Oak Park High

oak park high school

TALON

volume v • november 2014 • 899 north kanan road, oak park california 91377

CSUN CLASSES COME TO OAK PARK

by Aadarsh Jha, staff writer

Park Assistant Principal Bryan Martin.

“It’s a kind of camaraderie with the other male staff members that have been doing it as well.”

Oak Park Instrumental and General Music teacher Zachary Borquez participated by accident.

“I typically don’t shave at all on the weekends and so come Monday, someone’s like, ‘Oh, are you doing No-Shave November?’, and I said, ‘I guess so!’”

Whether accidentally or on purpose, the faculty is determined to raise money and awareness for this cause.

“Mr. Buchanan, he ac-

CSUN will offer a two credit course for Sophomores and Juniors in September of 2015: Introduction To Engineering.

The class promotes the development of study, communication, problem solving, design, analytical, and computing skills. Moreover, the course introduces students to the Internet, word processing, spreadsheets, and presentational software.

As computer science teacher Eric Amerikaner explains, “This course is an introduction to a college level course, half online and half in the computer lab. It will help you get familiar with a computer, and help you get introduced to college courses.”

The course will be held on the OPHS campus, and through online course lectures with a CSUN Professor. The labs for the course will be held after school on Mondays or Wednesdays.

The entire course costs $30.

According to the New York Times, 20 percent of American adults either do not know how to use the Internet, or the Internet is not readily available to them.

Moreover, roughly 60 million people in America are denied a job because of their lack of knowledge about technology.

“A majority of the students and adults won’t know how to properly use a computer, until they have

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The future site of the Oak Park High School solar shade structure (Staff Photographer/Talon).

Oak Park goes solar

High school to receive new solar shade structures

by Kelly Dunlay, staff writer, and Irena Yang, art director

Students will find a new addition to the quad by the end of first semester: a 6,000-square-foot solar shade structure that, along with the new

rooftop solar panels, will generate 15 percent of the school’s energy.

According to Principal Kevin Buchanan, the project costs approximately $300,000, but it will save the district over $700,000 in electricity costs throughout the structure’s 25-year life span.

“After 15 years, we’re actually making money off of it,” Buchanan explained. “If it lasts longer continued on page 3

No Shave November and Movember

by Olivia Deveau, staff writer Just as the month of October is well known as Breast Cancer month, in November, another issue is brought to attention: men’s health issues, particularly prostate and testicular cancer. Only, this issue is not brought to the public’s attention through pink ribbons – rather, through mustaches.

“The Movember Foundation challenges men to grow moustaches [sic] during Movember (formerly known as November), to spark conversation and raise vital funds for its men’s health programs,”

states the Movember offiThe organization asks cial website. people to “donate the monThe organization has ey you usually spend on one very specific rule when shaving and grooming for partaking in Movember: a month to educate about one must only grow a mus- cancer prevention, save tache. lives, and aid those fighting Another the battle.” organization, No Shave No Shave NoNovember has vember, has parIt helps to bring gained taken a similar ticipants at awareness about approach.

Oak Park High men’s health in School, with Its mission general. statement both students details, “The and faculty Bryan Martin, goal of Noletting their Shave Novemscruff grow out assistant principal ber is to grow in support of awareness by a very worthy embracing our hair, which cause. many cancer patients lose, “It helps to bring and letting it grow wild and awareness about men’s free.” health in general,” said Oak

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INSIDE • on campus 2 • beyond oak park 7 • middle east 8 • campus life 11 • entertainment 13 • sports 14

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november 2014

on campus Teacher tenure struck down

by California court

by Irena Yang, art director

the lengthy and expensive process to fire a tenured teacher unconstitutional.

According to him, the dismissal process of a tenA Los Angeles judge ured teacher can cost up to ruled that California teach- $400,000, making it “imer tenure laws and the practical” to go through the seniority system are un- entire process. constitutional in a court First, extensive docudecision that could poten- mentation must be protially affect future hiring vided to show proof of a and firing policies state- teacher’s incompetency. wide.

Then, a teacher begins an The case, decided this improvement plan, consistpast June, struck down ing of workshops, coaches three major parts of Califor- and other guidance for the nia’s current laws: it ended following year. the current tenure process If the teacher is still requiring schools to either deemed “unsatisfactory,” a fire or give a permanent hearing process begins. The position to a teacher after school district must pay an around 2 years of teaching, attorney to represent them the seniority system re- in front a judge while the quiring the newest teach- teacher’s union provides ers to be fired first and the him or her with an attorney. lengthy and expensive pro- During this time, the teachcedures of firing a tenured er is still compensated. teacher.

In most However, cases, exCalifornia penses are Governor You have to be e x h a u s t e d Jerry Brown and a settlea really horrible ment agreeand several teacher to even ment large Califoris possibly get fired. nia teacher reached in unions have which the appealed it, teacher reTony Knight, meaning that signs in exsuperintendent current tenchange for a ure laws will cash settleremain in efment. fect until a final resolution “OPUSD has never is made. gone all the way through “This is hugely sig- a due process hearing with nificant,” OPUSD Superin- a teacher for dismissal,” tendent Tony Knight said Knight said. “But we have regarding the decision. reached settlement agree“Teacher tenure laws ments with a few teachers are unique in this country. over our 37-year history.”

No other profession has According to Knight, these laws. If this ruling another significance of this were to be upheld, it would ruling is how it could affect send shockwaves across “marginal” or ineffective the country.” teachers that barely pass Knight supported standards in the classroom. the new ruling, which he “You have to be a rebelieved would increase ally horrible teacher to teacher accountability. even possibly get fired,” Dr. “If tenure is gone, Knight explained. teachers may be more mo“It would be impossible tivated to improve quick- to build a case against a er,” Knight revealed. “Over ‘marginal’ teacher. This law time, this could have a pos- would make a huge differitive effect.” ence to that.”

Knight also praised the The recent statewide decision because it ruled elections highlighted the

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issue of teacher tenure.

Incumbent Tom Torlakson narrowly defeated challenger Marshall Tuck for California state school superintendent in the most expensive and perhaps the most important race in California.

Tuck praised the judge’s ruling to overturn tenure, while Torlakson, heavily backed by teacher unions, condemned it; Torlakson eventually won the election with a slim 52 to 48 percent victory.

Oak Park Teachers’ Association President Russell Peters was initially concerned when the ruling was issued, prompting him to send a mass email to teachers regarding the decision.

However, he ultimately decided it was not an immediate concern. With the appeal in motion, Peters said it could take years before a final resolution is made.

“Right now it’s in the state Court of Appeals, but it could go up to the federal court and very well end up in the U.S. Supreme Court,” Peters said.

To avoid a potentially decade-long fight, Peters hopes the two sides will reach a compromise, such as possibly extending the number of years required before giving a teacher tenure to three or four years, as

is the case with most states. pact on Oak Park because “They may possibly re- we are lucky to teach at a set or rewrite some of the high quality school. But it laws to still give teachers will have a major impact protection but also make it throughout the state of a little easier to get rid of California.” a teacher that is incompePeters explained that tent,” Peters said. teacher evaluations, which “An incompetent determine a new teacher’s teacher hurts all teachers capability in the classroom, and protecting an incom- could also increase to more petent teacher is really not times per year. the intent of the law.”

“The current teacher Yet Peters also warned evaluation is an artificial of the dangers of eliminat- process,” Principal Kevin ing tenure completely.

Buchanan said, referring to “On the other hand, the teacher’s ability to preteachers need protection pare for the evaluations beso they can have academic forehand. freedom in the “It’s not classroom to really the be able discuss best way to certain situaIf tenure gets d e t e r m i n e tions that may overturned, it will t e a c h e r not always be qualificabe a big game tion.” popular.” changer for educaIf the laws Thus, are eventually the tenure tion. overturned, law changes however, Pecould open Kevin Buchanan, ters believes new possiprincipal the length of bilities for time before administrabeing tenured would af- tors, said Buchanan. fect Oak Park High School “It would give princiteachers the most. pals authority over teachers “It’s probably going to who formerly had tenure affect the new teachers that and were not performing,” are coming in because it’s he added. very difficult to judge what “If tenure gets overa new teacher is capable of turned, it will be a big game in only a couple years,” Pe- changer for education,” ters said. said Buchanan.

“Still, I don’t think it would have a major im-

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Solar shades to provide new energy source continued from page 1 than that we’ll continue to cut our energy costs.”

Buchanan said this project will have taken over three years from the original idea to actual realization, as the model went through several different versions before finally being approved by the California Division of State Architecture.

Because of the school’s unique location in a wildfire zone, the district initially tried various other approaches such as rooflike covers called campus awnings to a type of covering made out of fabric that had withstood Australian wildfires.

The structure was originally to be built 20 feet from the gym, but that led to new problems altogether.

“It’s actually like a

building. They said it would be part of the gym now which would increase the capacity of the gym,” Buchanan said.

“So then you would have to improve all your systems in the gym.”

To avoid this, the school decided to move the shade structures to the quad area where its construction is currently being mapped out.

Buchanan hopes the project will be completed by Jan. 19th, with the structure going up before winter break and the solar panels installed over the holidays.

Regardless of the completion time, Buchanan and the district are pleased to finally see the construction start and hope the students will be too, once the final project is complete.

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HAVING NO PREP PERIOD Is there enough time in the day?

by Jake Davis and Lauren Perlmutter, staff writers It is not only students that have a great amount of work to do following the school day, but teachers, who have no prep periods, have many assignments to complete during the night.

About 20 teachers at Oak Park High School do not have a prep period.

They teach a 120 percent day, meaning they have six classes. When a teacher takes on an additional class they get a raise of about 20 percent.

However, without a prep period some teachers find it difficult to stay ahead and finish all of their work.

“The biggest issue is being able to communicate with parents and get back on emails and to actually enter in the grades,” said science teacher, Mr. Labnow.

To overcome the lack of a prep period, he uses lunch and seventh period for photocopying and preparing for his classes.

Taking on six classes is a choice that many teachers make for a variety of

Photo illustration depicting the need for teachers without prep periods to juggle responsibilities (Carly Albert/Talon). reasons, some being financial. Health teacher, Eric Pryor, and chemistry teacher, David Sloan, have both been teaching six periods for the majority of the years they have been at OPHS. “It’s harder to stay up to date with my grading, but I’ve learned that I find that I have more time than I thought that I had and after having six classes I’ve found a technique and make sure that I still have enough time for my family,” said Pryor.

Biology teacher, Winnie Litten, is one of the few teachers who teaches six classes, but has a zero period so that she has a prep period during the day.

“When I would teach six periods in the past, without a zero period and prep, it was hard because anytime I had to prep for a lab I had to do it after seventh period, so I would always stay here really late,” said Litten, “but now with teaching a zero period it gives me time and allows me time within the school day to check with administration and get more work completed.”

Devoting more of their lives to their students and classes, the key to teaching six classes, many teachers said, is finding a balance that works.

Creating a change for the exchange

by Kristen Dunlay, and Lily Rudnick, staff writers English teacher David Kinberg and Principal Kevin Buchanan have come together to create a class for international students known as “International Students’ Seminar.”

It is designed to teach public speaking, introduce American essay writing and assist in navigating the Oak Park academic system.

“We needed something.

We couldn’t just drop all these kids from all over the world into our school and expect them to figure it out by themselves,” said Buchanan.

Kinberg, who teaches the class, agreed with Buchanan.

“Our international students needed some kind of a support system that in-

troduced them to American culture, California culture and Oak Park culture as long as tutoring and study time,” said Kinberg.

The class attempts to create a more enjoyable experience for the exchange students by assisting them with the rigorous educational system that Oak Park provides.

“It is a huge adjustment. The structure of school is very different,” Kinberg said.

Yet Kinberg said he is very enthusiastic about the class and looks forward to the new experiences that the class has to offer. T h e students come from all over the world and bring varying cultures with them.

When asked about the most difficult parts about teaching the class, Kinberg replied. “There is nothing difficult. They are so much fun to work with. I enjoy

the class.”

Sven Schaffer is a sophomore from Germany currently living with senior Josh Rosen.

He is enrolled in Kinberg’s class.

“There is not that much distance between teacher and student. In Germany it is David Kinberg teaching the International Students’ Seminar different,” said class (Staff Photographer/Talon).

Schaffer. when coming to Oak Park. now I live in a house, and However, Schaffer not- Rebecca Lebrenlancen from it is something completely ed that adjusting to Oak Sweden has had problems different,” said Leon, from Park brings its challenges. with “all this practical stuff Germany.

“It different in the way like the metric system.”

With all the opportunithey teach,” he said.

“All this stuff that ties offered at Oak Park for Josh Rosen has seen we don’t have, that’s been the international students, the benefits of this class in really hard,” said Lebren- the main goal, as Buchanan Sven already. lancen. stated, is “to make a really “His English has gotten Some changes are more good experience for everya lot better and he is easier drastic than others. one.” to understand,” said Rosen.

“When I lived in BerThe international stu- lin in the big city and like dents have faced challenges

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november 2014

CSUN engineering at Oak Park High continued from page 1

there will be about 1.4 million jobs in STEM related fields. Unfortunately, there will only be about 400,000 students who will be qualified to pursue these job opportunities.

In this context, the course offered by CSUN stands out as an especially unique opportunity.

Freshman Shalin Shah said, “I think it is very important. We definitely need it, and it is important to the future.

“However, at times, we do not use technology for the greatest of things, and it serves as a huge distraction,” said Shalin Engineering and robot- Shah, a Freshics are not the future, yet man.

Sophomore the present, and it will conVedant Mathur tinue to be the future for the had similar development and design for thoughts, “As we many, many products. move more towards technolErik Amerikaner, ogy, we need to learn it and uncomputer science teacher derstand how to

actually taken an instructed class. Only then, they have scratched the tip of the iceberg. Most students and adults aren’t aware of the business and industry level programs, not apps, but programs, to effectively use a computer,” said Amerikaner.

Nonetheless, many schools still do not offer STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) related courses.

According to code.org, an organization dedicated to technological education, over the next ten years

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www.DriversEdDirect.com

Students of the new CSUN engineering program will learn by utilizing online methods (Staff Photographer/Talon). use it, so we could improve it. But, it is a huge distraction for me, I will admit.”

“Engineering and robotics are, not the future, yet the present, and it will continue to be the future

for the development and design for many, many products. Technology is going to make our lives easier.

Easier, in a sense, because we wouldn’t have to do the mundane chores,” said

Amerikaner.

Students interested in expanding their technological horizons can contact Amerikaner in C-4 for further details about the course.

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Awareness Week emphasizes the YOUnique Events promote student individuality, celebrate differences

by Varsha

Sarveshwar,

content editor

YOUnique, the theme of the upcoming Awareness Week, highlights the importance of individuality. According to Advanced Peer Counseling, students learn to love the qualities that make them unique and value how the differences between each student at Oak Park brings the student body closer together.

Awareness Week will be held from December 9 to 12, 2014. Advanced Peer Counselors hope that the week’s events will support student understanding of the various backgrounds of the student population.

“Awareness week is an amazing opportunity that allows students to experience and understand the

various and different lifestyles of all individuals,” said senior and Advanced Peer Counselor Russell Tagawa.

Fellow Advanced Peer Counselor Amanda Reilly, who is Co-Chair of Awareness week along with Claire Matulis, agreed.

“Our goal of awareness week this year is to have our school appreciate what makes each individ-

ual unique and accept others for who they are,” said junior and Advanced Peer Counselor Amanda Reilly.

Advanced Peer Counselors are preparing an assembly hosted by representatives from Rachel’s Challenge, an organization inspired by the story of Rachel Scott, the first one murdered in the Columbine High School Massacre.

“I would consider the

New typeface to help dyslexics read more easily

by Ashley Siavoshi, social media manager Dutch designer Christian Boer has developed a new typeface called Dyslexie that attempts to help dyslexics read faster and with fewer mistakes.

According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, between fifteen and twenty percent of the population has a language based learning disability, with dyslexia being the most common. Dyslexia is defined as a neurological disorder that prevents proper reading and sometimes speaking, and can involve many different visual processing deficits. Spelling and reading aloud are the most common problems for dyslexics.

“People with dyslexia often unconsciously switch, rotate and mirror letters in their minds,” said Boer, who is also dyslexic.

However, special education teacher Kimberly Villalpando stressed that there

is more to dyslexia, saying, “it is a misnomer that the main characteristic of dyslexia is letter reversal.”

Traditional fonts tend to feature hard, consistent strokes, making them easier to rotate or flip in the mind. Dyslexie combats this by adding more weight to the bottom of the letters, making them more difficult to rotate.

Similar letters like b and d are also italicized.

Letter extensions, like on the p or h, are extended to make them stand out.

There are also wider spaces between letters, words and lines on the page as well as bolded punctuation.

The typeface is currently on display at the Istanbul Design Biennial which has caused it to gain a lot of popularity. It is also currently being used by such companies as Nintendo and Pixar, as well as many universities around the world.

Research by the University of Amsterdam shows that the typeface does in fact help dyslexics. 84% of

children and adults read faster with the typeface while 77% made fewer mistakes.

Villalpando reflected on the research done, saying “it would be interesting to conduct more indepth quantitative research in this country with high school students.”

School psychologist Stephanie Walker-Sean commented on ways that the school could use the font, and other programs designed to help those with learning disabilities, saying “as we are moving towards more information being presented via screens such as our Smart Boards and iPads, I look forward to seeing what programs might be invented to increase student’s reading success.”

“It would be great to see if it helps any of our students,” Villalpando concluded. “Even if it affects the reading abilities of just one student, it would be worth trying.”

assembly speaker the most important event of the week,” Reilly said. “Reallife stories tend to teach the students well. In the past our assembly speakers have inspired our community to embrace Awareness Week.”

Awareness Week will also consist of classroom presentations, a teacher talk, a Slam Poetry event and an art and writing contest. In addition, AP Studio

Art students are creating posters to be placed around campus that illustrate the theme YOUnique.

Overall, Advanced Peer Counselors are optimistic about what Awareness Week has the potential to accomplish. “[Awareness Week] provides events and activities that promote discussion, acceptance, and empathy,” Tagawa said.

Counselors and APC Co-advisors Janet Svoboda and Julie Heeney were likewise hopeful in a statement to the Talon.

“Our hope is that this year’s Awareness Week will encourage everybody to recognize, appreciate and develop their own unique traits, and in turn be able to see the good in everybody…

Don’t be afraid to be authentic, you’ll be respected and admired for this incredible quality.”

BLOOD DRIVE SPURS PROTEST

by Sarah Goldberg, staff writer Members of the Oak Park High School’s GayStraight Alliance (GSA) lined up on the sides of the Red Cross Blood Drive truck, on October 28, with colorful posters and educational flyers to protest the law, currently being reviewed by the Supreme Court, that denies men who have had sex with other men from giving blood.

The protest was set into motion because a member of GSA was denied the ability to give blood. Because of this, the club decided to raise awareness of the law, and of the usable blood that the Red Cross is not accepting. The club made clear that they were not trying to prevent those who wanted to give blood from doing

so. In fact, they support anyone who donates blood, for truly, their protest was intended to increase the amount of blood donated.

However, despite their educational intentions, some people did not support the GSA’s protest.

Someone even sent out an email to the entire GSA urging them to not protest the blood drive. The person who wrote the email thought this protest was a matter of gay rights. However, according to the club, this person misunderstood the club’s intentions.

“This protest was not a matter of gay rights, but a matter of clean blood supply that the Red Cross is missing out on,” said Will Carter, vice president of GSA.

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november 2014

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beyond oak park Women in Technology Addressing the gender gap in technology careers

by Ashwarya Srinivas, layout editor

“I have worked there for 11 years, and there are approximately 25-30 women, out of the total amount of 150 people in our department.” She furthered her claim with statistics of the people she has interviewed for jobs, saying that only “1 in 10 of those [she] interview[s] for positions are women. All others are men.” Statistics indicate that most women who do enter the field choose to take less rigorous positions, though capable of attaining higher ranking ones.

Many organizations are dedicated to increasing the number of women interested in the technological world, by focusing on the younger generation of girls.

One such program, the National Center for Women in Information Technology (NCWIT), encourages young women to pursue technological activities, by honoring teenage girls

Despite years of attempts and discussions about the need for involvement of women in technology and the growing number of influential female leaders in the field, many technological companies and schools remain dominated by men.

Women scarcely hold challenging, high-ranking, technical positions, continuing to constitute a minority among high-ranking engineers and computer programmers, such as corporate executives, computer analysts, and software developers. This current issue is, although slowly, decreasing, as demonstrated by the numerous emerging women showing interest in the field, and thanks to the continuous support of various organizations and companies.

Every day, there is someUnderrepthing new to learn; there resentation of is no reason to get bored, women is present in tech careers because technology is everof all sorts, espechanging. cially those which require the most Sunitha Kubsad, significant time it program manager commitments. Mrs. Sunitha Kubsad, the Program Manager for the Information for their achievements in Technology (IT) depart- technology. Additionally, ment in Farmer’s Insurance they hold conferences and Group in Woodland Hills, meetings to spread prospoke to the Talon about gramming and business the challenges she faced to knowledge to high school reach her current position girls, in the hope that they in the company. will shape the future.

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A visual representation of the minority of women in technological fields.

Another notable organization called GirlsWhoCode, inspires girls to learn how to program.

This group is supported by leading tech giants such as Google, Facebook and Microsoft.

According to NCWIT, the number of women entering fields of technology is slightly increasing, but the increase isn’t dramatic enough to make an impact. Kubsad claims that the reason for such a low number of women is that “the job doesn’t require any technical expertise, and [women] might not want to dedicate too much time and effort to a career in technology.” She hold that they may instead opt for careers which offer more leniency.

Although many companies remain perplexed as

to the reason why women are so underrepresented in this field, a common theory, supported by Kubsad, is that “the jobs are very timeconsuming, and women do not seem to want to spend that much time at work, in front of a computer.” Instead, many women opt for careers which demand less of a commitment, so as to balance their home life, as well as their work life.

Still, many agree that an attempt should still be made, and that women should at least be educated about the impact they can make.

This large disparity can be observed in schools and classes involving technology as well. Even in Oak Park High School, technology classes mostly consist of boys.

“In all of the programs I look into, and the classes I take,” claims junior Alex Romanova, “there are more boys than there are girls. This may be because most girls just don’t know enough about technology, to truly consider entering it [as a field of study].”

Many leading women in the field are in accord with this statement, and are

under the impression that some girls aren’t as interested in the technical field due to their ignorance of the challenges and benefits of the career path. Due to this belief, in recent years, committees have dedicated themselves towards educating children in more technical classes.

Top companies and organizations around the world have diverted their attention to motivating girls to enter fields of coding and technology. Organizations which promote the necessity for women in technology are greatly supported by businesses including Google, Apple, Facebook, and even Microsoft. These establishments offer women powerful opportunities to learn coding, and reward those who truly show an interest in technology. They hold what many women, like Mrs. Kubsad have found in their personal experience – technology is a dynamic, never stagnating field that women deserve exposure to.

“Every day, there is something new to learn; there is no reason to get bored, because technology is ever-changing.”

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CRISIS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Israel-Gaza conflict reverbe

By Nicholas Branigan, content editor

The latest sanguinary chapter of the Israeli-Gaza conflict has wound to a close, leaving the region as deeply polarized as ever, split between the unyielding disputes of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. The conflict’s repercussions resound widely, even among students at Oak Park High School, with opinions registering across a broad spectrum.

After 50 days of fighting, an Egyptian negotiated ceasefire brought the confrontation between Israel and Hamas to a close.

According to the UN, the conflict left 73 Israelis, and more than 2100 Gazans dead; almost 500 were children. The bombardment of the coastal enclave resulted in destruction valued to exceed $5 billion, according to the Minister of Public Works in Gaza, Mufeed al-Hasayneh.

Tensions began to mount as three Israeli boys were believed to have been kidnapped by Hamas in the West Bank on June 12. This set off a frantic search by Israel, ending 18 days later in the discovery of the boys’ dead bodies beneath a pile of rocks.

Reacting to the kidnappings, Israel instituted a wide crackdown in the West Bank, searching thousands of homes, and arresting hundreds of Pales-

tinians suspected of involvement with Hamas. Responding to the crackdown, Hamas fired a fusillade of rockets into Israel. Pledging reprisal for these attacks, Israel, on July 8, launched Operation Protective Edge, a bombing campaign of the Gaza Strip, followed ten days later by a ground invasion.

A number of Oak Park High School students were in Israel during this period. Among them was Senior Maya Stainfeld. In an interview with the Talon, she described the situation.

“After the three [boys] were found dead, things started to heat up. They said there would possibly be bombings, and rockets, and war.”

To this day, she maintains an app on her phone that notifies her of missile attacks on Israel.

The conflict has deeply resonated with Stainfeld.

“It affected a lot of my life choices, … after that, I really feel like I want to contribute.”

After graduating next June, she is planning on joining the intelligence branch of the Israel Defense Forces.

“If you don’t destroy [Hamas], they only grow. …

How many innocent people have to die, before you have to try to take care of the problem?”

According to the Associated Press, President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority likewise denounced Hamas’s actions. He condemned the group’s refusal

to accept an earlier truce, needlessly prolonging th for us to avoid all of that jured, 50,000 houses [des On the other hand, I ternational condemnatio International, an Americ motes human rights acro attacks on UN schools, were taking shelter.

Israel claims that Ham en advantage of such site provoke Israeli action.

“In an attempt to w Hamas cynically used Pa man shields. It used scho schools, private homes, m store and fire rockets at tanyahu, Prime Minister at the UN on September 2 A number of Oak Par to terms with the actions Junior Ashkaan Khali fault in both groups. “I portive of neither side, b sides are incredibly at fau Noting the longstan saw little chance for reso

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Islamic State propaganda

By Anastasia Greer and Veronica Kruger, staff writers

The Islamic State is gaining traction by promoting itself through social media.

Since the beginning of their efforts in June, this extremist militant group’s influence has expanded from the Middle East across Europe and into the U.S. as well.

The members of the Islamic State, also known as ISIS, ISL and IS, have been infiltrating various forms of online communications to work in their favor, such as developing their own Android App or creating a powerhouse on Twitter.

According to the Los Angeles Times, a more recent development includes the creation of an Islamic State video

game in an attempt to obtain recruits from users on Xbox consoles.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, senior behavioral scientist Todd Helmus, with public policy organization Rand Corporation, states, “[The Islamic State] not only has campaigns showing beheadings, they have campaigns showing their humanitarian efforts, their governance efforts, showing [militants] handing out ice cream cones.”

Their use of social media has even branched into the world of wearable advertisement.

As reported by U.S. News, the Islamic State is making baseball caps, zip-ups and even bandanas. Through such merchandise, it has been able to further a global brand for itself.

Whenever U.S. government officials have attempted to or suc-

ceeded in shutting down online Islamic Statesponsored accounts, new ones appear on multiple sites including Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. According to PBS News, the CIA has determined that approximately 2,000 Westerners have already been recruited and have joined the 25,000 or so in Syria alone.

Additionally, CNN has reported that the mastermind and head propagandist behind the Islamic State’s social media operations is possibly Ahmad Abousamra, a 32-year-old Bostonian native now living in Syria. He is currently on the FBI’s most wanted list.

OPHS student teacher Alex Allison weighed in on the issue after having spent the summer on the ground in Iraq as a journalist and PR reporter for the non-profit organization

Preemptive Love Coalition.

She believes that one should read various news sources on this issue from all areas of the world.

“The Islamic State doesn’t represent the traditional Muslim belief system,” Allison explained.

She noted that there are other aspects of this news to take into consideration.

By reading perspectives from a variety of countries, citizens will be better aware of the various perspectives and information pertaining to the Islamic State, Allison said.

Many Muslim groups are fighting the stereotypes brought upon them by the Islamic State’s propaganda.

In a Sept. 24 speech to the UN General Assembly, President Obama recognized this, saying, “Look at the young British Muslims

who responded to terrorist propaganda by starting the Not in My Name campaign, declaring, ‘ISIL is hiding behind a false Islam.’”

This campaign has caught attention on social media by using the Twitter #notinmyname and its YouTube videos.

In light of such turbulent times in the Middle East, many organizations have formed in an effort to aid those living in the terror-stricken regions.

To contribute to the medical efforts of peacemakers on Middle Eastern grounds, follow Preemptive Love on Twitter @preemptivelove to learn more about their mission and the ways in which to help their cause from home.

erates throughout Oak Park

, and held it responsible for he conflict. “It was possible t, 2,000 martyrs, 10,000 instroyed].”

Israel’s offensive led to inon of their tactics. Amnesty can based group that prooss the globe, has reported where displaced civilians

mas has systematically takes to store armaments, and

win the world’s sympathy, alestinian civilians as huools, not just schools - UN mosques, even hospitals to Israel,” said Benjamin Neof Israel, in a speech given 29, 2014. rk students could not come s of either side. ilzadeh saw a great deal of would personally be supbecause I believe that both ult.” nding dispute, however, he olution. “I don’t even think

there is a way to resolve it, because these two have been fighting for as long as anyone can remember.”

Junior Nicholas Tesoro offered sharp criticisms of both sides. “I think they’re both in the wrong.

They’ve been fighting each other for thousands of years. Get over yourselves. … There has got to be some peaceful method where leaders from both sides can come, sit down, and hash this out.”

Senior Ronak Bhatia acknowledged the difficulty of finding a lasting solution to the problem, but suggested establishing a system of schools with the expressed intent of educating Israeli and Palestinian children. This method he saw as a way of fostering bonds between the sides.

“If you educate the children with concepts of peace, and you let the children know that this has been a conflict that has been going on for this many years, and show that the world has some interest in the future of peace, … because in the end, we’re all just humans, maybe we could reach something.”

Just such solutions are in development in Israel.

Hand In Hand, an Israeli organization founded in 1997, has grown to operate five integrated schools in Israel.

At these schools, Arab and Israeli children are taught together in the same classrooms to foster amiable relations between Israeli and Palestinians.

In a statement posted on the organization’s web-

site, Julie Bram, a board member for Hand in Hand describes an environment that inspires hope for the future of the region.

“As hard as it is to believe, given the media images we are constantly bombarded with, at the Hand in Hand schools in Israel, Arab families do not feel like second-class citizens and are not treated as such. Here there is mutual respect and equality.

Most importantly, the groundwork is being laid for a better and more peaceful life for all.”

These efforts are notable because it happens to be the children that bear the burdens of the disputes of their parents and ancestors. Speaking to the Talon, Maya Stainfeld described a close friend of hers, whom she had known since childhood. He went off to fight for Israel at the age of 19.

“He wanted to be a fighter. He wanted to be in the tanks. He thought he could handle it. And then, when the war came around, and he found out he’d be in Gaza, he stopped talking. He didn’t talk to anyone. He didn’t talk to his parents. He didn’t talk to me. … After he got back, he was just not there. … It completely messed him up. He’s still not okay, even though it’s over, for now.”

TALON

8

october 2014

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TALON

november 2014

11

campus life Where art thou going?

Students pursue education in the arts

by Carly Albert, head photographer, and Jasmine Flora, staff writer Seniors of Oak Park High School who want to pursue a degree in the arts are now in the process of deciding which type of institution will best fit their intentions.

All students want to be assured that they will make it into the school of their dreams. But for an art student, this can mean more than simply turning in an application. Also involved is a portfolio or resume of past works, possibly followed with a grueling audition or interview process depending on their area of focus Robin Lavigna, a counselor at The Academy of Art

University in San Francisco, spoke to the Talon about how the average student’s admission process differs from the admission process at an art-based conservatory.

“Due to the fact that we are an art school, we feel that the SATs and ACTs don’t really reflect how you do in an art course,” noted Lavigna. As of now, this school has an acceptance rate of 33% and boasts a large amount of working artists.

Another aspect to consider is whether they want to apply for a BFA or BA. With a BFA, Bachelor of Fine Arts, students are getting a more concentrated training in their specialty, while a BA offers a standard college experience paired with a more liberal arts education.

Students also have to consider whether or not they would enjoy the alternative atmosphere of an art school.

If they would prefer to have a traditional college experience, being able to attend football games and enjoy spending time with students in a variety of concentrations, an art school may not be the right fit Caleb Apthorp, whose first choice is the California Institute of the Arts, talks about his experience during the college summer class he attended there.

“It was amazing because I was there for a month just doing art and learning from professors,” said Apthorp. “It was basically an introduction into college.”

The emphasis on one’s craft, the environment of

Caleb Apthorp, whose artwork is displayed here, is one of the many prospective art students at Oak Park High School (Staff Photographer/Talon). the school and how one wishes to proceed after his or her training, are factors that must be taken into consideration when deciding the type of school and major to pursue.

When it comes to ac-

quiring an education in the arts, OPHS Assistant Principal Brian Martin reminds students, “If that’s the path you want to travel, then pursue it.”

The balancing act of a working student

Kailee Canty, seen here working at Sheila Fajl Designs, is one of many Oak Park High School students to take up a job for extra money (Staff Photographer/ Talon).

by Olivia Deveau, staff writer Although Oak Park’s curriculum is quite rigorous, especially when taking the AP or honors route, students still take on parttime jobs to earn spending money or to save for more long-term goals such as buying a car, or college tuition.

“I really need to buy a car, so that’s why I’m working two jobs,” says Kailee Canty, a senior.

Canty works two jobs a week, alternating between waitressing at Joi Cafe in Westlake, and managing

Sheila Fajl Designs, a Westlake jewelry store.

When asked how many hours she works, Canty responds with a laugh. “Oh god, I think I counted this the other day,” she says.

“I think it was 28 hours a week.”

Canty is not alone. According to the United States Department of Labor, the average high school student works about 20 hours a week, and about ten percent of these students who work are employed in fulltime jobs, which require 35 hours a week.

While students can apply for their job by sending in applications to various

employers, some earn their jobs through simple connections.

Canty has been working since sophomore year. Her first job was at Sayka Sushi Restaurant in Oak Park.

“My cousin worked there, along with a couple of my friends, and I just heard about it and I walked in, and I basically got the job by walking in.”

Other students choose to take on less conventional occupations for a high school student.

“I am an assistant to a movie producer, Marta Mobley.,” says Maddy Baumann, a sophomore.

When asked how she became an assistant to Mobley, Baumann says, “I’ve done community service for a really long time, and her daughter did as well. So I met her through her daughter, and she just called me and offered me a job.”

Baumann has many responsibilities as an assistant. “My job is kind of like I do whatever she needs. I just have to be ready to step up and tackle new challeng-

es,” said Baumann.

Though a job may offer money and experience, it still can be extremely tiring and difficult for students to balance schoolwork and their professional jobs.

“Not only am I working one job, I’m working two, so it’s definitely more challenging when some days I have to double-duty shift and I have an eight hour work day, and I still have to go to school from like seven to twelve. ,” Canty says.

Bauman also struggles to balance her responsibilities.

“It’s really hard to balance the commitment I have to work, and the commitment I have to myself, to do well in school,” said Baumann.

However, both Canty and Baumann say that they really enjoy working as their jobs supply them with various real-world skills.

“It’s given me more of an outlook on the real world. So, not only am I going to school, but I’m also working, so it’s how it would be if I was taking

college classes...It’s also taught me how to manage my money better, and I feel like it gives me an advantage over everyone else... because I have a well-built resume,” Canty says.

Baumann has a similar view. “It has taught me a lot of people skills, and how to deal with problems and situations that you can’t learn in a classroom.”

Both students also agree that they would recommend taking on a job to their peers.

“I would recommend to all students that have the time to get a job, just a couple days a week, but I definitely wouldn’t recommend getting two in which you have to work 28 hours a week,” Canty says with a laugh.

“So when you graduate high school, when you graduate college, you can actually leave, because you have that experience on your resume, you have that money in your bank account, you have that work ethic inside you.”

TALON

12

november 2014

senior spotlight Audrey Pham

by Tushar Jois, editor-in-chief Audrey Pham is often seen at school moving around blue recycling receptacles, holding a binder emblazoned People v.

Shem on it along with a sculpture of some kind, all while shouldering a ukulele. However, how do all of these activities come to define her as a whole?

The Westminster Free Clinic is an organization based in Thousand Oaks that utilizes volunteers to provide basic medical care for the uninsured. Medical professionals, such as physicians and nurses, volunteer their time after their day jobs for the program, with community volunteers assisting the medical staff.

Audrey is one of those volunteers.

“I’m a student manager there,” Audrey explained, “so that means I enter in electronic medical records and assign patients to students.”

“I bridge the gap between administrators and student interns.”

Audrey also works at the Agoura Animal Shelter.

When asked about her duties there, she responded flatly, “I clean cages.”

“But I get to hang out with cats all day, so I guess that’s fun,” she added with a laugh.

With the confluence of medicine and animal care, one may assume that Audrey would want to be a veterinarian; this assumption, however, would be incorrect.

“I used to want to be a vet, but I for sure want to go into human medicine now,” she said. “During a summer program, I got to see babies being born, and it totally changed my perception of things.”

Audrey has multiple pets. “I have dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, and ducks,” she.

“We’ve always had chickens and ducks. We live in Old Agoura, so we have two barn stalls,” she explained.

Her tone made it sound like having these poultry as pets was no different from a fifth-grade class guinea pig.

“We never have to buy eggs because of the chickens.

And the duck eggs also – they’re like the same thing but fattier.”

Thus, we are back to the girl juggling all of those items. How does one balance all of those activities?

“I... don’t?” she said, pausing. “I do things that I like, so all the things I do are things I do for fun.”

“For the ukuleles, my sister and I got ukuleles for Christmas one year, and a bunch of our friends had ukuleles, so we decided to start a club.”

When asked what one of her favorite songs is to play, she replied, “I really like playing ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’ from Toy Story.”

In her sophomore year, Audrey participated in Liz Blum’s 3D Design class, commonly known as Ceramics. She still drops in to sculpt, and enjoys doing so in her spare time.

She explained, “I really like symmetry and angles...

I’m not so good at the abstract stuff because the non-uniformity really aggravates me.”

Audrey has a younger sister at this high school, Rachel, and a younger

Awareness Week 2014-2015 Advanced Peer Counseling is gearing up for their annual Awareness Week Event - Tuesday, December 9 to Friday, December 12. It will be a weeklong event dedicated to developing a greater sense of understanding of ourselves and others.

The theme this year is YOUnique, which will emphasize the importance of being your true self and accepting others as they are.

Participate in the Awareness Week Art and Writing Contest!

Students can use any medium they choose (writing, drawing, photography etc.) to express the theme of YOUnique.

Submissions are due on Friday, December 5 to the office.

Winners will be announced on Friday, December 12.

brother, Lucas. “It’s actually pretty great,” she remarked on being the eldest child. “You get all the privileges – I don’t have to live up to anyone’s expectations except for my own.”

She did blurt one last statement at the end, though.

“Join Green Club.”

The Oak Park Starter Pack @oakparktalon What four images represent Oak Park High School best?

Tweet or Instagram pictures of the four items you think represent Oak Park.

The best responses will find themselves in the paper next edition!

TALON

november 2014

13

entertainment Awkward Thanksgiving scenarios

by Cassidy Cohen and Zach Finn, staff writers

across

down

4. When there is no more _____ in the bathroom (2 words)

1. When the dog ____ and the smell is toxic

5. When you show up to the dinner extremely ______ 6. When you favorite team loses the ______ (2 words) 8. When your neighbor ______ leaves into your yard 11. When the small storm turns into a ______ 13. When the turkey is _____

2. When _____ comes down the chimney (2 words) 3. When the food tastes ______ 7. When your friend is still wearing his _____ costume 9. When Starbucks runs out of _______ lattes (2 words) 10. When grandma’s ____ fall out of her mouth

12. When your parents tell 14. When someone brings _____ pie instead of pumpkin you that your ______ at the dinner table 15. When your hand gets 13. When your dad’s new stuck in the ______ girlfriend is the same _____ as you 16. When you realize you didn’t put on _____ after 15. When you’re stuck in someone smells your body ______ because of the Thanksodor giving parade 18. When you get a ______ 17. When your Aunt spills instead of a turkey ____ on her white shirt

@oakparktalon Follow us on Twitter for the answers!

Marvel’s uncanny ability to entertain

Iron Man and Captain America, two of the superheros of the Marvel Universe (Elijah Henry/Talon).

by Sam Edelsohn, staff writer On November 17, the Marvel Cinematic Universe did more than just entertain – they impressed. MCU released a Phase Three Timeline

outlining movies from 2016 onward.

Following the release of the Phase Three timeline, we have compiled our own brief timeline of Marvel films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, beginning with

Iron Man and ending with Marvel’s The Avengers: Age of Ultron. For the time being, films before Iron Man are not an active part of the MCU, and therefore will not be mentioned.

Iron Man was released in 2008, receiving a notable score of 93 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, and was popular with critics across the country. The film marked the beginning of a new age of superhero films.

The new genre featured protagonists that combined the fun of the genre with the relatability to every-day life.

The next film to be released in 2008 was The Incredible Hulk, receiving a lower score of 67 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

Many moviegoers found

that the movie stunted the growth of what Iron Man had created.

Next up was Thor, a film most moviegoers thought to be a decent representation of the character. However, others struggled with the character’s lack of heroic charm.

Captain America: The First Avenger was soon released afterward, pleasing audiences with its retro filmmaking aspects, along with its faithful interpretation of Steve Rogers, the hero with a heart.

Then, The Avengers blew the nation away with its flawless incorporation of favorite Marvel characters to become one of the most successful films of all time. The success of The Avengers led to films

such as Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World and Captain America: Winter Soldier.

Following these films’ success was a wildcard from Marvel, but one that paid off, especially at the box office: Guardians of the Galaxy.

This film managed to emulate the mentality of humor and teamwork from The Avengers, yet made the material grittier and used characters that many people had not previously heard of.

This summer, the world’s superhero enthusiasts await Marvel’s The Avengers: Age of Ultron, the sequel to The Avengers. Evidently, the Marvel Cinematic Universe cannot fail in its efforts to entertain.

TALON

14

november 2014

sports Boys basketball prepares for successful season

by Jonathan Rifkind, sports editor

season in points-per-game, averaging 20.5 points in 33 games.

Going into his sixth The Oak Park Eagles will season as head coach, look to bring another cham- Aaron Shaw understands pionship to the birdcage in the challenges posed by a the upcoming season, but it new league. will take work. The Eagles “The dynamic of the were 21-11 last year, claim- season changes in terms of ing the Division 3A cham- a new league, a new playoffs pionship and earning a spot division and a new team,” to compete for the state Shaw said. “However, the championship dynamic before losing of our in the second t e a m Our main goal is round to Brea does not to get better everyOlinda. change.” day and to be good The main T h e obstacle for E a g les’ teammates. this Eagles schedule Part of 2014-2015 Oak Park boys basketball team practicing in the gym (Carly squad will be is not as Albert/Talon).

Tim Chevalier, developing challengassistant coach their young ing as last School, two foes from last all of Oak Park sports. The CIF championship,” said players. The year since season. Camarillo ran Oak team is ready to show that Assistant Coach Tim Cheroster consists of twelve Oaks Christian and Valen- Park out of the gym last they belong by working valier. players, four of which are cia High School no longer year, routing the Eagles 69- hard and improving.

The season is set to kick freshman or sophomores. pose threats to a successful 52, while Ventura pulled “Our main goal is to get off on December 1, when Fortunately, the Eagles season. Both schools served through in a heated battle better everyday and to be the Eagles participate in will see the return of se- losses to Oak Park last year. to win 54-47. good teammates. We need the Ventura Country Clasnior team leaders Michael This season, the Eagles The Eagles move to a to play together as a team sic Tournament.

Alvarez and Robert Vettie. look to beat Camarillo High new division, 1AA, being and work hard. Ultimately, Alvarez led all players last School and Ventura High the highest rated team in our goal is to win another

“

”

Girls basketball takes on new head coach The team will face adversity this season, as six star players graduated last year.

The team is also pitted with key injuries dating back to the summer games.

However, the Eagles’ prospects are looking up, as they defeated Cleveland High School in the Viewpoint Fall League to bring their record above .500.

“My plan for this season is to put together a very cohesive The Oak Park High School girls 2014-2015 basketball team looks to start the season strong team,” said Far(Coach Kimberly Farrel). rell, who, in 1982, captained the No. 2 nationally ranked dition to the coaching staff coming 2014-­15 season.

by Connie Lan, by hiring Kimberly Farrell “What I’m doing is try- Cal State Long Beach womstaff writer in May, welcoming the 1982 ing to set a standard of per- en’s team to the Elite 8.

The coaching staff also NCAA Defensive Player of formance, excellence and The girls basketball the Year as their new head leadership development for added two assistant Varsity coaches to the basketball program made a notable ad- varsity coach for the up- the girls,” said Farrell.

staff, Ed Ratleff and Adam Child.

Ratleff led Ohio State to a 1968 NCAA Championship, participated in the 1972 Olympics and played with the Houston Rockets from 1973­-78.

Child competed in Division 1 basketball for the University of Utah, and later went on to be the assistant coach for Washington State University’s women’s basketball team.

As the Eagles enter the Coastal Canyon League, they plan on utilizing speed for an up­tempo offense and swarming defense due to a lack of height this year.

The team is set to have four tournaments in December in preparation for their first league game against Camarillo on January 7.

“I am excited about the depth of the coaching staff and their commitment to develop the talents of the girls on the basketball team at OPHS,” said Farrell.

TALON

november 2014

15

Will the new league beleaguer?

by Grace Ye, staff writer Oak Park High School has been a member of the Tri-Valley League for over a decade. This year, however, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) has rearranged the leagues so that Oak Park is now a member of the Coastal Canyon League, which also includes Camarillo, Simi Valley, Royal and Moorpark.

Football is in a separate league, the Canyon League, which includes Oak Park, Agoura, Simi Valley and Calabasas. After two seasons, the top two schools in the Canyon League will be moved to the Camino League, and the bottom two schools in the Camino League will be moved to the Canyon League.

Thus far in the new league, Oak Park has failed to match the level of play as some of the other teams.

Although football did well last year, claiming nine consecutive wins, the team lost many of its Varsity members after many of them graduated. This year, the team struggled to ac-

cumulate any momentum, going 0-10.

Girls Cross Country is ranked lower than it has been in the previous years.

While it was ranked eighth at this time last year, and ranked fifth two years ago, this year it is ranked thirteenth. The team has struggled in the league, finishing last in the league championships.

The toughest part may be becoming familiar with the new teams. With Oak Park having been in the TriValley league for so long, athletes now must contend with an entirely different group of schools.

Varsity tennis player Roopa Chandra is skeptical about the changes.

“They will affect our ranking. We’re going to have to adapt to these new teams,” said Chandra.

However, despite some difficulties, Oak Park has made some breakthroughs as well. The debuting girls golf team won first place in the new league, girls tennis placed second, and boys Cross Country won first at the league championships.

Some athletes remain optimistic. “It’ll be a

challenge, [but] it’s not impossible to do well [in this new league],” said Cross Country runner Asumi Tsai.

Others, especially those who would not be partaking in postseason, are indifferent about the change. “I don’t care [about the releaguing].

It doesn’t matter to me.

I get to run new races,” said Junior Varsity Cross Country runner Nicholas Tesoro.

But, in addition to a change in scenery, the new league does provide other benefits. The league includes schools that are closer to Oak Park.

Because of this proximity, bus rides are shorter and athletes are able to stay in school longer before departing for their games.

This makes it easier for student-athletes and teachers alike Oak Park is not the only school vying for proximity to the schools in its league, however. The Coastal Canyon league is the result of a second releaguing process this year.

The original plan was discarded after Oaks Christian and St. Bonaventure petitioned against it be-

Oak Park has moved from the Tri-Valley League, to the Coastal Canyon League. cause they were playing schools that were distant.

The schools wanted to be in leagues that had schools closer to them.

After some debate, Oaks Christian and St. Bonaventure finally agreed to a plan proposed by Westlake High School.

Despite the mild uproar concerning the releaguing process, the dust finally seems to be settling. While some of Oak Park’s fall teams had difficulty transitioning, winter sports will be looking to show that our teams can be successful in the Canyon League.

Girls varsity tennis excels in new league

Sophomore Annette Goulak serves during tennis practice (Staff Photographer/Talon).

by Christopher Lee, layout editor Junior Alexandra Romanova, a member of the Oak Park High girl’s varsity tennis team, recently won the Coastal Canyon Championships in singles and is moving on to CIF.

Romanova is not the only one who has excelled this season, however, as the girl’s varsity tennis team tied for first place with Simi Valley and Camarillo with a Coastal Canyon league record of 6-2.

Annette Goulak, a sophomore, went undefeated throughout the season.

Goulak is ranked No. 36 in the nation, for singles, by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) poll.

Also, doubles team, consisting of junior Roopa Chandra and senior Irena Yang, concluded their season with an overall record of 13-4.

Junior Roopa Chandra, senior Lindsay Stanton, and senior Irena Yang served as team captains for the season.

After moving up a division and consequently facing off against tougher opponents, especially during CIF rounds, the team’s players are glad that they made it as far as they did this season.

The new league has many challenging schools to contend with. Senior Lindsay Stanton commented, “The toughest team was Simi Valley because they had very strong players in both singles and doubles.

The players had very

good form and were tournament players. Even the newer players used lob techniques to throw us off.”

Though the team technically ended up in a threeway tie for first place within the Coastal Canyon League, Oak Park was seeded second during CIF, after individual sets won were used as a tiebreaker; this means all sets that Oak Park players won were totaled. This number ended up being the second highest out of the three first place schools.

The girls took on a challenge during the first round of CIF playoffs as they battled off against Martin Luther King Jr. High School.

Unfortunately, after a hard fought match, the team was unable to overcome the strength with which the other team played.

Compared to last year, when the team placed third in the old Tri-Valley League, its players have bounced back with renewed vigor,

showcased by the team’s league champion status in the Coastal Canyon league.

With an augmenting tenacity, the team strives to perform even better next season as it vies for a spot in the CIF finals.

“We were really fortunate to not have anyone from our starting line up graduate last year, so we just kept building on last year’s momentum,” said senior Irena Yang. “And I think it really paid off.”

As the team continues to assimilate into the Coastal Canyon League, it hopes to use the experience of this first year in a new league to strengthen its players and overall performance.

Junior Anastasia Greer states, “Hopefully we are all going to play off season and take lessons to improve!”

TALON

16

november 2014

letter from the editor Dear Readers, It is the end of November, and with this we are over a quarter complete with our school year. The leaves are falling, classes toughening, and, for seniors, college applications looming.

TALON veritas exquirere The Talon, produced by Oak Park High School Journalism students, strives to discuss and bring attention to current events through a student forum.

The paper aims to inform the student body in a reliable and relevant manner.

Those interested in joining the Talon should contact Tushar Jois or Mrs. Fowler in Room H-9 or attend a staff meeting, monthly on Wednesdays.

I’ll be honest - November was a rather slow news month. No moment shifts in the zeitgeist this November. While nothing incredibly eventful has occurred in the past month, this has been a boon for the paper, as it allows us to go in depth into the various aspects of school life and culture.

For our feature, we discussed the crisis and conflict in the Middle East. The actions of disparate extremist groups may seem distant, and our feature articles show how their tactics and influence affect even the sheltered Oak Park community.

For many seniors, this is time in which we begin submitting college applications and the admissions committees start releasing early decision results. Good luck to all of you applying to college in this window; may your applications be error-free and may they require fewer supplements.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving break!

Tushar Jois, editor-in-chief

Raising awareness for men’s health issues, one beard at a time

If you would like to contact the Talon with comments or questions regarding advertising, please email the newspaper at: <talon@oakparkusd. org>.

2014-2015

TALON

editorial staff editor-in-chief Tushar Jois

content editors

Nicholas Branigan Varsha Sarveshwar

sports editor

Jonathan Rifkind

november beard matching possible candidates

Ryan Harris Michael Glassman Caleb Apthrop

Esam Izzat Bryan Martin Jason Meskis

@oakparktalon Got a beard worth sharing? Tweet or Instagram us your No Shave November Selfie using the hashtag #opnoshave and you may see it next edition!

managing editor Jessica Ji

layout editors

Christopher Lee Ashwarya Srinivas

art director

Irena Yang

head photographer Carly Albert

social media manager Ashley Siavoshi

continued from page 1 tually made a team and set up a website where people can make donations,” said Assistant Principal Jason Meskis.

I talk to my son about [prostate and testicular cancer], I talk to my sonin-law, to make sure that, when they get to the appropriate age, that this needs to be checked, to make sure that they stay current with that,” said history teacher Russell Peters.

Many people in the

community are pleased that people are more aware of the issue of testicular cancer, as it is the most common cancer for men aged 18 to 28 according to The American Cancer Society.

English teacher Caitlin Fowler believes that this is a serious issue that young men need to be aware of as her husband once had testicular cancer.

“I knew nothing about testicular cancer.”

Fowler’s husband noticed that he had a lump in one of his testicles as well

as swelling in his breasts.

“That should have been a telltale sign for the doctor that there was a problem,” said Fowler.

“So I was very excited with the No Shave November and Movember Movement, because it’s good that people are talking about it.”

“It’s such an easy thing for men to find out about, that the combination of a sore testicle and swelling in their breast often equals testicular cancer. “ Fowler has three sons whom she tries to educate

on the subject as much as possible, but she does not stop there. “I usually find a reason to talk about it which is often awkward - in my classes.”

“I make a point of telling kids, because, again, it’s just so simple. Sore testicle, swollen breast, you may have testicular cancer. You need to immediately go take care of it, because it’s so curable.”