February 2012 Highlander

Racism: is it over?

Center spread

Unique student projects

Page 7

Footloose coming to Carlmont

Page 10

The Highlander Carlmont High School Newspaper Volume III, Issue V, February 2012 See us online at http://scotscoop.com

Decisions, decisions...

Where to find financial aid

By Anna Wheeler News and Opinion Editor

Junior Lana Bakour talks to AP English Language and Spanish IV teacher Martin Turkis about classes for next year at course faire on Jan. 26.

By Kiana Valdez Staff Writer Tension levels rise as students scramble to figure out what classes to take next year.

While students in the senior class will be graduating and attending various different colleges, current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors have begun to visit their counselors to determine what classes they are going to take next year.

With so many classes to choose from, some students get overwhelmed when deciding what to take. Each individual and grade level may influence what classes he or she would want to take.

“With the new CTE credits students should keep in mind different electives that offer CTE credits,” explained Guidance Counselor Theresa Torres.

“Journalism and Biotechnology are some examples of CTE courses,” said Torres.

Other electives include Performing Arts,

Fine Art, and certain Business Computer Studies.

Every student has their own thoughts regarding what classes they would like to take. Not only does it differ from person to person, but also from grade to grade.

Current freshmen Raine Kerhin and Julia Semmler, expressed their thoughts,“I am thinking about taking ASB and Choir for my electives,” said Kerhin.

“I want to take Art. If I don’t play a sport then I will like to take Dance so that I can get all of my P.E. credits,” said Semmler.

Several sophomores are starting to make their own strategies, “I want to take APUSH because I enjoy learning about history.

Other classes I want to take are Advanced Dance and Spanish,” said Kristin Perez.

Current Juniors have much more to think about because they will be seniors next year.

“I might take Ceramics because I need a

Photos by Carly Bertolozzi

continued on page 12

fine art credit and Spanish IV because it looks good on college applications,” said Mauricio Verduzco.

For some people, there are not enough periods in a day to take all the classes that they want to take.

Perez said, “I wish that I could take classes like Art and Ceramics because I always see people come out with cool stuff. Unfortunately, I don’t have enough class periods.”

Now, only students that take a performing arts or band are allowed to have seven continued on page 12

Lights, remodel, action

By Graham Goodwin Staff Writer

On Jan. 18 Carlmont’s frosh-soph soccer team had another game called due to lack of sunlight, leaving the team embarrassed that they could not supply its opponent with a 60-minute match time.

Carlmont parent Jeff Adams expressed his concern on the topic saying, “My son plays on the on the frosh-soph team, and our kids are embarrassed when other teams come to Carlmont to play, and they can’t finish their games because it gets dark.”

However, future games might be played to their full length sooner than many may think as lights are on the way.

Carlmont High School is on the verge of attaining a stadium overhaul that would change the scheduling of future practices

In today’s economy, money is tight for many students and families On top of having to pay for the basics necessities, parents and high school students have to worry about paying for college tuition as well.

“I feel that the prices for tuition nowadays are ridiculous,” said Danielle Rosenduft, “college is for learning and it shouldn’t depend on a person’s financial situation whether they go to college or not.”

Private schools are typically very costly.

For example, Santa Clara University’s tuition and room and board comes out to about $51,000 per year, while Pepperdine University’s tuition and room and board averages at around $60,000 per year.

The cost of tuition and room and board at UCs for in-state students is around $26,400.

For out-of-state students, tuition and room and board is about $50,000.

“I really think that UCs need to work on making tuition more affordable for the average citizen,” said Nick Monteiro.

California state universities are significantly less expensive than private universities. For in-state students, the cost of tuition and room and board typically is somewhere around $18,000. For out-of-state students, it is closer to around $30,000.

and games.

As of now, Carlmont is the only school in the Sequoia Union High School district without permanent field lights.

In lacking lights, Carlmont cannot hold evening sporting events, and practices are scrunched in after school.

Sophomore Jake Retchless explains how darkness has hindered the Scots in the past.

“It gets really hard to see the ball and the game just seems to die out,” Rendering of planned construction from the District Office Carlmont. he said.

“I’m anticipating lights next year; it’s a Rumors of lights have been floating around Carlmont for years but this gossip of very, very strong possibility,” said Crame.

The school district has officially put tothe past is finally looking like it might come gether a game plan for Carlmont to receive true. lights, new turf, a sound system and Administrative Vice Principal Ralph Crame is optimistic that lights will come to continued on page 12

WASC coming to Carlmont

By Matthew Harris Staff Writer

A visiting team of six teachers and educators from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) will be coming to Carlmont from Feb. 26 to the 29 to evaluate Carlmont’s academic standards.

Every six years, WASC randomly selects teachers from other WASC affiliated schools to go and review other schools.

During the evaluation students can expect to see visitors in classes and walking around at lunch and students may be pulled aside during class to be asked about their experiences at Carlmont and what they are learning that day in class.

The goal of the evaluation is to obtain a WASC accreditation. WASC gives accreditations to schools which provide a quality education to its students; things such as class size, grade point averages, AP enrollment and student behavior are some of the factors considered for an accreditation.

“The school is incentivized for good performance, and ensures the legitimacy of your diploma,” commented history teacher and WASC co-chairperson Kris Weisman.

Fellow WASC co-chair Linda Garvey added, “It’s important that schools go through a self-study process and students are assured of a quality education [through WASC].”

A WASC survey of about 700 students taken last April shows that the majority of students at Carlmont feel that their classes are challenging and teach important critical skills. continued on page 12

News and Opinions

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SOPA attemps to end Internet piracy The Stop Online Piracy Act, or SOPA, is a recently introduced bill created with the intent of putting an end to Internet piracy once and for all.

For years, digital media developers have been helpless victims of the digital age’s newest variety of theft: Internet piracy.

Copyrighted music, movies, games, software, and more have all been subject to illegal upload and download from countless sources, including file sharing websites and peerto-peer intermediaries.

However, despite the commendability of the bill’s intentions, there have been many protests against it.

“I am against SOPA. It infringes on First Amendment rights in a modern-day sense. I also don’t like the fact that the main foundation reason for its existence is monetary,” stated senior Lina Tsvirkunova.

Sophomore James Baskerville seconded Tsvirkunova’s opinions, saying, “I believe that if SOPA was passed, it could abused and be used to limit and even destroy the freedom inherently part of and crucial to the Internet.”

SOPA was proposed by U.S representative Lamar S. Smith to bolster U.S. law enforcement’s ability to fight online trafficking of copyrighted intellectual property and counterfeit goods.

If passed, SOPA will demand that advertising networks and payment facilities stop conducting business with infringing websites. Likewise, Internet search engines and service providers will be required to block access to such web pages.

This law would also expand on existing criminal laws regarding unauthorized streaming of copyright material, allowing a maximum penalty of five years in prison for convicted offenders.

Proponents of the bill claim that it protects the intellectual property market and corresponding industry jobs. They Graphic by Anna Wheeler

Should SOPA be passed?

16% of students said yes 84% of students said no

believe SOPA is necessary to successfully enact copyright laws, especially against offshore websites.

“I support SOPA because my dad is a professional musician, so he doesn’t appreciate it when music of his colleagues or other musicians are pirated or stolen. People have worked hard to produce online or digital creations and it is very unfair for another to steal the work and distribute to millions without the creator’s consent,” affirmed sophomore Zhenya Farrington.

Some companies that support this bill include Electronic Arts, Inc., Walmart, and Juicy Couture.

Electronic Arts, Inc. stated, “Rogue Used with Creative Commons license websites – those singularly devoted to Reddit and 7,000 other smaller websites protested against profiting from their blatant illegal piracy – restrict demand SOPA, coordinating an Internet blackout on Jan. 18, 2012 for legitimate video game products and services, thereby and publicizing links and images denouncing SOPA’s unfair costing jobs. Our industry needs effective remedies to facets. address this specific problem, and we support the House Wikipedia claimed that over 160 million people viewed and Senate proposals to achieve this objective.” their banner, while Google stated that it collected over 7 Although a number companies support SOPA, some million signatures. students state that this will not dissuade them from buying Their efforts, together with the remonstrations of their products; however, it will not increase their desire to numerous other websites, spurred boycotts of companies purchase from such companies, either. supporting the legislation, as well as a New York City “If I like the product, I’m not going to boycott it. protest held against the bill.

However, I am less likely to like the product with the Ultimately, the combined efforts of Internet domains and knowledge that they support SOPA,” stated Tsvirkunova. users alike did not go to waste. On Jan. 20, 2012, House Furthermore, those in opposition to SOPA claim that the Judiciary Committee Chairman Smith postponed plans to act threatens free speech and enables law enforcement to draft the bill illegitimately block access to an entire Internet domain in Although there are still other bills such as ACTA and PIPA response to infringing material posted on a single blog or that are very similar to SOPA, some students are certain that web page. any new laws regarding piracy will not be passed.

Critics also fear that the bill will propagate Internet “The public outcry was too great, and it was shelved. censorship, leading to inevitable violation of our nation’s However, ACTA has already been ratified for the U.S by First Amendment rights.

Obama, and that should be a major concern for Internet “Nowadays, freedom of speech on the Dwellers,” stated Baskerville.

Internet should be included on the web and However, others believe that SOPA’s ideas retain the by muting our voice because we do things possibility of being corroborated in the form of similar corporations don’t like should be considered policies. unconstitutional. It is also driven by economic “Unfortunately, I do believe it will be passed because reasons, which I just feel is a ridiculous way although a larger percentage of people are against it rather to decide why rights should be limited,” stated than for it, the people/groups that support the bill have Tsvirkunova. significantly more power over all,” lamented Tsvirkunova.

Similarly, Baskerville noted that, “SOPA Online piracy is undoubtedly an issue requiring is similar to what they have in China, with greater attention from international law enforcement the censorship of the Internet. SOPA is bad agencies.

However, it is in the best interest of the majority because it could give any company with the of Internet users and affiliates that future laws preventing reasonable belief that a website was hosting piracy will not result in the unjust censoring of the Internet. or connected with material that possibly infringes on copyright, which would severely limit the freedom of the Internet.”

In response to this proposed bill, Wikipedia, On Jan. 18, Wikipedia,and several other websites, coordinated “an Internet blackout” in response to the proposed bill.

By Sabrina Leung Staff Writer

Schools are not preparing students for the workfield There are not enough courses offered to prepare students for specific occupations

By Alex Porter Features Editor

Our school system does not shed enough light on a number of career options available in the “real world.”

The current high school course selection limits young high school students’ opportunities to help discover their futures.

Today, the “high school experience” is becoming more associated with the long hours of studying and the bountiful amount of homework instead of enjoying youth and discovering yourself.

It seems as if high school has lost its true purpose - providing a well-rounded education for forthcoming citizens.

High schools these days are channeling more of the studies into a heavy, textbook-

based curriculum, scoring advanced on standardized tests, and cramming in too much extra information.

Teachers place too much focus on the fundamental subjects and do not allow room for elective subjects that are just as useful.

With so many requirements and expectations from students, decisions become based on what is going to look best on applications or need the credits needed to get out of high school and into college.

Students should be able to enjoy their learning experience as well as not feel restricted in their choices simply to meet certain demands.

Kids should not have to “settle” and waste their time on a class that does not interest them just to reach a certain amount of points.

A simple solution is supply better elective choices. Elective choices that are not only fun, but interactive and helpful for students in shaping their futures.

For all of those familiar with old TV programs like Ned’s Declassified School

Survival Guide or Eddie’s Million Dollar Cook-off, remember watching them experience high school classes that included woodshop and cooking?

But in reality, not many teenagers receive the opportunity to experience those more “hands-on” classes.

High school needs to provide these kinds of electives which are suitable and effective in everyday life and that appeal to a wider range of careers.

It is wrong and sad that students are not given these opportunities, because these skills provide different tools for jobs.

It is true, as the years go by our culture changes and job fields change as well. After all, who needs to know how to sew on a button, or cook a steak, or rewire lights in the backyard, or fix the fountain?

The answer is everyone should know how to do these things. They are basic skills used in households.

Not only are they basic, but these fields branch off into more complex work like plumbing, electrician, mechanic,

construction, and other “hands-on” jobs.

Sure, high schools cannot provide an individual class for each trade, but there are alternatives elective classes that practice different skills.

In fact Carlmont is starting to develop classes that provide skills necessary for professions with the Career Technical Education, or CTE, credits.

Courses such as journalism, engineering, film critique, and video production, provide skills that can be applied to real jobs.

Take journalism for example: it enhances your writing, gets you involved with marketing, uses design techniques, allows exposure to the field of communications, and features artistic exploration with photography.

If high schools focused more on these kinds of subjects instead of the highest test score, we would not only have happier students, but students who are striving specifically for their own desires in enriching their futures.

News and Opinions

Page 3

Editorial: Possible change Banning marriage based on sexual orientation is wrong in payment of college tuition is a good idea

By Kellan McDonough Staff Writer

University of California officials are currently circulating the idea of instituting an alternative UC tuition plan that would abolish the tuition and replace it with a post-graduation payment plan.

It is still too early to tell if, how, or when this new idea will be implemented, but if an alternative tuition is introduced to the UC system, it would no doubt yield some benefits for many students and families. Among those benefits include more applicants, less stressful application process, etc.

Students at UC Riverside proposed this alternative in an effort to combat the continually increasing tuition costs. The new proposal eliminates tuition and instead requires graduates to pay five percent of their income from wages back to the university over the course of two decades.

The cost of attending a University of California for undergraduates on average is $13,000-not including room and board, books and supplies, or other campus fees.

Implementing this new policy could potentially help many students and families afford the costs of college and cope with additional fees on a more manageable level. Simply thinking about tuition costs can be very overwhelming for students and their families making a post-graduation payment plan more desirable.

During the University of California regents meeting held at UC Riverside in January, system President showed keen interest in the proposal and ensured that the plan would be studied. Included in the plan would be a way to pay for room and board and the plan even accounts those who are unemployed to skip payments.

Despite the complications and obstacles

that could arise in implementing the payment plan, it’s worth giving it a trial run.

Abolishing tuition for students while they attend the university has the potential to spike the number of college applicants even more and yield more revenue for the university to help pay for the education.

The average cost of attending a private fouryear university is $30,000 per year. Students and families who are faced with this tuition cost are posed with the challenge of searching and applying for scholarships.

With tuition prices so high and continuously rising, many students are opting for a cheaper education by enrolling in junior colleges for a couple of years prior to applying to four-year universities.

Whether or not the cost of attending college is the reason for students opting to attend a junior college first, advertising an “attend now, pay later” might give ambitious students more incentive to pursue a fouryear degree.

These colleges are dependent on the fact that their graduating students will make a sufficient income and therefore will be able to pay back the school.

If this program were to be implemented, it would be beneficial for both students and colleges alike.

For the students, they would get a “free” education now and then pay for it later. For the colleges, they would get more money in the long run because students are not trying to get multiple scholarships and students may earn an income that pays back more than a normal tuition would.

If schools were to adapt to this program it would allow more students to go to college because the price is basically waived while completing an education.

“Abolishing tuition for students while they attend the university has the potential to spike the number of college applicants even more and yield more revenue for the university to help pay for the education.”

unfair and absolutely prejudice.

In California, the Supreme Court stopped the ban on same-sex marriage on May 15, 2008. This made California the second state to allow gay marriage, the first being MasAs individuals, sachusetts. we tend to make Then, opponents of gay marriage creopinions about ated Proposition 8, allowing only marriage matters that we between a man and a woman, in November have no business 2008. On May 26, 2009, the California judging. Gay Supreme Court passed Proposition 8, but marriage was legal in California before claimed that previous gay marriages before being discontinued, and in other states it is the proposition remained valid. completely illegal and frowned upon.

However, on February 7, 2011, ProposiAllowing gay marriage does not change tion 8 was ruled unconstitutional because it the meaning of marriage. Advocates for gay banned gay couples the right to get married. marriages want the same commitment and This is a major breakthrough and is pushsecurity that traditional marriage offers. ing the issue into the hands of the Supreme According to www.freedomtomarry.org, Court.

“Gay and lesbian couples may seem difEven though we are making huge strides ferent from straight couples, but we share towards equality, gay marriage will probsimilar values - like the importance of ably not be family and legalized helping out for a long our neightime. This is bors; worunfair conries - like sidering how making ends many more meet or the straight marpossibility of riages are losing a job; ending with and hopes divorce. and dreams According - like finding to Jennifer that special Baker of someone to the Forest grow old Institute of with, and Professional standing in Used with Creative Commons license Psychology front of friends and family in Springfield, Missouri, 50% to make a lifetime commitment.” percent of first marriages, 67% of second Gay marriage should not be treated as and 74% of third marriages end in divorce. something disgusting or unheard of, but As Gay Marriage USA said on their Facerather as something normal and usual, like book wall, “43-50% of traditional marriages the straight marriages that we are used to. end, but somehow it is same-sex marriage The United States is constantly trying to that is going to ‘destroy the institution of modernize our technology, government, and marriage? Really?’” way of life. Change and the acceptance of Kim Kardashian was married for 72 days, change is taught at such a young age. So but people cannot come to terms with two why can’t our society accept the changing people who truly care about each other getnorm of marriage? ting married?

We cannot hold a prejudice against a Do not hide who you are just to conform relationship based on love. People are conto what society thinks of as normal. Doctor stantly asking for world peace, but how can Seuss summed it up best in his quote, “Be we accomplish this when we can’t accept a who you are and say what you feel, because custom based on love? those who mind don’t matter and those who Gay or lesbian people do not “choose to matter don’t mind.” be gay” and being gay is not a disease or sickness. Claims like these are completely

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Features

Page 4

Rumors of rowdy raves are not reality

By Selina Sorensen Staff Writer and Alex Porter Features Editor

When asked about raves, most people instantly think drugs, sex, drinking, and a lack of responsible actions.

But these assumptions are not necessarily true. In a poll, 52 percent of Carlmont students believed that raves were safe.

Nicole Roberts, a junior, stated, “You have to go with the right people, the right group of friends.”

These parties are a place where people go to socialize and enjoy usually a live performance by a DJ that plays a variety of music such as trance, house, techno, break beat, hardstyle and the most popular - dubstep.

It is true, raves are infested with drugs and alcohol, but that does not necessarily mean that every single teen is going to be drinking

a bottle of vodka or doing a line off the bathroom sink.

Because raves are a free for all, an individual must know what to expect and know what to do in certain circumstances.

Roberts continued saying, “Don’t take stuff from people you don’t know, because you’re not aware of what it is or what it can do to you.”

Raves are not meant to be an excuse for teens to participate in illegal actions. They are meant for people to have fun and enjoy music, just like going to a country or hip-hop concert.

In fact, like people at any other musical concert, rave-goers want to have a good time without any complications to ruin the experience.

There are two types of raves, legal raves and raves known as “undergrounds.”

Raves usually get their misconceptions from undergrounds, which take place in basements or other secretive areas and do not have any official type of security.

“There is no security at undergrounds, so you can literally walk in with a whole thing of alcohol and no one will care,” said an anonymous source.

Since raves and underage teenagers with illegal substances go hand-in-hand, the last thing people want are the ambulance or police getting called in fear of getting shut down.

Whereas legal raves have security as well as paramedics onscene in case an incident were to

“In a poll, 52 percent of Carlmont students believed that raves were safe”

break out, this makes it a lot harder to sneak in any kind of illegal drink and/or paraphernalia.

This environment is safer which supports the higher popularity of the two, allowing a larger audience to experience the hyped-up atmosphere.

Being safe, smart, Photo by sfllaw via Flickr and Creative Commons and responsible are key actions that should be taken by Raves started becoming popular ravers instead of being neglected. in Europe during the 1980s. They In the end, people can say what started in England and took place they want about raves, rightfully in abandoned warehouses and accusing them of illegal actions, open fields. but it is solely up to the individual When they finally found their to make what they believe are the way to America, they became responsible choices. over-glorified, attracting thouAnd the majority of Carlmont sands of people which led them to students agree. Most do not find become a trend. raves to be unsafe and as teenagToday’s society has already ers continue to participate in them, started to label the youth the “rave there is a small chance of them generation.” going away.

Stress relief is overdue Music companies How teachers help out when school stress becomes too much for students to handle

By Kristen Dames Staff Writer Everyone feels stress.

School, homework, and teachers are often the last straw in a teenager’s day.

Students encounter dozens of causes of stress on a daily basis, most of them coming from the classroom.

Ranging from traumatic events to every-day events bring about different levels of stress.

Teenage hormones can increase the average amount of stress in a students life. The developing body and mind are constantly at war with the harmful symptoms of stress.

Fatigue, depression, and eating and sleep disorders are common results of extreme stress.

Teachers can often add stress to the already problematic lives of teens, but many strive to help their students. “[Students] should come in and tell me. If they do, they will automatically get reductions and assistance. If someone seeks help, you have to do everything you can, I don’t believe in ‘suck it up,’” said history teacher Cyriakos Nichols.

Many students often have more than just school to worry about. With friends, family, relationships, work and sports, a teacher’s pressure is the last thing they need.

“I think teachers can pile us up with homework and not care about what goes on at home, because most of them don’t know about our home lives,” said Melissa Maza, a sophomore. .

Teachers and students often butt heads when it comes to work loads.

Spanish teacher Madeline Fox said, “Spanish is an academic class, it is not easy.” Some of her students would agree.

Nick Adams, a sophomore student of Fox’s Spanish II class said, “Spanish gives me the most stress.” Adams later suggested that teachers assign less homework to minimize student stress loads.

The blame for stress is often placed on the activities students do, such as homework, but so many fail to realize stress can build

cheated of product Illegally downloading music becomes popular

By Conrad May Staff Writer

photo by Kristen Dames

up from the things students do not do.

“I would recommend physical exercise, a healthy diet, and getting adequate amounts of sleep,” suggested Fox. Although Fox admitted, “I’m not a doctor,” she was right about staying healthy.

Exercise releases endorphins, or chemicals in the body, that help battle stress.

Healthy eating habits can also help because they keep the body happy and strong.

Everyone copes with stress in different ways, but it is important to cope in healthy ways.

Self-destructive tactics are unhealthy and unhelpful for long term stress or problems.

“It’s hard to find an outlet for stress, because there are not a lot of people you can trust,” said sophomore Gina Mireles.

People that are always avaliable are the counslers, staff, and teachers at Carlmont.

The little things, whether it is providing advice or decreasing the amount of homework, can help reduce stress levels.

Finding ways to release stress is important. Just taking time out of the day to be with friends, listen to music, or play a quick game can help motivate a person to complete the stressful tasks they are faced with.

“I just take a break some times. Listen to music or watch T.V. You can’t always have the stress in your head, because it will get to you,” said Maza.

If all attempts at stress relief fail, never be afraid to ask for help. If help is not available at home, the Carlmont staff and teachers are always willing to lend a hand.

Music pirating is a fast way to save a couple of dollars, but it has many side effects.

The music industry is effected negatively and when an individual is caught, giant fines are placed on him or her.

Illegally downloading music is common among teenagers and has recently become more popular due to the increase in cost of non-pirated music.

In a recent poll, 66 percent of Carlmont students admitted to pirating music.

Much of the increase is due to the rise of cost of music on iTunes or Amazon.

Music on iTunes was brought up to $1.29, resulting in larger amounts of people having started to switch over to pirating to save those few precious dollars.

Originally, it cost $0.99 on iTunes to purchase a song, but the number of illegal pirates inflated as the cost of music goes up.

Sophomore Brandon Moyle said, “I got annoyed when iTunes raised the cost to buy a song but I still buy my music legally. I know people that switched over to downloading music illegally because it is becoming too expensive to buy a song.”

Music recordings may not be copied or distributed without the consent of the owner. Whenever these rules are broken, it is considered pirating and breaks a series of laws.

When someone is caught pirating music, it amounts up to at least $750 per song that was illegally downloaded.

According to RIAA, pirating music is a felony that can wind up costing up to $250,000 and five years jail time. One out of every five pieces of software is unlicensed.

Moyle then went on to say, “I think that music pirating is bad for the economy, but some people can’t afford to pay for their music.”

Freshman Pierce Bartolo said, “I never knew that there was such a big fine for pirating music. I always thought that it was immoral for people to pirate music but nobody ever actually got caught.”

But it is for this reason many people feel comfortable pirating music, even though they know they are commiting a federal crime.

This problem has lead to many other issues in the music industry and directly caused there to be less CD sold and many other financial problems.

Bartolo then said, “For me, music just isn’t important enough to break the law and risk paying thousands of dollars in fines.”

Many students do not download their music illegally because it is illegal, risky and not only hurts the income of the musicians, but also the economy.

According to a study done by the Institute of Policy Innovation, an annual $12.5 billion dollars worth of music is illegally downloaded each year and it cost $2 billion dollars directly to United States workers.

Although music pirating is cheap and quick, it is affecting people everyday.

Have you ever illegally downloaded music?

34% said NO

66% said YES

Features

Page 5

Teen clubs are not for everyone

Although figuratively appealing, students express their likes and dislikes on teen clubs

By Courtney Heatherington Staff Writer What kid has not dreamt of going out to a steamy, up-beat nightclub when they get older?

Well nowadays, teens do not just have to wait for those days; they can live up to their dreams by rendez-vousing at local teen clubs.

The popular teen clubs locally consist of Club Starz in Palo Alto and Klub Ice located in Santa Clara, San Jose and San Francisco.

Each club is available to teens ages 14-18 only and Klub Ice is exclusive to only high school students.

Both clubs are usually open on select days over the weekends or Fridays, with exceptions over certain school breaks.

They are held at night, generally from around seven to midnight depending on the club.

Different, fun themes are chosen for each event such as “Neon Party,” “Pajama Jam,” “Foam Party,” “Welcome to the Jungle,” and so much more.

The exciting themes along with the affordable prices of only $15-20, encourage teens from all over to attend.

The publicity received on Facebook and other social networking sites help boost these clubs

to being the hit that they are, especially among some Carlmont students.

Numerous Carlmont students have attended these teen clubs, and have mixed responses and experiences.

However, all students asked about these teen clubs can vouch that their safety policy was good, contrary to what some may believe.

Senior Lucia Ledezma said, “Yeah, I even saw some kids being refused access to the club because they had drugs.”

Both of these teen clubs claim to have strict security, requiring ID’s that prove their age or high school enrollment and they have security guards that conduct full body checks of all the guests.

In an attempt to keep it a safe place free of drugs or alcohol, bottled drinks, gum, mints and other paraphernalia are all prohibited and will be confiscated.

An abundance of information can be found on their websites to ensure parents of their child’s safety. But in some cases, the reputation of these clubs trumps this for some parents.

Junior, Jeff Sudmeier said, “One time I was invited to go with some of my friends, but my parents wouldn’t let me. They didn’t believe that the club would be alcohol-free and was turned off after seeing some of the pictures on the site. It sucked ‘cause my friends said they had fun.”

Students that have attended these clubs, such as Miranda Santana say that the club was free of any substances.

“I didn’t see any, everyone was just all over each other,” she said.

Many people have problems with teen clubs for this very reason. Some believe these teen clubs promote bad morals, as “everyone [is] just all over each

other” while wearing skimpy clothes.

Ledezma has gone to teen club events in the past and agrees.

“A lot of the girls who I saw there looked trashy and were doing things with guys they hadn’t even said more than two words with!

It was weird.”

The promiscuity of the dancing and the provocative clothing (or lack there of) was a common factor that all teen club attendees can agree on.

These clubs are mainly targeted for single audiences as a main purpose of attending is to meet people and dance the night away.

Unfortunately, many say that “creepers” are abundant at the teen clubs and ready to dance, or rather invade personal space.

“I was having so much fun dancing until this one guy got way too close,” Santana said.

Although some were not satisfied with all aspects the teen club had to offer, some left with new found friends.

“I only went for my friend’s birthday. I didn’t really enjoy it because there were so many creeps there. I got lucky to meet a guy who was just as creeped out as I was and we’ve been good friends ever since!” said Jasmine Rishi, a junior at Carlmont.

Even with the “creeps” factored in, many agreed that they had a good time, but do not recommend it for all, as the mass of people and sweat could be a major turn off for some. illustration by Isabella Paragas

By Nikos Frazier Business Manager

For over twenty years, dreams have been answered with countless advances in consumer electronics, from the first laptop, to the first smart phone.

But now, after 38 years, Tobii Technology, Microsoft Corporation and Lenovo have introduced the Gaze; which, if it meets approval, will spark a whole new era in computer technology.

The Tobii Gaze utilizes several cameras mounted in the 13 x 2 inch panel positioned directly underneath the screen of a Lenovo laptop.

The cameras follow the users eyes and track the movements of the pupil. As the user’s eyes move, the cursors move.

PCPro stated that the Gaze device is “either embedded in a laptop (Lenovo produced a few last year) or via a peripheral device to track where on the screen you’re looking. The cameras shine a light up at the user’s eyes, gathering

information about two spots where the light reflects, and the point where red eye would be if it were a photograph feeding that back to create a 3D model.”

Tobii also announced that the Gaze would also scroll, highlight and zoom while the eye interacts with the interface.

This advancement not only offers an unique and better product for the consumer sector, but also is speculated to be applied in the military.

This advantage could be used in tight spaces such as a submarine or naval aircraft carriers.

Tobii announced that the Gaze is only programmed to the Windows 8 platform, and so far has not indicated whether or not it will be compatible with any other operating systems.

“Ease of use, reliability and outstanding performance were our design goals for the PCEye(Gaze)…I believe that we have created a device that satisfies a very important need – those with high cognitive levels and motor skill impairments

now have the computer access they need to lead a more independent life,” stated Oscar Werner, executive vice president at Tobii Technology.

Not only does the Gaze provide aid to the disabled, but also is able to be utilized by those with glasses, contacts, and individuals with only one eye.

The Gaze also has a short calibration to use the interface, which has a duration of only 30-45 seconds.

To personalize and protect users, the computer responds specifically to their eyes. New users have to have their eyes calibrated to the device to use it.

Though there are no pressing problems discovered at the unveiling at CES in January, users did note that the device can become confused if there are more than two eyes inside its range, and will respond by trying to follow two different sets of eyes.

Henrik Eskilsson, CEO and co-founder of Tobii, told reporters at a press meeting, “Pointing at

photo from Tobii press conference

Gazing into the future of Windows

The new interface of the Tobii Gaze follows eye movement to the computer screen enabling the user’s eye to navigate the web page.

something by looking at it is intuitive, natural and immediate. Using a mouse to do the same thing is less so as it involves an intermediate step of moving a mouse-pointer around.”

Arguing with Eskilsonn, Marcella Haddad commented, “Sometimes I glance at the most random stuff, and it would open the most

random applications.”

These kinks still have time to be worked out as neither Tobii, Windows nor Lenovo have not announced or leaked a release date for the Gaze.

As consumers look to the future of the mouse, now being replace by the eyes, one can only think, “What comes next?”

Campus

Page 6

The other side of the lunch lines

The responsibilities and duties of Pit Stop employees

By Chris Leong Staff Writer

Graphic by Gabby D’Souza

Steps in a school day The amount of walking done on campus

By Chloe Scott Staff Writer Walking is one of the most popular and easiest forms of physical activity among Carlmont students. Students walk to school, walk from class to class, and walk around during lunch, which are just some of the ways they engage in this activity.

The Mayo Clinic has evidence that exercise such as walking positively affects the levels of certain mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain, which means that walking makes the brain and body happy, as well as improving the walker’s overall mood.

For some students, having to walk around Carlmont’s big campus can be a hassle, especially having to go up and down all the stairs and ramps.

Students, such as freshman Katelyn McGrath, do not walk around Carlmont’s campus as much as they think they do.

When given a pedometer, McGrath only walked 2,283 steps around campus in one day and later expressed that she was surprised that she only walked a little over 2,000 steps considering she has Biotech in U-Hall.

Research from the website America Walks has shown those that walk an average of 20,00025,000 steps per week outlive those that don’t.

Walking also has some major benefits such as the reduction of body fat, maintaining a healthy blood pressure, and a lower risk of bone fracture.

Doctors from the Walking Site recommend that people walk at

least 10,000 steps per day, which is about five miles.

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, walking can help make you look and feel younger, and can help you maintain a positive outlook on life, which is always a good thing among high school students.

Senior Jason Wong guessed that he would walk around 7,000 steps. When given the pedometer for the school day, he walked 7,848 steps, almost 4 miles.

One way to keep track of how many steps people take per day is to wear a pedometer, which counts steps, miles and calories.

When seven Carlmont students were given pedometers for the school day, they walked an average of 4,086 steps and a total of 28,607 steps.

On average, there are about 2,000 steps per mile for an adult, and about 100 calories per mile, but everyone is different. This means that walkers can shed about ten pounds per year without changing a thing, except for improving their walking habits.

Walking is also a physical activity that can improve thinking, which is probably why students are not allowed to have individual Segways.

Not one of the students made it to, or over, 10,000 steps, and they were surprised.

Photo by Steven Tsujisaka

Sophomore Kalila Kirk, who walked 4,271 steps, said, "I thought I would have walked more because it's a big campus." This is a common belief among some students, that because Carlmont is such a big campus, they must walk thousands and thousands of steps.

Five out of seven of the Carlmont students who used the pedometer over guessed the amount of steps that they take per school day.

But in reality, how many steps you take depends entirely on your schedule, the longer walks you have, the closer you are to the desired 10,000.

The average adult walks only an average of 1,000 to 3,000 steps per day, which is a lot less than 10,000.

Junior Nathan Callahan walked 5,818 steps and said, “I’m impressed I walked that much but I thought I would walk more because of all the stairs and ramps and how much of a hill Carlmont is.”

Working at one of the three Pit Stops on campus is an opportunity for students to earn money, serve fellow students, and obtain a free meal.

Every day, there are students who purchase their food at one of the Pit Stops located within Carlmont High School. There is one Pit Stop in the student union, as well as two additional Pit Stops located near the quad.

Every day, student employees leave their fourth period class five minutes early in order to prepare for the coming lunch rush. They also wake up early to serve those who arrive to school for breakfast.

Senior Monali Dholakia works very hard at the Pit Stop on a daily basis.

“I would come to school early in the mornings so I wouldn't be late for class, and they needed people to work and so I joined,” said Dholakia, “and it's pretty good working there since the people who work there are really nice.”

Senior AJ Middlemist also enjoys working alongside fellow students at the Pit Stop.

Though he loves his job, sometimes he and the Pit Stop staff face some difficulty involving the food.

“I do enjoy working at the cafeteria because it is fun and you get to meet new people,” said Middlemist, “I would have to say the most difficult part of my job would be running around the kitchen when my location is out of food for the time.”

Pit stop manager Tracey McGuinness is in charge of her student employees and the lunch program.

She works hard to keep the Pit Stop smoothly functioning on a daily basis.

“The workers are very polite,” said McGuinness, “and I enjoy them very much.”

McGuinness does a great job of organizing the food program and seeing that day to day operations run according to plan. Thanks to her, many hungry students are fed each day.

Junior Jeff

Sudmeier shows a strong disinterest in working at the Pit Stops.

“I don't think I would [work at a Pit Stop] because I like spending the time at lunch with friends,” said Sudmeier, “Plus, if I have some homework to catch up on, I can use that spare lunch time to go to a classroom and finish that instead.”

Junior Billy Tabakis will also not be joining the Pit Stop staff.

“I wouldn't work there because it just doesn't seem like a really fun job,” said Tabakis, “and I really don't like sitting behind a counter all day.”

However, junior Kendall Shafe disagrees.

Although she’s already an employee at Yoppi Yogurt, Shafe recommends working as a Pit Stop employee during lunch.

“I think it's a great way to earn money,” said Shafe, “You can make money without using up time after school.”

In the morning, some students come to purchase breakfast.

During breakfast, the food outlet serves muffins, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and the occasional breakfast burrito, to hungry students.

But there are also more food choices offered at lunch time. This includes spicy chicken sandwiches, burgers, green salads, pizza slices, burritos, and occasional weekly specials such as chicken teriyaki, corn dogs, and chicken nuggets.

According to Pit Stop manager Tracey McGuinness, the food is delivered by the Central Kitchen.

After it arrives, the Pit Stop student employees serve hundreds of hungry students.

Student employees shared that after they are hired by the school district, they earn eight dollars an hour and are entitled to a free daily meal as well.

In addition to this, they are occasionally allowed to eat any leftover food items that were not sold on that day.

Although students that work at the Pit Stop sacrifice having free-time during lunch, their job has many benefits as well as responsibilities.

“...the most difficult part of my job would be running around the kitchen when my location is out of food.”

Photo by Carly Bertolozzi

Student Spotlight The stories of five students pursuing ambitions

Andrew Durlofsky

Selling shirts with swag

By Carly Bertolozzi Campus Editor

The ambition and drive of Carlmont students was exemplified by two peers who developed their own apparel company and are now selling their products to many supportive Carlmont students.

Omeed Ansari and Andrew Durlofsky, two juniors, are a few of Carlmont’s emerging entrepreneurs and have now developed their own line of T-shirts.

A friend named Xander Merian, who attends Sequoia High School, is also a co-partner of their company, Swag Affiliated, which is soon to go through a name change to Affiliated Apparel.

The three friends were struck with the idea for their company while walking down the streets of San Francisco, a city of inspiration for young entrepreneurs kick starting their careers.

After putting up the funding, designing the T-shirts, and promoting their products through their website, swagaffiliated.com, Ansari and Durlofsky have made a significant progress, selling 20 shirts in a little over two weeks.

The boys are supported by many people, including friends, teachers, and Robert Ri’chard. Although Ri’chard is currently unaffiliated with the company, he previously showed interest in providing assistance to Ansari, Durlofsky and Merian.

David Talcott, a newly hired physics teacher at Carlmont High School, has demonstrated his confidence in the company.

In order to show his support of the apparel company’s cause, Talcott was provided with a free T-shirt and proudly modeled the company’s product.

He even conveyed to a few of his classes the pride he has in students like Ansari and Durlofsky, who take initiative and make a passion or dream a reality.

“I wanted to support my students who were excited about the project. Nothing makes me happier than students being creative. There’s not enough of that at school,” Talcott elaborated.

Omeed Ansari

Rebecca Garner

Megan Rosek

Putting inspiration to the pages

By Steven Tsujisaka Online Editor

Most students in high school are more focused on homework, jobs, and planning their future for college than extracurricular activities or hobbies, however there are a number of students doing extraordinary things out in the world.

Rebecca Garner and Megan Rosek, who are both freshman students at Carlmont, are just two of the many students on campus who are taking their hobbies and putting them into good use.

After enduring every moment reading Kate Emerson’s Secrets of the Tudor Court: The Pleasure Palace, Garner began to ponder about writing her own book. Inspired by Emerson’s book, Garner began working on a novel, Courting Survival: A story of Tudor England, set in the 1500s about a 15-year-old girl named Katherine.

Katherine, an adopted child, ran away from her home to search for someone with any knowledge of her biological mother, who was a prostitute.

While searching for her mother, Katherine met a man, Edward, who had information of her mother’s whereabouts, but wouldn’t tell Katherine anything until she did a favor for him. During her time working for Edward, Katherine began to develop a romantic relationship with him.

Garner has been working on the book since the seventh grade. The story idea was based off of another written piece by Garner that grew into a novel. Currently, Garner is half way done with more than 20 chapters completed, and hopes someday her novel will be published.

“I want others to have the same feeling that I did after I finished reading The Pleasure Palace,” Garner stated, “I want someone to be inspired by my novel to write their own book.”

Garner’s rough draft has been read by more than 2,000 people on FictionPress.com, a website where people can publish their books to receive feedback from other users.

From her experience working at a local animal shelter and owning two dogs herself, Rosek wrote her own novel about an abandoned dog, Skylar, who ran away into the forest and met a wolf named Brandon, who Skylar later fell in love with.

While on her journey in the forest with Brandon, they both come across another wolf, whose mom was killed by hunters.

Rosek began writing her novel when she was in the sixth grade along with a group of friends. Jessica, one of Rosek’s friends, has already completed and published a novel, which Rosek hopes will happen with her novel sometime in the future.

Luke Li

Music made more manageable

By Carly Bertolozzi Campus Editor

After becoming fed up with the repetitiveness of downloading individual songs from the Internet, Carlmont High School junior Luke Li decided to form his own website in order to listen to music, share it with friends, and form playlists.

Instead of wasting time and money purchasing music from iTunes or other downloading sites, Li encompassed his ingenuity and fair amount of programming skills, which were acquired from his father, into putting a variety of songs onto his website.

“I don’t really like paying for music and I wanted to make playlists and stuff, but I also didn’t really want to download songs individually because it tires me so I made the site for my personal use,” Li commented.

His website, hypedmusic.com, has around 25 to 50 users a day, and its popularity is constantly growing among Carlmont students.

Li’s website is unique due to the fact that a user can save their personal playlists and return to them at a later date while also avoiding downloading, paying for, or individually searching for different songs.

All the music is conveniently categorized in different sections, including “Hip Hop/Rap,” “Country,” “Rock,” “Pop” and “Other.”

Visitors can either browse through each category or search for an individual song or artist to add to their playlists.

A frequent hypedmusic.com user, Luke Branscum, a junior, divulged that, “Luke’s website is pretty great. It’s hassle free and saves me a lot of time, so I use it a lot.”

Li developed this idea over the summer and worked to make his vision a reality.

Like many other students scattered about Carlmont, Li had the drive to achieve something many others could not have accomplished. His ingenuity and creativity has allowed him, and many others to listen to music more efficiently and avoid the pains of downloading or paying for songs.

Page 8

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” -Martin Luther King Jr.

Is racism finally over?

By Erica Valbusa Entertainment Editor

Racism has been present in society since the earliest times. However, the racism as it is known today is greatly different than that of the past.

It is important to recognize how this issue originated and how it is apparent in society today.

Racism dates back centuries, and for as long as different races have existed, there has been rivalry that comes with it. This was most apparent in the form of slavery.

“I think racism developed because when people of another ethnicity immigrated onto the white territory, the whites felt superior because it was their home originally,” stated student Tatiana Viera.

In America’s early days, lighterskinned settlers exploited the labor of African-Americans as well as Native Americans. Both groups were discriminated against because their races were believed to be inferior to the race of the whites.

Racism and the utilization of slaves continued to grow in the United States, specifically in the Southern

region.

Congress passed The Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1870 in an attempt to protect black suffrage in the South against future repeal.

The Fifteenth Amendment prohibits the government from denying a citizen the right to vote based on the citizen’s “race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”

The issue of racism gained much national notice in the United States during the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 to 1968. During this period, African-Americans were forced to attend separate schools, drink from separate water fountains, and use separate restrooms from the lighterskinned people.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led numerous strikes and rallies, with the ultimate goal being to outlaw racial discrimination and restore voting rights to the African-Americans.

The signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 banned discrimination based on “race, color, religion, sex or national origin” in employment practices.

In the beginning of the 20th century, the face of racism was largely surrounded by the black and white races. Today, racism has become a multicultural and multinational issue.

This is a result of the increase in racial diversity among the ever-growing population.

“Having racial diversity is a good thing because it helps us learn to be more accepting of other cultures and we can learn about different ways of life. But at the same time, it can be a bad thing because with so many different cultures, sometimes we forget about our own,” commented a student who asked to have her name withheld.

Despite current attempts to close the gap between people of different races, some individuals still find themselves not able to take advantage of all the freedoms that America guarantees.

Although the United States has come a long way regarding the issue of how individuals are treated based on their

skin color, racism continues to lurk within society.

Racism today exists mostly in the form of offensive comments or sayings, rather than in the form of violence.

“Racism makes people more judgemental of each other, and it isn’t really made as big of a deal as it used to be. People nowadays make racist jokes all the time, so it makes it seem like it’s okay to say racist things because so many people are racist without giving it a second thought,” added the anonymous student.

In order to continue the progression towards easing the factor of racism, all people need to be united in this cause and work for a better tomorrow.

“I really don’t see racism as much of a problem today, especially as opposed to other types of biases,” stated Viera.

These Japanese males wait in line for vaccinations before entering their internment camp after being forced out of their home during WWII.

During WWII the Spanish Americans were not allowed in public venues and were looked down upon.

Reverse racism

By Shannon Chang Staff Writer

The victims of racism may be the most racist of all.

Students often hear ethnic people reinforcing their various stereotypes by repeating offensive comments.

Junior Ryan Yen stated, “I admit that if one of my Asian friends have all A’s, I say ‘what do you expect?’”

For a country that many people believe can overcome every issue of inequality from slavery to civil rights, a lot of racism still circulates.

While some students participate in this type of racism to fit in, others simply do it because they do not believe that it really affects other people.

Still, some students think that racism is just a part of joking around.

Sophomore Kiana Yekrang com-

Different races bring racism upon themselves

mented, “I think this type of racism just goes with the joke. I don’t take it seriously because I know my friends are just kidding.”

Sophomore Ryan Pau agreed, “it is okay because we are our own race, so we have the right to do that. Being Chinese myself, other Chinese people understand. I think it’s mostly okay with people your own age, but not with adults.”

Even though some students have come to the conclusion that racism is merely a joke, other students have taken a more serious approach.

Junior Luke Li stated, “I think a lot of the time, racism on your own race is the product of people feeling pressured to fit into certain stereotypes.”

Some students are against it for dif-

ferent reasons, such as junior Cathy Lau, who said, “I feel like it’s wrong because even if someone is Asian it doesn’t mean they’re smart. There are a lot of other people who are smart too. Usually these stereotypes are not even true.”

America has, since its beginning, been blind to racism.

Although many people claim these comments are racist, many do not agree that they are of bad intentions.

Yen added, “I don’t think it’s racist because it’s your own race.”

Pau stated, “Although stereotyping and racism is bad overall, this type of racism is only amongst ourselves, and it’s not offensive that way.”

Yet other students have a more cynical view on this “reverse racism.”

Li questioned, “Why is it okay for someone to make fun of his or her own race but not for someone to make fun of someone else’s race? It should be an all or nothing type of thing. For example, if anyone is offended by the stereotype, then nobody should use it.”

One reason many people think racism still exists is because some ethnic people use their race as something to blame their mistakes on.

Li added, “To an extent, I think that ‘reverse racism’ limits the country’s progress.”

So what can be changed? Well, one step towards further equality would be to stop reinforcing these stereotypes.

“We are all the same color with the lights turned off.” -Cee Lo Green

Page 9

“People are saying such racist things and getting tremendous rounds of applause...I am scared about what our world is coming to.” -Joseph Hill

Aren’t we better than this?

By Rachel Schuster Fun Stuff Editor

Racism is the belief that a particular race is superior or inferior to another, that a person’s social and moral traits are predetermined by his or her inborn biological characteristics.

It has existed throughout human history, based on the hatred of one person by another because of skin color, language, customs, place of birth, or any other factor that supposedly reveals the basic nature of that person.

Racism has led to wars, slavery, the formation of nations, and legal codes.

But regardless of the consequences people have seen in our past, racism still exists today.

Persian sophomore Kiana Yekrang believes that in fact “racism these days isn’t really an issue because it’s all jokes. Nothing violent. People understand that their friends aren’t

really being hateful towards other races. Stereotyping them can just be funny sometimes.”

Yekrang is originally from Iran, so she tends to be the recipient of several cruel nicknames.

“I’ve been called a terrorist before, but I don’t take it personal, because I know that it’s a joke.”

Mindy Yang, a Chinese junior, agrees with Yekrang. Having been the subject of multiple racial jokes, Yang commented, “I’m not offended by stereotypical Asian jokes because I hear them literally all the time.”

On the other hand, some people find racism to remain a very prominent issue.

“I think racism is still an issue today because everyone has their own little judgments about each other’s races, whether or not they say it out loud,” said Hispanic senior Michelle Maza.

“Racism comes in all forms,” continued Maza, “and even simple forms

like jokes can be very offensive.”

Racism shows an overall disrespect for different cultures and their people, and is generally not something that should be taken lightly.

Vincent Briscoe said, “racism affects the way people feel about themselves and makes them feel uncomfortable in their surroundings.”

Briscoe, an African-American junior, admitted, “I’ve been called a lot of racist names. I hate it because even if people are joking, the words are very degrading. I mean, people fought for the right to be accepted as equals, so why should we backtrack?

Our society is definitely better than this issue.”

Briscoe is one of many people who believe that one day America will be a country free of oppressive racism.

There are others, though, who are not so sure.

“I think our society is better than hurtful and shameful racist acts, but I also think our society is too stupid to overcome it,” confessed Yekrang.

Nonetheless, many remain strong in their arguments on how and why America can cleanse itself of this concern.

“The reason different races immigrated to America was to be free of racist actions, so why is it fair that they continue to receive it here? I think we can rise above racism as a society because America is constantly changing, and sometimes change can bring good things,” said Yang.

Maza knows that “it would be really hard to overcome racism, just because it is such a big issue and so internal, but we could do it if we all worked together. At least if we start here at Carlmont, we can make a difference.”

Racism separates us from our neighbors. Instead of trying to better the lives of our nation, we continue to prevent mutual acceptance and spread hate.

Diversity splits us apart, rather than draws us close, so our country becomes divided in the process.

The Jewish people were discriminated against during the Holocaust along with the disabled, homosexuals, gypsies, and others.

Muslims are often discriminated against and accused for being terrorists, even more common after the attack on September 11, 2001.

Racist terms, no big deal?

By Ryan Freeman Staff Writer

If one takes a walk through any high school campus, racist terms can be heard carelessly being thrown around.

Some Carlmont students have a tendency to make racial generalizations.

“They [the other students] talk about the foods we eat, the way we dress, the way we talk, and just things they feel is what an African American does or says,” explained Reggie Chatman.

“I get a lot of intellectual stuff,” explained Justin Quan, “People always go crazy when they find out I am not in the highest math or science class.”

Last year’s yearbook explained in a poll that Carlmont’s student population contains 5 percent African Americans and 12 percent Asians compared to the 52 percent whites.

With a ratio of ten to one for African Americans and one to five for the Asians, their minor populations make them easy targets for the overwhelming white population.

“People use racism to fit in with their certain groups,” explained Sean Luna.

Some students found racism to be more of a subconscious element of human personality.

“Racism was introduced to us at such an early age by learning about things like slavery that racist ideas

are ingrained into our minds,” explained sophomore Erika Kubisch.

Although at times many of these “jokes” are no more than friends poking fun at each other, many students feel that they are taking it a bit too far sometimes.

“Although they may not mean it to be offensive, sometimes it gets said the wrong way,” continued Quan.

“I do feel that people are casual about things they say, but aren’t trying to use it in a derogatory way.

That still doesn’t make it 100 percent right,” continued Chatman, “They need to use some discretion as to when it is okay.”

This discretion is what helps draw a line between what is acceptable and

what is going to far.

Unfortunately, due to the subjectivity of this ‘line’, it can be extremely difficult to know what is within that acceptable range and what is not.

“As long as it isn’t insulting the person, there shouldn’t be an issue,” argued Luna.

However, depending on the recipient, some things could be much more insulting to some than others.

A current student, who requested their name to be withheld, stated, “When people start to get discriminated against or treated differently because of their race, that’s when the line has been crossed.”

Photos from U.S. Government archives

Entertainment Footloose: kick off your Sunday shoes Page 10

By Sarah Levin Staff Writer

For this year’s Spring musical, Carlmont is in for a treat. “Footloose,” an 80s era rock musical, will soon be dancing into the Performing Arts Center.

“Footloose” is a classic story of teenagers trying to find their way in the world, despite prejudice and discouragement.

The plot is riddled with fast paced music and energetic country-style and modern dance that represents the era it was made.

“I love the songs in the musical,” said junior Cierra Reimche. “They are based off of 80s songs, but they’ve been modernized.

They’re really fun and upbeat.”

Sophomore William Lash echoed, “My favorite part of the musical are the dances, and the music.”

The musical tells the story of Ren, an independent teenager with two passions in his life: dancing and fighting authority. He and his mother move to the tiny town of

Bomont, a city in the middle of nowhere with strict rules and an even stricter devotion to the church.

The town is still under the shadow of a brutal car accident that had taken place years before, where four teenagers died on their way home from a dance.

Due to the suffering of the Comic by Isabella Paragas townspeople and their fervent desire for restitution, a new law has been established in Bomont.

To his horror, Ren learns that any and all public dancing has been declared illegal.

Sick of the stuffy, strict atmosphere and

the amount of pressure the teens of Bomont are under, Ren decides that someone has to stand up for what’s right: he decides to take the law into his own hands, to fight for “the right to dance.”

Facing persecution and anger from all sides, Ren enlists his friends to help him.

Willard, a country bumpkin with a soft spot for his mother; Rusty, a chipper girl with a motormouth; and Ariel, the fiery daughter of the town’s preacher.

“I play Ariel,” laughed Reimche.“She’s the daughter of the Reverend, but she doesn’t act like it. She’s always getting in trouble!”

While Ren and Ariel realize their growing feelings for one another, her father Reverend Shaw plans to overthrow Ren’s dance revolution once and for all.

Shaw enlists the adults of the town to set up a united front against the teens, and the town is immediately divided over the issue.

The message of the musical is a classic one: sometimes, you have to stand up for what you know is right, even when the odds are against you.

“Ren has a line in the play,” Reimche added, “that goes something like, ‘This is our time.’ I think that’s a really good message for teens to remember. This is the time we need to live it up, and really live our lives, even when people say we shouldn’t. That’s what the play is all about: getting people together and taking a stand for what’s right.”

For all those curious about whether the teens of Bomont ever get to dance again, “Footloose” will be performed from March 8 to 11.

From Broadway to the big screen: the evolution of Footloose

By Hailey Miller Staff Writer From the big screen to Broadway to Carlmont’s stage, Footloose has evolved over the years.

Footloose started out as a popular movie in the 80s and was adapted into a Broadway production in the late 90s. It was then remade this past year, and finally has reached Carlmont’s stage as this year’s spring musical.

Footloose first came out in February of 1984 and instantly became popular amongst teenagers despite the mixed reviews it received from critics.

Despite their feeling toward the movie itself, most critics agreed that the music in the movie was fantastic. The various original songs, including “Footloose” and “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” were nominated for a multiple awards including an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy.

The movie is essentially about censorship and fighting for what one believes in.

Junior Cierra Reimche, who will be playing the female lead in the Carlmont’s production of Footloose, felt inspired by the movie.

She explained, “I really like the message of the play.”

Footloose takes place in a small town where dancing and rock music was made illegal. The movie begins when Ren McCor-

mack, a kid from Chicago, moves into town with his mother.

Once he discovers that music and dancing has been outlawed, Ren begins his battle against Reverend Shaw and the rest of the town’s council.

While fighting for the right to have a senior prom, Ren and Ariel, the Reverend’s daughter, bond over their love to dance and end up falling in love themselves.

In the end, the students fail to sway the council Movie poster for 2011 remake to remove the ban on dancing.

However, Ren manages to get Shaw to see the harm of censorship after he sees some towns people burning books they have deemed harmful to their children.

Despite the fact that the ban on danc-

ing remains, the seniors get their prom in a old factory warehouse just across county lines.

The movie teaches people that freedom of expression is vital to everybody, especially to teenagers, and that nothing can suppress it, nor should it.

Thanks to its popularity, Footloose was made into a Broadway musical, running from 1998 to 2000.

Once again, the musical received mixed reviews from critics.

Despite conflicting opinions about the musical, most reviewers felt that the music and talented cast made it entertaining.

Junior Brittany Lewis, a student at Carlmont, saw Footloose back when it was on Broadway. Although she admitted that she’s not a fan of musicals, Lewis explained, “I

really did like the message of the movie, the actors were really good, and the dancing was amazing.”

After its run on Broadway, Footloose the musical toured the both the United States and the United Kingdom off and on from 2000 to 2008.

Footloose got a face-lift in the form of a remake in 2011.

This movie is, more or less, a shot for shot remake of the original, following the same storyline with only a few minor changes, such as where Ren is from.

The new movie received many positive responses from people who loved the original as well as people who were seeing the story for the first time.

The most recent adaptation of the famous eighties movie is into Carlmont’s spring musical.

The school’s choice to put on Footloose is a change of direction from previous musicals.

Reimche explained that “we have been doing a lot of period pieces in the last couple years. Like we did Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast but now, with Footloose, we’re doing something modern that everyone can relate to.”

The students participating in the production have sacrificed countless hours to rehearsals and hope they do the unique musical justice onstage.

Entertainment YouTube: where everyone can be a star

By Luisa Zepeda Staff Writer

With the growing fascination of social networks, YouTube has become the destination for people to broadcast their lives, talents, and opinions.

Many people today on YouTube have their own channel in which they can talk about life, interact with their worldwide audience, or even crack a few jokes.

It is an excuse for people to sit in front of their computers and forget about their lives and just laugh.

The term “YouTube famous” has sprung into pop culture as more people tune in or subscribe to a YouTube channel.

These ever-growing subscriptions towards a channel reflect the growing popularity and fame of the channel.

Kingsley, Jenna Marbles, and TheEndOfToast are only a few of the many YouTube “celebrities” found online today.

They have racked in millions of views, subscribers, and laughs by their humor and confidence.

personal blog.

All three Her videos comedic chanvary from nels have the tutorials to life ability to make stories that people laugh spoof people’s and make them everyday acforget about tions. their troubles According to for four minNick, the host utes- leaving of TheEnthem coming dOfToast, back for more. people like “I’m always Josh Fagel stars in a Lifewithjoshandkenny video them make their episodes to entertain and watching Jenna Marbles, she is hilarious! bring together a worldwide audience.

She is relatable, always has new material, Nick does weekly updates of his life, and gives good advice,” said Carlmont pokes fun of pop culture, and belts a few student Lauren Reiley. tunes along with interacting with his audiJenna Mourey, also known as Jenna ence with enthusiasm and motivation.

Marbles, became an overnight sensation “[I answer questions because] people with her video “How to Trick People into don’t want to watch a stranger, they rather Thinking You’re Good Looking,” which watch a person they know,” commented appealed to females who could relate to the Nick on his YouTube channel. pressure of looking beautiful.

Lifewithjoshandkenny is a YouTube chanHer initial purpose was to relieve herself nel broadcasted by Carlmont students Josh of boredom, “[and since] people liked them Fagel and Kenny Linnell.

I kept doing them,” said Mourey on her

Page 11

They continue to grow not only with their hilarious spoofs of teenage life, but also with ability to expand their audience onto Tumblr, witter, and “their sexy image.”

This duo was inspired by the work of Jimmy Tatro and his ability to make people laugh.

“What we enjoy about making the videos is one getting girls and two expressing ourselves through comedy,” said Fagel.

“You have to be charismatic and unique to appeal to the audience because they want to see something fun and exciting on the channel,” explained Fagel.

YouTube not only opens doors for comedians on the rise, but videos on beauty tips, exercise, news, and even music have brought in millions of views as other means of entertainment.

YouTube has become a destination for entertainment where comedians can appeal to their audience and some-day captivate a nation for the pride of moving people simply on laughs.

Quality of Disney Channel shows continues to decrease

By Virginia O’Callahan Staff Writer Today’s Disney Channel shows are not the same as they were five years ago. Shows nowadays appear to be losing fan bases with high school students more than ever.

Ever since shows like Hannah Montana started, it seems as if Disney Channel is on a downward spiral, especially in high school support.

With shows like “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,” “Kim Possible,” “Lizzie McGuire,” and “That’s So Raven” over, some students find it hard to accept and watch the new shows.

“They suck,” said freshman Liam Young.

“I don’t have any reason to watch them anymore.”

Many students agree with Young and believe there is no reason to watch shows like these anymore. Perhaps it is because of a

different target audience, but they definitely don’t have many eccentric high school fanatics.

With new shows like “A.N.T. Farm” and “Shake It Up” now taking over the airtime, students don’t like what they’re seeing.

The shows just do not appeal to the minds of high schools students. From what is seen on TV, the shows are probably made for younger kids anyway.

“I don’t watch TV, but from what I hear, they’re bad,” commented junior Kevin McAweeney.

These new shows often don’t have any intellectual stimulation whatsoever, and a student isn’t left with one of those “good morals” at the end of the show, such as shows like “That’s So Raven” that highlighted the concepts so well when on air.

No high school student at this point was born when “DuckTales” was on air, but from the few and far between airings or on-

line videos, there was a clear reason it was so popular at one point, a large fan base that wanted to see it succeed.

More recently, “Kim Possible” was a very successful show with a very extensive fan base, with a run time of five years and three months, the longest running Disney Channel show to date.

Some other students are neutral on the subject, and will watch Disney Channel shows if prompted to.

“I’ll watch them if there’s nothing else on,” said sophomore William Lash.

While some students would agree with Lash, not many students even have time to watch these shows due to their schoolwork.

And usually on weekends, there are more appealing shows students have to look forward to than just those on the Disney Channel.

Admittedly, a few bits and pieces of these new shows must have some kind of appeal

if some people watch them.

But the good messages of yesterday’s Disney Channel shows are gone, with maybe a rerun or two here and there, or at some obscene time in the early morning hours.

Now all that’s left are shows that try too hard to be funny with their forced slapstick comedy and ones that don’t promote good messages as strongly as those that were successful beforehand.

Maybe there is a student that believes the newly premiered “Austin & Ally” isn’t half bad, but not many students would actually admit to watching a new Disney Channel show.

Watching Disney Channel shows is more of a guilty pleasure than anything else, and even then not many students find time or reason for watching the shows.

But either way, the Disney shows are not found as appealing as those that aired in previous years.

Page 12

Lights

Continued from front page

additional parking added in the grass field adjacent to the tennis courts.

Four permanent field lights would be put in around the field, each standing 80-feet tall.

The new visitor stands will seat 456 people and the added visitor capacity would be accommodated with the increased parking spaces. Also, a new upgraded amplification system would be more efficient and quieter then the current one.

The District has set a $900,000 budget on the proposed project and funds for the project are supplied mainly by the measure J bonds.

The official plans for the operation were released to the public at a Feb. 2 town hall meeting open to the students and community.

Superintendent James Lianides listed the pros of the project explaining that, “Carlmont would be able to improve its school in many different ways, student athletes would improve their way of life, and the school would improve its [school] spirit.”

The regulations for using the lights included the following: the lights could not be used during the weekdays past 8:30 at night, 10:30 for football games on Fridays, and could not be used for either Saturday or Sunday.

Carlmont would also be limited to the number of night football games and field usage would only be readily available school related teams and events.

Passionate neighbors argued that for years increased traffic has affected their way of life around the campus, and that lights would come along with more false promises by the school and local law enforcement that changes were on the way. Neighbors were also concerned that the field schedule would not live up to its billing and that rules would be abused over time.

Lianides promised that Carlmont would be held accountable to live by the rules set by the district.

Financial Aid Continued from front page

Paying for college is by no means a small task and President Barack Obama agreed, stating that if tuition prices keep going up, he will make the amount of money that taxpayers pay towards college funding go down.

In his State of the Union address, he announced that he plans to increase this aid from $3 billion annually to $10 billion annually.

UC Riverside is planning to get rid of tuition and instead replace it with payments for 20 years after graduation at 20 percent of the students’ income.

However, a lot of people are against this method of paying for college.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea because it means that if someone makes more money than another person, the person who’s making more has to pay more for tuition. It’s not really fair,” added Monteiro.

Furthermore, when there are changes in tuition, they are not necessarily to decrease it. In February of 2011, Stanford announced that their undergraduate tuition was to be raised 3.5 percent.

Stanford, however, also spends about $122 million a year on undergraduate financial aid.

Leslie Hume, who is the chair of the Board of Trustees, stated, “Any tuition increase will be met with additional funds for families whose financial circumstances are unchanged.”

Many schools, in spite of their costly tuition, do their hardest to make it affordable.

Finding out more about financial aid that a specific university offers is relatively simple. Most schools’ websites offer more information on the topic.

WASC

Extras

Continued from front page

For example, the survey shows that 52 percent of students feel challenged by their classes, and that 71 percent of students feel comfortable getting help from their teachers.

However, results from a another report

by WASC, which looked at student grades and classroom curricula, indicate that while Carlmont students are doing better, a significant achievement gap remains between “subgroups” of students.

In addition, the report also showed the need for an increased emphasis on writing and communication skills.

“Carlmont can improve on closing the achievement gap between high- and lowperforming students," commented Weisman, "we’ve done a good job increasing the performance of all students, but there is still a gap."

In other words, while all students are doing better, there is a gap between higherlevel students and lower-level students.

“We’ve been focusing on increasing AP enrollment, and introducing more writing into classroom curricula,” stated Weisman, “it's easy to get caught up focusing on advanced students but we have to make sure other students are ready [for life after graduation]."

The last full WASC evaluation of Carlmont was during the 2005-6 school year WASC identified the need for more “intense intervention” for low-performing freshmen, more support classes for struggling students, and an expanded career-prep program.

The WASC team that visited in 2009 for a mid-term review made no additional recommendations for Carlmont, noting that issues addressed in the 2006 report were mostly resolved due in part to the implementation of Smaller Algebra classes, expansion of the NovaNet credit recovering program and the opening of the new Biotechnology building.

Carlmont has been a part of WASC since WASC’s creation in 1968. WASC was created to promote the development of education in the west, and it covers California, Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, Micronesia, and eastern Asia. WASC is run by the College Board, the same group responsible for AP classes and the SAT. WASC is also recognized by CHEA (the Council for Higher Education) and the United States.

Department of Education, in addition to accrediting colleges and universities, such as Stanford.

The full report for WASC’s 2012 review can be seen on Carlmont’s website, underneath the “about us” section labeled “WASC 2012.”

Classes

Continued from front page

classes and there is no more zero period.

Sometimes the best way to know whether to take a class or not is from people that already took it.

“I would recommend taking classes like Human Biology and Weight Training, they were really fun!” said Verduzco.

“Learning should be fun, challenging, and intriguing. The goal is to balance your class schedule with challenging work that will prepare you for college admission but that also gives you the opportunity to enjoy [your classes],” said College Guidance Counselor Connie Dominguez.

Dominguez also gave some recommendations regarding choosing college ready classes.

“I recommend that students select courses to meet graduation requirements, and if they plan to go to a four-year college, they should be on track to meet “A-G” (UC/ CSU) admission requirements. For students that are planning to apply to competitive UC campuses, their class schedule should reflect intellectual passion as well as an ability to handle AS or AP course levels,” she said Taking on classes that are both interesting and difficult can be a challenge in itself.

Overall, as people decide what classes to take next year, they need to focus on classes that will help give them all the credits needed to graduate. Students should also consider classes that will help them to prepare for the college they would like to attend.

41 West Hillsdale Blvd San Mateo CA 94403 650 212 3200

Expires June 15, 2012

Fun Stuff

Page 13

Talk Back

Photo by Erin Greig

“To be appreciative of the diversity that America has.”

-Takeshi Wadama

Photo by Erin Greig

“It represents all of the struggles that the African Americans had to face to be accepted in society.”

-Kathleen Palma

“To understand the big impact that slavery had on African Americans.”

-Derek Wellman

Photo by Erin Greig

“To appreciate the accomplishments of black heroes.”

-Marquis Harris

“It lets me know that what I have right now is different from back then and it lets me live a life of freedom.”

-Christopher Agbanusi

Photo by Erin Greig

Photo by Erin Greig

Why is Black History Month important?

Did you know?

1. There is a lawsuit every 30 seconds in the United States.

2. There is a city named Rome on every continent.

3. The word “taxi” is spelled the same in English, German, French, Swedish, Dutch, and Portuguese.

4. “Rhythm” is the longest English word without a vowel.

5. It takes 548 peanuts to make a 12-ounce jar of peanut butter.

6. Barbie’s (the doll) full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts.

7. There is enough graphite in the average pencil to draw a line 35 miles long.

8. There more than 350 dimples on a golf ball.

9. In a deck of cards, all four Kings have beards, but only three of them have mustaches, too. The one without a mustache is the King of Hearts. http://www.dumbfacts.com/facts/

Horoscopes

Aries (March 21 -April 19) As an Aries, you have a tendency to be assertive with your ideas, sometimes a little too assertive. Be careful not to be impatient.

Libra (September 23 -October 22) You’re understanding and empathetic, keeping balance, but there are times where decision is needed. Don’t become indecisive.

Taurus (April 20 -May 20) You are naturally determined and of patient character, but do not make the mistake of confusing “patient” with “lazy.” There is a difference.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) As a Scorpio, you are passionate and focused, but are prone to being secretive and highly sensitive. Open up to a friend and don’t bottle up feelings.

Gemini (May 21 -June 20) You have an inquisitive nature, but your attention can easily be pulled away. Stick where you are, it might lead to somewhere good.

Sagittarius (November 22 -December 21) Sagittarius are open minded, making you an excellent visionary, though, to make that vision a reality, you can be ruthless, so keep yourself in check.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) You have a talent for empathy and understanding, but can be oversensitive at times.

Don’t take comments personally.

Capricorn (December 22 -January 19) You are self-disciplined and persistent. Loosen up on your commitments and don’t overload yourself with too many extracurriculars.

Leo (July 23 -August 22) Though very charismatic and nearly magnetic with your dazzling personality, you tend to hog the spotlight. Try to give someone else a turn to be noticed.

Aquarius (January 20 -February18) You live for your independence, yet are a bit unconventional, and can be unpredictable and detached. Take some time to hang-out with that friend you don’t see very often.

Virgo (August 23 -September 22) Being a perfectionist can always be of help, but only up to a certain point. Don’t be too critical, not only of yourself but others as well.

Pisces (February 19 -March 20) Both creative and imaginative, you have to potential to create, but you tend to be impractical. Explore constructive ways to use your creativity. ?

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Sports

Page 14

Carlmont’s hidden athletes

Students competing in unique sports outside of school

By Jacob Rudger Staff Writer

Carlmont High School students excel in athletics, both in school and outside.

Most of its athletic success is visible. Students can witness it on the Bruce Usher Memorial field, in the Terry Stogner Gym, at the Glen Kovas Aquatic Center, and all over Carlmont’s many athletic facilities during the school year.

Gymnastics: Hannah Knoot, a freshman at Carlmont, started gymnastics at age 3.

“I did soccer and tennis until I was 7 but I decided I liked gymnastics more because I just loved doing all the cool flips, being upside down, and I guess I just fell in love with it in a way that was stronger than any other sport,” Knoot said.

She competes in Junior Olympic competitions in the winter and spring time.

She has traveled as far as Kentucky for nationals, but has also enjoyed the luxury of traveling to places like Hawaii and Arizona for other competitions.

Knoot enjoys doing gymnastics on a competitive level rather than doing it just for fun.

“I like competitions more because it gives me a chance to show off what I have been training and doing every single day. Also it is fun to go out and have the experience of preforming in front of people and judges.

While as recreational is a little annoying because you work really hard but don't get to show people what you've worked so hard

to do,” said Knoot.

When she talks about working hard, she truly means it. Knoot puts in 21 hours a week during the school year training for gymnastics and up to 25 hours of training during the summer.

All of that work pays off for Knoot, who has won many awards during her career as a gymnast.

“I have been competing for almost six years now and I have probably won about 100 medals.

Some of my best achievements were when I was at nationals in 2010 when I finished 1st place on bars, and 3rd place all around and the NorCal team won nationals. Most recently at the Wine Country Classic 2012, my first competition as a level 8 gymnast, I took 3rd place on vault, 1st place on bars and beam, 3rd place on floor, and 1st place all around,” Knoot said.

Like any major sport competitor, Knoot has had her fair share of injuries over the years. Two years ago she broke her knee and sprained her ankle twice. Last year she broke her wrist, pulled a hamstring, and pulled a hip flexor.

Despite the injuries, Knoot does not plan on ending her successful gymnastics career any time soon, “I hope to compete all through high school as long as I still love doing it,” said Knoot.

“If I had to describe gymnastics in one

What students may not witness are the many Carlmont students who participate in sports outside of school.

These athletes are not to be over-looked and Carlmont is very lucky to such gifted individuals as a part of the school.

word it would be encouraging. Because the sport encourages you to try your hardest everyday and push yourself into doing new and incredible things,” said Knoot.

Fencing: Gregory Hsu, a junior, has turned to fencing as his sport of choice.

Originally starting in 6th grade, Hsu started fencing after seeing an ad in a newspaper. He thought it would be cool to try out something different. He later signed up for a class and joined a club a few months after that.

Fencing is a modern take on sword fighting. Today, fencing is divided into three main types of weapons: saber, foil and epee.

Each weapon has their own specific rules and styles.

Hsu elaborated on the three main types of fencing, “Saber, which I fence, is mainly a cutting weapon and the target on the body is the anything above the waist. Saber tends to be the fastest paced of the three weapons.

Foil is a jabbing type weapon where only the torso is the target. Epee is another jabbing weapon where the entire body is the target.”

Fencing is definitely not the average sport, but Hsu takes pride in that, “Fencing is different compared to most other sports I have played because it is both mentally and physically demanding. As for why I still do it, it’s because, to me, fencing is unique and challenging.”

Hsu competes in regional and national fencing competitions. He gets to travel all over the United States, in states such as Texas, Oregon, Virginia, and many more.

“I compete because it gives me a goal in fencing. It forces me to get better,” Hsu said.

Within Hsu’s fencing club there are four fencers who he competes with almost every day. He practices around 10 to 12 hours a week.

“I train in many different ways to help get better. I do footwork, endurance runs, blade work, practice bouts with other fencers, et cetera. These training methods can become intense and sometimes stressful especially when a major competition is right around the corner,” said Hsu. Hsu is rewarded for his hard work come competition time, “To name a few awards, I have placed in the top 8 several times within in the Bay Cup (Northern California region), I have placed in the top 32 in numerous North American Cups, and I was in the top 16 in the Summer Nationals once or twice,” said Hsu. Fencing is a relatively safe sport, considering the greatest injuries he has encountered are a couple sprained ankles.

Hsu plans to continue competing past college, hopefully longer.

“To me, fencing is a passion. I enjoy it, and I find it a good way to meet new people as well as to help build life skills,” said Hsu.

How to: prepare for sports tryouts

By Grace Chang Staff Writer With spring approaching, many Carlmont athletes are training for sports tryouts and preparing for a new season After a year-long break since the previous season, athletes can become worn out and unfit. Some students though, are on top of their game and have even continued practicing after the last season ended.

But does practicing earlier really make a difference? And what must the athletes do to prepare?

Track and field coach Jennifer Randazzo believes that “it is important that [the athletes] come into the season in shape with their cardiovascular endurance up so that we can work on mastering technique once the season starts. Technique is what will improve an athlete’s time and you can’t start technique until they have endurance.”

In order to heighten one’s cardiovascular endurance, athletes can take part in activities such as running, walking, bicycling, swimming, rowing, or working out.

In addition to those activities, each sport requires different methods of training and preparation.

Badminton coach Elizabeth Chun said that badminton players need to “lift weights

to build up their strength, do squats to and mentally prepare themselves for the strengthen their thighs, and any running or commitment to their sport.” brisk walking to build up their endurance.”

For track and field, athletes can also do Boys varsity lacrosse coach Jonathan core strength training such as push-ups, Black said, “For lacrosse, athletes must do dips, and squats, according to Randazzo. lots of drills outside of practice and during Though practicing prior to the new season the off season. You can shoot on a goal, do seems like a good idea, there are also negawall-ball drills (where you use a wall to tive effects. throw Golf coach Patrick Smith and said “If you work out your catch the body in a variety of different lacrosse ways you will most likely ball), and not be susceptible to overuse many injuries. If you practice the other same thing over and over this things to could cause overuse injuries prepare. which are much more comLacrosse mon in teenagers today than is a game they were in the past.” of repEntering the season fit and Photo by Chris Leong etition. prepared can also affect the Oftentimes, the best lacrosse players in the coach’s opinions of the athletes. world are the ones who practice year-round Black said, “It shows the coach that you and keep that muscle memory up-to-date. are serious about your conditioning and Another thing lacrosse players must be you are willing to work hard even when extremely gifted with is hand-eye coordina- the coach is not looking. Additionally, I as tion. The only way to get hand-eye coora coach will not have to waste time having dination to a great level is repetition. The my team sprint from sideline to sideline earlier you start, the better you’ll be!” because everyone is out of shape. I would Many Carlmont coaches agree with Black. much rather focus on games drills and not For example, swimming coach Jim Kelly conditioning.” said that athletes must “stay physically fit Smith said, “It is very important for stu-

dents to come into tryouts in good shape so they can compete at an optimal level. Coming in prepared allows an athlete to make an impression on the coach which is important especially in sports were cutting occurs.”

Track and field athlete Shane Callan has been working out and running during the off season. He believes that “it makes a difference because then you’re already ahead of everyone else and you don’t have to spend time getting in shape. It allows me to be at my best when I need to be.”

Badminton player Tarilyn Won has been encouraging the badminton club to practice about once a week for three hours.

“This way we can practice by getting a variety of competition,” said Won. Several Carlmont students have additionally been taking private lesson in order to help them improve. Tennis player Byron Wu believes that the lessons are helpful because “the private coaches are able to focus on only you so they can see every mistake that you are making and help improve your game. They’re also great for just forcing you to do conditioning.”

By practicing earlier, staying fit, and building endurance, not only will Carlmont athletes have more time to improve, but they will also be able to stand out to the coaches during tryouts and practice.

Sports

Page 15

School board discusses P.E. credit for sports

By Gianna Dimick Sports Editor In the Sequoia Union High School District, students are required to complete two years of physical education in order to receive a total of twenty credits.

At the moment, it is mandatory for Carlmont students to take one year of P.E. as a freshman. The remaining ten credits, after freshman year P.E. is completed, can be earned by either completing another year of P.E., weight training, beginner’s dance or, if the student is an athlete, two and one half credits are earned in each season of a school sport.

This substitution of school sports for P.E. credits is a system known as the “P.E. Substitution Credit Program.” By allowing students to play sports and still receive credits rather than taking another P.E. class, many students are able to take another elective, such as art, in order to meet other requirements as well.

The P.E. Credit Substitution Program is in some trouble this year. Some P.E. teachers are seeking to end the program, while some students and parents are trying to expand it.

Freshman year sports do not count towards P.E. credits and many students play only one sport. This means that they will receive two and a half credits for each season in their sophomore, junior and senior year.

Because freshman year does not count towards credits, they will still be two and a half credits short, forcing students to either take one quarter of weight training or take up another school sport.

Junior Kemper Ray does not entirely

disagree with the program, “I think the as a school athlete, that they should be able credit system is pretty reasonable the way to submit proof to the school and receive it is. However, I disagree with the credit credit for those activities.” system According because to Romani, as people the program who play currently stands, sports as a students who freshman play individual do not sports outside get credit. of school like I do not gymnastics see the or dance, can difference substitute P.E. between for another class playing and still get sports as a credit. freshman, Some P.E. and teachers and playing parents are sports as fighting for the a senior. I program to end think you as a whole.

Stanford winter water polo teams compete in a tournament at Gunn High should The Sequoia School. Club sports, such as this, do not currently receive credit. earn Union High credits for School District no matter what sport you play, and when is required to follow the California Ed Code you play it.” which states that students must participate While this is the main problem that is in eight different instructional areas. frustrating students, some teenagers do To abide by the Ed Code, students at not receive credit for their sports at all.

Carlmont are not only learning a couple Sports like crew, field hockey, club soccer sports and running on a track, they are teams and many other sports that take place learning combative moves and how to outside of school, do not count towards any swim. school credits.

By allowing all athletes who play club Deborah Romani is the mother of a sports to obtain credit, students would now student at Carlmont who participates on a have a motivation to pay for a club sport highly competitive club swim team. She just so they do not have to take P.E. and also thinks that “if a club athlete trains as hard would have limited knowledge in the eight

instructional areas that they were supposed to cover in class.

Irene Oliveira, a Carlmont P.E. teacher, states that letting all kids who play a club sport to receive credit “would take all the P.E. classes out of the schools, and it would become almost elitist because people who could pay for their education, to play a sport, would now be allowed to.” This goes against what public schools stand for: the right to an education no matter what the financial situation of a student is.

Due to the controversy over what should or should not receive P.E. credit, there are four options currently being considered for the program.

Option one states that every student would have to take P.E. for two years no matter what.

Option two states that students would need to meet the credit requirement that matches two years of P.E., but athletes would still receive some credit for playing a sport in sophomore, junior, or senior year.

Option three, which is what the program is currently under, is the same as option two but if an athlete participates in a individual sport outside of school, such as gymnastics, they will receive P.E. credit as well.

Option four would allow all students who play club sports outside of school to receive credit as well as those who play school sports.

The four options will be voted on in the next District Board meeting and a consensus to the P.E substitution credit program will be reached.

Sports

Page 16

Scots In Action:

Photo by Grace Chang Photo by Gianna Dimick Photo by Nick Long

Photo by Gianna Dimick Photo by Nick Long Photo by Gianna Dimick

Photo by Shane Rebholtz

Photo by Grace Chang

Photo by Carly Bertolozzi

Photo by Shane Rebholtz

Photo by Gianna Dimick

winter Sports 2012

Extraordinary athlete of the month: Justin Quan

By Ivan Garin Staff Writer While many students struggle with the every day difficulties of high school, there are those “unusually perfect” few that manage to juggle school, sports, and community services.

These out of the ordinary people are usually known for their work ethic and responsibility as they excel in all realms of life.

Every month a student-athlete will be chosen to be feautured based on their athletic, academic, and extra curricular activities.

This month’s student athlete of the month is Justin Quan, a starting defender on the Carlmont boys varsity soccer team.

Having been a natural athlete his whole life, Quan played many sports and activities as a child, including basketball, baseball and chess in elementary school.

His soccer career started at the young age of six in AYSO, a child-friendly league where most start their soccer careers.

After playing in AYSO for three years and realizing he could have a future in soccer, he decided to raise the competition and he

joined the highly competitive CYSA. For several years he was a key player on the San Carlos Flames, a highly competitive travel team. Last year he was transferred to the Peninsula Extreme.

By the time Quan arrived at Carlmont as a freshman, he was known as one of the top players in the Bay Area.

Assigned as captain of junior varsity freshman year, he carried a vital leadership role that helped the team to one of their most successful seasons of all time.

Quan played the position “sweeper” on defense freshman year and earned honorable mentions for his work. He decided to switch to defensive mid-liner sophomore year to become more involved with the scoring.

Having earned success in junior varsity, Quan was one of the few to be moved up to varsity as a sophomore. By the end of the year he had earned honorable mentions by the Peninsula Athletic League.

After a successful sophomore year, Quan returns this year as captain of the varsity team that has gotten off to a shaky start with a record of three wins, four losses, and two ties.

Disappointed with the team’s record this year, Quan stated that “We as a team believe that we will do much better in the second half of the season and make CCS.” Meanwhile off the field, Quan is able to maintain a 3.7 cumulative GPA. This year he is taking three five point classes, including AP English, AS physics, and Spanish III honors.

He listed history and physics as his favorite classes and his favorite teacher was his P.E. teacher from his middle school, Tierra Linda.

Quan stated that Mr. Dodge, his P.E. teacher, “always pushed me to do well in sports, which transferred to my competitiveness and ethics in soccer.”

Having played in so many games, Quan has sustained many injuries, including “flesh wounds, shin splints, and twisted

ankles.

After a rough start to the season, Quan hopes to lead his team to a successful record and CCS, while making sure he continues his academic success.