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Volume 20 Issue IV
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FROM THE CONTROL BOOTH A message from your editor in chief. Being a reporter gets you behind the scenes and out into the world, meeting people — sometimes famous ones. This month, three members of the staff tell you what it’s like. -Carina Julig
After watching Eddie Vedder (right) perform in our very own theater, what I couldn’t get over was how humble he was to come back to his high school. I was on my way to the bathroom during another performance where I found Vedder enjoying a cigarette to himself. I got the courage to start a conversation, which he had no problem indulging me in. All I could tell him was how much of an honor it was to go to the same school as him. After a minute or two, he asked me if I wanted to take a photo of him in front of the theater (he saw that I had a camera). I, of course, said yes and I was extremely happy to have the photo end up in the paper. -Patrick Hall I came up with the concept of writing a piece on the Syrian refugee crisis (a child, right) and interviewing a resettlement organization. Human rights is something I’ve become really interested in. When it hit me that I was going to have to drive by myself to downtown San Diego and speak with the executive director alone, my enthusiasm waned slightly. My anxiety skyrocketed when I found myself driving through probably the sketchiest neighborhood in San Diego in my little red Prius. However, once I was inside walking through this monstrous facility, I was so inspired. The International Rescue Committee was laying everything on the line to help people. Through talking with the director, it became apparent that humanitarian aid is what I wanted to do with my life. -Linnea Leidy I was a bit of a nervous wreck as I met a worldclass actor, Christian Conn (right), but he was so down-to-earth. He snuck me and my interview partner past the locked doors into a nearly vacant theatre. He took us past the doors to the stage, giving me a last glance at the dark theatre, and then we speed-walked through hallways, up stairs, and past dressing rooms, making small talk. The world was small enough for two very different individuals, one who traveled the world for a job, one who sat in a desk all day, to share experiences. -Mary Ford
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ROLL CALL The Mustang Staff EDITOR IN CHIEF/OPINION EDITOR Carina Julig NEWS EDITOR Julia Shapero FEATURES EDITOR Mary Ford
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DESIGN EDITOR Maxine Richter ARTS EDITOR Mona Karimi SPORTS EDITOR Cydney Melton ONLINE EDITOR Kate Sequeira PHOTO EDITOR Allie Manis
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GRAPHIC ARTIST Sophia Hurley BUSINESS MANAGER Hana Chen
STAFF WRITERS Jacob Aere Andrew Davidson Layla Gantus Sarah Hernandez Elizabeth Loren Andrew Naimark Alex Read Brooke Russell ADVISOR Tim Roberts
NESS MACHIN Cover Artist
Ness Machin, sophomore, has been painting and drawing before she could even remember. For her AP art concentration, Machin remarked that it was “kind of ridiculous” as she just “painted a lot of puns.” She said that a lot of her friends can be seen in her work, alongside nature, her favorite thing. Asked about future plans involving painting, Machin replied, “I’d like to make it into a career. It’s something I really enjoy and put a lot of passion into.”
APRIL DIAZ
Backpage Photographer April Diaz, freshman, has been taking pictures for the past three years. At SDA, Diaz has taken Studio Art and Photo Imaging. Though Diaz also loves photographing people, she prefers to use nature as her main subject. Diaz hopes to continue taking photos at her trip to Cancun this spring with her new Cannon Rebel T3I, and at several other trips she has planned later this year.
The Mustang is the student newspaper of San Dieguito Academy. Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the newspaper. The Mustang is an open forum which welcomes letters. Letters can be submitted to room 16, emailed to sdamustang@gmail.com or mailed to the address below.
San Dieguito Academy Room 16 800 Santa Fe Drive Encinitas, CA 92024
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ext year, SDA students will get information about sexual harassment and assault in Edgenuity, the online program used to teach health to freshmen. The change comes after state legislature passed a new law required schools to teach sexual harassment and consent. California is the first state in the nation to require public schools to teach students about affirmative consent. Also, another recent bill requires schools to teach students about HIV/AIDS prevention, which is already covered here.
How does the new law affect SDA?
“I think it’s important,” said SDA counselor Ann Nebolon of covering information about consent and sexual harassment. “Topics like sexual assault, dating violence, rape, things like that are really hard to talk about. People don’t want to talk about those things—but that’s exactly what we need to be talking about so that kids know what to do, and so that kids know how to handle those situations to keep themselves safe.” SDA students agree that sexual harassment and sexual consent are important issues to teach about. “There wasn’t really enough information on the topic. The issues of sexual harassment definitely should be brought to light more,” said sophomore Faith Kelly. “I think there should be information added; these are big modern day issues that people should know about,” said sophomore Darian Haseyama. Sexual assault and consent has been an issue on college campuses in recent years, with colleges like Columbia University coming under fire for allegations of mishandling cases of assault. Associate Superintendent of the San Dieguito Union High School District Michael Grove said that the district will make the changes required to comply with the new laws by next school year. Grove said that the district’s health curriculum already includes material about HIV prevention, but would need to add material about sexual consent. Currently, the district uses an online program called Edgenuity for the health component of ninth grade education. To fill in the gaps in the curriculum, Grove said, “We will either work with Edgenuity to add the missing pieces or we will supplement the Edgenuity curriculum with some additional pieces.”
Why California Wants Teenagers to Know About Assault and Consent
Senate Bill 695, the bill mandating information about consent, was authored by Senate President pro tempore Kevin de León (D–Los Angeles) and Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D–Santa Barbara). The bill requires health curriculums to have “information on different forms of sexual harassment and violence, including instances that occur among peers and in a dating relationship; a discussion of prevention strategies; how pupils report sexual harassment and violence; and potential resources victims can access.” It also requires information about affirmative consent and about the legal aspects of sexual violence. “I firmly believe that by instilling in young minds the importance of affirmative consent and relationships built on love and respect, that we can reduce the sexual violence inflicted on young women,” de León said. “Lessons taught today will result in safer campuses and communities tomorrow.” Jackson added, “This bill will ensure that discussions about healthy relationships and consent
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NO MEANS NO New laws add information about sexual harassment and consent to health class. Story by Carina Julig.
are taking place in high school, with young men and women, so we can establish boundaries of acceptable behavior, give students the skills they may need to navigate difficult situations, and prevent sexual assault before it occurs.” Both comments were from a statement on de León’s website. The California Healthy Youth Act was authored by Assemblywoman Shirley Weber, who said in a statement on her website that it will “clarify and strengthen existing state requirements for HIV/ AIDS prevention education to ensure that students are getting the information that they need to live healthy lives.”
How will this affect LGBT students?
Both of the bills point towards a more inclusive view of sex education that requires information about different sexual orientations. Bill 659 states that the information must be “appropriate for pupils of all races, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, and ethnic and cultural backgrounds.” Nebolon said that she is glad that the curriculum is being expanded to include more information about sexual identity. “I think any of that stuff is so positive, because it starts normalizing different sexual identities and different gender identities, and starts normalizing them in a way that is more accepting,” she said. SDA students also support the additions. “Part of the SDA culture is the LGBT community, s o these videos should talk about this stuff so more people can learn about it,” said freshmen Amelia Young. “I recall no information for the LGBT community at all, and I feel like that’s important for kids trying to find themselves in our school, and to know all the health factors that go along with it,” said sophomore Jack Severson. -reporting by beginning journalism staff
How did your state representatives vote?
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ncinitas’s representatives in Sacramento both favored the sexual harassment bill, but one of them didn’t like the HIV bill– find out who. The following are statements from their offices. Assemblyman Rocky Chavez (R–Oceanside), California State Assembly “I voted yes on both AB 329 and SB 695. I think that the most important aspect of our society and one of the main purposes of Government is to educate its people. AB 329 will provide that education so all students can make informed and smart decisions. SB 695 will also be a vehicle to educate our youth about sexual harassment and violence. I have been a part of the Women’s Resource Center in Oceanside for many years and I know the importance of teaching our youth the right thing to do.” Senator Patricia Bates (R–Laguna Niguel), California State Senate Senator Bates voted in favor of SB 695 because she believes it could help reduce the number of cases of sexual harassment and assault. SB 695 was a non-controversial bill that earned almost unanimous support in both the State Senate and Assembly, Bates said. In regards to AB 329, Senator Bates was unable to support it because she feels it unnecessarily reduces local control of school districts. While HIV/AIDS prevention has always been mandated, whether to provide comprehensive sexual education has been left to local communities to decide through their elected school board members. In addition, she believes that discussing issues regarding sexual relationships are best left to parents when possible, because their values and customs may be different than those taught by public schools.
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HOW’S IT GOING, MR. PAIGE? Principal Bjorn Paige says he’s “having a ball” and looks forward to the future changes and additions coming to SDA. Story by Yarisette Sequeira. Photos by Veronica Ness.
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agerly leaning forward, Bjorn Paige sat atop a table and pulled a chair out for his feet as he talked about what he’s learned in his first months as principal at San Dieguito Academy. “We’re really special. And we’re a special place that isn’t defined by chanting in unison, or feeling like we all have to walk to the same march. We really do our own thing,” said Paige. With a smile on his face and a mug filled with water by his side, Paige shared his insight on current issues and a sneak peak into the school’s future. Paige has really enjoyed the interactions he’s shared so far with SDA students. “I love that I’m able to get out in classes and see students at lunch and at activities. I guess one of the things that has been one of my favorite parts is I feel like students come up and talk with me. And I love that you all feel like you can- you know what I
up and saw a student clothed in a “Monty Python” knight costume standing straight in front of him. Paige felt there was a “wonderful goofiness” to the occurrence that he just loved. “When you step on campus you know you’re at SDA because there’s a funky kind of feeling that is just SDA,” said Paige. Wearing an open-collared plaid shirt, Paige spoke to the beginning journalism class about bringing new art to the P-quad, adding new bathrooms on campus, adjusting the passing period, conducting a day without bells, and adding new courses to the school.
Art in the P Buildings
The new P-buildings currently lack SDA’s “funky feeling.” In response, the sculpture students have dedicated time and effort towards creating a giant seahorse from mosaics that will anchor art down in the P-quad.“I’d love to bring the P-quad into the feel of things and I think that starts with artwork,” Paige said.
3.1.16 immense amount of rescheduling, Paige said. Tardies are being recorded and data is being gathered to see if this is a possibility.“We want to make sure we measure twice and cut once,” Paige said about changing the passing period.
A Day Without Bells
Paige loves the idea of a day without bells, which earlier in the year had been suggested by art teacher Jeremy Wright as a way of straying from the current regularities of the education system. According to Wright, a day without the usual ringing of bells during passing period could be the first step to even greater changes. Paige wants as many people on board as possible in regards to this idea of a day without bells. “I would love it if it’s going to happen to happen some time in March… maybe March 22,” said Paige. The idea, however, raised questions on how students will be informed when to start the day and end lunch. A possibility
Principal Bjorn Paige responds to questions from students during the interview. is to have the bell in the old, unused bell tower rung to tell students when school is starting and when lunch is over. The other bells would not be rung and instead the teacher would release the students when the class is over. “There’s a part of me that likes the delicious irony of a day without bells starting” with ringing the old bell tower bell, he said.
New Courses
Journalism students listen and take notes on the information that Principal Bjorn Paige shared with the class.
A current concern on campus has been the lack of restrooms available. “We are talking about [adding new bathrooms] between the mosaic and the weight room,” said Paige. These additional bathrooms would be similar to ones down in thee Pquad; however, they would not include a bathroom for the staff. Budgeting and Plumbing specs are currently being looked at to have these bathrooms added on campus.
The future of SDA is dependent on the students. Courses and electives can always be added with enough student interest, said Paige. He encouraged students to speak up if they desire to have an elective added . “[I want to] make sure students are able to pursue what they love or find out what they love if they don’t know yet,” Paige said. Students have a huge impact on the future of their school. “[The additions and changes made at SDA are] responsive to the changes of the world around it and what students have to say,” said Paige. “At SDA we have a culture that embraces student voice.”
mean? - that students feel like they can and think I’m not some bureaucrat in a tie,” said Paige. One of Paige’s favorite memories at SDA took place on Halloween when he looked
Many students have been wondering if the distance between the P-buildings and other buildings such as the 30s will lead to increasing the passing periods. Changing the bell schedule requires an
Reporting by Patrick Hall, Sylvia Young, Sophie Hughes, Derek Sleet, Veronica Ness, Amber Cruff, Madison Vance, Alyssa Fisher, Kieran Zimmer, Rilee Grau, Aiden Brady, and Jason Kesler.
New Bathrooms
Passing Period
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WORKING WITH THE NOISE Construction in senior court makes progress and creates distracting noise, but teachers and students have few complaints. Story and photos by Julia Shapero.
Walkways around the construction site provide an opportunity for new art on campus.
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he construction in senior court has created distracting noise that can be heard throughout the school, especially in the nearby 70’s and 120’s classrooms; however, few teachers and students have complained about the noise so far. However, the noise will continue in mid-April when steel construction begins in senior court. “If the only thing I have to worry about is that it’s noisy, then I’m doing pretty good. We all have to adjust. That’s life. It has probably made us a little more adaptive too,” said Gail Lee, who teaches math in the 120s just above the construction noise. Other teachers near the construction zone, felt similarly that the noise caused few issues. “I thought it was going to be louder and more crowded,” said Ruth Magnuson, who teaches English in room 70. “The school has done a good job making sure we have safe walkways and the wall keeps out the dust and the noise.” Oly Norris, who teaches in room 72, had some slight issues with the noise from construction, but was able to move classrooms when it became necessary. “It’s created some obstacles to a pristine learning environment but fortunately everyone around me has been really accommodating. When we needed to relocate when the jackhammers were going off on finals week, there were plenty of teachers who were willing to let me move my students over to their classroom, far away from the noise,” said Norris. Students in these classrooms expressed some disappointment at the timing of the construction, but did not have many issues with the noise at this point. “It should have started in summer when no one was in school,” said junior Gabi Gjata, an ASB student in room 74. “I’m bummed my class won’t be here when it’s finished. We’ll just be here during construction.” There has been some fear over the effect of construction on traditional SDA culture; however, with the new opportunity presented by the walkway above the construction zone, it seems the culture will be continuing. Art has begun to take shape along the walls of the walkway to create a sort of “art walk” for students. Students and faculty will continue to see and hear progress in the construction zone in the coming months, said Principal Bjorn Paige. In April, the process of putting up steel in senior court will cause additional noise; however, the administration will monitor the noise levels and adjust and move classrooms as necessary. Construction is currently set to end in July 2017 and be open to students attending SDA in the fall of 2017. “Any construction is going to be noisy,” said Paige. “Any construction you’re going to see dust. Any construction is going to be an annoyance because we’re building buildings. At the end of it we’re going to have something pretty great, but the path there is always going to be challenging.”
Senior court stands empty now after all buildings have been completely demolished.
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Eddie Vedder returned to SDA to honor his former drama teacher, Clayton E. Liggett. Here, Vedder highlights Liggett’s name in the theater’s lobby. Photo by Patrick Hall.
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urrent SDA students and alumni alike were rendered speechless when Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder appeared as a surprise guest for the annual alumni variety show last month. Lots of pictures were quickly snapped, but many seemed to share the commonality of being at a loss of words. Delaney Ryan, senior, was no exception: “I didn’t even talk to him at first, because I just couldn’t form words. I just stood there nodding and he asked if I wanted a picture and gave me a few guitar picks. A lot of alumni performed, as well as a few current students including myself. It was really cool and exciting.” Vedder, a former San Dieguito High School student, came back to pay his respects to his former drama teacher, Clayton Liggett. Onstage, Vedder said that Liggett was a great guy and was missed. Vedder played the song “The Long Road,” which he wrote as a tribute to Liggett. He also did another song on ukulele. Jeremy Wuertz, San Dieguito Acad-
emy music teacher, shared a similar sentiment: “It was really exciting; I grew up listening to a lot of his music. He is a very talented artist.” Wuertz played tambourine with Vedder and an alumni band at the end of the show. What set Wuertz apart from most of his counterparts, however, was that Vedder’s appearance wasn’t entirely a surprise for him: “I had some idea, but it was important for us to be discreet… He is one of the most legendary rock vocalists. I know he just wanted to come share the night with the alumni, without it being a really flashy event. Coming under the radar, that is how he wanted to do it. It’s neat that we have these alumni that are willing to keep engaging with their school.” No matter how the individual happened upon Vedder, many were stunned. The annual alumni show featured performances both by musicians and magicians, and as such, magic was in the air. Vedder came and surprised many, and promised to return to perform a duet with Delaney Ryan.
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VEDDER THAN EVER Paying respect to a former teacher, Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder joined fellow alumni and current students at a fundraising event in theater last month. Story by Brooke Russell w/ Alex Read
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Children seeking refuge inside a canvas tent in northeast Syria. Photo by Peter Biro/IRC.
THINK THESE TODDLERS ARE TERRORISTS, MR. TRUMP? The recent civil war in Syria has forced millions of families to flee their homes. Politicians led by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump suggest barring all Syrians from the United States. This is immoral and obscene. By Linnea Leidy.
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don’t want the people from Syria coming in, because we don’t know who they are. We don’t know who they are. And I don’t want them coming in,” says 2016 presidential candidate Donald Trump, who wants to ban all Syrians from entering, suggesting that some might be members of the terrorist group ISIS. Right now, as you’re reading this, there are approximately 20 million people living as refugees in the world. Refugees don’t leave their country because they don’t like their leader, or because they decide they would be more successful if they lived in a different country. A refugee is someone whose home has been ravaged by terror and war, someone who’s life is on the line, someone who was forced to lose everything they have known worked for in an effort to survive. The largest population of refugees are Syrians displaced by the civil war which has uprooted millions of families— a number only slightly larger than the number of families that have been killed. When President Obama announced that the United States would be accepting 10,000 Syrian refugees, there was immediate controversy. Many politicians and citizens oppose letting in any Syrians for the fear that it could be a way for terrorists to enter the country in disguise. Governors from 31 states such as Georgia, Texas, and Maine, oppose allowing Syrian refugees resettle in their states; all but one are Republican. Michigan governor Rick Snyder, like many other state leaders,
says, “Michigan [or any of the 31 states] is a welcoming state and we are proud of our rich history of immigration. But our first priority is protecting the safety of our residents.” The states claim it’s more important to protect the citizens already fortunate enough to live in the U.S. than to help the people who are fleeing for their lives. However, beneath this justification lies their real motivation behind banning Syrians: they’re willing to do anything to gain more voters and public support for their campaigns. Gambling with another person’s life to gain a few votes is morally inhumane and a quality, I would hope, nobody would look for in a politician or future president. Much to my horror, there have been suggestions of barring all Syrians—even all Muslims—from coming to America. This is genuinely obscene.
Assimilating into America Resettlement agencies play critical roles in the lives of these families from the minute they walk off the plane to the day they’re buying their own houses and holding down jobs of their own. The IRC building is located in Mid-City San Diego. The facility is huge, and filled with immigrants and refugees getting needed services and help assimilating into the U.S. The workers were from a wide range of ethnicities, and the clients passing through the halls all spoke different languages (At one point I ended up walking into a Driver’s Ed.
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How you can help Executive Director David Murphy said that there have been many positive benefits that have come as a result of the media attention over the Syrian Refugee Crisis. “It has actually raised a lot of interest in the refugee program,” he said. “It’s really brought into the mainstream media refugees, who they are, where they come from. “What we have found is that [refugees] are becoming even more welcome, because now people have an idea of who refugees are and where they’re coming from. “There will always be fringe groups, extremists, on either side that will not want to welcome refugees or immigrants, and they will never change. But they are a relatively small minority compared to most of America.” If you’re interested in helping these families, the IRC is always looking for donations or volunteers. They accept money for expenses such as food and clothing, and volunteers help daily by serving meals or helping the younger kids with homework. For more information on how to get involved, visit their website at http://www. rescue.org/us-program/us-san-diego-ca.
Syrian children passing time in one of thousands of temporary refugee camps. Photo by Peter Biro/IRC. the process for taking the permit test.) “Once they arrive we pick them up at the airport, and we get them an apartment, which is very challenging because of the price of rental units here in San Diego,” Murphy said. “San Diego is a very expensive city, so trying to find affordable housing is a big challenge. “Then we begin with cultural orientation and making sure that the newly arrived refugee begins to assimilate into America. It could be starting with their apartment on the first day, have they ever seen a refrigerator? Have they ever used a gas stove or an electric stove? Do they know how to use keys to open the door? “It could be that simple depending on if they came from the middle of nowhere— Africa where they have never experienced this before, or they could know it very well coming from a middle-class upbringing from Iraq or Syria, so they would be very well-versed in what a modern apartment is.” These refugees have been ripped from their old lives and thrown into a completely different world. The IRC provides support for services the families need, ranging from schooling for the children, English lessons, establishing credit, and much more. The ultimate goal is for them to become U.S. citizens, because the vast majority of the people fleeing Syria have no intention of returning, Murphy said. They’re happy that they escaped, and the only real opportunity they have of living a good life for themselves and their children
is to stay in the United States, which has been historically known as the land of opportunity, he said.
The plight of politicization The presidential campaign has politicized the refugee resettlement program, Murphy said. Instead of focusing on people living in life-threatening situations, it is being used simply as a platform for politicians to gain voters’ support. That is so disgusting, these aren’t simple legislative acts. These are real human beings whose lives are in danger, and politicians are wagering their lives to boost their ratings. The United States has accepted immigrants from other countries since its foundation. The majority of the time it’s people simply seeking a better life here. Now when these families are living in the middle of a war zone risking their lives, there’s a question of whether we should provide aid? “Refugees are fleeing terrorism,” Murphy said. “They’re fleeing conflict. They’re fleeing war. They’re not coming here to be the problem; they’re looking for solutions. They’re looking for safe-haven, and yet the politicians are painting them as a negative threat when in fact they’re not.” It’s simply luck and chance that we all were fortunate enough to end up living here. Any of us could have very easily been born in Syria, especially if the United States hadn’t been accepting immigrants from other countries since its beginning, and we could have been the ones watching our
neighbors and friends get shot at the house down the street. How would we feel if the safest place for us decided it wanted to keep us out because it made the rash assumption that we were terrorists? I find it almost perversely comical that as humans still haven’t developed the ability to treat our equals with the respect and dignity that we would want, especially these presidential candidates that are pledging to take care of people and lead the country.
The reality of risks involved The opposing argument that terrorists could enter the country is frankly weak and doesn’t take into account the rigorous background checks refugees face, the other ways terrorists could infiltrate the U.S., or the blunt fact that these people will die if not resettled. The United States welcomes thousands of people on work visas or travel visas every year, Murphy said. Of all the people that enter the country, refugees endure the most security measures. These people undergo a minimum of 18 months of background checks through the FBI, CIA, and Department of Homeland Security, he said. It’s pretty much assured that they are more safe and trustworthy than a large portion of average Americans. If the priority was actually to keep out potential terrorists, the focus would be on the lessinvestigated work and travel visas, not the refugees.
Specific to San Diego Murphy said that San Diego has historically accepted around four percent of the total amount of refugees who resettle in the United States each year. That means that for 2016, an estimated 3,000 to 3,500 people are expected to move into the city. Specifically when it comes to Syrian refugees, San Diego should be accepting around 400 individuals, said Murphy. Even more local, Encinitas has shown support for accepting Syrian refugees. Motions have been made by several organizations and residents to join the nationwide Building Welcoming Communities Campaign, a movement that devotes its efforts towards assisting immigrants and refugees. “These are refugees that have come from war-torn countries,” Murphy said. “They have lost everything. We have a humanitarian imperative to help people. We are a nation built upon immigrants and that is a proud tradition that the U.S. has.” Before making the self-serving, uneducated, and politicized decision to ban these people from the country, we need to look at them as what they are: families. Young couples beginning their life together, children who haven’t yet experienced the opportunities the world has to offer, grandparents who have worked tirelessly to create a stable life for their children and grandchildren. They aren’t just refugees. They aren’t just a number or a statistic. They aren’t terrorists, they’re just terrified people.
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OUT OF THE CLOSET, ENRICHING THE COMMUNITY. Blake Stoner-Osborne shares his story.
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want to share something with you. At the last Community Day we played a game where there was a line of blue tape on the floor and all of the students stood on one side. The student moderator running the game would say a statement, and if it applied to you or someone you love, you would silently cross over the line. Well, one of the statements was, “If you or someone you love is not happy most of the time, please cross over the line.” And I crossed over the line. Now, most of my classmates, friends, and teachers can attest to the fact that I smile in class about 90% of the time, and I crack stupid jokes, and I laugh as much as I possibly can, but that isn’t an accurate representation of how I feel. The side that people don’t see is the anxiety and the fear that has a constant grip on me. Yes, I am idiotic and probably a little too loud, but I hide what’s going on in my life. I can tell you exactly why I’ve done this for so long. It’s because I was scared and because I don’t feel normal. There’s a lot that I bet you didn’t know about me. When I’m at home, sometimes panic and depression will get a grip on me and I spend hours at a time just sobbing in my room. Sometimes, I’ll be brushing my teeth and I’m too ASHAMED to even look at the reflection staring back at me in the mirror because of what I am. Sometimes, when my friends are sharing good news with me, I’ll smile and I’ll give them a hug when really I just want to
walk away and disappear forever because I feel like I don’t deserve to be a part of any happy situation. Sometimes I sit there and wish so hard that I were normal that it hurts to open my eyes and go back to what I actually am. There’s a lot more to me than meets the eye, isn’t there? Here it is, SDA. Maybe I’m not normal. I’m not average. I’m different. And you know what? I’m done hiding. I’m done putting up that mask, because it isn’t who I am. For the past three years the thing that’s had a grip on me, the thing that was unrelenting, is the thing that I’m ready to get rid of right here and right now. So here it is: I’ve struggled with my sexuality for years. It’s a pain and a suffering that resurfaces over and over again, but this is me coming out to you. There’s something that gets me through all of the pain and the anguish and confusion. The people around me saved me. If it weren’t for all of the people who took my hand and walked me through this, I wouldn’t be standing here in front of you today. So to all of the people who helped me at any point in the three roughest years of my life: thank you. To Ethan and Brittany and Julia. To Erin and Miranda and Luke. To everyone who said, “I still love you and I support you,” thank you, because you honestly saved my life. I’ll never really escape the panic and the fear, but the friends that are willing to help me through it make such a huge impact. Now, I can confidently say that I am gay
Stoner-Osborne near the mosaic. Illustration by Sophia Hurley; photo by Carina Julig. and there’s nothing that will hold me back anymore. I’m done hiding and I’m done suffering under the weight of something that defines who I am. Those people that I just listed helped me to see that the thing that made me feel insubordinate before is nothing to be afraid of. In fact, it’s something to be proud of. It’s something that I can honestly say terrified me, but that I overcame. We’ve all got something that scares us and that we want to keep to ourselves and, at times, we let get the best of us and we forget to let in the people that can truly make a difference. SDA, the power that you possess is amazing. The power that you chose to use to help me is the reason I’m not still hating who I am. We may not be having Community Day this year, but I want to challenge you--I want to challenge you to keep SDA’s spirit alive. When I was a freshman, one of the first things I was told was that my class was going to destroy SDA’s spirit and community. But no, they were wrong. There’s a reason we aren’t like any other school out there. The fact that we’re grow-
ing in numbers only tells me that we’re growing in capacity for love and appreciation and support, not that it’s going to be taken away. I love this school and I love this campus and I love the people. The thing I’m most thankful for in this world is that now they all get to see me for real for the very first time. I’m challenging you to compliment the new kid. I’m encouraging you to walk with those who feel broken and defeated. I’m asking you to show this school who you really are and to enrich the whole school because of it. You have the power to make an impact, and you certainly made one on me that I will never forget, and forever be grateful for. So SDA, thank you for everything that you’ve done for me. Now, take the time to do that for everyone else, because that’s what this school is all about. It took me three years to learn to love myself for who I am and, I’m not going to lie, sometimes these things take time. No matter how long it takes, just keep fighting. SDA will thank you for it. Thank you, SDA, I love you.
OPINIONS
The Mustang
PEER PRESSURE OR PARENT PRESSURE? With all the pressures teens already face, the last thing they need to worry about is how social they are. By Sophie Peeler.
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eens have a lot of pressure on them, about a lot of different things: grades, sports, college, parents, friends. But nowadays, as getting around and being independent is becoming easier for them, there’s also be a lot of pressure around the simple act of being social. As teenagers, we’re expected to be social - but not too social. Most of this pressure comes from parents, who want their antisocial sons and daughters to spend less time in the house and more with other kids their age. But, (and I can speak from experience),
as soon as their kids start actually going out with their friends more than once a week, a lot of parents will freak out and start being strict and overprotective. Obviously, how social a teen is depends on the relationships they have with friends, and how comfortable they are with these friends. And, of course, a teen can easily have a healthy balance between friends and family if the circumstances are right. Things go askew when parents try to alter this balance. By being overprotective and berating in response to their teen’s
more social behavior, it tends to have the opposite effect. In other words, by being strict and uptight, parents are pushing their kids away and making them want to spend more time out of the house rather than less. When parents give their teens freedom and allow them to actually lead their own lives (aka treat them like human beings…), those teens tend to be more well-rounded and willing to balance out home life with social life. As the saying goes, “Strict parents make the best liars.” Here’s the truth, cold and clear: we can’t pick our family, but we can pick our friends. This really says something, because a lot of people struggle with the guilt over having animosity with a family member. In reality, if you think about it, it’s a lot more likely that you fight with a family member rather than a friend. When we’re born, we’re born into our families. With friends, we have to make the conscious decision to seek them out and form a relationship. In addition to that, the disparity between friends and family is that, with friends, there is no superiority. Everyone is on a level field, equal except for what you do. With family, the levels of authority are inevitable and, quite frankly, frustrating. All we want is a clear voice and a sense of individuality, which is difficult to have with family and easy to have with friends. Don’t get me wrong- family is important. At the end of the day, it’s who we come home to. But it shouldn’t be this dif-
11 ficult. As we get older, it gets harder and harder to please everyone around us- parents, teachers, friends, college admissions officers, etc. And in the confusion of trying to juggle so many responsibilities and emotions in order to please everyone, we often forget about trying to make ourselves happy, and doing the things we want to do simply because we want to. For some, being alone and at home is what makes them happy and mentally peace, and parents shouldn’t berate them for being ‘antisocial’ because they’re notthey’re just introverts, they need time alone in order to feel energized and happy. For others, the extroverts among us, being with friends and forgetting about all the burdens we have is what we need in order to mentally unwind and feel happy, and parents shouldn’t become overprotective and regulatory because of this unless there’s any real, justified concern. In the end, it’s a matter of character- extrovert or introvert, no matter what age, everyone has a tendency towards being more or less social. And in the difficult and confusing teenage years, the last thing parents should be doing is trying to change their child’s instilled nature. But in today’s modern society, a large chunk of parents are doing just this: controlling their teens to the point that they feel stripped of their freedom as individuals. The pressure around ‘being social…but not TOO social,’ as a teen really needs to end.
Class of 2016 PARTY, LET’S DO IT! This is YOUR PARTY! Don’t miss it! A few short months left… GRAD NITE CELEBRATION - JUNE 10th 8:30 p.m. - 2 a.m. WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND? Everyone is going to be there! You graduated - CELEBRATE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS! Music, games, and prizes. Tons and tons of food! SDA 2016 Grad Nite t-shirt Every single thing is included in the $75 - pay nothing more The last great party with ALL of your Friends! ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS…
1. Go on the SDAF website and download the forms to sign http://sdafoundation.com/2016/grad-nite-carnival-2016/ 2. Buy your tickets for $75 or see your counselor for a reduction of fees or scholarship 3. Bring in your signed registration form and payment to the SDA Foundation office
OPINIONS
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3.1.16
AND THE AWARD DOESN’T GO TO... I
Lupita Nyong’o (top) won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in the film 12 Years a Slave at the 2015 Academy Awards. Photo by Jordan Murph / ©A.M.P.A.S. David Oyelowo (bottom), snubbed for an Oscar nomination for playing Martin Luther King Jr. in the film Selma at the 2015 Academy Awards, has voiced his opinion on the unacceptable omissions of actors and actresses of color. Photo by Mark Suban / ©A.M.P.A.S.
n the audience of the annual Academy Awards held Sunday on Feb. 28, numerous actors and directors of the most esteemed films of the year eagerly awaited their results. As usual, this gathering at the Dolby Theater welcomed a talented array of individuals, each decked out in designer tuxedos or gowns, including this year’s host Chris Rock. However, this year, a few of cinema’s most renowned individuals were unsurprisingly absent. Unjustly, the elite and select group of artists who were nominated for this year’s awards lacked diversity, especially with regards to the recognition of African Americans. Consequently, renowned filmmaker Spike Lee and actress Jada Pinkett Smith brought this act of discrimination to the attention of our “equal” society. On the recent birthday of the late Martin Luther King Jr, they announced their plan to boycott the Academy Awards because of a strictly white pool of actor nominees. In the 88-year history of the Academy Awards, only four African-American men have won Best Actor in a Leading Role and Best Actor in a Supporting Role, while only one African-American women has won Best Actress in a Leading Role. Given the extensive history of racial discrimination and prejudice in film and in our country, including the recent unjust police shootings of African-American men, it is the duty of those in our society to take a stance, as Lee and Smith have initiated in the world of film. If one thinks about racial diversity in film, there are several common and recurring traits amongst the characters personified by African-American actors and actresses. For example, several of the past and recent African-American nominees gained their reputations for playing slaves, maids and people of “less societal significance.” In the history of the Academy Awards, the first AfricanAmerican woman to receive Best Actress in a Supporting role went to Hattie McDaniel, who played Mammy in “Gone with the Wind” in 1939. Sadly, little has seemingly changed in the past 74 years, as Lupita Nyong’o earned the same award for playing another enslaved woman in “12 Years a Slave,” released in 2013. While many of these themes hold historical significance, we should move on from these times dominated by racial stereotypes and move into a new societal mindset where kind, intelligent and strong characters can be depicted by anyone, regardless of race. In fact, this year, Lee achieves this in his politically charged film called “Chi-Raq,” connecting the horrors of gang violence in Chicago with the war in Iraq. Spike Lee’s argument extends farther. Generally, studio executives, including those involved in the Academy Awards and their decision-making process, are mostly
Nominations for this year’s Academy Awards lack diversity, slighting many African American actors and actresses. By Mallika Seshadri.
white men. This creates a large bias in their willingness to address problems of racial diversity and representation. Growing up in a time of both racial progression and setbacks, it is important that we realize the sadness in our obliviousness to such acts of prejudice because these notions are so ingrained into the society in which we live. Generally, we tend to use terms such as “equal rights” to excuse our societal behavior, without realizing that rights do not equate to respect or deserved recognition. We often deny the fact that our society remains prejudiced and pretends that everyone is equal, when this is not the reality. Attending a school that is approximately 70 percent% white and known for our accepting community, we should be aware of the fact that often times we set aside societal issues because they do not pertain to or influence our lives directly. This kind of mentality is the polar opposite of what we should be advocating for and is harmful to the healing of an array of social issues, including racism. Despite ongoing acts of prejudice and discrimination, our society has made some progress. Politically, we have elected President Obama, our first African-American president. Additionally, the historically exclusively white world of ballet has welcomed its first African-American principal dancer in Misty Copeland for the ABT (American Ballet Theater.) It is quite ironic that film, a medium used to express, illustrate and challenge the intricacies of our society, leaves out such a crucial part of our population. Thanks to Spike Lee and Jada Pinkett Smith, our society has hopefully been awakened to the fact that African Americans have not received the credit or recognition they deserve as much as anyone else.
The Mustang
San Dieguito Sentinel
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No Leeway on the Freeway By Armaan Shah and Nate Stewart.
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oday on the I-5 south between Santa Fe and Birmingham Drive a lane departure crash occurred involving a glossy tan Nissan Altima and a white Toyota Tacoma. The latter flipped, colliding with the Nissan and causing both to rolland both rolled into the median barrier, immediately bursting into flames. While both drivers managed to come away with only minor injuries, theboth vehicles have been completely totaled. The wreck luckily left the four-lane freeway untouched, allowing vehicles to proceed safely. Instead, the crash, but instead resulted in bumper to bumper traffic stretching 40 miles north of the incident. Our field reporter Guy Fieri travelled to the scene to get more information. He reported that the traffic was being created not by the accident, but by the people looking. The accident had been roped off, and special exhibitions were being held by the insurance company of the Tacoma driver for those eager to get a good look at the accident. In fact, for the more daring, a special “Crash Zone” was available for a small fee and enabled viewers to watch the roaring inferno from only 10 feet away. According to
Illustration by Sophia Hurley. Fieri, a professional photographer set up a booth and was charging $5 five5 dollars a picture as families posed in front of the wreckage. An Encinitas local named Bigg A. Noyance (?)Beau Dougan, who had just bought food from Crash Site Hotdogs, a stand setup next to the crash to enhance the spectating experience, told Fieri, “There’s nothing like kicking back and enjoying a nice accident from the safety of my car on
the freeway. It feels empowering to know that I can stop and watch a spectacle even though I’m making everyone behind me late for work. It’s a real self-confidence booster.” Unfortunately, after about two hours, the wreckage was removed from the median and the festivities were forced to an end, and so was the traffic, since there was nothing to look at anymore.
The Final Scope Horoscopes straight from our friends’ text message inboxes. By Claire Pupping and Kenna Osborn. Aries
Cancer
Libra
Taurus
Leo
Scorpio
March 21st-April 19th “HUh! Oh my gosh I ate the bread too fast.” You’re always one step ahead of yourself. Time to slow down and take a few sips of water in between each bite of your sandwich. April 20th-May 20th “Did you get highlights?” Sometimes it takes you a while to notice things. For example this text was received nearly three weeks after said highlights were done, but it still counts that you noticed. Points for you, but at the same time, no points for you.
Gemini
May 21st-June 20th “I was going to make a Hitler joke, but wasn’t sure if our relationship was ready for that.” You like to push the envelope, always wanting to keep people on the edge of their seats. Just make sure you don’t shove people completely off their seat.
June 21st-July 22nd “I worked 10:30 to 5 and I didn’t eat anything except two Eggo waffles.” It’s about time you started to take care of yourself. I think you are going to need at least three Eggo waffles a day.
July 23rd-August 22nd “I just missed the stair and tripped down a few.” This is you on the daily. Every stair, every hole, every pebble is a threat to you and your state of physical well being. You try to watch your step and hold onto friends especially when walking on a slanted surface. It’s all good, you’re clumsy it’s who you are, be clumsy.
Virgo
August 23rd-September 22nd “Texas is a lie.” You have a lot of opinions, and you do a good job of making sure everyone around you knows that. So, forget about having any kind of moral filter and just let your opinion flag fly.
September 23rd-October 22nd “I can’t deal with dairy.” This could be an insightful horoscope, but really maybe you’re just straight up lactose intolerant. Almond milk is just as good, right? October 23rd-November 21st “Everyone is annoying today; it’s just one of those days.” You’re right. It is just one of those days. There’s not much to do on these days but wait until tomorrow when the world seems less annoying.
Sagittarius
November 22nd-December 21st “I think I forgot to tell you because I thought I did but then I realized I didn’t.” So communication is not your strong point. Don’t worry. People do want to hear what you have to say. Especially when they invite you to an event and you respond that you aren’t sure if you are going when you meant to say “yes.” You can do it; just say “yes.”
Capricorn
December 22nd-January 19th “There are only two people in this homeroom whose hands I will touch.” Maybe sometimes you’re just not a huge fan of touching people, which is very understandable because who knows where some people’s hands have been. Your dislike of human contact may one day prevent you from getting the next plague.
Aquarius
January 20th-February 18th “Hey, I’m here in the parking lot of the mattress store. I see a transient. Let’s go.” You’re impatient at times, but you are also very reliable. You will always be that friend who will wait in parking lots of mattress stores, so don’t ever change.
Pisces
February 19th-March 20th “Nobody’s perfect, you live and you learn it, that everybody makes mistakes, nobody’s perfect.” Don’t beat yourself up.You’ll get through it whatever it is you are going through. Remember that one time you said “nobody’s perfect,” it applies to you too.
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F E AT U R E S
3.1.16
F E AT U R E S
The Mustang
INTO
CRUISIN’ CURRICULM
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eacher Oly Norris recalled his own days as a student at San Dieguito were not always easy: “For so many of us who were left out of the daily routine of social norms, whether by choice or by nature, or a bit of both, skateboarding saved us.” Students in the recently reinstalled skate PE class, making a comeback after a fouryear break, can relate. The Skate PE students are thrilled they can take a class other than yoga, or weight training, or even surfing to gain their second set of 10 PE credits. “I thought school was super boring,” senior Matt Jacobs said while hanging out in the empty bowl watching his classmates do tricks. “It’s just like for all day long I’d wait to go to the park. Now I can just look forward to it.”
program. A $500 contribution was made by the “Rollin’ From the Heart Foundation,” a memorial foundation made for a former SDA student and skater, Ian “Poods” Barry. Once the funding was taken care of, the students finally got to enroll in their dream PE class. “It’s something they love and this may be the first time they’ve ever had a class where [the] subject matter [is] what they love,” said Cannon.
A Day in the Life
A normal day at Skate PE involves the 22 students commuting to the YMCA Skate
SDA skaters brighten their school day by getting Skate PE reinstated. The class takes place during fourth period at the YMCA Skate Park. Skaters earn PE credit while doing something they love. Story by Cydney Melton with Kieran Zimmer.
and get credit for it,” said sophomore Milo Hansberger, who has been skating for about four years.
Skateboarding is Not a Crime
A lot of people view skating as a crime; however skating has taught many SDA students positive values. It gives them a purpose to stay active and make healthy choices, they said. Junior Tanner Brown said skating taught him about “hard work. Life is painful sometimes.” Similarly, junior Kai Sarquilla has learned “commitment and independence” from his time skating.
Flippin’ Through History
Skate PE is unique to SDA, as it is not offered at any other high school in the district, or at other schools in the area, according to Principal Bjorn Paige. Skate PE took some work to be offered again. It first started when San Dieguito High School switched to San Dieguito Academy 20 years ago and was advised by former SDHS teacher Lani Madrid, who also advised Surf PE. Skate PE was last offered four years ago when former SDA teacher, John Brennan, taught it; it was not offered for the last few years because of low sign ups and not enough interest, according to current Skate PE advisor John Cannon.
Dropping into Funds
This year, the students started a petition to have the class offered again. They got enough sign-ups; however, they still needed $2,200 in order to rent out the YMCA for the semester. SDA sophomores Braden White, Koby Dvorak, and Jeremy Pasco created a “kick starter video” as a funding campaign to reach out to the SDA Foundation and others for help, according to Norris. Norris, who once taught Skate PE, promoted the “kick starter video” by speaking in the video and circulating the video through social media to help the students raise money for the
Park in Encinitas for fourth period, putting pads and helmets on, and skating with friends for the rest of the school day. Encouragement is passed along from skater to skater when tricks are finally landed, especially when someone tries something new. Skaters slap their boards on the ground to show appreciation, a form of applauding. The skaters range from sophomores to seniors of all different skill levels, mostly intermediate to advanced, according to Cannon. “I’ve always loved skating, and I thought it would be really cool to be able to do this during school hours with all my friends,
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“Skateboarding is all about confidence and commitment. Get back up when you fall. Just try, try again, getting yourself to do something, it’s all in your head,” said sophomore Nick Sachs who has been skating for about three or four years.
SDA Skates Away from Norm
Most of the skaters feel as though skating is an important aspect of the SDA community. “A lot of people skateboard, so it’s really important,” Max Granstead, sophomore, said. “ You can see how many people are here. It’s a whole vibe here, you know? Just the skater community.” “I think [skating is] a big part of [SDA’s
culture], because there’s surfer kids, there’s art kids, and there’s skater kids,” Jacobs said. “ I feel like we’re a lot different than the surfer kids, even though people kind of affiliate surfing and skating to be similar. They’re two hugely different things.
Will it Continue?
All of the skaters and teachers involved with Skate PE hope it continues next year and for many years to come because skating is an important part of what SDA stands for. Everything at SDA is for the students; classes are based on student interest, according to Cannon. As long as skaters continue to attend SDA and show an excitement for the class, it will continue being offered, possibly at the Encinitas Community Park in future years, according to Cannon. “Skate PE is one of many programs that honors and celebrates the unique skills and passions of our students,” Norris said. “ I am thrilled that the program has found its way home again.”
Junior Ryan Nagdevand (left) carving some sharp corners. Photo by Allie Manis.
Sophomore Max Granstead (page 14) kicks his flip with ease. Photo by Patrick Hall.
THE CENTER
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Senior Matt Jacobs ollies over the A-Frame with steez. Photo by Allie Manis.
INTO
CRUISIN’ CURRICULM Skaters Kai Sarquilla (Junior), Ryan Nagdevand (Junior), Nick Sax (Sophomore), Max Anderson (Junior), and Wiley Widholm (Junior) wait for a run.
A poppin’ heelflip courtesy of Sophomore Milo Honsberger. Photo by Patrick Hall.
Sophomore Max Grensted takes it all in during a free session at one of the best skateparks in California. Photo by Patrick Hall. Juniors Nic Tessoro (left) and Tanner Brown (right) ponder the trick possibilities in a park all to themselves. Photo by Patrick Hall.
A clean varial heel. Photo by Allie Manis.
F E AT U R E S
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3.1.16
Caught in the act Professional actor Christian Conn answers San Dieguito students’ questions on pursuing theatre, facing hardships, and finding career happiness. Story by Mary Ford.
Actor Christian Conn on connecting with characters: “I love flaws in a character because that is what makes them human. Those are what give [characters] color and depth.” Photo courtesy of www.christianconn.com.
A
fter leading me through a maze of snaking hallways and “push-not-pull-” doors, climbing some stairs, and passing many mysteriously shut rooms, professional actor Christian Conn sat down on the comfortably worn couch of The Old Globe’s backstage break room with an audible sigh. It was clear he felt right at home. Conn had just finished up a stellar performance as the lead role Damis in the David Ives play “The Metromaniacs,” and although still recovering slightly from his first of two performances that day, seemed ready for me to ask him some questions. He settled onto the couch, his heeled shoes and embroidered blue vest worn in the play exchanged for a Brooklyn Nets hat and washed pink shirt. Conn had jokingly described himself as the “older, more attractive” brother of former SDA teacher Justin Conn, and the resemblance was crystal clear. (Justin Conn helped arrange the interview.)
As I sat down next to this man, who got paid to do what other people only dreamed of, I was dazzled. Here was an individual, who not 15 minutes earlier, had seemed to be a completely different human being! All I had learned about him in the two hours I had been enraptured by his stage presence seemed to have vanished, like he had pulled off a clear sheet of personality and hung it up in the dressing room. The face of a love-struck and impassioned poet had changed into that of a considerate and witty actor. Conn has had much success in his acting career and has appeared in over 30 performances from On-Broadway to off, from television to small indie movies. He even did a LG T.V. commercial which aired all over the country. But his acting life hasn’t always been that successful. According to Conn, the average actor will “bomb your first hundred auditions,” and “struggle to make a living in the most expensive city in the United States.”
H was no exception. But the acting life gets better. “It’s such an exciting life,” said Conn, and as an actor, you “make people think and analyze more deeply, make people laugh, challenge their ideas.” Students in the SDA theater department provided the questions, wanting to know everything from the practical to the philosophical. We began simple: How do you relate to or in vest in your character? I think for most characters, especially in language plays, going back to the text is where you start to really see what the character wants and who the character is. [My character] is similar to all of us because he’s passionate about something. That happens to be language and his idea of love. I definitely relate to that passion inside, especially about language. I love poetry, and I love Shakespeare and I love verse so I can definitely identify with him. Do you have any pre-show rituals? I’ve had the same ritual for like twenty years. I get to the
“It’s a wonderful life but it’s a difficult life and you don’t always know what you’re next step will be.” -Christian Conn
theater about an hour before the show starts. I do about twenty minutes of warm ups. I’ll do about ten minutes of physical warm up where I just roll around on the ground, making lots of noises. Then I do a general vocal warm-up just to get my instrument ready because with this kind of material, if you don’t warm up, it’s very hard to perform. You really have to be nimble. Then I go down to the dressing room and put on some stupid fun music. We listened to some Cream in the dressing room today, joking with each other and just trying to relax a little bit. For this play, it’s nice to get a playful feeling going. What do you think or do to get into character? As the play starts, I write in my notebook the first few lines of the poems I speak as I come out on stage. It gets me in the mindset of someone who is writing poetry. I think about the excitement of being in this house, I think about being in love, I think about all the circumstances I’m about to walk into. I try to walk in with full preparation.
The Mustang
Christian Conn as Damis in “The Metromaniacs.” Photo by The Old Globe.
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hat helps you with confidence? What is interesting for me is that it was a bit opposite with this character. The character has to be pretty self-conscious about some things. He’s confident and he’s got swagger but when it comes down to the end of the play and he has his big speech, he’s actually terrified. So for me, it was actually more about investigating that nervousness. What it’s like to be an artist and be a little terrified on opening night, a little terrified before you go on stage, or a little terrified to see your work. I actually had to spend more time thinking about lack of confidence than confidence. How were you brought into the pro fessional world of performing arts? I got a BFA in theater arts and then I moved to New York. And there is no road map for doing that. You show up and you start pounding the pavement and you go to as many auditions as possible, and you eventually get an agent, and then you get a commercial agent, then you bomb your first hundred auditions, then you eventually start to do well in auditions, and you start to build confidence and you start to build contacts, and it grows from there. But it’s a process, a long process, and there is no secret answer to how to get there. What are some hardships you’ve encountered in the industry? It’s a wonderful life but it’s a difficult life and you don’t always know what your next step is going to be. When I first moved to New York, the struggle was how to make a living in the most expensive city in the United States. Acting can be really frustrating. So you need to
F E AT U R E S find a lot of things that make you happy outside of that. You need to find some balance in your life or you won’t feel successful. What is one of your best theatre mo ments? I love it when people corpse. That’s when people laugh on stage, when they break on stage. It’s an absolutely genuine moment that happens on stage, which is so rare because there is so much artifice on stage. To have something that real happen on stage? That’s really exciting. I try to make people in my cast corpse every performance. Part of performing a play like this is feeling tickled the whole way through. Part of the way we do that is by goosing each other on stage, in the most professional way possible. Why do you act? From the first time I participated, I thought it was so magical, and as I trained I realized it’s the only thing I want to do in life. I love acting on stage, I love having a conversation with the audience. It’s such an exciting life. What can theater do for others? I think theater can change people. Not only can it provoke and make people think and analyze, but it can make people laugh, make people feel things, challenge their ideas. To constantly be reevaluating how we think and feel about things is very important. What do you try to do for the audi ence in each performance? For me, it’s about committing as wholly as I can to creating this character, living through these circumstances as truthfully as I can, and just having as much fun as possible. If we are having fun on stage, then the audience can have fun with us. What is the best acting tip you have ever received? I think the biggest thing is that everything should come from your acting partner, that you shouldn’t create anything. Listening is probably the most important skill there is. Whatever happens to you on stage should be coming from the other people. It shouldn’t be self motivated. What is one tip you can give to as piring actors? Go see as many plays as you can, read as many plays as you can, or scripts of movies, and get involved with theater on any level. Even if it means working backstage, in a light booth pushing buttons. Only then you’ll find out if you love [theater] and if it’s something you want to do.
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Live Poet’s
Society
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n playwright David Ives’ newest work, “The Metromaniacs,” nothing is as it seems and no one is who they say they are. While the scene, as set forth by the not-quite-Versailles stage decor and elaborate costuming, is 18th century France, the timeless characters and name dropping references give it a broader modern-day feeling, from sulking teenage girls fanning over their newest read to young adults just trying to pursue their passion in a cut throat world. The play blends old with contemporary so well, a Britney Spears joke thrown in the mix works perfectly. The poetic play, written entirely in verse, is a contemporary adaptation of Alexis Piron’s 1738 play “La Metromanie,” that leaves audience member leaning forward in their seats and chuckling at the nonsensical banter. The whole play, not surprisingly, revolves around the poetry craze going around France at the time, reminiscent of the rap craze going on now. The play begins in a cartoonish forest background constructed in the middle of a grandiose Parisian ballroom, where an aging poet is preparing to put on a play for his poetry-obsessed daughter. In the misguided attempt of snapping her out of her teenager-girl level poetic phase into the world of Parisian courtship and social advancement, he has invited suitors to come woo her heart. A web of elaborate hidden and falsified identities is woven, with several characters pretending to be each other
Who knew poetry could be fun? Story by Mary Ford.
on stage, and several others pretending to be characters that don’t even exist. Although the dramatic irony is tangible, the web is so tightly woven that the viewer themselves may get tangled up. Written in rhyming couplets, this “word-play” is surely of Shakespearean status, maybe even higher in quality and modern appeal. It just shows that if reinvented in the right way, universal themes are always appealing. Because the play’s pace is rapid fire, the actors must be on their toes at all times with every single detail in place to have a successful show. What might be the most mind-blowing thing about the play itself is that although we’ve seen it all before, we’ve never seen it mesh quite like this. The show runs until March 6 at the Old Globe Theater in Balboa Park. It would suit anyone with the humor taste of a middle school boy (me) to a soccer grandma (also me). (That was a compliment). Tickets start at $29 with nightly performances Tuesdays through Sundays, and matinees Saturdays and Sundays too. Other plays coming soon to the Old Globe include “The Last Match,” about the trials and tribulations of the tennis dynamic which is running now through March 13, “Rain,” about the attempted reformation of a prostitute on a small island which is running March 14 through May 1, and “Constellations” running April 9 through May 8.
The cast of “The Metromaniacs” raise their glasses in recongnition of their audience. Photo by The Old Globe.
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World
Of Creativity High school students from all over San Diego gathered at the fifth annual Canyon Crest Academy Writers Conference. Story by Elizabeth Loren.
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he first book LCC graduate Eliza Wass tried to publish was a rip-off of “Twilight.” After several failed submissions, Wass started over, and instead of writing another imitation of a popular novel she wrote the novel that she wanted to write. That novel, “The Cresswell Plot,” is set to be released by Disney-Hyperion later this year. Wass encouraged attendees at the CCA Writers Conference to find and write in their own voice. She told attendees to “be honest and brave enough to say your truth.”
At the conference, literary agent Natalie Lakosil shared tips for finding an agent and submitting manuscripts. Her advice? Keep it simple. The majority of the query letter (a letter sent to agents to try to get them get interested in reading a manuscript) should be focused on the book and not the author and there should be a one sentence “hook” that an agent can quickly read to find out what the book is about. Lakosil also highlighted the importance of perseverance, saying “It’s about finding that one yes. You’re going to go
Author Eliza Wass (center), her sister (right), and a childhood friend (left) read comments from writers. Photo by Mona Karimi.
through a lot of rejections, but it won’t matter once you get that yes.” Ronin Saga author Matt Wolf shared tips for world building, using the acronym CURS (for Contrast, Unknowns, Repeat, and Start Small) to show the most important parts of creating an engaging and believable world. Wolf acknowledged how overwhelming creating an entire world can be and encouraged writers to keep focusing on the plot instead of becoming intimidated by the smallest details. “Nobody in a book or movie considers himself the villain,” author Greg van Eekhout said at the beginning of his session on character creation. Later, van Eekhout added “Everybody is the hero of their own story.” Van Eekhout led attendees through a writing exercise, asking them to write about the same photo from the point of view of both the hero and the villain.
New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Young delivers the keynote speech. Photo by Mona Karimi.
“It’s about finding that one yes. You’re going to go through a lot of rejections, but it won’t matter once you get that yes.” - Natalie Lakosil
He highlighted the importance of making every character, including the secondary ones, three dimensional. In her session, author T. Greenwood read aloud from various books while discussing the benefits and drawbacks of each type of point of view. Greenwood had writers write the same scene twice, once in third person reminiscent and then once in first person present tense to demonstrate how big of a difference both point of view and temporal vantage point can make to the exact same scene. The final speech of the day was given by writer and comedian Anthony King. “You’re not going to make it,” said King at the beginning of his closing speech before offering his advice on standing out: “Be so good they can’t ignore you,” King encouraged everyone to read everything and rewrite everything that they could. While he pointed out that luck did play a major role in being able to write professionally, he also emphasized the importance of never giving up. “You just have to keep going,” King said.
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arly January, Rob Ross’s Creative Writing Club met with rising author Anthony Marra at the Rancho Santa Fe Literary Luncheon. The members sat with Marra, asking him an array of questions, inquiring about his personal life and work. Much to our surprise, he was no different than the ordinary student. Currently a professor at Stanford University, Anthony Marra is an esteemed novelist who appeals to all ages. He was awarded with the John Leonard Prize for his first novel, “A Constellation of Vital Phenomena” and received the 2012 Whiting Award. However, in high school he concealed the few novels he read behind Sports Illustrated magazines, and his favorite book was not the one-thousand paged existential novel we had anticipated, but the classic Calvin and Hobbes series. He didn’t write his first short story until his junior year of high school. No longer than a page, he described a man ascending a staircase. There was no deep meaning behind it – the story was simply just a man walking up a set of stairs. Marra left the ambitious writing club members with a single message – to never doubt their own work and to never stop doing what makes them happy. After all, he had never intended to publish bestselling novels; he only wrote for himself, and insisted that any self-respecting artist should do the same. Senior Hailey Reeves, member of the Creative Writing Club, described Marra as “very kind and really subtle,” explaining “He was the first well-known author I was able to meet, which was amazing. It gave me a lot of insight when he talked about how he was like in high school; it gave me a lot of hope because he wasn’t very well-spoken, and he was the only person on his school’s journalism team, so I thought that was really inspirational to see how he was like when he was in our shoes because it kind of gave us a glimpse into our future and what we could become.“
F E AT U R E S
Tsar
Of Literature
his country’s military draft, a middle-aged man finally seeing his late father’s face for the first time, and a manipulative tour guide seeking out foreigners to lead through his war-torn land, all to raise money for his blind neighbor’s operation. Reeves complimented his writing, saying “I loved his book. Sometimes I have to annotate [novels] a lot to understand, but this book I actually liked reading and writing little side notes because I could actually make real connections. There were times that made me sad, because of the context, but at the same time, it was so beautifully written. You would think that it’s just a regular book, but it’ll hit you with really beautiful composition... He only spoke with words that held meaning, which I thought was really nice.“
The Process
Anthony Marra, the bestselling author behind “The Tsar of Love and Techno,” a collection of loosely intertwined short stories. Photo courtesy of anthonymarra.net.
His Creation
Anthony Marra’s novel “The Tsar of Love and Techno” is not about love or techno. Rather, this historical fiction novel touches upon the desperate citizens of Soviet Russia, ranging from the first Ms. Siberia to an ex-artist political censor. Each character’s individual story in-
Creative Writing Club members meet with novelist Anthony Marra to uncover the writing process behind his collection of short stories. Story by Mona Karimi.
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“He used his words and his time wisely, which I appreciated.” -Hailey Reeves
tertwines with many others to create this intricate, fascinating novel. Careful not to judge a book by it’s cover! Although the genre of historical fiction turns away many teens from this novel, “The Tsar of Love and Techno” has captured the hearts of many students, who have described this book as an entertaining and
surprisingly relatable read. Marra’s work contains a surprising amount of humor, such as a rowdy pair of sexually deprived soldiers, and an elder man attempting to understand Google and the internet. However, Marra also does a phenomenal job painting his more emotional scenes: a boy pleading for a bullet to avoid
Marra’s novel didn’t start out as a novel, per se. Each character belonged to their own unconnected short story, and he never actually planned to connect any of them until long after their creation. In fact, he had written these USSR-centric short stories for personal satisfaction, more so than publication. Marra had always been interested in Russian culture and history. Despite his lack of knowledge for Russian language, he traveled abroad to visit various areas of the country while he was still in college, quickly fascinated by Chechnya and St. Petersburg. His unforgettable experiences there would unsurprisingly become settings in his newest novel. In his latest book, one scene in particular features a pair of boys smoking in a bathroom, glaring at any passer-bys who attempted to use the occupied restroom. Marra says that these two characters were modelled after his host family, a mother who limited her two sons to smoking in the bathroom during Marra’s visit. Their form of retaliation, he said, was to set up camp in the restroom – the only restroom in the house. Marra’s major inspiration, though, came from Russian culture itself. He saw that they battled their fears with laughter, and he inserted this practice throughout his novel. Despite the grim characters and depressing subject he depicts, readers find themselves feeling more light-hearted and thoughtful than despondent and melancholy when reading his work.
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Well
Read
SDA alumni Laura Yochelson recounts the journey of writing her book, “Sick.” Story by Kate Sequeira.
SDA alumni Laura Yochelson says she depicted the themes present in her book “Sick,” through the title, subtitle, and chosen cover art. Photo by Kate Sequeira.
“S
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acceptance into an artsy charter school. This school did not have a football team or a cheerleading squad. The most competitive sport kids played, perhaps, was something called ‘Hacky-Sack.’” Sound familiar? A few years after attending SDA, alumni Laura Yochelson wrote a book about her struggle with anorexia nervosa which partly took place at SDA. “Sick,” published in 2012 after her graduation from college, follows her life as she deals with her surroundings. Influenced by the many self-help books that crossed her path, Yochelson decided to write one of her own. “I had always read books in the genre that I published my book in, so I guess that’s how I came across the concept of publishing the book,” said Yochelson. Yochelson now wishes she had described her high school years in a more positive light, considering them as less difficult. “It was a challenging time to look back [while I was writing the book]. It’s funny, I don’t necessarily agree with how I wrote about it. Today, I miss high school and so it’s kind of sad,” said Yochelson. During her time at SDA, Yochelson enjoyed the 4X4 system as well as the people she met. “I met cool people, I had some role models, and I was able to have more independence there,” said Yochelson. Yochelson mentioned those in the district who she considered helpful during her school years in San Diego, naming her principal and her PE teacher from middle school as well as SDA history teacher Kerry Koda, but added that she was not open about her anorexia while in high school. She was inspired by the fact that these mentors were not strict while at the same time encouraged perseverance. Yochelson hopes that her readers take away a deeper understanding of life with an eating disorder when reading her book. “I want people to understand my story, to read my story. That is, I think, reflected in the title of the book and the subtitle [“In the Name of Being Well, I Made Myself Sick”] as well, and the image that I chose for the cover,” said Yochelson. Yochelson began writing her book during her college years at American University in Washington D.C. During those years she studied eating disorders, allowing her to begin to write more personally and integrate her experiences into her writing. She approached the process of developing her book primarily by getting her thoughts and experiences down on paper and keying into her emotions. Writing about her life was at times very difficult. “I guess there was a point where I just kind of lost it and was like, ‘okay, I’m just coming out with this the way it is no matter what part of me wishes I didn’t do that,’” said Yochelson. The characters mentioned in the book were representative of actual people whom she had known throughout her life. Instead of using real names, she used words to which she attached deeper meanings to symbolize each character. She chose the name January to represent a first grade friend and the importance of making friendship, explaining that January meant new beginnings and also mentioning how she was also inspired by the actress January Jones. The character shadow, from Yochelson’s childhood years, holds a great significance in the book. “[Through Shadow] I share how I had these insecurities in childhood. I’m doing basketball with her and she just kind of is one step ahead in everything. I almost felt followed in a sense of not being good enough,” said Yochelson. By writing the book, Yochelson’s understanding of life changed slightly as she saw life from a different perspective. “I think that it made me realize the importance of family and relationships and that’s the main thing that I’ve taken out of all this: how important it is to have your passions, but also to have your support,” said Yochelson. Since the completion of her two books, Yochelson has been working as a health and wellness trainer on the East Coast. She continues to struggle with anorexia nervosa. Yochelson’s book, “Sick” is featured in the library along with other books written by SDA alumni.
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F E AT U R E S A DRAWN-OUT CONVERSATION: with Adam McDonald
Please draw what you look like.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you be? Holden Caulfield.
What did you want to be when you grew up? A football player.
What’s your most prized possesion? “I, Robot” by Issac Asimov.
What’s your greatest achievement? Writing a book.
What was your first job? Waiter at Captain Keno’s.
Where did you go to college? UC Santa Cruz.
What’s your favorite hobby? Writing.
What’s your favorite food? Burger and fries.
Who would you want to play you in a movie? Young Tom Hardy.
What scares you? Spiders or Ticks.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Anywhere...
Writing lab tutor Adam McDonald took the time between helping students and working at Trader Joe’s to sketch his answers.
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NOTE WORTHY Two talented SDA sophomores are singing, writing songs, and living out their dreams. Story by Layla Gantus. Directly above Kennady Tracy and Madi Blaking singing together. Directly right tracy sinfing and playing guitar. Above to the left Blake sing and playing guitar. Photos courtesy of Kennady Tracy and Madi Blake.
K
ennady Tracy and Madi Blake are two of SDA’s resident singer/songwriters. Both sophomores have been involved in music since they were young. Tracy has been singing her entire life. She started playing the guitar five years ago and had her first performance when she was 11. While she was very scared to go up at a singing recital, her dad encouraged her to do it and she is very glad that she went up in the end and performed some Taylor Swift song. “After that I was hooked,” said Tracey. Now she can play two more instruments, piano and ukulele, and performs on a regular basis, even once having performed for First Lady Michelle Obama when she was 14. It was at a luncheon at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles that honored teachers who use music in schools. “Performing knowing Mrs. Obama was watching was very nerve-wracking but in the end it was very exciting,” Tracy said. Whenever she performs she is spontaneous about how she goes about preparing for her perfor-
mances. She makes her set list the day of a performance and doesn’t rehearse the songs all that much. Tracy also loves to write her own music as well. Tracy described herself as “a lyrics based person.” She never starts with music, and likes to tell stories through her music. She likes to retell stories and plot lines that she finds in books and movies. Tracy fosters her dream by seeing a coach that helps her with singing and playing instruments. She finds her gigs through her friends who set her up at different places and tries to play whenever she can. From the time she started singing and performing she believes that she has grown a lot. “I’ve just improved a lot as a writer,’ Tracy said. “If you can listen to my lyrics from the time I started to now, it’s just crazy, actually.” She has felt that the older she has gotten the more sophisticated in her writing process, topics, and technique. In the future, she would love to work in the music industry but has no desire to be famous.
Blake’s journey with music progressed a little differently than Tracy’s. Blake started playing the guitar casually at the age of seven. Just last year she picked it back up after watching one of Tracy’s performances. Blake said, “I was just writing lyrics down the whole show.” She was so inspired by Tracy’s performance that she began making music of her own. From there she started performing with friends and making music. Her first performance was at the SDA talent show but she likes to think of her first real show when she performed down in San Diego at Java Joe’s where she played original pieces with a lot of friends. Her favorite performance to date was a couple months ago because she got to perform and vibe with a lot of friends. “It was really fun to have everyone up there involved at the same time,” Blake said. Blake doesn’t have a certain process when she writes music. Sometimes she starts with the music if she is just playing around with her guitar and finds a cool chord progression
or sometimes she starts with the lyrics and uses them to convey her emotions and what is going on in her life. However, she has things she has to do before a performance. She always plays through her songs a lot to calm her nerves. From the time she started music when she was young until now she thinks she has improved tremendously. She has learned mainly from YouTube videos and she would love to have a coach to help her with her music. Blake thinks it would be amazing to have music as a career. However she said, “I’m not setting that as my end goal”. Tracy and Blake perform together a lot in and out of school. The girls will be performing together at an open mic hosted by the The Studio in the Hansen’s parking lot every Wednesday from 6 to 9.ting that as my end goal.” . Tracy and Blake perform together a lot in and out of school. They performed together at the art fest at SDA and usually do performances together out of school. The girls will be per-
forming together at an open mic hosted by the The Studio in the Hansen’s parking lot every Wednesday from 6 to 9. through her songs a lot to calm her nerves even though she knows she got it. From the time she started music when she was young until now she thinks she has improved tremendously. She has learned mainly from YouTube videos and she would love to have a coach to help her with her music. Blake thinks it would be amazing to have music as a career. However she said, “I’m not setting that as my end goal.” Blake thinks that being famous isn’t the right goal and she wants to do the music for the music and not for the things that usually come with making the music. Tracy and Blake perform together a lot in and out of school. The girls will be performing together at an open mic hosted by the The Studio in the Hansen’s parking lot every Wednesday from 6 to 9.
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TWO DUDES EATING MEAT
Jacob Aere and Andrew Davidson venture through North County with open minds and open mouths.
Savory & Sweet: Betty’s Pie Whole Address: 155 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas, 92004 CA Grab-n-Go:
Foods Eaten: Chicken Pot Pie: Chicken, Parmesan Herb Crust, Peas, Carrots, Zucchini - $8.95 Strawberry Rhubarb Pie: Sugar Crust, Strawberries, Rhubarb - $6.50
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amn, this place was cute; Betty’s Pie Whole is a hidden gem inside Sunshine Gardens. The moment we walked through the doors it felt like we was back at grandma's house. The aroma of baking pies, soft country music, and the rustic decor creates an atmosphere that is unusual for Encinitas. While the restaurant itself is small, there is a lot of outdoor seating and it’s a great place to bring family and friends. Like the restaurant the savory pie menu is small, but there is something for everyone. The chicken pot pie was the best we ever had. Topped with a flaky rosemary crust, the pot pie was cooked perfectly and had a savory filling. For one person it was the perfect amount and allowed enough room for a dessert. Unlike the savory pies there is a larger selection of sweet pies. The strawberry rhubarb had a much fluffier crust and was layered so you got every ingredient in each bite. The crust was much softer but paired well with the chewy rhubarb. While we did not opt for a side, an extra dollar can get you a scoop of ice cream and whip cream. Overall: 9
Subman Address: 113 N El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024 Foods Eaten: 9“ Atomic, number 17 : Ham, turkey, roast beef (On a squaw roll with pepper jack cheese) - $6.90 9” Italian, number 9: Ham, copacolla, salami, pepperoni, prosciutto (On a white roll with muenster cheese) - $6.90 oughly 30 years ago, the revolution of top notch subs was born unto the Encinitas landscape. Subman is located in the Village Park Plaza of Encinitas and provides a young, quirky atmosphere for teens and local families. At first, it may seem like a run-of-themill sub shop, but the truth about Subman is that it has been an unofficial graduation requirement among the many students who have attended local high schools. Relaxed employees greet customers as they look at the assortment of fresh rolls, meats, and veggies. While recovering from their amazment, hungry customers look up at a handwritten chalk menu. The menu provides a solid base for sandwiches, yet allows freedom for customers to decide toppings other than the meats. The subs are worth the small price, as the six inch sandwich, chips, and a drink meal deal, has no trouble filling up the average San Diegan. Along with the great subs comes the wonderfully charismatic owner Timothy Lee. After taking over the restaurant about 10 years ago, he’s dedicated 10-plus hours each day to keep the quality sublime. “The customers really appreciate what they eat, and right away they can taste that it’s good and want to return,” he said. Subman has had great success and Lee attributes this to the young community around his shop: “I appreciate (teenagers) that come in all the time. That’s the main support, the young people. College kids are also a big help. They create a buzz by referring our restaurant to their family, so that's very kind and helpful.”
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Overall: 8
Illustrations by Sophia Hurley
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S P O RT S
GETTING FIT QUICK
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For those of you who are in between sports, wanting to keep up with workouts, or trying to stay in shape, but hate doing long, hard strenuous exercises, here are some easy to learn exercises that SDA students do to stay in shape. Story and photos by Megan Scherer.
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omen’s Workout: Sophmore Jenna Templin is on the Varsity Soccer team. Her favorite workout is the “Boat” because it works “your lower abdominals,” said Templin.
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en’s Workout: Sophomore Josh Lim plays JV Basketball. His favorite workout are “Jump Lunges” because they “help your quads and your butt,” said Lim.
3.1.16 a few ideas for some HEALTHY Just healthy snacks you’re in a SNACKS ifhurry, but still want to be nutritious. By Alex Read.
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ong school days can make maintaining a healthy diet difficult for high school students. Under pressure to perform better in school, and in extracurricular activities, students constantly need to keep themselves fueled. Yet the snacks most students reach for during homeroom are incapable of providing the energy students need during the school day. That is why we came up with a few healthy snacks, not only beneficial to eat, but also easy to make. So, next time, instead of potato chips, try…
TRAIL MIX Step One: Balance all body weight on your butt while lifting both arms and legs parallel to the ground.
Step One: Start in a deep lunge, keeping your knee from going over your toes.
Senior Cameron Lucian shared his home made trail mix recipe in which you simply gather the different nuts and sweets, mix them together, then enjoy. Step Two: Slowly lower both legs and abdomen at the same time, still balancing on your butt.
Step Three: Once you reach as low as you can hold, straighten legs for the full burning effect. Do three sets of 10 with a 30 second rest in between.
Step Two: Then quickly push up from both feet at the same time into a medium jump, and switch legs.
Step Three: End in a deep lunge, once again, but with the opposite leg forward this time. Do three sets of 15, with a 30 second rest in between.
FRUIT SALAD
Sophomore Olivia Hussey suggests a refreshing fruit salad. All you have to do is mix sliced apples, raspberries, blueberries, and sliced strawberries together. Then, add lemon juice into the mixed fruit assortment for extra flavor. -Illustrations by Maxine Richter.
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DOUBLE DOWN FAIR OR FOUL By Jacob Aere.
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Twins Ron (left) and Yarin (right) Arbib are sure bets to be star athletes in the future for the SDA basketball team. Story by Andrew Naimark. Photos courtesy of Rob Gaan.
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s the game clock wound down, SDA point guard Yarin Arbib grabbed the rebound and quickly looked up at the time which showed eight remaining seconds. Knowing that he would have to be quick, Arbib raced up the court and finished an acrobatic, left-handed layup to secure the Mustangs basketball team a vital win in league play versus Mission Hills. This was the high point of Yarin Arbib’s freshman season; however, he has three more seasons to create many more amazing memories on the court. For Yarin and his twin brother, Ron, basketball is more than just a hobby. “I try to dedicate as much time as I can to basketball because I love the game and hope to play for many years to come,” said Ron Arbib. The twins, who are the only freshman on the team, start on the SDA varsity basketball team and have helped lead the Mustangs to wins throughout league play this year. Although both excel in basketball, they have not been
playing for a long time. “I didn’t start playing until fifth grade when my brothers wanted me to play with them in a YMCA Youth League,” said Yarin Arbib. Both had previously played soccer and initially picked up the game of basketball just for fun. Now, both are playing at the highest level in high school basketball which has not always been easy acclimating to. “It has been challenging at times because the speed is so much faster and you always have to be focused, which you didn’t really have to do in middle school,” said Ron Arbib. Transitioning to varsity level sports can be difficult, especially for freshman, but both have been able to find success by constantly working on their game to improve throughout the year. “Any day we don’t have my practice, my brother and I go to open gym at the rec center to train and find older competition to play against,” said Yarin Arbib. As a result of their hard work, they have experienced much success and have played vital roles for the basketball team.
While Yarin Arbib savors his game-winning basket against Mission Hills as his favorite moment, Ron Arbib had many triumphant moments of his own such as a 27-point outing against league opponent San Marcos. The SDA basketball team had its ups and downs throughout the season and barely missed CIF playoffs after finishing with a 7-17 record. However, both the twins look forward to building for the future by using what they learned throughout this season. “I cannot wait to continue playing here at SDA because I want to help our team continue to build on the success and learn from the times of failure this season. Our ultimate goal is to win CIF and hopefully we can be a part of that,” said Ron Arbib. Although their high school careers are just beginning, both are motivated to improve in order to attain their future goals. “I want to hopefully get a scholarship to a four-year college and play basketball and then after possibly play for the Israel national team,” said Ron Arbib. Yarin Arbib also acknowledged
he had the same goals and would like to play with his brother in college. Both added that they knew this would be challenging and would require a lot of hard work Being so close has its ups and downs for both of them. Both twins consider each other best friends off the court which leaves them always hanging out with each other in the same friend groups. This friendship is not always apparent in practices or open gyms as they are always competing with one another to be the best they can which can result in yelling and physical play. “It definitely motivates me to work hard because we get really competitive when we play one on one and I always want to be able to win. We sometimes get in fights but at the end we always leave it on the court,” said Ron Arbib. Yarin Arbib added, “It’s really fun to play with him and [it] drives me because if he scores a lot then I feel like I need to do so too.”
he Padres enter the 2016 season with powerful NL West competition. The division rival, Arizona Diamondbacks, are bound to have a breakout year, not to mention the Dodgers have got a little bit of everything, and it’s another even year for the San Francisco Giants (Giants won the World Series in 2010, 2012, and 2014; baseball is a superstitious sport). Between the tough NL West competition and the Padres faltering offense, it is bound to be another dismal year for the Friars. No matter how the Padres perform, the city of San Diego will be in the limelight this July 11 and 12 as the Home Run Derby and 87th All-star game will be held at Petco Park. Seating will be difficult to find, but for a low fee of $10,000 plus dollars, Gold and Platinum season tickets can guarantee priority seating for the fantastical night and losing home-games for the Padres. The postseason is bound to be adrenaline-filled as the 2012 addition of four-stage playoffs has allowed more late-season drama and upsets in recent years. With 10 teams now competing for the ultimate glory of a World Championship, nailbiting walk-off victories and extra-inning games have been regular occurrences. This year will surely bring more high-energy playoffs, as teams like the young and athletic Chicago Cubs are looking to end their 108 year championship drought and the stacked lineups of the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers are poised to rip apart opponents’ pitching. Tune in to ESPN this April 4 at 4:05 p.m. to watch the Padres begin their season during their home opener against division rival Los Angeles Dodgers.
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BOYS VARSITY SOCCER
RANK
SCHOOL
3.1.16 RECORD
1
San Marcos
6-3-1
2
Mission Hills
6-3-1
3
San Pasqual
5-2-3
4
Del Norte
3-3-4
5
SDA
2-6-2
6
Escondido
2-7-1
Junior Jonathan Sabouri pushes the ball ahead on a counter attack. Photo courtesy of Bill Bland.
GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER
RANK
SCHOOL
STANG STATS
RECORD
1
Del Norte
9-1
2
San Marcos
8-1-1
3
Mission Hills
4-4-2
4
San Pasqual
3-5-2
5
SDA
2-8
6
Escondido
1-8-1
Sophomore Tessa Roberts chases the ball down during a league game. Photo courtesy of Dori Ennis.
BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL
RANK
SCHOOL
RECORD
1
San Marcos
9-1
2
Escondido
9-1
3
Del Norte
5-5
4
Mission Hills
4-6
5
SDA
3-7
6
San Pasqual
0-10
Senior Garrett Stone finishes a layup in transition during non-league play. Photo courtesy of Rob Gaan. RANK
GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL
Senior Claire Pupping focuses on the basket while shooting the ball. Photo courtesy of Matthew Navaro.
SCHOOL
RECORD
1
Mission Hills
10-0
2
Del Norte
8-2
3
San Marcos
6-4
4
Escondido
3-7
5
SDA
2-8
6
San Pasqual
1-9
These four SDA winter sports ended Friday, Feb. 19. These standings are based on league games in the Avocado West League that features six total schools. Boy’s Varsity Soccer qualified for CIF. By Andrew Naimark. Statistics provided by maxpreps.com. For the latest sports scores, visit sdamustang. com.
S P O RT S
Check out www.sdamustang.com for more news coverage.
31
SURFER
The Mustang
V.S.
SKATER
Freshmen surfer Makana Cummins and skater Jared Miller discuss not only ballet, but boxing. Story and photo by Mary Ford.
W
hy is a boxing ring square?
Surfer: Because they are not thinking outside the box Skater: Because there is more area. Surfer, I am so impressed by that statement. You have no idea how impressed I am. Superduper impressed am I. I’m so impressed that my impressment impresses me. This might have just changed my destiny. When I grow up, because I’m not happy with five-foot-four-inches and I will grow some more, I’ll ask my children this question. And if not one of them gets the question right, they are all disowned. In fact, you just set the standards for my next boyfriend. Yep, I’m putting fantastic pick-up lines like “Did you just fart? ‘Cause you’re blowing me away,” or “If you were a booger, I’d pick you first,” right into the trash. I gotta give you 75 points because that either is how many men I will have to go through to get that answer again. Skater. This isn’t funny, it’s just true. I wanted clever, edgy answers (get it? edgy?) like the one surfer gave me up there. Instead you just cut straight to the point (get it?). And I have to draw the line somewhere (get it?). Because this is a serious competition and I don’t want you to spiral (get it?). I guess I’ll give you a-ROUND 50 points (get it?). (Did you get it?) What do you call ballerina?
a male
Surfer: A Lady-Killer Skater: Ballerino Surfer. That’s just wrong. You should get your ears checked out. There might be some seaweed lodged in there. Second of all, do you know what a lady-killer is? A homicidal maniac. And although I may have laughed at your answer, it was only because the situation became super stressful. A thought had just popped into my head. This was no good thought. Although I had inquired after your gnarly surfing skills, I had not inquired after your gnarly dancing skills. Were you a male ballerina? Were you a lady killer? Were you a homicidal maniac? 50 points and some more nervous laughter directed toward you. Honestly Skater? That answer was a balleri-yes. I was a bit disappointed in the previous answer, but you have redeemed yourself. It was en-pointe (get it?). Man, I’m on fire tonight. I’m just going out on a limb here, but I’m guessing someone might be in a beginning Spanish class at SDA. Being the Spanish guru I am, I’m sorry but I have to correct you. It’s actually bailarin, with an accent on the second i. But your attempt was good enough for me. So 100 puntos for you, which moves you into first position (get it?). Surfer: 125 points Skater: 150 puntos. Congratulations win nothing!
Skater!
You
The Mustang
3.1.16