The eagle eye issue 5

This is Milo Ventimiglia ● Page 7

Mindful awareness ● Page 10

Symphony orchestra live at Carnegie Hall ● Page 12

March 2018

Volume XXXII, Issue 5

6 minutes 20 seconds The March for Our Lives responds to the short time it takes to end 17 lives.

By Mia Ross, Staff Writer

O

n Valentines Day, a 19-yearold man stormed onto his former high school campus and murdered 17 innocent students and teachers with his legally-owned AR-15 rifle. Since then, the student body of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School has vowed not to let their peers and mentors die in vain. Their voices sent shockwaves throughout the nation when they cried, “Never again, enough is enough.”

Organized by the survivors from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, the March for Our Lives took place on March 24. Students from around the country, including some from SMCHS, attended this protest to punctuate what this issue means to them.

Brooke, a current MSD student and survivor of the shooting, marched with her mom in Washington, D.C. in hopes her school’s story would be heard and portray the reality of what it is like to be a student post-tragedy.

“The March for Our Lives means feeling safe in schools,” Brooke said.

“I want to feel like I am going to come home from school tomorrow to my parents and loved ones.”

Alisha, a middle schooler from New York, wore a blue graduation cap.

She marched next to her older sister, clad in an American flag-patterned hijab and a large sign with the words, “I wanna see my lil sis graduate.”

They both marched in the name of better gun control and voting out NRA backed politicians who oppose stricter gun control.

“I just want to march for my rights and for gun control,” Alisha said. “I want the gun laws to change so we can save more lives.”

Rita Cordero, a current student at James Hubert Blake High School in Colesville, Maryland, marches in the name of justice for the innocent men, women and children who have lost their lives to gun violence across the country.

“Our leaders need to understand that innocent lives are being lost,” Cordero said. “Students are fearful when they go to school and that should not be the case whatsoever. We should be able to go to school knowing that we are safe; we need to protect these people and just be aware of the fact that there is potential for violence involved with gun ownership.”

A junior at Marjory Stoneman

Douglas, Sarah Chadwick, spoke on the main stage, calling out Florida state Senator Marco Rubio for his affiliation with the National Rifle Association.

“When you take 3,140,167 - the number of students enrolled in Florida schools - and divide it by $3,303,355, the amount of money Marco Rubio has received from the National Rifle Association, it comes out to a dollar

and five cents,” Chadwick said. “Is that all we’re worth to these politicians?

Was $17.85 all it cost you that day, Mr. Rubio?”

Note that her math is slightly off (give her a break, she’s a junior in high school) and it actually comes out to about 95 cents, less than originally stated. Chadwick might suggest that Rubio places even less worth on Florida students.

“

When your children act like leaders, and your leaders act like children, you know change is coming. ~ musician Mikel Jollett

”

One of the most profound statements came from a speaker at the March: Edna Chavez, a 17 year-old student at Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles, California. She gave an emotional testimony on how gun violence has affected her throughout all her life in South Central Los Angeles.

“My brother was in high school when he passed away,” Chavez said.

“It was a day like any other day: sunset going down off South Central and you hear pops thinking they’re fireworks. They weren’t pops. You see the melanin on your brother’s skin turn gray. Ricardo was his name. I lost more than my brother that day. I lost my hero. I also lost my mother, my sister and myself to that trauma and that anxiety. If the bullet did not kill me, that anxiety and that trauma will.”

The voices of tomorrow are certainly emerging loud and clear and they want change. Change will not come easy, but this new generation of activists will not back down easily either. American politicians may not be willing to change, but as activist Mikel Jollet’s sign read at the March for Our Lives: “When your children act like leaders, and your leaders act like children, you know change is coming,”

*Go to pages 8-9 to read about SMCHS involvement on youth activism.

Photo by Mia Ross

2

News

The Eagle Eye

Cabinet components The new ASB leaders are elected into office for the 2018-19 school year.

T

he ballots have been counted and the winners for the Associated Student Body Executive Board are: ASB president, junior John Grayson, ASB vice-president, junior Ashkaan Mahjoob, ASB treasurer, sophomore Claire Crafts and ASB secretary, junior Catherine Nilsen.

“Being able to have this position is a great accomplishment for me,” Nilsen said. “I am committed to making SMCHS the best it can be and now I have the opportunity to give back to the community that has shaped who I am.”

After the campaign period, the candidates’ pre-recorded speeches were broadcasted to freshmen, sophomores and juniors. All students in attendance voted online for their choice in candidates for the four positions.

“It was honestly one of the most incredible feelings when I was elected,” Crafts said. “I was so proud to have been chosen, but mostly I was extremely grateful to all the people that supported me and gave me this wonderful opportunity.”

Now that the elections are over, the new officers are focusing on what they will achieve in the coming school year. “[One of my goals is] increasing attendance at games and other school events,” Nilsen said. “I feel that this would be a huge accomplishment because not only

By Riley Davies, Copy Editor would this be fun, but also it would bring the student body together and increase school spirit.”

As a sophomore, Crafts has a special focus on underclassmen.

“Being a current sophomore and upcoming junior, I hope to really represent the underclassman and their thoughts and opinions to the executive ASB decisions that we make,” Crafts said.

The new Executive officers believe that the input of their peers will help them achieve their goals and make the coming school year the most enjoyable for students.

“One of the most helpful things for me is when people in the student body come up to me with suggestions or ideas for things they want to change or add,” Mahjoob said. “Sometimes people will tell you what works and what doesn’t, or put something into a new perspective that you hadn’t previously considered.”

The new Executive Board expresses enthusiasm in getting to work and making the coming school year the best that they can possibly make it.

“When I was elected, I was so excited for the opportunity to serve the school, but I also realized what a huge undertaking that will be,” Grayson said. “But, I am confident that next year will be fantastic because I have a great team of men and women that I am working with.”

President- Junior John Grayson beams as he prepares to lead ASB.

Vice President- Junior Ashkaan Mahjoob is enthusiastic to representing the student body.

Secretary- Junior Catherine Nilsen smiles and looks forward to her role next year as ASB Secretary.

Treasurer- Sophomore Claire Crafts poses and expresses her optimism for the coming year.

Photos by Riley Davies

Influenza epidemic spreads This year’s flu season concerns experts with its high death toll and rapid contagion.

By Brittany Kaplan, Staff Writer While many of the flu strains Americans contract yearly require little more than a few days of rest and mild fever medication, 2018’s flu season worries experts with an unusually high mortality rate and amount of hospitalizations.

What most refer to simply as “the seasonal flu” has manifested itself this year as the Influenza A-H3N2 strain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu seasons with a dominant strain, as opposed to many different versions, tend to be more severe than the latter.

“H3N2 is notorious for causing complications beyond just giving you the flu, such as pneumonia,” said biology teacher Karen Crede.

“H3N2 first emerged during 1968, so it can be particularly dangerous to people who are older than 50 since they were most likely first exposed to a different flu strain.”

Each flu season, human hosts are presented with either a new strain or a modified version of a strain that has shown up before.

“If [a flu strain] is very similar to one that we have encountered before, then the memory cells we have built up before will be able to fight it,” Crede said. “If it is very different from anything we have

encountered before, then our body has to build up the specific defense system to fight the new strain.”

Though the H3N2 strain made an appearance in recent years, slight differences between that of the 2014-2015 season and 2018’s have proven to be deadly. The CDC states the theory behind this is, the 2018 A-H3N2 flu began in around Nov., much earlier than most flu seasons typically begin. Because of this, the virus had time to spread during the holiday months when people tend to be more social. “[During the winter months,] we may stay indoors more and keep windows closed, which results in trapping air with infectious particles inside,” Crede said. “Plus, we are in closer contact with others, making it more likely [that] we will get sick from those around us if they are.”

While researchers generate new vaccinations each year, the flu virus is just as innovative, tricking the immune system and making infection much harder to treat.

When the Influenza A virus enters the body, it takes possession of healthy cells to replicate itself.

Antibodies look at peplomers or glycoprotein spikes protruding from infected host cells, to identify

Stay healthy- Flu prevention is possible with the help of these simple tips.

and attack the virus. These peplomers may mutate and change in pattern with each “strain.”

Though the virus is essentially the same, the immune system no longer recognizes the new spike pattern, instead of identifying it as a foreign body with every peplomer mutation.

Viral mutation is only one obstacle in treating the

flu. Antigenic shifts, or the combination of two different strains of a virus into a new subtype, produce animal-human hybrid viruses, such as the swine or avian flu. These are especially difficult to treat, as those infected have no built-up resistance by the time of exposure.

As for the death toll, experts claim it’s hard to estimate how

Illustration by AJ McGregor

many people die each year due to misinformation on death certificates. The CDC approximates that around 12,000 to 56,000 people fall victim in any given season. Estimates have not been made for the 2017-2018 flu season, but experts advise preventative measures such as vaccinations and plenty of hand-washing to keep that number down.

News

3

The Eagle Eye

The Keeping campus safe The school takes extended safety precautions after Eagle recent threats and school shootings across the nation.

Eye Staff A

By Kendal Orrantia, Feature Editor

Staff Adviser Debra Barbre Print Editor-in-Chief Hannah Prince Web Editor-in-Chief Rachel Tetreault Copy Editor Riley Davies Managing Editor Ian Gutierrez News/A&E Editor Margaret Driscoll Opinion Editor: Gillian Steffy Feature Editor Kendal Orrantia Sports Editor Ryan Dunker

teen gunman killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on Feb. 14, 2018. Less than a month later, SMCHS faced a potential bomb threat that caused schoolwide concern and required a full-length police investigation. With the nationwide issue of school safety, the school implemented new, extensive security measures to ensure the safety of all students.

“The security of our student body is of paramount importance,” said Principal Ray Dunne. “We can’t ignore what’s going on in the world [and] are very serious about the safety of everyone that is on this campus.”

School administrators work with multiple security units, including the Orange County Police Department and the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center. The OCIAC carries out safety inspections and provides information on certain modifications that the school can make. Other security measures include the deans and campus supervisors, cameras around school, the locked back gate and the check-in security booth in the front parking lot. Director of Campus Safety and Security, Jerry Holloway, oversees all these areas.

For Holloway, visitors pose the greatest threat to school security. To ensure each visitor is safe and trustworthy, each person is checked in at the front gate and their driver’s license is put through a Registered Sex Offender

Database.

“With the church next to us, there’s a lot of traffic and visitors,” Holloway said.

“There’s no absolute or perfect profile to know who will cause trouble, [so] we screen everyone.”

As far as preventing school shooters, administration has implemented lockdown drills.

Teachers and staff receive specific training in the event of a school shooter and students practice what to do in classrooms if the situation occurs. In Feb., the school began testing a new security system in the ‘B’ building tohelp protect students in the event of a school shooter.

“If the ‘B’ Building works out, we will be able to lock the exterior doors with a mobile app,” Holloway said. “[Currently], the teachers are responsible for locking their doors on the inside, but we don’t have anyone that runs to the exterior doors because it’s too dangerous.”

Locks on each classroom door were added a few years ago, however, the locking of outer building doors by teachers poses too great of a threat in the case of an emergency. With this new security system, doors will automatically lock with the click of a button.

Five administrators, including Holloway and Dunne, have access to the app. If the system works well, it will be implemented in all of the buildings on campus.

“This is the cutting edge of security technology,” Holloway said.

Another vital aspect of SMCHS security is the Text-A-Tip program.

Photos by Riley Davies

Going the extra mile- SMCHS puts extra security checkpoints and takes precautions to ensure students’ safety while on campus.

Teenage suicide rates climb The increase in teenage self harm raises concerns.

By McKenna Sulick, Staff Writer

Photo Editor Jesse Casey Staff Writers Olivia Hernandez Rachel Do Emily Redd McKenna Sulick Lauren Danke Brittany Kaplan Austin McGregor Mia Ross Jaime Svinth Isabela Barrera Member of these organizations:

By texting the number (949) 6828847, students can alert the school of instances regarding campus security, cheating or students who may be suicidal. Depending on the issue, Holloway, the school psychologist, Blake Oldfield or the OCPD are notified and take the necessary measures to solve the problem. According to Holloway, five or more Text-A-Tip messages are received everyday, three of which require immediate attention.

Holloway expresses the importance and privacy of the Text-A-Tip program.

“We keep it confidential,” Holloway said. “We have never had to give a name [and] legally are safe with that information.”

Because of the recent school shootings, it is important for students to notify administration if they are worried about a potential threat on the campus. Both Holloway and Dunne advocate the “see something, say something” motto, encouraging students to speak up on campus safety.

“If there is a student or person outside of the school that students are scared about, then they need to say something,” Dunne said.

“We have 3,400 eyes out there and it’s important for students to see what’s going on, listen to what’s going on and share that.”

With recurring violence in schools across the nation, SMCHS is taking measures to ensure campus security.

For more information, contact Jerry Holloway at hollowayj@smhs.org or Text-A-Tip to (949) 682-8847.

Illustration by Nick Gerda, Voice of OC

Rising statistics- Suicide rates in Orange County have increased in the past years.

In an era where school has never been more difficult, expectations have never been higher, relationships seem to fall apart easier and technology rules the hearts and minds of most; teen suicide rates have never been higher.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 44,965 Americans commit suicide each year and 4,600 of those are aged 10-18. Over 14 percent of high

school students have considered suicide and seven percent of those have attempted it. The statistics are dim and with the amount of recent suicides in Orange County, it is a topic that has received close attention.

Orange County has historically had one of the nation’s highest suicide rates, coming in at about 45 percent on the national scale.

In addition to that, suicide is the second leading cause of death

for 15-24 year olds in Orange County and 865 Orange County teens have injured themselves or become hospitalized for related injuries in the past three years. In the seemingly perfect and ‘always sunny’ Orange County, why are suicide rates skyrocketing?

One common thread woven through all studies is the impact technology has on this generation.

Depression rates have increased dramatically in the past few years, and cyberbullying, fear of being left out and sleep deprivation due to excessive phone use have been tagged as some major factors.

The Pediatric Health Information Society’s study shows that teens who spend at least five consistent hours on their phone each day were 70 percent more likely to have suicidal thoughts or actions than those who spent an hour a day. Academic, social, familial and technological pressures also interfere with functioning as a teenager, as studies show that the pressure to keep up and maintain a certain image in those areas makes life more difficult.

Mental illness is a huge factor in suicide rates, as 20 percent of teens are diagnosed with some form of it.

That being said, it’s difficult to tell how many kids have undiagnosed

mental issues and studies show that this unknown could be the tipping factor in these increased rates.

Society continues to try to understand and fix these problems.

This increase illuminates a greater need for mental health care, but also a greater need for open conversation. At SMCHS, resources are always available, from school psychologist Blake Oldfield to a project the school recently joined, Harvard’s ‘Making Caring Common’ project, which raises awareness about mental health.

“Mental health is something that we shouldn’t feel shy in talking about or something we should be ashamed of for feeling a particular way,” Oldfield said.

Although it can be a sensitive topic, openness and acceptance of these dangers can help reduce teen suicide. Paying attention to the words, actions and behaviors of others can make or break a life and choosing to reach out to those who need it can prevent someone from becoming a statistic.

“We need to get rid of the stigma that surrounds mental health,” Oldfield said. “That starts with you guys realizing that every kid around you is dealing with some sort of issue and we can get you that support you need.”

4

The Eagle Eye

Opinion

Reverse the update Snapchat update causes controversy and angst among users.

By Olivia Hernandez, Staff Writer

S

ocial media has many pros: you get to keep up with your friends, find out about what’s going on in the world and make your life look way more interesting than it really is by posting pictures every time you leave the house (and then some). However, being visible comes with cons as well: social media companies never pass up a chance to squeeze more cash out of their platform.

Recently, the infamous Snapchat application applied an upgrade that seems much more like a downgrade.

Snapchat is a social media app that lets you take pictures and videos to share with friends either directly to them or publicly on your ‘story.’ This app’s primary audience includes Millennials and Generation Z-ers, making a huge impact on youth social behavior since the platform’s debut in 2012.

However, the recent update has taken a massive toll on its positive reputation. Social media mogul Kylie Jenner took to Twitter to post her negative thoughts on the app’s update, stating she rarely even wants to use the app anymore. According to the New York Post, Jenner’s post directly correlates with the app’s sudden stock decline of 8.4 percent, causing a 1.6 billion dollar loss for

the platform.

A multi-billion dollar loss is a huge deal, especially for such a globally adored app that has boasted positive reviews since its release. So how exactly did things go so wrong, so quickly for Snapchat?

For starters, this update took away the ‘story page,’ a feature that organized your friends’ stories chronologically and allowed you to discover sponsored stories at will. Now, stories and direct messages are on the same page and none of it is organized chronologically. It may seem like a minor change, but this was a bad move on the company’s part.

Many users feel less inclined to look at stories because of its confusing new layout. Junior Spencer Daly sums up common frustrations pretty accurately.

“I can’t even find my own story,” Daly said. “I don’t really expect to find others either anymore.”

Regular social media users know that glitches almost always accompany big updates, which are usually fixed by the developer within a few weeks. However, Snapchat has ignored its users’ pleas to fix malfunctions involving the camera and records of how long two users have consecutively sent each other messages, otherwise known as ‘streaks.’

Letter to the editor

Father Craig Butters pens a message to students.

Photo by South Coast Photography

To the Community of Santa Margarita Catholic School: Hundreds of high school communities across the United States today grieved, remembered and engaged in a “call to action” in response to the seventeen victims of the recent gun violence in Parkland, Florida. How we as individuals and community respond to human suffering is a window into our authenticity and interiority as human persons.

Entering into solidarity with our sisters and brothers who suffer from human evil—in silent remembrance, prayer and grief—is

a measure of our humanity. There is much in life deserving of our tears. But there is more: inherent in our grief is a pledge to be agents of change—in ourselves, in our society and in our world.

Today, the grieving, remembering silence of young persons resounded throughout our country. Today, strong and clear voices of young persons resounded in honoring the victims of gun violence, condemning gun violence in our country and demanding gun reforms—stricter gun control and laws in our land.

I commend and thank the students of SMCHS who marked seventeen minutes of your day in solidarity, remembrance, silence and prayer.

However, I am disheartened that not more of our students participated in today’s silence and remembrance. And I am doubly disheartened by the loud demeanor of non-participants in the lunch area that intruded upon the few minutes set aside today for our community to pray and grieve and express our deepest humanity in quiet and reverential solidarity.

Sincerely, Father Craig M. Butters

The app will get rid of streaks arbitrarily, even when both users have followed the parameters required to keep their streaks.

“It’s horrible,” Daly said. “The new update messed up my streaks and told me I lost all my streaks.”

Usually one can avoid a lackluster update by simply not updating it, but Snapchat overrode this privilege and automatically downloaded the update to every user’s app without warning. Adding insult to injury, Snapchat responded to public outrage by saying they take pride in the update and have no plans of reversing it. In response, hundreds of users have taken to social media to say they are no longer using the app because of its frustrating new organization and unwillingness to appropriately respond to criticism. Others, like sophomore Gracie Harp, feel the same distaste but cannot bring themselves to leave the app’s embrace.

“I hate it and it glitches all the time,” Harp said. “But I still use it to see what my friends are doing.”

Some users are glad social media keeps upgrading itself and embracing innovation. Change is good. But when a company blatantly refuses to listen to feedback? That’s corporate greed at its finest.

Illustration by Riley Davies

Updated Snapchat screen- Snapchat users are now seeing this screen when they use the application.

Opinion

5

The Eagle Eye

Contact your congressman Actions will always speak louder than words in situations of life or death.

By Mia Ross, Staff Writer

Y

ou wake up to dozens of Twitter notifications illuminating the screen of your phone. As you sit up and take a glance at it, you see the hashtag #PrayforFlorida and your heart sinks into the pit of your stomach. There has been another mass shooting in America and it looks like every man, woman and child is sending their thoughts and prayers to those who died and those who knew them. On the news, people are still crying. Police find bodies inside and declare someone’s sister or someone’s son dead at the scene. The saddest part about all of this? I could be talking about two different shootings and not a single detail in this paragraph could reveal the difference between them.

Florida has seen two mass shootings in the last two years alone: one at the Pulse nightclub in June 2016 and a second at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February 2018. When Orlando suffered, we sent our thoughts and prayers to comfort the families in a time of mourning and despair. But 49 innocent people are still dead, no matter how many prayers we prayed or well-wishes we wished. And 17 more innocent people died even after we prayed to God, “Please, no more!” No matter how painful it is to hear, prayer isn’t enough to protect American citizens Photo by Mia Ross anymore. We need to start putting Make a change- People gather on Pennsylvania Ave. to protest gun laws. our words into action.

The only way to stop mass shootings once and for all is through more detailed and straightforward legislation regarding the legal acquisition of firearms. Federal gun laws are nothing short of a mess and it’s way past time to reform them. We need stronger background checks, better preparation methods for potential gun owners and greater emphasis on maintaining the psychological well-being of adults and children alike. It would take time, money and a lot more cooperation than many politicians and citizens are capable of, but if we do not start the process now, then when will we?

As much respect as I have for God, I know He will not descend from the heavens and change the minds of government officials who are strictly against changing our country’s existing gun laws. It is our job, as American citizens, to pressure lawmakers into making America a safer place to be. I’m not saying we need to ban all guns and do away with the NRA and the Second Amendment. I am saying that we need to fix our broken system that has allowed for so many individuals to murder dozens of innocent people by just pulling a trigger.

There are so many ways that the Parkland shooting could have been avoided. If background checks were more detailed, for example, the shooter would have never been able to obtain

a gun. He had previously been suspended for fighting and having bullets in his backpack and eventually his violent behavior resulted in expulsion from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. To add insult to injury, his violent tendencies had not gone unnoticed by classmates and those close to him. The FBI and local law enforcement agencies in Parkland, Florida had received a number of calls from people concerned about the ex-student’s mental wellbeing and violent threats while he was a student. It baffles me that none of this was found during the background check performed when the shooter applied for the purchase of his AR-15 or any of his previously-purchased guns, for that matter.

I could talk about solutions to America’s gun violence issue all day, but saying “if this” or “if that” will never bring back the 17 students and teachers who were lost on Feb. 14. No amount of prayer or legislation or finger-pointing will bring back someone’s friend, sibling or child.

All we can do now is act on our words and turn our well-wishes into laws that prevent a mass shooting from ever taking lives again. We are part of a generation that has grown up surrounded by mass shootings and violence, so our voices matter more than we might realize. If we put our words to work, we can bring about a new horizon on a safer America.

6

Opinion

The Eagle Eye

No amount of cheesy CGI battle sequences makes Marvel better than DC.

By Brittany Kaplan, Staff Writer

M

V E R S U S

MARVEL Wrong kind of diet Lent should not be an excuse Illu Ha strat nn ion ah b Ge y tz

to go on a diet.

By Rachel Do, Staff Writer

Every year, as Ash Wednesday approaches, Catholics think of the things to give up for Lent.

For Catholics, Lent should be the season that they reflect on their life and are grateful for what they have. However, Lent has become the season for making “Lenten promises.” Catholics mostly give up their favorite foods, which are typically unhealthy or highcalorie foods.

Although giving up something for Lent is a form of “fasting,” over the years, people giving up their favorite foods has taken a negative turn, resulting in people going on excessive diets. These foods or beverages include soda, candy, chocolate or different types of meat such as beef, pork and chicken.

The Lenten diet usually means fasting on Ash Wednesday and every Friday, especially on Good Friday. The Lenten diet is meant to increase spiritual discipline, not to lose weight. However, some people use Lent for the wrong reasons. People have taken it as an opportunity to lose extreme amounts of weight and try to justify it by saying it’s a “Lenten diet.”

By using Lent as a period to lose weight, people are undermining the true meaning of Lent and its purpose. Lent is

the season to acknowledge that we have turned away from God and focus on turning our hearts and minds back to God. That is why we are making such a sacrifice for the 40-day period.

But if we go on a diet to lose weight or for any other purpose than cleansing our bodies, we are not living out the true representation of a Catholic identity. The entire purpose of giving up something for Lent is to make a sacrifice to God by taking away some of our small pleasures or desires. Using the “Lenten diet” to lose weight is only fulfilling our desires rather than getting rid of them.

I think it is better not to make any Lenten promises that we cannot keep. Our promises and sacrifices only matter if we are actually able to keep them which many cannot do.

I hope before we give up something for Lent, we think about the actual reason we are giving up those things. Is it because we want to be closer to God? Or is it because it’s what everyone else is doing?

During the 40-day period, we are supposed to reflect on our lives and repent our sins, not use it as an excuse to diet. Let’s take a look back and see if we are actually keeping those promises.

arvel’s “Black Panther” broke several records with its Feb. 16 debut, reeling in hordes of praise for the movie’s all-star cast, beautiful cinematography and inclusivity of an African-American superhero – a rarity in the comic world.

While I can agree that Marvel has its occasional cinematic gems, the entertainment company is, to say the least, grossly overrated.

Sappy love scenes, stereotypical fight sequences and subpar villains make Marvel movies better background noise to do homework to than popcorn-worthy Friday night features.

The heroes’ backstories are shallow at best. Thor has daddy issues and a sibling conflict all too familiar for most of us, Tony Stark’s billion-dollar weapons industry attracts bad guys who try to kill him (do we blame them?) and Bruce Banner suffers from an extreme case of Jekyll-and-Hyde syndrome that transforms him into a big, green walking stalk of broccoli at a moment’s notice.

In the Marvel universe, superhumans don’t bleed, die or perhaps the greatest defeat of all, let a single hair fall out of place despite lengthy—as in half of the movie—battle scenes. Instead,

they bicker amongst themselves over who has the most machismo (I’m looking at you, Iron Man and Captain America) and which stunning, helpless woman to save first.

On the other side of the superhero movie spectrum, DC Comics produces characters with enough depth to make the audience feel for them when they suffer. And yes, in the DC universe, heroes and villains alike actually die – and not with the typical final-last-words dramatics, either.

Take Bruce Wayne, for example.

Set in the gloomy, past-its-prime urban landscape of Gotham City, Wayne’s depressing story doesn’t really catch a break. His parents die gorily in front of him during a seemingly random mugging, greatly affecting Wayne’s childhood and subsequent character development. Unlike most Marvel heroes, DC’s Batman does not develop superpowers; he relies on his own intellect and physical prowess to achieve vengeance for his parents’ untimely deaths – a good-guy fantasy far more achievable than being born with a silver spoon hammer in hand.

Or look at the Suicide Squad,

a conglomeration of various DC superheroes and/or villains, depending on your definition of the two. Few people know that DC actually scrapped the final cut of the movie adaptation, claiming it was far too dark for its target audience. A therapist was even brought on set for cast members during filming of the now-cut graver scenes, especially those involving the less HotTopic-worthy aspects of the Joker and Harley Quinn’s abusive relationship. The point is, despite the millions of dollars it cost DC to reshoot such scenes, they still did all they could to make the movie as dark and psychologicallytwisted as the comics.

No two DC characters have the same cookie-cutter story as in Marvel, where each protagonist’s story seems to have been plucked straight from Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey. And while Marvel relies on bright primary-colored costumes (seriously, why are there so many red superheroes) and overused catchphrases to generate an audience, DC Comics goes the extra mile with creative backstories and fittingly gloomy undertones to depict the lessthan-glamorous likely lifestyle of a part-time superhero.

Feature

7

The Eagle Eye

This is Milo Ventimiglia “This Is Us” and “Gilmore Girls” star, Milo Ventimiglia, speaks to performing arts students.

By Hannah Prince, Editor-in-Chief and Riley Davies, Copy Editor

H

e is, a self-proclaimed, “America’s dad” in his current role as Jack Pearson on NBC’s hit show “This Is Us” and Rory Gilmore’s love-interest, Jess Mariano, on “Gilmore Girls.” He has also started a production company, Divide Pictures, with Russ Cundiff, directed, produced and acted in numerous other projects during his career: this is Milo Ventimiglia.

Ventimiglia visited Santa Margarita’s performing arts students on March 23, to talk about his career, give pointers to aspiring actors and answer students’ questions.

“I want to go back and speak to young artists,” Ventimiglia said.

Ventimiglia grew up in Orange County and attended El Modena High School along with Performing Arts Chair and choir and handbells teacher, Francis Calvo.

While in high school, Calvo and Ventimiglia were heavily involved in their performing arts department and wrestling team.

The two reminisced about their high school days while Calvo interviewed Ventimiglia and even joked about how Ventimiglia always got the lead in the school plays unless it was a musical.

After high school, Ventimiglia attended the University of California, Los Angeles as a theater major and participated in performing arts, managing the technology board, however, he never tried out for a play. He focused the majority of his time on developing his Hollywood

Photos by Riley Davies

Speaking to the youth- From left to right Russ Cundiff, Amy Barth, Milo Ventimiglia and Francis Calvo sit down and speak to aspiring actors in the Dome.

presence: auditioning for commercials and films. He also attended the American Conservatory Theater.

“I started where you guys are today,” Ventimiglia said. “I wanted to be an actor or pediatric surgeon.”

While at UCLA, Ventimiglia got his first television role as “Party Guest #1” in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Since then Ventimiglia’s career has flourished, although, he would be the first to admit it has been an uphill climb.

“Someone is going to tell you ‘no’ and you have to have the fortitude and be mentally strong,” Ventimiglia said.

Ventimiglia admits he has dealt with many doors shut in his face, however, he stresses that students

learn from the “no’s” because they are temporary roadblock.

Ventimiglia also stressed that it takes perseverance to get a role like Jack Pearson; aspiring actors will not always get the roles they desire.

“The process is patience,” Ventimiglia said. “To young actors, make sure to pace yourself. It’s a waiting game.”

When the floor opened to questions, students’ questions related to how Ventimiglia is able to channel the role of Jack Pearson so seamlessly.

“I see a lot of parallels between you and the character Jack,” Calvo said.

Everyone on stage agreed that Ventimiglia delves into his roles and even becomes those roles.

Ventimiglia explains his style of developing a character: he will change the way he styles his hair and the way he dresses just to embody the character. He becomes the character.

“I am a blank slate, but my characters are specific,” Ventimiglia said. “As an actor, I always start from the ground up.”

As for Jack Pearson, Ventimiglia sees the character as a very simple man.

“I create from a place of ‘how do I make these men real?’” Ventimiglia said.

If Ventimiglia creates a relatable, honest character for the audience, then he has exceeded his expectations.

He states that the greatest ally

in his roles is his imagination-whether it be imagining he is a dad, a heroin addict or imagining there is a dragon in front of him.

During the audience questions, freshman Katie Miller asked Ventimiglia who his role model was and expressed her admiration for the actor. Ventimiglia spoke about his sense of self.

“The older I got, I realized I just I wanted to be me,” Ventimiglia said. “As a younger actor, I always thought I had to put on a persona.

But I realized I just want to be myself.”

Ventimiglia stressed the importance of humility in a career in the entertainment industry.

Ventimiglia also explained that everything takes a large group of people.

“Your job is no more important than the person who cuts your sandwiches,” Ventimiglia said.

“Never think you are just the center.”

Ventimiglia expressed his excitement for the up-andcoming generation of actors and entertainers, believing that technology is pivotal to a young actors’ success.

“Take the resources you have and create content so you can show people,” Ventimiglia said. “You don’t need a huge production.

Grab some friends and go do it.”

As students listened to Ventimiglia, he gave them one last thought to ponder.

“You may know who I am and I can’t wait to know who you are,” Ventimiglia said.

Not a movement but a revolution

School walkouts and marches are just the beginning of youth activism on gun control.

By Hannah Prince, Print Editor-in-Chief “Be Positive, Be Passionate, Be Proud to be an Eagle.” This is the motto of the Marjory Stone Douglas High School Eagles. SMCHS honors this motto and fellow Eagles. On March 14, SMCHS walked out.

On March 24, SMCHS students, like senior Gabe Reyes and

Mia Ross, marched.

The shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on Feb. 14 left 17 students and staff members dead and 15 injured, replacing the 1999 Columbine High School massacre as the deadliest high school shooting in the U.S. Like the powerful antiwar youth protests in the 70s, today’s youth have a new issue to argue: gun control. Their goal is to protect their peers, siblings and the next generation from violence caused by weaponry.

For SMCHS, the Parkland school shooting hit

“

This walkout is only the beginning. There is so much to do and the Parkland students are leading the way.” ~senior Pelin Ensari

“ Photo by Mia Ross

Their march, their opinions- The march allowed the youth, like these Maryland students, to have a voice in the ongoing protests across the country.

close to home - fellow students and Eagles. Their newspaper staff, also known as The Eagle Eye, has been featured on CNN and other news outlets, to represent their school and its First Amendment rights: freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.

Around 70 percent of SMCHS students walked out of their classrooms on March 14 at 10 a.m. for 17 minutes to honor the 17 victims of the Parkland school shooting - one minute for each victim - alongside other high schools nationwide.

Seniors Pelin Ensari and Garrett Domier connected with the Women’s March Youth EMPOWER group and Parkland students’ media platforms to organize the SMCHS walkout.

“Students just like us were organizing a movement, one that will go down in history and I wanted to be a part of that,” Ensari said. “We are a part of a democratic society after all, so why not take advantage of our right to free speech and protest?”

One week later, SMCHS students’ voices became louder. On March 21, junior Nicole Balian held a gun control debate to promote awareness.

On March 24, according to CBS News, more than 200,000 people marched on Washington D.C. “For

Our Lives” and gun control.

Beyond Washington D.C., all 50 states promoted the march, including local cities: Santa Ana and Los Angeles. Senior Gabe Reyes attended the march in Santa Ana. Reyes, who assisted Ensari with the walkout, also felt empowered during the walkout and march.

“To me, protest means actively defying forces (individuals, organizations, governments) that stand in the way of basic human ideals, like equality, peace and justice,” Reyes said.

Together, Reyes and Ensari hope to further their involvement by creating a voter registration drive for SMCHS students, as they believe voting is one of the most powerful tools young people have in promoting needed gun-control measures.

Since 2013, there have been over 300 school shootings in America according to Everytownresearch.org.

Gun homicide rates are 25.5 times higher in the US than in other high-income countries according to CNN. “We need to keep in mind that there are many people with mental disorders, yet there are not enough institutions or guidelines for them,” Ensari said. “They need help, they ask for it, people

report them, but we still do nothing. There are many aspects to gun control, and we need to rectify all of them. It is unacceptable that the U.S. has stood to be an international example for mass shootings.”

Today, many of the survivors have joined students around the nation to make changes - not waiting for adults to the solve the issue any longer. Through the use of social media, students

have joined to protest with their refrain “never again.”

This is their time. This is a time for youth activism.

“I represent the idea that human life and dignity should be placed above everything,” Ensari said. “We must create better regulations on the distribution of guns, especially assault rifles.”

Now the question remains: will the youths’ protest initiate change? A change to protect students

and their education? A change to have stricter gun-control laws and monitor mental health resources for troubled individuals?

“This walkout is only the beginning,” Ensari said.

“There is so much to do and the Parkland students are leading the way.” *For more information and a photo collage, visit smchseagleeye.com.

Photo by Rachel Tetreault

Photo by Mia Ross

Through emotion and tears- Junior Kennedy Ellison (left) and senior Francesca Bellé (right) embrace at the SMCHS walkout.

Making statements- In red are names of every person killed in an American school shooting.

Photo by Mia Ross

Mothers and fathers for gun control- Parents of current and former MSD students attended the March in solidarity with students affected by school shootings.

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The Eagle Eye

Feature

Stairway to rock

Freshman Ethan Porter displays his passion for music and self-taught talent.

F

rom the moment he picked up a guitar, he was a natural.

Within a years time, he joined a band and began playing at the Los Rios Rock School.

This is freshman Ethan Porter; his journey began last year when Porter came across a guitar while searching through his attic. Once he started messing with the strings, it was meant to be: the rest of Porter’s high school career and life would revolve around music.

“There are special moments [in music],” Porter said. “Music is a way to express yourself and helps me get through anything.”

Currently, Porter focuses his time on perfecting the guitar. He often plays the bass, but hopes to explore the keyboard and drums in the future.

Porter started listening to classic rock, which led him to bands like Led Zeppelin and the Beatles.

“My all time favorite band is Led Zeppelin,” Porter said. “It is cliché, but it is cliché for a reason because they are so good.”

Porter can play Zeppelin’s entire first album on guitar from start to finish.

Porter currently owns five guitars: three electric and one acoustic, plus a recent addition of the bass guitar, which has four strings instead of six, creating a deeper sound. Two of the electric guitars have names: Rachel and Marvy.

“The names have to come naturally,” Porter said. “They have to mean something - that is why I haven’t named some. It is not

By Hannah Prince, Print Editor-in-Chief senior Dalton Porter, they have introduced him to a variety of genres. Dalton encourages Porter to keep his musical course and invest time in all his passions.

“I am going to be gone next year and I feel like the most important thing I have told him is: don’t let the noise and pressure affect what makes you happy,” Dalton said.

“Don’t capitulate to the pressure of conforming. Conformity is a killer to a creative mind. Always stick with it and don’t give up.”

Though the house may shake and rattle with noise, Dalton appreciates Porter’s natural talent.

“I think it is interesting because personally creative outlets are close to my heart,” Dalton said. “Even though he plays at the oddest hours and times of the day, a part of me loves it because I know there is creativity.”

Because he is self-taught, Porter has experienced success and Photo by Hannah Prince Rock on- Porter woodsheds on his Ibanez guitar with a Les Paul, a Schecter bass and a Strat in the background. disappointment.

“There are days I get mad silly - it is silly when you’re not a on the day. I like alternative; I love understanding it. I need to because my hand is not working guitarist, but when you own one BØRNS and Halsey and also metal, comprehend how the instrument it is not doing what it is supposed they are your babies.” to be doing,” Porter said. “It usually like Megadeth and rock.” works.”

At school, Porter takes classical Because his band broke up a Porter’s next gig will be at fixes itself the next day; it is usually guitar for his elective. The class couple months ago for a variety the Coach House in San Juan my mindset.” of 15 performed an ensemble at of reasons, mostly different music Capistrano in April.

At the end of each day, Porter’s Segerstrom Hall on March 1, each taste, he now spends much of his “My goal is to perform at larger passion and self-taught talent for having different parts and also time taking individual lessons venues,” Porter said. “It is like a music endures. playing together. Since Porter is and working with his live group at team sport, you put so much work “I am either listening to music, around music all the time, he has Los Rios Rock School. The group and time into [music], so a bigger playing music or watching learned to enjoy many genres of performs live every three months venue is rewarding.”

YouTuber’s playing music,” Porter music. at different venues.

Porter shares that none of his said. “The first time I was genuinely “I like all types of music,” Porter “I just want to play to the best musical success would be possible playing with my best friends is said. “I have music on [all the of my ability,” Porter said. “I also without his family and friends. when I realized how I want to time]. I do not just listen to metal want to improve my knowledge, Though his taste in music differs spend high school: have fun and or rock, it depends on my mood not of just playing music, but from his parents and brother, play good music.”

Mindful awareness Junior Claire Zielinski is a full-time student and a part-time yoga instructor.

By Rachel Tetreault, Web Editor-in-Chief In the heat of the yoga studio, she leads a group in different yoga poses. With calming music playing and bodies sweating, junior Claire Zielinski lives out her yoga passion as a Vinyasa Flow Hot Yoga instructor.

Zielinski works as the lead hostess at Hanna’s, a restaurant located in Rancho Santa Margarita and is also the youngest certified instructor at MELT, a yoga studio in Ladera Ranch.

It all began when Zielinski’s mother took her to her first yoga class in the fifth grade. As she matured and began to understand the purpose of yoga, Zielinski made yoga a constant in her life.

“I took a few classes throughout middle school, but it was my freshman year of high school when I started practicing regularly, about one class a week,” Zielinski said. “This continued up until the beginning of my junior year to the present, where I practice yoga about an hour everyday.”

Yoga became an instrumental part of Zielinski’s life. Going to classes with her mom led her to follow her instinct and become one of the youngest yoga instructors at the studio.

“I was certified at 16 and currently teaching at 17,” Zielinski said. “I am very young for my age to be teaching people much older than me. My age was a factor that was difficult for me to get my job at MELT. However, I think that if I am educated enough and love the practice as much as I do, age does not matter while teaching.”

Zielinski expresses how difficult

“

Every class leaves me feeling clear minded and positive. ~ junior

Claire Zelinksi

”

it was to become certified.

“I [decided to] spontaneously quit varsity cheer and the same weekend I signed up for the teacher training [at MELT],” Zielinski said.

“My teacher training consisted of learning an hour long sequence of about 49 different yoga postures.

There are eight series within the sequence, integration, sun

salutation A, sun salutation B, balancing series, sun salutation C, core series, hip and spine series and surrender series.”

Zielinski was determined to achieve her goal. Being an instructor is not just any ordinary job; it is a way of life.

“Yoga means much more to me than a lot of activities in my life,” Zielinski said. “I not only fell in love with the physical aspect of yoga, but the mental aspect as well. Every class leaves me feeling clear minded and positive and this feeling encourages me to be proactive and has boosted my work ethic this year.”

Zielinski relies on yoga classes to relax her body and mind and also to teach others her passion.

“I recommend that everyone should give yoga a try,” Zielinski said. “ It truly teaches you to breathe and helps you to understand how important breath is in our daily lives. Yoga is a practice that can be done by any age, shape and size and leaves you feeling lighter than any other physical activity.”

If interested in yoga classes, Zielinski’s one hour classes are Photo by Marc Ferier every Thursday starting at eight Strike a pose- Junior Claire Zielinski follows her passion for yoga and p.m. at MELT. becomes the youngest instructor at MELT.

Feature

The Eagle Eye

11

Promises to God Junior Callen McManus prepares for Easter with a unique Lenten promise.

F

By Kendal Orrantia, Feature Editor and Emily Redd, Staff Writer

or many Catholics, Lent is confirmation and school,” “By turning inward to God first, I viewed as a period where McManus said. “I love to go can invite God into the rest of my everyone gives up their to Lifenight, Girls’ Group and day and remember who our Creator favorite food or social media app other ministry events as often as calls me to be to others.” for 40 days. However, junior Callen possible, so I spend about three to Though Lent is synonymous McManus decided not to give up four nights per week at church.” with immense sacrifice, McManus something she loved, but instead Even though she is active in sees the importance of this to do something positive for herself her faith, McManus still struggles liturgical season. and others. to keep true to her promise of “Lent is a huge challenge to “For Lent, I’m incorporating morning prayer. me, but in the best way possible; morning prayer into my daily “Some of the challenges I face I love entering the desert with my routine by reading scripture, are waking up early enough to do church, friends and family because journaling and praying the Litany morning prayer, trying not to hit I believe God calls us to live in of Humility,” McManus said. “I’m the snooze button and keeping up community, so that we can inspire also writing letters of gratitude with writing the letters,” McManus each other,” McManus said. to people who have positively said. “I love to sleep, so the idea of Waking up each morning, influenced me in my life.” waking up more than ten minutes McManus turns her sight away

By Margaret Driscoll, News and A&E Editor McManus knew that her Lenten before I have to leave is pretty from the looming school day ahead and Kendal Orrantia, Feature Editor promise was a way for her to gross, but it’s ultimately worth it and to a conversation with God. strengthen her faith life outside after I read the Bible and pray.”

“My relationship with God is Senior students will embark “It means a lot being able to of events she attends at both Holy Despite this, McManus realizes ever-changing, but the root of our on a 14 mile pilgrimage on March design the shirt for the Senior Trinity and San Francisco Solano the impact her Lenten promise can relationship is based on challenge,” 29 for a religious opportunity to Pilgrimage this year,” Tran said. parishes. have on her relationship with God. McManus said. “Giving something strengthen their faith. This senior “I feel honored to be able to play “I’m a CORE leader at San “Choosing to deepen my prayer up during Lent strengthens my tradition is rooted in the faith and a role in this tradition and create Francisco Solano, so I lead an life, specifically in the morning, faith life because it teaches me core mission of growing closer to something special for the seniors amazing year one confirmation I will be able to ground myself in self-discipline and how to keep God and walking with a purpose. as the school year comes to an end.” small group, along with many God before I go on with my busy my sight on God during trials and Because of the close proximity to In addition to the theme for the additional retreats for both and stressful day,” McManus said. struggles.” the San Juan Capistrano Mission, walk, each student picks someone the idea for the Senior Pilgrimage in their life to walk for. They will began in 2000. The school quickly write the name of this person on jumped on board and loved the a name tag and wear it during the idea of walking and growing in day of the event to walk for that faith. person and pray for them. Having This year, Campus Ministry a specific person to walk for adds Director, Patrick Visconti is another level of meaning to the excited to continue this tradition pilgrimage. and knows it is an integral part to “There is really a sense of the senior year experience at Santa accomplishment when you reach Margarita. that final destination,” Visconti “A pilgrimage is a time where said. “You think of it differently. you should reflect and move with You are walking with a purpose.” your peers and yourself and with Not only does the event help God,” Visconti said. students grow closer in their The 2018 Senior Pilgrimage faith, but also with each other as reflects on the Bible verse from 2 a graduating class. Students get Timothy 4:7, “I fought the good the chance to bond through this fight, I finished the race, I kept the unique experience. faith.”

“It’s a tradition [and] a landmark Senior Kayli Tran was selected event,” Visconti said. “Your four to draw the t-shirt that the Peer years of high school in a lot of ways Ministry class worked together to has been a pilgrimage. You have design. This is what the seniors will worked your way through the four Photo by Emily Redd Biblical devotion- Junior Callen McManus makes time in her day to read the bible. wear during the pilgrimage. years for a purpose.”

Seniors get ready to walk to the San Juan Capistrano Mission for the annual Senior Pilgrimage.

12

A&E

The Eagle Eye

Symphony orchestra live in Carnegie Hall This spring, the symphony orchestra will play at Carnegie Hall, an honor for the musicians and the school.

By Isabela Barrera, Staff Writer

S

ophomore Emma Tajonera takes a deep breath, heart racing with her eyes closed.

She inhales sharply before blowing a shaky gust of warm air into her clarinet. Beautiful music explodes from her sprawling fingers. All tension fades as she works her way through “Danzon No. 2.”

Tajonera smiles to herself on the final note because she performed a professional song flawlessly.

Her eyes flash open, not to see an ornate performance center, but a classroom packed with her peers.

This was only rehearsal in the band room, not yet her solo at the renowned Carnegie Hall.

When Orchestra Director, Michael Whang submitted the audio tape of last year’s Nick Kraus Memorial Scholarship Concert performance at Segerstrom Center, no one in the symphony orchestra imagined that the National Band and Orchestra Association would accept them. The SMCHS symphony orchestra will be joining 17 other high school bands at a festival in Carnegie Hall this spring.

“Performances are always exciting and it’s great because we’ve had incredible opportunities to perform in spaces like the Irvine Barclay Theatre and Segerstrom Center for the Arts […],” Whang said. “[I’m] very excited to perform in such an historic and iconic place as Carnegie Hall.”

The orchestra will perform two pieces including “Danzon No. 2”

by Arturo Marquez and the finale from Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, “The New World Symphony”.

The orchestra requires commitment and dedication. They

rehearse during the 55 minute class periods, but as the trip approaches, the musicians will be putting in extra hours after school.

“Our director always says that we should practice how we perform and perform how we practice,” said senior Colin McDonald, oboe soloist.

Soloists were also chosen to represent the entire band. Ranging

clarinet is the best clarinet [player].

So whichever is the first chair of that section gets the solo.”

McDonald has a special role as the only oboe player in the entire band. The oboe is one of eight instruments that McDonald knows how to play. While this is his first year playing the oboe, McDonald assures that he picked it up very easily. The reward for

type of song where it has an oboeclarinet duet that is really crucial to the song.”

This duet is with sophomore Emma Tajonera, the first chair in the clarinet section. Tajonera has played the clarinet for five years and she is also involved in the marching band.

Performing is a different story from rehearsal: all eyes are on the

Photo by Steve Wiley Photography

Student musicians- Junior John Grayson and freshman Charlotte Cardarella play in the French horn section at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

from males to females and underclassmen to upperclassmen, the soloists were handpicked.

“In each section, there are chairs,” McDonald said. “We are ranked by skill level, so first chair

being naturally talented and well rounded: a stunning and difficult piece to play.

“One of our songs [that] we are playing is called ‘Danzon No. 2’,” McDonald said. “It’s a Spanish

musician alone and the audience is less forgiving. Muscle memory needs to outshine nerves, especially when one’s instrument is the only one sounding.

“I would say at first it’s really

nerve-racking, but once you get into it, it’s really exciting,” Tajonera said. “The adrenaline rushes through you.”

All musicians have to balance band in addition to their other extra-curricular activities which include sports or other performing arts like marching band or Talon Theater. McDonald is also starring in the upcoming spring play, “West Side Story”.

“At the beginning, it was [hard to balance both,] but I’ve gotten used to it,” McDonald said. “As a senior, it’s gotten a lot easier knowing what to prioritize and how to keep on top of everything.”

The orchestra will be spending their spring break across the country. The National Band and Orchestra Festival takes place on March 30-31, however, the trip lasts from March 29- April 2. This will not be a typical field trip. Aside from performing, the orchestra is sight-seeing and even attending “Anastasia,” a Broadway musical.

“I’m really excited for the Carnegie trip, so I can develop my musical skills and my friendships,” said sophomore Monica Hamra.

Because the trip is approaching quickly, members of the orchestra relish every moment spent in anticipation.

Whang believes he hasn’t yet absorbed the significance of this opportunity.

“I think it’s going to be one of those things where it doesn’t hit me until I’m standing on stage and we’re playing music that was premiered on the same stage 125 years ago by the NY Philharmonic,” Whang said.

Time for Talon Theatres curtain call Talon Theatre takes on the 1957 Broadway musical “West Side Story.”

By Gillian Steffey, Opinion Editor On the other side of the curtain she can hear the theater quiet down as the audience settles in and those last few stragglers take their seats.

As the lights dim and the theater is quiet, Artistic Director of the Talon Theatre Amy Barth cues the cast to take their places.

On April 19 Talon Theatre will open their run of “West Side Story.” Introduced into the world of theater in 1957 on Broadway in New York City, “West Side Story” is best described as a modern day “Romeo and Juliet”. This romantic tragedy centers around two New York street gangs. However, things become complex when a gang member’s sister, Maria, falls in love with Tony, a member from the rival gang.

Since mid-Jan., Talon Theatre has been working on their next big musical. They have spent about 20 hours a week rehearsing scenes, dance numbers and more.

“All of the students have been working really hard and they’re focused on excellence,” Barth said.

Each year Barth picks a theme for Talon Theatre’s productions

and this year she chose the theme: choose love. Earlier this year Talon Theatre put on “Godspell,” which also centered around the theme of choosing love.

“I felt [choose love] was an important message for these times and theater is a way to express and make an impact on how people see things,” Barth said. “Our world is in need of recognizing that we as individuals can make a difference by the choices that we make and that love is a verb.”

Barth wanted the shows that were selected to not only fit the theme, but also make a difference in the minds and hearts of the community.

“This is a show that is very much about prejudice and looking at the world through two very distinct lenses and Tony and Maria bridge that,” Barth said. “‘West Side Story’ is very much about choosing love because Tony and Maria choose love over hate.”

Because “West Side Story” is a musical, the story is told not only with words, but also with singing and dances.

“If there’s one thing audiences should look forward to, it is definitely the dancing,” said junior

Ella Lao. “It is really high energy and the boys are taking on a huge part in the dancing.”

Lao plays Maria alongside senior Alec Melosini who plays Tony. Lao was double casted as Maria along with junior Katie Flores.

“Audiences should also be excited because it is packed with action and it is essentially a love story,” Melosini said. “The path of the audience is being involved in that love story and seeing how it’s being torn apart by the two rival gangs.”

The production, put on by the Santa Margarita students, will include the original choreography, music and script from the first Broadway performance.

“The only thing that is going to be different is the set and theater, but otherwise we are doing everything exactly like the original back in 1957,” Melosini said.

According to Lao, the Talon Theatre strives to make sure that audiences will be pleased with every aspect of the production.

“The show overall has been a super exciting process for us and it’s one of the most well-known shows from Broadway,” Lao said.

Photos by Shelly Angel

Picture perfect - The cast poses for a photo during a dance rehearsal. (top-bottom) Gianna Chavez, Chloe Grubb, Alex Roges, Isabella Tosches, Isabella Carpenter, Rayia Browning, Sydney Stone, Brianna Emerson.

Photos by Shelly Angel

The stars- Alec Melosini and Ella Lao rehearse their roles as Tony and Maria.

A&E

13

The Eagle Eye

Panther playlist The movie soundtrack of “Black Panther” contributes to its overwhelming success.

By Lauren Danke, Staff Writer and Emily Redd, Staff Writer

Photo by Ian Gutierrez

Chart topper - The Black Panther album attempts to revolutionize the music industry one song at a time.

O

pening President’s Day weekend, the Marvel movie, “Black Panther,” follows the story of T’Challa, the new king of the African nation, Wakanda. Known to the world as a farming third-world country, Wakanda is actually technologically advanced due to its abundance of vibranium, a strong metal used by other Marvel heroes such as Captain America. Vibranium powers the country of Wakanda and serves as the foundation for the suit

which allows T’Challa to turn into the Black Panther. Throughout the movie, audiences witness the struggles and conflicts T’Challa faces as he strives to protect the people of Wakanda and use their resources for the good of the world.

Senior Nicole Elhosni is one of the many people who went to theaters to watch the latest Marvel hit.

“I have seen the movie three times,” Elhosni said. “Each time I see it I notice something new.”

Fans are able to enjoy the

film both inside and outside of theater by listening to the highly successful movie soundtrack.

Co-curated by Kendrick Lamar, the “Black Panther” soundtrack has dominated the music charts, spending two weeks at the top of the Billboard 200 and earning the biggest second week sales of a movie soundtrack since 2015. It features songs by a variety of artists, including Khalid, The Weeknd and Travis Scott.

“I really like ‘Seasons’, ‘Paramedic’, ‘Redemption’ and of course ‘All the Stars’ and ‘Pray For Me,’” Elhosni said. “The inspired album altogether is really strong; I certainly do have favorites, but I enjoy listening to all the songs.”

Along with incorporating pop culture, the soundtrack ties back to the culture and history present in “Black Panther.”

“The music is modern, but it is definitely inspiring and incorporates African drumbeats and chants,” Elhosni said. “This

style of music is totally appropriate for Wakanda, which is modern yet grounded in its culture.”

By having such a popular movie soundtrack, “Black Panther” is able to be enjoyed even more by movie-goers.

“When ‘Opps’ and ‘Pray For Me’ and ‘All the Stars’ popped up in the movie, it was really exciting to see how these songs were incorporated into the movie,” Elhosni said. “It was nice that I already had listened to the songs prior to watching the film.”

Each song on the album both portrays and strengthens the themes present in “Black Panther.”

“One of the major themes of the film is the conflicting ideologies of T’Challa and Killmonger, the two characters representing MLK and Malcolm X,” Elhosni said. “The music really defines the characters and showcases their differences.”

Audiences are influenced not only by the actions of the characters, but the music that

accompanies their on-screen presence.

“Whenever T’Challa [returned to] his home in Wakanda, the music was more regal, ceremonial and celebrated,” Elhosni said.

“The music that Killmonger is associated with has lyrics dedicated to the hardships of African Americans, which he and his father experienced in Oakland, California. This makes Killmonger one of the best villains in Marvel, because although you do not agree with him, you understand where he is coming from and it makes it more difficult to despise him.”

Being the first Marvel movie to feature an African hero, “Black Panther” has been able to successfully reach new levels of success in all areas.

“By taking such well-known artists and combining their energy into something unique, similar to the ‘Black Panther,’ the music is able to be as successful as the film itself,” Elhosni said.

14

Sports

The Eagle Eye

Snowboarding legends

American snowboarders become youngest gold medalists in the Winter Olympics.

By Rachel Do, Staff Writer

Photo by Flickr Commons

Medaled- Chloe Kim becomes youngest to win gold since 1928.

A

merica watched as some of the world’s youngest snowboarders, Red Gerard and Chloe Kim, won gold.

They became the youngest winter Olympians to do so since 1928.

Both gold medal wins are strong achievements for Team USA. Gerard came in 11th place for his first two runs on slopestyle snowboarding, lowering his chances of winning a medal in his event. However, Gerard made his breakthrough by showing his

jumping skills through the rails and the ramps. His last huge jump before he landed on the ground was the turning point for Gerard’s performance. His continuous flips through the slopes were enough to earn him the gold.

“I was surprised to make it even to the finals of the Olympics,” Gerard said, in an interview on CNN. “To get first is above me, I don’t even know what’s going on to be honest.”

Gerard’s final, but outstanding, performance at men’s slopestyle was more than enough to win him the gold medal. As he was standing on the top of the podium, he became the youngest Olympian to win a gold medal in men’s snowboarding.

Gerard made history at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, but he is not the only one. Chloe Kim, an American snowboarder who is also 17, won her gold medal in snowboarding halfpipe.

Kim was already getting some attention from media before the Olympics. Kim is known for being the second person in snowboarding history to get a perfect score at

the US Snowboarding Grand Prix in 2016. Before her, three time Olympic Gold Medalist, Shaun White, was the only one to do so.

When Kim finished her halfpipe run with the score of 98.25, almost a perfect score according to National Broadcasting Company Sports, Americans were on their feet, screaming “USA!” “I don’t know what’s happening right now,” Kim said, according to the Guardian. “This is the best outcome I could ever ask. It’s been such a long journey and just going home with the gold is amazing.”

This Olympics meant a lot to her, not only because this was her first Olympics, but also because her family originates from South Korea.

Now, Kim and Gerard set the new record by being the youngest snowboarders to win a gold medal at the Olympics, becoming an inspiration to the young snowboarders not only in the US but everywhere.

The success of Gerard and Kim illustrate that accomplishment has no age limit and even the youngest can reach big goals.

68 teams and only one comes out on top.

By AJ McGregor, Staff Writer The NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament features 68 teams from across the nation. The 80th edition of March Madness begins this month on March 13 and concludes with the national championship on April 2.

As the March Madness tournament kicks off, many talented teams will strive for the opportunity to cut the net and raise a banner for their school.

Potential NBA prospects will try to make their presence known one last time before the NBA draft this summer. Senior Christian Blazona watches the tournament every year to see these talented players.

“March Madness is the biggest and best college basketball tournament all year,” Blazona said.

“It happens once every year and at the end of it we have a college basketball National Champion.

Each and every team has their own fan base they are pulling along with them.”

Basketball fans from around the world gather to watch what many fans call the “Big Dance” every year.

March Madness is among the most highly coveted events in the sports world for many sports fanatics.

Freshman Aldo Ruiz-Ortiz feels it brings a sense of unity among basketball fans.

“March Madness is so popular because it can bring people together in comradery,” RuizOrtiz said. “For example getting together with your friends to make brackets and the fun that comes along with that. I also think of the alumni, that even though they are out of college they cheer on their

alma mater and it can bring back memories of going to games.”

Each year, fans from around the globe fill out their brackets attempting to achieve the nearly impossible perfect bracket. Wagers are placed, bets are made and the madness begins. Blazona always looks forward to filling out his bracket.

“I create a bracket every year and have been doing it since I was in third grade,” Blazona said. “Last year my bracket in the ESPN pool was top 1500 in the nation or the 97th percentile, no big deal. I have a bunch of different pools with my friends, teammates and family.”

Competition among friends, family and colleagues gets heated every year as wild upsets and sneaky teams destroy fan’s brackets.

Senior Justin Schneider has had experience with this destruction first-hand.

“Some people over-do their brackets with upsets, it’s not the quantity of upsets that happen; it’s the ones that we see come out of nowhere,” Schneider said. “There is always a sneaky team that will knock off a team you will have in the elite eight or final four. It creates frustration and it creates excitement.”

In past years, March Madness has proved to be a true test for Division I teams. Schneider has high hopes that this year will entertain basketball fans around the world.

“My expectations are very high this year and I believe that due to the recent allegations with players being paid anything can happen,” Schneider said. “I will have some interesting scenarios and plan on seeing a highly talented Duke Team win with Marvin Bagley and Grayson Allen.”

Ice hockey sweeps nationals Hockey takes the rink by storm after their state victory.

By McKenna Sulick, Staff Writer and Margaret Driscoll, News and A&E Editor The varsity ice hockey team clinched the state title against Orange Lutheran, on March 4, sending them to Nationals in Minnesota. Led by the senior captains Logan Orsini, Jacob Mackowecki, Nick Mauthe and Trey Taylor, the team has been dominating their season.

“We have been to a lot of tournaments throughout the year but nationals is a whole different level,” Orsini said.

Junior Nick Gluck says all members of the team have worked their hardest and have trained to win.

“It is such a great opportunity to bond with my team and go to nationals for the second year,” Gluck said. “We want to claim the victory we should have had last year.”

With the seniors leading the team, the boys were more ready than ever to tear up the ice one last time at Nationals.

“It felt great to win because it was my last chance to be a state champ and we got it,” said senior Dylan Hernandez-Ramirez.

The team won 7-3 against OLU to win the California State Championship. With talent and

Photo by Kitano Photography

Champions- The boys’ hockey team (top row left to right): Brian Armijo,Jerrett Overland, Joseph Felicichia, Dyland Gluck, Kevin Peck, Tyler Badame, (middle row left to right): Dylan Hernandez-Ramirez, Hunter Voyles, Jacob Makowecki, Nick Mauthe, Will Howhannesian, (bottom row left to right): Jacob Rossi, Ryan Parkinson, Logan Orsini, Trey Taylor and Brian Mathis win the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League.

hard work, the boys continue to push for a victory, but it takes time and effort to get there.

“What helped us get to nationals is the strong bond we have off the

ice,” Orsini said. “We have great chemistry in our locker room and that translates to good plays on the ice.”

From March 22-26, the team

took on Plymouth, Minnesota to strive to win the USA Hockey National Championship. Last year, the team came in second place at the national tournament. This

year, however, the team won the much deserved national title.

The team played Regis Jesuit, from Colorado and won with a score of 3-2, winning in over time.

They couldn’t be more proud of what they accomplished, both in state and nationals.

“It’s exciting because we were looking for the title this year,” Hernandez-Ramirez said.

“Winning was really rewarding to know our hard work paid off.”

Ultimately, the team was excited and honored to be able to go back to Minnesota and win a national title. Both underclassmen and upperclassmen alike played their best to win the tournament.

“Being with this team the whole year and working really hard is nice to see that we’ve earned something in the end by winning a national championship,” said freshman Brendan Williams.

The team is ecstatic that their hard work paid off and won them a national title for the first time since 2013.

“It’s an honor to be out there representing our state on a national level, playing against the countries best and showing that ice hockey in California is for real,” Orsini said.

Sports

Spring sports captains

Meet the athletes leading their teams for spring season.

By Riley Davies, Copy Editor and AJ McGregor, Staff Writer

Photo by Russell Photography

Strike out- Senior Chandler Champlain pitches the ball from the mound.

Photo by Russell Photography

Hole in one- Senior John Pellizzon takes a swing on the golf course.

Photo by Russell Photography

Race day- Senior Nikki Merritt sprints around the corner in the last stretch of the race.

Photo by Jean Singer

Throwing it to first- Junior Isabella Fiorentino takes her position on second base.

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The Eagle Eye

As the school year comes to a close these spring sports teams are just starting their seasons. These teams include: baseball, softball, boys’ and girls’ lacrosse, boys’ and girls’ swimming and dive, boys’ and girls’ track and field, boys’ golf and boys’ volleyball. The captains are as follows: Baseball: seniors Andrew Baker, Chandler Champlain and Cole Heslar.

“We expect to turn around the program and make Santa Margarita baseball a force to reckoned with once again,” Baker said. “For this year, we hope to bring home our first Trinity League title.”

Boys’ golf: senior John Pellizon and junior Michael Regan.

“We have a great team relationship thanks to the constant travel for each match and the amount of time we spend together,” Pellizzon said. “The trips that we go on also help us bond as a team and really get to know each other. Since golf is an individual sport, we each know what we have to do to be the best we can and we like to help each other on the way so that it can also benefit the team.”

Boys’ lacrosse: seniors Quentin Buchman, Robert Colley and Matt Ury “This is my third year as a captain,” Buchman said. “My role is to teach the younger kids on the team the right way to handle their business on and off the field.”

Girls’ lacrosse: seniors Kendal Orrantia and Sidney Ruiz Boys swim and dive: seniors Jackson Odgers and AJ Rossman and juniors Kevin Tu and Carson Ferrara “We think we have a pretty good shot at winning Trinity League this year, we just beat our biggest competition in league [Mater Dei] by a lot so we’re really optimistic about winning leagues,” Rossman said. “We should also have a strong showing in CIF and we should have a lot of swimmers qualify.”

Girls’ swim and dive: seniors Marriott Hoffman, Isabelle Odgers, Isabela Patino and Samantha Shelton Boys’ track and field: seniors Derek Brajevich, Sean Byrne and Blake Henessay.

Girls’ track and field: seniors Mallory Barnes and Nikki Merritt Boys’ tennis: senior Derek Williams.

Boys’ volleyball: junior Shane Suxho.

Softball: seniors Marisa Pla, Paige Scott and Paige Vargas and juniors Isabella Fiorentino and Miranda Johnson.

“Since there are five captains, we all lead in different styles,” Fiorentino said. “I personally feel like my job is to pick someone up on a bad day. Everyone can strikeout or make an error, that is just the game, but my job is to go to them and talk to them. I want them to know I have their back and that it is not the end of the world so that later they can come back and make a play or get a clutch hit because they know that we have their back.”

D1 additions Softball has moved from Division II to Division I for CIF play this season.

S

oftball competed in the Division II of CIF during the 2016-17 season, however, they were able to tally enough points during the season to be moved back up to Division I. “I think everyone’s pumped that we’re back in Division I,” said senior captain and pitcher, Paige Vargas. “We definitely have a

By Riley Davies, Copy Editor tournament. Although the team was hoping for a more victorious season competing in Division II, they came into this season with the mentality to dominate Division II. CIF had a different plan however.

“If we hadn’t moved back up to Division I, I think we could’ve won Division II easily,” Vargas said.

The switch, however, did not

Photo by Lynette Vargas

Teamwork- The softball team (top row left to right): Akeilia Peters, Katie Weekley, Rachel Prukop, Angie Yellen, Julia Mortimer, Christina Duffy, Melanie Santos, Kendall Furlong, Cadie Williams, Ellie Wood, (middle row left to right): Madeline Allison, Paige Scott, Marisa Pla, Isabella Fiorentino, Jessica Good, Miranda Johnson and (bottom row) Paige Vargas celebrates their move to Division I.

more confident, tenacious attitude towards the season.”

In Division II, the team went 24-6 and made it all the way to the quarter-finals of the Division II CIF

surprise many of the players.

“As a team, we were very excited when we heard the news,” said senior captain and outfielder, Marisa Pla. “Our hard work had

paid off and we showed that we are capable of competing with the top teams.”

With a higher division comes harder competition than last season.

“I am fortunate to have great team leaders that set an excellent example for our players,” said head coach John Fitzpatrick. “The team works extremely hard at practice and demonstrates those skills during our games.”

Although it will be more difficult to have the victorious season they hoped for, they have not lost hope.

“As long as everyone brings their A game and competes at their highest level, anything is possible,” Vargas said. “I think we’ll do very well in Division I, we’ll give the other Division I teams a run for their money.”

Even through the changes, players have not lost their sense of camaraderie, which they feel is one of the most important elements of sportsmanship.

“Out of my four years playing on the varsity squad, I think this team has the best chemistry yet,” Vargas said. “We all just love each other like sisters. We can joke around one second, but then come ready to play ball the next.”

For more information on the lady Eagles game schedule visit: https://www.smhs.org/athletics/ teams-page/softball.

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Sports

The Eagle Eye

Continuing the legacy Nate Clay represents the wrestling team at CIF.

By Gillian Steffey, Opinion Editor

J

unior Nate Clay is a dual sport athlete and can be found on the field in the fall and on the mats in the winter.

During football season Clay played both left and right guard, as well as defensive tackle on the varsity team. When football ends, Clay goes right into wrestling season.

He started his wrestling career as a freshman in order to stay in shape for football season and keep up his strength, but he eventually fell in love with the sport.

“To be a good wrestler you have to be willing to sacrifice a lot of things and be able to roll with the punches, “ Clay said. “There’s times where it gets hard, but you have to learn from those times.”

Because off-season for wrestling starts in the middle of football season, Clay went straight from football to wrestling. The Monday after the football team’s final game, Clay was already in the wrestling room with his new teammates.

However, by the end of the school year there were only three boys left on the wrestling team.

“This year was a complete restart to the program and in the years to come it will continue to grow,” said wrestling coach, Scott Wigglesworth. “The talent and

dedication the team had this year is a perfect starting point for rebuilding an amazing program.”

Wigglesworth just started coaching Clay this year, but he can already see that Clay is going to continue having great achievements in the wrestling world. Clay’s teammates also admire his determination and willingness to keep on going, even when it gets hard.

“He doesn’t give up,” said junior William Iadarola. “He keeps fighting until the end of the match no matter how exhausted he is.”

Clay had a successful wrestling season this year, winning Trinity League, placing fourth at CIF and advancing to CIF Masters where he placed tenth.

“Even though I am the only one [from SMCHS] at these CIF matches, I know I have a school behind me supporting me,” Clay said.

Clay experienced how hard it can be not having teammates at CIF and the pressure put on him to represent the school to the best of his ability.

“At the end of the day you have to realize that it is an individual sport and it is all on you, but that’s what I like about it,” Clay said.

Pinned down- Clay overpowers his opponent for the win.

Clay achieved many great personal milestones this year and these achievements also reflected greatly on the wrestling program.

Next year he hopes to reach his goal of going to State. “[Clay’s] season next year will

show a continued trajectory of growth like that of his past seasons,” Wigglesworth said. “He will certainly be a force to reckon with at the State meet next year.”

Wrestling has given Clay many great opportunities and if given

Photo by Russell Photography

the chance to continue in college, he would happily accept.

“Going to college is a big thing for me because I’d be the first one in my family,” Clay said. “If I can get [into college] for sports or academics I would gladly take it. “

Scoring 400 victories Varsity girls’ soccer coach Chuck Morales reveals the key to winning games and transforming a team into greatness.

By Jaime Svinth, Staff Writer

Photos by Russel Photography

Victorious- Morales and his team celebrate a victory over Upland High School to advance to the CIF Championships.

With 24 years, 19 league championships, seven Southern California CIF championships and two California regional titles, coach Chuck Morales has accumulated just over 400 wins with SMCHS girls’ soccer. To win 400 games, he knows a thing or two on what makes a team destined for success. This year, no one thought they were in for the successful season ahead that they experienced.

This 2017-2018 season, the varsity girls’ soccer team won Trinity League, took second in the CIF Championship and made it to the semifinals of State. At the beginning of the season, it was unsure how “success” would be defined.

“So many people before the season even started asked how I thought the team was going to be this year and I did not know how to answer that question,” said senior goalkeeper Kiersten Flint. “I had no idea that we would have made it this far.”

After losing 10 players to Developmental Academy soccer programs this past year, Morales added 13 new girls to the roster.

With so many new faces, the team had to first bond and get to know each other. To him, a cohesive team all begins with the chemistry between the girls.

“If there is no chemistry, there is no success,” Morales said.

Knowing the effect good chemistry can have on a team, he designates “team-bonding Fridays” for the girls to spend time with each other off the field. Senior midfielder Jessie Roux experienced first-hand the benefits of team-bonding Fridays.

“Coach Chuck started this because he really wants us girls to grow together and become friends,” Roux said. “Once we get on the field, we are comfortable and connected with each other.”

This chemistry is also achieved at practices. For Morales, a successful team is one that spends tedious hours with the ball. He emphasized the “practice makes perfect” mentality with four, two-hour practices every week.

“You have to work very hard and practice to beat your next opponent,” Morales said. “[This year] we needed to raise the technical level.”

For Morales, successful teams are not only physically prepared, but mentally prepared. The team spent hours watching their games, analyzing film and pinpointing specific opponents that could be a potential threat during their games.

“You have to understand what your opponent does well and you have to understand what they do not do as well,” Morales said.

His teams have been most successful when they stick to a “possession style game.” He did not abandon this mindset this year.

However, a winning team is one that is not only technically capable, but one that has a good work ethic. For Morales, the team this year has attested to that.

“This year we have been blessed with very hard working and blue collar players,” Morales said. “That means to me that there are no stars on the team it is just a bunch of very hardworking girls.”

Because many previous varsity members were lost from the roster this year, the girls relied on work ethic and chemistry to win games.

“Without [work ethic] we would not have gotten as far as we did,” Flint said.

Seemingly against all odds, the team finished the season with a 21-6-6 record. With victories including Morales’ 400th win and rival, JSerra, for the Trinity title, the year was a memorable one for Morales and the team.

“This was a great year,” Morales said. “It is extremely humbling to have a team who went out and did everything necessary to bring home a victory.”