Issue 5 - March 2019

W ED N ES DAY, M A RC H 13, 2019

The Prospector Student Newsmagazine of Cupertino High School

4 | NEWS

8 | FEATURES

Wesley Morse stepping down as ASB advisor and Alvin Choe to be his successor

The dynamics of CHS Best Budies Club and spotlight on 3 buddy pairs

24 | SPORTS The growth of the CHS Boys’ Soccer Team over the season

12 | OPINIONS THE E-CIGARETTE INDUSTRY AND THE ISSUE OF VAPING AT CUPERTINO HIGH

VOL. 61

NO. 5

THE PROSPECTOR

ISSUE 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS Mr. Morse leaving ASB

PG&E Bankruptcy John Burn Receives Music Award

INVESTIGATIONS 4 5 6

FEATURES Cupertino High’s Best Buddies

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OPINIONS The issue of Vaping Save the Environment?: Choice is Yours

LIFESTYLES Behind the Lens: “Language of stars” Capitalization of Tragedy in Media The Many Faces of Toxic Masculinity COVER PAGES DESIGN BY ESHA RADHAKRISHNAN CONTENTS DESIGN BY SANTOSH MURALIDARAN

Tino, How do you Really Feel?: Examining CHS mental health and results to the CHS Wellness Surveys For more coverage on mental health at CHS and the results of theWellness Surveys, including topics such as the effectiveness of the new schedule, visit chsprospector.com!

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SPORTS

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Feature on CHS Soccer

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Controversy in Sports Shoutouts

24 26

PERSPECTIVES Fashion Upgrade 2.0 28 16 Fallacy Failures 29 18 POSTSCRIPT 30 19 Tino Horoscope Column: Christina Shao 31

TAKE IT EASY, MY DUDE A LETTER FROM THE EICs

There is immense pressure at school. Pressure to take hard classes, pressure to buy fancy clothes, pressure to be a star athlete, pressure to pull an all-nighter for a test to get that grade bump, pressure to act like someone or something that may not be representative of your true, authentic self.

We’ve all felt the pressure to stand by at one point. You may have stepped into a CHS bathroom only to catch the whiff of a strawberry-flavored vape pen. While some of may roll our eyes in annoyance, or curiously look around for the culprit, we all ultimately dismiss the incident, only to continue on with lives. But being all members of the student body, and community, it’s our responsibility to look out for one another, even if we’re not affected. Turn to page 8 to read staffers Neerali Shah and I (Esha) explore the issue of vaping, and give our opinion as to what we can do to combat it.

Speaking of individuals’ responsibilities in communities, we face a larger pressure—one we should not avoid—as citizens of the world. Staffer Claire Warner suggests it’s time we learn to be mindful of our lifestyle and take action to minimize its impacts on their environment. She passionately explains how we can rethink our consumer choices to potentially save a turtle in an opinions editorial on page 10.

We suppose we’re preaching to the choir when we bring up the mental and physical repercussions of pressuring ourselves when it comes to academics. We agree that this is an ongoing problem, and nothing quite illustrates that like the results of the CHS Wellness Survey that the administration sent out in early January. Flip to pages 20-23 to read the whole investigation conducted by staffers Yooni Park, Stella Jia, Taha Shafiei, and I (Santosh) to examine some results of the survey and what students and staff think of it.

And don’t forget to read about Wesley Morse, dubbed “Mr. Cupertino,” stepping down as Associate Student Body (ASB) advisor on page 5. The news is surprising and unexpected, but reminds us to be grateful for all that Morse has done for our school. We can’t fathom the pressure he’s constantly under to guide the leaders of our student body, but we’re glad he’s made the decision to stay true to himself. And don’t worry, while his journey as ASB advisor is ending, his Cupertino High School journey is far from over.

It’s interesting how pressure we’re under reveals things about us we wouldn’t have realized otherwise. It forces us to listen to our body, be mindful, make decisions most suited for our priorities, and shows us where we have room for improvement. Regardless of the pressure you’re under right now, we hope when you read this issue of The Prospector, you relieve yourself of some of that pressure and take it easy. Ciao, and see you next month!

Esha Radhakrishnan and Santosh Muralidaran Editors-in-Chief of The Prospector

The Prospector

STAFF 2018-2019

editors-in-chief esha radhakrishnan santosh muralidaran

online editors neerali shah varun shenoy

news editor leo rassieur

news assistant sanat singhal

opinions editor anthony zhu

opinions assistant casper wu

features editor sydney liao

features assistant darshini vijayakumar

lifestyles editor aashna shah

lifestyles assistant suchetha kalluri

sports editor yooni park

sports assistant angela ma

investigations editor investigations assistant ashley kang alexandria hunt perspectives editor taha shefiei

perspectives assistant jeffrey xiong

postscript editor claire warner

postscript assistant sarah pollans

copy editors christina shao kavya gupta taha shafiei tal ashkenazi

copy assistant lawrence fan photo assistant brandon hong

photo editors ariana fahri kenneth jeon

online assistants stella jia keerthi lakshmanan

business manager kavya gupta

advisor ann peck

Editorial Policy “The Prospector” is an open forum of expression for student editors to inform and educate their readers. It will not be reviewed by or restrained by school officials prior to publication or distribution. Advisors may and should coach and discuss content during the writing process.

The staff of “The Prospector” seeks to recognize individuals, events and ideas and bring news to the Cupertino community in an accurate, professional and unbiased manner. “The Prospector” will not avoid publishing a story solely on the basis of possible dissent or controversy.

If you believe an error has been made or wish to have your opinion expressed in “The Prospector,” please contact us via mail or email. Letters sent become the sole property of “The Prospector” and can be edited for length, clarity or accuracy.

“The Prospector” editorial board reserves the right to accept or reject any ad in accordance with its advertising policy.

Contact Us The Prospector 10100 Finch Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014 prospector.chs@gmail.com

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NEWS

THE

END

OF AN

ERA

Teacher Wesley Morse to step down as ASB advisor

TAL ASHKENAZI copy editor

SANAT SINGHAL news assistant

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ver since History Teacher Wes Morse stepped foot on the Cupertino High School campus as a freshmen in 1985, he regarded CHS as his second home.

Dubbed “Mr. Cupertino,” Morse is stepping down as the advisor of Associated Student Body (ASB) after being in the position for nine years. Morse is to be succeeded by Math Teacher Alvin Choe.

Said Morse, “I feel good about what I’ve done in my contributions to the school. I love this place. CHS has been a part of my life since 1985— I’ve essentially never left.” He sees the advisor’s role as one of guiding the students. “I am here to provide the life experience and the experience within the position to provide students institutional memory so they don’t have to repeat the same mistakes,” he stated.

While in the position, Morse and ASB accomplished con-

siderable feats, with some of the most important to him being his involvement in the “Tino Gives” rally, removing paint from rally preparation and moving ASB and Class Council elections online.

“I am super proud of what the school has been able to do in terms of charitable work. From Hurricane Katrina to Hurricane Harvey, our school has stepped up to help others.”

ASB students also value Morse and the work he has helped initiate and facilitate. Remarked Senior Angela Ding, President of ASB, “He comes up with really great ideas and when people buy into the idea it gets done. For example, Mr. Morse had the idea to raise 10K for a school affected by Hurricane Harvey, pushed to make homecoming court gender neutral, and and made class Vice Presidents part of the ASB.” ASB will be acutely feeling Morse’s absence. Said Sophomore Class Council President Jonathan Dinh, “I think it’s really sad because he’s been the face of Cupertino for a really long time. It’s going to be really different without him as ASB advisor. Last year, because it was my first year in ASB, he was always really helpful when we needed to get started on anything or had any questions.”

Even so, Morse feels that it is time for him to step down to allow

I just know on a gut level that it is time for me to think about moving onto some other things, and allowing the next generation of people to step up at our school.

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PHOTO BY ARIANA FAHRI

someone new to lead the way. Said Morse, “I just know on a gut level that it is time for me to think about moving on to some other interests and allowing the next generation of people to step up at our school. I’m not going away—next year is a Hall of Fame year , and I’m looking forward to getting started with that.”

Alvin Choe, Morse’s successor, is excited to be ASB advisor next year. Said Choe, “I really look forward to understanding this campus, the culture and the great history behind it a lot more [as the ASB advisor]. I will do my part to try to follow in [Morse’s] footsteps, and to try and grow a little bit more as well.”

Added Morse, “I have great confidence in Mr. Choe taking over next year. The transition should be very smooth. I’ll be happy to help as much as I’m asked.”

Though his Cupertino High School journey is far from being over, as the 2018-2019 school year comes to a close, Morse looks forward to making his final memories as ASB advisor.

Utilities provider to restructure following financial liabilities from CA wildfires VARUN SHENOY online editor

LAWRENCE FAN copy assistant

L

ast month, C a l i f o r n i a’s largest utility provider, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after owing billions of dollars over liability costs from wildfire damages. A thorough investigation by California’s fire agency identified faulty PG&E equipment as the reason for 17 wildfires in 2017. Founded in 1905, PG&E provides natural gas and electricity to most of Northern California, with 16 million people relying on the utility for power in their houses.

In a public filing, the company cited over $7 billion in

claims from last November’s Camp Fire, which causes 86 deaths and destroyed 14,000 homes, the largest and deadliest in California history. It is said that the wildfire began when PG&E’s power line came in contact with nearby trees. This is on top of the fires in 2017 and earlier in 2018, which amounted to over $10 million in damages. According to the company’s bankruptcy filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), PG&E’s liability for the fires could surpass $30 billion. If legal responsibility for Camp Fire is passed on to PG&E, it would need to cover these costs, combined with additional fines, future lawsuits and penalties.

Immediately after its announcement, CNN reports that shares of PG&E had plunged 48 percent. However, amid these

events, power and gas will continue to be provided to customers, as a Chapter 11 bankruptcy ensures that a company continues to operate.

Customers, who could bear some of the bankruptcy costs may have to pay higher rates for energy and gas. This is PG&E’s second declaration of bankruptcy within two decades. After PG&E filed for bankruptcy in 2001, customers ended up paying $1300 to $1600 more per year, according to the Los Angeles Times. While the first bankruptcy was attributed to deregulation, experts suggest this one is a result of negligence.

Currently, PG&E is looking at methods to pay out its bills.

Reported NPR’s Eric Westervelt, “All net proceeds from the sale of PG&E’s gas division would be used to set up a fund to pay billions of dollars in po-

tential claims from wildfires …

The company also is exploring selling key real estate assets, including its San Francisco headquarters, and moving its operations elsewhere in the Bay Area, the sources say.”

Rulings have already been made regarding a reinspection of the entire Northern California electric grid and systematic removal of all flora that could conflict with power lines. The company may also be mandated to shut down sections of the network in case of unsafe weather conditions. The company currently has an inconsistent track record in running its business safely and responsibly. A shakeup could potentially solve many of the problems plaguing the company today, preventing future legal and financial troubles.

the sound of music CHS Orchestra Teacher John Burn named Semifinalist for Grammy Music Educator Award LEO RASSIEUR news editor

KENNETH KEON photo editor

E

ach year, the Grammy Music Educator Award is bestowed to a music teacher who is a champion of creativity, confidence and expression in the children that they inspire. In October, CHS Orchestra and Music Genesis Teacher John Burn was named one of the only 25 semifinalists for this award, out of nearly 3,000 nominees, having been nominated by

change kids lives for the better all the time, all across the country.”

Members of the orchestras at CHS were stunned to discover that their teacher had received a prestigious national honor.

Said Senior Rebecca Kim, who is one of the two concertmasters, “We walked into class one Monday and saw Mr. Burn being interviewed by news reporters from KCBS Radio. After being interviewed for the first five minutes of class, we set up to play for the reporters to take pictures and videos of us.”

Said Freshman Andrew Song, one of the cello section leaders, “For Mr. Burn to earn that nomination, I think the award definitely shows that the CHS Orchestra is

PHOTO BY KENNETH JEON

Burn is a strong believer in the enriching quality of music. Said Burn, “Just that idea that any kid should be able to do music [is meaningful]. A lot of kids walk around with earbuds in their ears and you know music is a part of their lives.”

Additionally, Burn has taken many steps to give the musicians in the orchestra as rewarding of an education as possible, leading them to more performances than before. Said Kim, “We performed at several music festivals with different orchestras from different schools and we also performed at SFSU. At both, we as a whole orchestra would then attend a ‘clinic’ after our performance where we would be con-

“Music teachers change kids’ lives for the

better all the time, all across the country.”

— CHS Orchestra Director John Burn

one of his students. The 20182019 school year marks Burn’s first time teaching at CHS. For 28 years prior, Burn had taught at Homestead High School, where he led the orchestra program to receive numerous awards.

Of the Grammy Award, Burn stressed the value of its publicity and message, rather than any specific acclaim. Said Burn, “It brings national recognition to the profession of music teaching, and so people step back and realize that music teachers

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one of the elite orchestras in the nation. I feel very proud being in this orchestra.”

Burn’s teaching abilities come from a lifetime of appreciating music. After learning to play the trumpet in the fourth grade, he went on to fill key roles in the school marching band, jazz band and wind ensemble as a student at Homestead High School, where he would later return to teach. Said Burn, “I just spent all my time in the band room and it just seemed natural that I should keep doing that. Music found me, and music teaching found me.”

ducted by one of the judges. From there, we received comments and advice from so that we could improve in the future.”

Despite taking students to distinguished performances, and even playing at renowned venues himself, Burn finds many of his fondest memories in the classroom.

Said Burn, “It’s the experiences in my class where I lose track of time because we’re having so much fun getting better. Getting lost in the moment with the kids—that’s the best thing about it. That’s my favorite part of the job.”

SAN JOSE YOUTH SYMPHONY invites ADVANCED MUSICIANS (double bass - percussion - French horn - viola)

to join the SJYS Philharmonic Orchestra for our Concert Tour to South America, Summer 2019 (Limited openings & scholarships are available)

www.sjys.org/musicians/auditions

Be a Part of Something Great! www.sjys.org â—† (408) 225-2334

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FEATURES

PHOTO BY SYDNEY LIAO

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ZEAL & ANNA ANTHONY ZHU opinions editor

Best Buddies, an international nonprofit organization that creates friendships and leadership opportunities for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, offers a multi-faceted experience that includes meeting new friends as well as participating in engaging and enjoyable activities. In Cupertino High School’s Best Buddies club, Sophomore Anna Rodriguez, a member of Cupertino High School’s special learning program, and her buddy Junior Zeal Jain, value their club meetings and activities as opportunities for them to socialize and build strong, long-lasting relationships.

The two of them often spend time together sharing about their days and connecting through text messages. Most Thursdays, you can find them in the Learning Center having fun and mingling with the other members. One activity that they both particularly like doing is puzzles.

Says Jain, “There’s one puzzle we’ve been working on recently. It’s just dogs and flowers. It’s cool because a bunch of kids just come and work together, and we all laugh and talk.”

Rodriguez and Zeal have also taken on the cause of fundraising for the club. Recently, they have each been trying to sell as many Jamba Juice Gift coupons as they can to help raise money.

They are also interested in participating in the Best Buddies Walk, happening in a few weeks in San Francisco.

Officers at Best Buddies try to pair students up based

“I feel like we always have something to talk about.

- Zeal Jain on common interests and compatibility and they seemed to have done an excellent job in this case.

Says Jain, “I feel like we always have something to talk about.”

Although buddy pairs are changed every year within CHS’s club, it is likely that Rodriguez and Jain will continue their wonderful friendship for years to come.

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AYA & CONSTANTIN like Best Buddies allow for meaningful interaction with others as well as a way to understand and emlifestyles assistant pathize. This interaction and empathy are pivotal for creating change in the future for people with disabilJunior Aya Boubezari and senior Constantin Guezic are ities and special needs. Best Buddies hopes to help the children buddies, though not the most conventional ones. They are part of a with special needs at Cupertino High School feel noticed and collaborative club that partners with the special needs department appreciated. on campus to help them achieve their goals despite their pre-exSaid Boubezari, “A lot of people don’t know much about Best isting struggles. At Cupertino High School’s Best Buddies chapter, Buddies and about people who do have special needs, there are meetings every Thursday at especially people who use the ‘r’ word and make lunch on our campus. Members of fun of people with these disabilities.” the club have partners from The club is mutually beneficial and our special needs class and participate in allows people like Boubezari to fun activities and bonding field trips. understand more about the Said Guezic, “I like playing board issues surrounding games and having dance parties PHOTO BY SYDNEY LIAO physical and PHOTO BY SYDNEY LIAO with my buddy.” mental Best Buddies is not only indisabilities, volved during the school day not only in the but participates in classroom but socially as activities together well. with the special “I’ve just become more woke education class and educated, so when someone outside of school is disrespectful, I make sure to call hours. Guezic them out, prove them wrong, and and Boubezari educate them,” said Boubezari. participated in a potluck after school and are interested in a regional Best IAO EY L N D Buddies Friendship Y SY TO B PHO walk in San Francisco on April 19.

SUCHETHA KALLURI

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“We do our best to make the kids feel included in our school, so we go as a large group to rallies, and we’re planning a special prom event that’s hosted by the whole department,” Boubezari said.

Being part of Best Buddies is a learning and growing experience. “I learned about patience, appreciating the little things, and having a positive attitude. Every time I come to a Best Buddies meeting, [Constantine] is always happy and makes sure everyone else is happy too”, said Boubezari.

In our valiant effort to plan and achieve for and in our futures, we often forget about the people closest to us, especially people who struggle in the systems society has created. We forget that they too have unique experiences and personalities.

They also can benefit from helping hands.

Saying clubs like Best Buddies greatly assist children with special needs is an understatement. Clubs

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Every time I come to a Best Buddies meeting, Constantin is always happy and makes sure everyone else is happy too - Aya Boubezari

CLAIRE & MONIKA ANGELA MA sports assistant

LAWRENCE FAN copy assistant

DNEY PHOTO BY SY

LIAO

PHO TO B YS AN D S UCH YDNEY L ETH A KA IAO LLUR I

“We bonded over pokemon even though I don’t play it but I bought a book when I was younger, and so I gave it to her,” said sophomore Claire Hesley as she recalled her first meeting with her best buddy Monika Ramraj. After hearing about it on the announcements, Hesley joined Cupertino’s Best Buddy Club two years ago and has been an active member ever since.

Every week, Hesley and Ramraj would meet in the wagon wheel at the Best Buddies meeting. Hesley and Ramraj enjoy many activities during sessions. Sometimes, they can do arts and craft.

Sometimes, there are coloring activities for them to do. In many of the meetings, there is food for the members to eat. However, Ramraj’s favorite activity by far is cookie making.

Said Ramraj, “One time, our team added a lot of frosting.”

The goal of Best Buddies is to create a safe environment for kids with special needs through one-on-one relationships, fundraising, and fun events. At the beginning of the year, members of the club are paired with a student with special needs, and they bond and participate in activities throughout the year Besides participating in activities, Hesley and Ramraj would also catch up with each other. Often, Ramraj and Hesley would have a short conversation, and them Ramraj will open her phone to show Hesley her new Pokemon Cards. As well as talking to each other during meetings, Hesley and Ramraj would also sometime text each other in their free time.

Something interesting about Ramraj is that she loves watching animals. She would zone out of everything and stare at the seagulls.

Said Ramraj, “I was like looking at a seagull that was like flying up over there.”

A highlight in what would otherwise be a long and dreary week, both Hesley and Ramraj really enjoy the Best Buddies meetings. In particular, they like seeing each other again.

Said Hesley, “I think it’s fun, I get to meet Monika.”

Outside of school, Best Buddies hosts a variety of events, including potlucks and friendship walks. In a friendship walk, Best Buddies members from many schools convene and walk to raise money for the organization. Although Hesley and Ramraj are not going to the next Friendship Walk, they do intend on attending an

event in the near future.

Each year, Best Buddies members need to attend two events outside of school with their buddy. Other than that, members do not need to take any time other than hanging out with their buddies during Thursdays. However, the time that is spent on Best Buddies is anything but dull.

Said Ramraj, “I like [Best Buddies]... I get to spend time with my buddy Claire.”

“

I like Best Buddies...I get to spend time with my buddy Claire.

- Monika Ramraj

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OPINIONS

VAPING THE E-CIGARETTE INDUSTRY ON MILLENNIALS AND THE ISSUE OF VAPING IN THE CHS COMMUNITY ESHA RADHAKRISHNAN editor-in-chief

NEERALI SHAH online editor

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School administrations all across the country have blacklisted campus bathrooms as a hotspot for illegal activity. Staff members have been tasked with patrolling hallways, frequently sniffing the air to catch a whiff of the telltale sweet or fruity scents of a recent puff. Communities struggle to combat the explosive trend of e-cigarettes, a problem that the FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) declared “nothing short of an epidemic proportion of growth.”

E-cigarettes, also known as vapes, are battery-operated devices that produce aerosol vapor for users inhale. Originally created with the intent of providing adult smokers an alternative to traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes provide a nicotine buzz while avoiding the release of carcinogenic chemicals caused when smoking tobacco.

However, according to a weekly report released by the CDC (Center for Disease Control), more than 20 percent of high schoolers currently use e-cigs recreationally. In broader terms, out of the 16.2 million devices San Francisco-based e-cigarette company Juul Labs sold in 2017, 3.1 million of them were used by consumers far younger than their targeted demographic.

In California, the minimum-age sales law to purchase tobacco products or e-cigarettes like vapes is 21 years old. However, in a randomized survey of 167 respondents conducted by The

Prospector, 36.5 percent responded being unaware of the law. Yet the issue remains prevalent at CHS, with 59.9 percent of respondents claiming they know of a CHS student who has vaped before and 40.1 percent reporting they have witnessed a student vaping in CHS bathrooms.

And with appealing, seemingly kid-friendly flavors like watermelon, gummy worms and funnel cake, many teens are unaware that their vape pods contain substances like highly-addictive nicotine. At this rate, with teens unknowingly inhaling harmful substances, an investigation conducted by JAMA Pediatrics shows that young people who start vaping are more susceptible to smoking traditional cigarettes in the future.

And with Juul enjoying increased sales of over a billion dollars this past year and now partnering with the world’s largest tobacco-producing company, Altria, this statistic promises lifelong customers for these corporate businesses.

Juul Labs has been known to flood social media platforms with advertisements for their products. The reach of the influence of these companies is seen in the 50.4 percent of survey respondents who have reported having seen advertisements for vaping or felt social pressure to use a vape pen. To gain more traction amongst young people, Juul has partnered with large social media influencers, providing generous compensation to create content to promoting the use of e-cigarettes. Even non-paid influencers like Wiz Khalifa and DJ Khaled have endorsed the use of e-cigs in their music videos. For example, the Billboard Top 100 song “The One,” by

DJ Khaled and featuring Chance the Rapper, Justin Bieber and Lil Wayne, promotes the use of DJ Khaled’s favorite vape pen line, KandyPen. With the rappers smoking from the pen and blowing out large clouds of vapor, the video perpetuates the notion of “clout,” or better social status one can gain from vaping. As students continue watching videos like “The One” or scroll through numerous vaping advertisements, they may feel the need to vape for this “clout,” often turning to social media to show off. Of the students surveyed by The Prospector, 31.1 percent responded having seen a CHS student publicize themselves or their friends vaping in online posts and videos.

The sleek and modern design of the vape makes drug-administering pods seem like the new Apple device to teens. In fact only 17.7 percent of The Prospector’s survey respondents reported that they fully understood the health effects of vaping. And when Juul launched their business, many of their advertisements were strikingly similar to old 1950s cigarette ads, emphasizing the benefits of juuling: relaxation, easy sharing and freedom from reality.

With a single vape pod containing liquid nicotine for 200 puffs, draining a single canister is similar to finishing a pack of Camels or Marlboros. In teens specifically, inhaling nicotine can impede brain development, affecting one’s attention, learning abilities and impulse control. Moreover, teen vapers reported bleeding gums and what is now being a called a “vaper’s cough” as a result of vaping. And even though vaping doesn’t destroy lung tissue as severely as smoking tobacco cigarettes, the American Lung Association shows that e-cigarette vapor contains diacetyl, a chemical that causes inflamma-

tion and lung scarring, resulting in the name “popcorn lungs.”

With the health of students on the line, many schools have taken appropriate action to address the issue. In an interview with Vice Principal Geoff Wright, The Prospector learned admin has long recognized vaping as an issue at school in past years. They claim that it was not until the popularity explosion of wax and vape pens in the 20182019 school year that they realized the extent of the problem. Currently, the only action against the problem is taken when the occasion rises. According to Wright, only those who are reported or caught vaping are given an opportunity to learn of its health consequences. Disciplinary action is then imposed incrementally according to severity and frequency of the event. But beyond a quick lecture and a lunch detention, admin is less involved with continuing to ensure the safety of these reported students and more with subduing the number of disturbances at school.

But this tier system of penalties, structured around the number of times people are caught vaping, does almost nothing to actually attack the problem at the root.

With a simple lunch detention or Saturday school order as end result for committing a state crime, the school administration risks sending the wrong message to students who vape, making them feel as though vaping has little to no consequence. At St. Clairsville Middle School in West Virginia, 11-year-old boys caught vaping were formally charged with juvenile misdemeanor, fined, notified of a possible court appearance and required to attend a class on substance abuse. Holding students responsible for their actions, especially when they do something that en-

- Funnel Cake - Blueberry Watermelon - Gummy Worms ADVERTISEMENTS | Vaping companies often advertise their attractive flavors of e-liquid to youth to persuade them to purchase their vaping products

dangers both their and the health of others, introduces them to the reality of their responsibility as adults and accountability in the world.

And with students inhaling nicotine, there is little they can do to bare against the cycle of addiction. People caught vaping should be rehabilitated in addition to being educated. Schools in Oldham County, Kentucky, recommend students caught vaping to four-week classes with their parents to rehabilitate them. When asked what was the biggest reason for why students vape, 18.6 percent of CHS students surveyed claimed academic and emotional stress. With this significant link between vaping and student wellness, the school administration should take steps to create and hold advisory lessons on the impact of vaping, as well as dealing with academic and emotional stress. As of now, admin has plans for providing ninth and tenth grade students and their parents with presentations on the effects of vaping, courtesy of the Alum Rock Counseling Center services. Being proactive by implementing intervention policies and curriculum will do more to assist students trying to overcome their addiction and help create a positive environment.

Yet there’s only so much admin can do.

As Wright acknowledges, vaping is an issue that affects every member of the community, and therefore requires communal effort to vanquish. It’s important that that students discourage their friends and acquaintances from vaping—even if it’s “just one time”— and establish it is no symbol of honor. The dangers of addictive nicotine is more likely to trump the single use of a vape pen, leaving the user with the urge to smoke more in the future. The next time one witnesses a student advertising or selling e-cigarettes, one should warn them of the legality of their actions and inform them of the health risks they simultaneously inadvertently promote.

Cigarettes gained popularity in the 1950s because people feel prey to corporate marketing strategies and accepted smoking as a symbol of status. Now, according to the CDC, cigarette smoking is the number one preventable cause for death in the United States. There are clear parallels between smoking cigarettes and e-cigarettes, and it is our choice to make sure that history does not repeat itself.

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Save the Environment?

The Choice is yours.

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CLAIRE WARNER postscript editor

A video of a sea turtle with a straw stuck up its nose, posted in 2015, has more than 34 million views on YouTube. The purpose of the video was not only to highlight the effect of plastic pollution on marine animals but to urge viewers to give up plastic straws.

One comment reads “I will never use plastic straws again!” However, it is the only one of the video’s 20 top comments addressing plastic straw consumption by individuals as the root of the problem, despite 14 of them expressing concern or sadness on the turtle’s behalf.

When looking specifically at CHS students, it is not uncommon to hear one regurgitate the media’s words “plastic straws are bad,” while they sip their pearl milk tea from … a plastic straw. Clearly, consumers are not digesting the issue: the problem stems from the individual, not the masses.

The overwhelming gap between cause and effect recognition is not specific to the issue of plastic pollution. A survey conducted by The Prospector asked students to rate on a scale of one to ten (one being a small amount and ten being a significant amount) their concern regarding issues of climate change, plastic ingestion by animals, air and water pollution, etc. The average CHS student responded 7.2. However, when asked how much these issues impacted their consumer and lifestyle choices, the average response was 5.5. Despite probable acquiescence bias (the tendency of a respondent to agree with a question due to doubt or perceived judgment) that would inflate the second value, there is still a significant disparity between the two. This further suggests that many individuals fail to

apply their environmental concerns to their own consumer and lifestyle choices.

According to environmental researcher Diana Ivanova, “We all like to blame someone else, the government, or businesses, but between 60 and 80 percent of impacts on the planet come from household consumption.”

Several statistics support her claim, including the fact that reducing one’s consumption of red meat by refusing one quarter-pound hamburger saves 660 gallons of water. Similarly, one study found that if residents in a Minneapolis-size city purchased the most minimally packaged versions of 10 everyday household products, the city could

eliminate 150,000 tons of trash annually. Moreover, reducing energy consumption by lowering the thermostat two degrees during the winter could save 175 pounds of carbon dioxide every year. And choosing to travel 20 miles per day by public transportation rather than a personal automobile could save 4,800 pounds annually.

The statistics all say the same thing: consumer choices matter. So the natural next step is to change our behaviors to reflect our concerns. Instead of seeing the sea turtle wince as the researcher pulls the straw out of its nostril and responding “this is so sad” we should be saying “I am going to change this.”

Although the majority of environmen-

tal issues come from the actions of individuals, corporations must also partake in the fight against climate change and plastic pollution, in turn making it easier for individuals to make healthier consumer choices.

Many business owners reject opportunities to increase their sustainability due to the belief that being more eco-friendly costs money and therefore decreases profits.

However, this is not always the case. Green business often leads to increased sales and customer loyalty since consumers generally feel more content with the product of purchase if they know it is more sustainable than its counterparts. According to the Network for Business Stability, sales grow by an average of 6 dollars for every dollar donated by a company towards green initiatives. In many cases, this increase in sales can be enough to offset the initial price of going green.

Additionally, state and federal governments provide financial incentives for businesses to reduce resource use, increase efficiency, and switch to clean energy.

These tax breaks and credits can add up to significant amounts of money. Further, an eco-friendly business simply saves money. For instance, by replacing disposable cups, plates, and condiment packets with reu s ab l e cups, plates, and ketchup and mustard pumps, the Alameda Cinema Grill is preventing nearly 7,000 pounds of waste and saving 9,881 dollars annually.

So the next time you’re at Starbucks and want to buy some iced coffee, recognize that you will be generating a cup and a lid worth of waste. If you still want the coffee, consider purchasing one of the shop’s many styles of reusable mugs, which, thanks to Starbucks, gives you 10 cents off your purchase every time you use it! With a combination of Starbucks’ environmental thoughtfulness and positive consumer choices, we may just keep a turtle from wearing a plastic cup for a hat.

15

behind the lens LIFESTYLES

16

ALL PHOTOS BY SYDNEY LIAO

ing a collaboration. This is still new to me; I am still uncertain of where to draw the line when accepting offers, espefeatures editor cially when paid opportunities arise. On one hand, there’s If I were to tell you that Instagramming is like a part- the prospect of receiving free products and getting paid for time job, you would probably stare at me as if I had spoken posting a simple photo. On the other hand, there’s the fear in a different language. At least that’s the first reaction I of losing the authenticity of my profile and the support of usually get, which is completely understandable, because my followers. Generally, I accept only offers from brands how hard can Instagramming be? Don’t you just snap a that align with my style and the interests of my audience.

Contrary to what my content portrays, maintaining photo, slap a filter on it if you’re feeling fancy, come up an Instagram profile is not all sunshine and rainbows. I, with a clever caption and press ‘post’? like other creators, am locked in a constant battle with the That was what I thought until two years ago, when I started my Instagram project, @languageofstars, an ac- notorious Instagram algorithm and suffer from lack of incount dedicated to my passion for reading, photography, spiration and motivation at times. There are days where editing, music, and fashion. Several months after upload- creating feels more like a chore than a passion, where I can ing daily posts, I’d come to realize first-hand that the per- barely manage to squeeze an idea out, let alone the preferfect squares depicting glamorous lives and flawless smiles able five. Worse, but rare, are the times when I compare my and outfits are merely fragments of a larger story, one writ- art to that of others. It is often difficult to find time to put together a post, write an engaging caption (which can take ten by constant planning and diligence.

The content creating process is a seemingly endless up to 15 minutes when my creativity is as dry as a desert) cycle. Throughout the week, I dream up photo ideas and and reply to messages and comments—all on top of bucket loads of schoolwrite them down. work, after school When the weekend As my following sports, and other rolls around, I pray grew, so did the number of brands that time-consuming for good lighting and extracurriculars. Of proceed to take pho- contacted me regarding a collaboracourse, academics tos, bringing my ideas tion. and extracurricuto life. lars are first priority; however, I rarely take breaks from creating. Doing so Usually done during study breaks, would mean losing my main outlet for stress relief and pophotoshoots last 30 minutes tentially becoming irrelevant to users. and consist of me rummagAlthough being an artist and influencer on social meing through my closet for a dia takes a lot energy and dedication, I decent outfit, grappling feel blessed to have discovered it as with the self-timer, busti n g out awkward poses and a creative outlet. Over time, my combing every surface of my room for account has become a viprops (typically dried flowers, vinyl sual diary, my little records, polaroids, jewelry and the corner of the vast occasional shoe). On days when I Internet where I have an extra 5 minutes to spare, I explore photography as a means of edit photos.

As my followers grew, self expression and so did the number of share my interests brands that contacted with like-mindme regard- ed individuals.

SYDNEY LIAO

languageofstars

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The Capitalization of Tragedy in Media AASHNA SHAH lifestyles editor

KAVYA GUPTA copy editor / business manager

If a movie is accompanied with “Based on True Events” on its title screen, you know the movie is going to be drama-filled, action-packed and probably, according to Vulture, “Stunning!”. In other words, the movie is meant to be a people-pleaser, an over-dramatized account of a tragic story made solely for the purpose of raking in money for the company producing it.

Movie adaptations of devastating events in history have always been the goto for fledgling filmmakers seeking to make their breakthrough Oscar-winners, usually starring the best actors and actresses in the industry. It is true that most audiences appreciate these fictitious accounts of genuine calamities, but the reality of the situation is that the majority of these melodramas are completely insensitive and inappropriate to their audiences. An appropriate TV adaptation of a traumatic event should cover the story canonically and tastefully address the more dis-

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mal details. Unfortunately, more often than not, most movie adaptations are not of good taste.

The 2019 Oscars brought about a lot of conversation after short film Detainment was nominated in the best live-action short film category. The movie focuses on the 1993 murder of James Bulger, a two-yearold, committed by Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, both aged ten.

Venables and Thompson led Bulger away from the shopping mall that he was at with his mother. His body was found along the tracks of a railway lines two days after he was abducted.

Critics accuse the movie’s depiction of Venables and Thompson of being humanizing and sympathetic. Denise Fergus, mother of James Bulger, stated, “It’s one thing making a film like this without contacting or getting permission from James’ family, but another to have a child re-enact the final hours of James’ life before he was brutally murdered and making myself and my family have to relive this all over again.”

Of course, it can be pretty hit-or-miss in the horror genre. 2018’s Slender Man was ill-received, surrounded by a cloud of criticism and controversy. The flick followed a

gruesome assault in 2014 by children claiming to, in a sense, worship the macabre character of Slender Man. The movie is said to be inspired by the attack. Although the movie performed poorly at the box office, its mere existence is evidence of the commercialism and exploitation of deeply traumatic events in media.

Our society has a questionable addiction towards tragedy and despair. We willingly eat up any story about loss and drama, enabling the movie industry to profit off of real-life misfortunes, especially rewarding the ones that ludicrously falsify juicy details to make the stories more appealing to the public with exorbitant awards and accolades. We do not own the right to our lives, which allows directors and producers to take advantage of any poor situation without permission. However, it is vital to recognize the true standouts in this genre, which stick to the script and and portray stories credibly, such as Schindler’s List and Hotel Rwanda. The influence of Hollywood deserves to be acknowledged; with the right tools, historical movies can indisputably increase an understanding of former controversies with errorless portrayals.

Pop Culture Critic The Many Faces of Toxic Masculinity

ASHLEY KANG investigations editor

JEFFREY XIONG perspectives assistant

Nearly five years after the end of the show, The Office still manages to be a central figure in popular culture (who hasn’t binged a season or six?). And of all the wacky members of its cast, Michael Scott — the regional manager of Dunder Mifflin paper company — consistently rates as the most memorable and lovable. Michael’s goofy faux pas, charming mishaps and adorkable ineptitude are undeniably endearing — and gut-jerkingly hilarious — but beneath all his charm lies something most of us are likely to notice, but ignore: his constant misogyny.

Contrary to popular belief, toxic-masculinity — masculinity centered around stereotypes of aggression and hypersexuality, and non-traditional-masculinity — often characterizing geeky, non-athletic nerds — are not mutually exclusive. The ‘adorkable misogynist’ — male characters whose dorky versions of masculinity are framed as both comically pathetic but still endearing — serves as an example of how the two may overlap in popular media. Michael, unfortunately for all those who adore him, is quite clearly an adorkable misogynist. His dorkiness allows readers to ignore a wide variety of creepy, entitled and sexist behaviors, enabling misogyny.

Michael’s misogynistic behaviors are subtle, recurrent and unconditionally forgiven by his employees and audience alike. Pam the receptionist and other wom-

en in the office are constantly subjected to his unabashed objectification of their bodies and sexuality — whether it be through underhanded compliments of their physical appearance or immature jokes (like his favorite: “that’s what she said”). Although coworkers are quick to criticize Michael as rude and ignorant, he repeatedly fails to acknowledge said complaints and continues to publicly humiliate his female peers, dismissing their concerns as insignificant. As the show progresses, however, the women become accustomed to Michael’s behavior and eventually grow inclined to tolerate his misconduct, merely rolling their eyes or passively scoffing instead of taking specific

tently ranks somewhere near the bottom in online popularity polls — and cheer Michael on in his “pursuits,” even being asked to feel sorry for him despite his creepiness.

Fundamentally, Michael’s character preys on our innate instincts to root for the “underdog,” which when combined with the virtue of non-traditional masculinity and apparent “harmlessness,” allows audiences to ignore still very-real misogyny present in the actions of the “geek.” Odd Packer, Michael’s long-time friend and complete meathead, is juxtaposed with Michael’s dorkiness whenever they meet. However, although Packer and Michael make near-identical creepy statements, we are expected to — and do end up — detesting Packer, while Michael is portrayed as the hero — a trap which we fall for in every instance.

This seemingly non-threatening — and at times, adorkable — framing is deliberately and effectively designed to excuse other more toxic aspects of his character.

A pesky habit of tropes is that they tend to manifest themselves in real life. Misogynist behavior is often excused and overlooked because perpetrators do not fit the stereotype of “idiotic jock.” This criticism of Michael as the adorkable misogynist does not excuse misogyny from traditionally masculine figures, nor does it claim that dorky people are inherently misogynist, but rather, that non-traditional masculinity does not excuse toxic and misogynist behavior. The core question that we should ask ourselves when faced with media or reality is whether an action is truly anti-misogynist or merely anti-traditional. Do not confuse the two: they could not be more different.

[Michael Skott’s] dorkiness allows readers to ignore a wide variety of creepy, entitled and sexist behaviors, enabling misogyny. measures to confront him for his actions.

In fact, by the end of the show, they remain close friends.

Michael’s misogyny bleeds into his personal relationships as well, most notably with his first girlfriend and corporate superior, Jan Levinson. Michael constantly objectifies Jan, valuing her primarily for recreational sex and silicone breast implants.

For instance, when she asks Michael not to loudly discuss romance in the office, he does the opposite, unrelentingly pestering her with (clearly unwanted) compliments relating to her appearance. Such behavior is common amongst all of Michael’s relationships, and the common theme of “endearing misogyny” persists through all seasons, demonstrating a fundamental lack of character development. And yet, viewers are expected to treat Jan and the rest of Michael’s targets as the villains — indeed, Jan consis-

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INVESTIGATIONS

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21

Introduction

were released to the CHS staff.

While many of the results to the Wellness Survey were not surprising to Tomberlain, she noted the ambiguity of the responses. For example, 89 percent of the CHS student body TAHA SHAFIEI reported that they complete their schoolwork most of the time. perspectives editor / copy editor “[The number itself] makes perfect sense to me as we have a irst introduced as a way to track data around wellness, the very studious, obedient [student body],” Tomberlain said, 2015 wellness survey has been reissued every January since. “however, that is not necessarily an indication that the work is This year’s survey had two parts: “The bigger part, is a meaningful. Just because a student is following the guidelines district initiative around wellness and we’re looking at the and completing the work does not mean it matters to them.” wellness of our students and whether or not they’re not Interestingly enough, the ssurvey found that 43 percent of students would regard their classes as enjoyable most of the time, only achieving, but thriving,” Principal Kami Tomberlain said. and the percentage of stuThe second portion, a more dents in a grade level who traditional google form, was for believed their classes were consistency’s sake when it came enjoyable most of the time to data analysis. Said Tomberlain, The Wellness survey is a district decreased as grade level in“We asked our students the exact initiative around wellness. We are creased, possibly supportsame questions so that we can have looking at the wellness of our stuing Tomberlain’s assertion. a temperature check, how we’re As more seniors doing with regard to sleep, amount dents and whether or not they’re not felt their classes were less of homework, whether or not kids only acheiving, but thriving.” enjoyable and more freshhave a healthy stress or toxic stress.” men felt the opposite, 81 To some the survey is more Principal Kami Tomberlain percent of seniors reportthan just data collection. Said Seed that they felt they had at nior Sydney Wheeler, “[Admin least one adult on campus does these surveys to] get a personthat they can go to if they al perspective, from the students, to see if had a problem, while only 62 percent of freshmen stated the their mental health is good or not, so they can actually make changes to their curriculum or the way school goes to make them feel happier same thing.

CHS Science Teacher Samantha Southerd, however, was at school.”

For others such as Junior Haritha Kumar, the survey does not do curious with reconciling both these seemingly contradictory enough. Said Kumar, “I think the administration does care about stu- trends, about how students typically find their classes less endents mental health, but I feel like there could be a lot more action to joyable as they progress in grade level yet simultaneously feel improve students mental health because right now, it seems like most more comfortable reaching out or talking to one or more adults people think administration’s efforts aren’t genuine just because we take on campus.

“It’s interesting,” she commented, “[most] students feel the survey every year and nobody really sees any changes.” more connected [as they get older] but they do not think what the teacher is thinking is valuable. They trust me, they are connected to me—but the class isn’t necessarily valuable.”

Tomberlain believes the one solution to address this— DISCLAIMER | As we cannot talk about all results to the Wellness Survey, we and consequently increase the numbers in the survey—resides have chosen key statistics and parts of the survey to base the following articles within the classroom.

She stated that she has encouraged teachon ers to talk about mental health and specifically the student wellness survey directly with their students in their classrooms.

SANTOSH MURALIDARAN editor-in-chief Southerd expressed similar sentiments. “I wish I could have a little panel and ask, why did you write that? Because there o, the numbers are not surprising to me,” might have been something very specific that they thought of CHS Principal Kami Tomberlain said, as she at that time.”

Some teachers have policies that address students’ welllooked down at the paper which displayed ness. the results. “But,” she confessed, “I do want Said Freshmen Jack Luo, “I think teachers really underthem higher.” stand the stress we might have as freshmen. Sometimes when The survey and its results serve as a tool for the administration to reflect on their current efforts at addressing mental health there are big tests coming, other teachers assign less homeon campus and brainstorm how to change doing so in the work.”

Kumar felt the administration should do more to encourfuture. The results to the survey remain public records and

F

“

Examining results

“N 22

age similar scenarios. “I don’t think all teachers are very receptive to [students’ mental health]. Encouraging teachers to be receptive is very important, even if it’s a hard class and even if you [have to turn in] your assignments by like a strict deadline,” Kumar stated.

Senior Sydney Wheeler proposed an alternative solution. “I know it’s hard for teachers to coordinate with other teachers [regarding tests and assignments], so maybe we could have mental health days, where students do not have to turn anything in and have time to relax.”

What’s Next?

YOONI PARK sports editor

STELLA JIA online assistant

T

hose stating they did not feel the admin was doing enough often said it was due to the naturally competitive environment at CHS and the immense workload or parental pressure The administration is currently analyzing the results from the wellness survey to see what they can do to help lessen stress for students.

Said Principal Kami Tomberlain, “We’re working collectively on strategies for class engagement since these numbers are a little bit lower than last year. We’re curious whether that has to do with the new schedule and start trying to figure out how it’s probably harder to maintain interest for 90 minutes than it is 15 minutes.

And as we learn how to do this better, it will get those numbers to go up.”

In addition to encouraging teachers to talk about wellness in their classrooms, they have connected with teachers to see how students feel in class in hopes to pinpoint weaknesses and find out how to increase engagement for students which will further lessen their day-to-day stress levels.

“We do a lot of conversation active learning, and how do we help each other sort of lift that up. And so we’re working on all of that. There’s a variety of professional development that goes on, and conversations among teachers and things that we’re doing all together”, Tomberlain additionally added.

Along with trying to build a stronger connection between teachers and students, the admin has also made steps in lessening the competitive environment at CHS. For example, they have discontinued the tradition of handing out chords during graduation to 4.0 GPA students. Our publication used to publish the list of colleges students were going to, but that has been taken out due to the stress and competition surrounding college at our school.

Said Tomberlain, “I feel bad that we don’t do that because [our students] are working so hard and doing amazing things. And it’s nice to sort of highlight, honor and recognize [their achievements] but we found that in this competitive environment it serves a negative purpose.”

The administration plans to continue to work to create a more connected and relaxed environment.

IN ADDITION TO ANALYZING THE CHS WELLNESS SURVEY, THE PROSPECTOR STAFF SENT OUT ITS OWN SURVEY TO RANDOMLY SELECTED CLASSES ABOUT THE CHS WELLNESS SURVEY OF WHICH 234 STUDENTS RESPONDED. SOME RESULTS ARE DISPLAYED BELOW: STUDENTS’ VIEW ON ADMINISTRATION | Do you feel valued as a person by the CHS administration?

YES 44%

unsure 33.8%

No No 22.2% 22.2%

STUDENTS’ TRUST IN THE ADMINISTRATION | Do you trust

the administration will change any of its policies in response to the results of the wellness survey?

YES 32.1% unsure 37.2% No 30.8% STUDENTS’ HONESTY IN WELLNESS SURVEY | How honest were you

in your responses to CHS wellness survey?

(Left columns to right columns: Extremely Dishonest to As honest as possible)

SPORTS

REACHING

THE

GOAL

HOW THE CHS BOYS’ SOCCER TEAM ROSE TO THE TOP

12 24

BRANDON HONG photos assistant

In the world of sports, the importance of improvement is overshadowed by major accolades such as championship titles and MVPs. However, during the winter sports season, players like Miles Tamer and Coach Daniel Tkach of the Boys Varsity Soccer Team saw the team grow from previous seasons to become not only outstanding soccer players, but individuals as well.

While finishing just a couple games short of first place during league play, the highlight of the Boys Varsity Soccer Team’s season was their impressive improvement to a winning record and reaching CCS. Said Tkach, “We were 12-7-1 overall last season, and we were 12-4-4 this season. Those were two winning seasons, and it was the first time in a decade that we actually had winning

“They worked hard for each other and believed in each other.

I think that transferred to the playing field.”

- Daniel Tkach

seasons and the second time we made CCS in thirty years.

2005 and 1989 were the previous ones. Also, last season was the first winning record in a decade and some of the seasons were really bad with one or two wins all season.”

Achieving a milestone in CHS history such as having the first winning record in a decade, and being able to compete at the level of CCS for the first time in thirty years is a feat that cannot be achieved easily. This year, Coach Tkach emphasized the importance of values such as hard work, teamwork, and higher standards.

“I think it is a total culture shift to have players believe in themselves and believe in the team’s philosophy and things like that helped propel change. As a coach, I am not playing the games, so I am not the one who wins or loses them, but, I think that my role as a coach is to pro- vide a shared vision and to establish clear values that we hold as a team and to provide a positive team culture or the roles or responsibilities for each player during the game. I’m sort of, ‘the glue’ that holds everything together,” Tkach said.

A key factor from a player’s perspective which made this soccer season dif-

ferent from previous years was a sense of family in the team environment.

Miles Tamer, a Left Wing for the team for the past two years, describes the impact of a strong team relationship.

S a y s Tamer, “I don’t know how, but a lot of the new guys brought good chemistry, and that really helped the team because last year you would see a lot of individual talent, but we were not really close as a team. Last year was new for me, so I had high expectations, but, I mean, I was kind of let down a little bit. This season, all of our seniors are gone since last year, so I was thinking ‘Oh are we really going to be that good this year,’ and we all had low expectations until we started winning a bunch of games, so we felt that we were pretty good. It was a real confidence booster.”

Although the team managed to surpass all standards, their winning record moves them up from the El Camino division to the higher De Anza division next season.

This is the next chapter in Boys Varsity Soccer.

“We are going to move up a division next season, so keeping a decent winning record in the upper division is going to our biggest challenge for next year,” Tamer said.

The horizon looks bright for the CHS Boys Varsity Soccer Team with a new, higher standard to look forward to in the coming year.

Says Tkach, “I’m very proud of them. I am very proud of them for who they have become, not just as individual players but as a whole team and as a family. Our success this season is evidence of what happens when you work really hard towards a shared vision and believe in your teammates and share a set of common values.”

OVERALL RECORD: 12-4-4 LEAGUE REACORD 8-2-2

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the controversy in

Sports shoutouts ALEXANDRIA HUNT investigations assistant

Cupertino High School offers a wide variety of afterschool sports programs to students. In years past and this year, in particular, many teams have maintained winning streaks, resulting in their team’s advancement to leagues, CCS, and further. For example, this year, the girls’ varsity field hockey team placed second at CCS, girls’ varsity tennis made it to the CCS NorCal state tournament, varsity boys’ soccer maintained a season-long winning streak and multiple CHS wrestlers placed at CCS. Many CHS sports teams, such as the ones mentioned above have impressive achievements; however, some students on campus are unaware of their outstanding performance.

Said Erik Chu, a sophomore on the JV boys basketball team, “I’m not very aware of the high performance of CHS sports teams other than boys JV and Varsity basketball. I don’t keep up with other sports or teams records.”

He notes that he is not aware of teams’ records because he does not inquire about how these teams are performing.

On the contrary, other students believe that the reason they are not aware of select teams’ records is that various teams’ games are not recognized or promoted equally as other sports, such as basketball, on social media platforms.

Recently, on the CHS ASB Instagram account, @ cupertinopioneers, the final basketball quad game of the season was promoted through a post. The post received backlash from multiple students on the varsity boys soccer team. One user, Junior Sayf Hafidi, commented that “going undefeated means nothing these days” in reference to how although their team has performed well, their games are not promoted by the ASB Instagram, while the basketball team, who have a similar record to them, had one of their games promoted. The comment received 45

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likes.

Said Hafidi, “At one point we were on an undefeated streak and ASB [didn’t ] give us a shoutout [on their Instagram] that we felt we deserved for the hard work we put in to stay undefeated during the season.”

Another student, Sophomore Preetha Kumar who is a member of the girls varsity tennis team, stated “We did not get any [game] shoutouts on the Cupertino ASB Instagram, but we did get a lot of coverage on the Cupertino Facebook page, as they would post constant updates on our team’s ranking and pictures of us.”

Hafidi feels the same, remarking, “When a team like us exceeds expectations and has one of the best records on campus [without] getting any shoutouts or recognition, it makes the players feel frustrated [especially] when they see a team not playing as well and still receiving more recognition.”

However, ASB determines games to promote based on the usual popularity of the games, level of competition, and the typical level of student spirit and involvement at such games.

Although ASB has such intentions, various CHS students still have contradicting beliefs.

Said Chu, “I understand why they shout out the teams that they do give shoutouts to, but I feel that if you’re going to shout out one, you should give a shout out to all of them.”

As a solution to this belief that ASB should give fair shoutouts by equally promoting sports’ games, students such as Chu and Kumar believe that not only should sports teams’ records and games should be mentioned on the announcements, but if one team is posted about or given a shoutout, other sports should be given these same promotions as well.

By doing this, students believe ASB would be giving each CHS sport team the proper recognition that they deserve.

PERSPECTIVES SATIRE

WHY

Upgrading your style is all about your inspiration and evolving self-expression. Especially in high school, from freshman year to senior year, students learn valuable skills such as buying into the latest trends and hiding their tiredness behind clout.

Shopping acts as a form of stress relief and can significantly reduce the amount of stress in your life. Next time you get a bad test or are feeling under the weather, go shopping. 12 out of 13 scientists recommend shopping over drug use, as it lifts your mood, improves health and encourages credit card debt that further boosts the economy and supports local businesses

Fashion Fashion

UPGRADE UPGRADE UPGRADE UPGRADE 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 ARIANA FAHRI

HOW

photo editor

Do some research. The internet has everything and a simple Google search pulls up countless photos and tutorials. Look at the people around you for inspiration. The hallways at our school are some of the best places to get inspired and see what people our age are wearing. Download Pinterest. The outfit boards on the app cover every season, mood and level of edginess from basic to hipster. Ask for advice from those more talented in fashionable matters than you, like your grandpa. He seems cool. Who else can handle tucking their shirt into to their tan slacks while picking between brown or black loafers?

When buying new clothes, shop only at designer brands such as Gucci and Chanel for the most affordable prices. From diamond encrusted insignias and thousand dollar purses, these stores offer options that will automatically elevate you to being stylish and on trend.

In order to be fashionable, it is important to shop often in order to not miss out any trends that might slip by you if you do not pay attention.

In fact, make sure to stop shopping until your bank account hits zero.

Even then, you can borrow your mom’s credit card to help you afford your full cart of Champion hoodies, Supreme bags and tops that appear convincingly vintage. Moms are always supportive of their children exploring style so don’t worry about asking for permission.

WHAT

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In general: In order to have a full wardrobe, buy clothing in every available color for a maximum amount of options. You can always worry about closet space after!

In fact, having more clothes will help you with this next fashion tip: layering. Layers of clothes will keep you warm and let you show off all of your clothes at once. It’s a perfect plan.

Shoes: It is better to have more than not enough. And honestly, if you don’t have several Air Force 1’s and checkered Vans, are you even in the fashion game? Another helpful time-saving tip in the mornings is instead of cleaning white shoes, throw them away as soon as they get smudged or stepped on.

CASPER WU opinions assistant

Select Your Argumentative Fallacy KEERTHI LAKSHMANAN -Press “A” To Start-

Straw-Man

Unlike the one in Oz, this scarecrow has no brain. However, he is truly outstanding in his field. Scarecrow Joe can continue to take hits until your opponent forgets they were supposed to be attacking you!

He misses entirely {…} on purpose.

Hasty Generalization

A man of sweeping stature, Mr. General was promoted to the highest rank of General not for combat ability or intelligence, but because of his unwavering ability to treat everything the same, and armies love order.

Uses brooms to sweep everything together.

Red Herring

Neglected by his parents, this fish swam away from home searching for anything that’ll pay it attention. Sadly, there’s already many fish in the sea, so landing attention meant landing on land.

Smells fishy to distract people from their original arguments.

online assistant

A petty lumberjack, this man always has an axe to grind with someone, no matter what they stand or sit for.

Hacks deep into your insecurity and logs off the conversation before you realize you were right.

Ad Hominem

Confused at conception, these chains don’t understand the idea of a beginning, middle or end.

If you let them, they’ll lock you up in repetitive conversation, for your entire life.

One cuff cuffs the other to make the world’s shortest chain.

Circular Argument

A deleted Smash character, this wall’s ability to block all facts was deemed unbalanced.

Nothing (other than maybe a ladder or some rope) could get past it, stopping all truth from crossing any border.

Crushes reality by calling everything fake news.

Just Calls Everything Fake News

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POSTSCRIPT

Tino Horoscope SARAH POLLANS postscript assistant

DARSHINI VIJAYAKUMAR features assistant

aries

taurus

gemini

cancer

leo

30

MAR 21- -APR 19: Today you will get into a disagreement with a teacher over a grade you received. Also, there will be an incident in the hallway in which you will suffer minor injuries to the face, but do not get angry at the person who tripped you! They did not mean to!

virgo

APr 20 MAY 20: Today you will stumble across a place you have never had food from, and trust us, you will definitely fall in love. Keep your mind and heart open today, Taurus, as you will be falling in love with much more than the food, and maybe even with a certain someone.

libra

MAY 21 JUNE 20: While it may be tempting to buy curly fries and boba from T4, a coffee from Starbucks, chips at Target, and more… do not do it! Your days of impulse purchases at the checkout counter are over. Your wallet will later thank you for your good spending habits!

scorpio

JUnE 21 july 22: Be sure to pack everything you may need for class, Cancer, as it seems that several of your friends have forgotten their pencils and erasers. Also, at least two people are going to ask for a small loan today, and at least two of those people are never going to pay you back.

sagittarius

july 23 aug 22: Today’s forecast is showing a lot of “tea spilling” heading your way. Some of your suspicions, that you might have had for weeks or months, will get cleared today. But before you re-spill the tea, make sure the person you are talking about is not right behind you.

capricorn

aquarius

pices

aug 23 sep 22: Today will be a wild ride, considering your organized nature. You might forget to add tonight’s homework into your agenda and you will accidentally color outside the lines on your class project, but do not panic!

Consider practicing your mental mantra. sep 23 oct 22: Your day is looking especially good, as a pair of airpods will come falling out of the sky! Do not be afraid to show your new pair of very expensive earbuds to your friends, and make sure to Snapchat your brand new gift for everyone to see! oct 23 nov 21: What is up, my dark-souled, emo friend? Scorpio, today is looking especially “dull” for you. The universe is going to make you step outside your comfort zone by forgetting your hoodie at home and by providing a substitute teacher with a “no music” rule. nov 22 dec 21: Between your 3-hour after school competition practice, your job, and your spring season sport, you will be getting 2.75 hours of sleep tonight. Be sure to complain to all your friends how this immense workload you have placed on yourself is making you feel bad. dec 22 jan 19: Get ready for a day of answering questions and getting them incorrect!

Today’s assessment might go a little haywire, as you will miss one question, which is one mistake more than usual. Learn how to accept the mistake and move on, Capricorn! jan 20 feb 18: Wow, Aquarius, you have managed to be drama-free for the past week?

Great job! It looks like today you are going to be keeping that streak, so long as you do not mind the casual jokes from your friends. Remember how there was that whole thing last year? feb 19 mar 20: Slow it down on the arm doodles! They are great doodles, no doubt, just do not get them mixed up with the reminders also written down on your arm. When you get home, your mom will express her concern for your poor skin.

Leaving

the Nest what I learned from watching my pet duck grow up

CHRISTINA SHAO copy editor

A small, black ball of fuzz with a rubbery bill and eyes of liquid obsidian followed me around the house, tripping over his oversized webbed feet. When I walked out of sight, his desperate chirping called me back. My five-day-old pet duckling had imprinted on me, thinking I was his mother.

I first met Little Pip — or LP for short — as a white egg. Checking the temperature and turning the egg every few hours, I kept him alive in the incubator, and twenty-eight days later, a bump poked out of the smooth shell. Then more cracks formed a ring around the egg. Trapped inside a tight white prison, the duckling was desperate to reach the outside world. His efforts to break open were becoming weaker and weaker, and chirps of despair cut the humid air inside the incubator. I had refrained from helping him for fear of making the situation worse, but I couldn’t watch him struggle any longer. I gently lifted the lid of the incubator and set to work, carefully peeling back bits of the eggshell.

When LP was finally free, I put him in a newspaper-lined cardboard box and plugged in the heat lamp so he could stay warm. Soon he was strong enough to stand up, and I brought him out of the box

PHOTO BY KENNETH JEON

to play. Cuddling against my hand, he nibbled on my finger with his tiny bill. I fed him, gave him a bath and dried off his feathers. Setting him down by the piano, I began playing; his eyes closed and his head dipped lower. I played an unexpected loud note, and his head jerked straight up. Realizing everything was fine, he dozed off again.

I had still brought him food and filled his plastic pool with clean water when LP started ignoring me. Now he realized he didn’t need me to dry off his feathers for him; he didn’t need me to lull him to sleep. He still needed me for food and water, but since I limited his freedom to the quarter-acre of my backyard, bringing him his meals was expected of me. And here I was, a teenage mama duck with the duck version of a teenager. Putting myself into a mother’s shoes, I realized how much I appreciated what my own mom had done for me.

In sixth grade, my mom and I decided to start homeschooling since it provided more freedom — in both academics and extracurricular activities — than a traditional public school. While I had classes and clubs with other homeschooled students, my mom was still my teacher for much of the time, and we developed a very close relationship. Even when I returned to a public school in my freshman year, I would talk to her about how my day went as I help her cook dinner. However, like the way my teenage duck began ignor-

Putting myself into a mother’s shoes, I realized how much I appreciated what my own mom had done for me. ing me, I would sometimes ignore her when I was in a bad mood.

And now, as the end of senior year is approaching, the time we have left together is decreasing with each day. As my parents and I are discussing choosing a college, my mom hopes that I stay closer to home, but I, the duckling anxious to see the outside world, don’t want to stay so close to home.

Even though he ended up ignoring me, I realized I had never said thank you to Little Pip for all the fun times we had when he was a duckling. I never thanked him for helping me realize what my mom meant to me.

As I’m starting the next chapter of my life and leaving for college, I, as the bright-eyed, clumsy duckling shedding its baby fluff for flight feathers, will never forget to thank my own mom for all she has done for me.

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