The
HIGHLANDER Read about the 2012 Election on pages 8 and 9
www.scotscoop.com
October 2012, Vol IV, Issue II
Where do you stand? Civic Scots “Hey, let’s look up your class rank,” said my teacher. Instantly, my mind began to race and my palms started to sweat. I had never felt my heart pound so erratically in my chest. I wanted to know, but then I really didn’t. My stomach lurched as he moved towards the computer and searched for my profile. After clicking on my name, he read the screen for a few moments, then turned to look at me. I held my breath, still in on edge as he pondered whether or not I would like what I was about to hear, while I questioned whether or not I wanted to hear it. Class rank, also known as class percentile, is a measure of how a student’s performance compares to other students in his or her class. For example, a student may have a grade point average (GPA) better than 350 of his or her peers in a class of 500. Therefore, his or her class rank would be 150, and he or she would be in the top 30 percent of that class. Many students strive to get to the top of their class, like senior Luke Li. “I always work really hard. I take challenging classes and do all my homework ,” said Li. Even though students like Li put in an enormous effort with their school work to get into the top 20 percentile, counselor Kim Miller believes “the top 20 percentile is not that big of a deal. What’s important to schools like the UCs is the top 9 percent, which they determine for themselves after applications are sent in.” Well, as I stood there determining whether or not I wanted to know my rank, I realized that for me it was a big deal. Especially since every single college application
10%
By Grace Chang News and Opinion Editor
20% Photo illustration of Luke Li by Gianna Dimick
By Rachel Schuster Fun Page Editor
30%
Continued on page 12
Although many seniors at Carlmont have not turned 18 in time to vote in the election, they will have the opportunity to participate in a different method. Through democracyLIVE, a program run by the San Mateo County Election Office, Carlmont seniors will be able to be more involved in the election by being an election officer. Many students were affected by the fact that they would not be able to have a say in the 2012 election. “I was really disappointed when I realized that I would be a couple of months too young to vote in the election so I wanted to get involved somehow,” said senior Luke Branscum In order to participate in the program, senior from Carlmont had to meet some requirements such as being a US citizen, older than 16, and have GPA of 2.5 or higher. Aside from meeting the basic requirements, the seniors also had to go through an application process in which they filled out an application form and wrote a one-page reflection as to why they wanted to participate, their view on politics, and the political process. Afterwards students who were chosen to become election officers had to take a 3-hour training class, in order to learn all their responsibilities. “I have always found politics interesting and I especially think that elections are critical to young people in terms of the effects they could have on our education and our futures. I think it is a very good way to get involved and understand what goes on in the system that makes our country run. It is a fantastic opportunity and I expect to have a good time doing it,” said Branscum On Election Day, students will report to their assigned polling site by 6:00 am and work until 9:30 p.m. with two Continued on page 12
Halloween to the extreme: Eucalyptus Street By Kellan McDonough Multimedia Editor
regarded as classified information. The people who live on Eucalyptus stop at nothing to deliver an amazing Halloween experience. The event involves lots of effort and money, but the people on Eucalyptus work together to bring the street to life. Parent of Carlmont student Julian Herns and contributor
Every October, Eucalyptus Street in San Carlos decks out its houses with Halloween spirit and ornamentations. Kids come from far away just to trick-or-treat on the beloved street. Photo by Gianna Dimick Though Halloween is on a Wednesday this year, it won’t stop Eucalyptus Street from continuing its festivities. The tradition will endure, and the people living on the street hope to make it as big as ever. Carlmont students, especially those who live in San Carlos, are very familiar with spending their Halloween night on Eucalyptus Street. Junior Roxy Barker commented, “I go every year to Eucalyptus on Halloween and this year, the juniors and seniors from Advanced Dance are performing Thriller on Eucalyptus on Halloween night.” The Thriller performance is an annual Carlmont tradition in which Beginning dance moves to the well-known Michael Jackson song in the upper quad. “Thriller is something to look forward to every Halloween,” added Barker. “And this year, we will learn the routine to bring it to the whole San Carlos community.” Other than the Carlmont Dance program performing Thriller, any information regarding the theme or decorations on Eucalyptus is Children dress up in costumes to go trick or treating on Halloween night.
Varsity soccer will not play under lights, page 14
Homecoming on pages 10 and 11
to the incredible street, Rick Herns commented, “My staff will work on the event for about three weeks. We will gather materials, make costumes, build props, design the special effects, make a sound track, design a lighting plan and send contracts to the performers. We don’t start setting up until the morning of Halloween, and then it will take five of my crew about six hours to set up.” Eucalyptus Street takes huge measures to ensure that its Halloween experience is safe. The street is completely shut down and there are security patrols all night. The San Carlos police department blocks Eucalyptus from traffic and helps control safety in the huge crowds of people. Most of the work put into the event comes from the people who live on the street. The owners of the houses put up their own individual decorations, but sometimes an event planner like Herns is hired to furnish the street. Herns commented, “I work for one man, who owns two houses that are side-by-side on Eucalyptus. He pays us to create the Halloween extravaganza on his property, and he participates as a character in the theme we are doing. The other residents participate independently, if they desire, and many of the houses are elaborately decorated.” Every year, Eucalyptus does not cease to impress. Even those who visit the street annually on Halloween night continue to be amazed by the spectacle. Junior Claudia Pazmandi stated, “I always go to Eucalyptus with my family and close friends. Its never boring, even after going for so many years.” Carlmont students can definitely look forward to a wellplanned event with lots to marvel.
Everything you need to know about applying to college on pages 4 and 5