asb THE PROSPECTOR
PHOTOESSAY: Unnoticed notices
FEATURES: A closer look at the group of students that make many of the school’s decisions CUPERTINO HIGH SCHOOL’S
Volume 51 No. 8
10100 FINCH AVENUE, CUPERTINO, CA
MAY 28, 2010
New designs for fields unveiled Delayed construction due to weather set to continue NATALIE HOANG sports editor
B
COURTESY OF FUHSD
y the beginning of the school year in 2011, the school’s track and field renovations will be complete. The athletic areas will sport a full size soccer field, reconstructed weight room, new P.E. classrooms and training rooms, an all weather track, efficient field lights and bleachers with handicap accessibility. Due to the extent of the demolition and building, architectures and district members have held weekly meetings for a year, discussing the topics of designs, costs, laws and scheduling. Costs of this project are not yet set in stone, though Associate Superintendent Glenn Evans estimates six million dollars to cover the electric utilities as well as accessibility for the handicapped, providing ramps and wheelchair lifts and also covering security for fences, lighting and alarms. Said Evans, “Another five million is estimated for the visible improvements for athletics, P.E. and band, including artificial turf, sod, dugouts, batting cages, goals, storage buildings, equipment and portions of the grading and utility work”. The construction allows the track and field to withstand the wear and tear of athletic and band activities, as well as the ever unpredictable weather. Said athletic director Craig Ellegood, “We’re doing this to improve our fields, athletic programs and the experience that we can give our athletes and our physical education students.” However, our school is not the only one receiving this make over. The Fremont Union High School District is at work improving the athletic landscapes of all five high schools in the district. Our school, along with Fremont, Homestead, Lynbrook and Monta Vista High School’s reconstruction schedules have been staggered in order to have the least possible disruption of athletics and physical education activities. With so much remodeling, the construction was strategically planned in order to avoid an incident where an area of the track or field is unusable during its particular sports season. There are no ways of avoiding the expectation that the field will be complete in time for the class of 2011’s graduation. However, the details of where the graduation ceremony will be head will be planned in the following school year, The extensive planning for schedules, costs, and convenience were discussed often, though no amount of preparation could change the unexpected heavy rains of last winter. Architects as well as the school board planned for the completion of the project to be in early 2010, until the weather got a hold of the schedule.
DESIGN PLANS | School board and architects aim to complete the new fields, track and bleachers by of July 2011
AMAR KANTIPUDI
Measure B passes, school programs remain intact ANA DRAGOJEVIC news assistant
Recently, through the mutual efforts of administration, staff and students, the Fremont Union High School District parcel tax, Measure B, was passed by voters in order to secure money for FUHSD schools to be able to maintain comprehensive high school programs. The purpose of Measure B was to renew the existing parcel tax that the district already has. The current tax was set to expire in June 2011. The current tax requires homeowners within the FUHSD area to pay 98 dollars for each parcel that their house is on (most houses lay on one parcel). This tax has existed for the past five years. The purpose of the new parcel tax is to extend the time period for which homeowners will pay this tax; however, they will still continue to pay 98 dollars per year. For the parcel tax to pass, it was necessary to get a majority of 67% of “yes”
votes. In the most recent election the bond passed with 72.4% “yes” votes. The District will now receive 5.2 million dollars each year. This money will create stability within each school’s budget. Currently, our schools receive funding from the state and from local property taxes, both of which are variable. When the economy goes down, less money is given by the state; when houses become worth less, there is less property tax revenue for the schools. The parcel tax, however, creates a steady base to build from. It allows the school to maintain AP and honors classes, after school programs such as sports and additional programs. It helps prevent the school from having to cut classes or programs, such as AP courses, allowing it to maintain numerous opportunities for students. The district took a practical, well thought-out approach to informing voters about the tax; students and staff participated in precinct walks and went door to door informing voters about the
tax. They held phone banks multiple nights and sent information to families to inform them of what the tax is and how it may benefit our schools. “I was really impressed and grateful for the work that our staff and our teaching staff put in as well as a number of kids who came out to do phone banking and walks. We could not have been successful in this effort without those individuals,” said Mrs. Tomberlain. With the help of students and staff, the effort to pass the tax was a success. The school will now receive enough money to maintain the existing programs we currently have. Despite the tax, the school will still need to make cuts between three to five million dollars. If the tax had not passed, the school may have had to make a ten to eleven million dollar cut instead. While the money allocated from the tax will not be able to add any new programs or classes at this time, it will help the school keep what it has now.
2 NEWS
the Prospector 2009-2010 STAFF
THE PROSPECTOR
MAY 28, 2010
Two students’ success shows department-wide prestige
Cupertino High School Established 1958 Vol LI., No. 8 | May 28, 2010
editors-in-chief vani mulkareddy anthony kao news editor harini jaganathan opinions editor eric jang features editor tess wu lifestyles editor jamin shih sports editor natalie hoang photo editor amar kantipudi copy editors alyssa williams fred han joanna lee business manager jackie breuer poll manager jackie breuer
news ana dragojevic assistant opinions priya assistant krishnakumar features min seog assistants derek zhou willie wang amar kantipudi lifestyles madhuri sathish assistants regina hong max pommier sports rahul vasanth assistants jackie ngo adviser 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. Advisers 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 e-mail. 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.cupertino@gmail.com
AMAR KANTIPUDI
STUDY TIME | Juniors Chelsea Voss and Gun Ho Lee placed as national finalists in the USA Biology Olympiad by studying diligently for their Biology AP class
ERIC JANG opinions editor
C
ompetitive science has made its debut at school this year in the form of the 2010 USA Biology Olympiad (USABO). Juniors Gun Ho Lee and Chelsea Voss have qualified for the National level competition to take place in June, hoping for a chance to represent the nation in the International Biology Olympiad in Changwon, Korea. Their accomplishments demonstrate how well the science curriculum at school has prepared them for this intensive competition. The USABO is an annual series of competitions on AP Biology material, hosted by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE). Lee and Voss have qualified for the USABO National Finals, the third round in this series. Only 20 of 11,000 high school students have made it this far in the Olympiad - it goes without saying that the tests are extremely difficult and the level of prestige that comes with it, dazzling. “The tests are designed to be ridiculously hard so that they can separate the wheat from the chaff,” said Lee. “This goes to show that a little more time spent with the biology textbook will have nice rewards”. This extra work can have nice rewards indeed: Lee and Voss, along with the other finalists, will be attending the 8th Annual USABO Nationals at Purdue University in Indiana for two weeks in June. Professors from across the U.S. will mentor these students in various fields of Biology, through lectures and hands-on-labs.
Even more rigorous testing awaits the students in the form of a practical and a theoretical examination. The top four scorers in the Finalists round will be selected to represent “Team USA 2010” at the International Biology Olympiad from July 11 to July 18. Said Voss regarding her accomplishments, “I think this really says something about the quality of our science department, it can’t be a coincidence”. Both Lee and Voss have also relied on the school’s AP Biology textbook to prepare for the competition. AP Biology is among the most rigorous of courses offered at school due to the immense amount of material to be covered before AP tests. The class follows a weekly routine, with a chapter test on Monday, labs taking the duration of the week, then followed by a quiz on Friday. The students, driven by the fast-paced rigor and weekly test preparation, read the textbook independently over the weekend. The structure of the Biology curriculum prepares students to complete the AP tests in May without much difficulty. Evidently, the knowledge can be applied directly to prestigious science competitions such as the USABO. While some material in the Olympiad is not covered at school, those questions are just as difficult for other contenders. Good reasoning skills and a strong foundation in terminology make all the difference between a spot in the top 20 scores versus the thousands of other semifinalists. Lee and Voss’s accomplishments in the USABO distinguish the school’s science program as capable of producing students of such high caliber.
What to know
about USABO
11,000 students competed in the first level of competition Four students were selected from our school to take part in the Semifinal exam 20 finalists were selected to compete in the National Finals Finalists will compete for medals and four spots at the International Biology Olympiad in Changwon, Korea in June Finalists will be mentored by top biology professors from esteemed universities like Harvard University, Purdue University, and MIT HARINI JAGANATHAN
Kenya Dance II: One last chance for a triumph JOANNA LEE copy editor
A project that started as a dream became a community-wide phenomenon within four short years. Kenya Dream is holding their second Kenya Dance show on Saturday, May 29, 2010 at the San Jose Center for Performing Arts from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Hoping to finally reach the finish line of class of 2010s ambitious goal of raising $100,000, Kenya Dance 2 is just the thing they need. The inspiration for the dance revolution came from a simple Kenya Dream Team brainstorm. Through connections with some of the dancers from America’s Best Dance Crew, a solid idea emerged that later grew into a huge communitywide sensation. People from all over the town gathered at the San Jose Center for Performing Arts from to watch a dance spectacle. After the show, vendors sold crew merchandise and Kenya Dream T-shirts. Last year’s first premier of Kenya Dance was a hit, but this year, Kenya Dream hopes to return with an even greater overall impact. “We are anticipating an even bigger and better show and we have over 15 crews that will perform. Last year a lot of people went, but this year we want
to have a full house,” said senior and co-president of Kenya Dream, Justin Li. This year, Kenya Dream has added an additional special admission ticket. Students who have purchased the special ticket will be entered in a raffle
“
The Kenya Dream team is really pushing for the completion of their dream by the end of this school year.
for numerous prizes, including gift cards, a brandnew Dell laptop, and a chance to meet and greet the crews backstage. Kenya Dance II is a three hours long event packed with hip hop and popping. It will be hosted by YouTube sensation, Jennifer Chung and RJ from Supreme Soul. The audience will see a wide spectrum of performers, including Triple Threat/ Bliss, Beat Freaks, Fanny Pak and Boxcuttahz. Familiar faces will also be on stage as Tino’s very own GTFO, Tinostock talent show winners, have been honored with the privilege of opening the show.
“We will also see some other bigger-name crews, but that has to remain a surprise!” said Nithin Jilla, senior and co-president of Kenya Dream. Kenya Dance II anticipates a full house of approximately 2000 people and its organizers hope the event will introduce additional media attention to expand the Kenya Dream. As of now, local news networks such as ABC, NBC, CBS, KTVU2, various radio stations and even San Jose Mercury News have had their eye on Kenya Dream. After Superprom, Kenya Dream hopes to further extend their ambition and potentially reach national attention. However, the Kenya Dream team is under a tremendous amount of pressure, however their optimism proves unwavering for the sake of their monetary goal. “There are people who expect us to fail and others who are rooting for us so Kenya Dance is really the tipping point,” said Li. The Kenya Dream team is really pushing for the completion of their dream by the end of this school year. The team is hoping to really make a significant difference and show others what it is truly capable of. Kenya Dance II is much anticipated to be yet another sensation. Said Jilla, “This is much more than a high school talent show.”
MAY 28, 2010
THE PROSPECTOR
Letter to the editors I am writing this letter in response to a recent article printed in the Prospector, “Mandatory P.E. Worsens a Fattening Situation.” This article was troubling to me on many fronts, but especially in its gross generalizations about the PE department backed by flawed statistical analysis, a general standard of poor reporting, and an inadequate knowledge of PE mandates. First and foremost, I am bothered by the unfair generalizations made about the PE department. The author of this article polled only a small group of students to make gross generalizations about the entire student body’s experience with PE. Only polling 45 students out of a student body of approximately 1700 hardly paints an accurate portrayal of how our student body feels about physical education. Furthermore, it is my opinion that if the writer wants to show the whole picture about PE curriculum then she should have made some attempt to speak with me or another member of the PE department. In addition, the statistics provided regarding ways the student body wishes to improve curriculum are faulty as there are flat out contradictions in the statistics offered within the article. An example of this appears in the image of basketballs where the writer says both that, “34% of students polled want a dance class” and “54% want a dance class.” These errors indicate the careless attitude the writer has taken toward reporting facts. Another example of the careless reporting indicative of this article in terms of research is the writer’s lack of knowledge when it comes to state mandates. The writer states that “PE should not focus on how fast one is or how far one can jump, rather how a student is kept physically active for thirty minutes several days a week…” This statement bothers me because the state government mandates physical fitness testing and a timed mile run is something we have to do within state fitness testing. While I agree with the writer that this should not be our focus (and it is not as we regularly use heart rate monitors in our runs), it is unfair of her to be critical of our staff for something that the state of California mandates for all schools. As department chair I have made a point to implement heart rate and pedometer programs in an attempt to make every student experience success when it comes to their cardiovascular health. Overall the article printed in the Prospector disappoints me. It is disheartening to me as an educator to have a student makes such blanket negative statements about PE at our school as I feel that we have one of the most innovative and progressive PE programs in all of the Silicon Valley. My reaction to this article would be different had the author written a commentary on her personal experience in P.E. rather than writing an article that presents itself as a representation of the entire student body’s experience with PE. I am passionate about my work and that of our entire department and welcome conversations with students who want to provide constructive feedback rather than tearing down our work without proper knowledge about what we do. Sincerely, James Gilmore CHS PE Department Chair
NEWS
3
Letter from the editors Salutations, readers! No, we have not thrown a coup d’etat. Though you may have noticed our editors have changed once again, it’s because this is our second Junior Issue. We are extremely proud of our baby editors as they get another opportunity to experience hectic deadlines and formatting errors. We hope you appreciate this product of our hard work and enjoy the plethora of enticing articles included in these twelve pages. Of course, the “our” in that last sentence doesn’t just refer to we editors-in-chief; without the dedication and effort of section editors and assistants, this issue would be no more than a desolate InDesign file. As we are anxiously waiting to send our issue to the publisher and happily making our last edits, we can’t help but beam at our masterpiece. As you read this issue we hope you notice the hardwork and passion the baby editors put into this issue. Anyways, we implore you to stop reading this letter and start reading actual articles. Once you’re finished, please either lock this issue along with your valuables in a bank vault or recycle! Our next issue will be the senior issue, where we bid farewell to our wonderful seniors, who have taught us everything we know about journalism. We hope you enjoy this issue! Live long and prosper, Anthony Kao and Vani Mulkareddy
VTA VTA
OPINIONS
MAY 28, 2010
4
Too fast to blame fast food JAMIN SHIH lifestyles editor
E
ver since the rise of obesity in America, blame has been pointed at the fast food industry, claiming that it is the industry’s responsibility to monitor the health of its consumers. This may seem like a ridiculous claim, yet there continues to be lawsuits over the role of fast food restaurants in rising health issues. Consumers fail to realize that the obesity epidemic in America is their responsibility – not fast food restaurants’, to eat well and live a
ERIC JANG
healthy, active life, and if they see a problem in the industry, it is up to them to work to change it. It is no secret that fast food is not the healthiest choice for a meal. However, most people consume it for the sake of convenience; it is extraordinarily cheap, filling and delicious, making it a speedy cure for an empty stomach. In exchange for this convenience is health-related issues. Fast food is notorious for being excessively deep-fried, high in calories, sugar and fat. Yet, despite these well-known facts, consumers blame the fast food chains for any side effects of overeating, as seen through multiple court cases, while they willingly stuff their faces with Big Macs and French fries. Excessively eating any food with similar nutritional value, unhealthy or not, will ultimately hurt a person’s health. Consumers should learn to make healthy choices while refraining from pointing fingers at restaurants when there are healthier alternatives available. It is not the responsibility of fast food restaurants to force their customers to eat in moderation. Even if companies begin refusing service to some consumers for health-related reasons, customers would then complain about being denied service. It quickly becomes a catch-22 for fast food companies. While it would be in the best interests of many if fast food companies attempted to make their food healthier, the food industry is still a business. Restaurants will continue to serve what sells best, so if customers want healthier foods, they need to be the ones to push for it. Besides, restaurants cannot enforce a well-rounded diet nor can they require consumers engage in regular exercise. Fast food businesses will continue selling affordable and unhealthy meals, and it is the responsibility of the customer to eat in moderation and not bite the hand that, literally, feeds it.
Fast food is all fun and games until someone becomes obese.
Getting paid what’s due: band deserves PE credits TESS WU features editor
Generally speaking, people are paid according to the amount of work they have done. Some work by commission and others through hourly pay, but no matter which system one uses, workers are given what they are due – just not the hard-working band students at our school. Before the summer of 2008, underclassmen band students were required to take two band classes. One consisted of the entire band while the other was made up of underclassmen. After one semester, the underclassmen-only class would become PE. This arrangement allowed band to substitute for PE for a single semester. After their freshman and sophomore years, band students would have made up their two years worth of PE credits. Now, however, students are required to take an entire year’s worth of PE without the benefit of even the semester’s worth of credits they received before. Even with the same physical workload as years prior, students are receiving no credit. Some may contend that the purpose of the school’s policy is to prevent idleness and encourage exercise among young people. While it is true that the percentages of obesity within our age group have tripled in the last two
decades, the administration’s well-intentioned goal is misguided. Band students must conform to stringent standards of physical health in order to perform. Cardiovascular and muscle strength, endurance and flexibility are all requirements necessary to perform with the band. Thus, one can suppose that if band members can carry heavy instruments while simultaneously marching, gesturing and coordinating their movements with others in the sweltering sun, they are passably fit. Supporters of school policy may also point out that a single semester of additional PE is inconsequential in the scheme of things and can only benefit the students. Once again, this assessment is inaccurate. Band students dedicate hours of their time to practice, perfect and perform. Many are in advanced, honors classes and other extracurricular activities and still others have additional obligations outside of school. Forcing them to make up their PE credits when students have many other important activities is both cruel and unusual. Doubly so because other schools in the district have already wizened up to fact that band students deserve a break. Lynbrook, Monta Vista, Homestead and Fremont high schools all reward their hard-working band students with PE credits. If other high schools in the district have done so, why can’t ours? These students cannot continue to work without proper compensation. We need to start paying our band students what they are due. AMAR KANTIPUDI
MAY 28, 2010
Should cameras be installed in the parking lot?
17% yes 83% no
409 polled
5
THE PROSPECTOR
STAFF EDITORIAL
Cameras needed to deter parking lot misconduct Every morning by 7:35, several hundred students make the motorized journey to school, and choose to park in either one of the student parking lots available. Having a student parking lot, commonplace though it may seem, is a privilege that is often taken for granted, but this privilege comes with a litany of problems. Due to a recent troubling spike in vandalism, it has become clear that the student parking lots need to be more closely monitored, both during and after school hours. Whether or not students have experienced it personally, the rising number of thefts on campus has been too large to ignore. Theft is a particularly difficult problem to solve, however, when – as is the case in most of the recent instances – there is no real evidence of the perpetrator. However, one way for the administration to combat theft is to install security cameras in all the student parking lots. Although the majority of thefts that occur take place directly on campus rather than in the school parking lot, simply knowing that the presence of a camera exists can be as a powerful deterrent to common student thief, and installing cameras could go a long way in curbing acts of dishonesty .
Furthermore, security cameras can be used to track down those who have been committing acts of vandalism, an occurrence that is becoming disturbingly more common. Just after senior ball, three seniors returned to find their cars egged. For such acts to be curbed, these cameras must operate not only during school hours, but afterwards. Students remain on campus long after the last bell has rung, whether it be for sports practice or rally painting, and for any real solutions to be found, these cameras must be active whenever the students are. While deterrents of the security camera system will claim that it creates an almost Big-Brother like atmosphere, in the long run, the entire student body will benefit. These cameras can also help curb unsafe driving, a daily and often frustrating occurrence, and will also deter students who do not have a proper parking permit from using the student parking lots. Although it seems like an everyday convenience in our lives, the student parking lot is a privilege that must be kept in good condition for the students who deserve to use it.
ERIC JANG
COMPILED BY JACKIE BREUER
Textbooks: no place for bias ANTHONY KAO editor-in-chief
T
extbooks are a great way to brainwash kids. It’s true – these trusted sources of information have such a powerful influence on malleable young minds that groups like the Chinese Nationalists and North Koreans vie to control their content. Unfortunately, this desire isn’t restricted to dictatorial regimes: in fact, it is present right here in our beloved United States. A recent example? The Texas Board of Education decision that approved blatantly conservative state standards that purge Thomas Jefferson for his belief in separation of church and state and attack Title IX. As the second largest U.S. textbook market, Texas has the potential to affect tens of millions of students nationally. This case reminds we Americans of the ongoing proxy war that partisan politics try to fight through textbooks: a war that we must stop. The benefits of having a balanced and impartial curriculum are far-reaching. Founding Fathers like Washington criticized excessive partisanship and established America as a bastion of freedom. Therefore, in accordance with these ideals, we should let students have open minds and present them with objective facts to let them make independent decisions. By forcing
ERIC JANG
students to subscribe to a tilted opinion of events, we are destroying the individual initiative that has been such an integral part of American progress and education. Americans have been able to make objectively informed decisions for themselves for three hundred years – so students should be able to do the same. Openly flouting political ideologies through textbooks obscure truths and skew historical impacts. Force-feeding students an inaccurate view of the world would trample upon education’s role in informing, not indoctrinating. When history is a precedent for contemporary solutions, we want our leaders to make decisions based on fact, not politically motivated conjecture. For instance, if our future leaders were taught that all New Deal programs were resounding successes, they would likely carry that inaccurate knowledge with them for the rest of their lives, impairing their judgment should they be faced with a similar calamity. Obviously, eliminating every shred of bias is impossible – but instead of trying to futilely purge that last shred, we can compensate for it. When opinions must
supplement facts, the whole ideological spectrum should be presented equally. If students have to read the liberal-leaning “A People’s History of the United States”, then so be it – but only if they read the more conservative “A Patriot’s History of the United States” too. This would allow students to continue making independent decisions while contemplating America’s diverse perspectives. Ultimately, as Americans, we stand for freedom, and this freedom includes preventing young minds from being imprisoned by partisan textbooks. Any regression of objectivity, be it to the left or right, will put us closer to regimes like Kim Jong Il’s or Chiang Kai Shek’s. In education of the students, by the students and for the students, we must not let textbook impartiality perish from this Earth.
FEATURES
MAY 28, 2010
6
[ asb
JOB GUIDE ASB is comprised of the executive council – the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer – in addition to a variety of commissioners that carry out tasks unknown to the general student body. Some of the most interesting tasks commanded by ASB commissioners are outlined below.
IDC The Intra-District Council (IDC) com-
missioners work with representatives from other schools to bring unity to the Fremont Union High School District. Every Monday, the commissioners attend an IDC meeting to discuss student exchanges, battle of the bands, measure B and other district business. Next year’s IDC commissioners are Mennen Kassa and Ashley Park.
Confusion swirls around execut DEREK ZHOU features assistant
S
trolling down the hallways in late April can only mean the annual barrage of ASB Executive Council election posters. While the fervor and competition of the election draws in the entire school, the Council’s actual duties are somewhat unknown to much of the same voting body. However mysterious, such responsibilities make the Executive Council an important asset, according to some ASB commissioners; other commissioners, however, question their exact role. When asked, some students seemed to understand the Executive Council’s roles. “They help students get a greater understanding of the activities and events that are going around,” said junior Winnie Huang. Others were not quite sure. “They do something for the student body, but I’m not sure what they do,” said sophomore Junho Kwon. The rest seemed to be in the dark. “What’s the difference between the Executive Council and commissioners?” said Junior Sophie Xia. Contrary to these beliefs, the ASB Executive Council really has one main job. Said ASB Secretary Karen Hou, “We lead the class that leads the school.”
To implement this, the Executive Council tak Said ASB President Daniel Cao “Our respon class, taking care of commissionerships, or doing As for the work itself, the Council often acts President Vaishnavi Govind: “Literally, [the comm there for is for reference or if something falls apar The Council regards this dedication from as in cil really does value each and every one of [the co Some ASB commissioners believe such roles the entire ASB institution, but the reason for thei line and make sure the stuff on the calendar gets d Additionally, their emphasis on student involv well-being. “They are more focused on the stude involved,” said another commissioner. Said a third commissioner: “They’re mostly th On the other side of the river, however, a fa When asked about what the Executive Council d “It’s good that we have commissioners.”
Rally The Rally commissioners’ main prior-
ity is to ensure that all the rallies run smoothly. Everything seen at the rally is created by them, including videos, games and costumes. They are even in charge of scheduling rally components and coordinating performances. Next year’s Rally commissioners are juniors Amy Garvey and Vi Viet.
Garvey giv
Junior Jaime Garvey asce
Records & Elections
Records and Election commissioners plan all the elections that occur at the school. They conduct homecoming court elections, winter formal elections, class council elections and ASB elections. The commissioners also are in charge of activity points. Next year’s Records and Election commissioners are juniors Vinita Shah and Ernest Chen.
AMAR
UDI
KANTIP
Student Staff Student and Staff Appreciation com-
missioners celebrate the effort and accomplishments of teachers and students. The Hall of Fame in the library and staff birthdays are some of the activities organized by these commissioners. Next year’s Student and Staff Appreciation commissioners are Grady Li and Caley Seaton.
ALYSSA WILLIAMS copy editor
Generosity is not a one way street. Make that silent connection in the hallway sometime. Eye to eye. Smile to smile. When people receive, they give as one student is already doing at school. Junior Jaime Garvey’s ascension in ASB has established a definite placement
COMPILED BY MINAE SEOG PHOTOS BY VANI MULKAREDDY AND REGINA HONG
TINO SPEAKS
What do you think ASB does? COMPILED BY WILLIE WANG
“
They allow classes to show school spirit through Homecoming and other rallies. They also give us a chance to see what other schools are like through IDC exchange.
among the school’s most influential figures. for leading others as rocket fuel in her climb, Appreciation (SSA), Treasurer and soon-tosuch important titles, Garvey is experiencin in leadership positions gives her opportuniti from others. As an SSA commissioner, she dedicates the school staff. This has included multiple l treats and the most recent ‘room service’ idea ed each teacher with a cart full of snacks to pi continuously, students should not ignore the their education, but it still happens often. “Students unintentionally overlook all of job comes in – letting these people know tha behalf of the student body, thank them,” said Garvey’s gradual climb to the top was not short amount of time has taken her by surpri ahead to meet the new levels of responsibilit “The amount of growth that ASB has allow from a person who was not really involved, e elect,” said Garvey. “I am extremely grateful.” She is not alone. Fellow ASB officers are
“
- Stephen Chew, junior
“
The school d enough. The information in the beg year to freshmen.
ASB is amazing. They help t school, making it more fun b coordinating events. They do everyth
-Vanessa Chung, sophomor
MAY 28, 2010
THE PROSPECTOR
Let’s face it: numerous students have minimal understanding of ASB’s true role within our school. Nevertheless, ASB has a prevalent role, and thus, it is important that students know more about it. Despite the fact that some students may have preconceived notions as to the purpose or effectiveness of ASB, the truth is, not many people really know what ASB does or the significance it has in our academic lives. As a brief overview, ASB, the Associated Student Body, is comprised of the Executive Council, the class presidents, and the 12 ASB commissioners, all headed by advisor Mr. Rosado. ASB, despite being covered in a shroud of mystery, is as much a part of our school as Dusty and hence should be given the respect and attention it deserves. Its 34 members, though not all recognized, play a pivotal role in the organization and unity of our school and therefore, rather than remain oblivious to its obvious purpose, we must seek to understand and work with it to help not only our school in general, but ourselves.
tive council’s responsibilities REGINA HONG
kes on an array of responsibilities. nsibilities range from managing the g a little bit everywhere.” s as a support force. Said ASB Vicemissioners] do everything. All we’re rt at the last moment.” ndispensable. “The Executive Counommissioners]” said Govind. are not only integral ingredients to ir own triumphs. “[They] keep us in done,” said one commissioner. vement is essential to general school ents and [try] to get more students
he reason for our success.” ar different perspective is parlayed. does, one commissioner simply said,
WRITTEN BY AMAR KANTIPUDI
]
FEATURES
When asked about their duties, the Executive Council was regarded as a conglomeration. “The Executive Council uses what we as commissioners do to make themselves look good”, said another commissioner. The actual actions they have taken were not treated much better. Said a third commissioner “The executive council runs meetings and nothing else.” Fundamentally, perhaps the issue is not with whether the Executive Council has or has not sufficient duties, but rather the transparency of ASB itself. When asked about the Executive Council, a number of ASB commissioners declined to comment. Coupled with the conflicting responses and general student ambiguity regarding their roles, a picture of an election for jobs defined somewhat inconsistently becomes clear. That such jobs carry such prestige and assumed responsibility speaks to the extent that their presentation to this school can be improved. Said Cao, “[The executive council] did a lot this year. We set an example. My hope is that the next Executive council does that or better.” Surely, next year’s will do their best to follow the Council’s footsteps—perhaps, even, with improved communication among all Pioneers.
ves back at all levels
ends through the ranks ASB to give back to the school
. With her positive attitude and a knack Garvey’s successes include Student Staff -be ASB President positions. By securing ng a win-win situation; her development ies to return the generosity she was given
time to acknowledge the importance of luncheons, birthday gifts, welcome back a. With “room service”, ASB officers visitick from. While ASB appreciates the staff e countless hours that teachers donate to
f the staff ’s hard work. This is where my at we do notice their efforts, and, on the d Garvey. t set in stone; her advancement in such a ise more than anyone, but she is charging ty bestowed upon her by ASB. wed me to make really amazes me. I went even at school in Texas, to a presidential ” e grateful as well that Garvey is a part of
doesn’t advertise ASB ey should give more ginning of the school -Arati Manogaram, freshman
the by hing!
re
the staff; she is an irreplaceable presence in respect to leadership and friendship. Her helpful demeanor is key in assuaging the often stressful environment. “She always encourages people to do their best and to go for what they want,” said ASB officer junior Jeannie Kim. “She’s a great listener and represents anyone she believes should be heard.” But beyond all the fancy titles, Garvey just wants to give back to her school. The opportunities presented, the new friends and the knowledgeable staff have been a few of the blessings she receives every day at school. It is only natural to want to return the favor, but ASB is not the only way to do so. “One thing that I think we all often forget is that people don’t need high leadership positions to make difference,” said Garvey. “We don’t really realize how much little gestures mean to others until we get to see their appreciation.” Garvey’s leadership shows solid promises of a new school environment. After the opportunities she has seen, she wants to allow others to experience the same generosity. Garvey’s future Presidency will show that smiling to others in the hallways is only the beginning of a better school.
“
They request money for random things such as Dusty. - Anonymous
AMAR KANTIPUDI
7
LIFESTYLES
MAY 28, 2010
8
The importance of
APPEARANCEECNARAEPPA Looking at how we look at looks HARINI JAGANATHAN news editor
A
person’s appearance is an integral part of what defines him or her. Similar to how Michael Jackson was known for his tight pants and single bejeweled glove, Hillary Clinton for her pantsuits, Dennis Rodman for his excessive piercings and Lady Gaga for her extravagant coifs and costumes, everyone is recognized by what they wear and how they wear it. Sure, not to the same extent as Gaga, but nevertheless, most people have established personal styles. From a young age, most of us have been told that “it’s what’s on the inside that counts.” How we look doesn’t matter as much as being fundamentally good natured. Why is it that despite being told this, appearance still matters so much to us? Why do we value something that, in the grand scheme of things, is relatively insignificant? To answer these questions, I sought to dress drastically different for a day. I set aside my standard attire of jeans and plain sweatshirts and instead opted for a colorful hoodie, striped socks, and patterned leggings. The idea of looking different was nerve racking to me. I thought that people would make a spectacle of it and perhaps even mock me. Awkward situations of people who don’t know me staring at me ran through my head. Once at school, I endured seven hours of “Woah, why are you wearing that?”, “Why so colorful?” and “Why the fashion statement?” To all of which, I answered, “Because I feel like it,” at which point the confounded questioner would let it go. Some of the more creative responses were “Is it pajama day?”, “You look like a sorcerer” and “Are you
in a play?” My new look certainly confused people. I had sufficiently shaken up the physical image people already had of me. Once people had recovered from their initial shock, they acted just as they did normally. I was perplexed by this. I looked absolutely hideous, for crying out loud. Somehow, my classmates just casually talked with me as always, even though my mind was still transfixed on the absurdity of my hoop earrings and pigtails. I have a friend who wore an uncharacteristic highwaisted skirt the same day. Even though I looked ridiculous in front of her, she was still more concerned with how her skirt looked than she was with my outfit. Another one of my friends spilt pizza sauce on herself during the day. Even after she had wiped it all off, she was still worried about the barely noticeable stains on her jeans and shoes. One of our mutual friends came up to us just after the sauce incident and said, “I’m not even going to ask.” She was referring to my attire, but my friend immediately jumped in, “Yeah, I spilt tomato sauce on myself.” I thought that my new look would elicit a much larger response from my peers than it actually did. Initially, I thought that dressing differently would be a much bigger deal than it was. By the end of the day, I started to feel more comfortable as more and more people grew accustomed to my new look. I realized that people don’t care how you look even half as much as you do yourself. We’re all too preoccupied with how we look ourselves and how others will view us to truly care about how the person next to us looks. Without a doubt we form images of people based on how they look, but we care much more about our own image than we do about others’.
WILLIE WANG
JAMIN SHIH
at IS isWit?h ComS O monly known T I L
as bad breath, halitosis is the most noM BY D torious date-killer E L PI M O known to man, but C it is easily avoided. Bad breath is caused by bacterial growth in the mouth – between teeth, on gums and especially on the back of the tongue – that is encouraged by the presence of food particles after a meal. How do I deal with it? Keep the mouth clean with proper oral hygiene! The rule of threes calls for twice-a-day use of a toothbrush and floss, mouthwash and a tongue scraper. Gum and b r e a t h mints are useful last-minute alternatives, but they can only mask the scent for a limited time. Some other tips: keep the mouth moist (drink liquids!) but avoid the obvious suspects (foods or drinks with strong odors). Drinking tea, which contains stink-fighting antioxidants, also helps.
T L A
H
HA
R
IE
R O F
AX
M
M
PO
Take my breath away: a guide to oral hygiene FRED HAN copy editor
Obviously, oral hygiene is crucial in maintaining good health. Yet, recent studies reveal how refusing to brush your teeth can have life-threatening effects. Neglecting the daily brushing routine will leave you completely vulnerable to a wide array of physical disasters. One inevitable result from not brushing one’s teeth is tooth decay. Left untreated, teeth decay results in the loss of teeth. Unlike a shark, a human can only grow two sets of teeth: the first “baby” set, which removed to make way for the permanent set. There are no more replacements afterwards. This leads to the next point: how much does a tooth cost? The costs of replacing a single tooth are the following: a titanium implant will cost $1200, securing it with the “abutment”, or the anchor will cost another $800 and placing the dental crown to finish it up will cost another $1000. The total cost is $3000 per tooth. However, the costs are not what you should be worried about – it’s the heart attack.
Face it: horrible oral hygiene can also lead to a heart attack. In a recent medical study in France, those with the worst artery blockages also displayed significant deterioration of the gums due to severe gum diseases. Chronic gum disease, also known as periodontitis, occurs when plaque gathers around the base of the teeth and infects the surrounding gums. Sooner or later the gums start to blister and crack, leaving the mouth vulnerable to bacterial infections. The germs on the decaying teeth enter the body directly through the bloodstream, leaving the artery walls inflamed. The result is the increased likelihood of having a heart attack. There is no point of “eating healthy” if your mouth is the source of infections and inflammations. The solution to all of these problems is ridiculously simple: brush your teeth! Despite all the AP and honors courses, a five-minute break to clean teeth will not make a tremendous impact in terms of time. For an activity that demands so little time, brushing your teeth can guarantee fine health. Who wants a heart attack, anyways?
JOANNA LEE ALYSSA WILLIAMS
9
THE PROSPECTOR
MAY 28, 2010
Appreciating the classics in the modern world
Bach to the basics
A look back in time at what we watch, read and listen to MADHURI SATHISH lifestyles assistant
If you could play any classical song, which would you choose?
It was not so long ago that one’s familiarity with classical works determined one’s level of education. However, unknown to many students is the fact that classical literature is still a meaningful part of our culture, and we have a great deal to gain from it. Classical media simultaneously educates us in human struggles and incorporates an emotional element into historical events, and this concept is critical to avoiding common human errors. Literature teacher Stacey Stebbins defines classical literature as “anything that reflects who we are as human beings over the course of time... [These are] stories that resonated with people a long, long time ago that still resonate with us today... [stories of] human struggles.” Many of today’s students may be unaware of the fact that classical works capture the grander essence of human nature, but they do indeed depict many smaller struggles that students can easily relate to. For example, the concept of the individual versus society is not just a theme emphasized in Romeo and Juliet, but it is also one that many teenagers have faced. In addition to solidifying a student’s understanding of human nature, classical literature also serves as cultural and historical enrichment. Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey describe a terrifying war and perilous journey that are both filled with history; they both
“Rachmaninoff’s piano concerto #2 because it is so pretty and dramatic.“ -Karen Sugano, Junior “I would play the third movement of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata because it makes me sound like a professional piano player.“ -Alan Lai, Junior “I would play a song by Shostakovitch. His music sounds unorganized at first, but you realize its inner beauty.” - Grace Kim, Senior COMPILED BY REGINA HONG
connect back to the Trojan War. The characters in Homer’s epic poems are described as having detailed emotions, but they are all major participants in the war, so from these two classics a student can learn about both history and human struggles. Literature classes on campus focus on the main themes and concepts of various contemporary and classical works. Through the observation of students’ abilities and analysis of how they react to and engage in various activities, teachers have concluded that a student’s interest in a classical work highly depends on not only the appeal of the work itself, but also its presentation. Literature classes must portray the “human struggle” in such a manner that a student feels inclined to take an interest in and enjoy the literature. Analyzing this struggle and making it more relatable would assist students in the process of understanding themselves, which would be valuable for them in the future as well. If students are given the opportunity to become immersed in a curriculum that connects classical literature to their lives, then they would also be able to grasp the importance of other forms of classical media, such as art, music and movies. One of the most important aspects of teaching classical literature is giving students a reason to take the time and make an effort to read it. In order to do that, literature classes must show students that the themes displayed in classical literature do, in fact, play significant roles in their lives. JOANNA LEE
Visit Drivers Ed.com and enter discou nt* code CAH during the o S3 nline payme nt process.
Online Drivers Ed
• Fun, flexible lessons so you pass your permit test • California DMV-approved • 50 free online permit practice tests
Driving Lessons in Your Area • Practice driving in brand-new MINI Coopers! • Free driving-lesson pick-up and drop-off • Licensed instructors teach you to drive Questions? Call us at 1-888-651-AUTO.
Want a fast, easy way to fundraise for your class? Earn a 25% commission and save your friends 15% off drivers ed. Visit www.DriversEd.com/Associate-Programs. *Discount for online drivers ed class only. H_BW_8x10_F31 © 2009 DriversEd.com
DRIVERSED.COM
DRIVERSED.COM
JAMIN SHIH
SPORTS
10
MAY 28, 2010
YES 16
Do you still consider baseball an All American Sport?
percent
NO 84 percent
OUT OF 614 POLLED COMPILED BY JACKIE BREUER
the american past time
AMAR KANTIPUDI
A once beloved sport becomes lost in time
JACKIE NGO sports assistant
Even if you’ve never been to a baseball game, you can still imagine it: fireworks, Cracker Jacks and the national anthem, all united in the great American pastime. So why is it that baseball, once the quintessential national sport, is now so underrated? In this day and age, audiences crave fast-paced sports in which strategy and action are easily accessible, like in football or basketball, leaving equally legitimate sports like baseball in the dust. While all sports involve enormous mental strategy, the particular detail and intricacy that baseball requires are growing increasingly out of touch with the immediate satisfaction that sports fans demand. The result: an under appreciated and misunderstood sport. “A big misconception for people is that we pretty much just stand around,” said senior Josh Chen, varsity player.
Part of the reason is baseball’s complexity: few people today are willing to learn about innings and fouls, and fewer can truly appreciate the nuances that characterize the sport. The mental subtleties of baseball extend far beyond the surface-level observation of a bunch of guys tossing a ball and sprinting around. “Take pitching for example,” said senior Spencer Franks. “Every single pitch is different than the one before, and all the players on the field are constantly making adjustments. The outfielders might be shifting if they think the batter is going to pull it, the catcher might lower his glove if the pitcher is missing high, the batter might stride earlier to catch up with the ball.” Baseball is a sport of strategy, one that requires more than sitting back and expecting immediate entertainment – a quality that television and the Internet have been rapidly popularizing in the action-hungry masses. A long, intricate sports game that demands more effort than simply watching has no place in today’s age of instant gratification.
As journalist David Maraniss once said, “Baseball was a long novel whose story grew in complexity and richness over the course of months; pro football offered a discrete live drama every week, with an uncertain ending.” Yet another reason for baseball’s declining appreciation is the social aspect of our sports culture. Now that audiences can catch quick games in restaurants or watch epic moments on YouTube, many sports have lost their intimate relationship with fans. Baseball used to be a deeply personal and passionate sport, with as many communal barbecues and family outings as there were tarred-and-feathered umpires; now, the sport has lost much of the personal touch that made it so popular. So how can we change the fate of baseball? Fans should realize that sports are not characterized by the speed of the game or the physical strength of the players. So go watch a Giants game, or at least tune in to the World Series the next time it’s on – “Lost” is over anyway.
HEALTHY ATHL-EATS Meal choices provide strength before and after exercise RAHUL VASANTH sports assistant
POWER HUNGRY Zone Perfect The strawberries were unsatisfactory when accompanied by the granola and white chocolate taste. PowerBar Chocolate Caramel
Promax Cookies and Cream This doesn’t actually taste like cookies and cream, but it does taste good. Overall, this bar is satisfactory. Cliff Chocolate Chip
The combination of chocolate and caramel were decent, but the peanuts add unnecessary flavor.
Don’t be scared by its lack of curb appeal, because the taste compensates. It tastes just like a chocolate cookie.
Larabar Cherry Pie Its attempt to imitate a cherry pie failed. From the moment you open the bar to the final swallow, your taste buds will be unsatisfied.
Your taste buds will be happy with this delectable treat. The slight crunch along with optimal mint flavoring makes this energy bar easy to eat.
Luna Bar Smores Don’t be fooled by the name, this energy bar is nothing close to the beloved smore. This bar fails to satisfy an energy-seeking eater.
Atkins Chocolate Chip Granola Bar A first taste it may turn you off, but as you continue to munch on the combination of chocolate, granola and oatmeal your taste buds will adjust.
Balance Gold Chocolate Mint
COMPILED BY JACKIE BREUER
The importance of food consumption is monitored infrequently in comparison to other activities that contribute to the development of an athlete. The diet should be carefully examined and modified to maximize muscular development as well as improve performance during a game. Proper food consumption is vital to muscular development after a rigorous workout. When muscles are torn after a workout, the bonds between them are weakened or broken. As athletes rest, they grow back together stronger than before. Therefore, the most important meal of the day for athletes is immediately after the workout. Studies prove that consuming carbohydrates and protein within 30 minutes of the workout will speed up recovery time by replenishing glycogen stores and increasing protein synthesis. Smoothies are universally accepted, as the taste of unpleasant but healthy powders are masked, while fruits and berries add color to the drink. “After a tough workout where my muscles are popping and I get home, I make a protein smoothie with soy milk and fruits, and after the next couple days my muscles are yolked,” said sophomore Sam Ohyama. While eating healthily over a long period of time helps athletes develop, the days before a game require different foods. “Hydration the day before a match is really important, especially for tennis. I usually drink several cups of water all day until I sleep so I don’t cramp on the courts, and it helps out,” said freshman Manpreet Tiwana. Even though designing the next killer workout or working on flexibility will improve physical fitness, athletes should also take into account what they consume.
11
THE PROSPECTOR
MAY 28, 2010
Black & “ Blue
“
At of ha my rop jump y I k wire trick e, o n mo ow . Ne s w ne x acc ving , my t th ent o o r h ing mi nd d. No n its ip i s of w, its i ow ow t has n n. a
an ul d I t do im we My th ve ate re p frie Ky e sa for foo layi nds t t kn le M me he b ball ng wi ee oy tim al . I ac th p me les. e a l at m cur erf t m His s y n ac ec y f ac os y a t e e. nd br ok e
AL E sen NA O ior TIE N
O
E
EMAZD
RO BR YC E se OW RE nio N IN HA r
ALEX IR junior RT -
“
all sketb A ba My d. and y han hit m inflated b s thum d bubble . t e n i form d the jo ently n a u m o r n ar e p I’m . Now e-jointed l b u do
eld girl At fi key, a d n hoc stick a e, y r he my e ng e g v n to o wu swu e ab she s ed in h m n s hit whe sma and in, she . aga throat my
“
K
HA
YNN DEV or i sen
OC POL
Sprains, scrapes and spills are all part of being involved in sports. These athletes suffered their share of injuries and lived to tell the tale. PHOTOS BY VANI MULKAREDDY COMPILED BY MAX POMMIER
PHOTOESSAY
MAY 28, 2010
12
NOTICES UNNOTICED
W
e traverse through our campus every day, but how often do we really take a second to actually look around? If we were to take the time to truly observe our surroundings, we would notice a plethora of objects that could be easily missed. Take for example the often overlooked CHS sign (far top) shrouded by adjacent trees in front of the bus circle, or the contrasting “No Smoking” sign (top left) on the black fence near the band room. Also, the all so important dumpster (top right)
in the staff parking lot bears some rather interesting labels, inside and out. A far more prominent sign, located on the front entrance of the theater, (center left) boasts a rather innocent looking disability friendly sign, which, when more closely examined, reveals that it has actually been modified to say “diabities” rather than the intended “disabilities.” Another notice to take note of: almost every classroom has enforced security, signified by the sign on most windows around
campus (bottom left). Like the previous picture, there are various “No Smoking” signs around campus, each with a different appearance like this battered-down one near the 600s wing (bottom center). Near the pool, there are various containers used primarily for the additional storage, each with their own unique labeling (bottom right). These signs, despite being overlooked, are all around us. We just have to take the time to observe, and often, appreciate. COMPILED BY AMAR KANTIPUDI