junior high. Although she is not playing the sport in college, her time on the team has been well

Music and basketball - McKenna Jacobson, senior, sings the National Anthem at the last home game for girls’ basketball. She played in the Varsity game later that night. McKenna Jacobson/With Permission

spent. “It’s bittersweet that it’s over … I’ve just made a lot of good friends over the years and obviously being on a team benefits you in so many ways … you learn leadership skills, and how to cooperate with others ... obviously it was about the sport but the thing that means the most to me is … the relationships I built.”

Currently, Jacobson is working towards her annual exit exam, Certificate of Merit, which consists of both a vocal performance and music theory exam. Each exam consists of certain

guidelines of the type of musical study and number of songs the singers are required to sing. “It’s different every year, it progressively gets harder so this year was definitely the most challenging,” she explained. Jacobson finds that pop and musical theater songs suit her voice the best and are most enjoyable for her to sing.

Jacobson plans to pursue music in her college career as a minor, with business or marketing as her major. She does not know

where she will be attending next year, but has a few places in mind. “I really want to go to Santa Clara University but that’s obviously challenging to get into, so I’m interested in going to Colorado University in Boulder,” Jacobson said. Beyond college, Jacobson is not sure she will become a professional singer, but knows she would always like to keep it as her hobby. “I’ve always thought it would be fun to be like a backup singer or record for random things...That’ll be fun,” Jacobson said.

TRACK GETS ASSISTANT COACHES Haley Berardinelli Staff Writer This track season new coaches are taking on the responsibilities of coaches in the past.

Kelsey McMahon, an NPHS alumna, has taken on the role of one of the new track coaches this season. During the entirety of her high school career she ran varsity track. In addition to coaching, McMahon is a family therapist and school counselor.

“Track was a huge part of my high school experience. I think it taught me a lot about life and it’s a lot of fun, so I wanted to provide the same types of things for students today,” McMahon said. She became a coach this track season. As a coach she has many new responsibilities, such as planning out the workouts for practice, injury management, and much more.

Making plans - Track runners warm up while coaches Darlene Ewing, Kelsea McMahon, and Stephen Svoboda discuss the upcoming practice with volunteer Gill Esparza. Sammy Meyer/Prowler

“I like to see people improve and work hard and see success,” McMahon said. She expects the team to come to practice with a good attitude, ready to work hard, do their best and have fun.

Throughout the season she has learned to progress further. “ It’s been kind of a challenge because its my first year (coaching) at the school,” McMahon said. The difficulty is trying to figure out

how other coaches led the team in the past and how she is going to coach the team now. McMahon is currently uncertain of how long she wants to coach track, but she is enjoying it in the meantime.

For the past 12 years Stephen Svoboda, science teacher, believes that a major part of being a new coach is simply catching up with the program. Some of Svoboda’s responsibilities include setting up the meets, handling attendance and academics. He expects students to be at practice and in the bleachers on time, and do their best.

Sean Fought, also an NPHS alumna, began coaching last season.

“It was a little weird when I first started, being out on the track and not running didn’t really feel normal to me,” Fought said. It was an entertaining experience for him even though it was new. His main priority as a coach is for the kids to become better runners and for them to have fun. “There is no point in them doing something if they aren’t having fun,” Fought said.

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sports Panther Prowler • March 20, 2014

DANCE LIKE EVERYBODY

Cultural celebration- Dancing to traditional Bollywood music, Mindy Vu, senior, and Kelly Klein, senior, perform with the rest of their class at the IB dance concert.

IS WATCHING

Samantha Meyer Chief Photographer

Traditional tango- Brett Coker, junior, and Kelly Klein, senior, do a dip during their duet dance together.

Floor work- Smiling at the audience, Kelly Klein, senior, performs during a group number.

Back bend- Darcy Bate, senior, impresses the crowd with her flexibility during the concert.

In the spotlight - Gracefully flexing his leg, Nathan Moreno, senior, dances during the IB concert with his class.

Dancing through light Performing to a popular song from the musical “Wicked”, Haley Chaney, senior, and Brett Coker, junior, take the stage by storm.

EMMANUEL GARAY named Most Inspirational Wrestler in California Nathan Hickling Sports Editor Haley Berardinelli Staff Writer

An inspiration to all - Emmanuel Garay, sophomore, took up bodybuilding over the summer.

He started wrestling after his friends recommended it due to his strength. Gary Murphy / With Permission

Emmanuel Garay, sophomore, was understandably surprised when he was told he had received the Cullen Fitzgibbons Award for Most Inspirational Wrestler in the State of California.

“I didn’t even know about it,” Garay said about the nomination for the award. “I was really surprised; it was a really big honor.”

The award was named after its first recipient, a wrestler from Los Alamitos High School who, although he never made varsity, never missed a match or a tournament. It was created in his honor and now is awarded annually at the California Interscholastic Federation State Wrestling Championships. Garay is the seventh person to receive the award since it was first given to Fitzgibbons in 2008.

Garay placed fourth in the Marmonte League Championship and did not make it to CIF, but was given the Fitzgibbons Award at the awards ceremony for the positive example he sets for others.

“The coach invited me. They gave me free tickets for my family and everything,” Garay said, “Because even though I didn’t really win tournaments this season, a lot of people got inspired.”

Garay added, “When I started wrestling, I only imagined that I would be wrestling, and that’s it. I actually never imagined getting this far.”

And yet it is his inspirational attitude towards wrestling for which he was nominated in the first place. Garay, who was born paralyzed from the waist down, began wrestling this year after bodybuilding over the summer.

“My friends were like, ‘You’re very strong, you should do wrestling,’” he said. “It was actually my friends and family who encouraged me to join, so I just joined.”

Gary Murphy, coach of the wrestling team, witnessed Garay’s performance throughout the season. Murphy said, “he keeps showing up, (and) he never gives up.”

Larry Berlin, an athletic director at NPHS, sees Garay as a role model. According to Berlin, no rule changes benefitted Garay, nor was he given the slightest advantage over other wrestlers.

“Just for Emmanuel to get out on a wrestling mat, I consider it a victory,” Berlin said. Garay has helped him understand how to make sports more accessible for people. Berlin continues, “I think he deserves the award he got, and it’s a great lesson for everybody.”