2022-2023 Issue 4 (Jan. 13)

PANTHER PROWLER

Biden signs same-sex marriage bill into law

Melina Wagner Entertainment Editor

On Dec. 13 2022, thousands of people gathered on the White House South Lawn to commemorate President Joe Biden signing the Respect for Marriage Act into law. This law mandates federal recognition of same-sex and interracial marriages. “[Today] America takes a vital step toward equality, for liberty and justice - not just for some, but for everyone,” Biden said.

The ceremony was accompanied by performances from Grammy winner Sam Smith, who performed their hit song “Stay With Me,” followed by Cyndi Lauper singing “True Colors.” Lauper founded the True Colors Fund, a nonprofit organization that educates people on LGBTQ+ issues and works to end homelessness for LGBTQ+ youth. “Bless Joe Biden and all the people that worked on this for allowing people not to worry, and their children not to worry, about their future,” Lauper said.

This historic legislation officially abolishes the Defense of Marriage Act, which banned federal recognition of same-sex marriages and formally defined marriage between man and woman. The

new law prevents all states from denying the legitimacy of out-of-state marriages based on sex, ethnicity, or race. This signing of this legislation was especially significant for Democratic lawmakers because this could be the last major bill signing of their tenure due to the fact that Republican control of the House begins on Jan. 3 2023.

For Biden, who signed the Defense for Marriage Act in 1996, the ceremony indicated how much the president has changed in terms of supporting LGBTQ+ equality. His transformation as a politician begins to more accurately match the evolution of the Democratic Party since he started as a junior senator in 1973. His views on sentencing reform, abortion, and gay marriage would’ve once put him on the conservative side of his party’s ideology, but now he more firmly resonates with galvanized Democrats.

The signing of the Respect for Marriage Act into law was a significant moment for all of the United States. “We must never stop fighting for full equality for LGBTQI+ Americans and all Americans,” Biden said.

CVUSD denotes declining enrollments

Melissa Geher Opinion Editor

In 2006, the district had 20,400 students, and ever since, CVUSD enrollment has been decreasing. This year, CVUSD experienced a two percent drop in enrollment. The declining enrollment is predicted to continue, including approximately a one hundred students lost in registration for the next two years.

Jeanne Valentine, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, oversees this matter. Valentine notices trends that may be the cause of declining enrollments. “Declining enrollment seems consistent with state and local county trends. The causes may be attributed to a lack of affordable housing for young families, declining birth rates, and/or migration of families moving out of California,” Valentine said. Valentine reflects on some special programs that CVUSD has to offer. “The

District has been focusing on offering unique and diverse academic choices for students and their families. Not only does the District offer a Homeschool Program, and an onlinehybrid school but also…TK-5 magnet schools,” Valentine said. To attract students who seek a technical pathway, the district provides such opportunities. “The District [is] committed to increasing Career Pathway courses providing students the opportunity to acquire technical skills and training in various fields of study,” Valentine said. “[Additionally,] CVUSD provides opportunities and additional support programs for English Language Learners, atrisk students, homeless, foster and students with alternative learning styles.” Adding such programs plan to increase interest to prevent declining enrollments.

T.O skating Rink runs its course and comes to an end

McCarthy Staff Writer

Thousand Oaks’ ice skating rink is no longer being used for the yearly holiday season. The skating rink became a holiday tradition, but closed once the pandemic began in 2020. A recent announcement stated the rink will remain permanently closed. This is because of an agreement made last year with the city to acquire the land and build a six- story apartment building behind the shopping mall.

The only original tenant that exists at The Lakes is the California Pizza Kitchen; the rest of the buildings are vacant including P.F Chang’s closure after being opened in 2005 and closing after 17 years, closing on Aug. 28 2022.

The skating rink was losing money every year and when the property was purchased by Rick Caruso in 2021 the plans for the lake did not include a continuation of the skating rink. The property was purchased by Caruso in 2021 for $2 million along with $11 million to $13 million in community benefit payments, one time payments toward the community and residents.

With the closure of the Oxnard Channel Island Ice center in 2016, and with the seasonal ice skating at the lakes now closed, your closest ice skating adventures can be had at the Iceoplex in Simi Valley.

Gwen

Melissa Geher/Prowler

Cease -Rick Caruso permanently closes the Thousand Oaks’ ice skating rink after 3 years of running. Gwen McCarthy/Prowler

Téa Sklar Graphic Artist

Photo courtesy of Newsweek

Photo courtesy of Raxpixel

Jan. 13, 2023

Agendas have no place in the health curriculum

In 2021, the district adopted the new health curriculum known as “Teen Talk”. The adaptation of this new curriculum has led to an abundance of parents who feel entitled to voice their strong criticisms of the material educating their children. Under a rational and well founded basis, criticisms are accepted and even encouraged in our district. In fact, the reason for the “Public Comments” portion of the school board meetings is solely for that reason: for criticisms to be heard. However, the recent comments and criticisms made by the general public at these meetings are fueled by political and religious ideas that have no place in the discussion of educating students in a district for public schools.

These complaints have transformed from strong-willed words to words that incite hate within our community. On Oct. 31, 2022, a lawsuit was filed against the school district in regards to the recent education amongst elementary school students. The lawsuit discussed the “Call Me Max” incident from

earlier last year, in which a teacher used the children’s book to explain the concept of being transgender, as well as the new curriculum, “Teen Talk.” Parents felt compelled to voice their concerns at the school board meeting with claims following the underlying message: schools were interfering with a parent’s ability to control what their child is exposed to.

In addition to the lawsuit, when the event first occurred, the message, “Pervs work here” was spray painted on the side of Maple Elementary, where the teacher worked, and the book was read. This pattern of behavior from the community is becoming increasingly concerning as it is no longer just criticism, but acts of hate and violence that are not just threatening to this specific school, but the entire district.

Of course, a parent should be involved in the wellness and education of their child and a school’s education should not interfere with that ability. However, as students who have completed the health curriculum, it is our overwhelming opinion that the material within the curriculum is imperative to the health and safety of our future generations. To shield students from information that they will inevitably encounter would be a disservice to the ideas that the school district prides itself on.

Personal opinions against educating students on certain topics such as the LGBTQ+ community or more specifically, the transgender community, should not disrupt the obligation teachers have to prepare their students for the real world. Parents must stop treating these topics as if they are negotiable political agendas or horrifying ideas, but as pure educational tools. It would benefit the entirety of the district if parents learned to be tolerant of ideas they disagree with and set a mature example for their impressionable children. Raising children under the idea that these topics are up for political or religious debate encourages them to undertake a hateful view that harms not only them but the people around them.

In an effort to continue to promote the integrity of this school district, parents must realize that they must set aside ideas of homophobia, transphobia and political or religious beliefs and consider the example that they are setting for the future generation. Encouraging ideas of hate and acting on personal bias inhibits the proper intellectual growth that this curriculum is meant to provide. Political and religious agendas have no place in a curriculum intended to promote awareness about topics that ensure the health and safety of our students.

Kai Mekari/Prowler

Back Cover Editor

Hayden Meixner

Hayden Meixner

Nandini Patro

Téa Sklar

Movie Reviewer

Vincent Bennett

For the record in Issue III:

Josie Gardner spelled wrong in For the Record Box

Cameron Winick photo credit missing on page 10

Ria Dudhia spelled wrong on page 15

Emerson Fuentes-Alabanza graphic credit missing on page 16

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

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Michelle Saremi

Brittney Griner released from Russia in prisoner swap

Brittney Yevette Griner, a professional player for the Phoenix Mercury in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), was arrested in February of last year and subsequently held in a Russian prison for several months. Whilst flying in Russia for her off-season practices, Griner was detained at a customs checkpoint by security at an airport in Moscow. She had allegedly been caught possessing vape cartridges in her luggage which contained trace amounts of cannabis. After being found guilty of drug possession charges, Griner was sentenced to jail in a Russian penal colony earlier this year.

Unfortunately, the situation became even worse for the 32-year-old, as after being held for an original ten month detainment, the WNBA all star player was then sentenced to another nine years in prison on the drug possession charges. Eventually, after the 10 month detainment, Griner was able to return back to the United States after a trade was negotiated by the Joe Biden administration for her release. The trade took place on Dec. 8 in the United Arab Emirates where convicted Russian arms

dealer Viktor Bout was exchanged for the basketball player.

Viktor Bout was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison back in April of 2012 after allegedly smuggling weapons to Colombian rebels. These weapons are believed to be used to injure and kill Americans. Throughout his trial and sentence, Bout maintained his innocence with the Russian government, demanding his release ever since he was put in jail.

The basketball world welcomed her return to the United States after a tweet was sent out by President Joseph Biden confirming her safety and return. Family and former coaches, such as her college basketball coach at Baylor University, shared in the celebration praying for a swift recovery from the traumatizing experience for Griner, her wife, as well as her family.

On Dec. 16th, Griner stated in a media release to the press that she intends to rejoin the WNBA after her leave of absence and play in the 2023 basketball season. The team eagerly awaits her return to the league as Griner is a pivotal part to the defensive powerhouse.

Trump announces presidential campaign for 2024

On Nov. 15, 2022, Former President Donald Trump announced his campaign for a second non-consecutive presidential term during his speech at Mar-a-Lago, his private estate and club in Palm Beach, Florida. During this speech, Trump spoke about his history in office and his intent to improve America. He had reportedly been considering running for the 2024 presidency after his loss in 2020 to President Joe Biden, when he had attempted to overturn the results.

Trump still supports his claim that the results of the 2020 election were skewed due to widespread voter fraud and systemic irregularities. In the 2020 election, He lost his re-election to Biden with 232 electoral votes while Biden had 306 electoral votes. Trump is also still firm on his belief that voters should be restricted to paper ballots and early voting should be terminated in order to get rid of fraudulent elections.

On Dec. 3, 2023, Trump called for the termination of the US Constitution in order to overturn the election results of 2020 and

reinstate himself as president. In a post on the social network Truth Social, Trump claimed that the 2020 election was fraudulent and opposed the Constitution.

On Jan 6, 2021, after Trump’s loss in the 2020 presidential election, a mob of his supporters stormed the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. The House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol released their full report on Dec. 22, 2022. The report determines that Trump was engaged in a plan to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, and did not prevent his supporters from attacking. The 18 month investigation asserted that Trump’s efforts to overturn his loss influenced the violence of his followers on Jan. 6.

Biden has not yet announced his official campaign to run for re-election in the 2024 election. However Ron DeSantis, Republican gov. of Florida, has been encouraged to enter the Republican presidential contest due to his increasing popularity.

Westlake High School theater employee arrested

Emerson Fuentes-Albanza Staff Writer

On Dec. 2, 2022, 33 year -old Thomas Ballas was arrested on the charges of sending harmful material to a minor and possession of a controlled substance. The arrest by the Ventura County Sheriff followed an investigation that was launched on Dec. 1, after a report was sent to Westlake High School administration about Ballas sending multiple illicit photos to a female student over social media.

After Westlake High School administration reported the incident to Ventura County officials, Ballas’ home was searched and evidence was found to support allegations. Ballas was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance.

Ballas was a 12 year employee of the district, working as a technical specialist in Westlake High School’s theater department. According to the VC Star, Ballas was released on a bail of $50,000 and pleaded not

guilty to all charges when he was required to appear in court on Dec. 19, 2022. On Jan. 26, 2023, Ballas is set to go back to court for an early disposition conference.

After the arrest, Mark McLaughlin,Superintendent of the CVUSD School Board, put out a statement concerning the incident and the termination of Ballas as an employee of CVUSD. McLaughlin stated that after the arrest, Ballas was immediately fired. McLaughlin also asked families to contact local law enforcement or school administration if they suspect any inappropriate behaviors. “The safety and well being of our students is our highest priority,” McLaughlin said.

As of now, law enforcement is investigating the possibility of other victims. If anyone has any additional information on the incident, they were told to contact Detective Greg Webb at (805)-371-8309.

Taylor Gibson Editorial Editor

Rohit Ukkan Feature Editor

Exchange - 32 year old Brittney Griner, right, partaking in a basketball game prior to her arrest in Russia. Recently, Griner was released during a prisoner swap after being detained in a Russian prison for 10 months. Griner would then return home on Dec. 8th with friends and family eagerly awaiting her arrival back in the United States. Photo Courtesy of Flickr

Announcement - In Palm Beach, Florida, Former President Donald Trump announced his second nonconsecutive bid for the Republican ticket for the 2024 presidential election on Nov. 15, 2022.

Emerson Fuentes-Albanza/Prowler

Taylor Swift fans sue Ticketmaster

Parker Bohl Chief Photographer

26 Taylor Swift fans filed a lawsuit against Live Nation on Dec. 20 in California following the unprecedented prices of tickets for Taylor Swift’s upcoming tour and the outrage expressed by fans who received presale codes but were not able to purchase their seats.

The lawsuit accuses Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation, for “unlawful business acts or practices” in preventing competition that would drive the prices of tickets down. The fans who filed the suit are asking that $2,500 be paid to every fan who bought a ticket or was denied one. They also ask, “...In addition to actual damages, damages to make an example of and to punish Ticketmaster,” the lawsuit states.

China rocked by wave of protests

Jack Ranney Staff Writer

Over the past several weeks, thousands of Chinese citizens took to the streets to protest against the repression and totalitarian rule of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), who have ruled the vast country unopposed since 1949.

The protesters took to the streets using blank paper, which has become an iconic symbol used by dissidents in totalitarian regimes. Blank paper is used in order to escape censorship laws and the draconian punishments that come with breaking them.

The protests come as China has relaxed its strict zeroCOVID policy, which required masks and negative tests to enter any public space. These restrictions were among the harshest anywhere in the world, and the government lightening them led many citizens to question whether their government should have been allowed to implement these policies in the first place.

Some protesters even began demanding the resignation of Xi Jinping, president of the People’s Republic of China since 2013. This is likely due to the fact that Xi was chosen

by the CCP in a party-members-only referendum. This puts China in stark contrast to most other totalitarian states, as the majority of them still hold rigged general elections. While the Chinese Communist Party has nearly 100 million members, China is a country of over 1.4 billion citizens, making voting restricted to a small elite.

Given the international influence that China holds, the protests drew in many foreign spectators. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has voiced his support for the protesters. However, he has drawn criticism due to his own harsh guidelines and punishments, such as freezing the bank accounts of those who protest his restrictions. The Biden administration also offered their support to the protests. “We’ve long said everyone has the right to peacefully protest, here in the United States and around the world. This includes the PRC,” the Biden administration said. Overall, throughout the West, a general attitude of sympathy was felt toward the demonstrators and, in some cases, this was joined by open disdain for the government.

The situation prompted the U.S. Justice Dept. to begin an investigation of Live Nation to determine if it holds a monopoly, and if so, whether it was achieved through illicit business practices. The company later posted on their website, “[Live Nation] does not engage in behaviors that could justify antitrust litigation, let alone orders that would require it to alter fundamental business practices.”

The complaint by the fans states, “As found by the Department of Justice, Ticketmaster has historically dominated Primary Ticket Platform services. It has maintained its dominance in this business by entering into numerous multi-year, exclusive contracts with leagues, teams, and venues.”

Change - Chinese citizens march against the CCP and their rule. Photo courtesy of Ethic

Kai Mekari/Prowler

Elon Musk doesn’t innovate anything

Cameron Winick Staff Writer

Named 2021’s “Person of the Year” in TIME Magazine, Elon Musk has slowly but surely climbed the social ladder, now being hailed as one of the most famous and innovative people of the 21st century. His flagship businesses, Tesla and SpaceX, appear to be pioneers in their respective industries, continuing to grow. However, with his recent acquisition of Twitter, Musk has proved himself to be virtually inept with single-handedly running an entire social media app. He has received a monsoon of criticism in the past two months, something that I believe was a long time coming.

Incriminating information about Musk has been progressively revealed, like how his patented Tesla cars were exploding at a much higher rate than other vehicles, due to the flammable lithium-ion batteries that Tesla inexplicably employs. Combined with Tesla’s self-driving car prototypes consistently hitting pedestrians, people have started to lose trust in Musk. Some Musk fans, however, remained undeterred. Musk is unique in the fact that he is the only mainstream billionaire with a strong fandom behind him. They look up to Musk like he is the most important human being to ever walk the Earth. To this day, you cannot criticize Elon Musk in any capacity without some people getting incredibly defensive about their favorite billionaire, as if they are truly getting something for defending him in the long run.

The thing that Musk’s fans hate to talk about most, however, is the simple fact that Elon Musk is not an inventor. He is an investor. He did not found Tesla, he did not design anything for SpaceX and he didn’t even found PayPal, the company that he cites as the true start of his career. The most he has ever been cited for designing at Tesla are some minor parts on his self-driving Tesla model,

which I have already discussed the effectiveness of. Tesla was originally the creation of Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpening, and SpaceX is a nearly completely governmentfunded contractor whose name is the only thing that Musk can take credit for.

Most recently, Musk has come under fire for his gigantic buyout of Twitter. The criticisms began after mass layoffs, when he fired over half of all Twitter employees. Musk would also be criticized for reinstating banned accounts like that of Kanye West and Donald Trump. Trump did not return to the app, but West immediately began to post antisemitic rhetoric as soon as he was back on. He would soon be banned, but only after several weeks of the initial tweet being posted. This seems to be clear callousness on Musk’s part, likely hoping to score more points with the “anti-cancel culture” crowd. However, he is now more despised than he’s ever been, getting resounding “boos” at his guest appearance during a Dave Chappelle show in San Francisco. Keep in mind, Chappelle is one of the most divisive comedians working today, and shares many of Musk’s politics. Thus, it is a sign that nearly the entire audience didn’t want him to be there.

Growing up Jewish during the holiday season

Ariela Behar Entertainment Editor

Strolling through the local Target and inevitably laying my eyes on the bright, giant Christmas tree used to be my least favorite holiday occurrence. To me, it was a reminder of the pathetic one-shelf display of Hanukkah stickers that resided in the very back corner of the store. I would beg my mom to ask an employee to see if they had any more decorations for my holiday, not yet accepting the reality that Christmas was much more globally, and commercially, celebrated than Hanukkah.

TéaSklar/Prowler

The tide is turning on Elon Musk, going from one of the most revered names in the tech industry to barely more than a pathetic libertarian media pundit. I believe that Musk was a fraud from the beginning, rooting all back to his wealthy childhood as the son of a venture capitalist who destroyed the South African ecosystem in order to create an emerald mining empire. Musk has, and will continue to be at the very top of the economic food chain. If he isn’t able to see the monster he is, then the most I can hope for is that his fans will.

Shooting makes another example for gun control

Dylan Kaseno Features Editor

A six-year-old student shot their teacher at a Virginia Elementary School, creating another example for why gun control and gun education at young ages is critical. On Jan. 6, Richneck Elementary teacher Abby Zwerner, 25, was intentionally shot by her student. Even at the start of a brand new year, school shootings remain a major part of the news cycle.

When considering the mind and morality of a six-year-old, one wouldn’t think of them as being capable of such violence, so it seems the blame may belong to their guardians. Children are impressionable; they do what they see, so it is up to their guardians to encourage proper behavior. The shooting was intentional, but the child was six. It isn’t logical to say that a young child had the intention of murder. How could that child have the ability to process how severe it is? Of course, that does not undermine the depravity of the situation as yet another person was gravely harmed due to such lax control and a lack of responsibility.

Guns are a controversial topic, but in the past few decades the defensiveness in “protecting” them has substantially increased. Some argue they are for protection, but is there a need for that protection if guns weren’t in the picture? Those who attempt to change anything can only get minimally effective gun restrictions passed. Almost anyone can own one if they’re of legal age. Due to this there are more guns in this country than people in the country. Just because someone is old enough to own a gun doesn’t mean they’re responsible enough for it. Maturity is not a trait everyone possesses, and with age does not come wisdom, so not everyone should be allowed the ownership of a gun simply because of age. And clearly, responsibility was not displayed in the slightest by the six-year-old’s mother who failed to keep the weapon away from her child.

Children are known to pick up stuff, play with it and walk away with it too. So the fact their mother left a firearm in reach of a young adolescent is utterly thoughtless. People who have children should have additional restrictions to go along with gun ownership. The threat they pose to children, as well as problems they have caused in the past show there should be limitations on gun ownership for parents to say the least. If parents have a gun, there should be check-ins and intensive interviewing for responsibility.

A kid who is just learning to read taking a gun to school raises serious red flags and again it identifies concerns referring to school safety, especially after the number of school shootings in the past. The fact that school security hasn’t been upped on a national scale is shocking and disappointing, and clearly should be addressed.

While one cannot say how each guardian should talk to their children about guns, it is a conversation that needs to be had. Unfortunately, guns are an important issue relevant to the wellbeing of students, ensuring that they are aware of the problems and dangers associated with guns. Educating children on the dangers of firearms from an early age is absolutely vital and could prepare them for any problems they will potentially have to face in relation to the topic.

Gun restriction is nothing new, but considering how little it has been addressed, it seems that we’re always back at square one. Students, teachers and staff members should not have to go to school fearing for their safety when obvious solutions are being overlooked. Educating children on the dangers of guns, restricting the threat of gun violence and creating stricter restrictions for gun ownership are ways to make an improvement, as well as locking the weapon up when it’s in a home with children.

I knew the story of Hanukkah as well as I did Christmas, but I failed to realize that this was only familiar to the Jewish American experience. I was bitter that I had to re-explain the “miracle of lights” every year whilst I knew the story of the birth of Christ, and the lyrics to Wham’s “Last Christmas’’ like the back of my hand. I was especially hurt when the kids in my class would feel sorry for me because I did not celebrate Christmas. They were sorry I didn’t get to wake up early in the morning to open presents, to decorate the tree, and set out cookies and milk for Santa. Eventually, they convinced me to be sorry for myself too.

For many years following, I was jealous. I felt like an outsider. I didn’t get to have all the movies, songs, decorations and parties like my friends had. Adam Sandler was my Mariah Carrey. I hoped every year for Hanukkah to start in November so it would not feel as irrelevant if it overlapped with Christmas. I would even explain this thought to people in an attempt to express my frustration, but it usually ended in a conversation with me explaining the existence of the Jewish calendar. Though, when the sun set and it was time to light the candles with my family, I wholeheartedly embraced my culture. Smelling latkes frying, eating half-melted gelt, spinning the dreidel and singing Jewish parodies of mainstream songs are all experiences I attach to fond winter memories.

Thankfully, over time I matured and learned to be grateful for my Hanukkah traditions. I don’t remember exactly when this change occurred, but I obtained a whole new perspective on the holiday season. I felt as if I was finally able to open my eyes and mind to celebrate the different holidays as they always should have been: as a time of giving. It is a cliche, but an honest one. I recognized that no matter what holiday someone celebrates, everyone always seems to have a more cheerful, generous disposition. I realized that I might as well join them.

What I used to feel was a burden is now a blessing. Although I did not always view Hanukkah as a very happy time in my life, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Because of the internal struggle I used to have with my Jewish identity, I am more appreciative of my lifestyle and family than ever. I get the opportunity to educate people on the history of Hanukkah, the symbolic food and my culture; I can’t wait to do it all again next year.

Parker Bohl/Prowler

Kai Mekari/Prowler

Qatar slanders FIFA World Cup

Dating back 94 years in 1930, the first World Cup took place in Uruguay, launching an admirable legacy in the world of soccer. More recently, however, the legacy has been tainted with discrimination and conspiracy.

During the bidding process of deciding the next host for the World Cup, Qatar bid on many innovative features, including an alternative to the insufferable heat in the Arab state. Qatar originally posed the idea of “solar clouds,” which are supposedly floating air conditioning that would shield the field and cool off the players. None of this worked, however, leading the teams of the 2022 World Cup to play at night in order to escape the average 105 degrees Fahrenheit in Qatar. Despite the large possibility of players as well as fans suffering heatstroke, the 22nd edition of the FIFA World Cup remained in Qatar.

Last May, just in building the stadium, at least 6,000 migrant workers died, admitted Gianni Infantino, FIFA president. The UN International Labor Organization additionally reported that in four out of the 12 months in the year, workers suffered severe heat stress while contributing to Qatar’s infrastructure.

Despite workers sacrificing nearly 10 years of their lives to the stadium, most of them were drastically underpaid. Workers experienced destitution while under the kafala sponsorship system, a system that supposedly entails the safety in the relationship between migrant workers and their employees.

Along with human rights violations being a main issue in

Qatar, the country has also been public about their violent disapproval of the LGBTQ+ community. As of present, homosexuality in Qatar is punishable by several years in prison or death. FIFA shockingly played defense against accusers questioning Qatar’s support for the LGBTQ+ community. With Qatar loosely implying that everyone in the stadiums are welcome, in response to fears regarding the well-being of players and fans visiting the country that are part of the LGBTQ+ community. FIFA has even gone as far as to retract their original “One Love” campaign, which persuaded players to wear rainbow armbands in support of LGTQ+ rights.

Though it is not required for the hosts of the World Cup to be home to a women’s as well as a men’s team, the idea that Qatar lacks a functioning women’s team despite hosting a men’s raises additional speculations of gender discrimination.

While Qatar is not the only country to not have a women’s team, the Arab state specifically released a statement during the hosting bidding process that entailed the supposed, “promotion of women’s football, including creation of special facilities,” Qatar stated in FIFA’s bid evaluation report. Nevertheless, no moves whatsoever have been made in support of the women’s team and players.

It is inevitable that FIFA World Cups will continue to be held therefore I as well as many fans of the popular sporting event hope that these systems of bribing and discrimination will improve in future years.

Do not disregard black-and-white cinema

Parker Bohl Chief Photographer

While there are many, many beautiful films that use color to enhance the story and reveal the emotions of characters, films without color find creative ways to do the same things without having any color saturation. In spite of the industry-wide adoption of digital technology, blackand-white is still the preferred medium by directors for some films. “Roma,” “The Lighthouse,” “Belfast,” “Mank” and even Zach Snyder’s “Justice League” were all shot digitally, and yet were completely desaturated. This is no accident. Black-and-white emphasizes textures, shapes and shadows in a more obvious way than color. The lack of colors allows for the composition of items and people in the frame to shine.

For independent or low-budget filmmakers, shooting in black-and-white allows their film to have a consistent aesthetic without losing all their money to meticulous color-based production design that limits their ability to tell their stories through other parts of the medium. However, the biggest reason directors may decide to make their film black-and-white is simply because some stories are better told in a world of texture, light and shadow.

People can be strangely averse to black-and-white cinema, diagnosing themselves with boredom rooted in a lack of visual stimulation. This diagnosis allows for no consideration of the plot, music, acting, editing or any other element of a film to be recognized and enjoyed. All too often I hear people respond to film recommendations with a hesitancy in \their voices,

inquiring if they will dislike the movie via This perception banishes these viewers from the world of early cinema, separating them from countless masterpieces. An arbitrary bias against monochromatic films limits one’s ability to see the fullness of what cinema has been and can be. black-and-white is not a genre with a clear category or boundaries set on what its stories are, rather it is a tool that cinema has never been without. Believing that one will not enjoy these kinds of films indicates an inability to recognize the essence of cinema. This is not a character flaw, just a preconceived notion ready to be obliterated by the end of a truly great monochromatic film.

Film as a visual medium has benefited greatly from the invention of technicolor film and its successors, but there is an equal power in the simplification and abstraction of reality found in the original form of cinema. Art itself is an interpretation of reality, and to create good art is to distill truth. Therefore, when a medium of art can be simplified, the projects that need the most focus or abstraction to get their message across will opt for a colorless project. The power of black-and-white is not only that it gives a piece of work a different aesthetic, but that it removes attention-grabbing colors, leaving space in the theater of our minds for the distillation of truth to be lit up even brighter. This effect is what draws filmmakers back to the origin of cinema, inviting their films to the monochromatic world of cinema where Citizen Kane lives.

What the Georgia runoff reveals about American politics

The Georgia runoff election concluded on Dec. 6, with incumbent Raphael Warnock (D) defeating his challenger, former NFL player and Trump endorsed candidate Herschel Walker. Though a significant victory for Democrats, this race should never have been as close as it was, considering the two candidates.

Warnock, a pastor at Martin Luther King Junior’s former church, was first elected in a special election in 2020, capped the cost of insulin for Georgians, co-sponsored a bipartisan infrastructure bill with Senator Ted Cruz, co-sponsored the Equality Act, which would protect members of the LGBTQ community from discrimination, along with much more. On the other hand, Walker has shown his incompetence time and time again. He appeals to voters by saying that he is pro-life and parades his Christian faith, but has pressured women into getting abortions and then denied the truth. Furthermore, he has had a history of sexual abuse, domestic violence, even talking about “having a shoot-out with police.” He has lied about graduating from college “in the top 1% of his class,” even though he has never graduated from college). Walker is merely another walking Republican puppet, with his son even speaking out against him.

Walker is about as incompetent as a candidate can get, and the fact that he even came close to winning is worrying for America. The 48% of Georgians who voted for Walker are once again proving the issue with the partisanship in our country.

The most prominent recent example of this said partisanship was the impeachment of former President Donald Trump for inciting an insurrection against the government of the United States on Jan. 6, 2021. It was not only disappointing, but a sad reflection on what the Republican party has succumbed to, as a vast majority of Republicans in both the House and Senate voted against his impeachment. Additionally, this partisanship is made worse by the polarization in our congress which is only getting worse. A statistic by Pew Research Center shows that Democrats have been moving slightly to the left over the last few decades while Republicans have been moving to the right over this same period of time. With this increasing polarization, it is more important than ever for politicians to work across the aisle and make compromises.

Going forward, if we hope to continue progressing as our country, we need a reversal of the recent growth in partisanship. This applies to not only politicians but voters as well. It is important for voters to consider candidates as not a walking representation of their party but also as individuals. The rift between Democrats and Republicans will continue to worsen overtime if this partisanship continues, and as it gets worse, less and less will get done. Differing views are essential in any government but divisiveness brings the downfall of a democracy, and therefore we must work through disagreements as a country in order to push forward.

Courtesy of Liberty Films

Courtesy of The New York Post

Jason Kiang Staff Writer

Courtesy of CNN

Cancer Awareness Club organizes toy drive

Nikhil Satyagal Staff Writer

The holidays are supposed to be one of the most joyous times of the year, especially for children. Unfortunately, under-privileged children often do not experience this. This year, Newbury Park High School’s Cancer Awareness Club worked with Hollywood Storage to set up a toy drive for Play Conejo.

The toy drive was intended for children in the Conejo Valley who are less fortunate. Mina Nguyen, senior and president of the Cancer Awareness Club, worked very closely on the drive. “Our primary mission for the toy drive was to bring a smile to a child’s face. I think recognizing what we can do for the youth in our community is another main point that we accomplished. And it was effortless too! So spreading awareness about how simple it can be to brighten someone’s day was the goal,” Nguyen said.

In past years, the Cancer Awareness Club has donated to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. This year however, they donated to Play Conejo, a branch of Conejo Recreation

and Park District. Allie Honbo, senior and publicist of the Cancer Awareness Club, reflects on the importance of donations “[Play Conejo] supports underprivileged children within our local community, so it’s awesome to be able to have a direct impact on the lives of the young kids in our own county,” Honbo said.

Donating to a more local organization makes donations more personal since they affect many children living in the Conejo Valley. “It is really heart-warming to think of the toys that these underprivileged children received over the holidays, especially since these children live locally in the Conejo Valley!” Zhang said.

Donating in a toy drive is very rewarding and easy, and it can massively improve a child’s time. The small action of donating a toy has a large impact on the happiness of a child. “Participating in a toy drive is effortless. Bringing joy and sunlight into a child’s life is the most heartwarming feeling,” Nguyen said.

CVUSD schools piece together a “puzzle play”

Ariela Behar Entertainment Editor Ava Prapaniku Sports Editor

Bright energy, excitement and suspense burst throughout the dressing rooms when students from Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks and Westlake High School came together to perform their “puzzle play” of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” As the curtains opened, faces lit up to see the unveiling of the brand-new collaborative event. The “puzzle play” is the merging of the schools’ theater programs into one play,each school taking on one-third of the show. To balance out the proceeds, the show was performed one time at each school.

Among the NPHS theater department is Dominic Folino, junior, who played the role of Benedict for the second part of the show. As each school performed their own section, different aspects of the characters arose allowing for new viewpoints. “You get to see different perspectives on how people will interpret things,” Folino said. “I can see how people take the characters or the scenes themselves and change them, and in a way it’s art and art can be interpreted differently.”

New traditions are never too late to start. Marilyn Strange, theater teacher at NPHS, proved this true by taking a leap of faith into piecing together the “puzzle play” for the very first time. “This is a special production because we have never ever done this at NPHS. We haven’t done this in the district at all so this is the first full length production that all three high schools are putting on combined,” Strange said.

Although the production involved all three schools, rehearsals did not. Ave Mallillin, senior at Westlake, provided insight into Westlake’s practice. “We’ve been rehearsing our roles within our class because everyone in the [advanced] class is involved in our part of [the play] and the other schools practice on their own time as well but not all three schools at once,” Mallillin said.

Putting together a puzzle comes with different strategies. Some like to start with edges, while others sort the pieces by shape. Learning new strategies is always a leeway to success as it pushes those outside the box. Students from all over Conejo Valley were able to share their own, unique strategies with one another as they worked to put together their own “puzzle.” “It’s exciting to work with the different high schools because we get to work with their different tech departments,” Strange said. “Students get the opportunity to work with different students and other directors and see how people translate the same work they’re putting on.”

Although competition is often prominent between schools, the “puzzle play” showcased the admiration and care each school has for one another. “[The collaboration] shows that we’re not competitive by saying ‘We’re the best.’ It’s showing we’re one whole huge theater family [and] it’s good to blend everyone together once in a while,” Folino said.

Pose - From left, Eileen Zhang, junior, Mina Nguyen, senior, Allie Honbo, senior pose behind the toy drive donations. “We had boxes packed full of all kinds of toys from dolls, to nerf guns, to sports equipment. It’s really amazing how the community came together for this cause, so thank you!” Zhang said.

Photo Courtesy of Rong Liu

Huzzah - Paul Sam Green, senior, Bee Birch, senior, Amelie Etheridge, junior, Ellie Vasko, senior and Ash Sylvester-Frost, junior, took part in the “puzzle play” in Shakespear’s “Much Ado About Nothing”. The NPHS theater department worked with WHS and TOHS to make this happen. Cameron Winick/ Prowler

A recent survey about the health curriculum was sent out to students in classroom and across social media received 115 responses. The results of the survey are below.

“Teen talk” updates curriculum

Hayden Meixner Backcover Editor Kai Mekari Staff Writer

Conejo Valley Unified School District’s health curriculum, “Teen Talk” from the California Healthy Youth Act, has become a hot topic at CVUSD school board meetings amongst parents since its adoption. Many have spoken out at these meetings, revealing their strong approval or disapproval of this controversial issue. Parents on opposite sides of the spectrum avow their definitive opinions, leaving onlookers wondering how long it will take for the controversy to resolve.

Cameo Carolan, a mom and teacher at Newbury Park High School, has two daughters in the CVUSD district and is actively involved in reviewing the health curriculum that her children are viewing. “I watch and read the material CVUSD sends to us before the students have their lesson,” Carolan said. After assessing the lessons, Carolan trusts that the curriculum that is taught is necessary and appropriate. “Sex education is health education,” Carolan said.

Nevertheless, Carolan does find fault in the current health curriculum and hopes that it can be updated to match state standards. “Since there is a way for families to opt out of specific health curriculum, I would like to see our district become in full compliance. I believe we are holding back some material due to community response,” Carolan said.

However, many parents in the community have fostered a very different opinion. Jennifer Fisher, a parent who removed her son from the district, feels that the health curriculum provided for the middle schoolers does not include enough parent involvement. “I think there’s definitely pieces to the curriculum that go beyond what many parents, you know, find acceptable, I guess, at certain age ranges,” Fisher said.

Fisher believes that there is a lack of transparency from the district when it comes to the range of topics discussed in health class. “I’m not against the basic ground [of health education], but I do know that there are other pieces where the kids can dive deeper and go into QR codes,” Fisher said. “Looking at different websites and things and I think it just takes it beyond the scope and sequence for their age.” Fisher claims that “The Teen Talk” health curriculum includes QR codes that are on the slides of health lessons, which students can scan to explore concepts further.

As a solution, Fisher asks that the district release all of the material that is shown to kids during their health lessons, to the public. “I think that that gives parents, you know, peace of mind knowing what their

provided by the district and did not find any QR codes. The district does include a Q and A that says in Q4:

“The page with QR Codes in “Health Connected - Teen Talk” will NOT be provided to students. However, the California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA) does require that schools provide resources to students that are participating in comprehensive sexual health & HIV/AIDS instruction.

CVUSD has created its own bank of resources - CVUSD Community Resource List (for students in grade 7 & grade 9)- to be in compliance with CHYA, this resource list is available now for parents/guardians to preview prior to any comprehensive sexual health & HIV/AIDS instruction.”

Carrie Burgert, mother of two daughters in the CVUSD district, has read through each chapter of the “Teen Talk” health curriculum thoroughly. Burgert feels as though the current health curriculum is too lengthy and covers some inappropriate material. “I think that some of the current health curriculum is okay. I think some of it is not appropriate for middle school. I think that other things I don’t like are being a little bit excessive as far as how many days it’s put into the classroom,” Burgert said.

Bergert is not against the idea of sexual education but believes there are certain topics that should not be taught to elementary and middle school aged children. “I think it’s fine for fifth graders to have a basic understanding and knowledge of anatomy and what’s going on with their bodies. I think that as you get into middle school, and high school, obviously, the content can expand from there, but I think there’s certain concepts that aren’t appropriate for schools to cover, and that should be left at home,” Burgert said.

As a solution, Burgert hopes that the district will adopt a completely new curriculum, Positive Prevention Plus. I think that that was a much more age appropriate content material that satisfied all the California legal requirements,” Burgert said. Burgert also claims that the Positive Prevention Plus was the choice of teachers in the district.

As of now, “Teen Talk” is here to stay, but the current state of affairs promises that the discussion over how to handle the health curriculum in our district is here to stay. Carolan and many other parents want to leave the curriculum in the hands of health teachers who train to teach these courses, “Some health teachers at the high school and other teachers in the district have been working with kids for decades. We should trust the teachers who go through hours of professional

The link to the Teen Talk health curriculum resources is available at

Fuentes-Alabanza/Prowler

Parents School

With the new health curriculum being put in place in 2021, called “Teen Talk,” many people from all over the district are utilizing the Public Comments section of the bimonthly school board meetings to address their concerns regarding the curriculum. They use this time primarily to voice their issues and concerns with the newer teachings that go along with the updated program.

Lisa Powell, Area 2 school board trustee, took time along with the rest of the board to evaluate which curriculum would best benefit our district. “I do know about the health curriculum because I’ve reviewed it and I’ve lived through it…I’ve looked at the process that the previous board undertook to evaluate different curricula and make a decision on which one to adopt for our district,” Powell said. She also describes the advantages to “Teen Talk” and what made it a good choice for the new curriculum. “I mean, it lays everything out…it links with all the timelines of the process they went through. You can watch all the videos that the district personnel put on for parents and throughout the process about not only Teen Talk, but the other ones that were being looked at,” Powell said.

Cindy Goldberg, Area 4 school board trustee, felt that “Teen Talk” was a good way to encourage students to have a mature conversation when discussing health and sexual topics with their parents. “I feel like the health curriculum, as it stands, gives opportunities for families to have those kinds of conversations. It always did, and parents always could opt out. That has not changed and will not change,” Goldberg said. Goldberg also addresses

Emerson Fuentes-Alabanza/Prowler

Emerson

Téa Sklar Managing Editor Taylor Gibson Editorial Writer

updates district curriculum Students

In the Conejo Valley Unified School District (CVUSD), a single health class is required to graduate in high school, which can be completed online, and the middle school health curriculum is embedded in the required science classes students are already taking. There are a number of students who feel that the health course they participated in during high school has yet to make a significant impact on the well being of students.

Alexx Shaner, junior, took health online and learned more about health around her friends and family than in a health course provided in school. “The health curriculum doesn’t educate about different forms of birth control. I taught everything I know to myself because I didn’t learn enough in school,” Shaner said.

Emma Medrano, sophomore, went to Sequoia Middle School and mostly learned information regarding health outside of an actual health class. “In middle school, all I was really taught was that it’s important to take care of your health by eating healthy nutrients and exercising,” Medrano said. “There were no specific classes or videos that we watched.” Medrano felt that she learned more during the required NPHS health class. “I learned more about the reproductive system and also how certain types of relationships can have large effects on people,” Medrano said.

Cade Higham, junior, went to Los Cerritos Middle School and learned an adequate amount of information in a health curriculum during middle school. “At middle school, we learned things like what to eat and reproductive systems, but mostly what things are good for you like good foods,” Higham said. Higham learned similar information in high school as he did in middle school. “I felt like there were more details in high school when we learned about the subjects,” Higham said.

While the health curriculum that has been taught most recently does provide adequate information about the basics of sex ed, students still believe there is room for improvement.

“I think it’s not teaching kids enough and it’s not modernized for today’s society,” Shaner said. “I would change how they talk about sex more so they can include LGBTQ+ content, along with straight, to be more inclusive and discuss the protection

Robertson, senior, agrees that the health curriculum

he learned was lacking in many areas. “Sex ed is optional which makes zero sense since it allows parents to shelter children, which leads to higher rates of sexual abuse,” Robertson said. “LGBTQ+ sex ed is completely scrubbed and oftentimes the curriculum acts as if people in those communities do not exist.”

While the curriculum does include some solutions for sexual abuse and other issues, there are other possible additions that could have an even larger impact. “The health curriculum does not provide any resources or information about sexual abuse; this is important as studies have shown that including this has a very positive impact on children reporting sexual abuse,” Robertson said.

Robertson also agrees that more in-depth lessons and information would benefit more and more students. “Study after study has shown that sex ed reduces teen pregnancy and if taught properly, can reduce the likelihood of rape as well as sexual assault,” Robertson said. “There are other effects such as women who are taught sex ed are more likely to have children [later] in life.”

Overall, the current CVUSD health curriculum has been reported to do a decent job of preparing students for very basic situations. “It [the curriculum] gave adequate information for straight people, but left everything out when it comes to LGBTQ+ issues and sex ed which is becoming increasingly important as that community grows,” Robertson said. “I also believe more information and help should be put towards learning the signs of sexual abuse and putting resources towards places that students can report it.”

While CVUSD has begun to implement changes regarding the health curriculum, there are still more steps that could be taken to improve it. “I would add much more information on LGBTQ+ sex ed, put resources and information about sexual abuse dos and dont’s and create a reporting system and make sex ed a requirement that can not be opted out of,” Robertson said.

When providing a health curriculum to middle school and high school students, it is imperative to educate students on all topics to prepare them for any number of situations. “I think sex ed is important because most kids don’t understand the dangers of STDs or being safe. It is necessary to learn about things like

School board

the reason that sexual education is necessary for students. “Public schools are for all students, right? If every student had a perfect family that taught them everything, and in a safe and respectful, medically accurate way, we might not need sex ed,” Goldberg said. “Currently that is not [however], and actually I’m not sure that that’s ever been, the case, right? So there’s not a state in the union, I don’t believe that doesn’t teach some form of comprehensive sexual health curriculum.”

One of the main concerns about “Teen Talk” is that the curriculum itself is encouraging students to have sex at a young age. Bill Gorback, Area 3 school board trustee, believes that the students, unlike the parents, feel that the curriculum is pushing them away from wanting to have sex, rather than pushing them towards it. “I will comment that the same fears that I’ve heard from the complainants…[They are] exactly the opposite of the reaction that I’ve heard [from] kids. In other words, health teachers have told me [that]...students in general hear about what happens [and] they say, ‘I don’t want to do that until I’m married’,” Gorback said.

In regards to the concerns about the health curriculum overall, Powell encourages any concerned parents to look at the district website to help them answer any questions they may have. On the district website are the different “Teen Talk” lessons. “I just would always encourage if anybody had a question or wasn’t sure about what was being taught, to go look at the district website, which is pretty comprehensive,” Powell said.

Carson

Fuentes-Alabanza/Prowler

Emerson Fuentes-Alabanza/Prowler

1

Student

Shea Grohs/Sophomore

“www” is an abbreviation for what three-term word?

Ellis: World Wide Web

Grohs: World Wide Web A: World Wide Web 1-1 www.offtoagreatstart.com

In

2

Ellis: Werewolf

Grohs: Artemis A: Artemis 1-2 It’s all Greek to me.

Who wrote the original Cinderella? (Book) 3

Ellis: Disney

Grohs: Grimm Brothers A: The Grimm Brothers 1-3

This is quickly turning grimm for Ellis.

When was the first-ever soccer World Cup? 4

Ellis: 1932

Grohs: 1964 A: 1930 1-3

They shoot, they miss!

5

Ellis: a dog from Belgium

Grohs: monkey

A: Rabbit 1-3

These answers are hare-larious.

VS

Isabella Boggs News Editor

Grohs Wins! 4-3

Boggs/Prowler

Teacher

Scott Ellis/History Teacher

Where did French Fries originate? 6

Ellis: Belgium

Grohs: Greece A: Belgium 2-3 Bon appetit!

Who named the pacific ocean?

7

Ellis: Ferdinand Magellan

Grohs: Christopher Columbus

A: Ferdinand Magellan 3-3

Ellis must have explored the sea of knowledge to get that right answer.

8 What is the name of Taylor Swift’s most recent album?

Ellis: “Mrs. Ellis help me”

Grohs: Midnights A: Midnights 3-4 Don’t worry Ellis, just “Shake it Off”!

What gender of bees are worker bees? 9

Ellis: Male Grohs: Male A: Female 3-4 This question wasn’t easy-beezy.

10

Ellis: The north star

Grohs: The north star

A: Sirius 3-4

Surely you can’t be sirius.

Around the World Fair connects cultures worldwide

Food, music and games were only three of the things found at the Newbury Park High School Around the World Fair. The fair was an event run by the Asian Culture Club, Latino Connection Club and the Black Student Union. It took place in the school cafeteria on Dec.16, and multiple clubs set up tables filled with cultural food, drinks, music and plenty of games. The cafeteria was decorated with balloons, lights as well as flags from different countries whose cultures were represented in the fair.

A multicultural event is an opportunity for many people to come together to appreciate cultures and broaden their cultural scopes. Nathan In, senior and president of the Asian Culture Club, believes that the event was great for the school and students. “I think it was really good because we’re trying to raise a lot of awareness towards these cultures, and a lot of things that Asian Culture Club tries to work on is trying to stop cultural appropriation. We’re trying to make things so that everyone can appreciate the cultures that we’re trying to present,” In said. “I think it’s really fun to kind of show your own culture and kind of introduce them to what they don’t really know.”

This year was the first year that the fair has taken place, but Kimberly Flores, senior and president of the Latino Connection Club, planned it with her club because their usual annual event got cancelled. “We do a Latin dance for our Latin students here, but this year

it got cancelled for some weird reasons. So we [planned] to do something different,” Flores said. “We decided to open it up to the whole school. We want the whole school to feel like part of something.”

The fair also served as an entertaining activity for both the members of each club and the attending students. Mayka Ahamadi, sophomore and president of the Black Student Union, ran the table for her club, serving food and drinks. “The World Fair was a really fun experience for both the people visiting and the people running the tables. I think that the World Fair was a valuable experience for students to experience different cultures’ foods and games,” Ahmadi said.

As a joint event, the fair is the culmination of the hard work done by multiple clubs, and it would not have been possible without the effort of every club member. “Thank you to all the clubs and people who have been helping us […] we’ve [put] a lot of effort into it,” Flores said

The fair is an opportunity for students from different cultural backgrounds to come together and have a fun time experiencing it. Beyond its value for appreciating individual cultures, the fair had a goal of bringing together the community. “We’re trying to show people different cultures because we have three different clubs all [trying] to express their own cultures,” In said.

Greek Mythology, what is the name of the goddess of the moon and hunt?

Isabella

Nikhil Satyagal Staff Writer

What type of animal is a Flemish giant?

What is the brightest star in Earth’s night sky?

Celebrate - Newbury Park High School’s Around the World Fair brought many cultures together with food, music and games. Nathan In, senior and president of the Asian Culture Club, reflects on the significance of the immersion of cultures. “I think it’s really fun to kind of show your own culture and kind of introduce them to what they don’t really know,” In said. Isabella Boggs/Prowler

“Devotion” remembers forgotten war

Jack Ranney Staff Writer

The movie “Devotion” (2022) takes place during the Korean war, a war that has largely been overlooked in history. That is why I am pleased to announce that JD Dillard’s new movie not only remembers the brave soldiers who served in the war, but also the hardships that some of them had to overcome. It is refreshing for me to see a new film tackle this major historical event.

The film, starring Glenn Powell and Jonathan Majors, tells the inspiring true story of Ens. Jesse L. Brown, the first African-American pilot in the United States Navy. Throughout the film, Brown faces difficulty and condescension from others, but he was a man who would keep going no matter what obstacles lay in his way. For example, I love how when a reporter interviews him about testing a new flight technique and continually tries to insert race into the conversation, Brown simply refuses to answer his questions and says “I don’t think I’m going to say what you want me to say.”

I was thrilled when Brown’s squadron finally saw action. When I was in the theater watching and the action started, I knew that he would finally show all those who belittle him what he was

truly made of. It was also nice to see him rescue the same people who bullied Brown get rescued by him, making Jesse L. Brown the type of hero that anyone can root for.

One of my favorite aspects of the movie was the fact that only the latter half of the movie takes place in a war zone. Similar to Stanley Kubrick’s 1986 classic “Full Metal Jacket”, the first half of the movie focuses on training and life as a soldier, rather than jumping into the action straight away, which many war movies do. While there is nothing inherently wrong with the approach of nonstop action, having quiet parts in the movie away from the war zone as well makes the action stand out more than it would otherwise. I think that this decision is especially great for this movie, since when there is action, it isn’t a choreographed fight, but shows the reality of war: a deadly, chaotic mess.

This movie does a great job of retelling a true account of valor and bravery, as well as informing the audience of the characters’ postwar lives. While this may not be the best war movie out there, for me, it is certainly up there.

KaiMekari/Prowler

“Bones and All” leaves viewers with a lot to chew on

Josie Gardner News Editor

Based on a book written by Camille DeAngelis, “Bones and All” is a new romance drama movie directed by Luca Guadagnino, starring Taylor Russell and Timothée Chalamet. From the beginning to the end, there are many plots and subplots that are overall unpredictable and build to the point where it becomes unclear which storyline is the main one. While the cinematography may be beautiful, “Bones and All” is not for the faint of heart.

The movie follows Maren Yearly, played by Russell, in her search to find her mother as well as answers as to why she eats people.

Along the way Maren meets characters such as love interest Lee, played by Chalamet, and Sully, played by Mark Rylance. The love story is one that is both easy to root for and extremely complex below the surface level.

Going into the movie, knowing it’s about cannibalism is essential, yet it won’t fully prepare you for what you are about to see. Although implied in the trailer, the level of gore is higher than anticipated and takes away from the film. It is wonderfully filmed, but there is no doubt that what most viewers took away from the movie was the violence and the images that came with it.

movie. His character is a man who, in the beginning, tries to be a father figure to Russell’s character, but his offset personality moves her away from him. Rylance does a wonderful job of making the character one that is uncomfortable to watch, and Russell does a wonderful job of matching the audience’s uncomfortable energy.

Overall, “Bones and All” is a captivating story with strong actors and actresses behind the intricate characters that bring the story to life. Side characters leave lasting impressions, and throughout the whole movie you never know who will show up again. If you choose to watch the movie, prepare yourself for many ups and downs, as well as images that will stick to your brain, specifically in your nightmares.

Téa Sklar/Prowler

CINEMA CENTER

Kai Mekari/Prowler

Avatar reinvents blockbusters

Vincent Bennett Movie Reviewer

After the 13-year wait for the sequel to the highest-grossing film of all time, “Avatar: The Way of Water’’ is in theatres getting great reviews and making tons of money. It is currently sitting at $1.752 billion at the box office after just shy of one month.

The film, released on Dec. 16, continues the narrative of the first film with Jake Sully, played by Sam Worthington, and Neytiri, played by Zoe Saldaña, on the defense from Colonel Quaritch as he decimates their homeland of Pandora. In this movie, they introduce the family dynamic, bringing double the emotion that was felt in the predecessor.

Legendary director James Cameron has yet again reinvented the 3D experience with more depth and beauty than ever before. I made sure to see the film in this format and after only a few minutes I forgot that I was even looking at 3D as it was so perfectly crafted.. This goes hand in hand with the visual effects, where there isn’t a single shot that’s short of complete. The visual effects deserve the Academy Award and will definitely win it as its predecessor did.

My favorite sequences were the ones when characters were underwater, as I was able to soak in the visual art and calming music, making me relax. Those sequences were among my favorites of the year, especially with the theatrical experience.

Along with the characters and actors of the previous film returning, we get new characters that are just as compelling as the veteran characters and bring with them new threats. Jake Sully takes a backseat while the bulk of the film focuses on his kids discovering their new environment. As his family tries to become one with water,instead of the forest they have adapted to, the looming threat keeps getting closer.

Even though all of the Na’vi [Avatars] are filmed in motion capture, the first time ever underwater, Cameron still pulls excellent performances out of his actors. The standouts to me were Sigourney Weaver as Kiri and Kate Winslet as Ronal, her first collaboration with Cameron since “Titanic”.

As any film fan should know, James Cameron is excellent at crafting big action sequences that add so much tension and excitement to the story. This film is no exception to his other displays of this in “Aliens,” the first two “Terminator” films and “True Lies.”

I had a great time seeing this in 3D with my siblings and I recommend you all do the same. This is firmly planted in my top 10 favorite movies of 2022 and I hope it can be the same for all of you. I give this film a 4.5 / 5.

“Violent Night” will be a cult classic

Vincent Bennett Movie Reviewer

Combine “John Wick,” “Die Hard,” “Home Alone” and Santa Claus and the result will be “Violent Night”. This is one of the few holiday movies I was looking forward to, and I am glad to have been able to get some of my best friends together to go have a blast with this. For its $20 million budget, it has made $75.7 million along with receiving great reviews.

This movie, released on Dec. 2, is about a drunken Santa Claus defending a rich family from a militia of mercenaries robbing them. In doing so, Santa has to build up the courage to fight the demons from his past.

The best part of the movie is easily David Harbour as Santa. He has racked up a few iconic characters in the years since his big leap in popularity due to major roles in “Hellboy” and of course “Stranger Things,” where he played Hopper, and Santa is joining the club. He curses like a sailor and slowly reveals his past that was so much more interesting than I could’ve expected. This cements him as not only one of the most unique Santa portrayals but also among my personal favorites.

Don’t take the movie title lightly, there’s no better title for this movie but “Violent Night.” The violence is in the vein of the “John Wick” franchise and will be gratuitous to some and very fun to others. They filmed the violence in interesting ways that I enjoy; whether that be a reveal, a jump cut or even leaving the frame wide open to take it all in. I love a fun, unapologetically violent movie every once in a while and this fills that craving perfectly. The ways in which violence ensued were creative; the resolution will satisfy the biggest horror fans.

The ride the characters go on is very fun as they all slowly realize that it’s the real Santa who’s brutally killing mercenaries.That may sound like a spoiler but after the opening scene I promise it’s not. One of the best parts of that is the character of Trudy, played by Leah Brady, who brings a bit of a heart to Santa’s mania.

But, I didn’t particularly enjoy any of the family members; they had their moments but overall they were more of a distraction from Santa rather than a piece of the story I was intrigued in. The leading mercenary who goes by Scrooge, played by John Leguizamo, is a fun character who gets the job done but they could’ve gone further in making him despicable as the movie would’ve been all the better for it.

As is, this ranks high as one of the better movies this year and one of the best theatre experiences I had in recent months. I highly recommend seeing this, I promise the entertainment is worth the while. I give it a 3.5 / 5.

“‘Violent Night’ is a great twist on the traditional Christmas movie and brings blood and gore perfect for the holidays.”

5 / 5 - Joe O’Shea, Senior

“A blood chilling story of why you should avoid the naughty list and leave a Santa a cookie.”

5 / 5 - Zachary Holzhauser, Senior

Photo courtesy of Alamy Stock Photo

“Babylon” manages to sicken and inspire

Cameron Winick Staff Writer

After several months of hype for Damien Chazelle’s fourth major feature film, “Babylon” was released to the public on Dec. 23, 2022. Chazelle can pride himself on a pretty consistent film career, usually making critical successes that audiences are able to fall in love with as well.

However, from the first scene in “Babylon,” most audience members will be able to tell that this isn’t going to be a movie for everyone. Right from the get-go, the movie immediately demonstrates just the amount of debauchery it is willing to show, which is a lot. Critics have not treated this movie well since its release, citing the unbelievable amount of nauseating and sickening scenes, but I can’t help but wholeheartedly adore it.

The film follows the lives of several different people working in Hollywood during the ‘20s and ‘30s. The five people that the movie focuses on all meet at a huge party in the film’s first 20 minutes, and from there, enter the exploitative and glamorous world of the entertainment industry. Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and Diego Calva are just some of the unmatched talents in the film, with each one getting their chance to shine. The film uses every opportunity it gets to glamorize and degrade its characters as much as possible, often letting the actors simply react to the fantastic and horrifying situations they find themselves caught in.

This is an extremely disgusting movie. It is covered in grime, urine and pretty much any other bodily fluid that you can possibly think of. It does, however, use the raucous scenes to its advantage. The characters will often

do horrible things, and the film takes the time to show how far they’ve sunk by making the audience feel gross for watching. It somehow makes you feel just as complacent as the characters are, demonstrating how easily Chazelle is able to suck the audience into his nightmare-Hollywood fantasy. There is a particular sequence that happens about two hours in, lasting for about twenty minutes. It isn’t long, but that sequence includes a surprise performance that steals the entire show, as well as the most revolting and disturbing imagery Chazelle was able to drum up. It is, in my opinion, worth the price of admission alone.

The shots in the movie are beautifully framed, fully engulfing the audience in this world. There are some mindbending shots in this movie that I genuinely cannot wrap my head around how they did. It makes it all seem so massive and sprawling, keeping the audience invested the whole time. It’s also maybe the funniest movie I’ve seen this year, too. There were moments in this that I genuinely cried from laughing so hard, which is rare for me. Additionally, the score by Justin Hurwitz is absolutely infectious, combining the swinging jazz music of the era with exotic and contemporary sounds.

I’m sure that “Babylon” isn’t going to please everyone. In fact, I don’t think it’s going to please many people. It was an incredibly dark, disturbing and headache-inducing experience that I would recommend checking out at least once, just to know if it’s for you. I loved it, and I was once again reminded why Damien Chazelle is one of my favorite working directors today.

“Wednesday” is as spooky as it is genius

Téa Sklar Managing Editor

“Wednesday,” released on Nov. 23, is Netflix’s newest rendition of The Addams Family and has quickly become a fan favorite amongst Netflix watchers.

The series starts off with Wednesday, played by the very talented Jenna Ortega, getting a gruesome revenge on her high school’s boys’ water polo team for picking on her little brother Pugsley, played by Isaac Ordonez. She is quickly expelled and sent off to what is revealed to be her ninth school in nine years, Nevermore Academy. Audiences also learn that Wednesday’s parents had attended the school, which becomes important later.

The series takes a dark turn when the chief of police of the town, played by Jamie McShane, discovers a mutilated body, seemingly done by something inhuman. It is implied that this is not the first body to have been discovered, nor is it the first time that the chief has covered up how destroyed the body actually was to the press.

Wednesday quickly learns of these murders, and in her attempt to uncover the monster who had committed them, she starts to reveal a dark past with both Nevermore Academy, and her parent’s time there. With more digging, she discovers the history of Jericho, the town in which the school resides.

The series continues throwing out turns and plot twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. It’s spooky, but not quite to the point where some audiences might feel the need to turn away. There is something in this show for everyone, whether it be Ortega’s

incredible deadpan stare or clever one-liners, the charming love interest or Wednesday’s cheerful werewolf roommate, Enid Sinclair, played by Emma Myers.

As of recently, Netflix revealed that “Wednesday” received more views than the fourth season of “Stranger Things,” one of the most anticipated seasons of the year. I would argue that, besides the fact that the show was very well done, one of the main reasons that the series was successful was because of how little Netflix actually advertised for it. I, personally, didn’t actually start seeing any sort of trailers until mid-October, which is not usual for Netflix. I feel that

Wednesday was an experience, and sometimes it seems that the experience can be taken away when so much is revealed in trailers and teasers, but in this case, there were only two repeating scenes that were in every trailer.

Beyond that, Tim Burton, the director, is most definitely known for his bizarre, creative characters, making him the top choice for directing something as bizarre as The Addams Family. The characters are weird, as they should be, and as a huge Addams Family fan myself, I feel that he couldn’t have done a better job.

As of Jan. 6, Netflix confirmed that “Wednesday” has been renewed for a second season, and Jenna Ortega will remain as the main character.

In relation to the band’s album, “Single Album,” from last year, NOFX has released “Double Album.” In the past, the band has always stuck to their tried and true style along with their signature formula, and this release cemented that idea.

I’ve been around NOFX’s music my entire life so I’ve always had an ear out for them and enjoyed most of what I’ve heard. While still not being anywhere near some of my favorite bands, I’ve always enjoyed their sense of humor that’s very prevalent in their lyrics. Along with all the political messages and anti-religion statements that I certainly don’t endorse but I can respect in this art form.

Some of my favorite songs from this album are “Darby Crashing Your Party,” “Alcopollack’’ and “Gone With The Heroined.” I prefer when they commit to the fast punk riffs and drums as opposed to their slower, more lyric driven songs, which is clear in the songs listed.

Although I enjoy their music, they are a band I appreciate more than I enjoy. I’d consider myself a casual fan of theirs as this isn’t something I’ll listen to often. From my experience of listening to the album and looking a little into its reception, this is an album that continues the band’s streak. If you’re a casual fan then this won’t change your mind, but if you’re a big fan then you’ll love it.

Vincent Bennett Movie Reviewer

Téa Sklar/Prowler

Kai Mekari/Prowler

Photo courtesy of Exclaim

Boys’ basketball shoots for success

Isabella Boggs News Editor

The boys’ basketball team has been strategizing since their practices began during summer break, all for the momentous occasion of the start of their season come October. The group continues to work hard at practice every day for two hours, constantly studying their opponents in order to play their best every game.

The head coach, Devin Fly, has been coaching high school basketball for 16 years. Fly’s goal for this season is to improve the boys’ basketball capabilities, however, it goes beyond their physical abilities. Fly wants to see the boys improving as people. “[My] main plan is to get these guys better both on and off the court,” Fly said. He implements this by improving the boys’ mental philosophy. Some of this important development comes through life lessons found throughout the game of basketball, including lessons that Fly has seen in his past.

Fly feels very confident in the boys’ capability to move through the Marmonte League and far into the playoffs due to their dedication both on and off the court, as well as the affinity between athletes. “I like to think like we’re a family…We joke around while in the weight room talking about the shows we are watching, we’re talking

about fantasy football and fantasy basketball,” Fly said. “It’s a fun group [and] I definitely enjoy that camaraderie with these guys, just having fun. Basketball should be fun.”

In addition to knowing what the team will be facing in a game, Jack Lagerquist, sophomore, believes that the boys have formed close relationships with one another. “[The relationships] build chemistry. Now we’re able to read each other [and what] we’re going to do,” Lagerquist said.

Noah Cotton, junior, has been on the team for the past three years and he credits the emphasis on studying their opponents as a key reason why the team has performed so well. “We usually have a pretty good game plan of who we’re playing against because we watch a lot of films [of our opponents],” Cotton said.

Overall, the boys’ basketball team has been working hard to make this season the best yet. Their efforts will continue past the end of their season as they work to prepare themselves for next year, as Fly hopes. “[I want to prepare them] for life after high school and life after basketball. I want to see them succeed. I want them to be good [people] against the world,” Fly said.

Girls’ water polo splashes into their season

Emerson Fuentes-Alabanza Staff Writer

The girls’ water polo season started off with a splash and with six games behind them, they are ready for another great season. For their first game, the girls’ water polo team played a home game against Notre Dame High School and have since played three league games against Westlake, Agoura and Oaks Christian high schools.

They started off strong in their league with a win against Westlake High School, which was a great motivator to kick off league matches. Jojo Thayne, senior and attacker, said, “It was the biggest win…It’s been really fun to play games, like our team has gotten way better. It’s been good to play some and win a little bit,” Thayne said.

To keep up with these vigorous games, the girls’ water polo team holds practices everyday. Adriana Flores, junior and team captain, said, “We are trying to make practices more intense and have a more game-like atmosphere so that on game days, we are

ready to go with the stamina to go all game.”

Vigorous conditioning and drilling has also been incorporated into regular everyday practices. “We do defensive drills, like when people drive down in the water, and we’ll just practice how you can not get ejected and not get kicked out,” Thayne said.

Teamwork and bonding seems to be a highly motivating aspect of the game, especially to Cassandra Wallop, senior. “I don’t really know if I have a specific favorite aspect of the game itself, but more a collection of experiences and lessons that I find valuable. However, I would say a main component that I find rewarding is seeing the team working well together, and seeing us really play like a team; which is something more difficult than it seems,” Wallop said.

Looking into the future, the team hopes to push forward through hard work and make it into CIFs this year. “I’m also hoping that we make CIF this year, that would be super exciting,” Flores said.

Boys’ and Girls’ wrestling teams surge in size

Jason Kiang Staff Writer

The wrestling team has gotten off to a good start this season, following months of off-season training.

Team captain JM Abaya, senior, and team captain hopes to end his high school wrestling career with his best season yet. “My goal this year is to lead the team. So I want us to be champions again because the last two years Thousand Oaks beat us and I don’t want that to happen again. I also hope to place in CIF individuals this year. That’s another goal of mine,” Abaya said.

However, Abaya acknowledges that wrestling is a difficult sport to improve in, though he’s made sacrifices to ensure personal improvement. “Wrestling is a very, very tough sport to improve in because everyone else is also improving at a really fast rate. I quit football so I could focus on wrestling and I went to camps, did off-season training, joined wrestling clubs, and just tried grinding as much as I could. The work you have to put in to get ahead is a lot,” Abaya said. Despite this all, Abaya enjoys the process, making it well worth it. “I enjoy the journey of it. How it’s your story and you’re alone in there,” Abaya said.

The wrestling team’s seen a surge in popularity; the team has expanded greatly since last year. Oliver Caputo, junior, has been wrestling since he was a freshman and notes the changes this year. “The main difference this year is we have a huge team compared to what we had last year. Last year we had maybe 30 people versus now we have closer to 50. We also have a lot more girls on the team, enough so we now have a girls team which is separate from the JV and varsity team,” Caputo said. Maddie Black, freshman, is a member of the girls team. “We go to boys tournaments and girls tournaments but we usually go to girls varsity tournaments and we usually wrestle schools from around LA county,” said Black.

The team has also had 4 dual meets, 3 of which they’ve won. JV goes first, and after cycling through every weight class, varsity takes their turn. The lights are turned off and the spotlights turned on, which creates a sense of excitement.

The team enjoys a good relationship and finds time to bond after their exhausting meets. “After meets, we have a team dinner and it’s a great bonding experience. I think that’s one of the most fun parts about the team. We all work really hard [wrestling] so to be extremely exhausted and also being able to have a good time after is really fun,” Abaya said.

Though unseen on a surface level, wrestling has been important in shaping the lives of NPHS wrestlers. It’s more than just a sport for them and has had an effect on other parts of their lives. “I think wrestling definitely gives you a sense of belonging in the sense that you’re with a team and gives you something to do so you’re not just sitting at home. And I think you can learn a lot [from wrestling.] It’s helped me learn to be mentally tough and work through stuff that’s hard and persevere through uncomfortable situations,” Black said. Abaya also agrees with this sentiment that wrestling has taught him to develop useful life skills. “100 percent wrestling has shaped the person I am today. It’s taught me many traits such as being disciplined and having a good mentality about everything. Being stoic and not letting other things affect me and trying to take my losses and see what I can learn from them. And then using that mentality of learning from your mistakes in everyday life,” Abaya said.

Tread - Kennedie Reeder, left, is a sophomore on the varsity water polo team. he aims to throw the ball while treading and defending against another player. Kira Ivarsdottir/Prowler

Oliver Caputo (right), Parker Bohl/Prowler

Shoot - Johnny Kosten , pictured left, is a senior on varsity. He dribbles his way towards the basket while defending against Moorpark during a home game. Harrison Sera/With Permission

Boys’ cross country races into nationals

fitness level as a team heading to nationals. “Practices definitely change [when] prepping for nationals. We start tapering and conserving for nationals,” Sahlman said.

Before heading to nationals he said he felt extra nervous about the race that happened on Dec.3 “I am most nervous about how I will do. I do not want to let my team down,” Sahlman said.

Dev Doshi, junior, was also excited that the boys’ cross country team has kept their streak of winning CIFS. Doshi went to nationals last year as a sophomore and has been with the team for the last two years. He said that winning state

Doshi said.

Leo Young, senior, has run on the varsity boys’ cross country team for the past four years. Young believes it was an incredible experience to be able to travel to Portland, Oregon and race with all the best of the best athletes in the U.S. “I was on the team in 2019 where we won the first time and I am on the team this year when we won again. It means everything,” Young said. He competes at a high level because he trains at a high level. “I am confident in my training. I can be confident in my ability to go to nationals,” Young said.

Tanya Brosnan, head coach of the boys’ Cross Country

on race day and able to compete, I was confident in the team’s ability to compete in the race,” Brosnan said. In Brosnan’s first year as head coach of the cross country team, she wanted to keep the winning streak of the team.“It’s a very strong program and a large responsibility to keep this program on top. With the commitment from the athletes and the support from the school and parents, I was confident our team would perform well,” Brosnan said.

One of the most important rules Sahlman likes to remember when training for competition is this:.“ take your easy days easy and your hard days hard.”

Boys’ soccer season launches onto the field

Jason Kiang Staff Writer

Soccer, or football as it is known in other countries, is one of the world’s most popular sports and is played everywhere around the world. This holds true at Newbury Park High School, where the boys’ soccer season is now in progress. The boys’ soccer team has high hopes for this season after qualifying for and winning their first round in CIF playoffs last year, before losing in a close game in the second round.

Ryan Thorndike, senior and forward on the team, has been playing for nine years. Thorndike has high expectations for himself and has set personal goals to work towards. “My personal goal is to win the MVP award, and if not, score at least 15 goals. Personally, I did well last year but I’m aiming to do better this year,” Thorndike said. Lucas Perez, senior and center midfielder also has goals for the season as well. “Personally, I want to get into the first team in Ventura County. I also want to lead the team to win the league,” Perez said.

Steven Blanca, junior, played on the frosh soph team last year but now plays striker on the varsity team. Blanca enjoys his position, though he says he also enjoys playing defender. “I like playing striker or defender. I like bothering people. I like having the ball at my feet,” Blanca said.

The success the soccer team has achieved and hopes to continue achieving comes with consistent practices, which have been instrumental to the team’s wins. These practices take place everyday excluding game days and last one and a half hours. The usual routine

consists of a warm up, conditioning, occasional drills, and scrimmages, though it is more oriented around playing than drilling.

Players find the social aspect a key role to success in soccer, where friendships are formed on and off the field. “We’re like brothers. We fight together and we lose together and win together. It’s like a very team oriented environment. I love it,” Perez said. The team finds time to bond off the field as well. “Sometimes we have team dinners or just meet up and hang out. We also talk through Snapchat so we have close relationships,” Thorndike said.

Soccer’s popularity can be attributed to many reasons. “I would say my favorite part [about soccer] is being able to be free and creative on the field. There’s not many times where you’re able to be distracted from everything else in your life,” Perez said. “I feel like it’s a great team work environment, we’re able to share a common goal to work towards.”

Soccer impacts players’ lives outside of the game as well. “It’s [soccer] helped me grow as a person and helps me keep my mind off things. It’s a sort of therapy for me,” Blanca said. Thorndike also shares sentiments about the impact of soccer towards his life.

“It’s done a lot for me. It’s helped me learn leadership, cooperation, accountability, all sorts of amazing life skills. It’s like an outlet for the pressures of life, school, everything. I’ve learned through soccer that having an outlet is important in life and so are all those life skills,” Thorndike said.

Leo Young

Parker Bohl/Prowler

Dev Doshi Parker Bohl/Prowler

Aaron Sahlman Parker Bohl/Prowler

Zoom - Jack Roeder, sophomore, has his game face on as he dribbles the ball during the team’s regular scrimmage. These intense scrimmages are vital in preparing players for anything that might happen on the field and allow for players to work on tactics they will use in the future. “The most challenging part is probably playing hard when you’re super fatigued,” Perez said. Téa Sklar/Prowler

Students compete for the Winter Olympic gold medal

Eight teams, one title, one gold medal. The extremely competitive NPHS Winter Olympics took place in the last week of school in 2022, and was a collection of many different school events. From Jan. 12 to 16, multiple teams competed to be the Olympic Gold Medalist. Throughout the five days, students participated in various spirit days, including “Anything but a water bottle day,” and “It’s all Greek to Me day” along with competing in different Lunch Time Activities (LTAs).

Pose - Arnav Shetty and Elijah Britt, juniors, and Jonah Sloan, sophomore, stand posing with their medals after an event. Shetty’s team was named “Team Elijah,” after their leader. Shetty enjoyed the event thoroughly, “I thought the Winter Olympics was really fun. I liked bonding with my friends and trying out some new “sports” that I probably wouldn’t attempt otherwise.” The week pushed Shetty and his friends outside of their boundaries and to try new things. Ultimately, it made an enjoyable experience for Shetty. “I’d do it again cause while some parts were sort of embarrassing it was fun to do the activities with a team,” Shetty said. Cameron Winick/Prowler

spirit - Different teams

as the competition

who can win

girls’

enjoyed the collaboration the event required. “I really enjoyed the Winter Olympics because it really brought the team closer together and was a great bonding experience. I would definitely do it again with my teammates. It was a great way to connect and have some final experiences with our seniors,” Hanwat

Aim

Speak up - Allie Mohelnitzky and Ariela Behar work together to announce during the rally on Tues. Jan. 13. “I really enjoyed mcing the rally,” Mohelnitzky said, “I have always liked being in front of a crowd, but I’d never mced or hosted anything before, so I wanted to try something new! The work put into the rally itself was amazing. I also got to mc with my best friend, so that definitely helped with keeping the energy up.”

Winners - Caroline Duc, junior, and the rest of her team win the week of Winter Olympics and are awarded their olive wreaths. “At first, I wasn’t so sure about participating, some of my group members dropped out and we had to find replacements, but if we hadn’t, I wouldn’t have met two of my teammates who are actually pretty cool,” Duc said. “I know that people don’t take school spirit seriously, but I was so hyped once we started the activities. Then we won, so that was slay.” Cameron Winick/ Prowler

and fire - Jason Kiang, sophomore, tries his best to win for team SArZ Clan. “Our team name stems from an inside joke between all of our members that was made up during quarantine. If we’re doing a fun team activity, it’s usually up there as one of the first choices,” Neil Saji, sophomore on the team, also adored the Winter Olympics,, “It was a genuinely fun activity that I could do with a few of my friends. There was no pressure nor anything to lose so really the only thing I could do was enjoy it.” Saji said. Cameron Winick/Prowler

Nandini Patro DPS Editor

Cameron Winick/Prowler

Team

continue to cheer on their team members

continues to see

the title of Olympic Gold Medalist. Ojal Hanwat, junior on the

basketball team,

said. Cameron Winick/Prowler